Cleveland High School Cheerleading

Cleveland High School Cheerleading

Cleveland High School Cheerleading Contract As a Cleveland cheerleader, members will need to fulfill their role as LEADERS. This includes great sportsmanship, a constructive attitude, as well as strong academic performance. Those individuals that are selected to represent the Cleveland High School cheerleading program are expected to follow these standards, guidelines, and rules. Every member of the program will not only adhere to these policies, but all athletes and their families must actively support them. Any violation of these rules or conduct deemed improper and unsuitable for a cheerleader will result in one or more of the following consequences administered by the discretion of the cheerleading coach and/or athletic director: verbal warning, parent conference, temporary suspension from performance, or permanent removal from the team. Remember, your participation on this team is a privilege, not a right. I. Attendance/Participation a. It is mandatory for athletes to be at ALL practices, games, performances, competitions and related events. b. In addition to practices, games etc. cheerleaders may be responsible for attending a variety of public relations, community service, and fundraising events each year. These are also mandatory. c. Athletes must arrive to practice on time; otherwise extra conditioning, and possible suspension will result. To be early is on time, to be on time is late d. Coach must be notified in advance, by email, letter or phone call for an absence to be excused. If the cheerleader misses a practice or game due to illness, a doctor s note must be given to excuse it. Routine doctor/dentist appointments are not considered excused, even if coach is notified in advance. Please schedule these events on days we do not have practice/activities. Text messages are not appropriate or allowed. e. Unexcused absences can lead to suspension. One unexcused absence will lead to a one game suspension. Any subsequent unexcused absence can result in suspension/termination from the team at the coach s discretion. f. After three absences from practices, games, or performances (excused or unexcused) suspensions/termination from the team can be enforced. g. If Athlete is out of dress code or not wearing correct practice attire is considered an unexcused absence. The athlete will still be required to participate but will have consequences.

h. Students must attend a minimum of four classes in order to be eligible to participate in practice, competition, or games scheduled on the same day. i. Participation in games, performances, competitions should not affect school attendance on the following day. Absences will be considered unexcused unless it is a result of the previous day i.e. Injury. j. When students are cheering or performing during the school day, they are expected to return to class immediately following the event. k. Participation in competition is an earned privilege. It is the coach s discretion to determine which team members will represent the team in competition. l. It is the coach s decision on which competitions, if any, the team will compete in. II. Varsity Lettering Requirements a. Varsity letters shall be presented at the conclusion of the State Championship. b. Criteria for lettering includes successful completion of the football, volleyball, and basketball cheer season, dedication, leadership, and attendance. III. Practice Expectations a. Be on time and ready for all practices, wearing proper attire and shoes with hair up. b. Practices are closed. No outside sources allowed. c. No gum or jewelry allowed at any time. d. Cell phones must be turned off AND put away. e. Attitudes must positive and upbeat! Athletes must always be willing to work and cooperate. f. Be an active listener and accept constructive criticism. IV. Game Expectations a. All members must arrive one hour prior to game time or designated time by coach. b. Show up ready to cheer in your complete uniform. If athletes do not have the proper uniform on, they will be benched during the game. This includes hair, bangs, bows, jewelry, nail polish etc. This must be taken care of PRIOR to arriving. c. If the coach feels that the athlete does not have sufficient knowledge of the material, the cheerleader will not be allowed to perform. d. DO NOT socialize with players, friends or family during the game. Phones should be off and put away.

e. Any athlete that has been suspended from cheering at the game must sit in uniform with the coach(es) for the entire games. V. Sports and other Activities a. The Varsity cheerleading season lasts from August until State Competition in April. The Junior Varsity and Freshman team seasons lasts from August until basketball season is over or until the final competition is completed. Cheerleaders may not participate in any other sport during the cheer season. b. Practices will be held during the summer, as well as during the school year. Absences will affect placement in groups, pyramids, dances, performances, competition etc. Summer Camp is MANDATORY! c. Cheerleading will take priority over other activities. Absences due to other activities will not be excused. d. All notice of summer vacations must be given in writing at least two weeks in advance. VI. Academic Guidelines a. All athletes must remember that school is their first priority. b. A minimum of a 2.0 GPA, with no more than one F for the previous grading period is required in order to tryout for cheerleading. c. All athletes must maintain a 2.0 GPA with no F s in order to participate in the program. Any cheerleader that is ineligible for more than 9 weeks will be terminated from the program. d. Frequent and mandatory grade checks will be required. If any time the coaches determine the athlete is in danger of ineligibility, study hours will be required or suspensions will be given. VII. Uniforms a. Each member of the team is responsible for all of the clothing and uniforms assigned to them by CHS. These items are property of CHS and must be returned in good condition within a week of the final performance of the season. Any repairs or replacements will be charged to the individual.

b. When a cheerleader is no longer on the team, all items including uniforms and warm-ups must be returned to the head coach within a week of leaving the team in order to avoid being charged replacement costs. c. Uniforms, including shoes must only be worn when the coach requests it. No uniform or warm-ups should be worn at any other time or be loaned out. d. Uniforms should be hung on a hanger and washed separately in cold water only. They need to be dried on a low temperature and should not be ironed. e. Personal appearance at all events must be modest and appropriate. No Jewelry including spacers. Hair must be up. Nails must be kept short. No glitter. Tattoos should not be visible. Make-up must be natural looking and nail polish is not allowed. You may not apply make-up or fix hair in public. You must be ready when you arrive to a game, event or practice. VIII. Safety a. The increased athletic activity in cheerleading has resulted in an increased concern for safety. Cheerleading involves a variety of gymnastics, motions, partner stunts, and dance. Participation in cheerleading involves a certain amount of danger of personal injury. In becoming a participant in this program, a cheerleader voluntarily assumes the risk involved by participating in cheerleading, practices, games and other activities. b. Stunting must only take place in the presence of a Cleveland High School supervising coach. c. Any illness or injury needs to be reported to the coach and Cleveland trainer immediately. Whenever possible report ALL injures to the trainer first before going to see a doctor. Documentation by a doctor or trainer must be given to the coach in order to return to practices, games, or performances. d. In the event of an injury, an athlete will not be permitted to practice or participate until they have been cleared in writing by the trainer. e. All cheerleaders must have a current physical form, an athlete information sheet and permission to practice on file before they will be allowed to participate. f. If you are injured, all practices are still mandatory, even though you cannot participate. IX. Expenses

a. All money paid to leading is a donation to the program, regardless of the source. If for any reason the cheerleader leaves or is removed from the team, all money is non-refundable. X. Alcohol, Drugs and Tobacco a. If a cheerleader is found to be involved in any manner with the purchase, possession, or distribution or use of alcoholic beverages, drugs, or tobacco products; this includes the possession of electronic cigarettes. If items are caught in students possession they will be suspended or terminated from the program immediately. b. If a cheerleader goes on to premises where alcohol is being served to or consumed by minors, they are expected to leave immediately. XI. Personal Conduct a. All cheerleaders are expected to present a positive image. All athletes need to be reminded that their actions and behavior represent their school, community, family, team and coaches. At all times you must be highly aware of your language use, appropriate clothing options, and displays of affection. This includes in public, at school, and ONLINE. b. Online communities including Facebook, Twitter, Vine, Instagram and any other accounts must be maintained with the highest integrity. Students are expected to keep sites free from all questionable activity. This includes having pictures that are free from negative interpretation, as well as no bullying or negative feedback towards any other person. If problems arise, members may be asked without notice to relinquish their rights to hold accounts or may be released from the team. All team members must friend/follow Cleveland High School social media sites. c. The reputation and effectiveness of the entire squad, coaches and Cleveland High School can be compromised by the actions of one individual in an inappropriate situation. Hearsay regarding a cheerleader s violation will warrant a private discussion between the coach and cheerleader in question. Continued hearsay of violations will warrant a private meeting with the coach, cheerleader, parents and school administration. If proof is available, the cheerleader may be immediately dismissed from the squad. d. Cheerleaders will follow all government laws and school rules, and will show proper respect to coaches, team members, peers, police officers, Cleveland & RRPS officials,

teachers and school administration. Coaches will be notified of any poor classroom behavior or referrals. This can result in extra conditioning, temporary suspension and/or removal from the program. It is the athlete s duty to notify the coach of any issues at school. e. If at any time the coach feels an athlete is not holding up their responsibility to positively represent this team, their involvement will be suspended. f. If a cheerleader quits the team during the season, she/he is no longer eligible to tryout the following season. g. Each member of the team is expected to be committed and dedicated to the team s collective effort and improving their individual skills. Teamwork, discipline, honesty and hard work are a necessity. These behaviors need to be constantly practiced by coaches, cheerleaders, and parents. h. Parents are an important part of the program, and as such are expected to be positive contributors to the program. If parents are negatively disruptive and act in a manner that is destructive to the program, the athlete will be asked to leave the program. i. If a parent or cheerleader has a concern, it is necessary that they follow the proper chain of command. You MUST first address the problem with the coach of your team. This is extremely important in order to not cause miscommunication or confusion. j. Note that the email contacts are provided NOT as a public forum to discuss issues, but to distribute information regarding practices, games, meetings and fundraisers. If a parent or cheerleader uses email communication in a negative manner, the athlete will be asked to leave the program.

I have read and understand the above Expectations (page 3-4) as well as the guidelines and regulations (pages 5-10) that govern Cleveland High School Cheerleading. I understand that all disciplinary action is left at the coaches discretion. Athlete Name (Please Print) Parent Name (Please Print) Parent Signature Date Athlete Signature Date