Raiders Cheerleading Policies & Rules 2016-2017 General Requirements: 1. Cheerleading is a team sport that requires the participation of each member at every practice, game, and competition. To insure our success, ATTENDANCE is MANDATORY at all practices, games, and competitions. All appointments should and must be made on non-practice days. 2. Other sports, clubs, or activities cannot interfere with participation on the squad. 3. Cheerleaders must follow all procedures outlined in the Athletes Eligibility, Conduct, and Responsibilities hand out that all Raiders athletes and parents sign. 4. You are a representative of Currituck Middle School, and as such, your behavior as a cheerleader is reflective of CCMS. 5. The use of alcohol or illegal drugs is strictly prohibited. Violation of this policy will result in removal from the team. 6. A cheerleader is expected to exhibit a cheerleader attitude. The cheerleader must be willing to be coached and to learn all things necessary for cheerleading. No cheerleader is designated as a flyer only, a base only, or a spotter only. All cheerleaders will be positioned where they contribute the most to the success of the team. The cheerleader is a total team player and not out for self only. What is best for the entire team is her main priority. We will succeed only if we work as a team. 7. Sportsmanship: Team cohesiveness is vital to the success of our program. Please have a positive attitude and be respectful of your coach, teammates, and opposing teams. Nothing hurts a team more than negative attitudes, comments and actions. Treat each other as teammates both at team events and away from the team. Refrain from negative comments about our team and your teammates in all venues including the internet and text messaging. Those committing actions that are deemed in violation of the sportsmanship policy will be suspended or removed from the team. 8. Any images of CCMS cheerleaders, in uniform and/or identifiable as CCMS cheerleaders, need to be in good taste, not involve curse words, vulgarity, bullying, gossiping or defamation of character. This includes postings on message boards, chat rooms, Facebook, etc. Violation of this policy will result in dismissal from the team. 9. The CCMS demerit system will be used throughout the cheer season (see attached system) 10. Parents wishing to speak to the coach may do so after practice, before or after the game, via email (emacdonald@currituck.k12.nc.us).
Practices: 1. Cheerleaders are expected to be at practice on time and ready to participate. 2. Practice attire and appropriate cheer shoes will be worn at all practices. No other attire will be allowed. Those who are not dressed appropriately will earn demerits and have extra conditioning. 3. All cell phones, pagers and other electronic devices will be turned off or placed on silent during practice. 4. No gum is to be chewed during any cheer events. 5. Safety is a priority. Cheerleaders are not to talk excessively at practices. Cheerleaders must pay attention to the coach s directions and give their full attention during stunting. 6. Bring sufficient amounts of water to cheer events to maintain hydration and health. It is extremely important that each cheerleader eat lunch and have a snack prior to practice. 7. Cheerleaders involved in any stunt that falls to the ground during practices, games, or competitions will be required to run laps and/or do push-ups as directed by the coach. 8. Jewelry will not be worn during practices, games, or competitions. This includes earrings, bellybutton rings, etc. 9. Fingernails should not be visible beyond the tips of the fingers when viewed from the palm side of the hand. This is a safety hazard. Fingernails should only have clear polish during games and competitions. No acrylic fingernails should be worn during cheer season as this is a major safety hazard. 10. Hair must be in a ponytail or clipped off the face if too short to be secured in a ponytail. Games & Competitions: (Practice rules apply) 1. Cheerleaders are expected to arrive for games at the designated time and be ready to participate in full uniform. This includes make up done, hair pulled back with the bow, white socks, etc. 2. Cheerleaders must bring water to games. (You may also bring money to buy a drink or snack from the concession stand). 3. Cheerleaders are to be knowledgeable of the sport for which they are cheering. They need to follow the action of the game and select appropriate cheers and chants to involve the crowd. Cheerleaders should cheer, chant, and stunt at a fairly continuous level during the game. 4. Cheerleaders must stay at their assigned cheering position during the game. They may not sit with friends, or family. 5. All behavior and comments must be in compliance with the rules of sportsmanship. 6. Cheerleaders are expected to cheer for the entire game. The coach needs to be notified before you leave with a parent/guardian. When leaving away games, cheerleaders must leave on the bus. The ONLY way you will be permitted to leave an away game not on the bus is if your coach has a signed note from a parent/guardian. 7. Cheerleaders are not to go off alone at games or competitions. Notify the coach and use the buddy system
Clothing: 1. On school days when cheer attire has been designated for wear, all cheerleaders must be in the selected clothing items: warm-ups, t-shirts, sweat suits, etc., and not mix these items with non-cheer items unless approved by the coach in advance. If this is not followed the cheerleader will not participate at the game. 2. Cheer skirts will not be worn during the school day. 3. When in uniform, you must wear your cheer shoes and white ankle socks. No flip flops, sandals, etc. 5. When in uniform, items will be worn as they were intended to be worn. Sleeves will not be rolled up, shirts will not be rolled up, and skirts will be zipped and buttoned. 6. Appropriate undergarments will be worn with your uniform. 7. Practice uniform shorts will not be rolled down more than once. Uniforms 1. Uniforms that are stained or damaged beyond repair must be paid for in full in order to replace the damaged uniform. 2. Uniform that are borrowed may be altered to fit the cheerleader but they MAY NOT be cut during the alteration process. They must be returned to their original state prior to returning the uniform at the end of the season. Exceptions to this rule can be made for specific circumstances upon the approval of the Coach. Attendance: 1. All practices are mandatory. If you will be absent, you must notify the coach in advance not the day of practice/game. a. Excused Absences: personal injury or illness (with a doctor's note), required school related field trips, death in the family, other extenuating circumstances. b. Unexcused Absences: transportation problems, family trips, skipping practice/game, and other club or sports teams this also includes Dr. Appointments. c. The coach will determine the status of an absence. d. After TWO UNEXCUSED ABSENCES, from practices or games, the cheerleader will be on suspension. The next offense will result in removal from the team
Suspensions & Expulsions: A.Suspensions 1. The duration and requirements of a suspension are to be determined by the coach. 2. Typical offenses that result in suspension: a. Missing practices, tardy to practices or leaving practices early may result in sitting out the next game. b. Not wearing the appropriate attire to games, or practices may result in sitting out of the next game or game day. c. Tardy to a game or tardy to assigned cheer position after half time may result in sitting out the next quarter. d. After sitting out for FOUR quarters, the cheerleader will be placed on suspension. e. Poor attitude during school, practice, games, or competitions, lack of effort, violation of sportsmanship clause, failure to be team player, lack of motivation or enthusiasm will lead to suspension. f. Grading Policy B. Expulsion All cheerleaders must maintain a c or better average in each subject for each grading period. If a cheerleader drops below a c average in any class she will be put on suspension until the grade is pulled up to a c or better. All report cards have to be to the coach the day they are given out. If not, the cheerleader will be put on suspension until the report card is shown to the coach. A cheerleader will be removed from the team for any of the following reasons: 1. Being assigned to Out of School Suspension (OSS) 2. Infraction of any law which results in a hearing and /or arrest. 3. Violation of the school drug and alcohol policies. 4. Violation of the school grade policy. A cheerleader may be removed from the team without a suspension/probation being assigned if the situation warrants it. It is up to the coach s discretion whether or not to retain or remove a cheerleader. All decisions will be made for the good of the entire team. Cheerleaders are expected to participate in practices, games, competitions, pep rallies, fundraising activities, community service activities, and other school spirit related events.
Cheerleading Policies & Rules Agreement 2016-2017 My parents/guardians and I have read the Cheerleading Policies, Rules and payment schedule and fully understand the contents and deadlines. We understand the responsibilities being taken on by being a member of the cheerleading team. We agree to abide by the policies and rules described therein. We realize that failure to comply with the policies and rules will result in suspension and/or removal from the team. As parents/guardians, we understand that the school system and coach will take all means necessary to create a safe environment in which to cheer. I agree to allow my child to participate on the CCMS Cheerleading Squad and will support my child in this endeavor. By signing this agreement, I agree to the policies and rules. Cheerleader s Signature: Cheerleader s Name (printed): Parent s/guardian s Signature: Parent s/guardian s Name (printed): Date: Please return May 20th, 2016