Sycamore High School Cheerleading Contract Standards for Cheerleaders Cheerleaders by title are role models. Your coaches hope that you will embrace this role. Remember that there are people watching everything you say and do. Because of this, the Sycamore High School Cheerleaders are expected to set high standards for their school and to set a good example for their fellow students. To achieve these ends, the cheerleaders will: Sign and abide by the provisions of this contract and the SHS Athletic Code. Sign and abide by all Physical, Parent Permission, Drug Testing, Concussion, and Alcohol/Drug Abuse forms. Maintain a passing grade in five classes at all times. Attend all scheduled practices and games, unless it is a medical absence or prior permission to be absent has been granted by the coach. Set an example of good behavior at all times during (whether in uniform or not) class, games, and all school functions. Cooperate with each other and follow the instruction of the cheerleading coaches. Register students on the school athletic website with parent/guardian s information. This is how we will send all reminders, and schedules. http://il.8to18.com/sycamorehs Bullying There will be zero tolerance for bullying. If a student is found to be harassing another student, whether in person, through gossip, or virtually through the use of email, IM, social media, etc., they will have an immediate meeting with the Coaches, Athletic Director and Parents to determine continuation of the sport. Points to Remember Be ready for all practices, assemblies, and games; wearing proper shoes, clothes, and hair tied back. Arrive early to events, and practice. Cell phones are to be kept off, and put away. No gum or jewelry is allowed at all. There is to be no Public Displays of Affection with significant others. Attitudes must be positive and upbeat! You must always be willing to work and cooperate at both practices and games. Leave all problems at the door. Everyone must have a solid working knowledge of all cheers, chants, and dance routines. All cheers and the fight song must be known prior to the first game of each season, or you will be benched until they are known. Be an active listener and accept constructive criticism.
Attendance Cheerleaders must be in attendance at school to be eligible to participate in practice or performances. The only excused absences are medical (requires note from doctor) and school activities. Rare situations may be cleared by the Athletic Director. Unexcused absences from school are not acceptable. If you are at school, you are expected to be at practice that day, unless pre-arranged with the coach. Please schedule appointments during times that will not conflict with cheerleading, as practice time is valuable and limited. Cheerleaders are expected to attend all scheduled performances. This includes practices, games, parades, assemblies etc. (Note: Some performances may take place on weekends.) Missing practices can lead to being removed from a routine, position, or stunt, due to not physically being available to practice. During game suspensions, the student must sit in uniform with the coach/advisor for the entire game and breaks unless instructed otherwise. Game Expectations Arrive 1 hour prior to game time for home games. (You may be benched for a portion of the game if you arrive after that time, as this time will be used for warm up.) Arrive 1 hour prior to bus departure time for away games. You may be released when the game or competition is complete, with a copy of the Transportation Release Form. The parent must present this to the coach after the game or competition. Parents must meet coaches to pick up the student. You may not leave away games unless it is with a parent/legal guardian. Your parent/legal guardian must present a signed parent consent form to the coach AFTER the game. Have complete uniform at all games. Girls Uniform Includes: white no show socks, white cheerleading shoes, school uniform, gold spandex, black sports bra, bow and warm ups. Boys Uniform Includes: white socks, white cheerleading shoes, school uniform, black compression shorts, warm-ups and athletic protection if deemed necessary. If you do not have the proper uniform, you will be benched during the game. Remain in the cheering area during the game. You may take care of personal business during halftime. Control and lead the crowd through positive cheers and chants. DO NOT socialize with players, each other, or crowd members during the game. Cheers are to be done as called, remember it is your duty to know all cheers and do them confidently. Perform only the stunts that have been perfected. Bring a water bottle. There will be water breaks available. Lastly pack your bag accordingly, keep weather conditions in mind. Items to keep in your duffel bag: o Large garbage bag o Extra socks o A blanket
o o o o Band-Aids Makeup Hair Products (Bobby pins, hairspray, elastic hair bands etc.) Snacks Apparel At games athletes are required to wear uniform, designated bow, white cheer shoes, gold spandex and a black sports bra, along with all white no show socks. No other type of shoes are to be worn with the uniform expect the designated cheerleading shoe. This means NO boots, flip flops, flats, heels etc. No uniforms tops are to be worn with any other bottoms other than the uniform skirt, or warmup pants. Hair must be pulled back into a pony tail, if longer than jaw length, unless deemed otherwise by coaches. Cheerleading shoes are to be worn at all times, it is a safety hazard to be barefoot, and in Improper shoes! Prior to preforming, any type of artificial nail must be removed, along with any colored nail polish. Please keep nails trimmed at, or below the tips of your fingers. School Dress Code for games: o Home: Complete Uniform, and cheer shoes. o Away: Business Casual: Girls: Dresses, Dress pants, dress shirts, dress shoes. (Flip flops, shorts, any ripped clothing, and sweatpants are not acceptable.) Boys: Dress pants, dress shirt, dress shoes, ties are optional (T-shirts, ripped clothing, tennis shoes, and sweatshirts are not acceptable.) For practice attire, the following is acceptable. o Girls: running shorts, athletic shorts, t-shirt/tank, spandex, sports bra, socks, and cheer shoes. (sweatpants are not acceptable) o Boys: Athletic shorts, T-shirt/tank, socks, and tennis shoes. You may want to consider wearing protective gear and compression shorts as well. (cut off/ripped shirts, and sweatpants are not acceptable.) Practice Bring a water bottle. Frequent water breaks will be permitted. Wear appropriate apparel. Arrive 30 minutes early, and be ready to roll out the mats before the start of practice. Conditioning will take place before practice with a warmup run, and at the end with strength conditioning. If injured and unable to practice, a doctor s note must be presented to coach. o If there is no note present, a student is to continue practice as usual. o Release notes are also required from a doctor, in order to return to practice after being excused. Phones are to be kept off, and stored in cheer bags.
Safety Stunting must only take place in the presence of a qualified supervisor. Cheerleading shoes are to be worn at all times. NFHS Spirit Rules will be enforced at all times (see http://www.nfhs.org) Lettering Team members who end their season in good standing will receive a Sycamore High School Letter Award based on their level. Captains will be determined at the beginning of the season by the coaches, through an interview process. End of Season After the last game of the winter season, all uniform pieces that were lent to athletes must be returned one week after. For athletes who only plan on participating in the fall season, the uniform is due one week after the last game. Uniforms must be washed, hung to dry, and placed in a bag with the student s name. Failure to turn in school uniform will result in possible consequences and fees. Consequences Failure to follow the above written rules will result in the following: o First Offense- Verbal Warning o Second Offense- Meeting with Coach and or Athletic Director o Third Offence- Possible suspension Missed Practices o One - Benched one quarter of next game o Two - Benched half of a game o Three- Benched full game Missed Games o One - Benched next game o Two - Verbal warning of suspension o Three - Meeting with Coach and Athletic Director to discuss continuation in sport Other Activities We ask that students plan accordingly while involved in other clubs/activities. Meetings should not interfere with practice or games. This includes work. Cheer schedules will be handed out at least a month in advance. All cheerleaders must attend the mandatory practices during the summer, and attend camp. o Assistance is available if needed, please see Coaches.
Volunteer Work Cheerleaders will have the opportunity to volunteer as Jr Coaches for the Sycamore Youth Football League Cheer Program. This is a great way to share the love of cheerleading with the youth in the community as well as gain a better understanding of cheer fundamentals. More information will be made available as the SYFL season starts. Other community volunteer opportunities will arise during the year in which you will be expected to be involved in. Coach s Discretion All SHS Cheerleading rules will be interpreted and carried out by SHS cheer coaches, under the guidance of the SHS athletic director. Interpretation of these rules is at the strict discretion of the SHS cheerleading coaching staff.