Coaching, Featured, Info, Safety, Tips

Legal Aspects Every Cheer Coach Should Know

Posted on September 18, 2023September 18, 2023 by Steve Pawlyk

18
Sep

By Steve Pawlyk

Published September 18, 2023

Being a cheer coach is not just about teaching stunts, choreographing routines, and winning competitions. It also involves navigating the complex landscape of legal responsibilities that come with the role. Understanding the legal aspects of cheer coaching can protect you, your athletes, and your cheer program from unnecessary complications. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the legal facets every cheer coach should be aware of, including liability, safety standards, and intellectual property rights concerning cheer music.

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Liability and Negligence

Duty of Care

As a cheer coach, you have a “duty of care” to ensure the well-being of your athletes. This means taking reasonable measures to prevent injuries and accidents. Failure to do so could result in a negligence claim against you or your cheerleading program.

Protecting Yourself

Here’s how to safeguard against liability:

Training: Ensure you have the necessary certifications, including First Aid and CPR.
Equipment: Regularly inspect and maintain all equipment.
Documentation: Keep detailed records of all practices, routines, and safety measures.

Insurance

Investing in liability insurance can offer an additional layer of protection. It may cover legal fees and damages should you face a lawsuit.

Safety Standards

Compliance

In the United States, the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) sets safety guidelines. Being well-versed in these standards is crucial.

Gym Safety

Ensure that the practice area is free of hazards.
Make sure athletes are wearing appropriate attire and safety gear.

Stunt Safety

Always spot athletes during stunts.
Do not attempt stunts that are beyond the skill level of your athletes.

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Parental Consent and Waivers

Before an athlete participates in any cheerleading activity, it’s essential to obtain written consent from their parents or guardians.

What Should a Waiver Include?

A clear explanation of the risks involved in cheerleading.
A clause stating that the parent/guardian understands these risks.

Emergency Contact Information

Always have up-to-date emergency contact information for each athlete.

Transportation Laws

Driver Qualifications

Ensure that anyone responsible for transporting athletes has a valid driver’s license and has passed a background check.

Vehicle Safety

Regularly inspect vehicles to ensure they meet safety standards.

Intellectual Property and Music Licensing

Copyright Laws

When using music for routines, be aware of copyright laws. Using copyrighted music without permission can result in legal repercussions.

Customized Cheer Music

One way to avoid copyright issues is by using customized cheer music from reputable sources like IPP Music.

Social Media and Privacy

Personal Information

Be cautious when sharing personal information of athletes on social media platforms.

Photos and Videos

Always obtain consent before posting images or videos of your athletes online.

Anti-Discrimination Laws

Equal Opportunity

Federal laws prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, religion, or disability. Make sure your cheer program is inclusive and complies with these laws.

Harassment and Bullying

Create a zero-tolerance policy for harassment and bullying and ensure it is strictly enforced.

Understanding the legal aspects of cheer coaching is essential for the smooth operation of your cheer program and the well-being of your athletes. By being proactive and educated in these areas, you can focus on what you love—coaching and inspiring your team to hit zero and win competitions.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes and is not legal advice. Always consult with a legal professional for advice on your specific situation.

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Cheer How-To Series, Extensions, Featured, Tips

Mastering Cheerleading Extensions: A Guide for Flyers with Troublesome Extensions

Posted on September 15, 2023September 15, 2023 by Steve Pawlyk

mastering-extensions-in-cheerleading-tutorial-tips

15
Sep

By Steve Pawlyk

Published September 15, 2023

If you’re a cheerleader struggling with extensions, especially as a flyer, you’re not alone. It’s an area that many flyers find challenging, but it’s crucial for nailing your routine and impressing the judges. Today we’re gonna go over how to improve your extensions, with specific reference to a Reddit post that highlights challenges such as balance issues and hypermobility. Let’s jump right in.

The Problem with Extensions

A Reddit user recently highlighted a common issue among flyers — difficulty in maintaining balance during two-leg extensions. Whether it’s wobbling, falling forward, or not being able to keep your feet together, these issues can throw off your entire routine.

The Role of Joint Hypermobility

If you, like the original poster, have excessive joint hypermobility, it’s essential to adapt your technique accordingly. This could mean avoiding locking your knees too tightly, as hyperextension can contribute to imbalance.

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Tips for Flyers Struggling with Extensions

Find the Sweet Spot: Balance is about weight distribution. Try to find that perfect balance between your heels and toes.
Engage Your Core: This is more than just “squeezing”. Your core muscles are essential for stability.
Alignment: Ensure that your hips are stacked over your knees and your knees over your ankles.
Feedback from Bases: Communication with your bases can offer vital feedback for improving your form.
Practice Low: Try practicing the extension at a lower height to build confidence and fine-tune your form.
Foot Position: Experiment with keeping your feet at hip-width versus together to see which offers better stability, gradually moving to the desired position.
Consult a Specialist: If hypermobility is a concern, consult a physiotherapist familiar with cheerleading injuries.

Takeaway for Coaches

Coaches, if you’re primarily experienced as a base, it may be beneficial to bring in an experienced flyer to provide specific tips to your team. The simple directive to “just squeeze” might not cut it for everyone.

Extensions are a vital part of any cheerleading routine, but they can pose challenges, especially for those new to flying or those with hypermobility. With the right techniques and a bit of focused practice, you can turn your troublesome extensions into a showcase skill. And remember, communication with your team and coach is vital for identifying problems and implementing solutions.

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Featured, Tips

Bring in more athletes to your gym

Posted on January 21, 2023January 21, 2023 by IPP Music

21
Jan

By Steve Pawlyk

Published January 21, 2023

As a cheerleading gym owner, it’s important to consistently attract new athletes and build strong, cohesive teams. But how can you do this effectively? Here are a few tips to help you sign up more athletes and build better teams:

Bring-In-More-Cheerleading-Athletes-to-your-Gym

Create a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere. When athletes visit your gym, they should feel like they’re part of a supportive, friendly community. Make sure your coaches and staff members are approachable and welcoming, and encourage your current athletes to be inclusive of new members.
Offer a variety of programs. By offering a range of programs, you can attract a diverse group of athletes and build teams at different skill levels. Consider offering tumbling classes, stunting clinics, and team training sessions to appeal to a wide range of athletes.
Utilize social media and other marketing channels. In today’s digital age, social media is a powerful tool for reaching out to potential athletes. Make sure to maintain an active presence on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, and consider investing in targeted advertising to reach more people.
Host open gyms and demo classes. Open gyms and demo classes are a great way for athletes to get a feel for your gym and try out different programs. Consider hosting these events on a regular basis to attract new athletes and showcase your gym’s offerings.
Don’t forget about cheer music! A crucial element of any cheer routine is the music. When it comes to purchasing cheer music, be sure to check out IPP Music. We offer a wide selection of high-quality cheer tracks at affordable prices.

With these tips in mind, you’ll be well on your way to signing up more athletes and building better teams at your cheerleading gym. And remember, always keep things lighthearted and fun – after all, cheerleading is all about having a good time!

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Events, Featured, News

The Majors 2023 Lineup

Posted on August 18, 2022August 19, 2022 by Annemarie Arthurs

18
Aug

By Annemarie Arthurs

Published August 18, 2022

Here we are…. the first look into the 2022-2023 season, and it’s all starting with MAJORS!!!

The invites have gone out, teams are getting ready, and the season is about to begin! The MAJORS 2023 is a one-day competition where some of the greatest level 6 teams in the world are invited to compete! This year, they are taking place at The Indiana Convention Center in Indianapolis, Indiana on January 20, 2023! MAJORS is a huge event that athletes, coaches, and gym owners from all around the world tune in to watch! That reminds me…make sure to get your Varsity TV subscription NOW!!

Let’s take a look at the lineup of teams that have been invited and are excited to attend this prestigious event!