2017-18 SWANSON ADMIRALS CHEERLEADING A Handbook for SMS Cheerleaders Swanson Middle School 5800 Washington Blvd Arlington, VA 22205 (703)228-5500
CHEERLEADER RESPONSIBILITIES AND RULES SMS CHEERLEADERS Cheerleading will be open to all SMS students in grades 6, 7 and 8. 2017-18 tryouts will be the week of October 2-6 2017. Thursday, September 28 th will be an informational meeting after school. October 2 nd (Monday), October 3 rd (Tuesday), October 4 th (Wednesday), and October 5 th (Thursday) will be practice sessions to learn tryout material after school during PM1 and PM2. Friday, October 6 th will be the actual tryout during PM1 and PM2, and results will be posted on www.swansoncheer.com by Friday evening. Anyone who wishes to be on the team should attend all sessions prior to Friday s tryout. CHEERLEADER CANDIDACY Each cheer candidate shall have signed permission from a parent or guardian (attached), as well as the written approval of all current teachers (including the student s current class average-also attached). Each candidate shall have no lower than a C average (no D s or E s) on their midterm progress reports. In addition, all cheerleaders must maintain no less than a C average for the remainder of the season. If a cheerleader falls below the C average without bringing up their grade, he/she will not participate in events, and the Coach and Activities director will work with his/her teachers to ensure that he/she is able to bring up the grades. Delinquent, week 1: Coach talks to cheerleader, gets plan in motion to improve grade Delinquent, week 2: Cheerleader asks for note from teacher permitting him/her to cheer, provides note to Coach Delinquent, week 3: Cheerleader will NOT participate in practices or games until the grade average rises to a C or better MISSION STATEMENT Cheerleaders will promote and uphold team spirit for the Swanson Admirals, as well as any team of which we encounter. We will lead by example in our display good sportsmanship, while developing ourselves physically, psychologically, and socially. We will promote a sense of pride and dignity in SMS, do our best, and have fun! FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Cheerleaders will be responsible for purchasing personal use items. These include body suit, bloomers, socks and hair bow. These items run approximately $60 with tax. Cheerleaders must also have white athletic shoes ($35-$50) and the ordering information will be provided. Everyone will have the opportunity to cheer. Students receiving free or reduced lunch and any other students requiring financial assistance will work with the Coach and the Activities Director to ensure receipt of appropriate gear. Cheer shell and skirts/slacks will be provided on loan from Swanson Middle School and must be returned to the Activities Director or Cheer Coach after the Spring Showcase. Failure to return cheer shell and skirt/slacks may result in financial liability/replacement of items. Additional responsibilities include fundraising. Last year we were able to raise quite a bit of money through home game concession sales. All cheerleaders will be responsible for helping
with fundraisers. Any donations of items to sell during the concession sale and/or direct donations to the team are greatly appreciated. RULES All SMS Cheerleaders are expected to abide by the rules set forth in the Swanson Middle School Student/Parent Handbook as well as the Arlington Public Schools Handbook. Additionally: 1. Once a cheerleader joins the squad, he/she is expected to finish out both seasons with the team. Quitting will not be tolerated. SMS Cheerleading is a COMMITMENT from October through March. Due to the high demand of the sport, cheerleaders will not be allowed to participate in other after school activities during fall and spring (i.e soccer, school play, etc.). We will be practicing several times a week, and cheering for basketball games starting in November. We will also be participating in any other activities deemed appropriate by the Coach and the Activities Director. Once a cheerleader is off the squad, he/she may not return for the rest of the school year. No exceptions! 2. Cheerleading is a SPORT! It is extremely physically demanding. No one will be allowed to participate on the team until a Sports Physical has been turned into the Activities Director. NO EXCEPTIONS! Additionally, all cheerleaders must ensure they are eating properly and taking care of their mind and bodies, to include receiving a good night s sleep every night! 3. We will be using a demerit system this season. The purpose of the demerit system is to cut down on any problems that may arise on the squad. Demerits will only be given by the Coach during after school hours, and will NOT affect the cheerleader s grade. 3 demerits will result in sitting out during a pep rally or other during-school activity. 5 demerits will result in sitting out during a game. (Sitting out means sitting with the Coach and assisting with the team, not sitting with friends). During the school day, cheerleaders are expected to uphold the standard Code of Conduct and classroom rules. Demerits will be handed out for the following violations: a. Receiving a detention Automatic Bench b. Being disrespectful to anyone 2 c. Arguing or talking back to Coach 2 d. Unexcused absence from practice or game 2 e. Not being prepared for practice or game 1 f. Eating or drinking without permission during game 1 g. Not participating during game 1 h. Unexcused late for practice or game 1 i. Hair not up during practice or game 1 j. Refusing to follow bus driver s rules 1 k. Improper clothing during practice 1 4. If any part of the uniform is forgotten, the cheerleader will not be permitted to participate. This includes proper shoes, undergarments and hair bows as well as the cheer shell and skirt. Additionally, hair is expected to be up and out of the face in a high ponytail, and earrings and other jewelry are not to be worn (for safety reasons). Nails should be short
and clean, and nail polish is not permitted during games. Makeup should be natural and not excessive. 5. SMS Cheer will have Co-Captains. If it is hard work being a cheerleader, it is doubly so for a Captain. The Coach will decide on the Captains. Captains must maintain at least a B average, and must lead by example. 6. Practice gear and uniforms must be kept spotless at all times. While in uniform cheerleaders should only drink water (no colored beverages). During the school day, cheerleaders should wear sweatshirts over their uniform while eating lunch. 7. If a cheerleader is late or absent, a note from a parent/guardian, doctor or teacher will be the only acceptable excuses. Otherwise, the absence will be unexcused. If a cheerleader knows in advance that she will miss a game or practice, he/she should let the coach know. 8. Repeated unexcused absences or behavioral offenses will result in removal from the team. The Coach will work closely with the Activities Director when removal is being considered. 9. Most practices will be held during PM1 and PM2. Space at Swanson is limited, therefore practices will be scheduled with regard to available space. All cheerleaders are expected pay close attention to the announcements in the event a practice has to be cancelled last minute. Practice information and all major updates can be found on www.swansoncheer.com 10. All cheerleaders are expected to provide the Coach with a cell phone number and email address where they may be reached. This is so the Coach and cheerleaders may communicate with each other regarding uniform or schedule changes. It is mandatory for the Captains. 11. Cheerleaders from last season who have not turned in uniforms/equipment from past seasons will not be permitted to try out this season. *Coach D will be on hand in the main office for questions, and may be reached at melissa.dyerdewitt@apsva.us or (703)228-2351. SMS Cheerleading is a responsibility and privilege. All cheerleaders will be expected to uphold the history and traditions of Swanson Middle School, as well as the sport of cheerleading. When you are accepted onto the SMS Cheer Squad, remember you are a part of a TEAM. You will support and encourage each other, regardless of your background, opinions, ideas etc. Anything less will be unbecoming of an Admirals Cheerleader!! REMINDER: Cheerleaders will not make the team if they do not submit Cheerleader Handbook Confirmation and Emergency Contact Information prior to Friday, October 6 th at the beginning of tryouts (PM 1).
CHEERLEADER HANDBOOK CONFIRMATION 2017-18 CHEERLEADER ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY I have read the Swanson Middle School Cheerleader Handbook carefully and thoroughly. I agree to abide by the rules stated in the handbook at all times. I understand the responsibilities of being a Swanson Middle School Cheerleader and will do my best to uphold the high standards of the squad. I will accept the decisions of the Coach, the SMS Activities Director and the Administration. I will return my uniform (cheer shell and skirt/slacks) at the end of the season. Student Name Student Signature 2017/18 PARENT/GUARDIAN ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY I have read the Swanson Middle School Cheerleader Handbook carefully and thoroughly. I agree to help my child comply with all policies, rules and regulations set forth in the handbook. I understand my child s responsibilities of being a Swanson Middle School Cheerleader and will abide by the decisions of the Coach, the SMS Activities Director and the Administration. I will ensure my child returns his/her uniform (cheer shell and skirt/slacks) Parent/Guardian Signature Date 2017/18 TEACHER APPROVAL (SIGNATURE) STAR M1 Recommend? Yes/No M2 Recommend? Yes/No M3 Recommend? Yes/No M4 Recommend? Yes/No M5 Recommend? Yes/No M6 Recommend? Yes/No M7 Recommend? Yes/No M8 Recommend? Yes/No
EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION STUDENT NAME ADDRESS CELL EMAIL PARENT/GUARDIAN 1 CELL WORK EMAIL PREFERRED CONTACT METHOD PARENT/GUARDIAN 2 CELL WORK EMAIL PREFERRED CONTACT METHOD ALLERGIES OR KNOWN CONDITIONS MEDICATION ALLERGIES REQUIRES EPI PEN YES NO REASON PERSON TO BE CONTACTED IF PARENT/GUARDIAN CAN T BE REACHED NAME RELATIONSHIP CELL WORK