FRANCIS HOWELL NORTH KNIGHTS CHEERLEADING PROGRAM 2014-2015 HANDBOOK 1
Francis Howell North Cheerleading 2014-2015 Handbook Welcome! It is with great pleasure that we welcome each of you to the 2014-2015 Cheerleading season! We look forward to continuing progress as successful cheerleading squads this season. This handbook contains a great deal of information about Francis Howell North (FHN) Cheerleading. All cheerleaders and families are asked to read and become familiar with this handbook. Please keep in mind, this handbook is a living document. If an incident should arise that is not specifically addressed in this document, the coach and/or school and district administration will address the incident on an individual basis. We reserve the right to revise this handbook. Erica Gittemeier Marissa Cohen Natalie Meier Katie Emerson Varsity Head Cheerleading Coach Assistant Varsity Cheerleading Coach Junior Varsity Cheerleading Coach Freshman Cheerleading Coach Commitment All cheerleaders are required to abide by all cheerleading, FHN, District, and State policies, rules and regulations. Cheerleading is a commitment, which is an acceptance of personal responsibility to honor a measurable objective. Each cheerleader is equally important to the success of the entire squad; therefore, a commitment to all scheduled cheerleading functions is necessary. Safety With cheerleading, there is a risk, as in any athletic endeavor, of serious injury. All cheerleaders must have a have a physical dated after February 1 st of the current school year with active insurance in order to participate. All MSHSAA guidelines and rules will be followed. Our Philosophy The Francis Howell North Cheerleading Squads will act as an organization that represents FHN and the Francis Howell School District at all times while promoting and supporting Francis Howell North in school spirit in conjunction with FHN Knightline with school athletic and/or non-athletic events. 2
Purposes of FHN Cheerleading Program Goals To provide entertainment through the art of various styles of cheering, stunting, tumbling, and dancing. To promote school spirit at school athletic events and assemblies. The FHN Cheerleading Squad goals are to: Promote school spirit while having fun Maintain a positive attitude and communicate well as a team Participate in at least three cheerleading fundraisers to fund expenses Attend one cheerleading camp and utilize the cheer techniques and materials throughout the year Compete in local and state competitions Program Membership Varsity Cheerleaders will consist of: Two coaches; a head coach and assistant coach 15-24 members from Freshman, Sophomore, Junior and Senior grade levels Junior Varsity Cheerleaders will consist of: 1 coach 12-20 members from Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, and Senior grade levels Freshman Cheerleaders will consist of: 1 coach 10-16 members from the Freshman grade level If a cheerleader from any squad resigns or is dismissed, a member may be promoted to the next level squad from the already established JV or Freshman squad. The promotion will be evaluated by the coaches and promotions may not take place by the need. There is only one tryout. There will be no re-tryouts or tryouts for winter sports. All scores are final and are available to be discussed. Being a FHN Cheerleader does not guarantee placement on the squad the following year. Each cheerleader s level of commitment and attitude will be evaluated when selecting squad members. 3
MSHSAA Eligibility Maintain a 1.5 GPA per MSHSAA or above and pass 6 classes each semester If a cheerleader passes 6 classes but has less than a 1.5 GPA, she may apply for a one time provisional eligibility exception in the Activities Office Be enrolled and passed 3 units of credit Have a physical dated after February 1 st of the current school year in order to participate Have medical insurance Communication Communication is vital for a successful cheer program. Coaches will communicate: requirements for students and the squad locations/dates/times of practices, games, and events squad requirements including special equipment, uniform, squad rules/regulations, travel arrangements, and summer expectations Code of Conduct The FHN Cheerleading Squad conduct policies are: Adhere to all FHN, Athletic Code of Conduct, District and State rules and regulations. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the squad. Display RESPECT for parents, teachers, coaches, administrators and squad members at all times. o This includes not only face-to-face contact, but also social media, such as Twitter, Facebook, and other websites, along with other interactions through texts, emails, etc. Failure to do so may result in school discipline in addition to Conduct Meeting with Coaches. Accept and abide by all decisions made by and follow the directions of the cheerleading coaching staff. If a cheerleader displays any inappropriate behavior that will have a direct reflection in her participation as a cheerleader, immediate dismissal may occur. Always exhibit proper classroom behavior, which includes: being on time for classes, refraining from cheating and skipping classes. Do not use foul language and refrain from Public Displays of Affection (PDA) while at a cheerleading or school function. 4
Do not use tobacco, alcohol, or drugs at any time. The use of drugs or alcohol will result in immediate dismissal from the squad. Return all squad-owned clothing and/or accessories in a good condition. Failure to do so will result in the squad member being required to replace items as determined by the FHN Athletic Department. Turn in monies, forms, and equipment on time All other cheerleading conduct policy violations are per the coach s discretion The Point System A point system is in place. All events (practices, games, and other cheerleading events) will be assigned points. Practices and games are worth 5 points. Other cheerleading events are subject to points at the discretion of the coach. Point values will be listed on the calendar. Each girl must earn 70 % of points each month to maintain eligibility within the squad. Consequences for not obtaining minimum required points include coaches conference, cheerleader contract, benching, and/or possible forfeit of varsity letter. Excused and unexcused absences will not be taken into account for this, since there is a minimum percentage of points required and points begin anew each month. The point system rubric is as follows: 1 point for being on time 1 point for appropriate attire (including nails, shoes, uniform, no jewelry, etc) 2 points for participation entire event OR 1 point for participation for partial event (if must leave early or attend late) 1 point for active participation 5
The Demerit System Each time a cheerleader does not abide by the rules, regulations, and policies one demerit will be received. The cheerleading squad demerit system consists of: 1-2 demerits Warning 3 demerits Call to parent/guardian & benching from game 4 demerits 2 week suspension from the squad 5 demerits Meeting with the coaches, athletic director, and principal to discuss squad continuation Demerits consist of, but are not limited to: Failure to call coach if missing practice, games, or any cheer function Failure to follow directions from coaches, parents, and school officials IF a cheerleader is issued a demerit, written documentation will be provided that will require cheerleader and parent signature. These will need to be returned within a timely manner so that we know that communication is open between coaches, cheerleaders, and parents. Detentions are unacceptable for all cheerleaders, but if one must be severed, please do so before school. Serving detentions during practice time is an unexcused absence, which will result in a demerit. In School Suspension (ISAP) is prohibited and will result in meeting with their coach as well as a 2 week suspension from the squad. Out of School Suspension is also prohibited and will result in a meeting with their coach and may result in immediate dismal from the squad. Any additional demerits will be given per the coach s discretion. Demerits will start over during winter sports. Duties and Responsibilities Attendance at all practices, games, and cheer events are mandatory! Anything other than illnesses, junior/senior college visits, field trips sponsored by an instructor and counted for a grade, or death of a family member is unacceptable and will result in loss of points. If a squad member is ill for practice, scheduled game, or event, the coach should be notified by phone or email as soon as possible. Squad members may not attend practice if they are absent from school the same day, per MSHSAA. Cheerleaders are responsible for learning what was missed before returning to practice. If squad members are tardy, they will lose points. If squad members miss practice, they will lose their points 6
The FHN Cheerleading Squad practice policies consist of: Possible practice at off-campus sites Practices consisting of: o warm ups o cheer techniques o learning & cleaning cheers/routines o tumbling o stunting Squad evaluations by the coaches Additional running as a team, plyometrics, cardio & toning. Cheerleaders are required to bring all necessary equipment with them to practice. Each time a cheerleader forgets their shoes or poms, they will lose points. Transportation Policy All cheerleaders are expected to ride with the squad to the (game) destination in the school provided transportation. Cheerleaders are allowed to leave the game with family member over the age of 18. No cheerleader may leave with another cheerleader s parent or relative! Game & Performance Day Policy consists of: Wearing the complete cheerleading uniforms with no additional items to school on game day as decided upon by the coaches Arrive to all events on time and in complete uniform The commitment to perform at any state tournament may result in missing a day of school. By signing the 2014-2015 contract, cheerleaders are accepting that she has been made aware of and accepts all consequences of missing half or an entire day of school, with parental and administration approval, and will honor the agreed upon appearance or performance. Squad members are to abide by all FHN, District, and State rules and regulations on game days, at games, during performances or appearances and competitions. 7
Squad Responsibilities: The FHN Cheerleading Squad will: Abide by all rules as stated in this contract Work to develop and maintain respect for each other and the coaches Maintain a positive attitude and to meet with the coaches if there are any problems/concerns Equally participate in group assignments/duties Entertain our home crowd through cheering, chanting, stunting, and tumbling Complete and have ready to teach any routine by the scheduled due date Parent Responsibilities: If your child is a member of any FHN cheerleading squad, parents are expected to provide active health insurance during the entire cheerleading season for their child, be aware of financial obligations and expectations for participating in cheerleading, and sign up to work the concession stand during the entire cheerleading season. Financial Expectations and Fundraising Cheerleading is a financial obligation. There will be out of pocket expenses for camp, clothing, and competition. Please, be prepared financially to participate in the cheerleading program. Fundraisers are necessary in order to provide the cheerleading squad and individual squad members with funds for various functions, trips, accessories, team gifts, etc. All fundraisers must be approved by the coaches and athletic director. Upcoming fundraisers will be discussed at a later date. Camp The FHN Cheerleading Squads will be attending camp this summer. Camp expenses are the responsibility of each individual cheerleader. Cheerleaders are responsible to bring in payment by the given timeline to be able to attend camp. If the squad member quits or is kicked off the squad, the camp payment will not be returned. All cheerleaders are responsible for purchasing camp clothing, shoes, and hair accessories. Further details about camp will be discussed at a later date. 8
Competition Competition costs come out of the program fee. Competition is considered an all squad activity whether all participants perform on the floor, are an alternate, or spectator. Placement and participation level is the decision of the coaches. Cheerleaders, who are unable to perform a scheduled routine or skills required by the competition score sheet to or near perfection before the scheduled practices for a performance or competition, will not perform whether at game or competition. Squad members may be competing out of state and in the event that the squad does travel out of state, parents/guardians of the cheerleaders will be responsible for sponsoring one district administrator s travel and lodging expenses in relation to the out of state completion. All FHN, District, and State rules and regulations will apply to each cheerleader. Any cheerleader that cannot or does not choose to abide by all rules and regulations will be required to be transported back to St. Charles by a parent or guardian. 9
2014-2015 Francis Howell North Knights Cheerleading Contract & Release Form I have read and understand the handbook for this up and coming year. As a member of the FHN Cheerleading Squad I agree to represent Francis Howell North and the Francis Howell School District by abiding by all the rules stated by the School, District and State. I further understand that should I fail to abide by said policies, procedures and rules I am subject to agree to accept all consequences as stated in all handbooks. As a member of the FHN Cheerleading Squad I understand the financial obligations and agree that I and my parents/guardians are required to purchase all required clothing and accessories and replace any squad owned clothing assigned to me that may have been stolen, lost or damaged. I understand that, if chosen, my son/daughter will be required to pay for cheerleader camp and clothes, and to fundraise to cover additional expenses incurred by the cheerleading program. If my son/daughter is dismissed from the squad for whatever reason the responsibility of payments still remains with me. The parents/guardians and I further understand that should we have any questions or concerns we have the option and duty to discuss them with the FHN Cheerleading coaching staff. I hereby give my consent to my son/daughter, to tryout for cheerleader at Francis Howell North and recognize his/her responsibilities and requirements as a leader of his/her school. We understand that cheerleading is a contact sport and injury may occur. Due to this reason my son/daughter must always have active health insurance. If insurance lapses, my son/daughter will no longer be able to participate on the Francis Howell North cheerleading squad. We further understand the Francis Howell North cheerleading coaching staff, faculty and administration will not be held liable if injury does occur. We give permission for our child to receive medical attention in the event that we cannot be present or reached for any reason. FHN Cheerleader s Signature Parent/Legal Guardian Signature Date Date 10