ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHEERLEADERS

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1 REG. FR NAME GRADE Parent s address: ST. FRANCIS OF ASSISI CHEERLEADERS YOUR CHEERLEADER PACKET CONTAINS THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HEADINGS: 1. ACADEMIC STUDIES 2. SUPPORTING ATHLETICS 3. PUBLIC RELATIONS 4. EXHIBITION/PERFORMANCE 5. STUNTING 6. EXHIBITION 7. PRACTICE AND GAME SCHEDULE 8. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT 9. COMMUNICATION 10. TRANSPORTATION 11. PRACTICES AND GAME RESPONSIBILITIES 12. DISIPLINARY POLICY 13. COMMITMENT 14. CANCELLATIONS 15. FUNDRAISING 16. TEAM COMPOSITION 17. UNIFORM 18. COST 19. ITEMS PROVIDED BY SPORTS PROGRAM 20. PRACTICE SCHEDULE 21. ADULT VOLUNTEER INFOR AND SIGN UP SHEET Please sign this page and return it along with the participant agreement, medical, volunteer and uniform accessory forms and fee to the school office by Oct. 10th. Label the envelope Cheerleader. This will act as confirmation that your student wants to be a cheerleader providing there is a coach and that you have read the information in the packet and agree to all rules, procedures, and fees. PARENT(S) NAME STUDENT S NAME DATE DATE DATE

2 PRINCIPLES OF CHEERLEADING ACADEMIC STUDIES A cheerleader s first responsibility is to her/his academic program. The educational process should not be compromised by participation in the sport. SUPPORTING ATHLETICS Because athletic involvement is of primary importance to a cheerleading squad, a successful program will be focused on creating a cooperative spirit between the squad, and other spirit groups in the parish. The squad will assist in creating an atmosphere of spirit and support throughout the school and community. It will also encourage and coordinate direct crowd involvement at athletic events. PUBLIC RELATIONS A cheerleading squad has the responsibility to uphold, to reflect and to project goals, ideals and image of the school/parish community. They act as representatives of their parish. ELIGIBILITY A student is eligible to participate in Cheerleading if he/she is enrolled in grades 4,5,6,7 or 8, enrolled in and attending, either your parish school or religious education program. Children may not participate in parishes other than their own, unless there is no team for their grade/gender. They must contact the Sports Dir. if they wish to play on another parish team. EXHIBITION/PERFORMANCE Cheerleaders, like other student athletes, need to be recognized for their achievements and successes. The impact of cheerleader participation in athletic and public relations events is often intangible and even more difficult to recognize. An exhibition may be the single area where a squad can work as a team towards a tangible goal. Personal achievements in preparation for an exhibition can be highly motivating for a student athlete. Squads engaging in cheerleading, gymnastics and competitive programs should adopt and execute a comprehensive safety program. STUNTING When done properly, stunting is safe. All cheerleaders will be instructed in stunt safety and all stunting will be hands on. This means that a spotter or back base will have constant contact with the flyer. This is in addition to the main bases on either side of the flyer. No basket tosses will be performed. The only time a flyer may not have contact with a base is when doing a cradle dismount. Cradles will only be performed from the shoulder level. 2.

3 All cheerleaders must be qualified by the coach before they will be permitted to stunt. All cheerleaders who attend stunting gymnastic classes during the season will qualify with coaches ok. Those who are not currently qualified will be required to perform drills and will begin with basic stunting and progress to more difficult stunts. Progress will be recorded to ensure each area has been mastered before moving on. If any cheerleader has a physical limitation, please advise the coach immediately, in writing, so that they may be accommodated. Please be specific about what the cheerleader may or may not do. Cheerleaders will be rotated through various stunting positions. The rotation will be based upon ability. For safety reasons, it will be impossible for every cheerleader to be rotated through every position. Your cooperation and patience is appreciated. If a cheerleader is talking or not paying attention at practice, they will not be permitted to stunt. Any cheerleader disrupting practice, especially during stunting, will be subject to disciplinary policy. Side conversations and joking around during stunt practice puts the cheerleader and their teammates at great risk. In addition, it slows down practice and the cheerleader will not learn what she needs to know. Please discuss the stunting policy, before signing, to alleviate any confusion or potential hurt feelings. EXHIBITION The St. Francis Cheerleaders participate in the NVJCYO Sports League. The web site is In the past, we have participated in a league competition. Several years ago, the league changed the competition to an EXHIBITION. It is set up as a high school competition but without the judges. The teams are allowed to cheer, dance, chant, stunt or a combination of all. The purpose is for the teams to do their very best and have fun. The teams receive individual certificates and awards. As stated in the Principles of Cheerleading, cheerleaders need to be recognized for their outstanding achievements and successes. Preparation for the exhibition can be highly motivating for the student athlete. All cheerleaders are invited to perform. There may be extra practices for the exhibition. The practices will be mandatory. Any cheerleader, who is unable to attend every exhibition practice, will not be able to participate in the Exhibition. PRACTICE AND GAME SCHEDULE Practice will be TBA. Games will begin in December. The teams we will be cheering for will vary each week. Our squad will cheer for both the boys and the girls middle school teams. Game schedule will be ed to each family by Monday of that week. If the game schedule allows us to plan 2 or more weekends in advance, we 3.

4 will do so. 4 th and 5 th grade teams are instructional teams. Their games are in smaller gyms. Cheerleaders will not be cheering below the middle school level. PARENT INVOLVEMENT I m looking forward to having parents help us this year with fundraising, making phone calls, car pooling, organizing frequent gatherings for the squad, community services, pep rallies, sign-making and various other projects. Nothing can help a team as much as supportive parents. Please sign up on the volunteer form attached. DISIPLINARY POLICY In the event of misbehavior requiring disciplinary action or any offense deemed worthy of reprimand by the coach, the following steps will be taken: 1. First Offense A verbal warning will be given and charted 2. Second Offense A written warning will be sent home 3. Third Offense A conference will be scheduled between the coach, team member and parents to discuss the future of their student s position on the squad. COMMUNICATION The fastest way to get information back and forth is . The coach, team parent and sports director will need to have your address. Only information pertinent to the team/parish/school will be sent through . PLEASE CHECK YOUR AT LEAST 2 TIMES A DAY. Once the games begin, it will be important to check to see if there are any changes etc. Occasionally, handouts will be given to your athlete. The handout, school newsletter and will be the best way to give you the information quickly. Please ask to see the newsletter and possible handouts each week. TRANSPORTATION It is each family s responsibility to get their child to and from the practices and games on time. In the past, carpools have been formed. Most of our games are in northern Virginia and require a bit of traveling. Directions to the games will be given to the girls. There must be a parent responsible for each cheerleader at all games. If you are sending your child with another parent, please make sure they are aware of any medical conditions that they might have or any information they might require in the event of an emergency. 4.

5 PRACTICES AND GAMES RESPONSIBILITIES 1. All team members and parents will be respectful to coaches, teammates, teams we are cheering for and opposing teams. 2. Cheerleaders must be at each game 30 minutes prior to tip-off time. This time is necessary to warm-up and make last minute changes. 3. Shoes other than indoor cheerleading sneakers will also be required for any out door training. We will begin cardiovascular training. If any cheerleader has a pre-existing medical condition, which would put them at risk during this season, please discuss this with the coach immediately. Risks would include a history of heart problems, asthma, hypertension. 4. At practice and games, all hair long enough to be neatly pulled up should be pulled into a single high ponytail. There will be no make-up, jewelry (except post earrings no dangles) gum, food or drinks allowed anywhere in the facility. 5. Each member s cooperation and attention are necessary to ensure a safe practice and game environment. Bad attitudes, unexcused absences, leaving early, not listening/participating and private conversations will not be tolerated. If a cheerleader is unable to attend practice on a Friday or the scheduled gymnastics stunt day, the coach must be notified, by the parent the night before. If a student becomes ill during the day and is sent home from school early, a phone call to the coach would be appreciated. If a child sustained an injury (sprained wrist, etc.) and is able to attend school, she is required to attend practice and either observe or participate depending on the injury. CANCELLATIONS Parents should come into the gym to make sure the coach has arrived. If any unforeseen circumstance prevents the coach(s) from arriving at practice on time, each student from the school must sign themselves into daycare. THERE WILL BE NO PRACTICING UNLESS THE COACH IS PRESENT. In the event that a game is cancelled, a phone tree will be activated. FUND RAISING It is the St. Francis philosophy that no child be excluded from the sports program due to financial restrictions. It is no secret however, that cheerleading is an expensive sport. In keeping with our philosophy, we are looking for ways to lower the cost of participation as we continue to develop. In order to meet these goals, we are looking towards a squad supply of uniforms, poms, training and safety equipment as well as funds for sponsoring the team and its members in furthering the program. By working together as a TEAM and participating in fund raisers, we can achieve these goals. 5.

6 TEAM COMPOSITION The Saint Francis of Assisi parish sports director and respective coaches have sole discretion on team composition and player placement. The parish sports director and the parish sports committee does not entertain complaints regarding a parent s differing opinion or evaluation of their child s skill level/team placement. PRACTICE SCHEDULE Practice is mandatory with exceptions scheduled school event, sickness, scheduled church event and any pre-planned trips). This is important because unlike other sports, cheerleading does not have substitutes. Every member of the team has an important part to the routine and /or stunt or cheer. Practice for the season will start UNIFORM The Cheerleading program will provide each squad member with the following: 1. cheer skirt 2. cheer vest 3. poms 1 set (2) 4. cheer bag with ID tag ALL ABOVE ITEMS WILL BE RETURNED TO THE PROGRAM DIRECTOR AT THE END OF THE SEASON. The uniform must be cared for according to the directions inside. The poms and gym bag must be returned in good condition. If any above items are not returned, the parent(s) is responsible for the cost of replacing the item(s). The item(s) or cost of item(s) must be received by the Sports Director before that student can participate in any other St. Francis sponsored sport. The parents must provide the following: 1. body suit 2. briefs 3. socks 4. shoes If body suit, briefs and or socks fit from the previous year, you do not have to purchase again. 6.

7 COST The following is a list of approx. costs to squad member: Registration $ Body suits $18.00 Briefs $9.00 Socks $5.00 Shoes $23.00 Registration: $50.00 is required with the registration forms. The remaining balance of $50.00 can be fundraised with the White House Christmas Ornaments or Gianni s Desserts and Pizzas or paid all at once. The registration fee must accompany the registration, medical and volunteer forms by Sept. 21st. All fundraiser balances must be paid by Jan 15th. All above fees must be paid by the due date. Any fees not paid will require the student not be allowed to participate in practice and or cheer at games, attend competitions, exhibitions or team related activities OR participate in any other St. Francis sponsored sport activities until the fees are received. If payment of fees must be delayed, please contact the sports director. 7.

8 CHEERLEADERS ADULT VOLUNTEER INFORMATION SIGN-UP CHEER TEAM PARENT: would work with the Sports Director and coach to help with but limited to the following: a. Will get information out to the team through or phone call when necessary. b. would make sure all handouts were given to the girls. If they are absent, make sure the girl was given a call and also speak to the parent(s). c. if possible, will try to get pictures taken of the team at games for the yearbook or ask parents to take pictures and send in copies. d. will ask for volunteers when needed. UNIFORM PARENT: will attend the first practice for try ons and distribution of skirts and vests. a. will assist the uniform rep. in determining shoe size et. b. will distribute poms, gym bags with proper name tags c. will make sure all orders of shoes, socks, briefs, body suits are given to the correct girl. If any item(s) have to be returned due to wrong size, damage, etc. you will let the Sports Director know before returning them. PLEASE PRINT YOUR NAME NEXT TO THE POSITION And send into school or with the registration forms and fees. I would like to volunteer for the following positions: CHEER TEAM PARENT UNIFORM PARENT

9 UNIFORM ACCESSORIES If your daughter participated last year, you will need to try on the following and fill out the form below otherwise new items will be ordered. Body suit Briefs Socks (if they don t fit, will be sized according to shoes ordered) CHEERLEADER S NAME Current shoe size: ( must complete) I do not need the above items (Circle if you do not need) I need the following: Body suit last year size I need socks - YES NO (Circle one) Any questions contact: Terry DeVito (540) TerryDeVito@aol.com Briefs last year size

10 PARTICIPANT AGREEMENT, RELEASE AND ADKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISK Grade Date of Birth I (student), of (parish) am a participant in NVJCYO CHEERLEADERS (Name of Program/Activity) and hereby acknowledge that this program may involve a variety of activities, which may be both physical and mental in nature. These activities are designed to be within the limits of a person who is in reasonably good health. The level of participation in all programs and activities is at all times completely up to the individual. Safety is a high priority in all programs. In addition, each participant must assume the risk that he or she may suffer an emotional or physical injury and disability. Liability Coverage: The Parish/School is not furnishing and is not responsible for and assumes no liability in connection with participation in this activity. The Parish/School is not furnishing and is not responsible for and assumes no liability of guarantee or assurance of safety of participants and/or elimination of all risks from the environment. The Parish/School is not furnishing and is not responsible for and assumes no liability for the safety of personal property during participation in the program. The Parish/School is not furnishing and is not responsible for and assumes no liability for monitoring and/or control of all the daily personal decisions, choices, and activities of the individual participants. The Parish/School is not furnishing and is not responsible for and assumes no liability for assumption of responsibility for the actions of persons who are not volunteers or employees of the Parish/School or otherwise engaged by the Parish/School, for events that are not part of the program, or that are beyond the control of the Parish/School and its subcontractors. I voluntarily and without reservation and on behalf of myself, my heirs, and my estate, hereby indemnify, defend and hold harmless the PARISH, to include but not limited to, the Diocese of Arlington, The Most Reverend Paul S. Loverde and his successors in Office, their officers, and employees from any and all liability, loss damages, costs, or expenses which are sustained, incurred, or required arising out of my actions in the course of the above program/activity. Use of Vehicles: I further acknowledge, with regard to any personal vehicle driven by me or which I am a passenger in, that in the event of an accident, there is no coverage afforded to me through the Diocesan Master Insurance Program for liability or physical damage sustained to any vehicle involved or liability incurred by me while operating my vehicle. I acknowledge that if I choose to park at any Diocesan facility, I do so at my own risk. Reimbursement of Medical Expenses: I recognize and acknowledge there is no volunteer accident coverage nor is there any medical payments coverage available to me in order to compensate me for expenses I incur from deductibles, co-payments, prescription drugs, or medical services not covered through my own health insurance provider(s) for any injury I sustain as a result of performing my services. I agree that any medical coverage(s) I have will be primary and under no circumstance will I seek any contribution from the Diocese, or their insurer, for any medical expenses. Informed Consent to Medical Treatment: In the event of an injury, I hereby give the Diocese of Arlington and/or its parish(s) full authority to take whatever action they feel is warranted under the circumstances regarding my health and safety, if I am not in a condition to give informed consent including but not limited to the application of emergency medical procedures, the admittance to a hospital, or the care of a medical professional at my expense. Safety: Further, I agree to follow all procedures and safety precautions set forth by the Diocese and the parish(es) in addition to ensuring the protection of minors from sexual misconduct and/or child abuse in order to conform with the requirements adopted by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and Catholic Diocese of Arlington Policy on the Protection of Children/Young People and Prevention of Sexual Misconduct and/or Child Abuse. I freely execute this Acknowledgement with full knowledge of its content. Signature of Parent Date Signature of Parent Date Signature of Activity/Program Director Date

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12 address: Grade MEDICAL RELEASE FORM As the parent/legal guardian of (student), I request that in my absence the above-named minor be admitted to any hospital or medical facility for diagnosis and treatment. I request and authorize physicians, dentists, and staff, duly licensed as Doctors of Medicine or Doctors of Dentistry or other such licensed technicians or nurses, to perform any diagnostic procedures, treatment procedures, operative procedures and x-ray treatment of the above minor. I have not been given a guarantee as to the results of examination or treatment. I authorize the hospital or medical facility to dispose of any specimen or tissue taken from the above-named minor. Date of Birth Date of last Tetanus Booster Known allergies including any allergies to medicine (Continue on back of form if needed) Any other medical problems which should be noted (Continue on back of form if needed) Name of Parent/Guardian Address City/State/Zip Phone Home Work Mobile Person responsible for charges (if different from above) Address City/State/Zip Phone Home Work Mobile Person to notify if parent/guardian is unavailable Phone Home Work Mobile Family Physician Phone Insurance Carrier & Policy Number Signature of Parent Date Signature of Witness Date