CONTRACT FOR THE STCE CHEERLEADERS EXPECTATIONS AND CONSTITUTION

Transcription

1 - 1 - CONTRACT FOR THE STCE CHEERLEADERS EXPECTATIONS AND CONSTITUTION CHEERLEADING SEASON St. Charles East High School Cheerleading Expectations and Constitution Being a St. Charles East High School Cheerleader is a volunteer activity. Your only reward will be the satisfaction of a job well done and lasting friendships formed within the squad. You must have a commitment to the squad and the program or you will not be successful. Your peers will be your greatest critic if you fail to live up to your commitment. You will need to put cheerleading before any other outside activities (including a work schedule). *You are responsible for reading the enclosed materials and returning the Constitution and Expectations Contract.

2 - 3 - Table of Contents This packet contains the St. Charles East High School Cheer Constitution and Expectations. Topic Page # I.) RESPONSIBILITES 5 II.) ACADEMIC ELGIBILITY 5 III.) TIME COMMITMENT 6 IV.) SCHOOL & EVENT ATTENDANCE 7 V.) UNIFORMS & APPEARANCE 8 VI.) TRANSPORTATION & BUS ETIQUETTE 9 VII.) CELL PHONE USE 9 VIII.) GAME EXPECTATIONS 10 IX.) OTHER SPORTS AND ACTIVITES 11 X.) SAFETY 11 XI.) COACH S DISCRETION 11 XII.) CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM 11 XIII.) CONSEQUENCES 11

3 ST. CHARLES EAST HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING CONSTITUTION & EXPECTATIONS The cheerleaders of St. Charles East High School are proud to represent their school. Our philosophy is to promote school spirit, unity, and sportsmanship. The cheerleading squads are leaders in and out of school and they must project a positive image at ALL times. This image is reflected in a cheerleader s grades, conduct, behavior, attitudes, speech, dress, and relationships with others. Our rules and regulations are based on IHSA policies and the STCE Code of Conduct. Failure to follow the rules and regulations may forfeit a cheerleaders spot on the team or lose the privilege to try out again for the next season. The Cheerleading team consists of two teams, which perform at competitions, football and basketball games, pep rallies, assemblies and other events. The two teams will be designated as Varsity Cheerleading and Junior Varsity Cheerleading. The Varsity will perform at the Varsity level activities and the JV will perform at various JV/Sophomore level activities. The Varsity and JV level teams are determined by skill level, not age.

4 - 5 - I. RESPONSIBILITES Members of the St. Charles East High School Cheer Squad are responsible to cheer at all assigned events, participate in all cheer practices, participate at school assemblies, prepare posters/signs for assigned events/games, attend all team fundraisers, and SERVE AS REPRESENTATIVES OF ST. CHARLES EAST HIGH SCHOOL. Members will also be required to attend other events as selected by the coaches. All cheerleaders must adhere to the STCE Code of Conduct. They must also follow the IHSA Extra Curricular policy. Smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, drugs, consistent use of vulgarities, and cheating in the classroom could result in expulsion from the squad for that school calendar year and even in the future. All STCE school policies will be implemented to the FULL EXTENT. This is a ZERO TOLERANCE Policy. a. If coaches suspect (for any reason) a cheerleader is under the influence of ANY illegal substance; a parent will be called to pick up their child. A meeting will then be held (involving coaches, cheerleader, parents, Athletic Director, possibly the Police Liaison and possibly principal) to discuss the cheerleaders behavior and placement on the team. b. Uses of alcohol or drugs are not permitted while carrying out cheerleader obligations and responsibilities or while in uniform. Failure to comply with this standard will result in being removed from the squad immediately. II. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY IHSA requires a 2.0 GPA and you must be passing 4 classes in order to participate in athletics/activities. Failure to do so can result in suspension from the team or removal from the team. It is the STCE coaches expectations that all cheerleaders will strive to maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher at all times. Please refer to the STCE Parent Student Handbook and the IHSA policy for grade requirements. These rules will be strictly followed and may result in removal from the squad either temporarily or permanently. **If you are ineligible two times, a meeting with the coaches will be called to discuss placement on the cheerleading squad.

5 - 6 - III. TIME COMMITMENT Being a STCE cheerleader is a commitment. All cheerleaders must learn to manage their time well. Please take into consideration cheerleading practices and games when scheduling appointments and work. Practice will consist of 4 5 days a week, including one day of tumbling, depending on upcoming performances, and material being learned. All practices will be scheduled from 1-3 hours. Additional practices will be scheduled as deemed necessary throughout the year. We will also have occasional squad meetings, called by the coaches; which will be MANDATORY. Every member of the squad will be expected to attend all designated practices and games. There will be NO tolerance for unexcused absences. If a cheerleader for some reason must sit out a game due to injury, that cheerleader will still be expected to attend the game in full uniform and sit with the coaches. Cheerleading is a long commitment. If a cheerleader decides to quit all together or not do one season, that cheerleader will not be allowed to tryout again. (For example: you make both seasons of cheerleading and choose to only participate in one, or you do not make a certain team of choice. You will be allowed to finish out that one season, but will not be able to tryout again for the duration of your high school career.) Again Being a St. Charles East High School Cheerleader is a volunteer activity. Your only reward will be the satisfaction of a job well done, and lasting friendships formed within the squad. You must have a commitment to the squad and the program or you will not be successful. Your peers will be your greatest critic if you fail to live up to your commitment. You will need to put cheerleading before any other outside activities (including a work schedule).

6 - 7 - IV. SCHOOL AND EVENT ATTENDANCE All cheerleaders must attend all practices and games unless PREVIOUSLY excused by the coaches. Excused absences from practice and/or games are limited to emergency doctor/dentist appointments or family emergencies excused by a phone call and/or note from a parent. If you are absent from school or leave school early because of an illness on the day of a practice and/or game, you may NOT be allowed to practice, cheer or participate in stunts at the game. A phone call must also be made to the coach making them aware of the situation. Tardiness to practice is not acceptable and may result in missing part or all of the next game/event. REMEMBER: You are an essential part of a squad that needs your FULL participation! a. Unexcused absences may be cleared up ONLY by a Doctor s note (valid medical note). b. Cheerleaders must be in attendance at school to be eligible to participate in practice or performances. c. Unexcused absences from school are NOT acceptable. d. If you are at school, you are expected to be at practice that day unless prearranged with the coach. Please schedule appointments during times that will not conflict with cheerleading e. Cheerleaders are expected and required to attend ALL scheduled performances. f. Missing practices with a valid excuse CAN still lead to being removed from a routine, position or stunt, due to not physically being available to practice. g. During game suspensions, the squad member will sit in uniform with the coaches for the ENTIRE game. Excused Absences Include Unexcused Absences & Tardies Personal Illness (requires note) Work or Work related Family emergency (case by case basis) Not having a ride Religious Holiday (must inform beforehand) I forgot. Special STCE excuses (Choir, Drama, Band ) Birthdays Homework (time manage) I m grounded

7 - 8 - V. UNIFORMS AND APPEARANCE a. Cheerleaders are expected to adhere to the STCE School Dress code at all times. b. Uniforms and accessories will be distributed at the beginning of the season. Uniforms will be worn to school on game days and days of other activities to promote school spirit and attendance at games. All cheerleaders will wear their FULL uniforms to school on game days and may choose to dress up for special occasions. Uniforms must ALWAYS be clean for all events. c. Absolutely NO jewelry (including tongue, belly and facial piercing), hair bands, gum, long fingernails, and/or glitter is permitted during any practice, game, or cheerleading activity. Nails must be cut short (no fake nails) and COLORED NAIL POLISH MAY NOT BE WORN AT COMPETITIONS. d. Make up should be natural looking, tasteful, and not overdone. As athletes and performers, cheerleaders need to achieve a look that is natural, yet has a touch of glamour and sophistication. If the coaches feel that your make-up is excessive or distasteful, you will be asked to remove and reapply. e. Long hair must be worn off the face and shoulders AT ALL TIMES during all practices, games and cheerleading activities. Bangs must be pulled back tightly at all games and practices and cheerleading activities. f. Team socks and bows must be worn with the uniform; no other accessories allowed (this includes jewelry)! Team briefs must be worn under uniforms. g. Athletic shoes must be worn for practices and games. CHEER SHOES ARE A PART OF THE UNIFORM and must be worn at all games and cheerleading activities; this includes dressing in uniform during school days (unless specified by your coach).

8 - 9 - VI. TRANSPORTATION AND BUS ETIQUETTE Cheerleaders MUST ride the bus to and from away events; exceptions must be cleared through the coaches PRIOR to departure from STCE. Cheerleaders may leave an away event with a parent/guardian only. A letter from the parent is required at least 24 hours in advance. At the time of dismissal, the coach must physically see the parent present. If a cheerleading is leaving with a parent/guardian they must check out with the coach before leaving. Please be punctual when picking up your child from practices, games and events. It will be expected of your child to contact you prior to the event to schedule pick up times and locations. Rules for bus trips: 1.) All trash must be picked up before getting off the bus. 2.) There is no eating or drinking on the bus at ANY time. 3.) No changing clothes on the bus. 4.) Keep all body parts in the bus. 5.) No walking on seats or standing/sitting on seat backs. 6.) No lying or sitting in aisles. 7.) No throwing objects or food in the bus. 8.) Do not spray hair spray, perfumes or deodorant. 9.) No screaming or loud singing moderation is the key. 10.) Radios, IPODs, etc. are for your own usage (Do not provide music for the entire bus). 11.) Cell phones should be on vibrate. 12.) Respect others feelings with regards to open windows. 13.) Respect the wishes of the driver and coaches. 14.) DO NOT TOUCH OTHER S BELONGINGS!!!!! VII. CELL PHONE USE Cell phone use is prohibited during ALL cheerleading activities, including practices, and games (as well as halftime). Cell phones must be placed in the off or silent position PRIOR to arrival at cheerleading activities. In the event of a true emergency, parents/guardians may call coaches cell phone numbers (will be provided), or may come directly to the event location to pick up their cheerleaders. Cell phone use may resume at the conclusion of cheerleading activities. In the event of transportation delays, changes, or early arrivals, coaches reserve the right to allow cheerleaders to use their phones for relaying this or other important information only.

9 VIII. GAME EXPECTATIONS Cheerleaders must be dressed in uniform for games and activities and have all equipment necessary to cheer at all times. MAKE SURE YOU HAVE EATEN BEFORE ALL PRACTICES AND GAMES. DO NOT COUNT ON HALF TIME AS YOUR TIME FOR DINNER OR SNACKS!! a. Cheerleaders are expected to act in a prescribed manner, characteristic of the school. i. HOME GAMES: not only should you be on your best behavior for the home crowd, but be a maximum hospitality for the visitors. ii. AWAY GAMES: while visiting other schools, utmost respect should be had for the other school s traditions. Make sure the squad, as visitors, make no disrespectful interruptions of pre-game, half-time, or post game traditions of your host. b. EVERYONE must have a solid working knowledge of all cheer, chants and clip n claps. Coach has the right to sit out an athlete for lack of knowledge of material. c. You have a five minute grace period to arrive at the game from the time designated by your coaches. You may be benched for a portion of the game if you arrive after that designated time. d. Have COMPLETE uniform on at all games. If you do not have the proper uniform, you may be benched during the game. e. REMAIN IN THE CHEERING AREA DURING THE GAME. YOU MUST TAKE CARE OF PERSONAL BUSINESS BEFORE THE GAME (PLAN ACCORDINGLY). f. Control and lead the crowd through positive cheers and chants. Being a leader is a part of your role too. g. DO NOT SOCIALIZE WITH PLAYERS OR CROWD MEMBERS DURING THE GAME. Keep talking to a minimum on the sidelines. h. Perform only the stunts that have been perfected and agreed upon at practice prior to the game. i. Obscene language or gestures will not be tolerated j. Public displays of affection are not allowed in school or at school activities. This includes but is not limited to hugging, kissing, hanging, tackling, sitting on laps, hanging on backs, massaging, or back rub. This is not limited to games and practices-whenever you are wearing St. Charles East attire or at a St. Charles East HS sponsored event.

10 IX. OTHER SPORTS AND ACTIVITES Cheerleaders may not participate in another IHSA sport or All-Star Cheer team during the cheer season. Practice for seasonal cheerleaders begin with the start of that sports season. X. SAFETY Stunting must only take place in the presence of a qualified supervisor (coach). Parents and captains are not qualified. XI. COACH S DISCRETION All STCE cheerleading rules will be interpreted and carried out by STCE cheer coaches, under the guidance of the STCE Athletic Director. Interpretation of these rules is at the strict discretion of the STCE coaching staff. XII. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM Cheerleaders must be able to accept constructive criticism. It is given to help improve the individual athlete and the team as a whole. Negative attitudes towards suggestions from coaches and teammates are not appropriate. XIII. CONSEQUENCES FOR NOT FOLLOWING EXPECTATIONS When cheerleaders are non-compliant with the cheerleading constitution, they will receive consequences in the following manner. Every effort is made to be clear and concise with these consequences. All consequences given will be discussed with the cheerleader at the end of the cheer event. Consequences will result from not abiding by the expectations listed in this packet and also from the following: a. One unexcused absence b. Multiple unexcused absences c. Unsportsmanlike conduct d. Being disrespectful to any coach, staff, and/or teammates e. Being late to practice/games/activities/etc. f. Grades and eligibility g. Changing in public and visible midriff Possible Consequences MAY Result In: i. The cheerleader sitting out for half of a game, activity, practice, or performance ii. The cheerleader sitting out for a whole game, activity, practice, and/or performance iii. A parent/cheerleader/coaches meeting (consequence to be determined at this meeting) iv. Dismissal from the team NOTE: All consequences will be dealt with on an as needed basis and the coaches have the ability to determine the appropriate consequence based on each individual circumstance.