By Steve Pawlyk
Published June 23, 2023
Cheerleading is an art and sport that fosters unity, promotes physical fitness, and instils a sense of leadership among participants. If you’re a first-year coach of a British cheer team, you might find the role challenging yet rewarding. This blog post is your handy guide, brimming with advice, tips, and insights into the rules specific to cheerleading in the United Kingdom
1. Understanding the Basics of Cheerleading
The first tip, which may sound obvious but is worth emphasizing, is understanding the basics of cheerleading. It’s not all about pom-poms and high-energy chants. Cheerleading in the UK, like any other sport, demands discipline, teamwork, athleticism, and creativity. The British Cheerleading Association (BCA) provides an excellent resource for coaches and athletes alike to understand the rules and basics of cheerleading.
2.Ensuring Athlete Safety
The safety of your athletes should always be your top priority. Always ensure they are properly warmed up before practice and cool down afterwards. Ensure your team learns and perfects basic cheerleading skills before moving on to more complex stunts. Know the regulations regarding the mats and other equipment, which need to be compliant with BCA and UKCA (United Kingdom Cheerleading Association) rules.
3. Encourage and Motivate
Your team’s morale will play a significant role in their performance. As a coach, it’s your responsibility to keep the team motivated. Recognize each team member’s strengths and build on them. Constructive criticism is a great tool, but make sure it’s balanced with praise and encouragement.
4. Teaching Teamwork
Cheerleading is all about teamwork. Facilitate exercises that foster trust, cooperation, and communication among your team members. Remember, a successful stunt isn’t just about athleticism—it’s about impeccable timing and unyielding trust in each other.
5. Understanding Cheer Rules Specific to the UK
In the UK, cheerleading is governed by organizations such as BCA and UKCA, which enforce rules to ensure the sport is safe and enjoyable. Familiarise yourself with their guidelines, especially if your team participates in competitions.
– Age Groups: The BCA outlines specific age groups for cheerleading teams: Peewee (6 and under), Mini (8 and under), Youth (11 and under), Junior (14 and under), and Senior (10 and above). Ensure your team members fit within the correct age bracket.
– Team Sizes: Depending on the competition category, team sizes may vary from one (for individual categories) to 36 athletes.
– Routine Duration: For most categories, routines should be a maximum of 2 minutes and 30 seconds.
– Music: If you use music in your routine, it must be licensed for use. The BCA and UKCA have strict rules on music copyright.
– Costumes:Costumes should be modest, tasteful, and provide enough coverage. They must also allow for the safe execution of cheerleading moves.
– Stunts and Tumbling: Certain stunts and tumbling moves are prohibited in specific age categories for safety reasons. Always check the latest BCA or UKCA rules before incorporating a new move into your routine.
As Vince Lombardi once said, “”Coaches who can outline plays on a blackboard are a dime a dozen. The ones who win get inside their player’s heads.” Embrace this philosophy, and you’re already halfway to success.
6. Continuous Learning
As a first-year coach, never shy away from learning opportunities. Attend coaching seminars, engage with experienced cheer coaches, and stay updated with the latest cheerleading trends and techniques. Both the BCA and UKCA regularly offer training and educational resources to help you become a more effective coach.
7. Focusing on Fitness
Cheerleading is a physically demanding sport, and thus it’s critical for your athletes to maintain a high level of fitness. Focus on strength, flexibility, and endurance training. Regular conditioning can help prevent injuries and improve performance.
8. Managing Time
Managing your time and your team’s time effectively is crucial. Your practice sessions should be structured and efficient, with a clear goal in mind. Be punctual, respect your athletes’ time, and encourage them to do the same.
9. Ethical Considerations
As a cheer coach, you play a vital role in shaping young athletes’ attitudes and behaviours. It’s important to exhibit ethical behaviour both on and off the cheer mat. This includes fair play, respect for all team members, and a strong commitment to the team’s success.
10. Building a Community
Finally, fostering a sense of community can help your team achieve greater success. Encourage parents to get involved, reach out to local businesses for sponsorship, and participate in community events. A supportive community can greatly enhance your team’s morale and provide necessary resources.
Being a first-year British cheer coach might be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to inspire young athletes, create memorable experiences, and instill lifelong values. Keep the above advice and rules in mind, and remember, the key is not to strive for perfection but progress. You’re embarking on a journey filled with cheers, challenges, and triumphs – embrace it wholeheartedly!
In conclusion, your journey as a first-year British cheer coach will undoubtedly be a learning curve. Remember, every experienced coach was once a beginner, and with dedication, persistence, and a positive mindset, you’ll be leading your team to new heights. Stick to the rules, prioritize safety, foster an environment of mutual respect, and above all, don’t forget to have fun!
May your first year of coaching be the beginning of a rewarding journey filled with cheers, passion, and unparalleled success. Now, get out there and let your cheer spirit shine!
