Expert: Kimmi - 1/27/2008

Question
Hi,
My friend and I are currently thinking about starting a cheer squad for children ages 5-10.  We are both currently in college working on our teaching credentials for early elementary.  We've both been cheerleaders, competive thru high school and college.  Who can we contact about starting a cheer squad as a business?  Specifically questions about Insurance, liability, advertising, etc. Please help or direct me to who I can go to.  Thanks so much.
Alyssa
Alyssa

Answer
Hi Alyssa,

   As to the logistics of starting a squad, I'm sure you know exactly what you need to do. In the areas you have asked for here's what you need.
  Insurance: Contact insurance brokers and get rates on cheerleading insurance. The prices will change depending on if you have an actual gym or just a team. For instance, in my area (Illinois) I pay $250 for the season for my team to be insured. We are insured anywhere we practice. But, this is because we don't have a gym. Obviously, insuring a gym will be a lot more costly because you will expect to have alot more kids.
    Liability: If you have one team and are going with the insurance to cover kids, the insurance will cover any injuries that incur at practice, competition, or while traveling for the sport. If these things are not in your policy, ask for them to be written in, be specific that you want complete coverage. In addition, have all your kids sign liability waivers and medical waivers, but be forewarned that no matter how well written (I suggest you steal someone else's to make sure the legal lingo is right) if scrutinized after an accident, and negligence is involved these waivers will not stand up in court.  
     Advertising: Any kids you know will be your biggest pull. They will be able to talk up the program to kids. Then get in contact with schools that have cheer teams who kids may be looking for more. Then put ads in the newspaper, start a website, make t-shirts and wear them around etc. etc. Do anything to get the team name or even better, a website address, out where people can see it.
Good Luck to you. I hope this helps. Please let me know how it goes!
Happy Cheering!
Kimmi