RECREATION CHEER

What is Recreation Cheerleading?

The Washington Recreational Cheer Programs must be non-school affiliated teams that are attached to a bona fide City Parks Department, Boys & Girls Club, Pop Warner program, recreational association or youth sports program.

The purpose of recreational cheer is to provide the entire youth community interested in a positive cheer experience at an appropriate level. It is expected that recreational cheer programs will offer participants the opportunity to have fun while increasing their physical fitness, learning new cheerleading skills, and learning teamwork, fair play, leadership, sportsmanship, time-management skills, cooperation, trust, and regard for others.

Recreational squads MUST NOT be formed solely for the purpose of competition. Recreational programs must include a sideline squad that cheers for an organized sport.

DIRECTOR

Hi, my name is Anne Christiansen and I am your Recreational Cheer Director. Currently I am the head coach for Eastside Dream Elite cheerleading recreational program offered through the Bellevue Parks & Community Services Department. I coach five teams with Eastside Dream Elite including a Cheer Ability squad for people with developmental disabilities.

When I'm not coaching cheerleading, I'm a stay-at-home mom to twin boys, Cory and Derek. My husband and I enjoy traveling in our free time.

I'm passionate about recreational cheer. I'm happy to be able to work with the many fantastic rec coaches in the state as we continue to promote the growth of rec cheer in Washington.

Accomplishments

2009 WSCJA Veteran Judge of the Year
2010 WSCCA Rec Coach of the Year
2015 WSCCA Rec Coach of the Year
2015 WSCCA Rec Program of the Year
2017 WSCCA Hall of Fame Inductee

Rules and Regulations

Hands on Stunt Certification is required for cheer coaches who intend to have their cheer squad(s) perform stunts. The certification program must be approved by either the Washington State Cheer Coaches Association or the WIAA. Coaches must be recertified every two (2) years.

Stunt certification classes can be found here:

The WSCCA Rec division follows the NFHS rules for cheerleading and uses the high school score sheets. Cheerleader safety is regulated by the National Federation of High School Associations. NFHS Spirit Rule Books are available in the NFHS Rules App and printed versions at: https://www.nfhs.org/resources/publications/.

All recreational teams that plan to compete will need to provide a letter, on letterhead, from the overseeing director of their league (City administration, Pop Warner, YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, Junior Football League, etc.) that proves the legitimacy of the organization. This letter must also include confirmation that background checks have been done on all coaches who will be working with the team at the WSCCA Championships. Please include the full names of those coaches.

Competition Basics

Competition season generally starts in November and goes through January. Most competitions in our area offer rec divisions, and if they don't, competition directors are usually open to adding a rec division if requested. You can find a list of upcoming competitions on our

Please make sure you become very familiar with the score sheets and you design your routine so as to maximize points. Visit our details.