Cheer Coaches: 6 Must-Do Tasks Before School Starts

As the school year approaches, cheer coaches are gearing up for more than just chants and cheers; they're setting the stage for an entire season of teamwork, growth, and spirit. The secret to a smooth and successful year? It all starts before the first practice.

Here are six must-do tasks every cheer coach should complete to start the season strong and stay ahead of the game.

1. Review & Refresh Your Program Goals

Before diving into the new season, take a moment to reflect on the past one. Don’t simply reuse last year’s goals your team has grown, and so should your vision.

Ask yourself:

• What worked well last season?
• Where did your team struggle with skills, behavior, culture?
• What does success look like this year?

Take time to write down three clear goals for your program and share them with assistant coaches and team captains. When everyone is aligned, your team becomes more focused and motivated.

2. Audit Your Equipment & Uniforms

Avoid last-minute panic by doing a full gear check well before the season kicks off.

Make sure you review:

• Poms
• Signs and megaphones
• Practice gear
• First aid kits
• Uniforms (Are they clean, complete, and fit properly?)

To stay organized, create a Google Sheet to track sizes, quantities, and any items that need to be repaired or replaced. Having this list at your fingertips will make reordering and inventory management a breeze.

3. Connect with School Staff

Strong relationships with school personnel can make a world of difference throughout your season.

Reach out and schedule brief meetings with:

• Athletic Director
• Facilities Manager
• School Nurse
• Other Coaches (especially those you share space with)

Be clear about your team’s needs for practice space, equipment access, and medical support, and be willing to offer support for other programs in return. These early connections build trust and open doors to collaboration all year long.

4. Update Your Paperwork System

Behind every great team is a coach who’s super organized. Now is the time to ensure all essential paperwork is up to date and easily accessible.

This includes:

• Emergency forms
• Athlete waivers
• Medical clearance forms
• Parent and guardian contact lists

Go digital with platforms like Google Drive, TeamSnap, or BAND. Not only will this keep things streamlined, but it also allows you to quickly share and update forms when needed.

5. Build Out a Content Calendar

Want to keep your team energized and your parents engaged? Start planning your team’s content strategy now. Yes, even cheer teams need one!

Build a calendar that includes:

• Social media posts
• Spirit weeks and themed practices
• Fundraisers
• Team bonding activities

Use free design tools like Canva to create graphics and flyers in advance. Pre-planning content now will save you time later and keep your team looking organized and spirited all year long.

6. Set a Pre-Season Team Meeting

Don’t wait until the first practice to lay the groundwork. A pre-season meeting allows you to set expectations, share goals, and start building team culture right away.

Topics to cover:

• Program vision and team rules
• Practice schedule and attendance policy
• Fundraising calendar and expectations
• Uniform and game day guidelines
• Athlete behavior, mindset, and accountability

Invite both parents and athletes so that everyone hears the same message and starts the season aligned and informed.

Final Thoughts

Pre-season prep is more than a to-do list; it's your chance to lead with intention, organization, and purpose. When you take time to plan ahead, you create a stronger foundation for your athletes and a more successful season for yourself.

Here’s to a year full of spirit, strength, and standout leadership. Let’s go, Coach!