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The ACA is pleased to offer Performance Cheer Coach Certification to coaches in Alberta. We thank the Saskatchewan Cheerleading Association (SCA) for sharing their time, knowledge, and expertise with us so this certification program can be offered.
The ACA Performance Cheer Coach Certification Program is intended to increase the knowledge of safe and reputable technical standards to promote the growth of the sport. A coach must understand the rules that govern the sport, basic skill knowledge competency, skill progressions and the ability to make sound judgement calls when instructing.
Performance Cheer certification is offered every season in the fall (September – November) and the spring (April – June). Certification is not be offered during the summer months or competition season; therefore, it is important that coaches are aware of their certification expiry dates and plan accordingly to ensure their coaching requirements are current and appropriate for the type of team(s) they are coaching.
ACA Certification must be renewed every 3 years.
Note for parents of minor coaches (under 18 years):
o All new and/or young coaches benefit from the guidance and mentorship of adults, be it parents, experienced athletes, coaches, or teachers. Having said that, it is important for coaches to take on the responsibility for their own coaching path and communicate directly with the Coaching Coordinator. Coaches must provide their own contact information (e.g.: email, phone number) and be prepared (albeit with adult guidance if needed) to participate directly in their certification process.
Performance Cheer Certification Disciplines Offered
Hip Hop
Jazz
Pom
Certification Steps
Certification - FIRST TIME
STEP 1: Ensure you meet the prerequisites for Performance Cheer Coach Certification.
16 years of age or older.
Understand the rules that govern performance cheer in Alberta, basic skill knowledge competency, skill progressions, and the ability to provide sound judgement when instructing.
Current registration as a Coach-in-Training (CIT) or Coach member with the ACA and Cheer Canada.
NOTE: if you have never been certified as a coach, you must register as a CIT member first until coach requirements are satisfied and the ACA has approved your coach status. See STEP 6.
STEP 2: Complete ACA Performance Cheer Coach Certification.
1. Register for the certification through the ACA’s webpage.
Cost is $50.00.
2. Receive TWO emails from the ACA; the first is a receipt to retain for your records. The second includes a link to the ACA exam portal where you will access resource documents and the exams.
Read the applicable Coach Information Document (scholastic or all-star).
Complete the applicable Rules & Safety Online Exam (scholastic or all-star).
Complete the Skills Online Exam (Hip Hop, Jazz, and/or Pom).
o You must use only ONE email account to complete the exams. The email used should be the same one you registered with.
STEP 3: Complete all ACA-required NCCP courses.
o NCCP Safe Sport Training (Respect in Sport is also accepted)
o NCCP Making Head Way in Sport.
o NCCP Make Ethical Decisions.
TIP: These courses can be completed before or during your certification process but MUST be completed to be approved as a coach. Please contact the ACA if you need assistance in finding a course date.
STEP 4: Complete First Aid.
Complete an in-person First Aid / CPR (minimum CSA Basic - Level A CPR + AED) course. You will be required to upload your first aid certificate to your ACA coach membership profile and ensure that it is always current.
STEP 5: Provide a Record Check.
Coaches who are 18 years of age and older must provide a clean Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector. You will be required to upload your record check to your ACA coach membership profile. Presently, record checks are valid for three (3) years from the date of the document.
ACA members are welcome to use the ACA’s record check provider at a discounted rate of $25. Please email coach@albertacheerleading.ca to request an application.
STEP 6: ACA Coach Membership.
o If you were first designated as a CIT member, once steps 1 to 5 are complete, email the ACA to request a transfer of your membership status from CIT to Coach.
o ALL coaches, log in to your ACA coach membership profile and provide all required information for the ACA’s review and approval.
STEP 7: Certification.
o Once your coach membership profile is approved, the ACA will issue a PDF of your ACA Performance Cheer Coach Certificate.
STEP 8: Get Coaching!
Certification - RENEWAL
Need to renew your certification?
STEP 1: Ensure your certification has not expired.
o ACA certification expires 3-years after the date on your certificate.
o Coaches must register for the applicable certification renewal before their current certification expires.
o If your certification has already expired, you are not permitted to complete RENEWAL Certification. You must register for, and complete, NEW Certification.
STEP 2: Complete ACA Performance Cheer Coach Certification.
1. Register for the RENEWAL Certification through the ACA’s webpage.
o Cost is $25.00.
2. Receive TWO emails from the ACA; the first is a receipt to retain for your records. The second includes a link to the ACA exam portal where you will access resources documents and the exams.
3. Complete the Rules & Regulations Online Exam.
4. Complete the applicable Rules & Safety Online Exam (scholastic or all-star).
5. Complete the Skills Online Exam (Hip Hop, Jazz, and/or Pom).
o You must use only ONE email account to complete the exam. The email used should be the same one you registered with.
STEP 3: Confirmation of Coach Requirements.
o Review all ACA-required courses to ensure you have completed current requirements. These include NCCP courses, First Aid/CPR, and a Criminal Record Check.
o Check all expiry dates to ensure they will not expire while you are coaching. If this is a possibility, update these items before expiry.
STEP 4: ACA Coach Membership.
o Review the accuracy of your coach profile in the ACA membership system and update your profile if needed.
STEP 5: Certification.
o Once your coach membership profile is approved, the ACA will issue a PDF of your ACA Performance Cheer Coach Certificate.
STEP 6: Get coaching!
Helpful Information
Coach Information Document
o The Coach Information Document MUST be read prior to completing exams.
o Scholastic coaches must read the Scholastic Coach Information Document.
o All-Star coaches must read the All-Star Coach Information Document.
Online Exam Information
o Exams are based on rules, glossary definitions, progressions, and coaching-based questions.
o Resource documents are provided to coaches within the exam portal after registering. Thoroughly review the information before starting the exam and refer to these documents while writing the open-book exams.
o You must complete the exams on your own, without assistance from others.
o Take your time and read each question carefully.
o You must complete and pass the applicable Safety & Rules Exam (Scholastic or All-Star).
o You must complete and pass the applicable Skills Exam for each discipline you are coaching (Hip Hop, Jazz, Pom).
o You must achieve a score of 80% or higher to pass.
o You will have two attempts to pass each exam, however, if you are unsuccessful after two attempts, you must wait a period of 3 months to re-register and attempt again.
o Please note, there is no refund for failed attempts.
o Certification MUST be completed within 14 days of registration.
Resources
For Scholastic Performance Cheer Coaches:
o Cheer Canada website www.cheercanada.ca under Education>Performance Cheer
o Cheer Canada website www.cheercanada.ca under Education>Score Sheets>Performance Cheer
For All-Star Performance Cheer Coaches:
o IASF website www.iasfworlds.com under Dance>Rules, Dance>Divisions, and Dance>Scoring
o Cheer Canada website www.cheercanada.ca under Education>Score Sheets>Performance Cheer
Support
If you have questions or concerns, please contact the ACA before you begin your exams and during the ACA’s operating hours.