Department: Athletic Department
Assignment: Coach
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Reports To: Athletic Director, Assistant Athletic Director, and Head Coach of Cheerleading
Location: [Deerfield/Highland Park] High School (Township High School District 113)
Salary: Stipend as outlined by the Collective Bargaining Agreement between the District 113 BOE and DEA (Appendix F)
Position Summary
The Assistant Coach, Cheerleading supports the Head Coach in leading and administering the interscholastic cheerleading program in alignment with District values, student safety expectations, and Illinois High School Association rules and bylaws as applicable. The Assistant Coach helps provide an educationally based experience that supports skill development, teamwork, school spirit, sportsmanship, and personal growth, while collaborating closely with the Head Coach and Athletic Department.
General Coaching Qualifications
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with high school age student athletes in a school based environment
- Commitment to educational athletics and activities, including sportsmanship, equity, and student well being
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to work collaboratively with the Head Coach, athletes, families, staff, and administrators
- Ability to support an inclusive team culture where expectations are clear, consistent, and aligned to program standards
- Commitment to safe coaching practices and appropriate supervision before, during, and after practices, games, and events
- Willingness to follow direction from the Head Coach and collaborate as part of a coaching staff
- Ability to support basic program organization, communication, and record keeping as assigned
- Completion and maintenance of required certifications and trainings consistent with District and IHSA expectations, including:
- Required coaching certification and professional development coursework
- Concussion awareness training at the required interval
- CPR/first aid training expectations consistent with District procedures
Sport-Specific Qualifications (Cheerleading)
- Knowledge of cheerleading fundamentals including motions, jumps, basic tumbling progressions (as applicable), stunting fundamentals, and game day routines
- Understanding of stunt safety, spotting responsibilities, and safe progression for skills, with a clear commitment to safety as the top priority
- Ability to assist with practice structure including warm ups, technique work, conditioning, and skill stations
- Ability to coach and reinforce performance quality, timing, formations, transitions, and appropriate sideline/game day conduct
- Familiarity with event expectations (football, basketball, pep rallies, assemblies), including working within timelines and space constraints
- Ability to support tryouts and athlete evaluation in a fair and consistent manner as directed by the Head Coach
- Willingness to learn and follow any required safety protocols, rules, and training expectations associated with cheerleading
Essential Functions (Cheerleading-Specific)
- Support the Head Coach in planning and supervising practices, games, performances, and team activities
- Assist with skill instruction and athlete development, including coaching small groups and providing individual feedback
- Help supervise student athletes before, during, and after practices, games, performances, travel, and team meetings as assigned
- Assist with stunt group organization, spotting coverage, and ensuring safety standards are consistently met
- Support game day operations, including pregame setup, sideline organization, halftime routines, and post event supervision
- Reinforce team standards related to attendance, conduct, sportsmanship, academics, and representing the school
- Assist with communication needs as directed by the Head Coach, including schedule reminders, event details, and team expectations
- Support program logistics as assigned (uniform distribution, equipment/prop management, inventory, basic record keeping)
- Coordinate with the Head Coach and Athletic Department on facility needs and event operations as requested
- Ensure compliance with District procedures and Athletic Department expectations, including required trainings and supervision standards
- Promote a positive, inclusive team culture that supports confidence, accountability, and team unity
- Promote positive representation of the school and program within the conference and community
Work Schedule
This is a seasonal stipend position. Hours vary based on the program calendar and event schedule and may include:
- Weekday practices and meetings after school
- Evening and weekend games and performances (most commonly football and basketball), including pep rallies and assemblies as assigned
- Additional rehearsals leading into major performances or events
- Athletic Department meetings, coaches meetings, and required District trainings as scheduled
- Limited offseason contact opportunities only as permitted by IHSA bylaws and District direction
Performance will be evaluated annually by the Head Coach and Athletic Director.