MALLARD CREEK HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING PROGRAM PROCEDURE HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 MALLARD CREEK HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING PROGRAM PROCEDURE HANDBOOK POLICY STATEMENT This statement is intended to inform cheerleaders, mascots, parents, and prospective cheerleaders of the various policies of the Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program. The varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads and mascot must be exemplary representatives of the school at all times. I. OBJECTIVES The Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program is a student spirit group. As a spirit group, the first and foremost responsibility to the student is to support, and not to compromise the student s academic career. Secondly, the program should aid in developing the student participant into a responsible, mature and independent adult. Specifically, the program is a means of improving the student s mental and physical wellbeing. The Spirit Program is an activity where the student: Will receive leadership training. Will develop to make good decisions. Will enhance the ability to respond to life s situations, e.g. adversity, frustration, control of emotional reactions. Will cultivate social skills, development of self-confidence, development of interpersonal relationships, and generally will maximize the opportunity for student growth, change, and maturity. The primary purpose of a spirit program is to show support for the teams, the athletic department and the school. II. ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE A. Cheerleading Mallard Creek High School has one varsity cheerleading squad and one junior varsity cheerleading squad. The squad members cheer for athletic teams including football, men s basketball, women s basketball and other sports activities as assigned. Cheerleading at Mallard Creek High School is a part of the Athletic Department. B. Mascot Maverick Mallard Creek High School has one mascot, the Maverick. The Maverick will attend all home athletic events. Maverick is a part of the Mallard Creek High School Varsity Cheerleading Squad and the Athletic Department. III. TRAVEL An official chaperone (the cheerleading coach or designee) will travel with the squad. The Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Squad will travel to away games throughout the year. At all times, cheerleaders behavior shall be exemplary. Behavior which is loud, boisterous, rude, unrestrained, rough, rowdy, offensively harsh or discordant, unruly, etc., shall subject a cheerleader to disciplinary actions including dismissal from the squad. Final authority of all decisions made while traveling shall rest with the coach. Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program Procedure Handbook 1

2 IV. INVOLVEMENT AT FUNCTIONS/EVENTS In addition to athletic events, practices, and pep rallies, cheerleaders and mascot will attend a number of public relations and charitable events each year. The coach and advisor must approve in advance all appearances by the cheerleaders and mascot. Appearances shall be at places and events which are considered in good taste. The cheerleaders shall appear only at events or activities which will reflect positively on them as individuals and as representatives of the school. V. RULES AND REGULATIONS A. Demerits There will be a demerit system for all violations, which is outlined for you. The demerit list is NOT LIMITED TO the demerits that are listed, and they may be given for special incidents that arise. In addition, please note that if you accumulate 5 or more demerits will constitute suspension and/or removal from the squad. Behavior Not Tolerated Resulting from Immediate Removal from Squad: 1. Smoking: Anywhere 2. Drinking of alcoholic beverages: Anywhere 3. Drugs: Anywhere 4. Vandalism: Anywhere 5. Truancy (Skipping Class) 6. Physical Altercations: Any kind 7. Bullying of any kind 8. Inappropriate Social Media Behavior Please see demerit explanation below: Infraction Number of Demerits Late for practice 1 Eating during game or practice 1 Teaching a cheer during the game 1 Primping in Public 1 Lack of proper practice clothing 1 Socializing during the game or practice 1 Visible bra straps in uniform 1 Missing ribbon/bow/hair tie at game, socks or poms 1 Late returning from halftime or for second game 1 Public displays of affection at any time during the season 1 Late for game 1 Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program Procedure Handbook 2

3 Profanity 1 Jewelry (ears and body) during practice or games 1 Usage of cell phones at practice or game 1 Not in correct uniform/ partial uniform 2 Unexcused absence from practice/event 2 Unexcused absence from game 2 Attitude: Rudeness and/or disrespect to any member of the faculty, coaches, or squad members 3 Failure to follow school rules 2 At discretion of Coach, Athletic Director, and Unsportsmanlike conduct Principal 4 - Potential Dismissal ISS from Squad 5 - Potential Dismissal OSS from Squad Miscellaneous At Coaches Discretion B. Tryouts- Cheerleading and Mascot Anyone wishing to try out for cheerleading must: Attend tryouts at Mallard Creek High School Have at least a cumulative 2.0 grade point average Complete the MCHS Registration Forms Complete ALL CMS Athletic Forms If a member of the squad quits, they may only return with special permission from the cheerleading coach and advisor. Additional members of the squad may be named by the coach and advisor to complete the squad. C. General Cheerleaders and Mascots must: Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program Procedure Handbook 3

4 1. Maintain a C average in all classes at all times and a 2.0 or higher cumulative grade point average: Any team member receiving one or more F averages on any midterm or progress report may be suspended from the team until progression is confirmed and should also seek tutoring. Any team member receiving one or more D averages on any midterm or progress report may be placed on probation and should seek tutoring. Class times should be scheduled around practice and game times. 2. Be enrolled as a full-time student at Mallard Creek High School: Squad members shall not consume alcoholic beverages while in uniform. Without special permission of the coach, spirit members, while in uniform, shall not go to places where alcoholic beverages are served. Squad members shall not display public affection while in uniform. Squad members are expected to work as a team. Squad members friendship or nonfriendship shall not have a negative effect on the team. Each squad member is responsible for all the clothing uniforms, equipment assigned to him/her. Uniforms must be returned to the cheer coach or the athletic department at the end of the year. Items damaged or not returned will be placed on your student account. Violation of any squad rules shall subject the squad member to discipline. The coach and advisor, with consultation with the Director of Athletics, always levy final discipline. These rules and regulations are subject to addition and change when found necessary or beneficial. The coach makes final acceptance to all rules. The squad member is required to abide by all rules and regulations set by the coach, advisor and student-athlete handbook. A member of the squad may not post pictures on social networking sites that could be determined to be derogatory or against regulations. A squad member must not do anything that is detrimental to his/herself, their parents, their team, or the school. 3. Purchase all accessories not purchased by the school such as practice clothes, shoes, briefs, bag, etc. D. Practices Cheerleaders and the Mascot should make arrangements to attend all practices. The coach should be notified as soon as possible if he/she finds they cannot attend practice or will be late. Any notifications made to the coach within 1 hour of a practice, game or event will be considered unexcused. It is the responsibility of that individual to find out what he/she missed prior to their arrival. Excessive tardiness and absences will result in disciplinary action including dismissal from the squad. All practices are closed to the public. Cheerleaders must be dressed in the appropriate clothing before practice time. Jewelry is not to be worn during practice or games. Earring studs are the only acceptable earrings to be worn. Cheerleaders are not to get anything pierced that can t be taken out during practice or game time. Practice Procedures Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program Procedure Handbook 4

5 Cheerleaders are provided with a calendar and will be held to this schedule unless otherwise specified. Practice will begin at 6:00pm. (All cheer equipment should be prepared in the designated area, and every (Cheerleader should be dressed and stretched by 6:00pm) Hair must be pulled back at all times. Squad members are responsible for setting up and putting away cheer equipment for practice. PRACTICES ARE ALL CLOSED TO OTHERS. NO FAMILY MEMBERS OR FRIENDS ALLOWED UNLESS INVITED BY COACH. NO SOCIALIZING WITH ONLOOKERS DURING PRACTICE OR GAMES. CHEERLEADERS MUST LEAVE PRACTICE AS SOON AS IT IS OVER (EXIT THE BUILDING). If cheerleader does not comply, she will receive demerits. Parents have a 15 minute window to pick cheerleaders up. If not, cheerleaders will receive strikes. After 3 strikes, cheerleader can be removed from the team. E. Games Cheerleaders MUST: Attend all home athletic events, required scrimmages and/or special scheduled games or activities (this includes events that take place on weekends). Arrive at the game site 2 hours prior to kick-off or tip-off, unless the coach designates an earlier or later time. A captain or captains may be selected at the coach s and advisor s discretion. Attend activities neatly dressed in the proper attire. Jewelry is not to be worn during practice or games. Earring studs are the only acceptable earrings to be worn. VI. APPEARANCE Appearances shall reflect positively on each member of the Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Squad and the Mascot. Each individual is considered a representative of the school at times. Cheerleaders must also be able to perform and must be presentable in all uniforms worn. Appearance during performances should follow the guidelines denoted below: Fingernails should be no longer than the top of the finger to prevent bodily harm to yourself or others during performances. Further, only clear nail polish is acceptable, no color. Jewelry is not to be worn during practice or games. Earring studs are the only acceptable earrings to be worn. The coach will determine what type of earrings should be worn (pearls, diamonds, etc.) during performance so that the squad has a unified appearance. Visible body piercings are not allowed (tongue, nose, lip, eye, belly, etc.). Each cheerleader s appearance at games and other functions should be up to par. The following will be checked prior to each game: (A) Hair should be styled and well groomed, a natural appearance is preferred. (B) Shoes/Shoe Laces should be cleaned prior to performance, games, special appearances, etc. Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program Procedure Handbook 5

6 (C) Light make-up is to be worn. All members of the squad will wear the same make-up style. Uniforms Uniforms are issued by the school and are property of the MCHS Athletic Department. If for any reason a cheerleader quits or is dismissed, he/she is expected to return all uniforms/equipment within five days of the termination. Washing instructions will be provided when uniforms are distributed. At the end of the season, uniforms are to be turned in cleaned. Uniforms CANNOT be altered at any time. Damaged or lost uniforms will be replaced by the cheerleader. A cheerleader may not represent another sport (soccer, track, baseball, etc) while in uniform. Cheerleaders cannot wear or loan MCHS cheerleading uniforms when attending noncheerleading activities. VII. ATTENDANCE Members must not be tardy to any practices, games or other scheduled events. Three or more tardies equal one unexcused absence. Absences must be approved in advance by the coach. Preapproved events may be academic related, doctor s excuse, etc. ABSENCES CAN BE THE DOWNFALL OF A GREAT CHEERLEADING SQUAD! If one or more squad members are absent from a practice, event or game, the other members are forced to make last minute changes. This can be both stressful and dangerous to squad members. You will be expected to be at all games, events, and practices. Jobs, club activities, extracurricular activities, doctor s appointments, etc. must not interfere with cheerleading. Cheerleaders are permitted 3 excused absences per season. Each subsequent absence excused or not, will receive the appropriate demerit. Cheerleaders are not permitted to leave practice, game, or event early without advanced approval from the coach. Early exit will result in demerits. If you commit to cheerleading, you are committing to attend every game. Unexcused absences are those caused by anything other than illness or family emergencies. In addition, just because a cheerleader asks to be excused does not mean that the excuse will be granted. Cheerleaders may only be dismissed from practice/games/events after ALL equipment has been accounted for and put away, this means the squad will be dismissed together. No one is permitted to leave before anyone else. As stated in the Guidelines for MCHS Athletes, students must be present half the school day (full 2 class periods) to be eligible for practices and games scheduled for that day. If a student is assigned to ISS, the student may not participate in any scheduled event for the time the athlete is assigned to ISS. In addition, the athlete will be benched for ISS and dismissed from the squad for OSS. An unexcused absence will terminate the right of the squad member to cheer at the next game. Three or more unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the squad. Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program Procedure Handbook 6

7 VIII. INJURIES/ILLNESSES Illness or injury shall be reported to the coach and advisor immediately. Injury suffered during practices, games, or official functions will be treated by the school athletic trainers or doctors. Initial expenses for such treatment shall be paid by the squad members personal insurance and/or the Athletic Department Student-Athletic Insurance. If an injury or illness incapacitates a squad member, he/she shall not be permitted to practice or cheer for a period of time as determined by the trainer or doctor. If a doctor recommends that a squad member should no longer cheer, due to injury or health problems, the squad member shall be removed from the squad. If chronic illness or injury causes a squad member to miss games or practice repeatedly, the squad member may be removed from the squad by the coach and advisor. IX. ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES/DRUGS AND DRUG TESTING Cheerleaders and mascots are expected, first, to be good law abiding citizens or the nations, state and city. This expectation is foremost when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Cheerleaders are reminded that as highly visible member of the school community, their actions and behaviors are under constant observation. While in uniform or not, cheerleaders are widely known, subject to scrutiny and can easily be object for criticism of their behaviors or actions. If a cheerleader finds him/herself in an uncomfortable situation for any reason, he/she should inform the coach as soon as possible. The school is committed to providing a safe healthy environment for the cheerleading program. Conduct that involves the unlawful possession, use, dispensation, distribution or manufacturing of controlled substances by a cheerleader at any time will result in appropriate discipline up to termination from the cheerleading program. Any sanction for such a violation outside of cheerleading program functions/activities shall be made with consideration to the potential embarrassment or bad reflection on the cheer program and/or the school. The legal use of prescribed medicines under the direction of a personal licenses physician is permitted. Like all Mallard Creek High School athletes, members of the squad are subject to random drug testing; initial positive drug tests shall result in dismissal from the squad. Spirit Program members are expected to be good citizens, and therefore, carefully and faithfully abide by School rules and regulations and the laws and ordinances for the city or state in which they live or travel. X. HEALTH, LIFE-STYLE AND NUTRITION The Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Squad is committed to promoting healthy lifestyles and eating habits for squad members. Conduct which opposes this philosophy or poses unacceptable risk and disregard for the health, safety and welfare of participants is a violation of this policy and will result in appropriate disciplinary action up to and including termination from the squad. Squad member at Mallard Creek High School must be excellent athletes. Cheerleading involves some aspects of several sports such as the rotation and tumbling of gymnastics, stamina of basketball, the strength and bodybuilding for football and the balance and movement of dancers, etc. Cheerleaders must also be of appropriate size and weight such that they are able to perform. All squad members are required to perform mandatory weight training and cardiovascular workouts outside of practice on an individual basis. The coach will design specific weight agility Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program Procedure Handbook 7

8 and flexibility programs. The cheerleaders will be required to meet and maintain certain predetermined fitness requirements. Coaches reserve the right to make changes/additions to the rules as needed. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns, please respect the following chain of command: Squad Coach Athletic Director Principal Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program Procedure Handbook 8

9 Cheerleading Rules and Expectations Handbook & Contract Constitution Mallard Creek High School Varsity and Junior Varsity squad members will be held to a high standard of conduct. Accordingly, the rules and regulations to follow must be signed by both the cheerleader and a parent/guardian and returned to the coach. All rules and expectations are to adhere to the policies and disciplinary codes of MCHS. Purpose The objective of the Mallard Creek cheerleading squad is to effectively execute a school spirit program that supports the athletic teams and promotes the school itself. Cheerleaders will serve as positive role models and leaders for MCHS and should promote sportsmanship within our school and among other schools. The highest priority should be to display and encourage spirit and pride for MCHS. Demerits There will be a demerit system for all violations, which is outlined for you. The demerit list is NOT LIMITED TO the demerits that are listed, and they may be given for special incidents that arise. In addition, please note that if you accumulate 5 or more demerits will constitute removal from the squad. If you wish to participate in cheerleading try outs in hopes of becoming a Mallard Creek High School, Mascot, or Manager please sign the disclaimer and return the form to Coach Jackson. Your signature on this document means that you have read and agree to all of the information found in the Mallard Creek High School Cheer Handbook. No one will be allowed to try out without this form. Print Name Date Signature Date Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program Procedure Handbook 9

10 Dear Cheer Participant, MALLARD CREEK HIGH SCHOOL CHEER COMMITMENT CONTRACT You have expressed a desire to try out for the Mallard Creek High School cheerleading squad. In order for things to run smoothly, I feel that you need to be informed of exactly what this responsibility entails. As a squad member, you can develop leadership abilities, as well as gain much personal satisfaction in serving Mallard Creek High School and our community. However, being a member of cheerleading does require an extreme amount of time, sacrifice, and financial commitment. Class times should be scheduled around practice times. All cheer participants will be required to pay for all accessories not provided by the School. Being a member is a lot of fun, but mostly it is a lot of hard work. It is because of this time commitment and sacrifice that YOU truly understand what this job entails and what our emphasis will be for the upcoming seasons. If you wish to participate in cheerleading try outs in hopes of becoming a Mallard Creek High School, Mascot, or Manager please sign the disclaimer and return the form to Coach Jackson. Your signature on this document means that you have read and agree to all of the information found in the Mallard Creek High School Cheer Handbook. No one will be allowed to try out without this form. Sincerely, Christina Jackson Head Cheerleading Coach Mallard Creek High School Christinajackson34@gmail.com Print Name Date Signature Date Mallard Creek High School Cheerleading Program Procedure Handbook 10