Cheerleading-Coaching Certification

Cheerleading coaches at all levels---from elementary and middle school through high school and collegiate levels---can earn certification to better prepare themselves to lead the cheerleading squad. Certification programs educate coaches to minimize risks for their squads and follow important safety techniques, according to the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA). Many school districts require cheerleading coaches to earn certification, and there are many programs that offer this certification.

  1. Topics

    • Cheerleading-coaching-certification programs teach coaches about basic safety techniques for cheerleaders. The AACCA program reviews the organization's safety manual and topics like spotting, psychological and physical readiness, legal responsibilities and skill progressions, according to its website. The Spirit-U cheerleading-certification program covers topics like coaching philosophies, sport psychology and sport management.

    Program Structure

    • The structure of cheerleading-coaching-certification programs depends on the program the coach chooses. The AACCA offers both face-to-face and online programs, which consist of a three-hour lecture. Face-to-face lectures take place throughout the country. The National Youth Cheerleading Certification (NYCC) program is available for coaches to take online. Coaches can choose the option that is most convenient for them.

    Benefits

    • In addition to building a cheerleading coach's abilities by teaching her about basic cheerleading safety techniques, these certification programs also provide coaches with liability insurance. Coaches with an active AACCA certification earn $1 million of secondary liability insurance coverage. The NYCC certification program offers the same amount of insurance coverage for certified coaches. Although cheerleading safety is the primary focus of these certification programs, insurance protection is a secondary benefit.

    Exam

    • After completing the lecture or courses, cheerleading coaches take an exam to earn certification. The 100-question AACCA exam takes 90 minutes, and coaches must earn a grade of 70 percent to receive certification. Week six of the Spirit-U certification program concludes with a final exam as well.

    Cost

    • Cheerleading coaches must pay to earn this certification. Cost varies depending on the program they choose. For example, the AACCA program costs $75 as of June 2010, while the lengthier Spirit-U program costs $132.95 for the six-week course. Some school districts, like the Oregon Cheerleading Coaches Association, require cheerleading coaches to receive certification before they begin coaching. In these situations, cheerleading coaches can consider asking the school district to pay for this professional development.