I am having trouble with my girls & parents. I have asked everyone to wear their hair a certain way for the games. The first game, everyone complied. The second game, only 3 girls did what I asked. The rest decided to do their own thing. Did I mention that I am dealing with 7/8 year olds? Today, I explained to them that the reason I asked for everyone to wear their hair the same is so that they would look more like a team. Any advice?

Have you tried having a meeting with the parents? I know things can get "lost in translation" if you just tell the team (at just about any age!) Tell them the reasons and that it is a requirement to be able to perform. If you are adamant about the rules (and the reasons for the rules) from the beginning it will hopefully just become part of the routine and not be questioned or forgotten. Hair can be a safety issue too - that is another good point to bring up to the team and parents.

I have had similar problems with my girls being prepared. I have talked with the team and sent notes home. There are still a few that continue to be unprepared. If you have tried diligently then let them know they will be sitting out. I bench one girl this week on friday's practice after repeated reminders

I agree, get the parents involved but they need to follow the coaches rules.

I had the same problem my first few years of coaching. I have found requiring their hair to be in a ponytail with a ribbon at practice, has really helped them have it like that on game day. I know some ballet dance studios require hair to be a certain way for dance classes, so this might be something you could also implement in your program. I also include a section on appearance in the cheer constitution I hand out to parents.