Handbook
Table of Contents Coaches 3 General Expectations 3 Tryouts 3-4 Costs 4 Constitution 5 A. Purpose 5 B. Seasons 5 C. Eligibility 5 D. Commitment 5-6 E. Attendance 6 F. Safety 6-7 G. Communication 7 H. Conduct _ 7-8 I. Practice/Game Policy 8-9 J. Competition Team 9 K. Dress Policy 9-10 L. Disciplinary Actions 10 M. Lettering Requirements 10 N. Captains 10-11 O. Fundraising 11 P. Parent Involvement 11 Acknowledgment 12 2
Coaches Varsity Head: Heather Allen Assistant: Samantha Guy hgallen@fcps.edu seguy@fcps.edu Junior Varsity/Freshmen Lindsay Holloman lmholoman@fcps.edu General Expectations Before making the decision to tryout for cheerleading, please carefully consider the following: Cheerleading is a sport, and as with all sports, it requires a great deal of practice and conditioning Cheerleading at JMHS is a huge commitment! Cheerleaders must be committed to the program for the entire season, and additional duties may be expected throughout the school year Each member of the squad will be required to attend ALL practices scheduled by his/her coach Each member of the squad will be required to cheer for their team at ALL football games and all local cheer competitions in which JMHS participates Cheerleaders will have additional responsibilities, which they will be expected to perform Each squad member is expected to wear designated attire to school on game days, at games, and at all events. Overall appearance, including hair, nails, and make-up, shall be in accordance with the pre-specified rules Each member is expected to respectfully represent his/her squad and the JMHS cheerleading program at all times. Misbehavior and attitudes will not be tolerated Freshmen and JV cheerleaders will attend all Friday night, home varsity football games for fundraising activities There is a financial requirement which may include, but is not limited to, uniforms, practice wear, cheer shoes, body wear, and pom poms. Cheerleading is a worthwhile, rewarding experience that helps students to develop and perfect athletic ability, form friendships, enrich communication, develop responsibility, and provide countless opportunities to foster leadership skills. Tryouts There will be one tryout held for the 2018 season. Attendance at the tryout clinic and final tryout day is mandatory. Video tryout tapes are not accepted Fall Tryout Schedule July 30 & 31: Tryout Clinic 9:00am 12:00pm August 1: Tryout Clinic 9:00am 12:00pm August 2: Varsity Tryout 9:00am -11:00am August 2: JV/Freshmen Tryout 1:00pm-3:00pm Tryout results: August 2 nd after 3:30PM 3
Tryout Format Small groups will perform designated skills in front of qualified judges Each judge will be responsible for judging all skills At least one of the judges will be a coach from the team for which the candidate is trying out Each candidate will be required to perform: two chants, a cheer, a dance, two jumps (including combination), stunting, tumbling, and a timed 2 mile run Freshmen candidates are eligible to make any squad. Seniors can only make varsity. In order to be eligible for the varsity team, the candidate must: perform and land an unassisted back handspring or back tuck, his/her choice of an advanced jump (herkie, front hurdler, toe touch, or pike), and an assigned three-jump combination. Tryout Attire The following rules apply to all days of the tryout clinic and the final tryout: Rising freshmen must wear gray t-shirts (without writing) with black cheer shorts Rising sophomores must wear white t-shirts (without writing) with black cheer shorts Rising juniors must wear red t-shirts (without writing) and black cheer shorts Rising seniors must wear black t-shirts (without writing) and red cheer shorts Everyone must wear all white no-show socks and tennis shoes (preferably cheer shoes; no skater type shoes) Hair must be securely pulled up in a ponytail with a bow (any Madison colors). There should be no touching the hair at any time No jewelry, hair ties on wrists, nail polish, fake nails, or gum Results Costs Tryout results will be provided following each tryout. Results are final If an individual is not satisfied with the results, they may request a meeting with the coach. The coach will not meet with any parents prior to meeting with the candidate individually. Cheerleaders and parents must wait 24 hours after results before scheduling a meeting via e- mail. We try to keep all costs up front in the season, but occasionally additional costs may arise. If you need financial assistance, PLEASE contact the coaching staff as soon as possible. Each member will be required to purchase practice clothes. All teams will be attending camp. Additional items such as bodysuits, bloomers, and poms must be purchased by new cheerleaders. Cost sheets will be provided within 24 hours of tryout results. *Camp attendance is mandatory *Checks are due the Monday following tryout results. *Additional spirit wear will be available 4
Constitution A. Purpose 1. It is the purpose of the James Madison High School cheerleader to: 1.1 Promote, develop, and uphold school spirit and pride 1.2 Motivate and lead students and fans 1.3 Respect JMHS to the highest degree by setting an example of good behavior at all times (whether in uniform or not), while in the classroom, at games, at school functions, and while visiting other schools 1.4 Treat all visiting and Madison school officials, staff, students, parents, and property with respect 1.5 Promote friendship between members of the squad(s) 1.6 Have fun and be safe B. Seasons 1. As of 2010, there is only one season. C. Eligibility 1. Incoming freshmen are automatically eligible. Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors must have taken and passed at least five (non-repeat) classes in the 17-18 school year. Must have maintained a 2.5 GPA. 2. All forms must be completely filled out and signed where necessary. The form deadline date is July 22 nd to the JMHS Activities Office. The forms are: VHSL Physical form IMPORTANT: Physicals must be performed after May 1, 2018. This is a state mandate. Emergency Care Card JMHS Participation Policy 2018 Parent and Student Completed Concussion Tests (online annually) 3. On the day of tryouts athletes must bring with them their completed: JMHS 2018 Cheer Handbook agreement Intentions form (Freshmen Juniors) D. Commitment 1. Upon accepting membership into any squad, each cheerleader must understand that he/she is required to remain on the team for an entire season and that includes all practices, games, camps, competitions, fundraisers and service projects. These events are mandatory. 2. Cheerleading, like any other sport, is a huge commitment. 2.1 Practice Commitment: During the Fall Season, prior to the start of school, Varsity cheerleaders practice up to 6 days per week. During the school year, they generally practice 5 days per week and cheer at one game. JV and Freshmen will practice 3-4 days per week with one game day and attend every home Varsity game. 2.2 Game Commitment: Cheerleaders are expected to attend all games, which include but are not limited to, approximately 10 football games. In addition, cheerleaders will cheer at any conference, regional, or state games in which JMHS is involved. 2.3 Camp Commitment: Attendance and full participation at camp is required. All cheerleaders will attend Cheer Camp in August. For more information, see the August Calendar. 2.4 Competition Commitment: All Varsity members are required to attend all competitions whether or not they are competing. JV and Freshmen cheerleaders may be eligible to cheer in a few invitational competitions. 5
3. Cheerleading must take priority over ALL other extracurricular activities (including but not limited to: all-star gyms, other sports, jobs, etc) 4. Academic achievement comes before cheerleading. A cheerleader may be late to practice if he/she has a note from a teacher. The cheerleader must inform their coach prior to being tardy to practice if staying after with a teacher. Tutoring sessions must be scheduled around practice and games. I didn t finish my homework, is never an acceptable excuse to miss a function. Cheerleaders must learn how to manage their time. Coaches retain the right to make final decisions on what is or is not reasonable. 5. On game days, cheerleaders must be in school for the entire day. They must be at school on time and remain the entire day or they will not be allowed to cheer. This is a county mandate. E. Attendance 1. Practice: Cheerleaders must attend every scheduled practice. There may be times when a special practice is called; these practices are also mandatory. Cheerleaders should arrive to practice 15 minutes early and plan to stay later as practice may run late at times. 2. Games: Cheerleaders must attend all games. JV and Freshmen must also attend all home varsity games for fundraising activities. 3. Camp: All cheerleaders are required to attend camp. 4. Fundraisers: All cheerleaders are required to attend scheduled fundraisers and/or participate. 5. Important! Only two unexcused absences OR four excused absences (including illness or injury) to any scheduled cheer activity will be allowed per season. After this, it is up to the coach s discretion as to the consequences for additional absences such as but not limited to benching from games and special events, removal from competition team, etc. Should absences continue, the coach will be permitted to remove the athlete from the team. Every case will be dealt with on an individual basis between the coaching staff, athletic department, and the cheerleader. F. Safety 1. If a cheerleader feels ill or is experiencing an injury or personal problem, he/she is to notify a coach immediately. 2. All cheerleaders must make themselves knowledgeable of ACCAA safety rules and NFHS safety rules. 3. Absolutely NO TALKING, LAUGHING, or PLAYING AROUND during stunting. There is also NO stunting or tumbling without a coach present. It is solely up to the coaches whether or not stunting is allowed. 4. There must be additional spotters when practicing new stunts. Stunting should take place on a cushioned surface. 5. No jewelry is allowed at any cheerleading event or during practice. LEAVE ALL JEWELRY AT HOME. This includes bellybutton rings and all other non-visible piercings. 6. Maintain short fingernails. During the cheerleading season, nails should not have any polish on them. Artificial nails are strictly prohibited during all cheer events, should a cheerleader have artificial nails, they will be required to remove them or they will not participate. 6
7. Hair must be securely tied back at all times. No metal barrettes. Small clips are acceptable. G. Communication 1. In the event of an injury, illness, or family emergency, the cheerleader should contact the coach immediately. A parent note may be required. 2. Communication outside of practice between the coaches and the team will occur either by email or text messaging. Information often comes from the captain and is relayed to the team. There should be no excuse for a cheerleader not receiving information. 3. The coaches will only discuss a child with their parents and no other child. 4. If the cheerleader will miss a practice, game, or other scheduled activity for any reason other than a death in the immediate family or hospitalization, THE CHEERLEADER NOT THE PARENT, is to contact the coach prior to the absence. Messages should not be relayed through another cheerleader. **Relate back to the attendance section of the handbook to view the penalty of absences. H. Conduct 1. By accepting the privilege and honor of wearing a James Madison High School cheerleading uniform, the cheerleader accepts the fact that his/ her actions are more prominent than those not associated with such activity. Cheerleading is a privilege not a right! Exemplary behavior is mandatory at all times. 2. Be prompt at all activities and functions. 3. Proper appearance is required at all times. Uniforms must be spotless at all times. Uniforms may NOT be altered. 4. Members must not use foul language or inappropriate gestures in school, at practice, at games, or in public places. You are a representative of JMHS. 5. Cheerleading members must maintain a positive attitude at all events. Insubordination to coaches or other officials will not be tolerated and may result in removal from the squad. 6. All decisions must be cleared by the head coaches. This includes decorating the locker rooms, what will be worn on game day, making shirts, etc. 7. Cheerleaders must practice discretion when it comes to matters concerning the squad. A cheerleader should not discuss cheer related issues with non-team members. 8. Excessive public displays of affection are never appropriate. 9. Inappropriate photos and postings on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat and other social websites may result in disciplinary action. These forums are NOT a place for any comments about fellow squad members, coaches, and/or school personnel. Any violation may result in disciplinary action. 10. Inappropriate behavior of a cheerleader also reflects the entire squad. Depending on the infraction, the entire team may have consequences for the behavior of one. For example, if one cheerleader violates the uniform policy, the entire squad may lose uniform privileges. 7
11. Every attempt will be made to discipline fairly/equally. Parents will be kept informed of problematic situations. Severity of the infraction may dictate the severity of the punishment. 12. Each situation will be dealt with in a manner decided upon by the coaches with assistance from the school administration if necessary. I. Practice/ Game Policy 1. Practice schedules will be determined by the coach. Calendars will be handed out at the beginning of the season. The length of practice can range from one to three hours. 2. Cheerleaders will be fifteen minutes early to every practice. Continual tardiness is grounds to dismissal. Every cheerleader must be completely ready; we will begin our stretch on time during every practice. 3. If a cheerleader requires assistance from the athletic trainer for tape, ice, or physical therapy, he/she must go prior to the start of practice. He/She should plan to arrive with ample time to get anything accomplished to be at practice on time. 4. Missing practice for a test or other approved academic reason will carry no penalty if the cheerleader has approved it with a coach prior to practice. A note from the teacher is necessary, too. 5. Missing practice for a club meeting is not allowed. 6. All members must dress out for practice even if they are injured or sick. 7. Cheerleaders may not leave practice early. 8. If a cheerleader is to miss a practice, he/she must contact the coach. He/She should not relay the message through another cheerleader or parent. 9. If a cheerleader does not attend school the day of the game or practice, that cheerleader will not participate in any activity, and it will be counted as an absence. 10. If a cheerleader misses practice during the week preceding a competition, he/she will not compete and may lose his/her spot in the routine for other competitions. 11. Cell phones will not be used and should be turned off and turned into the cell phone box during practice. 12. If a cheerleader does not attend the practice before a game, pep rally, or competition, he/she is not eligible to participate. HOWEVER, he/she must dress out and sit with the coach on the sidelines. 13. NO eating, drinking (other than water), or chewing gum during practice. 14. For home games, all cheerleaders should arrive prior to official game time as specified by the coaches. Each cheerleader should be dressed and ready to cheer at this time. If a cheerleader is not ready and in place by the start of the game, he/she will be benched. He/She will also be benched if he/she is not prepared in the proper uniform. (Including correct color bloomers, ribbons, bodysuit, etc.) 15. Cheerleaders should not sit in the bleachers during games. 8
16. During football season, each cheerleader is required to attend every game (home or away) on the official schedule. JV and Freshmen must also attend every varsity home game for fundraising. 17. For away games, cheerleaders must arrive to the cheer room half an hour before departure time. 18. Cheerleaders will travel together to and from away games on the school bus. If a cheerleader is not on the bus, he/she will not cheer. Approval may be granted by a coach for an athlete to travel on his/her own, but this is only in a pre-approved, extenuating circumstance. (Proper paper work must be filled out and approved in this case prior to the event). 19. During the season, varsity will have its own bus for away games. Freshmen and JV will sit in the front of the players bus with other squad members only. Most buses are SILENT on the way to games. 20. Cheerleaders must be back and ready to cheer after halftime with two minutes left on the clock. If a cheerleader is late, he/she will sit out for either a quarter or the remainder of the game. If this happens more than three times, the cheerleader will receive one absence. 21. All varsity cheerleaders will cheer at pep rallies unless coach has deemed otherwise. 22. The only acceptable reasons to miss a performance (games, pep rallies, competition) are: a death, hospitalization, illness with a doctor s note. A call MUST BE MADE to the coach from the cheerleader in the case of one of these excused absences. J. Competition Team 1. The coaches will have the sole discretion of selecting their competition teams. However, all members must learn the competition routine and will be expected to act as alternates if not selected to compete. 2. Members of the freshmen and JV teams may be pulled up to compete on the varsity team. 3. Only varsity cheerleaders will participate in the Conference, Northern Region, and State competitions. 4. JV and Freshmen cheerleaders must attend conference and regional competitions in predetermined uniform to cheer on the varsity squad. They are all to sit together. K. Dress Policy 1. Never loan current cheer apparel to friends or relatives. 2. During practice, hair must be tied securely back with a bow so it will not need to be redone even while tumbling and stunting. 3. Practice clothes must be worn. The correct clothes will be determined by the coach or captains. There is no excuse to be wearing the wrong shorts or shirt. An extra shirt and shorts should also be brought to practice. Cheer shoes AND SOCKS must be worn. 4. A water bottle must be brought to every practice. 5. Every cheerleader should look uniform; therefore, NO JEWELRY, NO UNUSUAL HAIR COLOR, NO NAIL POLISH or FAKE NAILS. As always, no gum. 9
6. On game days, all cheerleaders must wear the entire uniform (including poms). Captains will decide which uniform. Cheer shoes must be worn with your uniform at all times. Socks are necessary. Cover ups can be Madison only; warm-ups will be provided. 7. On game days, every girl must wear the correct color of bloomers, bodysuits, and ribbons. Noshow socks MUST BE COMPLETELY WHITE. Makeup should be natural; no glitter! 8. Uniforms should not be worn out after games! Cheerleaders must bring a change on clothes if they are going anywhere other than directly home after games. L. Disciplinary Actions 1. The members of the James Madison High School cheerleading program are expected to uphold and exceed the guidelines of the FCPS participation policy. Cheerleaders found to be in violation of this policy and/or this handbook will be subject to disciplinary action. Coaches reserve the right to include the school administration, if needed, when discussing disciplinary action. 2. Coaches will ultimately reserve the right to discipline as they choose provided that this is done fairly and every cheerleader is held to the same standards. 3. Disciplinary actions are subject to change according to the program s needs. Coaches will inform squad of any changes. M. Lettering Requirements 1. In order to receive a varsity letter, a cheerleader must remain on the varsity team for an entire season and be in good standing. N. Captains: Selection and Responsibility 1. The captain selection process will be determined by the coach. All decisions are final! 2. The captain must possess the following qualities: leadership, cooperative attitude, ability to inspire squad, ability to command respect from squad, ability to organize and plan, maturity, ability to exercise authority, and willingness to assist fellow cheerleaders. 3. A varsity captain must have a minimum of one year experience on the squad. 4. The captain s duties include, but are not limited to: 4.1 Setting an example for the rest of the squad by following all rules and regulations. 4.2 Working closely with squad members as well as mentoring JV and Freshmen captains 4.3 Being at every practice early and starting on time 4.4 Leading stretch and warm-ups 4.5 Being responsible for having all necessary supplies ready for practice (CD player, music, etc) 4.6 Being responsible for contacting all cheerleaders to notify them of practice changes, changes on the calendar, and practice clothes to be worn 4.7 Selecting cheers and chants for games and pep rallies 4.8 Being responsible for greeting visiting cheerleaders before the games 4.9 Acting as a peacemaker 4.10 Coordinating painting and hanging of signs or other spirit activities 4.11 Appoint or assign team members to help delegate responsibilities 4.12 Selecting uniforms to be worn to games 4.13 Organizing pep rallies routines/activities 10
4.14 Coordinating spirit raising activities 4.15 Keeping the crowd cheering positively during the games. 4.16 Keeping the cheerleaders in proper formation during the games 4.17 Showing no partiality within the squad 4.18 Bring problems that are not resolvable to the coach O. Fundraising 1. All cheerleaders will participate in all fundraising activities. Money raised will be used to fund expenses during the year. All cheerleaders are expected to participate the entire time of the fundraising event; they are to arrive on time and leave when finished. P. Parent Involvement 1. Parents MUST let the coaches be coaches and understand that the coach tries to do the best thing for the team. Sometimes that means changing a cheerleader s position or participation in competition or special events. Please keep in mind that no position is more important than another. Flyers don t fly without bases, and bases can t work without flyers. The decisions of the coaches are always in the best interest of the team; nothing is personal and should not be taken that way. 2. We encourage all families to join the Booster Club. 3. Each team must have a booster representative. The booster representative must attend all meetings and convey pertinent information to the team. 4. Each team should have a Team Parent in addition to the booster rep. Through the team parent, parents can organize fundraising events, special events for the cheerleaders, goody bags before competition, decorating the lockers, etc. 5. The team parent and booster rep must coordinate with the coaches to discuss any ideas. 6. If a cheerleader does not drive, parents should get their children to practice, games, and special events on time. Traffic is not an excuse for being late. 7. Parents should understand that practices may run late on special occasions. These will be kept at a minimum. 8. Parents/Guardians and families are encouraged to attend cheer events as a positive support and encouragement to their athlete as well as the James Madison Community. 11
Acknowledgment I,, as a cheerleading candidate for James Madison High School, have read and understand the cheerleading constitution. Should I be selected as a member of the JMHS cheerleading program, I agree to fully abide by the constitution. Cheerleading Candidate Signature Date Parent/Guardian Consent: I have read the cheerleading constitution and understand that should my child be accepted as a member of the Fall 2018 cheerleading program all rules will be abided by. Parent/Guardian Signature Date 12