BELLEVUE HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING CONTRACT 2016-2017 1) CHEERLEADING PROGRAM LEVEL INFORMATION (a) PURPOSE i) The objective of the Bellevue High School cheerleading squad is to effectively execute a school spirit program that supports the athletic teams and to promote the school itself, as well as displaying their athleticism in a format and manner that brings pride and recognition to the school and cheerleading program. (b) ACADEMICS i) Cheerleading is an EXTRA-CURRICULAR activity, meaning the nature of it demands the first priority of being a student-athlete is with school work and school performance. This is highly regarded and enforced by the cheerleading coach. A weekly grade report is sent to coaches every Friday reporting any student- athletes with at least one failing grade and this is monitored by the cheerleading coaches. Based on trends and habits, coaches may make parents aware and may request students to attend tutoring. Student-athletes must meet KHSAA standards of being academically eligible. Currently, 2 Fs means you are not eligible to participate for the following week, or if you are failing the same class 2 weeks in a row makes you ineligible. ii) If a cheerleader does not make grade requirements set forth by the school for all student-athletes, he/she will be under suspension with the squad for the following week. If on academic suspension, practice should be attended but that time will be used for studying; games should not be attended and that time should also be used for studying. iii) As a squad rule, if a cheerleader is deemed academically ineligible by the school more than once in a given season, this is considered grounds for dismissal from the team. (c) CONDUCT AND POLICIES i) The cheerleading coaches will uphold and enforce the rules in the school handbook and athletic handbook. Also, any punishment handed out by the school administration based on breaking these rules will be supported by the cheerleading coaches. If excessive school rule-breaking is involved, this is considered grounds for dismissal from the squad. ii) All duties and responsibilities as a squad member begin upon selection and do not end until the next try out date. All squad members will be required to: (1) Attend assigned practices and performances (2) Attend summer practices (3) Participate in conditioning (4) Prepare and participate in all decorating projects Page 1 of 9
(5) Meet all financial obligations by established deadlines. iii) For safety of all squad members, gum and jewelry are prohibited during practices and games. Fingernails must be kept at an appropriate and natural length, and any nail polish worn must be clear or black and/or gold/yellow for game days. Hair should be up and out of the face at practice and games. Hair needs to be secured tightly (use more than one hair tie if necessary). Any body piercings should not be worn during practice, games, or competitions due to stunting hazards. iv) No squad member may perform if he or she misses more than a half day of school. The coach does not have to permit a student to participate at a game or in a competition if they miss the practice prior. v) No squad member may perform if he or she does not demonstrate mastery of the performance material. Only the coach can make this decision. vi) For safety reasons there will be no stunting, building and or tumbling without a cheer coach present. vii) While representing Bellevue High School, cheerleaders must not drink alcoholic beverages, use controlled substances, smoke, show unsportsmanlike conduct, use profanity, show displays of affection with dating interests, or abuse the social media policy. Please note: Representing Bellevue High School can be in terms of wearing a uniform, wearing any apparel that displays your school or your team, or also any event that you travel attend together as a team. In fact, there are many times where it may go beyond even these situations. Remember this when posting anything online or while out in the community. viii) All cheerleaders must ride on the cheerleader bus for liability issues. ix) If a cheerleader quits the squad, he/she will not be allowed to return during that season. Following the action of quitting, the student needs to turn in all cheerleading materials that are school property. If it is not turned in, the cost is charged to the student. Under special circumstances, the cheerleader can appeal for reinstatement and the coaching staff, athletic director, and Bellevue High School principal will confer on the situation. x) Cheerleaders must follow all rules set forth by KHSAA, including academic requirements. As far as safety regulations, we will follow the rules set forth by the KHSAA and also the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators. xi) Cheerleading is a team effort. Petty jealousies and bickering are immature and affect the entire squad and will not be tolerated by students, coaches, or parents as they are distraction from the entire program s reputation. If a situation distracts from the overall performance, disciplinary action will be taken. xii) All official cheerleader program decisions and activities will be made by the coaching staff. All coaches are to be given respect and cooperation by cheerleaders and parents at all times. Also, all cheerleaders should be given respect from other cheerleaders and cheerleader parents. Lack of respect will not be tolerated by coaches, cheerleaders, or parents and can be grounds for dismissal. Contact between parents and coaches should be in Page 2 of 9
regards to the well-being of their child and not based on decisions made for the team or disciplinary actions taken. xiii) It is strongly encouraged and recommended that the squad members take responsibility for placing phone calls regarding missing practice and games, concerns or issues. If a team member is going to miss practice either that member or parent need to call or text the coach in advance. xiv) Should any problem or complaint arise that a parent feels needs further discussion, you will need to meet with the coaches first. If needed, the athletic director or administration will be called upon by the coach. If there are issues/concerns regarding the coaching staff or decisions made by the coaching staff, a meeting will be arranged for the parent, coaches, and athletic director to attend. xv) Cheerleading and Gymnastics is a highly specialized form of competition in which stamina, strength, agility, and finesse are important factors. To develop each of these attributes, cheerleaders must observe and practice rules, procedures and progressions intended to enhance their safety, learning, overall success and enjoyment of the sport. Because of the physical demands required for cheerleading and gymnastics, some injuries will occur and certain responsibilities and cautions are designed to improve the safety and enjoyment of the activity. ALL injuries must be called to the coach and/or athletic trainer s attention. Horseplay, hazing and initiations are expressly prohibited. xvi) If a student is involved in another sport, coaches will need to be informed with any practice/game that conflicts at least one week in advance. xvii) All District, BHS, and Athletic rules apply to the cheer teams. xviii) The coaching staff and BHS administration reserves the right to make changes or additions to this document as situations warrants. xix) REQUIRED ATTIRE: (1) Practice Days: (a) No jewelry (b) Wear a supportive bra underneath t-shirt (c) T-shirt and short combo that is required for that day of practice (d) Shoes and Socks (e) You must wear your hair up (f) NO: jeans, tank tops, sports bras alone, or outside shoes (2) Game Days: (a) Spirit attire at school: this will be assigned by the coach (b) Games: Full uniform including bow, socks, and shoes (c) No jewelry at games (d) Uniforms must be clean at all times xx) BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES: (1) Squad problems and conflicts should be discussed with the coach; this means you may not go talk about it to your friends or people outside of the squad. (a) Parents should not get involved with squad problems and should not involve squad member with parental problems. Page 3 of 9
(2) Cell phones are to be turned off at practice, games, and events. If you are seen on your phone you will receive consequences and the coach may take your phone until that particular activity is over. Phones may not be on vibrate they must be off. (3) Gossiping will not be tolerated (4) Any disrespect towards another team member, coach, parent, or teacher will not be tolerated. (5) Public Displays of Affection are not appropriate especially when you are in uniform. PRACTICE/GAME RULES 1. You need to bring water or a sports a drink to all activities 2. No jewelry 3. Must follow school dress code 4. Shorts are NOT to be rolled at anytime 5. No bras showing (d) FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS i) Fundraising may be done to help defray costs and is encouraged. The coaching staff will retain the authority to make decisions regarding ordering of uniforms and accessories as well as camps/clinics events. ii) Athletic bills from previous seasons MUST be paid PRIOR to the child s first day of attendance at tryout clinic. iii) Gymnastics fees are mandatory and will be determined prior to game season. Not paying will result in the inability to participate. iv) There is a required athletic fee for all Bellevue sports. The fee is $50.00 and will need to be paid by August 15 th 2016. Estimated Costs- These are estimates of what we believe we will need this year. We could possibly need less or more. Game Squad: Bow: $15.00 Spirit T-Shirts (2): $25.00 Cheer Shoes: $50.00 Black Spanx: $6.00 Socks (several pair): $10.00 Warm ups: $60.00 ** We will work with any student and parent on financial issues to ensure that everyone can participate. Page 4 of 9
2) GAME TEAM SPECIFIC INFORMATION (a) ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS i) Attendance of all members is integral for squad progress. Cheerleaders must attend scheduled practices and games. ii) Practice from July 17 th forward is mandatory. iii) Cheering at games is mandatory. iv) Any known absence that conflicts with practice or games should be communicated with the coach at least one week in advance. v) Should an emergency arise and the cheerleader is unable to attend a practice, game, or other mandatory event, they must contact the coach prior to the practice/game/event. vi) The coaching staff attempts to provide a monthly schedule at least two weeks before the month itself. This is to allow for proper planning, but practices may be added or changed based on various circumstances especially during the winter months during basketball season due to cancellations for inclement weather and rescheduling of events. vii) Injured cheerleaders should still attend practice, games, or other mandatory events unless excused by the coach. viii) Possible excused absences include illness, funerals, and academic obligations. However, these excuses are not to be taken advantage of, and if the coaching staff feels that this is a possibility with a specific cheerleader, the coach has a right to begin asking for specific documentation, etc. ix) Clubs and other off-season or non-school sports must not interfere with cheerleading practice, games, or other mandatory events and will not be considered excused absences. If these things can be managed in accordance with cheerleading season and practice, then they are acceptable and even encouraged. Cheerleaders wishing to participate in Spring or Fall Sports are allowed to do so, but it s encouraged that they speak with both the cheerleading coach and the coach of the other sport to address any issues so schedules can be accommodated in advance. x) Attendance of all members is integral for squad progress. Any unexcused absence will be documented by the coaches and consequences will be issued. xi) There will be no practice during dead period. Following dead period, the Demerit System will be used for unexcused absences. After dead period all practices become mandatory. xii) When sitting out during games for injury or disciplinary action, cheerleaders will sit dressed in uniform with the coach and/or other squad members, not with friends. Cell phones will not be permitted during this time as well. We like to use these opportunities to allow girls to see their squad s performance from our point of view and ask for feedback, etc. xiii) Demerit System will be used for occasional tardiness. If excessive tardiness becomes an issue, appropriate disciplinary action may be taken by the coaching staff for being late to practice. Page 5 of 9
xiv) For game days, cheerleaders are expected to be dressed and ready one hour before game time unless otherwise noted. (b) UNIFORMS i) Uniforms and poms are property of the school. If it is necessary to provide additional uniforms or poms, fundraisers will be used. Uniforms should be clean and in good condition at all times. Uniforms and poms must be returned to school at the end of the season clean, pressed, and on hangers. ii) Uniforms, including shoes, may only be worn during games. A uniform schedule for games will be in place and cheerleaders will be required to wear matching bows, shoes, etc. If a cheerleader fails to have appropriate attire, the Demerit System will be used. TRYOUT INFORMATION 1. Tryouts for the Bellevue High School Football Cheerleading Squad will consist of a two-day cheer clinic and one-day tryout session. There will be no alternate days scheduled for clinics or tryouts. Monday, July 11 10:00am 12:00pm - Clinic 1 Tuesday, July 12 10:00am 12:00pm - Clinic 2 Wednesday, July 13 1:00pm 2. Physicals need to be signed and turned in on the first day of clinics. If your appointment is scheduled after clinics/tryouts start, you must bring proof of your scheduled appointment. 3. Contract signatures and Demerit System signatures must be signed and turned in before you are permitted to attend clinics and tryouts. 4. The purpose of the tryout clinic is to teach material for tryouts and cheerleading basics/stunting techniques. Although it is not mandatory for you to attend all days, it is in your best interest to use clinic time for preparation for tryouts. Clinic sessions will be open to school personnel, coaching staff, and participants ONLY. 5. TRYOUTS ARE CLOSED. No one but participants, the athletic director, administration, and the coaching staff will be admitted. There will be no exceptions. This is a time that the participants need to concentrate and focus and distractions are not welcome. 6. Please dress appropriately for clinic days and the tryout session. Participants should wear appropriate shoes and comfortable clothing for clinic days. The following guidelines must be used for attire during tryouts: Participants should Page 6 of 9
wear solid colored clothing. Do not wear any article of clothing with print (words, letters, etc.). For safety reasons, please insure that your hair is out of your face and nails are short. 7. There will be two separate tryouts for Bellevue High School Football Cheer Squad and Bellevue High School Girls & Boys Basketball Cheer Squad. Acceptance on Football Cheer Squad does not automatically qualify an acceptance to cheer for Basketball Cheer Squad. 8. Tryout selection will be done by the coaching staff and outside judges. All decisions are final. 9. As a result of the scoring, interest, and skill requirements, the coaching staff will determine the number of cheerleaders for each squad. 10. Announcements for the 2016-2017 squad will follow tryouts, once judges have finished evaluations and final selections have been recorded. 11. All tryout candidates must be academically eligible (only one failing grade allowed) and in good disciplinary standing. All participants are subject to a teacher evaluation and academic standing and performance is taken into consideration. 12. Students trying out must have a current physical. Students participating in sports for the current year who have a physical on file with the athletic director are not required to receive another physical prior to tryouts. Page 7 of 9
Demerit System The demerit system will be used to determine discipline and squad dismissal. Classification: Demerits: Tardy to practice or leaving early without an excused note 5 Tardy to a game or event or leaving either early 5 Unexcused absence from practice- unexcused absence from school is 10 unexcused for practice as well. Unexcused absence from game or event 15 Unacceptable Conduct including: disrespect, using abusive language, or 10 fighting Improper dress at practice 5 Improper dress at game or event 5 Failure to follow hair guidelines for practice, game, or event 5 Not helping with pre-game or post-game clean up 3 Failure to practice or dress out (unexcused) 5 Not staying in formation on the court or field 3 Failure to be in position at team entrance and late from personal break 3 Chewing gum, drinking, or eating on the court or field 3 Talking or goofing off while in formation, having conversations with people in 5 the crowd, use of cell phone Showing an attitude or improper behavior to a coach, teammates, or parents. 5-10 (includes inappropriate behavior reported to coach from any teachers or administration) Discipline referral 10 Consequences: 1. If a squad member reaches 15 demerits, parents will be notified 2. If a squad member reaches 20 demerits, parents will be notified, he or she will be placed on probation for one week 3. If a squad member reaches 30 demerits, parents will be asked to come for a conference, and the squad member will be placed on probation for 2 weeks. 4. If a squad member reaches 50 demerits, he or she will be dismissed from the squad. Immediate Dismissal 1. Deception, stealing, smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, fighting, and using nonprescribed drugs, whether or not in uniform 2. Any offense that results in the school suspension or expulsion 3. Failure of two grading periods 4. Excessive unexcused absences are cause for dismissal from squad. If a squad member misses more than five assigned events, practices, performances, etc. he or she can be removed from the squad. Page 8 of 9
STATEMENT OF PERMISSION AND AGREEMENT Student Agreement I,, have read and understand the 2016-2017 (Student s Name) Bellevue High School Cheerleading Contract and the Tryout Information. I agree to abide by the policies described should I be chosen as a member of the 2016-2017 BHS cheerleading squad. I understand that failure to adhere to these policies could result in dismissal from the squad. Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Agreement has my permission to participate in the cheerleading tryout clinic and tryouts for the 2016-2017 cheerleading season. I have read and understand the 2016-2017 Bellevue High School Cheerleading Contract and the Tryout Information. I agree to abide by the policies described should my child be chosen as a member of the 2016-2017 cheerleading squad. I agree to the financial obligations as they are described in the information provided. I understand that failure by my self or my child to adhere to these policies could result in his/her dismissal from the squad. Parent Name Parent/Guardian Signature Date Page 9 of 9