Communication is Crucial!
By Lauren White (American Internet Cheerleading Magazine)

Two of the most important aspects of any team are the advisor and the captain. For a team to function to their fullest abilities, advisors and captains must operate as a unit...they must COMMUNICATE problems, situations, and anything else that has to do with the squad. Both parties should always be informed of all things going on with the team. Here are a few tips to get you there.

There must be constant honest and open communications between the team captain and the faculty advisor. This is not only the advisor’s responsibility but also the captain's. The best way to establish and maintain a line of communication is to set up weekly/monthly meetings just between the captain and advisor. It must be known that all dialogue exchanged during those meetings are confidential - neither party should discuss what is said with anyone else unless it is agreed upon by both the advisor and captain. During these meetings, the captain should inform the team advisor of any problems, potential problems, or anything else that is relevant. “Jenny was very upset after practice, Friday. There have been a number of arguments. I think we need some advice here!"

The captain should be able to confide in the advisor about all arguments, disagreements, or problems. The advisor should provide advice and offer assistance to the captain. The should be able to depend on each other and trust one another.

The captain must follow the advisor‘s wishes. If she says a dance is to promiscuous or a stunt is too difficult, LISTEN to her! She is doing her job! Never argue with the advisor, especially in front of the team. If there you disagree with the advisor’s opinion or choice, wait until after practice for a private moment. Don’t attack her “You don’t know what you’re talking about! Or BACK off!” These type of remarks won’t get you far and they won’t change her mind. You should explain your reasons for your opinion (calmly and rationaly) and listen to hers. Then make a decision together. If she holds her ground, she isn’t trying to make your life harder, there are reasons that she may not be able to share with you.

All teams experience arguments, cliques, and other problems. It is important for you work with your advisor work out on these issues. You should be able to confide in your advisor about all arguments, disagreements, or problems. That is what she is there for! You should be able to depend on each other and trust one another.

It is also important for you to know when to get the advisor involved and when to handle the situation on your own. Usually, commonsense will help in this area, however, sometimes it can be difficult. Each situation is different and you may feel more comfortable with the advisor handling some of the more difficult situations. Here’s an idea of when to bring in your advisor:

The advisor should step in immediately if:
* A team member is in immediate danger: this can mean several things, especially when dealing with young women! If it is believed that the person is suicidal, experiencing depression, eating disorder, or other conditions that may seek medical attention you should inform the advisor. If you want to be a true friend and a good captain, you will tell someone of your team member’s problem. These types of problems won’t go away on their own and they are potentially fatal.
* if the situation has gotten out of control to the point of extreme aggression and/or violence.
* if anyone on the team is being shunned or ganged up on by the other members. the situation has snowballed: sometimes, if we just leave things alone they will work themselves out, other times the situation will build and build and build until is has grown to mass proportions. Generally, if you feel overwhelmed or the situation isn’t improving, it’s time to let the advisor step in and take some action.
* you are unable to deal with the situation from a professional standpoint, you are personally involved or hold a strong opinion for one side or another, the advisor should step in as the neutral person.
* if the problem can directly affect the school, yourself, or the team as a whole. This could be a rivalry that has gone too far with another team’s cheerleaders or your cheerleaders are taking part in smoking or drugs.