Cheerleading Coach Training (S2.4)
- janie724
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 3 hours ago
Episode of September 23, 2024
The role of cheerleading coach has evolved significantly over the years. It's no longer just a title you get by saying "I want to coach." Today, the training is structured and serious, and a true passion must guide those who want to invest in this role.
🤔 Why train seriously to become a coach?
Being a coach isn't just about guiding athletes on the mat. It's a constant commitment. In addition to the hours spent in practice, there's an enormous responsibility: athlete safety is the number one priority. This requires rigorous training, technical knowledge, and, above all, a genuine desire to be fully involved.
In the past, you could become a coach quickly, sometimes after just one class. Today, this is no longer the case. Training programs are more numerous, more demanding, and, above all, supervised by the Cheerleading Federation. Each coach must be certified and follow specific standards.
Steps to becoming a certified trainer
Learn about and register for training: The starting point is to visit your Cheerleading Federation's website to discover the training offered. It's important to know where to register, which courses to take, and understand the process.
In addition to the federation's technical and theoretical training, you must also complete the NCCP (National Coach Certification Program) training. Certain modules are mandatory for Cheer Québec.
Follow the training levels: The training is divided into 7 levels, from level 1 to level 7, each corresponding to a degree of experience and responsibilities. You cannot skip levels; you must go through each stage, with theoretical and practical courses and exams. This takes time, generally several weekends;
Obtain First-Aid certification: A trainer must also have a current First-Aid certification. This must be renewed every two to three years to ensure the coach is prepared to respond in the event of an accident;
Specialize if desired: Once you have mastered the basics, you can specialize, for example, in choreography, gymnastics, or pyramid techniques (stunts). Some also become judges or specialize in rules. This usually happens after several years of experience.
💪 The commitment required to be a good coach
Coaching isn't limited to classes and exams. Being a coach also means being involved in athlete management, providing moral support, sometimes serving as an advisor, or even a "taxi" driver for practices and competitions. It's a very comprehensive role that requires patience, passion, and a great deal of dedication.
The best coaches are those who continue to learn throughout their careers, attend ongoing training courses, and know how to adapt their coaching style to the needs of their team.
🤩 Becoming a coach: a real job, a real passion
Today, cheerleading is recognized as a complete sport, and it's possible to pursue it as a full-time career. Some coaches work in clubs or schools. Salaries vary greatly depending on experience and certification level, but passion remains the driving force.
It's also important to note that you can start as an assistant coach, which is a great way to learn without necessarily taking over a team. Many choose this path and remain assistant coaches their entire careers, and this is just as valuable for the sport.
In summary
Becoming a coach requires real commitment and several certified training courses.
Safety and technical competence are at the heart of the training.
Passion is essential to support, motivate and guide athletes.
The role goes far beyond just coaching on the mat.
Continuing education and specialization allow us to progress and offer the best to our teams.
If you're a parent, athlete, or simply interested in cheerleading, know that coaches follow a rigorous process to provide safe and professional coaching. Encouraging those who want to become coaches supports the quality and growth of our sport.
Please feel free to share this article with anyone who wants to better understand what cheerleading coach training involves!
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