UCA HIGH SCHOOL COACHES TOOLBOX

coaches toolbox for nhscc and planning for nationals. checklists, next steps and more

SPRING

Welcome to tryout season! Spring is the perfect time to set your team’s foundation and plays a role in getting started on your road to nationals.

  • Host your team’s tryouts. Be sure to look at the UCA divisions to start getting an idea of what division you would be competing in at NHSCC.
  • If you have not already, be sure to register for UCA camp! Contact your State Director to get started.
  • Plan a team parent meeting. Include your goals for the team and potential costs such as UCA camp, UCA regionals, nationals and more. The more you can share on the front end, the better prepared your families will be throughout the year!
  • Start working on team technique and strength training to get ready for camp.

SUMMER

Depending on your team, you may or may not have already started planning for your national’s trip. Be sure to double check these key items throughout the summer and into early fall.

  • Attend your UCA Summer Camp to be credentialed through the NFHS Squad Credentialing program.
  • Get approval from administration to attend a UCA regional and look ahead to the approval process to attend NHSCC.
    • The more work you can do prior to receiving your bid, the better!
  • Hold a parent meeting to discuss details including dates, fees, timelines, etc.
  • Solidify plans for travel based on your location.
    • Check out the Travel Tips & Discounts section on the NHSCC website!
  • Contact your Varsity Rep to order any new uniform/pom needs.
    • Order early to ensure you have enough turnaround time to receive before Nationals.
  • Start planning your team’s choreography if you have not already.
  • Order your program’s music.
    • Be sure to save your licensing or proof of purchase to bring with you to Orlando for registration.
  • In the later half of the Summer, register your team for UCA regionals. Regionals is where your team will compete in order to get your bid to NHSCC!

FALL

Welcome to competition season! The Fall is not only when UCA Regionals kick off, but also when NHSCC registration open. Once you have registered for the event, you can turn your focus to important details regarding the team and competition.

This will be the busiest time of your cheer season with games and preparing for nationals. The more organized you are, the better!

  • Compete at UCA Regionals to receive your bid to NHSCC.
  • Register your team for NHSCC! Registration will open in November, so keep an eye out for an email headed your way with this information. Remember that rooms are based on first availability, so the sooner you register the better!
  • Read the rules in full to have a clear understanding as these may be different than other events you have attended in the past. If you have questions, you can email ucarules@varsity.com for clarity.
  • Review all score sheets and scoring information on the UCA website. The more you understand what the judges are looking for, the more prepared you will feel as a coach.
  • Set team goals for Nationals. Having clear goals for the team can help them feel successful and understand the expectations you have for them.

WINTER

It’s go time for you and your team! All the preparations up to this point will help you feel knowledgeable and ready as a coach and will help lead your team to success. Be on the lookout for email communication regarding event specifics. These emails will come throughout December and January.

  • Pro Tip: Bookmark the NHSCC event page to have easy access to updated schedules, email communication, scoring information and more!

Here are some important details you can expect:

  • Block Schedule/Order of Competition
  • Hotel Confirmation
  • Ticket Information
  • Coaches Webinar

Check the UCA website regularly throughout this time of year as all information and email communication will be posted there for you to review. Remember that your UCA State Director is there for you as a resource!

  • Prepare itineraries for your team and your spectators. Providing detailed information about where to be at what times will help you feel less stressed once in Orlando.
  • Send out a packing list. Be sure to include reminders for any poms, hair accessories, extra shoes, etc. that they might need.
  • Complete all required event paperwork:
    • Athlete Medical Release Waivers (organized by first name)
    • Music Licensing (proof of purchase)
    • USA CHEER Membership for Cheer Coaches
      • Required for anyone that will be accessing the warmup room.
  • Join the Coaches BAND for NHSCC! This link will be provided for you in our coaches’ webinar. Joining this group will keep you up to date throughout the event and will make it easy to ask any questions.
  • Have the trip of a lifetime! While the main priority for your team is to compete, don’t forget to enjoy making memories as a team!
"'We love the genuine camaraderie, at this event, plus the lifetime experience of getting to compete at such a prestigious championship.'" Pedro Ramirez, Coach
"'Our athletes had an amazing experience at NHSCC! This event allowed us to take our program to the national level, which is a huge success for such a small school of ours.'" Jessica Jones, Coach
"'The entire weekend was a great learning experience for our team! We were so excited to be able to compete in the semi-finals of this event during our first time attending. We left with great lessons and are excited to be back next year!'" Jane Smith, Coach
"'We LOVED the experience for our athletes to be a part of a competition on the big stage! It was a great experience for us all and we also enjoyed getting to visit all of the Disney parks.'" April Castleman, Coach

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Divisions, Rules and Scoring

CLICK HERE to access the UCA Divisions, Rules and Scoring page.

Choreography

  • CLICK HERE for more information about UCA Choreography camps and clinics.
    • Contact your State Director to get started with scheduling!
  • CLICK HERE for more information about V!ROC Choreography.

Varsity Spirit Fashion

CLICK HERE to view the Varsity Spirit Fashion Catalog!

  • To get started with your order, reach out to your VSF Rep.

Fundraising

CLICK HERE to learn more about our Varsity Spirit Fundraising partners.