Crown Athletics Cheerleading Information Packet 2013-2014 If anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor s crown unless he competes according to the rules. 2 Timothy 2:5 Welcome to Crown Athletics! Crown Athletics is a not-for-profit organization established in 2005 for the benefit of home educated students who are interested in participating in competitive sports programs. We offer a full range of sports programs for homeschool athletes including baseball, basketball, fencing, football, volleyball, golf, tennis, cross country, fast pitch softball, soccer, swim, and cheerleading. Our team name/mascot is the Knights, and our colors are maroon, navy and silver. For more information regarding Crown Athletics, please visit www.crown-athletics.org. We provide home school students with consistent and biblical reinforcement through athletic competition. Parents work with us to help their child build character and a strong work ethic through athletics, and encourage them to accept growing responsibility as they mature. We provide a vital athletic experience that facilitates encouragement, confidence in one s ability and discipline. Parents play a vital role in their student s athletic performance, and in their emotional, social and spiritual development. In cooperation with parents, we seek to help build strong, confident, yet humble servants for Christ. Our Staff Michelle Rutledge serves as the Athletic Director for Crown. She has years of athletic managerial experience and has served at several levels in the Crown Athletics organization including coach, committee member and board member prior to taking on the director position. The Crown Operating Board is made up of nine home school parents. All members are actively involved in the home school community and their local churches. Each has demonstrated leadership skills, a servant heart, and interest and experience in various sports. The Operating Board works closely with the Athletic Coordinator and the committee members of each individual sport to organize and direct the programs. Each member serves as a liaison for one or more of the Crown Athletics programs and the cheerleading program Board Liaison is Sandra Breaden. A cheerleading committee made up of participating parents, will be established after tryouts representing the varsity, junior varsity and middle school teams. These members are nominated and contacted by the Athletic Director of Crown Athletics to confirm their willingness to serve in this capacity.
Coaching Staff HS Head Coach: TBD MS Head Coach, Emilie Windham grew up in Dalton, GA; relocating to the Atlanta area where she graduated from Georgia State in 1991. She currently resides in Towne Lake with her husband of 18 years and their 3 children ages 13, 11 and 7, which she home-schools through The Kings Academy. She and her family also attend Sovereign Grace church. She is a licensed Physical Therapist, certified fitness trainer and enjoys promoting overall wellness. Emilie offered her skill and enthusiasm as a member of multiple cheer squads including: Westside Middle school, Northwest High School and University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. She looks forward to the opportunity to develop relationships that will result in a mastery and appreciation for cheer while incorporating a positive team sport environment through dedication to the Christian principles that have been her personal inspiration. Eligibility Requirements for Participants The Crown Cheer program has worked hard to earn and maintain a reputation of excellence and high character among the cheer community within CCA, the Crown family and local homeschool community. Earning a place on the Basketball Cheer squad is not only a great personal accomplishment; it is a privilege to be an Ambassador for Crown Athletics on the sidelines. Therefore, the coaches will have high expectations of each girl which includes but is not limited to: attendance, work ethic, a positive and willing attitude, Christ-like behavior, good sportsmanship, respect for their coach and teammates and a passion for the sport cheerleading. Cheer camp is a required part of the program. All Crown participants must attend clinic and tryouts. Crown Basketball Cheerleading is a commitment. Camp and practices begin immediately after tryouts and the season continues through February. **Girls participating on year-round or half-year All Star cheer teams are not eligible to participate with Crown Cheerleading due to the conflict of practice and competition schedules and the commitment requirements of both programs. Christian home schooling families who are abiding by all Georgia laws governing home schooling programs in grades 6-12 may participate in the Crown Athletics cheerleading program. Participants and parents must acknowledge acceptance of our statement of faith, dress code, code of conduct, and cheer agreement by signing these forms during the registration process. High School Eligibility: Must be in 9 th -12 th grade Must not have reached the maximum age of 19 prior to September 1 st of the current school year. Middle School Eligibility: Must be in 5 th -8 th grade Must not have reached the maximum age of 15 prior to September 21 st of the current school year MS cheerleaders may be chosen to cheer up by the High School Coach under these criteria:
Skill level meets squad requirements Fill a needed position on the squad Minimum Tumbling Requirements: Tumbling is not required for basketball cheerleading. Clinic: Tues & Wed, August 27 & 28 Cheer Clinics (all teams) 3:45-6:00 p.m. at Stonecrest Church on Arnold Mill Road Try Outs: Thursday, August 29 Beginning at 3:45 p.m. (all teams) Stonecrest Church on Arnold Mill Road All chants, cheers and other instruction needed for tryouts will be covered during the two-day clinic. The clinic is closed to spectators and is open only to girls trying out for the upcoming season of Crown Basketball cheerleading. All participants must bring the following forms to clinic: Clinic & Tryout Registration form, Team Agreement, Medical Release Form and a front and back copy of your insurance card. A non-refundable clinic participation fee of $35.00 is due the first day of clinic (please make checks payable to Crown Athletics). A panel of outside judges will be at tryouts and will score the girls using a numbered scale for each element including jumps, mastery of an 8-count and cheer, spirit and projection. Mastery of any of these tryout elements is not a guarantee to make the team. Cuts will be determined based on needed positions and the level of experience of the team as a whole. An exact number cannot be set until these elements are determined at tryouts. Cheering Up The high school cheer coach has the option to pull up girls to fill a position on their squad. The coaches will only have the option of pulling up girls who have indicated on the Tryout Registration Form that they are committed to cheering up if chosen. By indicating that your daughter is willing to cheer up on the tryout form, you are making a 100% commitment to that squad. Please discuss this with your daughter before tryouts and prayerfully consider this option before signing the tryout form. There will not be an opportunity, once chosen, to reconsider this decision.
Results Results will be posted on the Crown Athletics website at www.crown-athletics.org by 5:00 p.m. Friday, August 30th. Cheerleaders will have 24 hours (by 5:00 p.m. Sat. Aug 31st) to withdraw from the program by sending an email to their coach. If a cheerleader decides within the 24 hour declaration period to withdraw from the program, the coaches will then have the option to reconsider those girl(s) who were not chosen based upon position needed and their scores. Participation Fees The estimated cost for both MS and HS Basketball Cheerleading is estimated to be $600.00. This cost is subject to change based on the number of girls on the squad. The Committees will determine the final budget once the squads have been rostered. Fundraising and Sponsorships are available to help offset the cost. Online Registration All Crown athletes must register online once the teams are chosen. To register go to www.crown-athletics.org. Uniform Fittings TBD Cheer Camp In order to promote squad unity and skill development, cheerleading camp is mandatory for all participants. Details TBD Practices The coaches will determine the days and times of the practices. MS Cheer practices will be held at North Metro Elite Cheer, 101 Smokehill Lane, Suite 100, Woodstock, GA 30188. HS Cheer practices TBD Insurance All students who have paid their registration fees are covered by a supplemental insurance policy. This policy is designed to assist with any expenses resulting from injuries sustained while participating in a Crown Athletic event. All claims should be filed with the student s primary insurance carrier. A portion of the expenses, not covered by the primary policy, will be covered by the supplemental policy provided through Crown Athletics.
Fees and Fundraising Cheerleading registration fees cover program administration, secondary insurance, supplies, cheer/chant notebook, honorariums, gym rental, pom usage fee, and trophies/awards. There are also camp fees and uniform fees (Please refer to fee breakdown sheet at end of packet for details). Crown cheerleading fees may be paid in full or divided into payments (please refer to fee breakdown sheet at end of packet for details). Payments by check should be made payable to Crown Athletics. Please give these to your team treasurer - preferably at a team practice. Payments must be made in a timely manner in order to maintain a position on the squad. Late fees will be assessed as outlined. Cheerleaders may participate in fundraisers to help offset their payments. The responsibility for fundraising lies with the families. All fundraising projects must be approved by The Cheer Committee. All fundraising should be turned into the team treasurer who will deduct it from your balance owed. Sponsorships: There is also opportunity provided by Crown Athletics to obtain program sponsors. If a student obtains a program sponsor at a level of $250 or more, the student receives 70% of the sponsor fees and 30% goes toward the program. Sponsors will receive a link on the Crown website and an appreciation plaque. Sponsorship forms available via the Crown website at www.crown-athletics.org. Refund & Non-Payment of Registration Fee Policy Crown registration fees are determined by the individual committees governing their program. Crown Committees will determine the payment options for the fees for their individual programs. Participants who have not paid their registration fee within the determined time period of the program will be benched and/or become ineligible for play as determined by the individual program until the payment is received. Participants who leave the program without full payment of their registration fee will be ineligible for try outs and/or participation in any Crown program until payment is made in full. Committees will report all non-paying participants to the Athletic Director. There will be no refunds of fees for cheerleaders withdrawing from the program once they have been fitted for their uniform and the order has been placed. In those cases where there may be extenuating circumstances, parents should contact the committee immediately and refunds will be handled and on a case-bycase basis. Parent Volunteers & Communication Parent involvement in this sport is a must! It is mandatory that each family sign up for a volunteer position on a sub-committee. Email will be THE source of communication and it is imperative that you check your email regularly and respond in a timely manner. Attendance and Absences Punctuality: All cheerleaders are expected to be ON TIME for each cheer and tumbling practice, game and team activity including fundraising and team building. Attendance is required to ALL practices in order to prepare for the season. All cheerleaders must be on time to depart for games. A meeting time and location will be announced prior to away games, and everyone must be ready to leave when the caravan departs. 3 tardies = 1 unexcused absence.
Excused Absences: Severe sicknesses such as a fever, vomiting or a family emergency are considered excused. In these instances, the cheerleader should contact her coach as soon as possible in order to let them know of the situation. We request that if a cheerleader is only mildly ill, that she attempt to come and observe practice so that she will not miss any new material being presented. The Cheerleader must notify her coach well in advance of the absence (minimum of 24 hours) when she plans to miss any cheerleading function. This is very important, as the entire routine changes when one person is out. Time is needed to rearrange formations and routines based on the number of cheerleaders that will be present. Unexcused Absences: Church activities, family vacations or other activities that conflict with the cheer practices, games or competitions are considered unexcused. Each cheerleader will be allowed two unexcused absences during the football cheer season, and the cheerleader must notify her coaches. Three unexcused absences will be considered grounds for dismissal from the squad and the coaches may consider alternates. Weekly Exercise and Devotions Crown Cheerleaders are expected to be in good physical condition during the athletic season. Therefore, it is important that they maintain a fitness regimen throughout the year. The coaches will provide squad members with exercise routines that will help increase endurance, stamina, flexibility and cardio strength. Exercise accountability sheets will be maintained by cheerleaders and turned in to coaches weekly. Not only should the outward man be in shape, but the inward man needs exercise also! Cheerleading practices will include a short devotional and prayer. Members may be given the opportunity to lead devotions and prayer for the squad. Behavior All Crown athletes and coaches are required to sign a Code of Conduct. All Crown Athletes are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct throughout the entire season. Our desire is to honor Christ and each other in our relationships and reflect His character as a representative of Crown Athletics. It is our desire to build a quality squad, one that everyone can be proud of, especially the Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, we request that each girl put forth the serious effort required in order to be confidently prepared for the upcoming athletic season. Coaches expect 100% participation and effort from team members. Cheerleading is a team sport, and each member is needed to complete the squad. There is no bench to pull from. Each girl is important and irreplaceable! All Crown athletes and coaches are required to sign a Code of Conduct and are expected to abide by this Code of Conduct throughout the entire season on and off of the field which includes Facebook, Twitter and any other media form of speech or conduct. Our desire is to honor Christ and each other in our relationships and reflect His character as a representative of Crown Athletics. Conduct by each Crown athlete will include The coach/athlete relationship is unique and special and many athletes form a special bond with their coaches that last a life time. A coach has an opportunity to make an impact on an athlete s life and it is Crown s desire that our coaches are not only developing an athlete s skills and work ethic but most importantly their character.
There may be times when a coach may need to take disciplinary action when an athlete s behavior is not in line with the expectations set forth in the Crown Code of Conduct and Parent Information Packet. The following disciplinary steps will be taken by the coach and committee members should that become a necessity. First Offense: The Coach will first speak directly with the athlete in violation of the Crown Code of Conduct to try to resolve the issue and report the offense to the Crown Committee Members. The Coach will determine the appropriate consequence for the offense (i.e., run laps, do push-ups, sit out a practice, etc.) Second Offense: The Coach will schedule a conference with the athlete, his/her parents and the Committee members and determine the appropriate consequence for the offense (i.e., removal from practice, sit the bench, sit out a game, etc.) Third Offense: The Coach will schedule a conference with the athlete, parents, Committee, and the Athletic Director and determine the appropriate consequence for the offense (i.e., bench for part or remainder of season or dismissal from the team). Attention: Cheerleaders should be listening when instructions are given and pay close attention to the coaches anytime they are speaking. Coaches expect wholehearted effort during practice. Eating, socializing, sitting down or leaving the practice area without permission is not allowed. If infractions occur, it is up to the coaches discretion regarding what type of disciplinary consequences will follow. Running laps or other types of physical exercise may be used as disciplinary measures. If misbehavior continues, a parent conference may need to be scheduled. Game Time: No eating is allowed during the game except at half time. Drinks will be provided by the drink coordinator for the week. Absolutely no jewelry should be worn during the game. Please have a designated place to keep your personal belongings. Coaches will not take responsibility for such items. Cheerleaders are not allowed to sit during the game, and should maintain a ready position between cheers with their attention focused on the game. Cheerleaders should not fraternize with players during games. They must never openly criticize or degrade opposing team members or other cheerleading squads. Whether winning or losing, Crown cheerleaders are expected to maintain a positive attitude and behave in a Christ-like manner. Opposing teams should always be congratulated at games end. Although we may encounter other athletes, parents and coaches who do not behave in a Christ-like manner, we must determine to keep our standards high and set an example for those around us. Remember always that you are representing not only Crown Athletics, but also the Lord Jesus Christ. Respect: Cheerleaders should show respect to adults at all times. A title (Mr., Mrs. Coach, etc.) should be used when addressing an adult. Squad members are expected to also treat each other and their appointed Team Captain with respect, kindness, and compassion just as God commands in Matthew 7:12, So in everything do to others what you would have them do to you. Discipline: Discipline is a necessary part of any athletic endeavor. Discipline builds character and creates a unified team. Therefore, we remind our squad members that Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Jesus Christ you are serving. Colossians 3:23-24.
Should the Coach need to take disciplinary action for violation of a policy, an attitude or behavior of a cheerleader contrary to the expectations set forth in the Code of Conduct and Parent Information Packet, the Coach will first speak directly with that cheerleader to try to resolve the issue using the following guidelines: First warning after speaking with the cheerleader = sit out a practice Second warning after speaking with cheerleader and parents = sit out a game Third warning after speaking with cheerleader and parents = dismissal from the squad Conflict Resolution As Christians, we should seek to resolve conflict in an appropriate and Christ-honoring way, attempting to resolve all concerns or disputes promptly, respectfully and peacefully. Parents should address concerns relating to their cheerleader or the team directly with the coaches before discussing them with other students and parents. Please do not address these concerns with a coach before or after a cheer/tumbling practice or game. Parents should contact the coach by phone or email to schedule a conference in private away from the athletic events and on a separate day if possible. If a resolution does not occur from a parent and coach conference, a parent or coach is encouraged to address the issue with a cheerleading committee member or members. Please arrange such meetings with committee members in private AWAY from an athletic event, and on a separate day if possible. If the committee s resolution is not acceptable to the parent or coach, either may appeal to the Crown Board Cheer Liaison or bring the matter to the Crown Athletic Director for intervention. Uniform and Dress Code Crown Athletics cheerleading representatives reserve the right to define inappropriate attire. Some dress code issues may not be covered under specific guidelines of this packet. Therefore, please be aware that all decisions regarding dress code for Crown Athletics cheerleading events, and what constitutes a violation of it, will ultimately be determined by the cheerleading coaches and the cheerleading committee. Parental support of Crown Athletics representatives in these matters is greatly appreciated. All uniform items are property of the cheerleader excluding pom-poms. Each student must dress in assigned practice and game apparel when participating in Crown athletic events. Dress Codes Guidelines: Team uniforms are to be worn in a neat and orderly fashion and as designed and may not be altered in any way so as to make them shorter, tighter or in any way more revealing. Skirts, skorts or shorts should not be rolled to make them shorter. Practice t-shirts should not fit too tightly and must cover the midriff. Cheerleading shoes must be worn to all practices. Hair and make-up should be worn so as to present a wholesome and modest appearance. Putting on makeup or styling hair is not permitted during practices or games. For safety purposes, absolutely no jewelry is to be worn during practices or games including any ear or other body piercings. Hair should be worn pulled back from the face in a ponytail or other similar style unless it is cut short, and uniform hair ribbons must be worn with game uniform.
Cheerleaders must wear the game or practice uniform designated by the Coach or the Team Captain. Cheer uniforms include practice uniforms, full game uniform, warm-ups, shoes and accessories. Practice uniforms must be purchased new each season. Game uniforms may be purchased new or used (if available). Used uniforms must be approved for fit by the cheer coach prior to purchase. Decisions regarding payment for used uniforms will ultimately be between the two parties involved. Crown cheerleading representatives may suggest a fair price, but will not arbitrate in these matters. Optional items are available for purchase including monogrammed cheer bag, hoodies, etc. and details will be provided in time to complete order. Cheers & Routines As a Christian organization, it is our determination that all cheerleading routines be wholesome and meet high standards of modesty and decorum. All cheers, stunts, and routines will be subject to approval by the Crown Athletics cheerleading committee. The cheerleading coaches will develop and instruct participants regarding cheers & routines. Stunts & Tumbling The stunting techniques included in our cheerleading program are matched to the developmental abilities of the participants. It is understood that great caution will be taken by those in charge to prevent accident or injury. However, neither those in charge nor Crown Athletics shall be held responsible in case of accident or injury. Cheerleaders should not stunt without supervision! These activities can be dangerous if not adequately supervised by a trained coach or assistant. Coaches will always be present during Crown-sponsored activities, but students and parents should take caution regarding these matters during off hours. Supervision Parents will be expected to help with supervision at activities as needed. One of the cheerleading coaches and/or a cheerleading committee member will be present at all practices, games and activities. Parents will need to pick up their cheerleaders promptly following activities. Cheerleaders will be supervised for 15 minutes as they await pickup, after this time the coaches will need to leave. Please notify the coaches in advance if your cheerleader will be riding home with another family or other arrangements have been made. Remember to keep the coaches' phone numbers handy in case of emergency. Crown cheerleaders may not perform as a team unless authorized by the coaches. All cheer activities must be approved by the coaches and committee 2-3 weeks prior to scheduling and all stunting must be supervised by a trained coach/assistant. Transportation Parent volunteers may be utilized to assist with all team transportation. Cheerleaders must have permission from their parents to ride with other teen drivers. Food and transportation costs will be the responsibility of each individual. Cheerleaders are expected to arrive on time to all practices and games for warm-ups and devotions. Disciplinary action will be taken by the coach if a cheerleader consistently arrives late and violates attendance policies.
Varsity Lettering Any student in grades 9-12, that completes a season as a Varsity (not JV) participant is eligible to receive a varsity letter. If a student is injured during the season and unable to compete, the coaches will determine how the student can best serve the team as a Varsity participant. Varsity letters will be presented at the close of the season at the awards banquet. Varsity jackets may be ordered through local retailers, and information regarding these orders will be presented to students during the season. Awards Each Crown Athletic program will provide the following awards to players at their season-end banquets: Armor Award: to be determined by a combination of coaches votes and player votes. This award is primarily Christian character-focused, and the player must have led in contributing to the Christian spirit and well being of the team. Achievement Award (Most Improved): to be determined by coaches. Player must have shown significant improvement in ability, attitude and/or effort from the beginning of the program to its end. Coaches Award: to be determined by coaches. This award is more character-focused than talent-focused, but both must be taken into account. The coaches award winner must not be a benchwarmer ( pity award ), but must have had significant play time during the season. Leadership & reliability should be factors. Most Valuable Player Award: to be determined by a combination of coaches votes (more heavily weighted), player votes and established statistics. This award is more talent-focused than character-focused, but both must be taken into account. Participation Award: Every player should receive some form of recognition for participation in the program whether it is a certificate, medal, statue, etc. Other: Committees may also add other sport-specific awards to these as determined necessary.
Statement of Faith Our Statement of Faith is based on fundamental Christian beliefs that we strongly support as the foundation of our organization. Crown Athletics does not promote or endorse any particular denomination. We desire to remain united in the salvation and love of Christ, avoiding any dissension that may be caused by denominational distinctive. We believe the Bible to be the inspired, the only infallible, authoritative, inerrant Word of God. (II Timothy 3:15; II Peter 1:21) We believe there is only one God, eternally existent in three persons Father, Son and Holy Spirit. (Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 10:30) We believe in the deity of Christ (John 10:33) His virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:23; Luke 1:35) His sinless life (Hebrews 4:15; 7:26) His miracles (John 2:11); His vicarious and atoning death (I Corinthians 15:3; Ephesians 1:7; Hebrews 2:9); His resurrection (John 11:25; I Corinthians 15:4); His ascension to the right hand of the Father (Mark 16:19); His personal return in power and glory (Acts 1:11; Revelation 19:11). We believe that men are justified on the single ground of faith in the shed blood of Christ and that only by God s grace and through faith alone we are saved. (John 3:16-19; 5:24; Romans 3:23; 5:8-9; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5). We believe in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost; they that are saved unto the resurrection of life, and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation (John 5:28,29) We believe in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ. (Romans 8:9; I Corinthians 12:12-13; Galatians 3:26, 28). We believe in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a Godly life. (Romans 8:13-14; I Corinthians 3:16; 6:19-20; Ephesians 4:30; 5:18). We hope you enjoy your experience with us! Our goal is to make this program one that will honor the Lord and bless the homeschool community. Please feel free to contact us at any time with your ideas or questions. We are here to serve you!
Sandra Breaden (Board Liaison) Cell: 770-378-4445 sbreaden@att.net Michelle Rutledge (Athletic Director) Cell: 404-429-6157 michellerut@bellsouth.net Crown Cheerleading Contact Information High School Basketball Cheer HS Basketball Cheer Coach Beth Kearney bethkearney1@me.com Kimberly Rascoe, Committee Chairman kimberlyrascoe@comcast.net Lisa Crowe, Committee Treasurer mitlisa@comcast.net Middle School Basketball Cheer Emilie Windham, Head Coach MS Basketball Cheer windham5@gmial.com Angela Crevar, Committee Member arcrevar@yahoo.com