2026 COACHES HANDBOOK:
THE SOUTH FAYETTE TOWNSHIP YOUTH CHEERLEADING ASSOCIATION |
COACHES/BUSINESS MANAGERS HANDBOOK |
2026 SEASON |
SECTION ONE: AN INTRODUCTION TO COACHING
Each year parents are asked to volunteer to be coaches or team managers for the South Fayette Township Youth Cheerleading Association. It is our hope that once the coaches and business managers are selected, they work together as a team to create an atmosphere at every practice, game and event that is fun, exciting, motivating and safe for all involved. A shadow is cast by each and every member of the coaching staff throughout the season. Be aware of your shadow and the impact of your words and actions. Be a team player, support one another, and bring positive energy to the field. Remember, we are all in this together to give the girls the best cheer experience possible. Your team extends beyond each individual squad. Utilize others, ask questions and learn from one another. We thank you for volunteering your time, energy and effort and truly appreciate your dedication to the association.
~The SFTYCA Board of Directors
SECTION TWO: SELECTION OF COACHES
Per the Bylaws, Coaches, Assistant Coaches and Team Managers are “to be selected by the Board of Directors”. Each applicant brings to the Board of Directors a unique set of qualities and characteristics and it is our job as a board to determine how well those characteristics fit into the philosophy of the SFTYCA.
The association has ten voting board members this season. Each voting member brings to the table their own set of standards they feel an excellent coach should possess. How those nine members rank these standards in order of importance is the very reason why we have a voting board.
The number of coaches needed for each squad will vary from year to year, determined by the number of cheerleaders participating each season. Decisions will be made on a case by case basis.
Characteristics of a Good Coach:
Someone who:
Understands how to communicate with players in a way that gets results.
Leads by example and is a good role model.
Enjoys working with children.
Is patient and tolerant with the cheerleaders.
Observes the team, communicates with the members and is available.
Keeps a positive attitude and does not criticize.
Remains humble and continually tries to serve the TEAM.
Is a motivator.
Is a good listener.
Is a positive influence.
Is able to interact with parents, other coaches, etc. in a positive and professional manner.
Follows the By-Laws & Standards, especially, but not limited to, enforcing the Attendance Policy.
Listens to what others have to say and works as a team player with the rest of the coaching staff.
Is able to fulfill the time requirement of a coach i.e. attend practices, games, etc. and has a willingness to learn the cheers and halftime routine.
Is able to obtain clearances and safety education requirements and submit them on time.
Possible Issues that would prohibit an applicant from consideration as a Coach
Is unable to obtain proper clearances.
Has a history of poor attendance at required events (practices, games, etc.).
Has a history of complaints from parents, other coaches, referees and/or board members.
Has not followed the By-Laws and/or Standards of Participation in past seasons.
Is not considered “a member in good standing” according to the bylaws (see below)
Article III - Section 3: “A member in good standing shall be a parent and/or guardian of a SFTYCA cheerleader for the current calendar year that has met the following conditions: (1) all applicable membership fees, fundraising obligations, concession stand obligations, and 50/50 obligations are current and fulfilled; (2) is in compliance with Article XI (PARENT MEMBERSHIP) of these SFTYCA BY-LAWS; (3) must not have at any time detrimentally altered or destroyed the property of the SFTYCA; (4) all fundraising requirements has been fulfilled (current and prior years) (5) has not been determined to have violated these within By-laws, including coach requirements and the standards of participation.”
SECTION THREE: PURPOSE of the SFTYCA
Section 1: The purpose of the SFTYCA shall be to provide cheerleading to resident youth of the South Fayette Township, and to elevate in stature all cheerleaders by means of recognition and support, through providing an atmosphere of good sportsmanship, healthy competition, learning and friendship in a safe environment.
Section 2: To cheer for our respective South Fayette Township Youth Football Association teams.
Section 3: To promote an environment of open communication for mutual concerns of members of the SFTYCA.
Section 4: To teach safety as prime importance.
Section 5: To teach the fundamentals and basic techniques of cheer (jumps, stunts, dance and sideline chants) and that those elements be incorporated as much as possible into the halftime routine.
Section 6: To create a learning environment that is progressive in skill level in adherence with the Board’s recommendations.
SECTION FOUR: JOB DUTIES
The Head Coach shall:
Be selected each year by the Board of Directors and be a member in good standing.
Run all practices and games for the squad.
Learn all new cheers and half-time routines at summer cheer camp.
Attend all camps, practices and games.
Plan and coordinate a welcome party to introduce the coaching staff to the cheerleaders, discuss expectations, and prepare for mandatory cheer camp by having an idea of stunt groups and tumbling abilities.
Conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times when in the presence of their squad. Coaches will be dismissed by the Board of Directors if a coach displays behavior unacceptable and unprofessional, as determined by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Head coaches are not to leave practices or games until all cheerleaders have been picked up by a parent/guardian.
Have a First Aid kit with them at all practices and games.
Assist with the phone chain for the squad.
Ensure that said squad has a complete halftime routine, which includes to the best of the squad’s ability all elements of cheer (jumps, stunts and dance).
Provide clearances to the SFTYCA before summer cheer camp.
Provide confirmation of safety training completion to the SFTYCA before summer cheer camp.
Follow the South Fayette Township Youth Cheerleading Association By-Laws and the Standards of Participation.
The Assistant Coach shall:
Be selected each year by the Board of Directors and be a member in good standing.
Attend camp, practices and games for their squad and assist the Head Coach.
Learn all new cheers and half-time routines.
Assist the Head Coach with all activities including the welcome party.
Conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times when in the presence of their squad. Coaches will be dismissed by the Board of Directors if a coach displays behavior unacceptable and unprofessional, as determined by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Assist with the phone chain for the squad.
Provide clearances to the SFTYCA before summer cheer camp.
Provide confirmation of safety training completion to the SFTYCA before summer cheer camp.
Follow the South Fayette Township Youth Cheerleading Association By-Laws and the Standards of Participation.
The Team Manager/Assistant Coach shall:
Be selected each year by the Board of Directors and be a member in good standing.
Attend camp, practices and games.
Learn all new cheers and half-time routines.
Assist the Head Coach with all activities including the welcome party.
Conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times when in the presence of the squad. Coaches will be dismissed by the Board of Directors if a coach displays behavior unacceptable and unprofessional, as determined by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Be responsible for communications to the cheerleaders including but not limited to all cheerleader practices and game schedules, directions, uniform requirements, etc. Essentially, you will be the coach/parent liaison.
This communication includes emails, texts and all parent communication as requested by the Head Coach.
Keep accurate attendance records at all scheduled camps, practices and games.
Assist the Head Coach and Assistant Coach as appropriate including but not limited to learning all cheers and halftime routine.
Be in charge of the phone chain for the squad and handle any/all relevant documents such as waivers, cheer binder, etc.
Provide clearances to the SFTYCA before summer cheer camp.
Provide confirmation of safety training completion to the SFTYCA before summer cheer camp.
Follow the South Fayette Township Youth Cheerleading Association By-Laws and the Standards of Participation.
There may be Mentor Junior Coaches, if a Head Coach is interested.
Open to South Fayette Township Middle School and High School Students
Be selected each year by the Board of Directors
Report to the Head Coach
Assist the Head Coach, Assistant Coach(es), and Business Manager as appropriate.
Permitted to attend and assist with Cheer Camp, Cheer Practices, Games, and any other SFTYCA Event or Function.
May NOT be left alone with the cheerleaders at any time. A Head Coach, Assistant Coach, and/or Business Manager must always be present.
Conduct themselves in a professional and courteous manner at all times when in the presence of their squad. Mentor Junior Coaches will be dismissed by the Board of Directors if a coach displays behavior unacceptable and unprofessional, as determined by a majority vote of the Board of Directors.
Follow the South Fayette Township Youth Cheerleading Association By-Laws and the Standards of Participation.
SECTION FIVE: COACHING ATTIRE
The SFTYCA will provide a coaches’ jacket to NEW coaches this season. Veteran coaches that received their jacket two seasons ago will also be provided a new coach's jacket this year.
SECTION SIX: CLEARANCES AND SAFETY EDUCATION
The following are the three clearances that all head coaches, assistant coaches and business managers are required to have prior to your first day of coaching. Clearances are valid for 60 months and must clear the 5 year mark for the entire cheer season. Please email a copy of your clearances to the SFTYCA.
Please complete the safety training on the following site and email your certification to the SFTYCA [email protected] Safety training must be completed every year. https://sportsafety.com/coach/
Concussion Training Heat Safety Training Cardiac Training
Once you have completed your training, please email the confirmation page or certificate to the SFTYCA [email protected] |
|
Effective December 31, 2014 |
The Pennsylvania Child Abuse History Clearance application can be submitted online |
Once you enter the link below you will be directed to the Child Welfare Portal where |
you must create an account or login if you already have an account. |
Note: you will need an email address to create an account. |
Once you finish this process and you have received ALL of your clearances and safety training is complete, please provide a copy of each to the SFTYCA [email protected]. Safety training must be done annually.
|
|
SECTION SEVEN: MANDATORY CHEER CAMP
Cheerleading is a unique TEAM sport. Each position is dependent upon one another.
Every cheerleader has a role and if someone is missing, it places a hardship on the whole squad, can become a safety issue, and can take away other cheerleaders’ ability to fully participate that day. Thus, attendance is essential to the squad.
Missing practices and games has a negative impact on both individual skill and squad development. For safety reasons, all squads are required to warm-up & practice as a team, as well as practice their half-time routines, prior to each game.
Cheer Camp is MANDATORY. Each cheerleader is an important and integral part of the squad. The objectives of camp are to teach and set half-time routines and to ensure that all safety issues are understood and executed properly. This cannot be done unless ALL cheerleaders are present. Therefore, all girls MUST attend.
Missing Cheer Camp may result in the cheerleader being terminated from the program. If there is a unique circumstance that you feel should be addressed with the SFTYCA Board, please escalate the issue in a timely manner.
***If a cheerleader misses cheer camp, the team manager must IMMEDIATELY notify the SFTYCA [email protected].
Each routine will consist of the elements of cheer: stunts, tumbling, jumps and dance. Each element should be used to the best of each squad’s ability. The three routines will vary between one minute and forty five seconds to two minutes and thirty seconds in length and will be assigned based on registration.
Cheer Camp is “closed”, which means that only each squad’s coaches and cheerleaders are permitted in each squad’s room. Parents are not permitted to be in the rooms, nor are any other squad’s coaches. The only exception is for the SFTYCA board members, to ensure that camp is running properly and to gather information for next year’s camp.
Expectations for all coaches and team managers at camp:
Take an active role; learn the routine; learn the hello cheer. All coaches should learn the routine with the cheerleaders.
Present the instructors with the information that was gathered from the welcome party, such as stunt groups, tumbling, strengths and weaknesses.
Keep the cheerleaders on task.
Work with the instructor(s) on problem areas. Speak up if you are uncomfortable with something or you feel the routine is not working. As a coach, you need to be comfortable with the routine when we leave mandatory camp.
Ask to hear the music as eight counts are taught.
Take notes; write down positions; take pictures; video tape.
Check that the girls are wearing tennis shoes during camp; they are not permitted to practice without them.
Have a short meeting with the squad on the first day to review behavior expectations for the season.
Communicate to the SFTYCA board any problems or concerns.
Always respect the position of the board and act as a positive influence with regards to enforcing policy and procedures.
Daily Objectives:
Introductions and behavior expectations, tumbling skills, stunting positions, jumps, learn routine and hello cheer.
***Be sure to work out any substantial issues with your routine DURING camp. Contact the SFTYCA [email protected] IMMEDIATELY if there are issues that are not being solved satisfactorily.
SECTION EIGHT: PRACTICES AT FAIRVIEW PARK & GAME DAY PRACTICES
After TWO absences from August practice sessions at FAIRVIEW Park, attendance will be brought to the board for review. The annual Cheer Showcase counts as a mandatory practice.
***Team managers are to email the Camp and Practice Coordinator (cc head and assistant coaches) to inform of any cheerleader that reaches 3 absences from Fairview August practices as soon as the 3rd absence occurs or as soon as you are notified that a 3rd absence is going to occur.
A cheerleader may permanently lose her position(s) in ANY routine or activity due to absences.
There are practice sessions on every game day 45 minutes before the game begins. For safety reasons, being late to or missing a pre-game practice session may result in the cheerleader (1) sitting out of the half-time routine for that specific game and (2) sitting out for any sideline stunting and tumbling for that specific game.
No one other than the designated coaches (or designated junior coaches) are permitted to coach the cheerleaders.
Specific practice areas will be assigned the first day of practice at Fairview Park.
Each squad should have a short meeting with parents the first day at Fairview Park or email prior to the practice to review the attendance policy and expectations for the season. For any practice or game absence, coaches should be notified by parents ahead of time. Communication will be the key to a successful season.
Be on time. Coaches should be at the designated location 10-15 minutes prior to the practice start time. If a coach cannot be at a practice, game or event at the designated time, please notify the other members of your coaching team. As a coach, you are responsible to ensure there is adequate coverage for games missed. Since many of our games will be back to back, it makes it very easy for coaches to assist other squads when needed. If a coach will be missing a game, you must reach out to find a replacement that has clearances to fill in.
Keep accurate records. Team managers will receive an attendance sheet to fill out. There will also be an incident log in the business manager’s binder that any coach can fill out to record issues such as first aid, or any other issues that may arise. We strongly encourage these to be completed on the same day so it is not forgotten.
Have a game plan as to how you are going to run practice. Make sure all members of your coaching team are on the same page. For example:
5:30 -5:40 | Warm ups/Stretching |
5:40 – 6:30 | Half time routine |
6:30 – 7:05 | Sideline Chants |
7:05 – 7:30 | Sideline Dance** |
7:30 | Reminders for next session |
**Note – Sideline dances are optional. Coaches will be responsible for music and choreography. When choosing your music, be sure that the songs are not inappropriate - bad language, innuendos, etc. Be mindful and courteous to what is happening around you and what is happening on the field when playing music. Sideline dances should be 30 seconds for timeouts and 45 seconds for touchdown dances. Music should not be played while there is a live ball. These dances are intended to be fun and pick up the girls spirits during hot or cold weather, or particularly slow games. Make it fun! (example, Cotton Eyed Joe was a favorite)
Practice cancellations due to weather will be decided upon by the Camp and Practice Coordinator. If a coach needs to cancel practice for any reason, and wishes to re-schedule it, it cannot count against attendance. Any re-scheduled practices cannot count against the attendance guidelines.
SECTION NINE: PICTURE DAY
Picture day is usually the Saturday after the first or second week of practice (in August). Please arrive 15 minutes before your picture session begins. Coaches are responsible to pose all girls on their squad for group and individual photos. Please come prepared knowing how you will pose your squad, including the location of each girl. It is helpful to practice this at Fairview and take a picture to use as a reference.
Any issues with developed pictures and/or missing items are to be discussed directly with the contracted photographer.
SECTION TEN: SOUTH HILLS YOUTH FOOTBALL LEAGUE SHYFL
The South Hills Youth Football League will consist of 6 school districts; Bethel Park, Chartiers Valley, Upper Saint Clair, Mount Lebanon, Peters Township, and South Fayette.
The South Hills Youth Football League creates the football game schedule for each township. Once the SFTYCA receives our master schedule, games are assigned and times/locations, etc. set forth. The first scheduled game is usually Labor Day weekend. No other information has been released. Once it has been it will be communicated to you immediately.
SECTION ELEVEN: ASSIGNING SQUADS TO FOOTBALL TEAMS
The SFTYCA Board of Directors will assign cheer squads to football teams beginning with the youngest girls and the youngest boys. Each season is different, based on how many squads we have compared to football teams. We do our best to try to match up kids in the same age group; however, sometimes that does not happen and a younger squad is assigned an older football team or vice versa. Our #1 goal is to cover ALL football teams for ALL games (matching up age groups is of secondary importance).
SECTION TWELVE: SHOWCASE
Our annual cheer showcase is held at Fairview Park. This is considered a mandatory practice and attendance is required. This day serves as a dress rehearsal. The cheerleaders get to perform their routine for all of the parents and squads. This is a fun event that also allows us to bond as an organization and get to know one another! The event is rain or shine. Coaches are encouraged to prepare their parents.
SECTION THIRTEEN: SCRIMMAGES
Scrimmages are by definition “a practice game” and are meant to instruct and to be used as a learning tool. Therefore, we will NOT cheer preseason scrimmages.
SECTION FOURTEEN: GAME DAY
Come sunshine, rain, cold, snow – football games will be played. Please be mindful of this and come prepared.
In the event of extreme weather, game cancellations will be left up to the discretion of each squad’s individual coaching staff. Please send cancellation emails in a timely manner or use a phone chain. Games are not permitted to be cancelled until game day and it is strongly encouraged to try to attend. We have found that group text messages have been most successful for game day changes. Please be sure to obtain permission from your parents before including them in these messages and ask everyone to reply individually and not to the group.
Be on time. You should arrive to game day practice 10-15 minutes earlier than your squad’s arrival time of 45 minutes before kickoff.
*There are practice sessions on every game day 45 minutes before the game begins. For safety reasons, being late to or missing a pre-game practice session may result in the cheerleader (1) sitting out of the half-time routine for that specific game and (2) sitting out for any sideline stunting or tumbling for that specific game.
All cheerleaders are required to bring all pieces of their uniform with them to every game, including jackets, warm-ups, rain ponchos, head warmers, and gloves. Please stress that each uniform piece be labeled with the child’s name.
Uniforms should be in clean condition, including shoes. All cheerleaders must have required pieces to cheer.
Team managers should carry their First Aid Kits with them to every cheer function.
At the beginning of the game, each squad usually does a Hello Cheer and wishes the other team good luck.
Due to the number of games, cheerleaders are permitted 2 absences from league football games and permitted to leave after halftime twice without consequence. These absences do count against perfect attendance.
An additional absence will result in the loss of a paid meal and the end-of-year gift for the cheerleader at the banquet. These gifts are earned by committing your time to the SFTYCA.
Any additional absences from league football games will result in the cheerleader being terminated from the program and may be considered not in good standing in the following season.
Due to allergy concerns, no snacks are permitted during the game. Cheerleaders may bring a water bottle only. If there is a medical reason that a cheerleader needs to have a snack, please contact the Camp and Practice Coordinator.
Team Managers should send a reminder for each game. These reminders can be emailed to parents a few days prior. Reminders should include the following:
Game time and location
Driving directions
Uniform combination to be worn for that game
Reminder to bring all uniform pieces not being worn
Reminder to bring a water bottle - no sugary drinks as they attract bees.
Have parents feed their child before arrival
Have parents take their child to the bathroom before the pre-game practice
SECTION FIFTEEN: YOUTH NIGHT
The township youth football players and cheerleaders are asked to help kickoff a varsity football game that usually takes place sometime in September at the South Fayette School District Stadium. Every cheerleader is asked to bring $2.00 to donate to the Nathan Ostrowski Scholarship Fund and canned goods to the annual food drive. Participation in this event is To Be Determined, as we do not know Covid Protocol at this point.
Please note: the SFTYCA will be given specific instructions on how the event is to proceed from the high school cheerleaders. Please be mindful and proceed as our host asks of us, as we want to be invited back to participate the following year.
During events such as Youth Night, the uniform will be worn as directed by the SFTYCA Board of Directors. Please do not ask if your squad can wear something different. The Board will determine the uniform based on the weather conditions. We will no longer require cheer bags at Youth Night. Any cheerleader wishing to bring it will be asked to leave it with a parent.
SECTION SIXTEEN: PLAYOFF GAMES
Each squad is assigned one or more teams to cheer for throughout the regular season. We will do our best to have squads follow these teams into playoffs. However, please be mindful that this may not always work out. Cheerleaders will cover ALL PLAYOFF GAMES FIRST. Consolation games will ONLY be covered if we have squads available. Hence, your squad may be asked to cover a team during playoffs that you have not cheered for in the regular season.
SECTION SEVENTEEN: YEAR-END BANQUET
Listed below is pertinent information in regard to the banquet this year:
When: Sunday, November 15, 2026
Where: Hilton Garden Inn SouthPointe
Time: 4:30-8:30
We will not be able to accommodate siblings or any other family members.
Coaches are to line the cheerleaders up alphabetically and direct them to the stage as their names are called. We ask that if coaches are planning to purchase or do something special for their squad individually, they do so at some other point during the evening or perhaps on another day. Coaches are not responsible for any other children but their own that evening.
SECTION EIGHTEEN: QUITTING BEFORE THE END OF THE SEASON
In the event that a cheerleader quits before the season is over:
SECTION NINETEEN: HANDLING CHEER ISSUES
An incident log will be found in the Team Manager’s binder to keep accurate records of any issues that may arise. The following is how any issue should be handled, as found in the SFTYCA By-Laws:
Section 1: A cheerleader’s removal from the association can occur at any time. If a coach has a problem with a cheerleader, the coach’s first action is to verbally address the problem with the parents/guardian. This serves as the first warning. If the problem continues, the coach is to bring the matter to the Camp and Practice Coordinator who will notify the SFTYCA Board of Directors. After the Board’s review, the cheerleader may be removed from the association depending on the severity of the issue.
Section 2: Reasons for removal include, but are not limited to, the following: any type of physical violence; the use of foul language towards a coach or another cheerleader; bullying and/or verbally fighting with other cheerleaders; or the continued violation of the SFTYCA’s By-Laws and/or Standards of Participation.
Section 3: In the event that a cheerleader is removed from the association, banquet invitation and year-end gift will be revoked. The uniform must be turned in within two weeks or uniform deposit will be cashed. The year will not count towards earning a five-year jacket.
Section 4: Coaching issues should follow the same procedures. Should an issue with a fellow coach arise, and reasonable attempts to resolve the issues have been unsuccessful, contact the Camp and Practice Coordinator who will bring it to the SFTYCA Board of Directors for review.
SECTION TWENTY: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Are parents allowed to take their child to the bathroom during a practice or game once they are dropped off? Yes, they may accompany their child only to the restroom. However, please stress the fact that they are needed on the field and are not to make stops at the concession stand and/or in the stands.
What if it rains for outdoor park Practices? It is up to the discretion of the Camp and Practice Coordinator to call practices due to inclement weather. The Coordinator will contact the Business Managers from each squad should a practice be canceled. It will then be the Team Manager’s responsibility to get that message to their squad.
What do we do if it is raining before or during a game? Games will be played regardless of rain. Come prepared and make sure to explain to the cheerleaders the expectation for the halftime performance (no tumbling or stunting in the rain).
What if a child forgets a piece of their uniform? Can they still cheer? Use your discretion. If it is a first or second offense, remind them that they must have all required pieces. If it is a regular occurrence, the subject should be discussed between the parent and the coaching staff. Please regularly remind parents to bring all parts of the uniform and all cold weather accessories in a designated cheer bag to every event.
Is each squad responsible for making game day banners? No. The SFTYCA purchased tear-away banners to be used at every game.
Who is in charge of getting the music to the sound system and to introduce the squad? The team manager typically is in charge of the music; however, a parent can do this as well if the head coach and assistant coach need the business manager on the field for halftime.
Are parents to bring their own snacks on game day? There are no snacks other than water during a game. Snacks may be provided at the conclusion of the football game when cheerleading is over unless otherwise directed by the Head Coach.
Can uniform pieces be worn to school? Yes! We encourage the cheerleaders to wear their uniform to school every Friday during the football season for green and white day! Any combination of the uniform is permitted!
Is a child allowed to leave the sidelines during a game or practice to visit with parents? No. Parents are to remain in the bleachers during the games. They are also to refrain from standing down by the sideline fence and are strongly encouraged to take a walk during practice or sit in their cars during practice. Extra people hanging around easily distract the girls and the coaching staff. Only board approved, background certified volunteers are permitted on the sidelines.
Do I get a discount if I am selected to volunteer as a coach?
Yes! We offer a coaching rebate for anyone selected to coach in the current season. The rebate is dependent on meeting the time dedicated for a coaching role. Being tardy for games or practices, or missing without arranging appropriate board approved coverage will result in not receiving a coaching rebate. Rebates will be distributed during the football season. Lost checks will not be replaced. Any coaching rebate checks that have not been cashed by the date of that year’s Cheer Banquet will be considered a donation to the SFTYCA.
What if a problem should arise with a parent? If a problem should arise, please request that the parent discuss it privately with the entire squad’s coaching staff. Do not engage in a conversation involving controversy with a parent one on one. Never discuss the problem in the presence of a cheerleader. Per our Bylaws, the following is how a complaint should be handled.
Disrespect, unruly behavior, use of profanity by a parent/guardian towards coaches, team managers, opposing squads/teams or Board members will result in the immediate removal of your child from the program.
Parents with concerns and /or complaints must present those concerns to the Board of Directors in an appropriate manner: If a parent has a complaint, said complaint must be brought to the board’s attention within 30 days of incident, must be filed in written format and addressed at the next scheduled board meeting.
Parents with a complaint are not to approach coaches, team managers and/or board members during camp, practices or games, but should contact coaches, business managers and /or board members privately via meeting, email or phone. If a resolution cannot be reached at the Board level, then it will be presented to the SFAA (South Fayette Athletic Association) for review.
SECTION TWENTY: BOARD CONTACT INFORMATION: [email protected]
Melanie Walter, President [email protected] 412-498-0885
Kayla Dodd, Vice President [email protected] 412-983-4408
Shannon Scureman, Secretary [email protected] 724-579-9846
Janice Slyder, Camp and Practice Coordinator [email protected] 724-747-2664
Emily Skrzysowski, Treasurer [email protected] 304-417-0175
Sami Sullivan, Director of Merchandise [email protected] 724-650-6715
Stacy Tanase, Coaches Liaison [email protected] 412-400-9482
Michele Wright, Director of Fundraising [email protected] 412-670-8634
Lisa Marino, Game Day Fundraising [email protected] 412-337-9232
Sarah Elrod, Media Coordinator [email protected] 304-639-2550
SECTION TWENTY-ONE: COACHES POSITION ACCEPTANCE FORM 2026
Name _________________________________ Grade your child will be entering ____________________
PLEASE INITIAL EACH ITEM ON THIS PAGE and email to [email protected]
Once all Coaches have submitted this page, squad rosters will be released.
_______I have read and understand the South Fayette Township Youth Cheerleading Association’s Standards of Participation and Bylaws and understand that as a representative of the association, I must follow the Standards of Participation and Bylaws set forth and uphold all league rules and regulations.
_______I have read and understand the SFTYCA Coaches Handbook 2026.
_______I understand that I must complete this form to accept the coaching position offered to me or said offer will be revoked.
_______I understand that I must provide a copy of ALL of my required clearances and safety trainings to the SFTYCA no later than one week prior to cheer camp or I may lose my coaching position.
_______I understand that as a coach, I must be able to meet the time requirements needed.
_______I understand that the rebate offered to coaches is not issued if I am repeatedly late for practices/games.
_______I understand that I am to play an active role in learning stunts, cheers, and halftime routine.
_______I understand that all stunts are to be supported by back spotters. A front spotter may be needed if the coaching staff feels that the stunt group is in need of one.
_______I understand that at no time are punch fronts, layouts, fulls and any tumbling trick beyond a full permitted.
_______I understand that I am responsible for my squad adhering to the uniform requirements set forth by the Association and I have no discretion regarding the uniform requirements.
_______I understand that a minimum of a half-hour practice is required before all scheduled games and that the half-time routine must be practiced during this time.
_______I understand that if football teams play, the cheerleaders cheer and only in extreme cases of weather should games be cancelled and games can only be cancelled on game day.
_______I understand that I have no discretion regarding the Attendance Policy found in the Standards of Participation and I am responsible for following and enforcing this Policy. I understand that if an unusual situation arises, I am to forward this information to the SFTYCA so it can be presented to the SFTYCA Board of Directors for their review and decision.
_______I understand that absences must be reported to the SFTYCA in a timely manner.
_______I understand that if I change a practice date or wish to add any additional practice dates, cheerleaders are not responsible for attending and the SFTYCA Attendance Policy does not apply.
_______I understand that my failure to follow any of the above items may result in my removal from my coaching/team manager position.
Signature________________________________________________ Date _________________________________
For Use by the SFTYCA only
Pennsylvania Criminal Background Check YES NO expires_________
Child Abuse History Clearance YES NO expires_________
Federal Criminal Background Check/Affidavit YES NO expires_________
Concussion Training YES NO expires_________
Heat Safety Training YES NO expires_________
Cardiac Safety Training YES NO expires_________