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Becoming A UCA Instructor

So you got an "App" at camp this year...confused?  An "App" is simply an application to try out for the best cheerleading company in the world, the Universal Cheerleaders Association.   You were chosen because your talent, charisma, and leadership potential stood out to the staff while you were at camp.   You have learned from the UCA staff, formed a special bond with these individuals, and you may have even looked up to the instructors as role models.  And now you have been given the chance to become a member of the UCA Instructional Staff...What do you do now?

Before you get started with the application process, remember what kind of position you are applying for.  Being a member of the UCA staff is not just an honor, it's a real job, and for some of you it may be your first job.  It is a teaching position, with less emphasis on performing than you may have realized at camp.  Your summer days will be filled with long hours, grueling practices, and lots of time on the road.  A good deal of hard work and commitment are required.  But it's also a great college summer job that will give you the opportunity to make friends and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Application
Fill the "App" out completely and send it to the UCA national office along with at least one current picture of yourself.  The due date is listed on the back of the application!  A letter of recommendation from your current advisor should be sent to the UCA office by that date as well.  The first cut is based on your application and regional needs.  Approximately one month later, you will receive a letter from the Regional Manager in your area that may invite you to tryout for staff.  The date and location of the tryouts in your region will be included in the letter.  If for some reason you cannot attend a tryout in your region, contact your State Director for other tryout options. 

So what should you do while you are waiting to find out about tryouts?  Keep cheering!  Give your senior year of cheerleading your all!  Practice teaching by helping new team members, and continue to sharpen your own skills at every practice, game, and competition.  Identify your strengths and work on your weaknesses.  Focus on becoming more versatile as a cheerleader.  If you've always been a top, give basing a try, and if your feet don't usually leave the ground, get in the air!

The Tryout
Most of the tryouts will take place in early spring.  The number of instructors chosen at a given tryout depends on the number of returning staff and the increase in camp enrollments, both with respect to your area in the country.  Thousands of "Apps" are given out across the country.  Only 400-500 new instructors will be hired. 

Applicants are evaluated in these areas:

• Cheer (online link will be sent through email)
• Dance (online link will be sent through email)
• Jumps
• Tumbling (standing and running)
• Stunts (all-girl and some coed)
• Interview

The tryout process varies region to region.  Generally, the tryout is relatively laid back.  The judges are watching for the technique with which you perform the material, jumps, stunts, and tumbling. 

Perform your skills as if you are already on staff.  Project the qualities that embody a UCA instructor: confidence, capability, poise, energy.  You've been selected to tryout because you've got the skills, now focus on how you execute them!

The Interview
What are the judges looking for during the interview?  Well, that's hard to nail down.  The judges are looking for a certain special unnamable quality, so the best advice is to just be yourself.  Here are some more interview tips:

• Portray the real you.  Don't fake it! 
• Dress appropriately.  If you've been practicing all day, make sure to change into a clean shirt for the interview.  Ladies, make sure your hair is brushed, out of your face, and avoid excessive makeup.  Gentlemen, avoid wearing a hat, and make sure you are clean shaven. 
• Know yourself.  You should have a pretty good understanding of your major goals and motives, interests, abilities, and your central traits before the interview!
• Be courteous when introduced to the judges and thank them for their time at the end of the interview.
• Be confident and self-assured, but don't be over confident!
• When answering questions, be brief and to the point.  Accentuate your strengths.

The Letter
You will wither be given info there at the tryout or will receive a letter within the month. You will have approximately one month to notify the UCA national office of your intent to work that summer. 

Good luck and remember that individuals are chosen based on their ability to continue a legacy of greatness.  UCA is successful because of its staff.  Being chosen means that you have the potential to fulfill a tradition of excellence!

Unfortunately, not everyone gets noticed. So just because you may not get "Apped" at camp, does not mean you cannot receive an application.  If you are 18 or over, a senior in high school or have graduated from high school, call the State Director or Regional Manager in your area to request an application to be sent to you.