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Safety
When Traveling with Cheerleaders page 22
2009
coaches’ conferences and trade shows
P page 28
Cindy Villarreal
An Ambassador for Cheerleading
page 16
safety issue 2009
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Types of Equipment You Should Maintain
page 12
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SLetter Safety and Education
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afety and education are like bread and butter. They are meant to go together and when one is spread on the other, you reap the reward of a delectable delight. Bread and butter may not be considered the main attraction to a meal, but they are always served first and they enhance anything that comes afterwards. That’s how we feel about safety and education. You can’t fully reap the true rewards of safety without education. It may not be what others consider your main job, but you and we know that it is. What might have been considered safe years ago, could easily have change in the present day way of teaching cheerleading. The only real way to keep current on safety procedures is through constant education and knowledge. With this kind of education you make an investment in yourself, your career and your cheerleaders’ well being. There is no doubt that for these reasons, safety and education are the priorities; they are the bread and butter to any cheerleading coach and because of that, we consider them a topic worthy of a full issue in Cheer Coach & Advisor. We begin our issue with an article named “Maintaining Your Gym Equipment” on page 12. This feature is not only educational on the care and upkeep of gym equipment; it is also informative about the different kinds of equipment you’ll find in a standard gym. From there, we take you to our Coaches’ Advisory Panel on page 20, where you’ll find tips from experienced coaches on how they stay educated and current in their knowledge. Then you can flip to page 22 where Debbie Bracewell, executive director of NCSSE, shares her expertise on safety in an article called “Traveling Safely with Cheerleaders.” After that, you’ll definitely want to read “Cheering on a New Fight” on page 26. It covers childhood obesity and a program developed to help combat this epidemic while offering young people the enjoyment of cheerleading. Lastly, and maybe of the most importance, we have a listing of the 2009 Coaches’ Conferences and Conventions on page 28. We encourage you to find a conference you can attend this year and keep on learning. “Stay Educated - Stay Safe” Cheers, The staff at Cheer Coach & Advisor magazine
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www.cheercoachmagazine.com Editorial editor Valerie Ninemire 2319 FM 1794 W, Beckville, TX 75631 (903) 678-1113 Fax: (903) 678-1126 valerie@cheercoachmagazine.com ART DIRECTOR Nancy Kumpulainen nancy@cheercoachmagazine.com
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ng Cheerleadi Games
Did you hear? Ubisoft just released a cheerleading game, “Imagine® Cheerleading,” for the Nintendo DS. In the game, you can perform lifts, jumps and kicks. You can also create uniforms and accessories. Then, as your team progresses, you can compete against other squads. Including Imagine Cheerleading, that makes three cheerleading games that have been released here lately for different gaming platforms including the Wii. Do you think these games are strictly for entertainment or do you think they serve some purpose in teaching young people about cheerleading? Would you consider using a cheerleading game in your coaching program and if so, how? Email us your thoughts and comments: Valerie@cheercoachmagazine.com
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editorial advisory board
Debbie Bracewell: Executive Director, NCSSE – AL Cindy Clough: Co-Owner and Director, Just for Kix – MN Coach Wayne Evans: Coach, Author and Publisher – GA Pam Headridge: Head Coach, Oak Harbor H.S. – WA Gwen Holtsclaw: Founder and President, Cheer LTD – NC Susan Loomis: Spirit Liaison, National Federation of State High School Associations – IN Jim Lord: Executive Director, AACCA Lisa Moroski: National Cheer & Dance Commissioner, Pop Warner – PA Elaine Pascale: CEO, World Cup All Stars, NACCC – NJ Tammy VanVleet: Golden State Spirit Assoc. (GSSA) – CA Lance Wagers: Founder, ACA – TX Jeff Webb: Founder and CEO of Varsity Brands – TN
Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H SA FE TY ISS U E 2009
InterNational Cheerleading and Dance Championship March 19-21, 2010 | March 18-20, 2011 Walt Disney World Resort Lake Bueana Vista, FL Winter Open National Championship February 5-7, 2010 | February 11-13, 2011 Greater Columbus Convention Center Columbus, OH Pacific Coast Open National Championship February 13-14, 2010 | February 19-20, 2011 Knott’s Berry Farm Buena Park, CA Great Lakes Open National Championship April 2010 | April 2011 Navy Pier Chicago, IL Ohio Cheerleading and Dance Championship November 13-15, 2009 | November 12-15, 2010 Greater Columbus Convention Center Columbus, OH Holiday Lights Championship December 5-6,2009 | December 4-5, 2010 Jersey City, NJ Winter Wonderland Championship January 9, 2010 Kalahari Resorts Sandusky, OH
iCheer. iDance. iCelebrate with AmeriCheer.
VISIT WWW.AMERICHEER.COM OR CALL 800-966-JUMP FOR MORE INFORMATION
TableofContents features 16
cover story
CINDY VILLARREAL An Ambassador for Cheerleading
by Valerie Ninemire Photography by Mark Guerra www.markguerra.com
26
Cheering on a New Fight—Part 1
by Kamberly Bebo, TRS
2009 Coaches’ conferences, conventions and trade shows
BUSINESS BUILDERS
28
SAFETY ISSUE 2009 Volume 6, Number 1
departments 4
letter
8
in the know School, Rec and All-Star Happenings
12
COACHING FUNDAMENTALS Maintaining Gym Equipment by Jonathan Wood
20
coaches’ advisory panel—q&a How Do You Stay Educated?
22
SAFETY Safety Tips When Traveling With Cheerleaders by Debbie Bracewell
P 16
24
stunting sequence Chair to Full by Pam Headridge
30
COMPETITION CALENDAR
34
BUYER’S PRODUCT SHOWCASE
On The Cover Cindy Villarreal Photo by Mark Guerra
CHEER COACH & ADVISOR is published bi-monthly by Van Publishing Co., 2319 FM 1794 W, Beckville, TX 75631. Unsolicited material should be accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Views expressed herein by authors of articles contributed to CHEER COACH & ADVISOR magazine are not necessarily those of the publisher. The publisher accepts no responsibility for their accuracy or completeness. Reproduction of materials in whole or part is prohibited without express permission. Copyright 2009, CHEER COACH & ADVISOR magazine. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to CHEER COACH & ADVISOR, 2319 FM 1794 W, Beckville, TX 75631. Subscription rates: $29.00 per year; $4.95 single copy.
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Nfinity Shoes Announced as Title Sponsor of Virtual Championship Cup
United Cheer and Dance Foundation The foundation was formed in March 2007 with the hopes and dreams of making the sport affordable for all, while producing top notch events. Whether you are a pop warner, youth, junior high, high school, college, all star cheerleader or a program in need of assistance, our foundation is for you! UCDF is a non-profit company is that is unique and exciting. By supporting and attending one of our UCDF events, we all take part in “Making the Difference” in an athletes life and contributing in making the sport affordable for everyone. Learn more at www.unitedcheerfoundation.com.
Nfinity announced its exclusive sponsorship of the United States All Star Federation’s (USASF), virtual championship series, the USASF-Nfinity Cup. Unlike any other competition, past or present, the virtual championship series allows teams from anywhere in the world to compete in a points race for the ultimate win. The Nfinity sponsorship is a revolutionary step in the cheerleading industry in terms of digital technology as this is the first of its kind and exclusive virtual championship to be introduced to cheer and dance. Prior to the introduction of the USASF-Nfinity Cup, in the beginning of the 2006 season, teams on the West Coast had difficulty competing against teams on the East Coast due to their location. The USASF-Nfinity Cup offers an opportunity for participants to earn points by competing all season. All USASF Sanctioned Events are qualifiers to the Virtual Championship. Learn more at: www.iasfworlds.org/championships/nfinity.
PInTheKnow
School, Recreational & All-Star Happenings
Varsity UCA – National School Spirit Day Varsity is pleased to announce the National School Spirit Day on September 9. This day has been designated a national day of community involvement to encourage school spirit teams to take on high profile roles by performing visible acts of service in their schools and communities. Community service projects are already a big part of many cheerleading and dance team programs, and this day offers a chance for teams to lead by example in their home towns. Created by Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA), one of the Varsity camp and event companies, National School Spirit Day will be promoted heavily at camps throughout the summer, with instructions on how cheerleaders can encourage participation in their home towns. Using an online tracking system, cheerleaders will be able to participate in any community service project they choose, and log their project hours on the online service tracker. To learn more please visit www.uca.varsity.com.
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Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H SA FE TY ISS U E 2009
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CHEER PRODUCT GOES GLOBAL
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EDUCATING + COACHING = SUCCESS page 16
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2009 National Coach of the Year Announced at UPA United Performing Association held the UPA Annual Academy Awards Celebration at the Minneapolis Convention Center where they announced the 2009 Top 5 National Cheer & Dance Coaches of the Year. Since 1992, UPA has strived to recognize coaches who excel in the spirit industry with the National Coach of the Year title. Two outstanding coaches (one cheer / one dance) were honored at the UPA AmeriCup in Minneapolis. Nominations were received from over 300 coaches, athletic directors, principals, parents and athletes. An elite judging panel read each nomination letter and made the difficult decision of selecting the Top 5 in the Nation. DANCE Top 5 UPA National DANCE Coaches Of The Year Recipients: Amanda McVeigh & Danille Pipol from B’Dazzle Dance Team– Milwaukee, WI Ashley Nieman from Champion Dance – Brandon, SD Susan Westebeke from Port Washington High School – Greenfield, WI Tracy Kuhn from Dynamic Dance Association – Brandon, SD Lorie Evers from Freedom High School – Freedom, WI
CHEER Top 5 UPA National CHEER Coaches Of The Year Recipients: Samuel Owens from the University of Minnesota – Minneapolis, MN Lyndsay & Josh Busby from Plainview-Elgin-Millville (PEM) - Plainview, MN Alena Blizzard from St. Mary’s East Vineland HS – Vineland, NJ Kelly Eckhart from Libertyville Lightning – Round Lake, IL Kris Penca from Glitz All Stars – Mason City, IA
PInTheKnow
School, Recreational & All-Star Happenings
Project NCA and Project NDA at Summer Camps Each year at NCA and NDA camps nationwide, they encourage teams to develop their leadership potential by giving back to their communities through service projects. Now they can offer teams an important opportunity to help make wishes come true. Is your team ready to help grant a special wish? Their website has a new Community Service page where they will track team service projects of all types, with special recognition for teams who work with their local Make-A-Wish chapter. A link is located on their home page at nca.varsity.com and nda.varsity.com. Just click on the Make-A-Wish logo and get started on one of the most important team projects you will ever accomplish.
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SCoachingFundamentals Maintaining Your Gym Equipment Photos by Dollamur Sport Surfaces • Flexi-Roll® is a registered trademark of Dollamur, LP
By Jonathan Wood
I
had been expecting the truck all week. I watched as the doors swung open. There it sat: the tools for building my new all-star program: mats, spotting blocks, rolls of foam, octagons, spring boards, a trampoline, a tumble strip, ropes, and pulleys. As we unloaded the truck, unpacked the boxes, and cut open the plastic, I admired the unblemished perfection of everything and breathed in the distinct smell of new mats. Then it happened. I dropped a springboard onto a landing mat and the corner punctured the mat cover. It was a stark reminder that from the day a piece of equipment enters the gym there will be a constant battle to keep it in good working order.
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Carpet Bonded Foam When it comes to keeping cheerleaders safe, carpet bonded foam (CBF) is the trustworthy companion to good coaching. Cheer programs have limited resources and need their CBF to last as long as possible. According to Tim Winn from The American Gym (www.theamericangym. com), a gym equipment dealer, CBF can last ten to twenty years depending on use and abuse. Winn notes that the first area to break down is often the edges of the carpet where the Velcro holds the panels together, especially for floors that are regularly stored and rolled out. Each time the tape is pulled up, a few fibers inevitably come off with it. Over time the edges be-
come more bare and noticeable, the tape becomes less effective as there are fewer fibers for it to grip. Winn suggests that teams use two inch tape and then switch to four inch tape as it loses its effectiveness. Many teams tape mats perpendicularly so that the same surface area isn’t repeatedly worn down by the tape. Another problem many teams experience is that their CBF gets gouged during storage or transportation. The best way to repair gouges is to glue the gouged out piece back in or use a furniture-stripping heat gun to melt the piece back into place. Some gyms simply use duct tape, but it doesn’t tend to last as long. Often the damaged piece is tossed away by the
Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H safe ty is s u e 2009
CoachingFundamentals cheerleader(s) who accidently caused the damage to avoid being punished, so let your cheerleaders know that you understand that this type of damage is inevitable and that they will not be punished for bringing it to your attention. If the missing piece is lost, you can fashion a replacement piece out of scrap foam.
Mats and Training Shapes The life span of mats can fluctuate heavily based on use, abuse, and foam density. The density of foam is measured by an ILD number. ILD is short for Indention Load Deflection and is a calculated by measuring how much force it takes to compress a piece of foam to about a quarter of its thickness. Low ILD numbers (16) are great for pits and landing mats, moderate numbers (70-90) are great for training shapes like octagons, and high numbers (110) are good for spot blocks. The lower the ILD, the faster the foam will break down because the cells have more air in them.
with skin, especially sweaty skin, they should be regularly washed with disinfecting cleaners. While many gym supply venders offer disinfectants designed for mats, your favorite kitchen or bathroom disinfectant will work fine (test a small section to make sure it doesn’t discolor).
Trampolines and Tumble Tramps Trampoline frames should be inspected closely to check for rust or bends and breaks in the steel tubing. Even indoor trampolines can rust, especially in humid areas, so paint over exposed steel to keep the steel from becoming brittle. Also look for unsafe elongation on the spring hooks. The springs should be replaced if they show signs of rust or being overstretched. If you have a rectangular trampoline, rotating the springs will increase the lifespan of a set and make them wear evenly because springs in the center of each side are stretched much more than those in the corners.
can easily find instructions for tying a double fisherman’s bend on the Internet.
Computers and Stereos Electronics produce static fields that attract dust (and gym chalk). Too much dust in the vents of a sound system mixer or computer case can clog the flow of air that cools the electrical components, and too much heat can cause permanent damage. Canned air is a great tool for getting dust out of these vents, off of the knobs, and out of the grooves of the casing. Be careful to avoid blowing the dust further into the case. Hold a vacuum hose above the area to prevent the dust from settling nearby where static will make it boomerang right back. Hold the can upright so the liquefied gas used to pressurize the can doesn’t cause damage. Dust on your CD player lens can cloud the laser from reading the CD. Over time, the player may become slower at reading a newly inserted disk or refuse to read
“Illnesses, including staph infections, are often transmitted at athletic facilities.” Even if a low number is appropriate for a certain mat, know that these items will have a shorter lifespan than firmer mats. However, many “budget” products will have a lower ILD than a higher quality version of the same product, meaning that the budget product may be more expensive in the long run because it will break down faster. Mat covers are worn down by dragging them around the gym, which wears the cover’s vinyl-coated surface over time. Tugging on the handles, especially if a mat has other mats stacked on top of it, is a sure way to make them tear off, and as most coaches know, everyone avoids moving mats without handles when they can. If covers are worn, but the foam is still good, new covers can usually be purchased by calling your favorite supplier. Be sure that you give exact measurements of the internal foam piece as many manufacturers trim edges to save money. Tears in mat covers can be patched with a vinyl repair kit. Gym equipment dealers contend that their specialty kits have a better adhesive than other vinyl repair kits, but many people have success with pool liner or vinyl furniture patch kits. Illnesses, including staph infections, are often transmitted at athletic facilities. Because mats regularly come into contact 14
While trampoline frames can last decades, trampoline beds are more prone to wear and tear. Forbidding shoes on a trampoline is the single most important thing you can do to extend the bed’s lifespan. For black poly bed trampolines, small tears of less than an inch can be stitched together, but excessive patch jobs or larger tears means it’s time to replace the bed. Inspect the edges of the bed and re-stitch any areas where the triangle rings that connect to the springs are loose. String bed trampolines need to be repainted as soon as you see the current coat of paint wearing off. The paint helps protect the strings from abrasions that wear them thin and keeps strings evenly spaced. Before painting, insert a pencil or pen between each hole of the grid to push the strands of the strings tightly together (a perfect task for tardy cheerleaders). Then use a paint roller to apply acrylic paint (which is flexible) on the top and bottom of the bed. In the event of string break, you can use nylon mason line, which can be found at most hardware stores, to repair the break. Tie each end of the nylon string to the original string (which may have to be trimmed an inch or two to make room for the nylon “patch.” A double fisherman’s bend is a great knot for this because it is durable and fairly compact; and don’t worry, you
some altogether. Burned CD’s are likely the first disks that it will experience these problems. CD lenses should not be cleaned routinely because the lens is so delicate. Each cleaning risks permanent damage, but if you’re having problems, cleaning the lens is worthwhile. There are several ways to clean a CD lens. The easiest is to use a commercial CD lens cleaning disk. You can also use canned air to clean the CD lens, but don’t blow the air directly onto the lens. Fast moving particles from the canned air can damage the lens, so be careful and keep the airflow as minimal as possible. It is also possible to use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove dust. Be sure that there isn’t excess alcohol on the swab, and lightly touch the lens instead of wiping. You’re trying to get the dust to stick to the swab, not scrub it off. This is the most aggressive cleaning method, so it should be a last resort. H Jonathan Wood is the assistant coach at Boise State University, the Idaho State Director for the NCSSE, and the founder of Legacy Spirit (a camp and choreography provider in the Northwest). He is currently developing the website TrainToCheer. Com. In his spare time he works at his new gym, the Idaho Wildfire Cheer Gym, which opened in August 2007.
Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H safe ty is s u e 2009
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SCoverStory
Cindy Villarreal:
Cindy Villarreal, President of Proformance Sports Marketing & Entertainment, LLC
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An Ambassador for Cheerleading By Valerie Ninemire • Photography by Mark Guerra
Y
ou might not associate Cindy Villarreal with coaching cheerleading. She doesn’t currently have a cheerleading squad, but she has coached a high school team in the past. She was also a recreational cheerleader, a Dallas Cowboys’ cheerleader, a Dallas Mavericks’ dancer and a member of the Houston Oilers’ Derrick Dolls. Her experience in the world of cheerleading isn’t just nationwide either, it extends worldwide with her consulting for the NFL and NBA and helping them revamp and establish teams like the Houston Power Dancers and the London Broncos cheerleaders. She has grown from a cheerleader into a coach, from a coach into a director and from a director into a marketing and promotional powerhouse for the sport. In all of her enterprises you will always find a touch of cheer; she is truly an ambassador for cheerleading. Cindy’s high school coaching career began in 2004 when she took over the squad at Regents School of Austin, a private, Christian school. She explained it
this way, “When I took over the program, I had four varsity cheerleaders that could not tumble or build. I signed the team up for an NCA competition and this was the real turning point for them. I knew if I could get them to a competition, they would be hooked and would want to be better. I didn’t want cute girls in skirts; I wanted a team who wanted more for themselves and that would strive for perfection. Thus, after re-building the squad,
herself with knowledgeable people and as we say in Texas, “She takes the bull by the horns.” Cindy is the author of “The Cheerleaders Guide to Life,” an inspirational book for all levels of cheerleading and dance published by HarperCollins in 1994. Her book was selected by the New York Public Library in 1995 as one of the best books for teenagers. Cindy’s work is honored in the College Football Hall of Fame “as a tribute to her dedication and success as a role model for the youth of America,” stated by Bernie Kish, president. In her role as the Director of Entertainment for the NFL Europe’s London Monarchs Crown Jewels, Cindy received the single coaches’ honor of “Best Professional Cheerleading Team in Europe” for her accomplishments in taking her team from worst to first in a single year. Within three months upon her arrival to the U.K., Cindy was promoted to also work with NFL International as Director of the 1997 American Bowl game in Dublin, Ireland. She also played a key role as event media spokesperson. >>
“I knew if I could get them to a competition, they would be hooked and would want to be better.”
w w w. c h e e r c oa c h magazi ne. c o m
I left, we had a solid team of starting tumblers and I established a JV squad to accommodate the growing numbers of kids that had become interested in cheerleading.” This pretty well sums up Cindy’s philosophy. She has the uncanny knack of being able to stand back and analyze a situation. Then, once she’s figured out what is lacking and what is needed, she taps into her years of experience, surrounds
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CoverStory
In November 1990, Cindy was selected by Hispanic Business Magazine as one of the “Top 100 Most Influential Persons in America” putting her in the company of the Secretary of Education of the United States, the Surgeon General and the Chairman of the Banking Committee. In 1990-91, during her reign as Miss Texas 1991, she participated in the National Pageant being selected as First Runner-up and Miss Congeniality. Cindy has received numerous awards from magazines and the community for her contributions in the cities of Austin, Houston, and London. A newcomer to the U.K. in 1996, Cindy was honored as VIP by the British-America Chamber of Commerce. The honor placed her at the head of the dignitary table along with the American Ambassador to England, the Chairman of British Airlines, the Chairman of the Bank of England, and Chairman of British Rail. Cindy was subsequently invited to the government house, Guild Hall and assisted the government with longrange planning to introduce “spirit” into parades and festivals—something not previously done. In late 1997, Cindy formed Proformance, a sports marketing and entertainment agency. She has written business plans for U.S.-U.K. based sports franchises, rep-
resented professional athletes, as well as represented restaurants, musicians and charities in consideration of establishing innovative ways to reach the youth-family audience. Proformance has provided sports marketing and entertainment services to sports clubs including the NFL, NBA, British Soccer Team, Super League, Gladiators TV Programme, the Offshore Super Series, the International and National All-Star Foundation, as well as many individuals including, Hall of Famer Ted Ginn Sr., the Lord Mayor of London and London business mogul, Sir Richard Branson, owner of Virgin Management. The agency, now in the United States and under a new name, Proformance Sports Marketing and Entertainment, LLC, continues to serve brands, as well as properties. Under Cindy’s leadership, the company has been among the list of finalist for Stevie Business Awards including, “Best Community Service Programming” and “Best New Company of the Year 2007.” You would think with all these accomplishments and accolades that Cindy would have sat back and enjoyed her
success—but that’s not her style. Currently, she is working diligently on establishing the World Cheerleading Hall of Fame and a cable television network called Cheer Channel. Both endeavors are her way of giving back to the industry while at the same time promoting it in a positive fashion. Cindy explained, “I am working really hard to get cheerleading what it deserves.” And there is no doubt that she is doing exactly that. It would be understandable at this point if you might be wondering why we choose Cindy Villarreal as our cover story. After all, we’ve written paragraph after paragraph about her accomplishments, but what advice have we given you as a coach or business owner? Well, if you take away only one thing from this article it should be the importance of marketing and promotion. That is exactly what Cindy does best and in it is a lesson for all of us. She hasn’t forgotten her roots, she has a vision and she works hard to realize it, then she markets and promotes her ideas while making sure that cheerleading is seen in a positive way. These same principles work regardless of whether you are a coach or a gym owner. And they are exactly what makes Cindy Villarreal an ambassador for cheerleading. H
“I am working really hard to get cheerleading what it deserves.”
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Coaches helping coaches—we see it everyday. And it’s exactly what our Coaches’ Advisory Panel is all about. Here you’ll find experienced coaches giving tips and advice on ways you can improve your coaching skills.
Questions: “There’s no doubt that a coach’s education is important to the safety of their squad and to their career. How do you stay up to date on your cheerleading information and knowledge? How do you receive your education and what advice would you give to new, beginning coaches?” Autumn Nabors, James River High School, VA: I try to go to at least one cheerleading conference a year. Also, I feel lucky to have a great network of coaches in my region. Last year we even had a mini-conference just to have a roundtable discussion to share ideas. Also, being a judge both locally and nationally gives me a chance to network and stay up to date with current trends and safety. My best advice is to get to know others in the “cheer world.”
Denise Olewnik, Owner of Keystone Extreme, PA: With the all star world going bigger and bigger by the minute, these athletes deserve to have coaches that we very educated and safe. The most important thing for me as the owner of Keystone Extreme, is to make it my priority to make sure every staff member in my gym is credentialed and trained with safety as their biggest priority.
Sebrina Phillips, Owner/Director of Classic All-star Cheerleading, NC: Become a member of the USASF (United States All-star Federation) the governing-body for the all-star cheer and dance world. There are also some other great organizations such as AACCA, NCSSE and the NSGA (National Small Gym Association) that offer various training for coaches. Subscribe to informative cheer magazines like Cheer Coach & Advisor, Cheer Biz (American Cheerleader) and Inside Cheerleading. Visit varsity.com and get information directly from their website. There are many opportunities to receive training, tips and advice. Just do your research. Get on Valerie Ninemire’s About.com Cheerleading Newsletter List and receive free tips on cheerleading. Don’t be afraid to call-up coaches that have been involved in the industry for years. They can offer some really good information to new coaches. Most coaches are happy to help you out. After all, we all had to start somewhere and we did not get there on our own.
Janet and Mack Hirshberg, Owners, Mac’s Cheer, UT: My Wife and I do the following to keep up on our industry: 1. We subscribe to magazines. 2. We attend the USASF Coaches Convention immediately after Worlds 3. We judge for different national companies 20
like UCA and American Championships. This year we are planning on judging for COA and ICC. 4. I have begun attending USASF national and regional meetings. 5. I also send out monthly newsletters to all star gyms in ID and UT summarizing meetings for the gyms in our area that are not able to attend the USASF meetings. 6. My wife reads through the different event producers websites. 7. We talk with successful gym owners at national competitions.
Jeff McQueen, Coach, California All-Stars, CA: I personally believe that education in our industry is an ongoing process that requires us to be OPEN to be taught by every situation we face as coaches on a day by day basis. As educators we can often become un-teachable since usually our role is the one who teaches. In my personal way of learning I look to other industries and sports as models for success and possibly the mistakes that they have made in their journeys to becoming the best. This allows me to compare and contrast the wrong way from the right way and sometimes simply the most efficient way in my own journey to become a better coach. My advice to new coaches is to be very aware of everything inside the gym and act as a sponge when listening to children, parents, and more experienced coaches.
Tanya Roesel, Owner of Midwest Cheer Elite, OH: We feel it’s important to keep our coaches educated not only with their knowledge of the rules but also their knowledge in skills and proper progression. We hold staff meetings several times a month where we can discuss rule changes, issues with tumbling progressions and safety issues. We also make sure that all of our coaches are USASF certified and during the summer months we send coaches to conferences where they have the opportunity to attend seminars as well as speak and meet with other coaches around the country. We encourage our coaches to stay active on the USASF website to make sure they are aware of the current level rules as well as any changes that may occur. H We’re looking for you—If you’d like to be a part of coaches helping other coaches, then take a minute and join our Coaches’ Advisory Panel. All you have to do is send an email with your request to valerie@cheercoachmagazine.com for our consideration. Be sure to include a short bio and a headshot. Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H SA FE TY ISS U E 2009
SSafety Safety Tips When Traveling with Cheerleaders Before You Go—Keeping Your Squad Safe By Debbie Bracewell
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he airline industry does an excellent job of trying to keep their passengers safe. Every time you travel on a plane, you hear the same speech about buckling in, finding the exits, and using the oxygen masks. It doesn’t matter how often or seldom you have flown; every flight requires the information be given to the passengers. The spirit industry can learn something from this repetition of safety information. This is something we can and should do every time we travel with our cheerleaders. Transporting cheerleaders to games, competitions, or summer camp requires much preparation and planning. Whether the trip is an hour away or two states away, safety planning should be one of the first items on your list. As a school coach, you may need to reserve a school bus for trips. Before the trip, complete a transportation form that indicates exactly who is on the bus, who will be returning on the bus, adults riding on the bus, emergency contact numbers for the cheerleaders and coaches, and cell phone numbers of the adults. A copy of this should be given to your supervisor and the bus driver. This list should be completed for every trip you take—whether it is across town or two states away. From this list you and the bus driver can take attendance and know immediately if anyone missed the bus. After boarding the school bus, have the bus driver explain how to exit the bus in case of an emergency. Do this every time you use a bus. Remind the students sitting in back they may be responsible for helping to open the exit doors and helping students to safety. If you are using a tour bus, this step is very important as many people do not know how to open the windows or exit the bus safely. The commercial bus driver should clearly and patiently describe what to do in case of an accident other emergency. The commercial driver also needs a copy of the transportation 22
list in case you are incapacitated in an accident. When hiring a tour bus, you may ask for a copy of the driver’s commercial driver’s license, the age of the driver and a certificate of insurance. You should carry a first aid kit with you on trips. The cheerleaders’ medical
release forms and insurance information can be placed in the first aid kit. Keep this information in a separate compartment of the bag/box to insure its confidentiality. Tell the bus driver where your first aid kit is located and where the medical information is located. Again, if you are
Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H SA FE TY ISS U E 2009
Safety
incapacitated in an accident, the driver will be able to share the information with medical personnel. As an all star coach, you may not require the team to travel together. It is still important to know who is riding with whom. Having that transportation list will help you locate those who are late or no shows. Encourage parents who transport children other than their own to share their driver’s licenses and insurance information with
Enterprise High School cheerleaders on a road trip. Photo taken by Heather Mitchell, head cheer coach.
parents. It is important to know whether a parent has a valid driver’s license or valid car insurance. Emphasize that parents who transport children not their own are doing so at their own risk. The gym does not assign drivers or riders. Preparing for camp or competition rew w w. c h e e r c oa c h magazi ne. c o m
quires much planning. Do not forget to plan for emergencies. Request a map of the camp facility or the competition venue. Ask the hotel, college personnel, or venue personnel to mark emergency exits. If you stay in a college dorm for summer camp, the college should have a map of the dorm. Request one with exits marked, make copies, and distribute to the cheerleaders and coaches in attendance. Do the same for hotels. Generally each hotel floor with rooms are the same, so you may have a generic map. For competition venues, know which hall is for competition, which hall is for warm up, and where each exit is located. Give the maps (with exits marked) to cheerleaders and parents. Review the information before the event and after you enter the event (things may look differently in the actual building). Your direct responsibility is to the cheerleaders, but your auxiliary charges are the parents. Keep them informed and updated, too. Also ask for information about the nearest hospital, including phone numbers. Get directions to the nearest hospital and share this with your parents. Ask who will be the emergency care takers at the event (trainers, EMT’s, paramedics) and get their cell phone numbers. Request the phone number of an upper level staffer at camp or the competition to use for emergencies only (do not abuse this knowledge). Cell phones are a bit tricky when dialing 911. Many areas route the 911 calls through departments other than local police or EMS groups. Having the local number for the police department can speed up response time for emergence care. Stay safe. H Debbie Bracewell is the executive director for the NCSSE where she is actively involved in the development of safety programs for cheer and dance coaches of all levels. She retired from teaching and coaching after 25 years of service at Enterprise High School in Enterprise, Alabama. During her coaching career, Bracewell’s squads won numerous dance and cheer state and national championships. She developed a popular mascot program at her school and her cheer squads evolved from a 10 member all girl squad into a 20 member coed squad. Bracewell is also a popular speaker and judge for state, national, and international cheer and dance events.
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Chair to Full Extension By Pam Headridge
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his intermediate transitional stunt sequence features both strength and teamwork. Cheerleaders should master a full extension before attempting this stunt. This series needs 4 people: a Flyer, Back Spotter, and two Bases. Demonstrating the stunt is Shannon Girton, Meghan Rikard, Ashley Parish and Tracy Vessels.
• Back Spotter, continuing to hold onto the Flyer’s ankle, dips and lifts the Flyer by pushing upward on the Flyer’s seat and lifting with her left hand. She uses the Flyer’s left leg as a post in the lifting process. It is important to keep the Flyer close to the Back Spotter’s body as she rotates her to the front. The Back Spotter’s right arm should be extended upward and kept close to her head in the end process as she forms a “chair” for the Flyer. Helpful hint – In the learning stage, have the Primary Base stand behind the Flyer and, grabbing at the Flyer’s waist, toss her upward. • Flyer dips and locks her left leg as she pushes off the Back Spotter’s shoulders. Be sure that she pushes downward and not away from the Back Spotter. After she locks out her left leg, she rotates to the front. At the top of the stunt, she bends her right leg and places her foot on the Back Spotter’s right elbow as she hits a 24
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• Back Spotter squats and wraps her left hand around the Flyer’s left ankle as she places her right hand under the Flyer’s seat. (Figure 1a) • Flyer faces the Back Spotter and places her left foot on the Back Spotter’s left thigh and both of her hands on the Back Spotter’s shoulders. She needs to lean over the Back Spotter by looking down her back. • Primary and Secondary Bases, facing inward, stand beside the flyer.
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“High–V.” She must lean back in a seated position. • Primary and Secondary Bases spot the stunt for safety. Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H safe ty is s u e 2009
StuntingSequence Step 3 • Back Spotter maintains the chair position. • Flyer flexes both feet. • Primary and Secondary Bases grabs the Flyer’s feet.
Step 4 The Bases and Back Spotter dip together and extend the Flyer overhead. • Back Spotter pushes upward on the Flyer’s seat and lifts simultaneously with her left hand that is on the Flyer’s ankle. At the top of the stunt, the Back Spotter grabs the Flyer’s right ankle with her right hand. • Flyer steps up on her right foot and keeps her left leg locked out in order for
the Secondary Base to push upward on it. At the top of the stunt, she locks out her legs and squeezes her inner thighs to pull the stunt directly under her. • Primary Base locks out her shoulders and arms as the Flyer is extended upward. • Secondary Base pushes up on the Flyer’s left leg, extending the Flyer overhead. She needs to squeeze her shoulders together. Be sure not to step backward during the lifting process. Remember safety is a coach’s primary focus. When first learning this stunt, have extra spotters. The team should always practice on a matted surface. Happy and safe stunting! H
3
w w w. c h e e r c o a c h magazi ne. c o m
Pam Headridge is currently in her 15th year as the head coach of the nationally ranked Oak Harbor High School Wildcat cheerleaders. She has been honored as National Cheerleading Coach of the Year, National Federation Interscholastic Spirit Association Section 8 Coach of the Year and Washington State Cheerleading Coach of the Year. Pam is a widely respected presenter who travels the country speaking on numerous topics concerning cheerleading and coaching. She has eight cheerleading training videos on the market and is co-author of a recently published cheerleading book, “Develop a Successful Cheerleading Program.”
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SBusinessBuilders Cheering On a New Fight – Part 1 “A new style of all star gym takes a compassionate stance on f ighting childhood obesity.” GYM BIO
By Kamberly Bebo, TRS
The New Platform of Cheer Imagine a place where a child battling the effects of obesity can find a team of individuals who provide a safe family environment to get fit and healthy. Now imagine pairing that program with all-star cheer and dance and you begin to get a visualization of how cheerleading can take a compassionate stance in fighting the disease that is sweeping our nation and affecting one out of three children. When Margi Beaver and Patrick Cowherd, co-owners of Goldstar Athletics, LLC first challenged their creativity department on the idea of beginning a ground breaking program called “All Stars in Training,” (Amy Clarke, USASF Midwest Director, who fully supports his new program helped Patrick coin the name All Star in Training) they seemed overwhelmed by the barriers that might be standing in the way of success. Not only did they underestimate the overwhelming support of the program, they could have never fathomed how deep the need was for a new culture of cheerleading – one that would make room in the family for a child desperate to fill a lifelong dream and make a better choice for themselves.
Teaming Up When Gold Star Athletics began to pull together a program to address the integration of cheerleading as a therapy for childhood obesity, they knew that fundamental groups would need to pull together and take a holistic approach in tackling a doctor referred regiment for a target range of children ages 6 to 12. Thus an alliance was formed with a program called “Fit 4 Kids” designed by personal fitness trainer Jerry Glynn. Fit 4 Kids is a childhood obesity and prevention program that begins with a referral from a pediatrician and formulates a personalized weight training program that is best suited for the individual. The trainer will 26
Name: Gold Star Athletics, LLC AKA: Hollywood All Stars Levels 1-6 USASF, Cheer and Dance Programs Specialty Programs: “All Stars in Training” Colors: Gold, Black and White Motto: “We Can Make You Famous” Background: Over 40 combined years of experience in the field of cheer, dance and gymnastics – Extensive awards for choreography and championship cheer and listed as employ one of the top coaches in the nation. Owners: Margi Beaver, Patrick Cowherd Facilities: 22,000 square foot cheer, dance and tumbling center Aspirations: To grow the sport and increase the awareness of childhood obesity Gym Philosophy: Every cheerleader and dancer has something to offer and no child is ever turned away from chasing after a dream Websites: www.hollywoodcheer.com or www.goldstarathletics.com Contact: (317) 849-GOLD or email JUSTCHEER4ME@aol.com help the child set realistic goals and reach their full potential by overcoming the obstacle of obesity. Also an exchange of information with the pediatrician can determine if additional tests need to be run to correspond with the proposed plan of treatment. Using weight training to work problem areas will increase support of the muscle, and can assist in building flexibility in a safe manner. Combine all of the above with the recommendations of an in-house family counselor and the elements for a successful network are in place. Family counselors will assess how the child is affected by family dynamics and visit the home to determine how it is structured to deal with obesity concerns. These advisors also break down the barriers of any selfesteem issues and help people to feel better about themselves preparing them to undergo the spirit of change.
sons, including environmental and genetic factors. However, it’s important to realize that weight gain, whether leading to mild or severe clinical obesity typically occurs only when a person consumes more calories than they expend. A large calorie surplus is typically needed to cause obesity due to the mismatch of energy intake and energy needs resulting in the net accumulation of excess energy stores in the body (fat).
Understanding Childhood Obesity—Obesity Causes
• Lifestyle Choices
Obesity in children and teens can occur as a result of different combinations of rea-
• Genetic Factors Endocrine problems, genetic syndromes and medications can be associated with excessive weight gain. However these are all controllable and are not an acceptable excuse for obesity. Overweight children are at risk for serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol once considered adult diseases.
Lifestyle choices become the key to combating obesity. The “We Can” program established by the National Heart Blood
Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H safe ty is s u e 2009
BusinessBuilders
and Lung Institute combines three important behaviors: improved food choices, increased physical activity and reduced TV and computer screen time. Exercise benefits every part of the body including the mind. It produces a sense of accomplishment decreasing depression and low self esteem. Aerobic exercise, strength training and flexibility training are the components to a well balanced exercise routine.
• Eat Healthy – Be Healthy Today’s busy families have less time to prepare healthy meals and rely on fast food or opt for prepackaged meals that are high in fat and preservatives. Changing the way you and your family eat help begin a healthier way of life and increase quality time together. A protein like chicken paired with steamed vegetables using the proper portion control can serve to fuel the body for optimum physical activity. Over-watering (drinking a gallon a day) has been linked to an increase in metabolism and can burn an additional 150 to 200 calories a day. Other ways to increase metabolism and
w w w. c h e e r c oa c h magazi ne. c o m
burn calories are talking, sweating and singing. For children who are inactive, overeating or eating the wrong thing can lead to fat stored for an energy source that is never used.
How Goldstar Athletics, LLC Plans to Achieve Results Coach Patrick Cowherd will focus the next year with his team of experts building a program where children who struggle with obesity can be surrounded by others dealing with the same issues, building a supportive network and team bond. By removing the participant from an inactive lifestyle and replacing it with an enjoyable activity, they hope to build consistency and strength in a three element approach. Using the Level 1 USASF format to use the trio of consistent training, muscle flexibility, and endurance will impact the muscles. Repetition and consistent attendance will be critical to success. Fit for Kids emphasizes that obesity can be resolved through awareness, mental preparation and proper exercise. All pull together to create a stronger, more successful result.
“All Stars in Training” hopes to promote cheerleading with a mentor style approach. Embracing the role of transcending the sport, they will strive to rid cheerleading of the stereotypes that rob our culture and keep us from seeing cheerleading as a sport for everyone. The Skill Level 1 program will utilize a series of beginner skills including cartwheels, rounds offs, and correct tumbling positions that will promote cheer without injury. The participants are not limited to Level 1 once the skill set is attained. With the improved lifestyle and active muscle fiber come bonus side effects such as stimulation that increases new nerve growth and promotes brain activity. Interaction with the family physician, fitness trainer, cheerleading/dance coach, family counselor, nutritionist and cheering within a social network will all stand as the example of the positive results that can be produced with the power of teamwork in fighting obesity in young adults. Watch for part 2 of All Star Training in an upcoming issue of Cheer Coach & Advisor magazine. H
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Coaches’
Conferences, Conventions & Trade Shows
event
date
location
information
n Cheer Expo
March 27-29
Halifax, NS, Canada
www.cheerexpo.com
n Missouri Cheerleading Coaches Association
March 27-29
Lake of the Ozarks, MO
www.missouricheercoaches.org
n FCC National Cheer Coaches Conference
March 27-29
Atlanta, GA
www.cheerfcc.org
n Iowa Cheerleading Coaches Association Conference
April 3-4
Iowa
www.iowacheercoaches.org
n Varsity Brands Coaches’ Conference
April 17-18
Costa Mesa, CA
www.varsity.com
n USASF Coaches Conference
April 27-28
Orlando, FL
www.usasf.net
n PacWest
May 8-9
Vancouver, WA
www.pacwestspiritgroup.com
n NCA/NDA National Coaches and Directors Conference
May 15-17
Dallas, TX
www.nationalspirit.com
n Golden State Spirit Association Coaches Conference
May 15-16
Manhattan Beach, CA
www.gssaonline.com
n National Cheer Conference Cheer LTD CheerCon
May 14-17
Methodist College, Fayetteville, NC www.cheerltd.com
n Oregon Cheerleading Coaches Association Coaches Conference May 15-17
Salem, OR
www.occa.net
n Texas Cheer Coaches Conference
May 30-31
Austin, TX
www.texascheerleadermagazine.com
n UPA National Coach and Team Conference
June 19-21
Minneapolis, MN
www.upainc.net
n National Spirit Expo & Coaches Conference
June 26-29
Westerville, OH
www.americheer.com
n The Midwest’s PREMIER Cheer & Dance Coaches Conference
June 27-28
Canton, OH
www.allstarcheerleadinginc.com
n JAM U Conference
June 26-27
Louisville, KY
www.jamu.com
n Minnesota Cheerleading Coaches Association
August 7-8
Mankato, MN
www.mccacheer.com
n United Cheer Expo
September 18-19 Baltimore, MD
www.unitedcheerexpose.com
n SPLITZ! Cheer & Dance Coaches Conference
September 26
www.splitzCheerAndDance.com
Temecula, CA
n See ad in this issue 28
Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H safe ty is s u e 2009
Get the latest cheer news NOW!
Visit us today at
www.cheercoachmagazine.com
Get ready to be a star! Wild Adventures Georgia March 21, 2009 Valdosta, GA
Six Flags Fiesta Texas March 29, 2009 San Antonio, TX
Frontier City April 11, 2009 Oklahoma City, OK
Six Flags St. Louis April 18, 2009 Eureka, MO
Silver Dollar City Showdown Celebration City April 25, 2009 Branson, MO
For more information: 1-866-896-POMS 1-618-530-7948 MCDA_Kim@yahoo.com For more event details please visit our website‌
www.midwestcheeranddance.com w w w. c h e e r c oa c h magazi ne. c o m
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mARCH - MAY 2009 march 2009
Cheer Ltd. Nationals at CANAM
GSSA 1 Spirit Nationals USASF Worlds Bids
Battle at the Capitol Rec and School Nationals
Myrtle Beach, SC March 20-22, 2009 800-477-8868 www.cheerltd.com
San Jose, CA March 21-22, 2009 800-840-GSSA
InterNational Cheerleading and Dance Championships
Competition Calendar
Walt Disney World Lake Buena Vista, FL March 20-22, 2009 800-966-JUMP www.americheer.com
30
All Star Challenge Clash of the Titans
Cheer Ltd. College Open
Jacksonville, FL March 21-22, 2009 877-997-9599 www.allstarchallenge.com
Myrtle Beach, SC March 21, 2009 800-477-8868 www.cheerltd.com
CSG Grand Nationals All-American National Championships Orlando, FL March 21-22, 2009 888-716-2287 www.spiritcheer.com
Orlando, FL March 21-22, 2009 630-596-5191 www.championspiritgroup.com
The St Patrick’s Day Open Nationals Kettering, OH March 21, 2009 866-GOT-2-WIN
Twist and Shout Challenge Nashville, TN March 21, 2009 866-460-3167
The Beach Jam Biloxi, MS March 21, 2009 1-866-JAMFEST
Gem City Cheer & Dance Classic Erie, PA March 21-22, 2009 877-306-7301
2009 SSCA Super Nationals San Antonio, TX March 28-29, 2009 866-535-0879
Photo courtesy of JAMFEST
Fairfax, VA March 20-21, 2009 866-WIN-2232
Champion Cup Nationals Ohio Columbus, OH March 28-29, 2009
Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H SA FE TY ISS U E 2009
Competition Calendar The JAMfest Nationals Pittsburgh
The Tallahassee Diamond Championship
The JAMfest Nationals Las Vegas
Pittsburgh, PA March 28-29, 2009 1-866-JAMFEST
Tallahassee, FL March 28-29, 2009 904-318-0456
Las Vegas, NV March 28-29, 2009 1-866-JAMFEST
Six Flags Texas Cheer Fest
The JAMfest Nationals Hot Springs
CCE Spring Fling
Arlington, TX March 28, 2009 618-530-7948
Moai Madness
Empire Championship March 29, 2009 Rochester, NY 1-866-52-CHEER
The Return
Philadelphia, PA March 28, 2009 410-519-6383
Champion Cup Nationals Ohio Columbus, OH March 28-29, 2009
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March 29, 2009 Glassboro, NJ 1-866-52-CHEER
Hot Springs, AR March 28-29, 2009 1-866-JAMFEST
Dekalb, IL March 28, 2009 877-85-Cheer www.CCEcheer.com
APRIL 2009
ENCORE Cheer and Dance Championship
CheerSport Grand Championship
Kilohana Cheer & Dance Challenge
Princess Anne, MD March 28, 2009 443-359-5183
Jacksonville, FL March 29, 2009 888-READY-OK
Waikiki, HI April 2-6, 2009 888-546-0020
Ohio Challenge
Spirit Athletics Spring Classic (Jar Arena)
Heartland Nationals
Mar 28, 2009 Youngstown, OH 1-866-52-CHEER
March 29, 2009 Akron, OH 330-278-3111
Indianapolis, IN April 3-4, 2009 800-966-JUMP www.americheer.com
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Competition Calendar Aloha International Spirit Championships
The JAMfest Nationals Atlantic City
COA Ultimate National Championship
Oahu, Hawaii April 3-9, 2009 800-840-4772
Atlantic City, NJ April 4-5, 2009 1-866-JAMFEST
Orlando, FL April 9-12, 2009 800-252-4337
AmeriCheer Great Lakes Open Nationals
Cheer Challenge
Frontier City Cheer Fest
Columbus, OH April, 4-5, 2009 888-716-2287 www.spiritcheer.com
CheerSport Grand Championship
Champion Cup Nationals North Carolina
Fort Lauderdale, FL April 4, 2009 888-Ready-OK
Greensboro, NC April 4-5, 2009 1-800-732-2309
Big South Mini Madness
CheerNationals
Atlanta, GA April 4, 2009 888-716-2287 www.spiritcheer.com
New Orleans, LA April 4-5, 2009 877-306-7301
LIVE! Birmingham
The Jacksonville Championship
Birmingham, AL April 4, 2009 1-877-531-LIVE
Jacksonville, FL April 4-5, 2009 904-318-0456
Open Nationals Kalahari Indoor
All Star Nationals
Sandusky, OH April 4, 2009 866-305-5867
Spirit Athletics Ultimate Championship (Trent Arena)
Sevierville, TN April 4, 2009 888-Ready-OK
April 5, 2009 Kettering, OH 330-278-3111
Twist and Shout Challenge
CheerSport Grand Championship
Williamsburg, VA April 4-5, 2009 866-460-3167
Fort Lauderdale, FL April 5, 2009 888-Ready-OK
The JAMfest Nationals Long Beach
Best of the Midwest
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Six Flags America Park Beach Challenge All Star and Dance Teams April 18, 2009 Baltimore/Washington DC, MD 877-322-2310 www.acdaspirit.com
April 4-5, 2009 York, PA 1-866-52-CHEER
CheerSport Grand Championship
Long Beach, CA April 4-5, 2009 1-866-JAMFEST
Oklahoma City, OK April 11, 2009 618-530-7948
Apr 18, 2009 Chattanooga, TN 1-866-52-CHEER
Akron, OH April 5, 2009 330-482-5999
Photo courtesy of COA Cheer & Dance
Chicago, IL April 4, 2009 800-966-JUMP www.americheer.com
Raccoon Challenge
Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H SA FE TY ISS U E 2009
Competition Calendar Photo courtesy of ICE ATHLETICS
The JAMfest Nationals Tampa Tampa, FL April 18-19, 2009 1-866-JAMFEST
Big Bell Championships Philadelphia, PA April 18, 2009 888-716-2287
CCE Michigan Madness Birch Run, MI April 18, 2009 877-85-Cheer www.CCEcheer.com
All Star Challenge Return to Atlantis Baltimore, MD April 18-19, 2009 877-997-9599 www.allstarchallenge.com
Three Rivers Cheer & Dance Classic Pittsburgh, PA April 18-19, 2009 866-559-6725
The JAMfest Nationals Springfield
Minuteman Mass Championships
2009 SSCA Super Nationals
Worcester, MA April 19, 2009 888-716-2287
South Padre Island, TX April 25-26, 2009 866-535-0879
Beast of the East
CCE Indy Cheer 500
April 19, 2009 Wildwood, NJ 1-866-52-CHEER
Indianapolis, IN April, 25, 2009 877-85-Cheer www.CCEcheer.com
Six Flags America Park Beach Challenge Rec, School, & College Cheer & Dance Teams April 19, 2009 Baltimore/Washington DC, MD 877-322-2310 www.acdaspirit.com
Titan Championship
Springfield, VA April 18-19, 2009 1-866-JAMFEST
Cheer Fest 1 Six Flags St. Louis Eureka, MO April 18, 2009 866-896-poms
The JAMfest Nationals Richmond Richmond, VA April 18-19, 2009 1-866-JAMFEST
COA Niagara Falls National Hamburg, NY April 19, 2009 800-252-4337
April 25, 2009 Baltimore, MD State: MD 1-866-52-CHEER
Celebration City Showdown Branson, MO April 25, 2009 866-896-POMS
Busch Gardens Cheer & Dance Busch Gardens, Williamsburg, VA April 25-26, 2009 866-WIN-2232
Coastal Sandstorm Open Nationals
Six Flags New England Beach Challenge All Star and Dance Teams
Salisbury, MD April 26, 2009 866-WIN-2232
April 25, 2009 Springfield, MA 877-322-2310 www.acdaspirit.com
Spring Festival
USASF and IASF Worlds
Six Flags New England Beach Challenge Rec, School, & College Cheer & Dance Teams
April 25-26 Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando, FL www.usasf.net
w w w. c h e e r c oa c h magazi ne. c o m
April 26, 2009 Asbury Park, NJ 1-866-52-CHEER
April 26, 2009 Springfield, MA 877-322-2310 www.acdaspirit.com
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Competition Calendar US Finals East May 1-3, 2009 Virginia Beach, VA www.theusfinals.com
2009 SSCA Super Nationals May 1-3, 2009 San Antonio, TX 866-535-0879
The Grand Finale Cheer & Dance Championship Charleston, SC May 2, 2009 877-306-7301
USDC–The Grand Finale May 2, 2009 Charleston, SC 877-306-7301
Photo courtesy of COA Cheer & Dance
May 2009
Maximum Competitions Beach Bash Open Nationals May 2, 2009 Myrtle Beach, SC 919-274-4015
International Bahamas Bash May 2, 2009 Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas 1-877-8CHEER8
Cheerfest’s Summer Blast
P P
May 30, 2009 Conway, SC 877-71-CHEER
buyer’s product
showcase
Cheer and Chomp Poms & candy together for one great fundraising idea. Ranked #1 for New & Innovative Fundraising Products. www.cheerandchomp.com 1-877-857-1521
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POWERBows™designs custom hair accessories from basic hair bows, ribbons, pig tails, to Competition Bows. All hair accessories are guaranteed not to fall apart under normal wear. We offer the largest variety in hair bows, ribbons, and competition bows. All of our designs will match your uniforms for a great finishing touch. There are no guessing games here. We design great looks for Pop Warner, youth associations, all stars, schools, and competition squads. Our hair bows are hand made with the best quality in ribbon and materials that can be found. We do not believe you will find better quality hair accessory anywhere. Mention this ad for 20% off your order. www.powerbows.com 1-866-412-2697
Ch eer Coach & Advi sor H SA FE TY ISS U E 2009
Be part of the picture!
summer camps 2009
where tradition is born. friendships are forged. memories are made.
Operation: American Spirit! Coming 9.9.09 Find out more this summer at camp! 1.888.CHEERUCA • uca.varsity.com
Where America Cheers!