How to Become a Youth Cheerleading Coach

Coaching a youth cheerleading team is an awarding experience because you are teaching a group of young boys and girls at the beginning of their training years. To take a course that certifies you to become a cheerleading coach, you need to be at least 18 years of age. You also will be required to become certified in CPR and First Aid. It is better to have experience in the sport prior to becoming a coach; this will assist you in the skills you need to teach the youth and the rules and policies that need to be followed for the sport.

Instructions

    • 1

      Find an American Association Cheerleading Coaches and Administration (AACCA) course near your home town. The AACCA has several course sites around the United States, as well as online classes. A course-finder is available on its online webpage, located under the courses tab. A map of the United States will appear on the screen, select the state you are in and a list of course sites will appear. Choose a site that is nearest you. If there are no course sites in your area, you will need to take the course on its online webpage. The link to the online course is located on the previous page, below the United States map. Click the link and follow the instructions.

    • 2

      Take the AACCA course. The course consists of a 3 hour book review, which includes the training and presentation of cheerleading and dance expertise. At the end of the course you are presented with a test that takes approximately 2 hours to complete; it is an open book test. The entire course will cost you $75.The test must be passes to become a certified youth cheerleading coach. Depending on your testing site, your certification is either mailed to you or distributed the same day the test is passed.

    • 3

      Find a youth cheerleading coaching job. After you receive your certification from AACCA, you can start looking for cheerleading coaching jobs. They are found at little league corporations, schools and youth centers in or near your place of residence. Some states allow you to work as a cheerleading coach without a certification, but even so it is preferable to employers that you are certified. When filling out applications or attending interviews, be sure to bring a copy of your certification to highlight your experiences. If you are hired, a criminal background check and drug test may be done for the safety of the youth.