West Forsyth High School PARENT/STUDENT CHEERLEADING AGREEMENT

2015-2016 West Forsyth High School PARENT/STUDENT CHEERLEADING AGREEMENT **YOUR SIGNATURE DENOTES THAT YOU HAVE READ AND FULLY UNDERSTAND ALL REQUIREMENTS FOR PARTICIPATING IN WEST FORSYTH CHEERLEADING. I, the undersigned parent/guardian agree and hereby consent to my child's participation on West Forsyth's Varsity or Junior Varsity cheerleading. I understand that my child will have to assume some risk of physical injury or harm to participate on the squad, but we are willing to assume that risk. I understand there are financial obligations involved as spelled out in the constitution. I have read the West Forsyth High School cheerleading rules and regulations and accept these guidelines. I understand that failure to follow the cheerleading rules and regulations can mean dismissal from the team. Parent/Guardian signature Date I have read and understand the rules and regulations governing a West Forsyth cheerleader. If selected, I will abide by the constitution to the best of my ability. I understand that I may be removed from the squad if I do not maintain the high standards expected of a squad member. I understand that cheerleading is a major personal commitment of my non-academic time and cannot be placed secondary to other non-academic activities. Student name (print) Student signature Date

CHEERLEADING TEAM RULES AND REGULATIONS WEST FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL CLEMMONS, NORTH CAROLINA Purpose A. To promote interest, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and cooperation among the student body of West Forsyth toward the athletic program. Membership A. The number of members on the cheerleading team will be determined by the cheerleading team coaches. B. Anyone who will be a student at West Forsyth shall be eligible for tryouts as long as he/she meets the following requirements: (1) An overall 2.0 (C) grade average or meet Academic Support guidelines, (2) Be of unquestionable character, and (3) Not have excessive absences. C. There will be one captain or co-captains for the team determined by the coaches. D. The principal and the cheerleading coaches will make a decision on new members if the need arises. E. Cheerleaders who resign from the squad for just cause as determined by the administration and coaches may be granted permission to try out the following year. Requirements A. Maturity, leadership, and sound judgment, as evidenced by faculty evaluation, observation, and conduct grades. B. A cheerleader must maintain an overall 2.0 (C) average in school or meet Academic Support guidelines. C. Pleasing personality and ability to work well with others. D. Must be prepared to work on fundraising projects and do their part in raising money for uniforms, pom-poms, competition fees, etc. E. Think seriously before joining clubs, sports, or part-time jobs since cheerleading is a very demanding sport, requiring a full team effort. F. Driver s Education classes should be taken over the summer privately or postponed until the end of the season. Demerits will result for any practice or games missed due to Driver s Ed. G. A cheerleader must attend cheerleading camp during the summer and participate in community activities (parades). Members must cheer at the Mary Garber Tournament prior to Thanksgiving and the Frank Spencer Tournament during the Christmas holidays. JV cheerleaders must cheer at the Christmas tournament during the holidays as determined by the coaches. H. Must be financially prepared to meet all cheerleading expenses during the year. Approximate costs: Camp $365 Shoes $70 T-shirts/sweatshirt $50 Misc. expenses $100 or above I. A physical examination and doctor's permission to participate in cheerleading is required of all squad members. J. Cheerleaders must have school or family health insurance. K. A cheerleader must be willing to take gymnastics training as a group. Cheerleaders are encouraged to take gymnastics on their own during the off season.

Try-Outs A. Cheerleaders will be selected in the spring by the cheerleading coaches. B. Candidates will receive instructions prior to try-outs from the senior members of the cheerleading squad. C. Faculty members of all participants will give a written evaluation on basis of conduct, leadership, and ability to work well with others. These evaluations will be used to aid in the selection process. D. A cheer, chants, a dance, stunts, gymnastics, and 2 jumps will be judged. E. First semester and third quarter grades will be used in the selection process. F. A list of those making the cheerleading squad will be posted. Head Cheerleader Duties A. Each squad will have a captain or co-captains. The method of selection will be determined by the coaches. At the discretion of the coaches, a new captain and/or co-captain may be chosen as it becomes necessary. B. Shall have the power to call and preside over meetings and practices with the approval of the cheerleading coaches. C. Must be at practices before starting times and have the practices start on time and help keep them moving. D. Must know cheers he/she is going to use, never hesitating as to which cheer he/she is to use next. Use appropriate cheer for each occasion. E. Should show no partiality and should consider suggestions from all squad members. F. Is responsible for leading and directing pep rallies. G. Co-captain must be prepared to take-over head cheerleader's responsibilities in his/her absence. H. Aid the coach with certain responsibilities not limited to calling members on a need to basis. Appearance and Uniforms A. NO JEWELRY of any kind will be worn during practices or games. This includes all piercings. B. NO GUM. C. No grooming during practices or games. D. Put hair up before practices and games. E. Make-up should be neat and conservative. Personal hygiene should be maintained at all times. F. NO POLISH should be worn. Fingernails (real or false) need to be kept a reasonable length (no longer than fingertip length) for safety reasons. G. Keep uniforms neat and pressed, and keep shoes clean. H. Wear only the designated uniform to school or event for which it is required (briefs, shoes, shirt, also are classified as part of the uniform). Selected cheerleading shoes and bloomers must be worn at all times when the uniform is worn. I. Each cheerleader will be held financially responsible for damaged or lost uniforms and equipment. J. Alterations and length of uniform must be approved by the coach.

K. All uniforms, bags, and megs (V) are school property and must be returned at the end of the season cleaned and in the same condition that they were issued (taking into consideration normal wear and tear) unless purchased by individuals. Games A. Cheerleaders are expected to attend all games and be ready to cheer at any time. The only reasonable excuses are illness, injury, or death in the family. Please pay close attention to all schedules and calendars. B. Part-time jobs, extra-curricular activities or all-star squads should not interfere with game schedules. C. Cheerleaders must be in school at least 50% of the school day to be allowed to cheer that night or at practice. D. If you are present at school and become ill or have some other reason for not attending practice or a game, you MUST NOTIFY THE COACH IN PERSON (not another cheerleader), by email or voicemail and your PARENT must notify the coach by email or voicemail before the game that you will not be able to attend. A note is required afterward. E. No gum, food or candy during the game. F. Cheerleaders must sit with the coach in the stands if unable to cheer due to illness or injury. G. A cheerleader/dance team member is expected to be on time returning from halftime break. H. No visiting with spectators during the game is allowed. I. Cheerleaders are expected to cheer the 2 nd half of the game even if they are involved in Homecoming activities. J. Cheerleaders are expected to participate in all tournament games, including the Varsity and JV basketball tournaments over the Christmas holidays as determined by the coach. K. Cheerleaders are not to make fun of or yell at the referees. L. Cheerleaders should not cross legs, lean back, or lay down on the bleachers or friends during the game. M. A cheerleader who misses practice at which a pyramid, stunt, or cheer is perfected should not perform the material at the next cheerleading activity. N. A cheerleader who misses more than one practice during the week may not be allowed to participate in all stunts or dances at the game for that week. O. Cheerleaders should attend games to observe if unable to participate due to injury or illness, but able to attend school. P. Attendance for Conference Playoffs is required. JV cheerleaders will participate in both football and basketball playoff games as determined by the coaches. Transportation A. Cheerleaders must be able to provide or secure transportation to all home games and practices. Bus transportation will NOT necessarily be provided (ie. Frank Spencer). B. The school will provide transportation to all away games. C. All cheerleaders must go to away games and return as a group unless they ride home with their parents. Parents must be present at the games, and must inform the cheerleading coach of this. If a cheerleader rides home with another parent, they must have a written note prior to the game signed by their parent. D. Parents must sign their cheerleader out when leaving an away game and any cheerleader approved by note.

Practices A. Frequency of the summer practices will be determined by the team and the coaches. B. Must attend all scheduled practices including summer schedule unless there is a valid reason. C. Part-time jobs and all-star squads should not interfere with practice. D. If you are present at school and become ill or have some other reason for not attending practice or a game, YOU MUST NOTIFY THE COACH IN PERSON (not another cheerleader), by email, or voice mail and your PARENT must notify the coach by email or voicemail before practice that you will not be able to attend. A note is required afterward. E. Doctor's appointments should be scheduled at times other than practices. Use the calendars when planning other appointments. F. Cheerleaders should attend practice to observe if unable to participate due to illness or injury. G. A calendar will be provided each month stating all practice and game times. H. The captain is your leader! Everyone must follow his/her instructions. I. Practices shall be orderly at all times! Socializing should be limited until after practice! J. Appropriate attire is required; sweat pants or shorts, loose shirts, and shoes. No jewelry (including earrings). K. No food, drinks, or gum during practices (besides water or sports drinks). L. Girl's hair must be put up before practice. M. Practice should begin with an organized warm-up routine led by the team captain. N. As pre-determined by the cheerleading coach and the athletic team coach, cheerleaders may participate in another sport, but only with special permission. Conduct A. Cheerleaders shall conduct themselves properly at all times, both at school and outside of school. Cheerleaders are official student representatives of the school. B. They shall not display undesirable emotions or improper language. C. They should display good sportsmanship as determined by administrators or cheerleading coaches at all times. D. Conduct in the classroom should be a caliber that gives good examples to other students. Must maintain "Satisfactory" conduct grades at all times. Failure to do so will result in probation. E. Cheerleaders are to use proper language during games, competition, and practice. F. Cheerleaders are for support of their own teams and are not to criticize either team. G. Cheerleaders should be wise in choosing what they wear to school and adhere to the school dress code and discrete in displays of affections in public. Cheers, Partner Stunts, and Pyramids A. Cheerleaders are encouraged to use a variety of stunts and gymnastics while performing. B. Cheers and chants should be spirited and directed toward crowd participation. C. Cheerleaders are expected to do their part in each cheer and stunt. D. Cheerleaders are not to do cheers or chants which are directed at the other team or fans.

E. All stunts should be practiced to perfection on mats with spotters in position before being performed at games. F. All stunts must follow the Guidelines for Cheerleader Safety as set out by the WSFSC system in accordance with the AACCA Safety guidelines. G. No stunting is allowed when the coach is not in the area. Cheerleading Coaches A. Has complete responsibility for control, organization, and implementation of the cheerleading programs at West Forsyth High School. B. Keep all records: Permission slips, home phone numbers, attendance, grades, camp and competition information. C. Have power to call and preside over all meetings. D. Selection of uniforms for all cheerleading activities will be made by coaches. Dismissal A. The power of dismissal shall be considered the decision of the cheerleading coaches, principal, and/or assistant principal. B. Because of the leadership role of a cheerleader and the signed commitment of It s My Call, alcohol, tobacco, or illegal drugs should not be used. Involvement with any of the above may lead to dismissal from the cheerleading team. C. Automatic dismissal for: (1) unpaid debts to the cheerleading fund, (2) not attending summer camp with the squad, (3) smoking or drinking, (4) possession of illegal drugs, (5) suspension from school, (6) excessive absences from school (10), (7) not meeting academic support guidelines for those below 2.0 C average. (see F) D. Failure to maintain satisfactory conduct will result in probation for two weeks. Cheerleader will be required to attend all games during these two weeks and will be allowed to return to normal cheerleading activity once evidence of improvement is shown. If the cheerleader does not achieve satisfactory conduct within four weeks, dismissal will result. E. ISS or Saturday school assignment will likely result in probation and possible dismissal. This will be decided by the principal and cheerleading coaches. F. Local athletic guidelines require students to maintain a 2.0 (C) grade point average. Students may be required to attend weekly tutoring sessions to help maintain their eligibility. Failure to the quarterly academic support guidelines will result in dismissal. G. Once a cheerleader has been dismissed from a squad, they may not return to the squad for the remainder of the school year. Students who are dismissed from a squad are eligible to try out for the squad the following year. H. A cheerleader may only be placed on probation one time. Dismissal will result for any future violations that require a second probation

DEMERIT SYSTEM WEST FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING In order to maintain a good cheerleading team, there must be self and group discipline. The following demerit system is necessary for both. Demerits are not to be viewed as I have them so I will take them. Cheerleaders should keep in good standing by following all rules and limiting the number of demerits received. This demerit system will be in effect for the entire year. Cheerleaders who receive 6 demerits will have to sit out a ballgame as determined by the coach. Dismissal will result with an accumulation of 12 demerits. OFFENSES DEMERITS 1. Not attending a practice for any reason other than illness 1 2. Late to practice or leaving early 1 3. Not dressed in appropriate clothing for practice 1 4. Late to game or leaving early 1 5. Late arriving to meet school transportation to game 1 6. Not keeping uniform in good condition 1 7. Eating while cheering or practicing (gum, food, drinks, etc.) 1 8. Primping during games 1 9. Late returning from half-time break 1 10. Wearing jewelry during practices or games 1 11. Wearing fingernail polish during games 1 12. Not informing coach prior to absences from practices or games 1 13. Not attending a rescheduled game 2 14. Not having required uniform (uniform, shoes, bloomers, ribbon,& poms) 2 15. Not attending game for any reason other than illness or death in family 3 16. Not following the instructions of the captain 3 17. Improper language or unsportsmanlike conduct 3 18. Non-approved transportation from cheerleading activities 4 19. Not following instructions from cheerleading coach 4 20. Being disrespectful/talking back to coaches 4