Chase High School Trojan Cheerleading Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleading Contract Rules and Regulations 2016-2017 Coach: Roxanne Loving
CHS Cheer Handbook 2016-2017 Page 2 The Purpose of Trojan Cheerleading To encourage school spirit and pride in Chase High School To support Chase High School Trojan athletic teams To involve Chase High School students and supporters at athletic events To promote physical, social, and mental development Trojan Cheerleading Program Vision To provide opportunities for participation in a wide variety of activities during every sport and competition season To be an integral, well coordinated part of the secondary school curriculum To develop effective time management strategies To develop socially through cooperation, competition, and appropriate standards and behavior Trojan Cheerleading Mission To promote and uphold school spirit, unity and pride Represent Chase High School on and off campus to the highest degree Set examples of good behavior and sportsmanship at all times (whether in uniform or not) Promote friendship with each other and with schools with whom we compete Promote the development of lifelong values and skills Educational value to Chase High School Membership on the cheerleading squad provides an opportunity for personal growth, leadership and involvement in various functions. The attitude, dedication, and enthusiasm of the squad members are just as important as the skills involved in cheerleading. Members of the squad are committed to the highest level of athleticism, performance, self-discipline and respect for the school and others. All cheerleaders must demonstrate a proven ability to balance academic requirements and demands with extra-curricular and personal activities. Academics come before cheerleading - no exception! Trojan Cheerleading Code of Ethics Ensure equal opportunity to all students without regard to gender, race, religious creed, national origin, ancestry, or economic capability Emphasize sportsmanship, ethical conduct, integrity, accountability, and fair play Abide by all school, district, and league rules Show courtesy to all visiting teams, competitors, hosts, and officials Respect the integrity and judgement of all sports and competition officials (i.e. other coaches and referees)
CHS Cheer Handbook 2016-2017 Page 3 Trojan Cheerleading Standards and Regulations Cheerleaders understand that teamwork and the maintenance of disciple are key to the success of the spirit program. Cheerleaders are dedicated to promoting spirit, enthusiasm and a winning attitude through example. Adherence to the Cheer Program Rules and Regulations is vital to achieving these goals. All members realize the manner in which they conduct themselves, in or out of uniform, directly affects the entire team and school. It is recognized that these students are necessary to maintain squad morale, squad and individual discipline, and effective learning. Consistent enforcement of rules and regulations is also necessary to ensure the safety and general well-being of each individual spirit leader. Participation in Trojan Cheerleading is a privilege, NOT A RIGHT, and may be revoked when a cheerleader violates the rules and regulations. Eligibility Based on North Carolina High School Athletic Association requirements, cheerleaders must have passed 3 out of 4 classes in the previous semester in order to be eligible to cheer. If a cheerleader is not passing a class during the cheerleading season, it is up to the coach and parent whether or not that cheerleader will be eligible to continue to cheer. Cheerleaders may be placed on probation at the discretion of his/her parents and coach if they feel that extra time needs to be dedicated to academics. This means that the cheerleader will not participate in practice, games, or pep rallies until the failing grade is improved. Learning Center Learning Center - Varsity squad members should make every arrangement possible to attend learning center on Thursday (JV game day). If you must attend learning center on another day due to teacher scheduling, please notify the coach of your arrangements as soon as possible so practice items can be arranged to suit the needs of the team. Learning Center - Junior Varsity squad members who need to stay for learning center should make every arrangement possible to stay on Monday. If you must attend learning center on another day due to teacher scheduling, please notify the coach of your arrangements as soon as possible so practice items can be arranged to suit the needs of the team. Conduct Any action by a cheerleader that brings dishonor to CHS will result in dismissal. Every attempt will be made to discipline fairly/equally, and to make consequences of actions known ahead of time. Parents will be kept informed of problem situations. Severity of, or repeat offenses, may dictate harsher actions. The use of illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco is strictly prohibited - on or off campus! Promoting good sportsmanship by way of example is required at all times. Cheerleaders must not use foul language at practice, in school, or at games. Public displays of affections are not appropriate, especially in uniform, at games, or at school. Proper appearance is required at all times, with clothing appropriate to the occasion. By being part of the squad, you accept the fact that your actions are more prominent than those not associated with such an activity. Because of this, exemplary behavior is mandatory at all times, anywhere in the community and at all school functions where you are recognized as a representative of Chase High School.
CHS Cheer Handbook 2016-2017 Page 4 Cheerleaders must cooperate with all cheerleading coaches/advisors, faculty members, administrators, fellow squad members, game officials, and coaches. Cheerleaders must demonstrate exemplary behavior in class, including being on time, not skipping class, and not cheating. Absences Just one squad member being absent affects the entire squad. It is important not to inconvenience the practice time of the entire squad by being absent. Absences must be excused by a note from a physician if the cheerleader had an appointment, or a call from a parent if the cheerleader is sick. For safety and wellness, if a cheerleader is absent from school due to illness on game day, she may dress, but will not cheer. If a cheerleader is absent from school for any other reason on game day, she may not dress or cheer. Absences due to work schedules are unexcused. Practice The coach or coaches will not endure poor attitudes on the part of the cheerleaders. There will absolutely be NO complaining about teachers, fellow squad members, administrators, or fellow students at any time. The coach has the right to make cheerleaders sit out of games if their behavior or attitude at practice is inappropriate. All cell phones must be turned off/on silent during practice. Safety is our number one priority - stunts or basket tosses will not be allowed without a coach present. Practice will consist of and is not limited to the following: Warm-Ups : Stretching, Running, Crunches, Push-Ups 1. Stretching is essential for muscle injury prevention 2. Running is essential for improving cardiovascular fitness and stamina 3. Crunches and push-ups are essential for developing the strength needed for stunting and basket tosses. Dress at practice : Comfortable clothes, cheerleading or athletic shoes Hair in a secured ponytail and out of face No jewelry (including earrings, belly rings, facial piercings, etc) Games The coach or coaches will not endure poor attitudes on the part of cheerleaders. There will absolutely be NO complaining about teachers, fellow squad members, administrators, or fellow students at any time. The coach has the right to make cheerleaders sit out of games if their behavior or attitude is inappropriate. It is very important that cheerleaders represent our school maturely and responsibly during games. Cheerleaders must follow these rules: While turned to watch the game during football season, cheerleaders must stand with their arms folded behind their back. They should not talk loudly to one another, dance or move around inappropriately or dance to music played by the other team s band.
CHS Cheer Handbook 2016-2017 Page 5 When a cheer is called, all cheerleaders should participate in the cheer. It is the responsibility of the captains to choose and call cheers. If there is any issue with this, questions should be addressed to the coach. During basketball season, there are to be no friends, family members, etc sitting in the area designated for cheerleaders. Dress at games: Required uniform (skirt, top, warm-up pants/jacket, hoodie, etc. depending on the weather.) The coach will decide the dress for each game, and that dress must be followed by all participants. Cheerleading shoes and white socks. Bow No jewelry Hair in a ponytail and completely out of face. No artificial nails Demerit System In order to enforce the policies outlined in this handbook, a demerit system will be used to track absences, improper dress, tardiness, and other violations/offenses as deemed necessary by the coach. The following system will be in effect starting 5/16/2016 for all cheerleaders. The policy is subject to change, but cheerleaders will be notified in advance of any change in their demerit status. - Colored socks (game) - 1 demerit - Jewelry (at practice or game) - 1 demerit - Inappropriate shoes - 1 demerit at practice; 2 demerits at game - Inappropriate practice clothes (practice) - 1 demerit - Incorrect uniform (game) - 2 demerits (example - forgetting pants, skirt, bodysuit) - No poms (practice or game) - 1 demerit - Tardy to practice without note - 4 demerits - Tardy to game for unexcused reason - 5 demerits - Unexcused absence from practice - 7 demerits - Leaving early from practice for unexcused reason - 5 - Leaving early from game for unexcused reason - 6 demerits - Missing a game for an unexcused reason - 8 demerits - ISS (for any reason, including tardies) - 7 demerits Examples of excused absences: - Family emergency (death, hospitalization, etc) - Doctor s appointment (documentation should be brought to next practice/game) - School function (field trip, college visit, etc) - Learning center (to get help with classwork) Examples of unexcused absences: - After school detention
CHS Cheer Handbook 2016-2017 Page 6 - Learning center (making up time) - Family trip - Hair/nail appointment Consequences - 8 demerits - Sit out half of next game - 15 demerits - Sit out full game (must dress out and sit with coach) - 20 demerits - dismissal from squad Dismissal from squad - accrual of 20 demerits - Missing game without prior approval - underage consumption of alcohol, drug use, use of tobacco products, steroids, or any other controlled substance - Any act of insubordination (toward coach, teachers, administration, etc) Transportation Each cheerleader is responsible for her own transportation to and from practice and home games. Those cheerleaders who do not drive will need to be picked up promptly at the given time. If you cannot find a ride from practice and/or to and from a home game, please speak with the coach in advance to make arrangements. The squad must travel together to all away games. Cheerleaders are allowed to leave away games with parents or siblings. ALL PRACTICES AND GAMES ARE MANDATORY PLEASE SIGN AND RETURN THIS SHEET TO THE COACH.
CHS Cheer Handbook 2016-2017 Page 7 Yes, I read the Chase Cheerleading guidelines and understand them. I also understand the expectation and consequences. Cheerleader Date Yes, I read the Chase Cheerleading guidelines and understand them. I also understand the expectation and consequences. Parent Date Coach Date