4 Reasons You Should Start Using BAND This Tryout Season!
2019 tryout season has begun! If you’re a cheer coach, you may be wondering about whether you should be using BAND this season. So, how is BAND any different from using other apps, like GroupMe, Remind, or Facebook Groups?
1. You set the tone for your team
Who’s got time for drama? BAND has a unique Admin-membership structure that gives you full control of your team’s communication. As an admin, you have an option to limit members’ privileges to write a post, comment, or chat with each other. You can remove people who’re no longer part of the program. Coaches can even turn off member privileges if they’re concerned about parents posting comments that negatively affect the group’s team spirit.
With Read Receipts, you know exactly who has and hasn’t read the post, so you can check in to make sure they got the message. You can even take Attendance and invite cheerleaders to check in when they arrive at the event.
“I love using Band because it is user friendly and allows me to continue building a positive and healthy culture amongst the athletes AND parents.”- Jeff Schaber, Head Coach, Bullitt East High School
“The attendance feature is AWESOME as this helps hold the cheerleaders accountable for their timely arrival to events/games.” — Lindsey, Head Coach
“All communication is now more open and honest with both our athletes and parents. It has really made our program more accountable and more cohesive. Prior to using BAND, we communicated by email or GroupMe.”- Brandon, Choreographer at Hutto Infinity Athletics
2. Everyone feels more involved
For cheer teams, showing up and being on time is half the battle. Update events or sync up your Google Calendar so that every parent and athlete gets a reminder for every practice, game, competition, permission form, and payment due. Members can RSVP to events like season finale banquets to share how many guest members they’re bringing.
“All practices, competitions, and events are scheduled well in advance. They can’t say they don’t know about it if they’re part of the BAND group.” — Veronica, Head Coach
A shared Photo Album makes it easy for everyone to share all their favorite moments from every event, so the team can cherish their favorite memories from the entire season.
3. You avoid wasting time
Hair up or down? Wear blue or red ribbons today? Practice or rained out? Instantly reach everyone at the same time. Unlike chat apps, where the conversation loses focus, or a Facebook Group, where you forget why you logged on in the first place, BAND provides a dedicated space where the sole purpose is to communicate everything your team does.
“Everything is in one place, I can do everything with BAND.” — Doug, Head Coach
Whether you’re voting for the next fundraiser or planning a group activity, you don’t have to waste any time. BAND Polls are a quick and transparent way of making group decisions. You can also ask people to vote on a Poll to determine sizes and styles for uniforms. Parents can even Signup for tasks and share what items they’re going to bring or donate.
4. You can give them more support and motivation
From choreography and music to performances and practice clips, BAND makes it easy to share files and videos with whoever needs to see them. You can post up your choreography or music on the public feed for everyone to learn, or record your stunt team practice clip and post it in a private Chat group, so your stunt team knows what they need to improve on.
Because everyone is part of the same group, BAND makes it easier for everyone to feel included. BAND is a great place for coaches to share motivational quotes and inspiration, and give everyone a safe and private space for their voices to be heard. Team members can feel comfortable approaching their coaches with personal issues they don’t feel comfortable sharing with the rest of the team.
What cheer coaches are saying about BAND:
“This is a time & life saver! I can post one thing and EVERYONE can see it and reply. Before, I was contacted for everything!” — Tiffany Waddell, Head Coach at Sedway Middle School
“We have a better communication between coaches and parents. The parents interact more and seem more up to date.” — Megan, Cheer Mom
“It’s a safer way to communicate with high school level students.” — Kristen, Head Coach
BAND helps you manage your group and build a punctual, positive, and high-performing team. Start using BAND this season!
