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Ever wondered what cheer directors are thinking when it comes to communication and extra practices? How are cheer coaches and directors handling the news about the allegations happening in cheer right now?
Jason Larkins is the All Star Cheer Director of American Cheer in Bakersfield, California, and the host of the Let’s Talk Cheer Podcast.
Jason has some thoughts about communication between directors and parents, and last-minute cheer practices.
WHY IS IT SO DIFFICULT TO GET BOYS TO JOIN CHEER?
Jason got into cheer by accident (as so many of us do!) His cousin could tumble, and his mom said they should join a tumbling class. Jason’s cousin said, ‘I’ll go only if my cousin Jason comes with me!’ And the rest is history.
When I asked Jason why it’s so difficult to get boys to join cheer, he said he really thinks it’s stereotypes. Boys don’t have a good grasp on what cheer actually is.
WHAT DOES A DAY IN THE LIFE OF AN ALL STAR CHEER DIRECTOR LOOK LIKE?
Jason does a lot of administrative work. He runs his department like a business, so there are a lot of things like planning, scheduling, payroll, and more that he is in charge of. He says it’s more like an office job with a little bit of cheerleading on the side.
DEALING WITH THE NEWS AND FALLOUT IN THE CHEER INDUSTRY
From Jason’s view, it’s a crazy time in the industry. He hopes that more athletes are brave enough to step forward so that we can “purge the industry of this filth.” This has happened in many sports, and cheer unfortunately is no exception.
When Jason found out about the allegations, he did a Facebook live with the parents in his gym, and they talked about what the gym is doing to protect the athletes, and what parents can also be doing.
He also talked with his athletes about what to look for, and what boundaries to set in place. Jason empowered them to know that they have the right to be safe, and they have the right to speak up.
COMMUNICATION IN CHEER
Okay, so what about when a practice gets scheduled at the last minute by your athlete’s coach, or when you feel like you’re not getting the information you need?
Listen to the full interview for Jason’s thoughts!
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