"Leading the crowd during the big game is a moment cheerleaders relish. Cheerleaders need to think like the crowd. They need to grasp and keep their audience's attention. They should be ready with a plan. Include lots of action and avoid dead time. " from 101 School Spirit Ideas, Coaches Choice
"101 School Spirit Ideas is a must have for any cheerleading program. You will find yourself amazed at the small things that make a big difference when promoting school spirit. The ideas are simple, yet very effective. The book will help you get everyone involved and have fun in the process."
Andrea Snyder, Athletic Coordinator,
Juanita High School, WA
When calling chants, be sure to repeat them at least 6 to 8 times so the crowd can recognize the chant and then join in.
Use chants that include clapping and stomping
Make some game day traditions like "push-ups for every point they team scores", having the mascot lead the team onto the field as he waves the school flag, or throwing a basket toss during the kick-off.
Spotlight different groups from the school and community at halftimes. The more inclusive you make the community the more they will want to participate.
Several companies will send you free spirit items. They will contact the businesses to sponsor the items and then send them to you at no charge.
Sports Promotion Network, www.spnproducts.com
End Zone Athletics, www.endzoneathletics.net
Pick a Fan of the Week. Take their picture and post their photos on a bulletin board. Make a special crown or hat for them to wear.
It's a new wave : Start a unique wave in the bleachers. Instead of the normal wave where fans rise slightly and raise their arms, encourage them to do the "twister". (Fans stand up completely, turn all the way around, and sit back down.)
Sea of Fans : Create a sea of color in the stands! Give the first person in each row a 19" roll of gossamer. As the roll is passed from person to person along the horizontal row, your school's dominance unfolds. (A 100 yard roll covers the length of a football field!) When the fans are covered, start a giant wave.
Give that special rival game a special name and make it a big event each year. Give it a name like "Chicken Match". Make special t-shirts for the student body to wear. For example (Burlington Edison - Air Chicken shirts)
Make your ownSpirit Can. Decorate s metal trash can in school colors. Place spirit items inside. Paint "NOISE" on the inside of the lid. Use this to encourage the crowd to get loud!
Organize those spirited fans that love to dress up. Use them to help make the stands go crazy with noise. Give them a special name like "Super Fans", "Rowdy Raiders", or Bleacher Creatures".
A great sample of sportsmanship: At the beginning of the game usually the football teams and cheerleaders line up on the field for the National Anthem. In WA, Black Hills and Chehalis High Schools' Cheerleaders line up together on the track alternating members.
Place abig poster in prominent area where kids can sign good luck messages to team for the "big game" . NancyEllen Elster Ballard HS, WA
Personal signs - For the big "playoff game" or state championship game, make up 8x11 signs and hand them out to the fans when they arrive at the game. Include the words to the most popular chants, picture of the team, words to the fight song and alma mater. On the flip side print the word, "BELIEVE" in big letters. - Cindy Pardee, Bellevue HS, WA
Give that 
