How to Start a Cheer Squad

A cheer squad is charged with the responsibility of keeping both the crowd and athletes enthusiastic about the game. While a big part of many high schools and colleges, not all institutions have a group of cheerleaders present on campus. Interested individuals can take the steps required to start a cheer squad to support the various teams who are a part of their school.

Instructions

    • 1

      Speak with the athletic director of your school on the requirements needed to start a cheer squad program. The rules between institutions may vary, but most organizations are willing to provide assistance to students who are interested in starting a new program. Ask for a faculty representative who will act as a liaison between the students and the administration during the development of the cheer squad.

    • 2

      Organize an interest meeting to bring together individuals who want to join the team. Give the student body at least two weeks notice by advertising throughout the school in various ways such as flyers, ads in the newspapers and announcements through the PA system. During this meeting, take down contact information for every person who is interested in joining the team.

    • 3

      Create a budget for the team. Athletic departments must budget funds for each team, and the addition of a cheer leading squad requires funding. Pitch potential fundraising ideas such as a car wash or bake sale to raise money for the group. Be sure to include funding for uniforms and transportation to events.

    • 4

      Create routines for the cheer squad. Make sure you have general cheers that will fit every team the group is allowed to support along with cheers that are specific to certain groups such as the football team. Be sure to have the faculty representative approve of all the content in said cheers before presenting them to the administration or during a game.

    • 5

      Present the developed cheer team to the athletic department administration to gain final approval for the new group. If funding is available and the group is approved, the cheer squad will be allowed to attend and participate in school sanctioned functions.