What Every Coach Should Know

(What All Parents Wish Coaches Knew)

• If kids who are interested in athletics cannot be involved as athletes, look for other possibilities
• Structure practices so that your cheerleaders or dancers can handle them, considering their academic day and their physical endurance.
• Always treat your cheerleaders or dancers with respect.  Recognize the desire, as well as the sacrifices they are making for the team.
• Never put down a player in any way.
• Never tell a team member he or she cannot improve.  Encourage and teach.
• Emphasize improvement - not just winning - as a sign of success.
• Say something positive daily if possible.  Just a “Good effort today” can do wonders.
• Learn the names of each team member
• Be careful not to direct excessive coaching interest toward an exceptional team member.  Share positive with every team member.
• Stress the importance of academics
• Organize and initiate team activities for the purpose of developing loyalty to one another as individuals as well as team members.
• Remember that all coach/parent communications should start with the best interest of the team member.
• Do not tell parents your problems.
• Don’t create an “in” and “out” group of parents
• Remember that the most supportive parent may belong to the team member who is not the best cheerleader or dancer.
• Never swear
• Continue to learn as a coach
• Always be the last person to leave and check to see that everyone has safely left
• Notify your administrator immediately if there is a problem
• Call parents to check on an injured cheerleader or dancer.
• Instruct participants on a code of conduct for all cheer or dance activities and follow it yourself.
• In any situation, be accountable if necessary and avoid blaming others.
• Today’s “big deal” is most likely tomorrow’s “so what”
• Don’t make the kids boost your morale.  You are the adult.  Never expect the kids to be more mature than you.
• Giving awards and recognition is an art.  It can be the most significant positive in a child’s day.
• Don’t forget to show appreciation for the people who contribute to the success of your program.
• Educate yourself on organizational policies in place and make them clear to parents, assistant coaches and team members.
•  Set enforceable rules for your team which can stand the test of public scrutiny.
• How you handle losses can make you as a coach!