State of The Association 2008

Ohio Association of Cheerleading Coaches State of the Association April 1, 2008   As organized cheerleading programs continue to proliferate and become more sophisticated, a need to help guide the development of programs and the evaluation of their effectiveness has brought tremendous growth to the OACC these first two years. We are pleased to report that the State of our Association is sound. We're enjoying success, thanks to a confluence of factors that includes strong partnerships with our Cities, youth and recreational teams and leagues; schools from elementary through middle and senior highs building strong programs based on ethics, strong policy and advancing skills; healthy cheer, dance and gymnastics businesses bolstering our economy and the sport; and enthusiastic collegiate coaches setting precedence at their colleges and universities. We have great potential. Designed specifically for amateur cheer,dance,drill sports groups, the OACC Mission and Charter is becoming the infrastructure source for organizations, community programs and schools seeking to enhance the quality of their cheerleading programs. Where cheerleading was once very fragmented in Ohio, our coaches, administrators and cheerleaders are feeling the strength of cohesion. We have opportunities to come together better than ever - so that we can embrace challenges, pursue shared goals and help shape the future of cheerleading in Ohio. Opportunities for us to strengthen partnerships so that we can enrich our standing as one of the world’s leaders in the sporting activity of cheerleading. The OACC formalized the process in January of 2006, by assembling groups of individuals who administer outstanding cheer programs and youth sport programs to serve on a task force and to help identify the core elements of quality cheer programs and an association to support them. The OACC is a collaborative organization, one that includes those who are affected by decisions. Cheerleading is a most inter-disciplinary sport and still largely mis-understood. Inaugural plan: At the first meeting of the general membership, the OACC took three positions that remain in force today. The positions have been revisited this year and the position of the OACC stands. The OACC will not host tournaments, contests or competitions. The OACC will not advocate for cheerleading to become a recognized sport in the State of Ohio. The OACC recommends against bona fide try-outs at rec/youth/peewee level of play. Overview of major 2007 projects: Politics. The OACC has been contacted by three different U.S. Senators, State Representatives and their attorneys to become board members in the push for a change in youth sports across America. While the OACC is most complimented, our allegiance lies to our direct State and it’s participants. We retain a position of neutrality and support the common good. Our goal is not to become political activist on their proposals. We obtain our information from the people of Ohio first to educate, safeguard and strengthen their sporting activities and programs. Although we will not take a position to advocate, the OACC will remain as advice counsel on the sporting activity of cheerleading for these policy makers. Criminal Background Checks. Reports of sexual predators and child abuse involving the clergy, day care workers and youth volunteers are all too familiar. Unfortunately, this includes a disturbing number of youth sports coaches who have a history of incidents of sexual misconduct and/or violence. This is a complex issue and many youth sports organizations are unclear about what to do or how to approach this threat, yet they must take proactive steps to prevent their children from becoming innocent victims. Therefore, the OACC has maintained its alliance with The National Center for Safety Initiatives to provide Background Screening Programs. Access to Sports Medicine. In cooperation with Ohio Children’s Hospitals Association, our coaches, administrators and parents will have access to volumes of safety and injury prevention measures, practices, ideas and professional services. The Athletic Trainers Association has brought attention to the importance and relevance of properly identifying, measuring, monitoring and managing concussions. They actively engage in education of diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sports-related concussions to first responders—such as coaches, officials, physicians, athletic trainers, parents, and administrators. Community Service. Make A Difference Day, in October is the largest national day of helping others -- a celebration of neighbors helping neighbors. Everyone can participate. The make a Difference Day website offers hundreds of "giving back" ideas. We are very proud that Ohio is currently the nations Leader in volunteer support in Make a Difference Day. National Character Counts! Week. It’s the biggest celebration of character in the world and Summit County is a leader in Ohio. Ohio’s strength is found in the spirit and character of our people. During National Character Counts Week, we renew our commitment to instilling values in our young people and to encouraging all Americans to remember the importance of good character. We all have an obligation to help our children become responsible citizens and realize their full potential. By demonstrating values such as integrity, courage, honesty, and patriotism, all of us can help our student-athletes develop strength and character and Pursue Victory with Honor. Buckle Up for a Successful Season. This program drew our attention and the attention of Ohio’s athletic and activities departments. It was run by the Ohio State Highway Patrol in cooperation with Ohio High School Athletic Association member high schools. This past year Nationwide Insurance aided in sponsoring the program to the OHSAA and other state athletic programs around the country. "Buckle up. It's the law" "What's holding you back?" "Click it or ticket" are slogans that are helping the Ohio State Highway Patrol remind young drivers and passengers of the importance of wearing a seat belt while in a car. Thank you for partaking in these programs and offerings that heightened awareness to our young athletes. This is important in Ohio because nearly 70 percent of Ohio teenagers killed in car accidents are not wearing seat belts. Your efforts have paid off. The State Highway Patrol says "It works because they're hearing it from people their own age". Lights On Afterschool was launched in 2000 with celebrations of more than 1 million Americans participating. This is a project of the Afterschool Alliance, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all children have access to quality, affordable afterschool programs. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, who sponsors our Arnold Classic Competition in Columbus each March, has served as Chair of Lights On Afterschool since 2001. Risk Management. All physical activities bring risk. Legal texts and laws are complex. A risk management plan is the best defense an organization can have should it find itself in court defending a lawsuit. In 2007 the OACC collaborated, enforced, provided resources and educated our cheer industry leaders in the importance and components of good risk management planning. Safety reminders and checklists of "do's and don'ts" are far too simplistic. Insurance costs are increasing. Cheerleading is changing. Litigation is increasing. Society is changing. Risk management is not an insurance policy, a warning sign, a first aid kit, or a signed waiver form (although these might be individual components of a risk management plan). Risk management is an effort that is specific to each organization's needs, circumstances and resources. This means that risk management cannot be the sole responsibility of one person in your organization. It also means that one cannot "borrow" a risk management plan from another organization, nor can a plan be done and then parked on a shelf. A risk management program must be constantly monitored - any time the facility, program, personnel or participants change, the risks management program may have to change. Many of these techniques become apparent only when a systematic inventory of risks is completed. A good risk management program is a "mix" of appropriate, reasonable and affordable strategies suited to an organization's specific needs. Reference Materials. With tremendous changes facing organizations in cheerleading, the OACC provides informative booklets for coaches, directors, educators, and business owners to take a look at how they operate. The instructive booklets help to save on operating costs, enhance safety, increase productivity, improve compliance with regulations and build better satisfaction amongst all the key players. Through anecdotes, exercises and tips they are filled with techniques, samples,and guidelines to instill sound knowledge, positive attitudes and valuable skills that will aid in the development of cheer programs and the parties involved. The booklets are entitled Changing Ways, Implementing Change in Your Organization; Building Leaders; Assimilating New Members; Reducing Conflict and Controversy; Building Your Parent Club & Parent Committees; Volunteers, How to Obtain and Retain. Also top suggested readers are: NCYS Parent’s Guide, NFHS Rules, and AACCA Cheerleading Safety Manual. Career Advancement Opportunities. The rapidly changing aspects of cheer and sports is requiring more sophisticated organization, educational development and marketing from coaches, directors and administrators. The OACC workshop and clinic topics have included some program stability issues: Conflict resolution, budgeting, policy setting, steadfast philosophies, finding funding and regional specific problems. In house and through our alliances, Certifications and credentialing has been offered in CPR, First Aid, Principles of Coaching, Principles and Ethics, Fundamentals of coaching, Safety Certifications, Skills Progressions, and Administrators Program. Judging Certification Programs are available for those who wish to become accredited judges at various levels of cheer. The purpose of the programs are to train qualified evaluators for exhibitions and competitions. This will aid in applying a standard of consistency in scoring at various competition venues. The Certified Sports Administrator Program is administered by the internationally renowned George Washington University School of Business/Sports Management to develop courses for administrators, coaches and volunteers, who need the flexibility of on-line education. Management and leadership, marketing, and event coordination is a sampling of the curriculum. Level Specific: RECREATION/YOUTH/PEEWEE In some areas, leagues are noticing cheer enrollment has surpassed football player registrations. With growing enrollment, these leagues are restructuring and redirecting to strengthen not only the cheer program, but leaders in sustaining the entire organization. Many coaches, advisors, student-coaches and directors are volunteers and we commend their unwavering dedication and commitment to kids. We are seeing cooperation and involvement with their schools, PTOs, local law enforcement, local dance studios, gymnastic facilities, and all-star gyms. The rec segment is bolstering their local economies. As we have guided rec/youth leagues in strengthening their framework, they are becoming role models in obtaining, maintaining, and retaining volunteers and parents and building a strong parent commitment through involvement. This has brought the advent of rec/youth leagues becoming year-round cheer teams. These leagues are open registration, growing in the acceptance of diversity and building leagues of character, skill and laying a foundation for sideline cheer by cultivating organization pride, community pride, sportsmanship and patriotism. Another growth area has been the popularity of regional or league-wide or league to league competitions. Also, coaches and cheerleaders alike are being trained in mounting techniques and are looking forward to progressing to the next level in larger cheer competition venues. With the growth and popularity of mounting, the OACC has implemented a restricted set of guidelines. Mounting safety has been set in accordance with (NLCC) Nations Leading Cheerleading Companies. The OACC has adopted these guidelines and restricted them even further for first timers and coaches new to mounting. Stunting acrobatics are prohibited. Certification is required. Rules have been scaled down further into a Minimal Mounting participation. Rules are in accordance with NFHS for those who will be entering scholastic cheer and in accordance with USASF, NLCC and a myriad of other state and national programs for those who may participate at an all-star gym who uses those guidelines. The Rules are in accordance with the largest youth associations and organizations countrywide that govern amateur sports. Rationale: Although USASF (United States All Star federation) is leader in cheer safety level guidelines, the name of the organization simply implies All-Star. To avoid identity crisis and adhere to the leagues premise, the cheerleaders are reminded their first role is a sideline cheerleader. They are not necessarily being groomed to become traveling all-stars.   SCHOLASTIC We are enforcing our commitment to basic principles that these children and student-athletes are just that…students first. We must continually examine our schools and make system-wide changes to ensure school cheer and spirit programs are teaching children the skills they need to compete in the rapidly changing global environment. These 21st century skills include collaboration, ingenuity, problem solving, creativity, perseverance and self-determination. The OACC pressures coaches and administration to retain their identity as role models and ambassadors for their peers, their school and their community. Are cheerleaders athletes? Some are, some are not and this is a topic the OACC works on everyday. One of the biggest obstacles we face is educating the cheerleaders is that they are not athletes just because they don a school uniform. A few schools do not train, have minimal practice sessions and prefer pep club level of participation. For the majority who do want to be considered athletes, the OACC insists upon a planned curriculum of physical activity and training, including conditioning, set practice schedules, blending cheer disciplines, be versed in injury prevention methods and fully and physically performing at games, matches or competitions. Competition participation has risen again as the competition opportunities increase. The increase of opportunities has allowed our cheerleaders to avoid scheduling conflicts and the flexibility to participate in scholastic leadership roles in other clubs and still compete on regional, conference, state, national and international cheer levels as well. Most schools do award varsity letterman status to their cheerleaders as a sporting activity, a club or under the direction of the principal. The OACC has published a guideline of criteria that must be adhered to in order to win numbers, letters, bars or participation awards. Cutters and other self destructive behaviors have replaced the front runner of eating disorders in mental and physical health issues we see in working with adolescents and teens. A coach does have a responsibility to protect, advise and refer help to our students. Turning a blind eye to your cheerleader’s issues can lead to school wide trouble, deep personal conflicts and causes safety issues and liability for the organization. Although we’ve just scratched the surface in assistance, coaches are now becoming aware of their responsibilities and duties, morally and legally, in regard to The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and participation in school activities and athletics. Look for more information in the 2008-2009 season. Our spirit teams are building Scholastic solidarity as they work to strengthen school pride, community and alumni pride and strive to promote ethical, sportsmanship involvement. These young leaders are the right hand marketing department to the Athletic Administrators who are faced with budget cuts. Our teams are building good will, giving back, finding alternative funding sources and building a strong camaraderie of their school and community. COLLEGIATE This past year college coaches made headway in training, skill levels, and performance opportunities and on and off-campus activities. They formulated alumni events, community events and strengthened their finances. The NCAA Committee on Sportsmanship and Ethical Conduct boasted Ohio’s athletes, athletic departments, spirit teams for their efforts in promoting values such as respect, caring, fairness, civility, integrity, and responsibility. Ohio set precedents again. For the first time, two Mascots from the same state have been awarded Mascot of the Year Awards and our applauds go to the University of Akron’s Zippy and write-in winner Brutus, of Ohio State. But as the New year turned, our college coaches were plagued with problems. The OACC has recommended that a "48 Hour Rule" be implemented as a part of the Cheer Department’s policies. This rule is in addition to the alcohol rules stated by the university. College Alcohol Policies work if strictly enforced and reminders are necessary. Slander, libel, and gossip wasn’t a problem one would expect to encounter at a more mature level of students. It happens, it’s dangerous and the OACC has published guidelines on self-control and steps to take to avoid litigation for the coach and the school. Amidst our intervention and prevention work on eating disorders, and steroid use, things have begun to turnaround on the safety front. Safety protocols are paying off. Portable mats are in use on gym floors during basketball games and wrestling matches. Trainers are attending to the cheer teams and coaches are receiving more certifications and education on first aid and injury prevention. This is super news. Educated personnel will help to eliminate unnecessary trips to the emergency room for examination for simpler injuries, like pulled hamstrings. Our collegiate coaches are still telling us that high school try-out candidates are still not prepared. Rock solid motions should be second nature at this level, splits are rarely seen coming in to college camp. Some of our best student leaders at high school level are having difficulty at the collegiate level because their mounting, pyramid building and stunting levels are not adequate.         ALLSTAR Kudos to our Ohio innovators with Special Needs teams, programs and performance opportunities. For youth with mental and physical disabilities, opportunities to participate in recreational and competitive cheer arenas are rare. Many of our participants have continued their athletic training and are competing at national and international levels. The all-star traveling teams have opportunities for out-of-the-classroom education and provide life applicable wisdom that is highly complimentary to our scholastic teams. The OACC saw approximately 150 new facilities open or expand this past year. These administrators and coaches are trained and quite savvy at providing an environment more accepting of diversity using exemplary team bonding and team building measures. Participation in City run rec leagues, elementary and secondary schools is nearly 100% female. Primarily because of traditional perception that cheerleading is a girls’ sport. The all-star gyms again break the molds with a greater male participation at all age levels. Their persuasion is affecting the scholastic realm, but still in smaller numbers. With Title IX requirements stepped up at schools and the shuffle of sports and activities offered, men’s gymnastics has been cut from many school and college programs. The men and boys are migrating to cheerleading. The men and boys are feeling the benefits of cheerleading. Corporate America now relies heavily on departmental teams to make decisions and engage in creative strategies, whereas years ago only the corporate manager assumed these tasks. Our all star Organizations teach these progressive athletes to become leaders in their future employment and give them the instruction, competence, aptitudes, goal setting methods, and preparedness to be successful future working team leaders and players. Philanthropy is a movement that all-star coaches are hard pressing to their parents and their cheerleaders to partake in. The bond and diversity of the organizations are model examples of how strong a fraternal group or club can be in giving back to the community, empowering others or aiding those in need. The obvious rewards in the all-star industry are apparent. They are continually empowering skilled, elite athletes and providing self-esteem, pride and self-fulfillment in personal and team achievements. While the OACC will continue to push for strides in the area of safety training, the all-star directors, coaches and cheerleaders are leading the way in their attitude and obligation to safe participation.   The Ohio Association of Cheerleading Coaches has maintained relationships, partnerships or alliances with the Positive Coaching Alliance, National Federation of High Schools, National Collegiate Athletic Association, Character Counts!, American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators, National Council of Spirit Safety Education, National Council of Youth Sports, National Council of Sports Safety, United States All Star Federation, Nations Leading Cheerleading Companies, numerous CYO divisions, the Arizona Sports Summit Accord, and several athletic associations within our contiguous states. With the national average of cheer coaching turnover in the U.S. at nearly 60%, Ohio can boast a much bigger rate of returning coaches this year. We feel the training and education of the coaches and the administrators is the largest factor here. Coaches are gaining their credibility, strengthening and aligning their policies and philosophies and producing kids of character, with technical skills and life skills that will persevere through out their adulthood. Building programs with solid risk management procedures, safety standard implementation, skills training through progression and continued education through workshops, seminars, camps and conferences, in 2008-2009, the OACC is dedicated to improving the delivery of services to Ohio’s young athletes, coaches, directors, parents and the general public. 2008-2009 Agenda Breaking down districts into smaller, more workable districts with better ease of coverage for the representatives. Student leadership Certification curriculum Consideration of adding 4 new Standing Committees: 1-Recreation/Youth 1- Scholastic 1- All-Star 1-Collegiate Coaches salary study underway Further study in sports induced asthma Good Luck and Cheers to the new season! 2007-2008 Board of Directors: Jamie Bennett     Kathy Kovacek      John Neff      Vickie Kania   President          Vice President   Vice President     Secretary OACC Inc.                          3593 Medina Road, #154, Medina, Ohio  44256                             www. ohiooacc.com                                                                   330-350-6910                ohio non-profit