VISTA HIGH SCHOOL 2017-2018 COMPETITIVE CHEER CONTRACT CHEERLEADER NAME: (PLEASE PRINT) PARENT/GUARDIAN(S): (PLEASE PRINT) PARENT CELL PHONE: PARENT E-MAIL: As the coaches for cheer at Vista High School, it is our responsibility to maintain a group of student athletes whose behavior is disciplined, effective, and respected. Cheerleading is a program which visibly represents all of Vista High School and the community as a whole. A VHS Competitive Cheerleader has the responsibility of, representing VHS in the community, including at other schools, with a positive attitude and pride, and most of all demonstrating leadership and character in a most visible role. These rules and regulations must be followed in order to participate in the VHS Cheer Program. A parent and student/cheerleader must initial every item. By signing this contract, both cheerleader and parent/guardian, agree to uphold the terms and conditions. This document is to ensure the following: Every cheerleader is treated as a scholar athlete and each is held to the same high academic, athletic, and moral standards as designated in the CIF Athletic Code of Conduct. 1. If you choose to leave the team at any point after being selected, you will not be reinstated, and your eligibility for the following year(s) may be compromised. 2. Grades, according to school policy on extracurricular involvement, must be maintained at a 2.0 GPA. The first instance of ineligibility will result in probation. Being ineligible for a second grading period will result in automatic removal from the program. 3. Removal from the program for any reason will result in ineligibility for the following year s tryout. 4. Safety is our first priority. Any behavior during practice or breaks that compromises safety will not be tolerated. There will be no stunting or tumbling allowed when coaches are not present. 1
5. You are strongly encouraged to do personal conditioning throughout the year, especially cardiovascular and body sculpting. You will be expected to take a physical fitness test on the first day of summer practice on Tuesday, June 13th. During the year (including summer) practice in general will consist of conditioning exercises. If you do not complete your conditioning exercises as directed by your coaches, you may be benched until you can demonstrate proficiency. This is for safety purposes and to ensure each girl is strong enough to meet the demands of competitive cheerleading. 6. If you are on medical release for any reason, official medical documentation is required to be on file with the school trainer and coaches. Any cheerleader on medical release is still expected to support the team by attending the event in uniform (without physical participation). 7. Our job, according to the Vista High School job description, states that we are coaches. This is the same as being a football coach, a basketball coach, etc. Please understand that at any time we feel a cheerleader is not prepared or performing to expectations, we will have him/her sit out until skills are mastered. This is not a punishment, but a step towards being the best squad we can be. However, if this persists, we will permanently remove the cheerleader from the squad. A squad must be able to depend on each individual 100% of the time! This rule also applies to the display of negative or disrespectful attitude, whether during practice or during a performance. 8. You are expected to show a good attitude at all times toward the coaches and other cheerleaders. Respect towards the coaches and teammates is very important. If at any time, a cheerleader exhibits a lack of respect, a bad attitude, or is defiant or insubordinate toward the coaches, consequences will vary and may ultimately result in being benched or removed from the team. 1. All scheduled performances and competitions are mandatory for all cheerleaders. If a cheerleader misses a competition or performance they will be automatically removed from the team. 2. Attendance and promptness is a necessity! If you are going to be late to practice, you must have a note from parent explaining your absence/tardiness. If you do not have a note, you will not be allowed to practice for the day and may be removed from a spot. 3. Good daily attendance at school is vital. Each squad member is expected to participate in all activities in which the squad participates. Practice and meetings are vital for a good squad. During peak times throughout the year, additional practices are often required as needed. All squad members are expected to attend. Cheerleaders are not excluded from squad obligations due to work schedules. Work must never interfere with practices or performances! You are expected to schedule all medical, dental, gymnastics, and etc. appointments on days other than practice, tumbling, performances, or competitions. Remember, whenever you are not present most formations, stunts, and routines cannot be practiced, so you are hurting the entire squad. If you are absent from school on a performance day, you may not cheer/perform that 2
evening. Parents, if your child is ill and unable to practice or perform, please call or e-mail Coach Caponera in addition to calling the attendance office on those days. Failure to attend practice during the week could result in a loss of your place. Coaches will determine eligibility in special circumstances. 4. Missing practices that have a valid excuse can still lead to being removed from the routine, a position, or stunt, due to not physically being available to practice. 5. All cheerleaders are expected to arrive on time for summer practices. Three or more tardies will result in possible removal from the squad and back to school performance. 6. All cheerleaders are expected to arrive on time for practice. 7. All cheerleaders are expected to arrive on time for call times. Failure to do so will result in possible benching. 8. Three unexcused absences will result in dismissal from the squad. All notices of absences must be given to the coaches via e-mail, no exceptions. Leaving before dismissal by the coach from any event or practice will not be tolerated (except in the case of emergencies). Unauthorized absences will result in benching, probation, or dismissal. The coaches are responsible for you as a squad member and must know your whereabouts at all events. 9. Attend all summer practices! Competition Team is a commitment. You must schedule all vacations on days that we do not have summer practices. No exceptions will be made. 10. The essence of cheerleading is participation. If a cheerleader is not regularly in attendance at all required practices, competitions, and events, he/she cannot hope to be an effective leader or reliable team member. Being selected as a cheerleader is an honor. Therefore, all cheerleaders selected are expected to work above and beyond what is required. 11. Make cheerleading a priority. You are fulfilling a spot on the team which many people would like to occupy. All appointments, other involvements, and jobs need to work around this commitment. Remember, when a cheerleader is absent, the entire squad is put on hold. 1. As a cheerleader, conduct is very important and highly monitored. It is expected that all cheerleaders must act in high regard. You must conduct yourself at all times, (practices, games, school events, on/off campus) in an appropriate manner. As a Vista High Competitive Cheerleader, you are a representative of our community as well as our school. You are highly visible whether in or out of uniform. Be well groomed, have a clean and pressed uniform, clean shoes, appropriate make-up, short fingernails, and always have a positive attitude! 3
2. Public displays of affection are inappropriate while in cheer uniform and cheer gear. Make a good impression always! 3. Please be ready for all performances and competitions before you arrive. You will not be allowed to get ready after you arrive, and you will be required to sit out for a portion of the game, or removed from a performance. 4. Be willing to set mixed feelings and emotions aside and develop skills in working with others as a unit. Often times, this means you give in for the good of the whole squad. Remember that teamwork is essential. After documentation is reviewed by coaches and administration, any cheerleader found to be creating or contributing to a hostile environment, whether in or outside cheer, will be subject to removal from the team. 5. Cheerleaders are required to wear uniforms on days there is a school performance (i.e. Homecoming, rallies, etc). Failure to wear your uniform will result in being benched. Please note that at no time should a uniform be worn as a costume. 6. Smoking, drinking, and using profanity will not be tolerated whether in or out of uniform. A cheerleader is a representative of Vista High School whether performing or not. This may result in removal from the team. 7. Suspension from school for breaking school rules will result in immediate removal from the squad. 8. TRUST and COMMUNICATION are vital for the safety of all team members and coaches. If the coaches determine that there is an issue with trust and/or communication, a parent conference will be scheduled. Following the conference, it is at the coaches and administrators discretion to bench, suspend, or permanently remove a cheerleader from the squad. 9. Any public postings to Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, or any other similar type of website or social media must be school appropriate. Derogatory or hurtful remarks, lewd obscene statements or photos will not be allowed. Photos or references to underage drinking, sexually explicit content, or other unlawful acts are not permitted. Students will be asked to remove any questionable content. Students may be benched, placed on probation, or removed from the team for a violation of this nature. The consequences are up to the coaches and administration to decide. Remember, you represent VHS and the VHS Cheer program. 4
*** ANY VIOLATIONS OF THE CONTRACT WILL BE ASSESSED BY THE COACHES AND SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION. IT IS THE COACHES AND ADMINISTRATORS RIGHT AND RESPONSIBILITY TO BENCH, SUSPEND, OR PERMANENTLY REMOVE A CHEERLEADER FROM THE TEAM DEPENDING ON SEVERITY AND FREQUENCY OF VIOLATIONS. *** ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Benching: Member is inactive, but present, at an event with or without uniform (coach determined). Benching can vary in length (i.e. one quarter or an entire game). Probation: Member is required to attend ALL cheer events (with or without uniform as determined by the coaches), sitting in the bleacher/stands in designated area. Probation could be for a period of one event and up to an entire season. Squad probation will only be allowed one time. The second will result in dismissal from the squad. On all accounts, parents will be notified. In instances of academic probation, dressing out is required, but participation is prohibited. This is for the remaining portion of the grading period. Defiance : Defiance of authority occurs when any member speaks in an abusive or disrespectful tone to a coach, faculty member, teammate, or breaks any rules or guidelines set forth in this document. Acts of defiance can result in benching, probation, or dismissal (depending upon the severity, as determined by the coach). Demerits/Point Reduction: Demerits are earned when an infraction is made. Students are expected to follow school protocol and the code of conduct at all times. The number of demerits/point reduction will vary depending on the severity of the infraction. Demerits/point reductions are applied to the student s overall grade and ability to participate in games and events. Expulsion/Dismissal/Self Removal: Permanent removal from the squad. Anyone removed or dismissed from the squad for any reason becomes ineligible to try out the following year. Emergency Circumstances/Excused Absences: Illnesses, family crisis, and special ceremonies constitute excused absences. Arranged absences for a special family ceremony must be given to the coach via e-mail prior to the event. If a sudden illness or crisis arises unexpectedly that would affect a team member s attendance at a rally, game or practice, the team member or parent must notify one of the coaches directly by phone or text. (Practice is less effective when anyone is missing from dances, cheers, and stunts.) Failure to follow protocol will result in demerits/point reductions. Insubordination: Failure to comply with a coach s or administrator s directives, an undermining of authority. Failure to comply may result in dismissal from the squad. Unexcused Absence: Any absence that does not fall under the category of excused (please see above). An absence due to work related issues is considered unexcused. 5
*** PLEASE DETACH THIS PAGE AND TURN IT IN WITH YOUR COMPLETED TRYOUT PACKET. Be sure to keep your copy of the contract with you so you are always aware of your responsibilities and expectations. *** By signing this page, you acknowledge that you have thoroughly read the above contract. You understand that if you are found to be in violation of any aspect of this contract that you will be held responsible for your actions. Student Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: Head Coach Signature: Date: Shannon Caponera Assistant Coach Signature: Date: Administrator s Signature: Date: 6