Questions To Ask In Seeking A Qualified Cheerleading Program
Cheerleading is one of the fastest growing sports in the nation. Today is is more than just making the school squad. It is making the team. Along with the growth of All Star Cheer Programs and school programs comes the need for parents to be selective where their children train for the sport. Many "cheer gyms" have sprung up around the nation and all claim to have qualified teachers. But, what else should you know?
1. Ask about safety certifications. Does the cheer coach hold duo safety certifications in gymnastics/tumbling and cheerleading? If so, is it posted in the gym for all to see? A major certification to ask about AACA safety certification. This one is specifically to the sport of cheerleading.
2. Do the coaches also hold a current CPR and First Aide Certification? It does not matter as to if the certification is by American Heart or Red Cross, but that they do have it and it is current for the safety of all who are on site.
3. Does the facility offer inservice training for the coaches and or off site training for the coaches? Regular up dating on safety issues is a major concern in a sport that is changing so rapidly. Do the follow the national safety standards for teaching cheerleading?
4. Do they have an Emergency Action Plan in place if an incident does occur on site? Does everyone know what to do and are capable of following through?
5. Do they have the proper safety equipment to learn the sport of cheerleading? Do you see safety mats? A tumbling floor? Pit Mats? How often is the equipment safety checked? Daily? Weekly?Monthly? Yearly? Never?
6. Do they offer a program that tracks your child's advancement? Can they tell you what level that your child is now training at? How will they parent know when the child has changed levels?
7. What professional associations does the facility hold membership in? Membership in associations means on going training and updating through workshops, congress, publications etc.
Do not be afraid to ask questions about a program. It is a parent's right to inquire about their child's safety while training and the qualifications of the coaches. If you are not sure, or do not like what you hear, seek out another facility. Price may be an indicator that something is missing, so in seeking a facility for child to train in, the cheapest is probably not the best. Be selective.
Happy Cheering!
TUMBLE DANCE & CHEER PRODUCTIONS offers facility tours on Fridays. We invite you to take a look at our facility and visit with our staff in person. To make arrangements for a tour, please call our office at 580-256-3262. We offer a staff that trains on a regular basis and holds certifications in their specialty areas, a clean and well maintained facility and a passion for teaching movements in the correct kinetic order. TDC Productions is a member of USA Independant Gym Clubs, ODMA, PASS Ambassadors, Gym Certified and are AACCA Safety Trained.