GUIDING PRINCIPLES

ASPETUCK WILDCAT CHEER 

 Cheerleaders signify energy, leadership and team spirit.  They are conditioned and trained athletes physically and mentally prepared to participate in all aspects of cheerleading and to perform before an audience at all times.  They are leaders.  They are competitors.  They maintain a higher standard of behavior both on and off the mat/field. AWA Cheerleading focuses on the team aspect of cheerleading, and provides an athletic sport where youth can perform, compete, and as a result – learn and grow! 

 ROLE of the AWA Cheerleader:

1.  Lead cheers, entertain & raise the level of fan support for the football team.

2.  Participate and compete in the athletic sport of cheer competition which includes performing cheer motions and chants, dance movements, partner stunts and pyramids, and gymnastics.

3.  Represent AWA.  Be neat and clean, courteous and friendly to each other, opponents, fans, and coaches, and every person they meet.

 OBJECTIVE of AWA Cheerleading:

ü  Physical Development.  Learn about conditioning, good health habits & safety.

ü  Motor Development.  Improve control of physical movement so as to be more proficient, efficient, graceful and aesthetic.

ü  Social Development.  Learn to assess and then make personal adjustments, then group adjustments.  Learn to cooperate, to lead, and the value of interpersonal relationships.

ü  Character Development:  Learn emotional control to demonstrate the principles of fair play, sportsmanship, and team spirit.  Enhance the ability to respond to life’s unpredictable situations (frustration/conflict, anger, wins/losses)

ü  Personal Growth.  Increase self awareness, confidence & esteem.

ü  Time Management Life Skills.  Cheerleading must be balanced with other academic, family, and social commitments.  Academics come before cheer!

THE RIGHT STUFF: 

Cheerleading is physically and emotionally demanding as well as time consuming.  No matter the starting point, AWA Cheerleading hopes to teach and build:

1.  Conditioning.  Includes cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility.

Cardiovascular endurance and strength are required to perform dance, stunting and lifts, gymnastics, and strong cheer chants.  Proper flexibility is essential to optimal body function, absorbing stress and impact, and decreasing the risk of injury. 

2.  Technique:  Includes synchronization, rhythm, sharpness, motion execution, timing, spacing of formations, unison of jumps.  All are essential for an effective performance.

3.  Presentation:  Cheerleaders appear before a crowd or audience at all times and most project poise, confidence, enthusiasm and spirit, organization, creativity, leadership, and most of all—having FUN! 

From American Youth Cheer (AYC) Rules:

 “AYC is built on the premise that the same families who gather to watch the AYF Football players compete on a weekly basis, will also gather to watch the AYC Cheerleaders compete on a Local, Regional and National basis.

 To youth cheerleaders, competition is their “game.” While they greatly enjoy their supporting role at each local football game, they equally enjoy their primary role on the competition floor.  If the option of competition is missing from the cheerleading experience, the full benefit of the experience is lacking.  AYC is committed to creating a positive competitive environment where youth cheerleaders can showcase their skill, and learn how to win with grace and lose with honor.”  (Note: the minimum AYC age for competition is eight.)