As an experienced cheerleader, you are naturally setting an example to the rest of your team. Obviously, you’ve put in the physical dedication that is required for you to perform at competitions, however, there are other less obvious things to consider and areas that you can contribute towards.
Helping your coaches
Your coaches have shown faith in you and given you the chance to shine. They trust you to perform at your highest level and represent your team in the right way.
Always ask your coach if there is anything else that you can help them with as they will appreciate it.
Communicating with your coach is essential as you’ll acquire new knowledge from a different point of view. This is also a step in the right direction if you are considering becoming a coach yourself.
You can repay their belief in you with small actions that could be a massive help to your competitions, training and team in general. For example:
- Turn up early to help with preparing the session or equipment.
- Organise your teammates at competitions
- Help with younger groups
Helping your teammates
It’s important to build bonds between all of your teammates and coaches to create solid team chemistry. A team is only as strong as its weakest cheerleader, so anything you can do to help others will benefit the team and become evident at competitions.
Experienced members of the team are expected to lead by example and there are various ways that you can do this:
- Introduce new members to the team and integrate them into the programme
- If a teammate is struggling, offer advice and support to help them
- Help other athletes catch up with routine if they have missed a training session
Helping younger cheerleaders
Younger or less experienced cheerleaders will be looking up to you at training and competitions. You are a role model for these athletes so a few minutes of your time and some encouraging words could massively help with their development.
You have been there yourself and you know how difficult it can be when you are first starting out as a cheerleader, so try and look at things through their eyes. There are many ways that you can help by using some of the skills that you have gained in your time as an athlete:
- Teaching younger members to behave correctly
- Encourage others to perform and develop their skills
- Passing on information, advice and sharing your knowledge
How to represent your team
Experienced athletes are seen as the ultimate representation of a cheerleading programme. The reputation of your team depends on you as a cheerleader, so be aware of how you and other teammates conduct yourselves.
The world is a small place so remember to think about your actions and words as they are a direct reflection of your team. Being respectful to others is beneficial for the whole cheer community.
- Always talk about your team in a positive way and wear your team colours with pride
- Win or lose, your behaviour at competitions should always be humble and professional
- Encourage other teams and athletes and celebrate their success as well
Going the extra mile
Outside of competitions and training, there are other roles that you can fill within your team and there are various ways that you can go the extra mile for your team. Potential new members and their parents always want to speak to people with experience, so keep an open mind and offer as much insight as possible.
Many teams have other events and obligations throughout the year that could help raise the profile of your programme. These could range from promotional to charitable events but there is always something extra that you can do to help, either online or in-person:
- Fundraisers
- Open days and trials
- Promoting your team and sharing your team’s success stories
