HS Head Cheer Coach (Football and Basketball)

HIGH SCHOOL HEAD CHEER COACH

Position Summary

The High School Head Cheer Coach is responsible for leading, developing, and overseeing the Saydel High School cheerleading program. The position includes responsibility for football cheerleading, winter basketball cheerleading, and the development and supervision of competitive cheerleading opportunities as appropriate. The Head Cheer Coach will provide leadership that promotes school spirit, teamwork, sportsmanship, personal growth, and a positive experience for all student-athletes.

The Head Cheer Coach will work collaboratively with the Activities Director, school administration, coaches, student-athletes, families, and other school personnel to ensure the cheerleading program operates in accordance with district policies, conference expectations, and applicable IHSAA/IGHSAU rules and regulations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Organization

• Provide overall leadership and direction for the high school cheerleading program.
• Develop and maintain a positive, inclusive, and supportive team culture.
• Establish program expectations related to attendance, conduct, effort, sportsmanship, academic responsibility, and commitment.
• Plan and organize the annual cheerleading program, including practices, performances, games, competitions, and other activities.
• Communicate effectively and consistently with student-athletes, families, school administration, coaches, and the Activities Department.
• Coordinate with the football and basketball coaching staffs to ensure cheerleading activities support and enhance athletic events.
• Recruit, organize, and provide direction to assistant coaches and/or other cheerleading staff as assigned.
• Develop and maintain appropriate team policies, procedures, schedules, and expectations.

Football Cheerleading

• Plan and lead cheerleading activities for the high school football season.
• Prepare student-athletes to perform safely and effectively at football games, pep rallies, and other school activities.
• Coordinate game-day responsibilities, including cheers, routines, sidelines, crowd engagement, and other performances.
• Work collaboratively with the football coaching staff and Activities Department regarding schedules, game responsibilities, and event expectations.

Basketball Cheerleading

• Plan and lead cheerleading activities for the winter basketball season.
• Prepare student-athletes to perform safely and effectively at basketball games, pep rallies, and other school activities.
• Coordinate game-day responsibilities, including cheers, routines, sidelines, crowd engagement, and other performances.
• Work collaboratively with the basketball coaching staff and Activities Department regarding schedules, game responsibilities, and event expectations.

Competitive Cheerleading

• Evaluate and determine, in consultation with the Activities Director, opportunities for the program to participate in competitive cheerleading.
• Develop and prepare student-athletes for competitive cheerleading opportunities when offered.
• Organize practices, routines, choreography, music, uniforms, and other requirements associated with competition.
• Ensure all competitive cheerleading activities comply with applicable IHSAA/IGHSAU rules and regulations.
• Promote skill development, safety, teamwork, and sportsmanship in all competitive activities.

Student-Athlete Development and Safety

• Teach and model appropriate cheerleading skills, techniques, teamwork, leadership, and sportsmanship.
• Prioritize the safety and well-being of all student-athletes.
• Follow appropriate safety protocols for stunting, tumbling, pyramids, jumps, and other cheerleading activities.
• Ensure student-athletes are properly prepared and supervised during practices, performances, games, and competitions.
• Monitor student-athlete participation and communicate concerns regarding injuries, safety, attendance, academic performance, or conduct.
• Support the academic and personal development of student-athletes.
• Maintain a positive and professional relationship with student-athletes and families.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate attendance and participation records.
• Complete required forms, registrations, eligibility requirements, and other administrative responsibilities in a timely manner.
• Follow all district, school, conference, IHSAA, and IGHSAU policies and procedures.
• Attend required coaches meetings, professional development, and other activities-related meetings.
• Coordinate the care, inventory, and appropriate use of uniforms, equipment, supplies, and other program resources.
• Assist with fundraising and other program activities as approved by the Activities Department.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Activities Director or school administration.

Qualifications

• Previous cheerleading coaching experience preferred.
• Cheerleading participation or coaching experience preferred.
• Knowledge of cheerleading techniques, safety procedures, and competition expectations.
• Ability to work effectively with high school student-athletes.
• Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with school staff, coaches, families, and community members.
• Ability to meet all district, IHSAA, IGHSAU, and other applicable coaching requirements.

Terms of Employment

• Position is subject to the terms and conditions established by the Saydel Community School District.
• Compensation is provided according to the district's current extracurricular salary schedule B.
• The position is subject to all applicable district policies and regulations.