Position Purpose

The Payette High School Head Cheer Coach provides leadership, organization, and supervision for the district's cheerleading program. The coach develops student-athletes by teaching cheerleading skills, leadership, teamwork, school spirit, sportsmanship, and safe performance techniques, while promoting a positive and inclusive team culture. The head coach is responsible for all aspects of the program, including student development, safety, competition preparation, sideline performance, assistant coach supervision, communication, and program growth.

Goals

Promote school spirit, sportsmanship, and positive representation of the school and community.
Develop student leadership, teamwork, confidence, and personal responsibility.
Teach proper cheerleading techniques and performance skills in accordance with recognized safety standards.
Provide a safe environment that emphasizes progressive skill development and injury prevention.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Program Leadership

Provide overall leadership, organization, and supervision of the cheerleading program.
Develop and communicate program expectations consistent with district values and athletic department goals.
Supervise and evaluate assistant coaches while promoting consistency throughout the program.
Coordinate team schedules, practices, performances, competitions, camps, and special events.
Serve as the primary liaison between the cheer program, Athletic Director, administration, students, families, band director, and athletic coaches.
Coordinate budgets, fundraising, uniforms, equipment, and inventory in accordance with district purchasing procedures.

Coaching Responsibilities

Plan and conduct practices that emphasize safety, skill progression, conditioning, teamwork, and performance quality.
Teach proper techniques for motions, jumps, tumbling, stunts, pyramids, dance, crowd leadership, and game-day responsibilities appropriate to student ability.
Develop and supervise routines for athletic events, pep assemblies, community events, and competitions as applicable.
Ensure that all stunts, tumbling, and performances comply with NFHS Spirit Rules and IHSAA requirements.
Maintain appropriate supervision at all practices, performances, competitions, camps, travel events, and other team activities.
Foster sportsmanship, positive crowd involvement, and respectful representation of the school.
Ensure students meet eligibility requirements, including academic eligibility and physical examination requirements.
Monitor student attendance, participation, conduct, and academic progress.
Communicate regularly with families regarding schedules, expectations, performances, competitions, and program activities.
Coordinate transportation and travel arrangements with the Athletic Director.
Ensure the proper care, maintenance, security, and inventory of uniforms and equipment.
Report injuries and safety concerns promptly and follow district concussion and injury reporting procedures.

Program Development

Recruit and encourage student participation in the cheer program.
Coordinate youth camps, clinics, or outreach activities to support long-term program development.
Promote positive relationships with feeder schools and youth cheer programs.
Evaluate the program annually and recommend improvements to equipment, facilities, scheduling, and student opportunities.
Model professionalism, ethical conduct, positive communication, and effective conflict resolution.
Perform other duties reasonably related to the coaching assignment.

Application Requirements

Interested external candidates should submit:

Completed application
Cover letter
Resume

Terms of Employment

Compensation based on qualifications and is established by the Board of Trustees.

Payette School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer as defined and required by state and federal laws. Positions are open until they are filled. All recommendations for hire are tentative offers. Employment is contingent upon Board approval and successful completion of a federal background check and drug-free workplace pre-employment screening (if required). Regular attendance is an essential function of this position.

Evaluation

Performance of this position will be evaluated annually.

Legal References

All certificated and non-certificated employees, as well as other individuals, are required to undergo a criminal history check and submit fingerprints. Any applicant convicted of any felony crimes enumerated in Section 33-1208, Idaho Code, may not be hired, and any applicant convicted of any felony offense listed in Section 33-1208(2), Idaho Code, shall not be hired.

I.C. § 33-512 – Governance of Schools
I.C. § 33-130 – Criminal History Checks for School District Employees
I.C. § 33-1210 – Information on Past Job Performance
Idaho High School Activities Association (IHSAA) Rules and Regulations
NFHS Spirit Rules Book and Spirit Safety Guidelines
Applicable District Policies and Procedures