Fighting Illini Cheerleading Rules & Policies

Transcription

1 Fighting Illini Cheerleading Rules & Policies PROGRAM OVERVIEW As representatives of the University of Illinois and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, Fighting Illini Cheerleaders have numerous expectations and responsibilities placed upon them. The overall emphasis of the Cheerleading program is to support all University of Illinois Athletic Teams. The Fighting Illini Cheerleaders adhere to certain standards of achievement, conduct, performance, public appearance and selection procedures. It is a privilege to be selected as an Illinois Cheerleader and is an honor that very few students experience. Varsity letters are awarded at the end of the competition year to individuals who meet the award criteria. The Fighting Illini Cheerleading team will consist of 8-14 co-ed couples and 2-4 all-girl stunt groups. In addition to the responsibilities listed below, members are also required to make appearances at alumni functions, events supporting Intercollegiate Athletics and public relation functions. Cheer Team Responsibilities: A. Football Season Cheer Spring Game Perform at Quad Day and Illini Sights and Sounds All home football games, various tailgates, and pre-game functions Perform at Homecoming pep rally and parade Select number travel to away football and bowl games based on current level of performance, choice points and compliance with all team rules and policies. Due to travel size limitations and hotel accommodations, all-girl groups may not travel. B. Men s Basketball Season All home men s basketball games Select number travel to United Center and Mizzou basketball games Perform during at least one men s halftime Select number travel to Big Ten and post season tournaments based on current level of performance, choice points and compliance with all team rules and policies. C. Women s Basketball Season All home women s basketball games Perform during at least one women s halftime Select number travel to Big Ten & post season tournaments based on current level of performance, choice points and compliance with all team rules and policies. D. Ticket Distribution Team members receive 2 season tickets to all home football games The team also receives a limited number of tickets to men s and women s basketball games. Ticket distribution is determined according to a Choice List. Team members earn points for: years of participation, letter awarded, participation in Nationals, PR event participation and serving as team captain.

2 NATIONAL COMPETITION National Competition Team Responsibilities: If the team has the required skill level, a competition group will be selected to compete at UCA College Nationals. Members who have advanced cheerleading skills in the area of stunting, tumbling, mounts, and baskets are chosen for this group early in the season by the coaching staff. Practice over Thanksgiving and winter breaks will be required of this team in order to prepare fully for competition. Expenses related to Nationals are not covered by DIA. The Nationals team and coaching staff will be responsible for raising the necessary funds to cover the expense of Nationals. If a selected team member foregoes this commitment after preparation has begun, it will be considered a forfeit of his/her position as an Illinois Cheerleader. National competition is considered the second priority of an Illini Cheerleader and cannot take away from the first priority of supporting the Illinois athletic teams. Exhibitions The competitive group will perform exhibitions at various events to promote the program and publicize it to future college students. These exhibitions will also allow for the competitive group to showcase their routine and enhance their competitive skills. Exhibitions may include: High School Competitions Bull s halftime Men s basketball halftimes Women s basketball halftimes TIME COMMITMENT Participation Year The participation year is one year from the time of selection until the following spring selection. Members will fulfill the normal intercollegiate athletic year requirements, including events during summer, Thanksgiving, winter and spring breaks, and pre and post season play. All non-returning members are required to attend and participate in all tryout clinics. A. Summer Practices Summer activities are mandatory for all Cheer Team members. Pre Camp: July 24-27, 2015; UCA Camp: July 30-August 2, 2015, Wisconsin Dells, WI Report back to Campus: Thursday, August 20, 2015 New members are required to get a physical with a team doctor prior to the first summer practice. The physical is scheduled through the athletic trainer and members will not be permitted to practice without one. B. Season Practices Practices begin mid-august and run through March at Huff Hall or Kenney Gym. Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday evenings from 5:00-9:00 pm should be reserved for practice. Practices will last for no more than 3 hours. The start time of practice depends on the availability of facilities and will be finalized at the beginning of each semester. Practice days and times are subject to change depending on the needs of the team. No practice will be conducted without the presence and direct supervision of a coach. C. Winter Break During break, members are required to cover all basketball games assigned. Members living within 300 miles of the university are required to cheer break games. 2

3 D. Weight Lifting MANDATORY weight lifting begins the second week after classes resume. When scheduling classes, a 90 minute block of time between 10 am-2 pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays should be left open in order to allow enough time to lift weights during the allotted time. Three weightlifting sessions are required each week. Each cheerleader will be allowed 3 absences first semester and 2 absences second semester prior to penalty. The team lifts at specifically scheduled times to fulfill this requirement. Cheerleaders must dress in appropriate Illinois attire and follow all rules of the weight room and the strength coaches. Sleeveless shirts and tank tops are NOT permitted in the weight room. E. Study Tables All incoming freshmen will be required to perform 6 hours of study tables per week at Irwin Academic Facility, those who achieve a 3.0 or higher after their first semester will be excused from study tables for the second semester. All other first year members will also be required to perform 6 hours of study tables unless they can present evidence of a 3.0 or higher. If after their first semester they receive a 3.0 or higher they may be excused from study tables. (See rules pertaining to GPA requirement for other required study tables) F. Instructional Clinics Kids Clinic will be hosted for grade school age kids in the area. This is a short clinic dedicated to teaching kids basic cheers and dances that are performed at a women s halftime. Other Clinics may be hosted if deemed necessary. G. Public Appearances/Events The administration, local schools, charities and businesses occasionally call upon the cheerleaders to appear at community functions for PR purposes. Events are mandatory for all squad members unless specified as voluntary by the coaching staff. Each member shall participate in a minimum of three voluntary events/activities per year. H. Tryouts Clinics are run by alumni cheerleaders and non-returning team members who teach and demonstrate all tryout material. Non-returning members are required to attend and participate in all clinics before any awards are given. Academic Eligibility ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS Cheerleaders must carry and maintain a minimum of 12 undergraduate hours on the University of Illinois campus. The only exception is for graduating seniors during the spring semester only. A letter of certification to this point must be supplied to the Coach from the student's specific school of study prior to the beginning of the spring semester. No incompletes or withdrawals will be allowed if such action causes the number of completed credits to fall below 12. Each member must have a cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA) of or above in order to remain eligible and participate in good standing. Cheerleaders must submit semester exam schedules by the second week of classes so practices can be planned accordingly. Study tables are required for all first year members and members with a semester GPA of or below or a cumulative GPA of or below. These members are required to complete a minimum of 6 hours per week of study tables unless they meet the 3.0 exemption explained on page 3. 3

4 Members not meeting academic criteria will be placed on probation until the end of the following semester. While on probation, the member will attend all practices but will not perform at games and events in uniform. Grades and credits will be reviewed after a semester of probation. The member will be reinstated to full participation if his/her cumulative GPA is at or above If the member does not achieve a cumulative GPA after the probationary semester, the member will be DISMISSED from the squad. Members who are ineligible impact the entire team s ability to perform at events. Therefore, a member who is ineligible two non-cumulative semesters will also be DISMISSED from the squad. A member cannot be ineligible twice and still remain a part of the program. CODE OF CONDUCT Cheerleaders are visible symbols of the University of Illinois and must conduct themselves appropriately at all times. Members should do nothing that will bring embarrassment to the University, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics, themselves or their families. Being a cheerleader is prestigious and separates members from the rest of the student body, and appropriate conduct is mandated accordingly. The following rules specifically apply: 1. No illegal drug use of any kind. 2. No smoking of any kind or smokeless tobacco chewing. 3. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to consume alcohol. Violators are subject to legal action, disciplinary action by the Dean of Students, and dismissal from the team. 4. No alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs will be consumed the night before or the morning of athletic events. Alcoholic beverage consumption, regardless of the amount consumed, can dull a person s senses and reaction time, which can lead to possible injury of that squad member or a fellow squad member(s). 5. Cheerleaders will not be permitted in hotel bars or lounges on away trips. 6. Any action viewed by the coach as bringing undue embarrassment to the University will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the program. 7. No improper conduct while in official cheerleading apparel or wearing of cheerleading apparel (sweats, uniforms, etc) to non-sanctioned cheerleading events (bars, parties, etc). 8. No inappropriate language on or off the field of play, during practice or traveling to any event. Be aware of language, topics of conversation and behavior at all times when in uniform and while traveling with the official travel party. 9. Members or people who are not part of the official travel party are not permitted to stay in hotel rooms with travel party members. 10. A 12:00 a.m., midnight, curfew is in effect for all team trips. Cheerleaders must be in their assigned rooms at that designated hour. Violation of curfew will result in a punishment made at the coach s discretion depending on the infraction (i.e. loss of travel privileges, loss of letter, loss of tournament travel, etc.) 4

5 SOCIAL NETWORKING POLICY (From Student Athlete Handbook) Public Media Public media refers to techniques used to communicate messages (dissemination of fact, opinion, and entertainment) and whose mission is to serve or engage a public. Public media domains include print outlets (such as newspapers, books, magazines, posters, flyers, etc.), traditional public and commercial broadcasts (such as TV, radio, film), digital (such as the Internet, , social networks, podcasting, chat rooms and blogging), and any new platforms and distribution mechanisms to expand reach and engage audiences (listeners, users). When utilizing any public media outlets, student-athletes are expected to conduct themselves responsibly as members of their respective team, DIA, and our University. Social networks Social network sites such as Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter and any other new digital platforms and distribution mechanisms facilitate student communicating with others. Participation in such networks has both positive appeal and potentially negative consequences. It is important that our studentathletes be aware of these consequences and exercise appropriate caution if they choose to participate. Student-Athletes are not restricted from using any on-line social network sites and digital platforms (such as the Internet, , podcasting, chat rooms, and blog sites). However, users must understand that any content they make public via on-line social networks or digital platforms is expected to follow acceptable social behaviors and also to comply with federal government, State of Illinois, University, DIA, Big Ten and NCAA rules and regulations. Facebook and similar directories are hosted outside the University server. Violations of University policy (e.g., harassing language, University alcohol or drug policy violations, etc.) or evidence of such violations in the content of on-line social networks or digital platforms are subject to investigation and sanction under the University s Student Code, DIA policies, and other University policies. Matters may also be pursued by law enforcement officers and student-athletes may be sued in a civil proceeding for abusive or false statements made about another person. It is incumbent upon student-athletes to be aware of University regulations. Ignorance of these regulations does not excuse student-athletes from adhering to them. TEAM TRAVEL Travel Guidelines Out of town trips will be coordinated by the Administrative Advisor and Coach. The Big Ten policy restricts cheerleader travel for the following: 1. No limit for non-conference football and basketball games 2. A limit of eight for Conference football games 3. No travel to any away Conference men s and women s basketball games 4. NCAA and NIT rules limit the squad size for pre-season and post-season tournament to 12 cheerleaders. The administration always holds the right to take a lesser amount of cheerleaders. In addition, the travel party is determined based on current level of performance, choice points and compliance with all team rules and policies. The coach always has the final decision on who will be in the travel party. When traveling to away events, cheerleaders will travel with the team in acceptable travel attire. This could range from business attire to travel sweats and will be determined prior to each trip. Those cheerleaders participating in the scheduled event must travel to and from the event and stay with the official University travel party due to liability reasons. Parents must provide a signed travel release at least 48 hours in advance if they plan to transport their cheerleader to or from an event. 5

6 ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS NO unexcused absences are permitted for events and/or practices. Tardiness is not acceptable. Tardiness in excess of 10 minutes is considered an unexcused absence. Excused absences include: 1. Illness to the cheerleader and/or immediate family members requiring that student s travel and attention. 2. Death in the immediate family. 3. Mandatory class obligations and exams scheduled apart from regular class time 4. Out of town job or graduate school interviews (seniors only) 5. Other absences may be excused at the coach s discretion Notices of these situations, when possible, must be submitted in writing to the coach at least 24 hours in advance. It is recognized that this may not be possible when it involves illness or death in the immediate family. is the most effective and efficient way to notify the coach in writing. NOTE: Review sessions, group projects, class assignments and work are NOT considered excused absences from practices, games, or events. Games and Events Cheer Team members will meet prior to each game or event with the time and place designated by the coach. The following rules apply: 1. The Cheerleading Safety Manual published by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA) as adopted by the Big Ten Conference governs the team s performance. 2. Pyramids comply with AACCA, NCAA tournament policies, host school s policies during a road game, or policies of the governing body in a competition. 3. Cheerleaders will not attempt gymnastics and partner stunts without proper instruction, qualified spotters, sufficient supervision, adequate facilities and equipment. Any partner stunts or gymnastics must be demonstrated consistently to the coach before use in a game or event. 4. Chewing gum during games or events is not permitted. 5. Undivided attention to each game or event is expected. Team members will not converse unnecessarily with the student body, spectators, or to each other since this hinders their attention to the game. 6. Equipment for a game will be handled before and after the game by team members designated by the coaches. 7. Cheers and routines are selected in advance of time-outs. However, depending on each game situation, a planned time-out might be changed. 8. Cheer Team members will conduct themselves within the highest definition of good sportsmanship and hospitality to visiting teams. 9. The primary purpose of the cheerleaders is to support the team by motivating the crowd whether the team is winning or losing. 6

7 HEALTH AND MEDICAL Physicals Team members must have a physical, medical history questionnaire and medical insurance forms on file with the Sports Medicine Office prior to the start of practices. Physicals are required of all members and all medical forms must be updated yearly. Periodic strength testing is also required as deemed necessary. The final decision on a person s physical qualifications for participation in the program will be that of the team physicians and athletic trainers. All members are subject to drug testing. All injuries incurred during practices or at games must be reported to the Team Trainer. An examination will take place and treatment prescribed. If the proper procedure is not followed, the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics will not be responsible for any associated expenses incurred and the member will not be allowed to participate in practices or games. Cheerleaders must behave appropriately and respectfully in the training room at all times. The time of the training room staff is limited and failure to attend scheduled appointments on time and on a regular basis is unacceptable. Violation of this expectation will result in a punishment made at the coach s discretion depending on the infraction (i.e. loss of travel privileges, loss of letter, loss of tournament travel, etc.) Any description of DIA s responsibilities in terms of medical and health insurance coverage will be explained in a letter from the Sports Medicine Office. The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics is not responsible for medical services or fees that were incurred outside of official practices, games, or events. UNIFORMS, HEALTH HABITS AND DRESS Each member is to practice good personal hygiene and be well groomed. For the males, no facial hair is permitted. Male squad members will be clean cut in their hair styling and clean-shaven for all appearances. No males may wear ponytails or earrings. Bright or colorful nail polish, lipstick, or makeup is also prohibited at games. Hair must be pulled away from face and kept out of eyes while cheering. We promote a natural look with neutral tones of makeup. Female members will furnish at their cost, orange, navy and white body liners, orange and navy briefs, and white and navy sports bras, bows and additional team athletic shoes. Guys will furnish at their cost, Nike dri-fit shirts, stunt gloves and additional athletic shoes. Members will purchase khaki pants/capri pants to wear with cheerleading polos to appearances and games. NO JEWELRY MAY BE WORN DURING PRACTICES, GAMES, OR EVENTS. SMALL post earrings are permitted for females. The Division of Intercollegiate Athletics will provide the normal uniforms and cheerleading shoes. All uniforms and equipment will be checked-out through a double signature check system, and the individual squad member will be responsible for his/her own uniforms and equipment during the year of competition. Cheerleading shoes are for performances and NOT for regular day wear or intramurals. If shoes are lost, the individual will buy the replacement pair. 7

8 Each cheerleader is responsible for the care and appearance of uniforms. If a uniform is torn during the course of the season, it is the responsibility of the cheerleader to get the uniform repaired. Lost or damaged uniforms and equipment (signs, flags, etc.) items will be charged to the person who had them checked out and those item(s) will be replaced at his/her expense. Cheer Team members will always be dressed uniformly at events, and the uniform will be announced in advance by the coach. Cheerleaders will not be permitted to cheer the event and will be considered unexcused for the event if they arrive in the wrong uniform. AWARDS CRITERIA A. Varsity awards shall be awarded each academic year upon the recommendation of the Head Varsity Cheerleading Coach. B. The student-athlete must participate in at least 85% of the regular season games. These games include both home and away football and basketball games in which the cheerleaders are expected to participate. C. General Award Procedures 1. The student-athlete must adhere to all University and Program Rules and Policies as well as represent himself/herself, the sport, and the University in a creditable and complimentary manner. 2. The student-athlete must be making normal progress towards a degree and must maintain academic eligibility at all times to receive an athletic award. 3. The Head Varsity Cheerleading Coach shall submit recommendation for awards by using the Award Recommendation Form. 4. Under special circumstances, a varsity award may be granted to a student-athlete who has not fulfilled the award requirements, if based upon the recommendation of the Head Varsity Cheerleading Coach. Such recommendations must be submitted with supportive evidence of a student-athlete whose potential for outstanding performance has been interrupted by reasons of injury, illness, or other extenuating circumstances. 5. Under special circumstances, a varsity award may be withheld even though a student-athlete has fulfilled all the necessary award criteria, if based upon the recommendation of the Head Varsity Cheerleading Coach. The Head Varsity Cheerleading Coach should submit the reasons substantiating the decision to withhold recommendation to the Director of Athletics. D. Varsity awards for cheerleaders are delineated as follows: First Year Second Year Third Year Fourth Year Jacket Blanket Watch Ring 8

9 DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURES Cheer team members are subject to disciplinary action by the coach, in conjunction with the Administrative Advisor, for infractions to rules as outlined in this document. Infractions to the code of conduct can jeopardize earning varsity awards for those who are eligible. Standard infractions will be handled as follows. Academic Probation Members not meeting academic criteria will be placed on probation until the end of the following semester. While on probation, the member will attend all practices but will not perform at games and events in uniform. Grades and credits will be reviewed after a semester of probation. The member will be reinstated to full participation if his/her cumulative GPA is at or above If the member does not achieve a cumulative GPA after the probationary semester, the member will be DISMISSED. Members who are ineligible impact the entire team s ability to perform at events. A member who is ineligible two non-cumulative semesters will also be DISMISSED from the squad. Study tables are required for all members with a semester GPA of or below or a cumulative GPA of or below. Suspension/Bench A Cheer Team member will be suspended/benched by the Coach for violation of any conduct guidelines, repeated tardiness, unexcused absences, or missed games. The following number of choice points will be lost each time a member is suspended/benched for a game. First suspension/bench equals a loss of 2 points, second suspension/bench equals a loss of 4 points, and third suspension/bench equals a loss of 6 points. When a member is suspended/benched they are required to complete 6 hours of study tables during the week of the suspension/bench. The Coach may also require the member to attend the game and assist as an equipment manager for the team if necessary. The Coach has the right to determine the most appropriate punishment for a team member depending on the circumstances of the suspension/bench and the time of year in which it occurs. Dismissal The Coach, in conjunction with the Administrative Advisor, can dismiss a cheerleader from the team. If a member s actions require dismissal, he/she will be suspended immediately by the Coach as dismissal procedures begin. However, if a member has been suspended/benched for a total of three games during the competition year, the next violation of any conduct guidelines will result in his/her immediate dismissal. Voluntary Termination or Dismissal Forfeiting a position on the team greatly impacts the quality of the program and the performance of the entire team. If a member voluntarily terminates their position on the team by resigning or if a member is terminated, they will not be allowed to try out for cheerleading in the future. GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES Cheer team members have the right to appeal disciplinary decisions, including suspension, or alleged violations of rights through the following procedure. Academic Grievances If a team member alleges a violation of student rights in an academic matter an appeal should be made through normal departmental and college appeal procedures. 9

10 Team Grievances 1. Appeal to the coach. If you would like to protest a disciplinary decision or an alleged violation of your rights as a team member, you should ask for a meeting with the coach within 30 days following the suspension or alleged violation. 2. Appeal to the athletic administration. If the problem is not resolved between the coach and the team member, that team member may request a meeting with the administrative advisor. The request for such a meeting must be made in writing within 10 days following the meeting with the coach. 3. If the problem is not resolved between the team member and the administrative advisor, the administrative advisor may appoint an appeal panel consisting of representatives from the Student- Athlete Advisory Board and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. 4. In all appeal proceedings the decision of the appeal panel will be final. Eligibility Grievances 1. Any termination or change in eligibility shall be given to the team member by notice in writing. 2. If the team member wishes to appeal a termination or a change in eligibility status, the team member may appeal to the athletic administrator, in writing. The athletic administrator shall appoint an appeal panel consisting of representatives from the DIA Academic Services and the Division of Intercollegiate Athletics. 3. In all appeal proceedings the decision of the appeal panel will be final. 10

11 Code of Conduct and Expectations Agreement I have read the Fighting Illini Cheerleading Rules and Policies for and understand them completely. I agree to adhere to the Rules, Policies, and Code of Conduct and Expectations of Illinois Cheerleading in the form that they have been presented to me. Participant Signature Print Name Date I have read the Fighting Illini Cheerleading Rules and Policies for and understand them completely. I understand the time commitment involved and will support my child being at each and every event assigned during summer, Thanksgiving, winter, and spring breaks. Parent Signature Print Name Date 11