Making Team Placements: A Guide for Cheer Coaches

Making cuts and team placements is one of the most challenging aspects of coaching cheerleading. To minimize backlash from parents and cheerleaders, it's crucial to approach the process with transparency, fairness, and clear communication.

Setting Clear Expectations

Before tryouts, clearly communicate the skills required for each team level, such as Varsity and Junior Varsity. This should include specific tumbling, stunting, and dance requirements. For example:

• Varsity: Standing back tuck, running layout, advanced stunting skills
• JV: Standing back handspring, running tuck, intermediate stunting skills

Emphasize Team Composition

Explain that a successful cheer team requires a balanced composition of different roles, just like any other sport. Stress that you can't have a team of only flyers or backspots, similar to how a football team can't consist of only quarterbacks or linebackers. This helps athletes and parents understand why some skilled individuals might not make a certain team if their position is already filled.

Transparent Evaluation Process

• Use a standardized scoring system for each skill category.
• Have multiple judges to ensure fairness.
• Consider videotaping tryouts for review and to address any disputes.

Making the Announcement

To maintain privacy and reduce emotional reactions, consider these methods for announcing team placements:

1. Assign tryout numbers to athletes and post results using these numbers instead of names.
2. Make personal phone calls to each athlete to discuss their placement.
3. Send individual emails with detailed feedback.

Handling Disappointment

Prepare for disappointed athletes and parents by:

• Offering specific feedback on areas for improvement
• Providing alternative options (e.g., sideline cheer, tumbling classes)
• Encouraging a positive attitude and continued hard work

Follow-up Communication

After announcements, be prepared to:

• Meet with parents and athletes who have concerns
• Explain your decision-making process
• Offer pathways for skill development and future opportunities

By implementing these strategies, you can create a more transparent and fair team placement process, reducing potential backlash and fostering a positive team environment.