Vacancy Details
Contact
Position Details
I. Core Qualifications (Non-Negotiable)
These are the baseline requirements for safety and legality.
-
Willingness to obtain Certifications:
-
USA Cheer Safety & Risk Management Certification (formerly AACCA).
-
NFHS Concussion in Sports Certification (often state-mandated).
-
CPR & First Aid Certification (Current and valid).
-
Sudden Cardiac Arrest Training (often state-mandated).
-
Background:
-
Must pass a full criminal background check.
-
Adherence to the school’s athletic "Code of Conduct" for coaches.
-
Familiarity with the WACPC and resources they provide. WACPC Cheer Handbook
II. Technical Experience & Knowledge
Divided by season to highlight the different skill sets required.
General / Fall Season (Sideline Focus)
-
Recommended Cheer Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of personal experience as a cheerleader (high school or collegiate level preferred).
-
Game Day Knowledge: Deep understanding of football game flow (offense vs. defense cheers), crowd psychology, and sideline etiquette.
-
Stunting Fundamentals: Ability to teach and spot basic to intermediate partner stunts (halves, extensions, cradles) safely.
-
Motion Technique: Expert knowledge of arm placement, sharpness, and synchronization for traditional school fights songs and chants.
Winter Season (Competitive Focus)
-
Recommended Coaching Experience: Minimum 2+ years of coaching competitive cheer (All-Star or High School Varsity level).
-
Score Sheet Literacy: Ability to read and interpret competition score sheets (difficulty vs. execution) to maximize points.
-
Advanced Technical Skills:
-
Tumbling: Ability to spot or coach proper technique for back handsprings, tucks, and layouts.
-
Elite Stunting: Knowledge of inversions, release moves, twisting dismounts, and pyramid structures.
-
Choreography: Ability to design (or effectively manage a choreographer for) a 2:30 competition routine including dance, cheer, and stunt sections.
III. Leadership & Soft Skills
-
Safety First Mindset: Unwavering commitment to progression-based learning (not allowing athletes to attempt skills they are not physically ready for).
-
Communication:
-
Parental: Ability to clearly communicate financial obligations, travel schedules, and expectations to parents.
-
Administrative: Professional communication with the Athletic Director regarding budget, transportation, and facilities.
-
Conflict Resolution: Experience handling squad drama, "mat talk" discipline, and maintaining a unified team culture.
-
Adaptability: Ability to switch "hats" from the fun, spirit-focused sideline coach in the fall to the intense, detail-oriented competitive coach in the winter.
IV. Seasonal Responsibilities
-
Recommended Cheer Experience: Minimum 2-3 years of personal experience as a cheerleader (high school or collegiate level preferred).
-
Recommended Coaching Experience: Minimum 2+ years of coaching competitive cheer (All-Star or High School Varsity level).
- Additional Knowledge: Understanding of football and basketball game flow (offense vs defense cheers), sideline etiquette, abilitiy to teach/spot tumbling & stunting techniques and ability to teach choreography
Candidate Requirements
- Cover Letter
- Resume