Winter Cheerleading Head Coach

Job Goal

To instruct athletes in the fundamental skills, strategy and physical training necessary for them to realize a degree of individual and team success. At the same time, the coach must instruct and demonstrate behaviors that lead to socially acceptable character development, self‑discipline, self‑confidence, and pride of accomplishment in the student‑athletes. To upgrade his/her knowledge and skills through coaching clinics, observations, consultation, etc.

General Overview

The success of athletic programs has a strong influence on the community's image of the entire system. Public exposure is a considerable responsibility and community/parent pressure for winning performance is taxing, but must not override the objectives of good sportsmanship and good mental health. The position includes unusual aspects such as extended time, injury risk, and due‑process predicaments. In cases not specifically covered, the coach shall exercise common sense and good judgment.

Staff Responsibilities

• Establish the fundamental philosophy, skills and techniques to be taught by staff.
• Design conferences, clinics and staff meetings to ensure staff awareness of the overall program.
• Train and inform staff; encourage professional growth by promoting clinic attendance according to local policy.
• Delegate specific duties, supervise implementation, and at season's end analyze staff effectiveness and evaluate all assistants.
• Maintain discipline, address grievances, and work to increase morale and cooperation.
• Perform other duties assigned by the athletic director or principal.

Administrative Duties

• Assist the athletic director in scheduling, providing transportation, and meeting requirements for tournaments and special sport events.
• Prepare for scheduled sport events or practices and adhere to facility times.
• Coordinate the program with maintenance and school employees.
• Provide documentation to fulfill state and system requirements concerning physical examinations, parental consent, and eligibility.
• Ensure proper safeguards for maintenance and protection of assigned equipment sites.
• Advise the athletic director and recommend policy, method, or procedural changes.

Student Responsibilities

• Serve as a mentor to each athlete, promoting character traits of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship.
• Monitor student‑athlete grades and conduct.
• Provide assistance, guidance, and safeguards at practices, games, and while traveling.
• Teach training rules and any unique regulations of the sport.
• Initiate programs and policies concerning injuries, medical attention, and emergencies; complete paperwork on disabling athletic injuries within 24 hours.
• Direct student managers, assistants, and statisticians.
• Determine discipline, outline due‑process procedures, and communicate with parents when a student is dropped or becomes ineligible.
• Assist athletes in college or advanced‑educational selection.

Finance and Equipment

• Participate in budgeting with the athletic director, establishing requirements for the next season.
• Recommend equipment guidelines regarding type, style, color, or technical specifications.
• Operate within budget appropriations and be accountable for all equipment, collecting costs for lost or unreturned items.
• Arrange issuing, storing, and reconditioning of equipment; submit annual inventory and current records.
• Mark and identify all equipment before issuing or storing.
• Monitor equipment rooms and coaches' offices, authorizing access and issuance.
• Ensure athletes are only in authorized areas at appropriate times.
• Examine locker rooms before and after practices and games for cleanliness.
• Maintain cleanliness and maintenance of specific sport equipment; secure doors, lights, windows, and locks when custodians are not on duty.
• Instill respect for equipment and school property in each player.

Public Relations

• Organize parents, coaches, players, and guests for preseason meetings.
• Promote the sport within the school by recruiting athletes not already in another program.
• Promote the sport outside the school through news media, little‑league programs, or other feasible methods.
• Ensure quality, effectiveness, and validity of any oral or written release to local media.
• Maintain good public relations with news media, booster club, parents, officials, volunteers, and fans.
• Present information to news media concerning schedules, tournaments, and results.

Qualifications

• Certified Teacher and/or ASEP Certification.
• CPR/AED Certification.
• Ability to organize and supervise a total sports program.
• Previous successful coaching experience in the assigned sport (major sports).
• Substantial knowledge of the technical aspects of the sport and commitment to ongoing learning of new theories and procedures.
• Serve as an appropriate role model for student‑athletes through instructions and actions.

Reporting Structure

• Reports to: Athletic Director (who provides overall objectives and final evaluation in conjunction with the high school principal).
• Supervises: Staff of high school assistant coaches and middle school coaches, in coordination with the athletic director and respective principals.