Cheerleaders: How To Be A Good Role Model

As a cheerleader, you are a representative of your squad as well as your school and community. You are looked upon by many people and even emulated by some. It is important that you are a good leader. Leadership is not just about being a team captain but rather it is a set of qualities that one has that set a good example to others. You and your team members must closely monitor your actions as they reflect not only on yourselves as individuals and the team but also on your school. It is important to always strive to be your best and be a great role model. Here is a list of the most important traits of a role model and how to attain them.



Be a team player
To be a good team player you have to put the needs of the team ahead of your own. Be supportive of your team members and do everything you can to encourage their success over your own.

Be dependable
Being dependable is an extremely important quality. When you say you will do something, do it. Be punctual. People will be relying on you and it is important to follow through on all your commitments.

Have an optimistic attitude
Always keep a positive attitude even when times are tough. Smiles are catchy and sometimes that is all it one needs to brighten someone else’s day. Always hope for the best but be gracious if disappointment comes your way.

Persistence
Persistence is important for success. No matter what you do, there will be obstacles. Do not let roadblocks stop you. Stay focused and never give up.

Have courage
Be confident in who you are and in your abilities. You worked hard to get where you are and faced many challenges. Have the courage to brave any challenges because you know that you will give it your best. Believe in yourself and your team.

Be generous
Be generous with your time and your talents. Spend time doing things for others in your community. Volunteer with local organizations. Your efforts will not only be rewarded personally but will be appreciated by those around you.

Be respectful
Mind your manners and practice proper etiquette. Treat everyone you encounter with respect. Set an example of how to be kind to others and how to handle yourself with grace.

Remember, as a cheerleader you are in the public eye. It is important to represent your school and community to the best of your ability.

Cheerleading Accessories - It's All About The Bows!

Big Bows:

This weekend was an exciting time in downtown Detroit. Cobo Hall hosted JamFest 2008 and CZ was there to get the latest in hair trends teams had to offer. To our surprise the hair styles were all similar but it was all about the bow that made each team unique. Shocking colors, crazy patterns, sequin, glitter and some really cool placements. Here are a few of the team looks we liked the best:

Cheer Curls Hairpieces:

When your team looks uniform with matching hairstyles it gives them that extra feeling of unity when they take center stage. There are many great places online to find cheer curls hairpieces! With this hairpiece it is easier for all of the girls, regardless of hair color, length, or type, to all match effortlessly and without any permanent changes.

High Ponytails All Around:

The ponytail hairstyle has been around for quite a long time. Ponytails are friendly to all hair textures, curly and wavy ponytails being as chic as smooth and straight. A ponytail does not require the styling time and effort of most hair dos, and is the easiest way for anyone to style. A trendy look at JamFest 2008 was a very high ponytail accented with hair bows properly placed in front. A little “in-your-face attitude” was shown when it came to hairstyles this season but from the stage they really did shine.

How To Do a Proper Ponytail:

Putting your hair up in the ponytail for a competition is easy, and takes only a few minutes. The mass of your hair is gathered into a single chunk. You choose how high or low to gather it and be sure your hair is damp for sleek results. Once you have collected your hair together, you then secure it with a covered elastic hair tie making sure not to have any breakage when taken out. Secure your flyaways with bobby pins that blend with your natural hair color. Using hairspray is optional depending on what type of hair you have, but a little extra hold never hurts, and this is also a great way to make glitter stick for a little extra sparkle. A ponytail can be placed anywhere on your head, one side or the other… high or low… be creative!!

Here is a helpful guide of bow placement options for your team.

If you think your team has a great competition look this season post a comment with links to your team pics.

Go to cheerzone.com and check out our great selection of hair bos and screamers!

Cheerleading Safety - Stay Safe While Cheerleading

Cheerleading has gone from an eye-candy sport for football players and sports jocks to an all out gymnastic type routine. Cheerleaders are now asked to perform highflying stunts that reach heights nearing twenty feet…sometimes more! With cheerleading injuries accounting for 55 to 65 percent of sports related injuries, safety is a concern for parents and spectators alike. Below are some tips you may find helpful when it comes to the safety of our cheerleaders:

1. Is our coach AACCA certified through the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators safety course and has our school conducted the appropriate background checks?

The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators is the largest not-for-profit educational organization for cheerleading coaches. AACCA operates as an independent organization since it’s founding by Varsity Spirit Corporation. AACCA certification features safety awareness training with a safety test administered at the end of the training session. The AACCA Safety Course is required for all NCAA cheerleading coaches, and by school districts and states around the country. It should be required for yours.

2. Does our coach adhere to accepted practice and performance guidelines?

AACCA practice guidelines require direct supervision by a coach with practices held in a location suitable for the activities of cheerleaders (i.e., use of appropriate mats, away from excessive noise and distractions, etc.) Most states require adherence to the skill restrictions put in place by the National Federation of High Schools. Your program should be following these rules and procedures, which include restrictions on skills such as basket toss flips and pyramids, which involve more than two persons high.


3. Does our coach ensure that performance skills are taught in the proper sequence using skills progression training, with an emphasis on training all squad members in proper spotting methods?

Skills progression training ensures that cheerleaders build upon mastered technique when learning more difficult and advanced stunts or tumbling, i.e. cartwheel to round-off to back-hand spring. Spotters are responsible for assisting or catching the top person in a stunt with a priority to protect the head, neck, and shoulders of the top person coming off of a stunt.

4. Does my child’s coach properly balance practice time between athletic training and spirit leadership instruction?

Cheerleading is an activity that builds self-confidence, leadership and communication skills and involves more than stunts and tumbling. Safety begins with leadership. Instilling these qualities in cheerleaders helps prevent accidents when all squad members hold safety as a priority. The stunts and tumbling involved in cheerleading should aid the cheerleader in generating excitement and participation by the fans. Performing difficult stunts only for the sake of athleticism should be avoided at games and reserved for competition venues with professional spotters and mats.

5. Does our squad have an emergency plan in place?

A comprehensive emergency plan is necessary to provide a quick and effective response to an emergency situation with specific duties assigned to all responders. A sample emergency plan can be found at http://www.aacca.org/content.aspx?item=Resources/EmergencyPlan.xml.