Coaching is a rewarding career, but it comes with a lot of responsibility. The best coaches are the ones who take their role seriously and use it to positively impact their athletes with valuable life lessons. 

Here are some best practices to keep in mind as you either begin or continue your coaching career.

Good cheer coaches...

Do go to practice with a plan. Good practices don't happen by accident. Maximize productivity through preparation and planning.

Don't "just wing it" at practice. It's okay to adjust the plan if necessary, but have an agenda so your practices are successful.

Do keep a calendar and share it with your athletes and their parents.

Don't be unorganized. You're responsible for keeping your teams on schedule!

Do promote your gym on social media, and praise your students' successes. 

Don't use social media to vent about your job. Avoid posting anything controversial or too personal.

Do talk to kids privately and away from the team if there is a problem.

Don't address a private issue with one of your athletes in front of their teammates. This is embarrassing and not the best way to get your point across.

Do communicate with your athletes' parents regularly. Know their names, build a good relationship, and praise their kids when they do a good job. If an athlete is not progressing or if there is an issue, you can address that with their parents as well.

Don't let an issue turn into a serious situation before involving the parents. 

Do enter the gym with a positive attitude by leaving your problems at home.

Don't let your life outside the gym affect the way you treat your athletes. Their time at the gym is a highlight of their week, so make it a pleasant experience for them. 

Do write down your team's formations and eight counts, date them, and have a folder for all your notes.

Don't expect the athletes to remember everything. If you do, you'll end up wasting time redoing sections of their routines.

Do schedule appointments to discuss issues and concerns with parents.

Don't let someone corner you at a competition to discuss an issue. It isn't the time or place. Emotions and stress are already running high enough!

Do admit when you're wrong or if you've made a mistake. 

Don't pass off your mistake on someone else or blame others. People appreciate honesty!

Do place team members in positions they can succeed in.

Don't promise positions. They must be earned!

Do have a life outside of cheerleading and the gym. Be well-rounded, and find things that help you mentally decompress from the pressures of coaching.  

Don't eat, sleep and breathe cheerleading. You will get burned out.

Do live a healthy lifestyle. Set an example for your athletes by eating right, working out, getting ample sleep and being someone they can look up to. 

Don't promote an unhealthy lifestyle by drinking energy drinks, eating poorly or indulging in bad habits in front of the kids.

Do learn more about your students and their families to connect with them as people.

Don't be all work and no play. Give students a feeling of belonging and trust by demonstrating interest in their personal lives. 

Do have rules and maintain high expectations of your team members.

Don't sweat the small stuff. Most small problems can be solved easily if they are addressed in a timely, level-headed manner.

Do think outside the box with your routine choreography so it can be unique and memorable. 

Don't go to competition without submitting videos of your stunt sequences or anything questionable to ensure everything is legal.

Do look to other successful gyms for inspiration:

By: Vicki Dill