Leading the Way to Success - How to be a Great Cheerleading Captain

Being nominated captain of the cheerleading team is a big honor. It means that your coaches, as well as members of your squad, believe that you have the skills and the leadership qualities to guide the team through practices, games, and competitions. Taking on the responsibility of team captain can be a little overwhelming; here are a few tips to help you lead your squad to success.

  • Be Present and Punctual: As the captain of your cheerleading team, it’s your responsibility to be at practices; games, competitions, and other cheer function on time if not early. As the leader of the team, you can’t expect other members of your squad to be on time and take schedules seriously if you show up a half hour late unprepared. It’s also absolutely necessary that you go to all cheer functions unless you are absolutely unable to attend.

  • Know the Cheers: It’s hard to expect the members of your team to take you seriously if you’re clueless when it comes to cheers. You need be know well versed in the chants and cheers that you’re going to be leading your team in. Before you reveal new cheers, moves, or routines, it may be a good idea to practice them a front of a mirror so you know your showing the squad exactly what you want. You can also ask your coach to watch or listen to you so she/he can offer any advice or spot any problems you may be having.

  • Take Control: You were given the title of captain because your coach believes you have what it takes to lead the other members of your squad. As the leader, it’s your responsibility to take control of the team and make sure everyone is on the same page. In order to be a good leader, you need to make sure the girls are paying attention during practices, games, and competitions. While it’s not necessary to be bossy, it is necessary to demand a certain level of respect. In the long run, your cheer mates will respect a strong captain who keeps them in line more than they would a buddy who lets them run wild. Taking control will help you take the team to victory.

  • Stay Positive: Not everyone will get the cheers or routines perfect the first time they do them. No one is perfect and that includes you. While it’s easy to become frustrated with members of your team who are taking a little longer to get the hang of something, you need to be positive and supportive. As the captain you are responsible for the team’s morale. Putting girls down, yelling, or being pessimistic is no way to boost your teams enthusiasm. If you spot a fellow cheerleader who may need some extra help, you should be the first one to offer your time and skill.

  • Be Well Dressed: As the captain you are serving as an example to the rest of the cheerleading squad. This means that you should be well dressed and well prepared at all times. During competitions, games, and other cheer events, you need to make sure you are dressed appropriately. This includes wearing your uniform the correct way, and keeping your hair and makeup neat and fresh at all times.

  • Create a Line of Communication: You are responsible for keeping a clear line of communication between the members or your squad, your coach, and any school officials, or members of the community you need to be in contact with. It’s important that you create an environment where the members of your team feel comfortable sharing any questions or concerns with you. Likewise, you need to act responsibly when conveying information to your coach, officials, or others who are important to the success of your team.


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    Source: www.isnare.com