Reports to: Athletic Director

Job Objective: The Cheerleading Coach is responsible for organizing and executing the cheer program at Graham Local Schools (High and Middle Schools). He/she is responsible for coaching student athletes in competitive cheerleading techniques to prepare them for athletic games, events and competitions. He/she is to motivate student athletes to develop an appreciation of the sport.

Minimum Qualifications: 

• Successful completion of NFHS “Fundamentals of Coaching” and “First Aid, Health, & Safety for Coaches” courses, and Pupil Activity Permit (ODE) 
• Some experience as a competitive Cheerleading coach at the middle school or higher level.  
• Must possess effective coaching techniques and skills 
• Must possess a thorough knowledge of the rules, regulations, strategies, and techniques of the sport; experience in cheerleading dance, training skills, stunting technique, strong communication, and interpersonal abilities. 
• Self-motivation, creativity, and the ability to deliver constructive criticism. 
• Must possess the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with school administrators, parents, and students. 
• Must have the ability to stand for extended periods of time; exhibit manual dexterity to dial a telephone, see and read a computer screen and printed material with or without vision aids; hear and understand speech at normal levels, outdoors and on the telephone; speak in audible tones so that others may understand clearly; physical agility to lift up to 50 pounds; to bend, to stoop, to sit on the floor, to climb stairs, to walk and to reach overhead. 
• Willingness to learn and follow District policies and procedures. 
• Such alternatives as the Athletic Director and Building Principal may find appropriate and acceptable. 

PERFORMANCE RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Works with cheerleaders during practices, events, and competitions. 
• Holds organizational meetings for team prospects and encourages students to participate. 
• Assesses skills and assigns team positions; Assists in choosing team members. 
• Creates choreography and cheers; organizes practice sessions. 

• Monitors each cheerleader, recommends safe techniques, and supervises warm-ups. 
• Works with the A.D. in scheduling facilities for practices and competition. 
• Coaches and instructs cheerleaders, individually or in groups, regarding the rules, regulations, equipment, and techniques of the sport. 
• Observes cheerleaders during events and practice to determine the needs for individual or team improvement. 
• Establishes and maintains standards of pupil behavior and always provides proper supervision of students. 
• Works with Athletic Director to monitor the academic performance of team members to ensure that eligibility requirements are met. 
• Follow established procedures in the event of an injury. 
• Conferences with parents/guardians, as necessary, regarding the performance of their student. 
• Must understand current OHSAA regulations and rules, updates, and be willing to seek advice when necessary. 
• Follows state, regional, and district regulations governing the program. (OHSAA) 
• Model sports-like behavior and maintain appropriate conduct towards cheerleaders, officials, and spectators, fellow coaches, parents, and staff members. 
• Follows established procedures for supplies and uniforms. 
• Works with the Athletic Director to develop a policy for awards and submits a list of award winners at the end of the season via using the Final Form System. 
• Participates in special activities including but not limited to parent’s night, banquets, award nights, and pep assemblies. 
• Maintains eligibility forms, emergency data cards, insurance records, equipment inventory, and other related records in the Final Forms System. 
• Models’ nondiscriminatory practices in all activities. 
• Attends staff development meetings, clinics, and other professional activities to improve coaching performance. 
• Performs any other related duties as assigned by the Principal or Athletic Director or other appropriate administrators. 

CLEARANCES AND TESTING: (at expense of applicant) 

• Criminal Justice Fingerprint/Background Clearance 
• Approval of the BOE  

The Cheerleading Coach maintains a variable schedule and works the required hours to meet the duties and responsibilities of this position, which may include evening and weekend work. The Cheerleading coach will practice numerous times weekly. The coach should attend the full duration of all practices and attend all athletic games where the cheerleaders cheer. This position is for the Sideline Cheer squad that performs at all sporting events as well as the CBC competition.  This position is not to be considered “Comp Cheer” advisor.  Competition Cheer is a separate discipline and can be added in the future with approval of the Athletic Director and BOE.