I can’t believe summer is almost over and school is getting ready to start! By now most of you have had summer camps, ordered your uniforms and you are starting to get game ready and make those run through signs for football season to begin in just a few short weeks. It’s almost “game time.”
By now your squads are established and some teams still pick captains. As much as I love the concept of captains I am not sure it is always best to pick just one.When I think of the “captain” of a squad I think of a leader. Not necessarily someone in charge like a boss but someone who steps up to help others on the squad and wants the best for everyone on the squad. Unfortunately in todays world and generation people can become very selfish and self centered so it is hard for individuals, other than the coach, to look out for other team members beside themselves and their best friends. Leaders are very unique individuals and actually a coaches dream.
However, if you are one of the lucky ones to not only have one leader but multiple leaders then you are very blessed! Every squad needs a leader but I believe all upper classmen need to be leaders as well. They might not be a leader in every area but I think they each should be given a leadership role in a certain area. For example, some might be in charge of game day events but certain squad members are responsible for homecoming festivities, pep rallies, or half time performances. You might assign one or two to each squad of under classmen to make sure they are game ready and know the ropes so when they are ready to cheer varsity they can fill that role and know what to do.
I think it is very important for squad leaders or captains to make sure they are very tactful and do not come across as rude, arrogant or in charge. Just like the word “cheerleader” means to lead the crowd in cheers, chants and team spirit. If you are a leader of the squad or captain your role is to encourage, guide and be a role model for the others on the team. Respect goes a long way if it is earned. Leaders must respect those they are leading and be encouraging so they are respected. If that does not happen then all the hard work you have done over the summer will fall a part once you step on the sideline for the football game. You will have a divided team with zero respect for anyone. As a coach it will be difficult to control a divided team and become very frustrating for everyone. There can be a role for everyone on the team and everyone should have a role so they feel a part of a team not just going through the motions waiting to be told what to do.
Cheers,
Christy
Christy
I am very excited to be joining the Cheer FIT family and to be an Ambassador for this AMAZING program! Fitness and and cheerleading are my two passions! Although, these two passions of mine have evolved over time. I have been on many sides of the cheerleading industry! I was a cheerleader myself since junior high through college. Then I became a coach for more than ten years. After that I started selling cheerleading uniforms and then became a personal trainer, which, I like to refer to as a personal “coach” or “cheerleader”. However, my absolute favorite role, besides those two, is being a mom!!! I have a fourteen year old son who is very active in football, basketball and baseball and a four year daughter that is on a competitive cheerleading team. However, I have learned a lot over the years with my son but this new role as a “cheer mom” is not easy!!