Congratulations, you’ve tried out and made the team. As your school’s most visible athlete you have a unique and noble role within your community and school. But before you put on the uniform make sure you understand the behavior that is expected by each cheerleader who wears one.

Appearance
• When you decided to cheer you signed on to be an ambassador to your school. It’s important to keep a clean, friendly, approachable appearance.
• Wearing proper, uniform practice and game attire impresses upon the fans that your team is organized, disciplined and can be counted on to represent the school well.
• Light make-up, no jewelry and no visible tattoos.

Pre-Game
• Cheerleaders should be at the game a half hour or hour prior to kick off. Everything that is going to be done during the game needs to be warmed up before the game.
• Arrive on time and in uniform or team warm-ups. If you’re supposed to show up in uniform, that includes shoes, socks, bows, etc. Not finishing your ponytail on the sideline and walking in with flip-flops.

National Anthem
• In proper lines, with hands on your waist, behind you back or right hand over your heart, cheerleaders set the example of how to properly stand for the National Anthem. Everyone does the exact same thing.
• Absolutely no talking, swaying, or gum chewing of any kind until the final note is sung.

Team/Player Introduction
• Whether tumbling out in front of the team, making signs to crash through or two lines to run in between, your job is to get the crowd on their feet for the team. The focus is on the team/players, not how well we can stunt or tumble.
• We cheer for our team during introductions not against the other team.

Hospitality
• Maintaining good manners is important, as the cheerleaders are the welcoming committee for the visiting school and their fans. They are the guests and cheerleaders are the hosts.
• Absolutely no “trash talking” of any kind.
• One suggestion is to take a cooler of water bottles over to the visiting team’s cheerleaders before the game. You can also send over your captains to invite them over for a light snack at halftime.

Scores and setbacks
• If you want the crowd to get involved, you must be involved. Appropriate cheer and stunting throughout the game. Leave the competition stunts on the competition floor.
• The crowd will notice if you smile and are genuinely happy to be there.
• Touchdown traditions are carried out after every score.
• As long as the team has to play, regardless of the score, cheerleaders happily encourage the team to the bitter end.
• If there is a bad call and the crowd begins to “boo” do not join them. Counter it; the best you can, with a traditional chant to change the crowd’s focus.
• Throughout the game, there should be minimal talking on the sidelines. People will notice if you’re interested in the game or more interested in talking to a friend.

Injured Player
• Take a knee, where you are, and stay quiet until the player (of either team) has left the field.
• For a prolonged injury, you may gather as a group. This is not a time to discuss future plans.
• Clap as the athlete walks off.

Know Your Role
• As your school’s most visible athletes, remember it’s not about you -it’s about building a sense of community and school spirit at your sporting events and within your school. Whether cheering at games, running a pep rally, organizing alumni functions, hosting visitors, or competing, etc. always conduct your self in a manner that brings enthusiasm to your school and unity to your community.

Heather Seely was a UCA instructor from 1990-1993. She cheered for two years at George Mason University and finished 2nd in the nation in Division 1 at the College Cheerleading National Championship. On behalf of UCA, she has judged Chile's and Japan's National Championships, administered coaches' training for over 200 Japanese coaches, was the Key Note speaker at the TSSAA coaches convention, authored the UCA seminar on "How to Build a Successful Cheer Program," and co-authored the book, Coaching Youth Cheerleading, that will hit book stores next month. She is going into her ninth year as the Varsity Cheer Coach at Briarcrest Christian High School in Memphis,TN. She resides in Collierville, Tennessee with her husband and four children.