Here are a few things you'll want to do to get started:

 

Email WSDDCA: Email us at wsddca@gmail.com to let us know you are a new coach so we can get you in touch with our New Coaches Coordinator and answer any questions you have.

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Register for the Fall Coaches Conference: The Fall Conference will build your skills and knowledge base and allow you to get clock hours needed to meet the WIAA Coaching Standards (see link below). 

• Keynote speaker

• Breakouts, some of which are specially designed for newer coaches

• Updates from the Washington Interscholastic Activities Association (WIAA)

• Updates from the Washington State Dance/Drill Judges Association (WSDDJA). This includes important safety updates.

• Meet and network with other coaches

• Meet coaches in your area at your district meeting

• Connect with vendors

• WSDDCA Awards Luncheon

• WSDDCA membership included with conference registration

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Become a WSDDCA Member: If you can't attend the conference, you can still become a member. Click here to learn about what is included in your membership. 

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WIAA Coaching Standards: All coaches, both paid and volunteer, are expected to meet the WIAA coaching standards. Click here for more information about the coaching standards program.

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Lift (formerly Stunt) Certification: If your team will be performing lifts, you will need to be certified. A lift/stunt is any move where an athlete's weight is being supported by another person. Register on the WIAA website.

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Know the Rules: Most of the rules that govern Dance/Drill can be found in the WIAA SOP (formerly Bound for State Regulations), Casebook and the NFHS Spirit Rules book. Go the the Dance/Drill page of the WIAA website to view the dance/drill specific regulations and Casebook. Spirit Rules books are sent to school athletic directors in August (one for dance/drill and one for cheer). If you don't get your book, you can order one from nfhs.com. You'll also want to read over the information on the safety/tech, stunt, rules clinic page of our website. 

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Resources for Coaches: Review resources for coaches, particularly the "Planning - Get Organized!" folder. 

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Competitions: If your plan to compete with your team, you can find details about regular season competitions on this page. During the regular season, teams can attend any competition and usually compete against teams in the same category (specifics may vary at some events). Registration is on a first come, first served basis, so register early. Click for information about Districts and State. Learn how to qualify for Districts and State by reading the WIAA SOPs (link above). 

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Scoresheet: Go to this page to learn more about how teams are scored at competitions

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