A Cheerleader’s Challenge:

Promoting Spirit within the Diversity of a Crowd

Times have changed and within those times, the sport of cheerleading has come a long way. It has evolved into a competitive sport for serious athletes. However, one of the most challenging aspects of being cheerleader has always been and still remains promoting spirit within the school and community through the crowd at sporting games and school events.

A major misconception of the cheerleader is that their presence on the field/court/ice is to exclusively support the team. This, as you know, is only partially true. Another aspect of the cheerleader’s job is to both support and guide the crowd. This is no easy feat for the cheerleader. While the sports team consists of members of a three to four year age range with a common goal, the crowd is composed of anyone from the die-hard fan, to the shy student, from the parent, to the faculty member. The diversity of the crowd is enormous and the cheerleader must somehow create camaraderie between all these characters.

One way this can be accomplished is a throwback to the pep squads of the 1950s and 60s. These squads were created to support the cheerleaders in getting the crowd involved in the game or school events. Wherever the cheerleaders were, the pep squad was waiting, ready to give support when needed. For modern times, a cheerleading squad can easily create a “SuperFans” club or group to support their cause of spreading spirit. Individuals who wish to participate in the program sign up and pay a flat fee for an array of privileges. The “SuperFan” privileges could include a T-shirt, bus for transportation to the “away” games, discounted or free admission to home games, a designated area of stands with the best view of the game, discounted refreshments, and props, such as a pom, to physically show their spirit. (Don’t forget to get clearance for the program through your school district’s athletic director.)

This type of program not only creates camaraderie between the “SuperFans,” it also instills a sense of pride in the school and community among those not directly involved. Having an active crowd demonstrating positive energy is contagious, and it encourages the cheerleader to support and reinvigorates their cause, the promotion of spirit!

Mari O'Meara- Head Cheer Coach, Richfield High School