Independence High School Cheerleading Rules and Regulations 2013-2014 *In accepting a place on the cheerleading squad, you will need to understand the following personal and financial responsibilities in order to remain a team member in good standing. *Cheerleading is a team sport and all members are needed to achieve success. Practices and games are mandatory, as are all activities, fundraisers, and special events. Failure to show without an excused absence can terminate your place on the squad. **YOU MUST CHEER FOR BOTH FOOTBALL AND BASKETBALL SEASONS. NO EXCEPTIONS!!** **VARSITY WILL PARTICIPATE IN COMPETITIONS.** (If you decide to quit, then you will not be able to participate in any other winter sport or try out for cheerleading in the future.) **Financial Responsibilities/Uniforms and Equipment** 1. Cheerleaders will be responsible for the following costs:! *3 T-shirts & 1 Hoodie: $64! *3 Bows: $35! *Nike Cheer Shoes: $42! *Poms: $20! *Windsuit Pants: $30 (same windsuit as last year)! *Windsuit Jacket: $45 (same windsuit as last year)! *Cheer Bag: $23 (same bag as last year)! *White Midriff: $15 (same midriff as last year)! *Bloomers: $12 (same bloomers as last year)! *CMS Fee for Football: $100! *CMS Fee for Basketball: $100 (due in November)! *Varsity Competition Fees: You will have a chance to fundraise this money, but! if you do not participate, then you will be responsible for paying the cost. 2. Each cheerleader will be issued a uniform. Only coaches may approve alterations. An approved seamstress may make alterations, however NO CUTTING on the uniforms will be allowed. 3. Uniforms will be worn to every game and at other specified events. Uniforms may not be worn for personal use or by anyone who is not a member of the cheerleading squad.
4. Uniforms and equipment will be signed out by the cheerleader and returned one week after the last game of the season. Uniforms must be cleaned and returned in good condition. Uniforms and equipment are the property of Independence High School. The cheerleader s name will be turned into the office for complete compensation if not returned as outlined above. **Conduct (Actions and Attitudes)** 1. Any actions and attitudes that are detrimental to team moral or unity will not be tolerated. Violations will result in suspension or dismissal from the squad. 2. Disrespect to coaches, teachers, or administrators will result in suspension or termination of cheerleading duties. Appropriate behavior is expected both in and out of school. 3. Use of profanity will not be accepted. 4. Social Media: You will not write anything on social media that offends a teammate, our cheerleading squad, or opposing cheerleading squad. You are a role model for the school and your social media websites should reflect this. 5. Squad members are required to:! ~Maintain and uphold the reputation of the Patriot Cheerleaders at school and in the community through their own conduct and squad spirit! ~Be courteous, polite, friendly, and have a smile for everyone! ~Display good sportsmanship at all times! ~Act responsibly and be tasteful when with boyfriends (No kissing, hanging on! on each other, etc.) 4. Use of drugs, alcohol, or tobacco with NOT be tolerated. Removal from the squad will be immediate. **Practice/Game Policy** 1. Cheerleaders are required to attend all practices, games, events, and fundraisers. 2. Practice begins at the time given (example: 2:45 p.m.). This means you are expected to be here before and stretch on your own time before practice starts. 3. In order to participate in squad activities at practice or a game the cheerleader must be in attendance at school that day. 4. Also bring a positive attitude with you to practice and games. Everyone should respect each other and be kind. 5. Cheerleaders are not to leave practice to talk to someone outside and are not to bring friends to practice. 6. NO cell phones are allowed to be out during practices or games. Cell phone use will only be permitted during halftime or with the coaches permission. 7. NO jewelry is allowed. 8. No gum, candy, or soda will be allowed. 9. NO glitter. 10.NO fingernail polish or long nails.
11. Cheerleaders should look their best at all times, especially while in uniform. 11. Hair must be worn in a ponytail unless otherwise stated by the coach. 12. Please dress appropriately for practice. This means correct shoes, no jean material, or anything too loose. 13. All cheerleaders must wear assigned uniform, including shoes, socks, hairstyle and accessories to school for game days and games in order to participate in the game. 14. Cheerleaders must stay together on the field/court until they are dismissed by the coach. 15. There is to be no stunting or tumbling without a coach present. 16. Cheerleaders are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from activities. 17. Cheerleaders must ride the bus to away games. Cheerleaders will be assigned certain games when they must ride the bus home from the away game to help with the mats. Only a parent may sign a cheerleader out. 18. Cheerleaders must be picked up from practice or games on time. 20. Cheerleaders should always give 100%. Cheerleaders should always represent their school with a smile and show they want to be participating in the game or event. **Attendance (Tardy and Absence Policy)** 1. Punctual attendance is mandatory at all practices and games, as well as all activities, fundraisers, and special events. All tardies and absences (excused or unexcused) will be recorded. 2. An excused absence from a practice or game is defined as a school related absence, meaning a parent excused illness, pre-arranged appointment (must notify your coach at least a week in advance), or death in the family. All other absences, such as vacations or practices for outside school activities, are considered unexcused absences. 3. An unexcused absence from a practice will result in sitting out half of the next game, run 1 extra mile after practice, and do 50 extra jumps. 4. An unexcused absence from a game will result in sitting out half of the next game, run 1 extra mile, and do 50 extra jumps for the next three practices. 5. If you are late to a practice or game, you will be required to do 30 extra jumps. 6. Two unexcused absences from a practice will be equal to 1 unexcused absence from a game. 7. After your 3rd unexcused absence from a game you will be removed from the squad. 8. Tutoring or after school meetings may be attended, but you must be at practice stretched and ready to go by 3 p.m. and notify your coach ahead of time. 9. If you are not able to participate in a practice or game due to an injury or other approved reason, you must still attend practices and games as part of the team.
10.The coaches reserve the right to bench a cheerleader for disciplinary reasons. A reoccurring negative/uncooperative attitude will result in benching or dismissal from the squad. 11. Always notify your coach if you are running late or an emergency comes up. DON T call your teammate and give them the message, CALL YOUR COACH FIRST. **Fundraising** 1. All cheerleaders are required to participate in all fundraising events. 2. Money earned through fundraising events will be deposited into the cheerleading account. It will then be available to use for cheerleading events such as competitions (travel expenses and meals), banquets, and other items to benefit the cheerleaders.
Independence High School Cheerleading Rules and Regulations 2013-2014 Parent/Guardian and Student Signature Required ~If your son/daughter is chosen to cheer for the Independence High School Cheerleading Squad, they must follow ALL rules and regulations outlined in this packet in order to make our season successful. Therefore, you both must sign and return this form in order to try out for the squad. ~I have read and understand the cheerleading information contained within this packet. I promise to carry out my responsibilities. I understand that I must always do my best to represent the Independence High School Cheerleading Program.! Cheerleader s Signature Date ~I have read and understand the cheerleading information contained within this packet and realize the importance of my sons/daughters compliance with these rules. I will help my child abide by all guidelines and rules to help him/her be a successful athlete and student.! Parent/Guardian s Signature Date This form must be signed and returned.