One of the greatest things an athletic director/administrator can do for the cheerleading program at their school is to offer positive assistance. If your coach is new or young, guide him/her just as you would any other coach.
Meet with the cheer coach before the season starts to go over the items you would like them to do to make both of your jobs easier. Review details like the chain of command, academic policies, the school’s Good Conduct Policy, eligibility rules, the athlete’s school attendance eligibility rules, school transportation to games, etc. Give the cheer coach your expectations. Decide how you will work together to increase crowd involvement, improve sportsmanship, and maintain crowd control to promote a positive atmosphere at your school. Cheer coaches should be included with other athletic coaches at all coaches’ meetings.
Ask the cheer coach for his/her written rules. (This would be a great time to talk about hair, jewelry, and nails and what will happen if there is a reported violation.) Read through the rules and discuss (if necessary) so you are in agreement and/or changes can be made. Ask the coach for his/her practice schedule/practice times and practice locations.
Ask the coach when his/her parent meeting is to be held, and, if possible, attend. Ask the cheer coach to introduce you so parents see that you are there. When everyone (cheerleaders, parents, athletic director, and coaches) hears the same information at the same time, it makes it easier on everyone if there is a question later.
Approve all cheer uniforms and accessories before they are ordered. Be sure the Uniform Requirements and Recommendations are being followed.
It’s important for students involved in extra-curricular activities to feel they’re supported by their administration. The ICCA realizes you are probably a very busy person, but if you can, stop in at a practice or two and give them some positive feedback. This will let the cheerleaders and the coaches see the program is important and that you’re supportive of them.