Coach Tip:

Be sure to review the ACA Scholastic Cheer Coach Manual in-depth BEFORE yourthe course so that you can ask your facilitator for clarification or additional information if required.


The Practical Skills Assessment (PSA) focuses on whether and/or how well a Coach-in-Training (CIT) or Coach is ‘observed’ to verbally explain (and physically as appropriate) key practical building and tumbling skills, techniques and/or competencies for the level they are certifying to.

Attention to safety, technique, and troubleshooting athlete technical issues is required.

The CIT’s or Coach’s skills are assessed in the presence of an ACA-certified facilitator, either in-person or through virtual conferencing.

Instructions

  • Upon successful completion of your Rules and Regulations Online Exam and if applicable, Submission of the PFE, the ACA will contact you to schedule your Practical Skills Assessment. The PSA will take place within one week of completing the course.

  • The PSA:

    • requires a thorough understanding of all building and tumbling skills for the level you are certifying to.

    • must be completed on your own, without assistance from others.

    • includes a review of up to 10 skills.

    • is approximately 30 minutes in length.

    • has a Grading Scale of:

      • Not satisfied

      • Somewhat satisfied

      • Satisfied

      • Very satisfied

    • requires the majority of your responses to be either Very Satisfied or Satisfied.

  • If you are unsuccessful, you must wait a period of 3 months to re-register and attempt again.

  • Please note, there is no refund for failed attempts.

Coach Tip:

The CIT or Coach will take the ACA facilitator through how to complete specific building skills from set up to execution, including dismount, emphasizing proper technique and describing the positions of all bases and the top in as much detail as possible. For tumbling skills, the CIT or Coach will take the facilitator through how to complete each skill from start to end, emphasizing proper technique and body position.

Support

If you have any questions, please get in touch with the ACA before you begin your PSA and during the ACA’s operating hours.

Alberta Cheerleading Association
coach@albertacheerleading.ca