Tips_for_Captains

Here are some very helpful tips for captains. These can help you succeed as a leader and help your guard while you're at it!

1. Don't get a swelled head! Even though you are in charge and have power (at least some), it doesn't look good to get all high and mighty!

2. Don't play favorites!! Even though I know that there are people who you probably like better, you can not show it! First of all, others in the guard will notice and they will not be as willing to listen to you. Also it can hurt the unity of the guard.

3. Try to understand the other guard members. If someone can't make it to one practice, don't threaten to kick them off. Try to set up a day to get them caught up on whatever they miss. Also, relax a little when it comes to some things during practice. Guard needs to be fun or people won't want to listen to you and the guard as a whole will suffer.

4. Don't let personal issues and topics come up during practices. You need to keep people focused on the task ahead. Talking is ok during water breaks, but not during practices.

5. Be strict, but not a drill sargent! If all you are doing is dictating the other guard members then they won't be so up to listening to you. This can and will hurt your guard, the show, and everyone else. However, don't be too much of a softy because then you can be 'walked over' and that's not good for the guard either. You need to find a medium ground.

6. Do not tolerate back talk or an attitude from another guard member. If you have someone who is talking back to you, warn them the first time, and if they don't take that warning then give them a punishment (like drop spins or something). If it continues, do not put up with it, go to your instructor or another adult. Do not go to another guard member though! This can create waves through the guard itself.

7. Get to know everyone in your guard! Know what they like and dislike, know what makes them mad, or if they are sensive to somethings. This will help with your overall relationship with the guard. If you take the time and effort to get to know the guard on a personal level, they will be more responsive to you.

8. Don't be too strict. After a hard practice or something, play a game or go out to eat. Or before a long practice play a game first and then get down to business.

9. Don't show your feelings about another person in the band or guard to anyone else. Also don't talk about others behind their back to your guard. This will end up reflecting bad on you!!

10. Always be there for you guard. Occasionally call people in your guard and talk to them one on one about practices, shows, the work, or if they need any help. This will show them that you care about how they do and that you are there for them.

11. Be organized! This will help you as an overall captain and in other things in life! It will also relieve some of your stress.

12. Don't put things off!! Trust me, putting things off like writing a routine or something, is not a good idea! By getting things done before you need to this takes off some stress that you will have right before a show or parade!

13. Be care with the privileges you give to your guard. If you normally give them a 10 mintues water break and they start making it 15- 20 minutes, shorten it to 3- 5 minutes and remind them that they need not take advantage of privileges. Be OBSEVERANT!

If you have any tips for captains please e-mail me by clicking on the picture.

I got this "Captain Outline" from a Color Guard camp that I went to. Some of the things from above may be repeated, however I think that this outline is a good thing that captains should go by.

I. What is a captain?
    A. a role model, leader, and an equal.
    B. The first and last line of defense for communication.
    C. Someone who takes ownership of the problems within the guard.

II. Things you should address as a captain
    A. Enthusiasim- this helps develop the groups confidence.
        1. Fun little exercises to music- helps keep people happy and having fun.
        2. Make up a little cheer or have a theme song.
    B. Attitude- lead by example!
        1. Be sincere.
        2. Leave your problems at the door.
        3. Be open to new members and their differences.
        4. No "can't".
    C. Preparation
        1. All work is together.
        2. Everyone is prepared (test them if need be).
        3. Be EARLY- at least 20 minutes early.
        4. Be completely responsible for everything- making sure you have extras of everything.
    D. Dedication
        1. Always put out 100%.
        2. Be at every practice.
        3. Be the strongest member.
        4. Lead by example ALL THE TIME.
    E. Organization
        1. Have a Guard Closet- keep it clean, you will be able to find things much easier.
        2. Have a Guard Box- containing tape, bolts, first aid items, and anything else you might need for a practice. Keep
            this with you when you practice, it will save alot of time.
        3. Equipment Maintenance- make sure that all of your equipment is working and looking right. Take time before or
            after a practice to inspect all of the items. This will save you alot of heartache if you find a problem before the day
            of a show.

Punishments- I know this is sometimes a hard thing to either give out or decide on. I included this list so as to help captains with their Guard.

1. Instead of telling your guard to run laps for disobeying, have them do drop spins or another basic over and over again. You can even add wall squats while they do drop spins. This builds up their legs strength and works on their basics. *wall squats is when you lean against a wall like you are sitting in a car. Or you can even have them pli� (2nd position with knees bent) while doing basics.

2. If you want to have them run laps, don't just have them run- but do some sort of chant to keept them up and focused.

3. At one point during the season I had my guard doing different series of dance movements or steps. We assigned numbers to them so I could just call out the number and they would do the series. If they weren't doing the steps as they were instructed I threated to take them to the mall and have them do the steps there. The embarrassment and shock of the thought made them work harder on the steps so I never did get a chance to do that. If you decide to do this be sure to keep up with your 'threat'. Instead of a mall you could take them to another public place such as a park.

If you have any 'punishments' that you have used? If so please e-mail me by clicking on the picture.