Thank you for choosing to train with Valley Wildcats All-Star Cheerleading Programme!

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1 Thank you for choosing to train with Valley Wildcats All-Star Cheerleading Programme! Founded in August 2007 by Carolynn Clarke, the club has evolved and grown considerably and we have went from strength to strength since. We pride ourselves in teaching children a solid technique and strong base skills in all areas of cheerleading, but most importantly, the lessons in life skills learned within our teams are priceless dedication, teamwork, determination, responsibility and respect, to name a few! As we enter into our 12th cheerleading season, it is, and will always be our goal at Valley Wildcats to encourage all athletes to train to their fullest potential. We hope that within our programme they feel welcomed, encouraged, and challenged, whilst growing in self-confidence developing a strong skill set and forming lasting friendships. At a Glance Commitments Competitions are approx. 35 per time, and this will price will be confirmed to you as soon as we can. We are aiming to compete at 2 main competitions this season, plus a possible third for a small group of stunt teams. All competition team athletes are required to attend all practices. If you know in advance your child will miss a class, please me at the earliest convenience. Cheer shoes or good alternatives are required for every practice. Tesco s do a white trainer with sparkle on the side, which are acceptable at around 10. Proper cheer shoes are priced 20-80, and may be purchased online. Your child MUST have these as soon as possible. Some stockists of cheer shoes are Cheer Gear IE * Excel Cheer Centre * Living Cheer * First Cheer * Amazon * Ebay Cheer uniforms will be ordered in November. Full payment of 105 per uniform is required to be paid in full by 1 st November. If not paid a uniform will NOT be ordered for your child. Extra classes from JANUARY APRIL. As we increase our classes within our peak competition season, a one off payment request will be sent to you on 1 st January to cover one extra class in January, February, March, April, plus one full dress rehearsal run through, which parents are invited to attend. The cost of this is the same as one months fees. If you wish to pay before January, this can be facilitated.

2 ALL COMPETITION ATHLETES ARE REQUIRED TO ATTEND ALL PRACTICES Due to the nature of all-star cheerleading, and the fact that each and every team member has an important part to play within the team, when a single athlete is absent, it impacts the effectiveness of the practice for the entire team, and results in a lot of work for all athletes and coaches When deciding to be a competitive cheerleader, you MUST be able to commit to every practice. Our coaches work very hard to choreograph seamless and innovative routines, so you must make the commitment and make cheer your priority. As we continue through the competitive season, we will continually review each athlete s performance, dedication, and attendance. This may result in additional movement of athletes within, and across teams. Please note these decisions are not made lightly, and will always be in the best interests of the team(s) as a whole. We have rarely had to remove a child from the club completely, but such situations do sometimes arise. These are usually due to lack of commitment and an inability and willingness to learn. In such situations, we will contact you for a meeting, unless the incident is serious enough to warrant immediate dismissal. Any planned absences for competition team members MUST be communicated in writing by the end of September. Any further absences will affect your child s position on a competition team. Team placements and positions within a team Our teams are constructed to score as high as possible within the competitive cheerleading environment, whilst also ensuring we are a fully inclusive team. A team s score is based upon a number of factors including: stunting, tumbling, jumps, dance, and overall technique. Therefore, coaching staff will look at all the facets of an athlete s ability, NOT individual skills. Please remember this is a team sport. For all of our competitive athletes, they will primarily be placed within the YOUNGEST team they can compete on. Any change to this is at the sole discretion of the coaches, and in the best interests of ALL teams collectively. Ages for the season are taken on 31 st August Coaches decision regarding inclusion onto a competing team, and your child s positions within that team are final, and will not be influenced by any outside parties. Your child s attendance, tumbling ability, flexibility and attitude will also be factors in this decision. We are happy to meet with you face to face to discuss your child, but we will not discuss any other children, in line with data protection policies. Children can be removed from competing team at any time, their place is not a guaranteed position. Absences from class and / or repeated lateness will affect your childs position.

3 Communications I welcome all feedback, and wish to remain contactable to you all, but guidelines have been put in place to help me fully manage my club. In order to help with the smooth running of a big organisation I ask the following - Carolynn Clarke Program Director I shall be your first point of contact for all queries relating to Valley Wildcats. Club is valleywildcats2007@gmail.com. This should be used as a first point of contact, I can then arrange to call you, or meet face to face. The club operates a few Facebook pages to keep everyone up to date. Our main public page is Valley Wildcats Cheerleading Club. We then have 2 closed groups these are not open to the public and are used to communicate club information to both parents and children. Valley Wildcats Parents Updates this closed group will need to be searched for, and you will need to request access. PLEASE COMPLETE THE QUESTIONS ON REQUEST. Valley Wildcats Cheerleaders only this is for children who have Facebook, or their parent if they don t. Coaches will use this to communicate with their team members. Group will need to be searched for. PLEASE COMPLETE THE QUESTIONS ON REQUEST. Any important club information will also be ed out to all parents. My mobile number, for emergencies only, is Please do not call or text with routine queries about the club, these need to be directed to the address. PLEASE NOTE it is club policy that coaches do not accept friend requests from parents. Our coaching staff for the 2018 / 2019 season is as follows Carolynn Clarke Program Director Junior Competition team & stunt team(s) Clare Taggart Senior Coach Youth Competition team & stunt team(s) Amy McAllister Junior Coach Mini Competition team and stunt team member Sam Gould Junior Coach Mini Competition Team and stunt team member Ciara McStravick Junior Coach Recreational cheer coach Ellen Andrews Assistant Coach Recreational cheer coach and stunt team member

4 Financial Obligations Competitions teams We like to be upfront and clear about our pricing policy. Valley Wildcats Cheerleading Club is a not for profit organisation, meaning that once all our overheads are paid, any residual money is re-invested into the club. We are constantly striving to keep as knowledgeable as possible about the cheer industry. Competition teams will be attending 2 or 3 competitions throughout the season, dependent on which squad they obtain a place on. MONTHLY FEES Mini ages 6, 7, 8 35 per month Youth ages 9, 10,11 40 per month Junior ages per month Senior Stunt ages per month, any extra classes to paid per class. MONDAY CLASSES Mini ages 6, 7, pm 7.30pm Youth ages 9, pm 8.30pm Junior ages pm 9.00pm Senior Stunt ages pm-7.30pm, and 7.30pm 9pm. We will then continue with one Saturday per month, moving to every other Saturday from January April inclusive. A comprehensive list of class dates will be sent to you separately.

5 Code of Conduct for all Athletes All Valley Wildcats athletes, coaches and parents are held to a high standard of behaviour. Our goal is to surround ourselves with positive, motivated athletes and parents who strive to reach both the team s goals and their own personal goals. PLEASE ENSURE ALL CHILDREN USE THE BATHROOM ON THEIR WAY INTO CHEER CLASS. Parents / guardians of athletes under 18 please read the following obligations with your athlete. I will learn and obey the rules and regulations set by Valley Wildcats I understand that this is a COMMITMENT and that my team depends on me to fulfil my responsibilities as a team member. I will be committed to my Coaches, my teammates and myself, striving to reach both team and personal goals. I will never disrespect any team member, coach, parent, or competitor of Valley Wildcats or any other gym. This includes face-to-face, telephone, text, and social media. I will not use inappropriate language or participate in inappropriate behaviour, including bullying and continual selfish behaviour. I will not participate in illegal consumption of tobacco, alcohol or drugs. I understand that all of my actions both inside and outside my gym are a reflection on Valley Wildcats. I understand that as part of my commitment to the team I am required to stretch and work on my tumbling skills outside of practice. I will need to commit to this and be responsible for my own progress. I will strive to maintain a healthy lifestyle, and I understand that this means eating and drinking healthily. Only healthy snacks and still water or juice are allowed in practice. I will arrive at my class, and be ready to start class at the allocated time, in correct attire with my hair tied up. I will remove all jewellery before practice, so I do not injure either a teammate or myself. I will come to practice with a positive attitude and I will follow all instructions given to me by my coaches. I will work hard to achieve these goals. I understand I will be pushed to my fullest potential. I will demonstrate good sportsmanship, striving to be a humble winner and a gracious loser. I understand that all material, music, choreography, and videos are the property of Valley Wildcats and are not to be used for any other purpose outside of practice. I understand that Valley Wildcats is a cross community club, and does not discriminate against any race, religion, ethnicity, background, sexual orientation or disability. Social Media I understand that Valley Wildcats is a brand name, and I will not set up any sort of online groups using the name. If I am unsure I will speak to my Head Coach who can clarify for me. I understand that breaking any of the above rules may result in disciplinary action, suspension or dismissal from Valley Wildcats without refund of any monies paid. I understand that Valley Wildcats Cheerleading Club has provided a Parents page, and a Cheerleaders page, to be used frequently. Valley Wildcats prohibits the setting up of any other kind of secret group on any platform. I understand Valley Wildcats is a mobile free zone I will ensure my phone is on silent, and I will not use it at any time during class

6 What we expect from our parents We pride ourselves on continually striving to improve our communication with parents, and parents to us, so we would like to set out a clear understanding of what is expected of a Valley Wildcats parent. Carolynn Clarke is the Founder and Program Director, and should be your first point of contact for any queries. We request that any non-urgent queries be directed to our valleywildcats2007@gmail.com. I can then arrange a call back or face-to-face meeting as required. Please read the following parental obligations and expectations. I will ensure my child adheres to their athlete expectations and accept full responsibility should they not do so. I will take an active interest in my child s participation, flexibility and progression. My child has made a commitment to stretch and work tumbling skills at home, so I will ensure this happens. I will never place undue pressure on my child or any other athlete to perform, participate or compete. I will assume safe transportation and attendance to and from training, and performances or competitions as required. I will ensure my child does not bring any unnecessary valuables to training, and I understand Valley Wildcats do not accept any responsibility for items lost or stolen. I am expected to keep my emergency contact details up to date, and any medical information changes will be communicated in writing as soon as possible. I will ensure all my child s fees are paid in full and on the date they are due and I accept that if this is not strictly adhered to, my child will not be able to participate. I understand that when dropping off or picking up my child from practice, the coaches are actively coaching, and if I wish to speak to them regarding anything, I will arrange this in advance, so the coach may allocate me a suitable timeslot. I will return any necessary documentation and completed online forms as soon as possible when requested. I understand that any negative behaviour towards a coach, volunteer, staff or team member will not be tolerated. I accept and adhere to the code of conduct and athlete expectations and I understand any breech of these may affect my child s placement in the team. I will ensure my child is collected within 10 minutes of their practice time ending. I understand that Valley Wildcats coaches cannot be responsible for transporting my child to or from practice unless an emergency situation arises.

7 Competition team payment Schedule Cheer shoes to be purchased no later than September Clubwear vest info to follow, payment end September / Start October. Competition in December possible, payment in October Uniform cost 105 paid 1 st November Competition in February definite, Payment 1 st December. EXTRA CLASSES PAYMENT DUE 1 st January 2018 at one months fees, this varies depending on group. Bow - 10, to be purchased in January. Competition in April Definite, Payment 1 st February. If you wish to purchase spectator tickets to any of the competitions, this will be paid along with your child s entry fee as per the dates above.

8 Monday Saturday - COMPETITION TEAMS ONLY 03/09/ /09/ /09/ /09/ /09/ /10/ /10/ /10/ /10/ /10/ /10/ /11/ /11/ /11/ /11/ /11/ /12/ /12/ /12/ /12/ /12/ /12/ /01/ /01/ /01/ /01/ /01/ /01/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /02/ /03/ /03/ /03/ /03/ /03/ /03/ /04/ /04/ /04/ /04/ /04/ /04/2019 red is club closed

9 Valley Wildcats Cheerleading Club Safeguarding Policy UPDATED September 2018 Our Safeguarding Policy This policy applies to all staff, including committee members, coaches, volunteers, paid staff, volunteers and anyone working on behalf of the club. The purpose of this policy is: To protect children and young people who receive Valley Wildcats services. To provide staff and volunteers with the overarching principles that guide our approach to safeguarding. Valley Wildcats Cheerleading Club believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe. We are committed to practice in a way that protects them. Legal Framework This policy has been drawn up on the basis of law and guidance that seeks to protect children, namely: We recognise that: Children Act 1989 United Convention of the Rights of the Child 1991 Data Protection Act 1998 Sexual Offences Act 2003 Children Act 2004 Protection of Freedoms Act 2012 Relevant government guidance on safeguarding children The welfare of the child is paramount, as enshrined in the Children Act 1989 All children, regardless of age, disability, gender, racial heritage, religious belief, sexual orientation or identity, have a right to equal protection from all types of harm or abuse Some children are additionally vunerable because of the impact of previous experiences, their level of dependency, communication needs or other issues Working in partnership with children, young people, their parents, carers and other agencies is essential in promoting young people s welfare.

10 We will seek to keep children and young people safe by: Valuing them, listening to them and respecting them Adopting child protection practices through procedures and a code of conduct for staff and volunteers Developing and implementing an effective e-safety policy and related procedures Providing effective management for staff and volunteers through supervision, support and training Recruiting staff and volunteers safely, ensuring all necessary checks are made Sharing information about child protection and good practice with children, parents, staff and volunteers Sharing concerns with agencies who need to know, and involving parents and children appropriately We are committed to reviewing our policy and good practice annually Carolynn Clarke Club Coach & Chairperson Valley Wildcats Cheerleading Club valleywildcats2007@gmail.com