CHEERLEADING IS A COMMITMENT Commitment: An acceptance of personal responsibility to honor a measurable objective. Purpose The Francis Howell North (FHN) Cheerleading Squad purpose is to: Provide entertainment through the art of various styles of cheering, stunting, tumbling and dancing Promote school spirit at school athletic events and assemblies Philosophy The FHN Cheerleading Squad philosophy is to: Act as an organization that represents Francis Howell North and the Francis Howell School District at all times. Accept and understand this commitment Agreeing to promote and support FHN in school spirit in conjunction with FHN Pommers with school athletic and/or non-athletic events Goals The FHN Cheerleading Squad goals are to: Promote school spirit Attend one cheerleading camp and utilize the cheer techniques and materials throughout the year Participate in at least three cheerleading fundraisers to fund competition travel, expenses, clothing and accessories Work towards competing in local and state competitions Maintain a positive attitude and communicate well as a team HAVE FUN!!!!!!!!!! Organization Every cheerleader is a ROLE MODEL not only for each other but also for the FHN student body in general. Each cheerleader is equally important to the success of the entire squad; therefore, a commitment to all scheduled cheerleading functions is necessary. Varsity Cheerleaders will consist of: 2 coaches, a head coach and assistant coach 20 members from Sophomore, Junior and Senior grade levels 3 officers from Sophomore, Junior and Senior grade levels Junior Varsity Cheerleaders will consist of: 1 coach 16 members from Sophomore, Junior and Senior grade levels 3 officers from Sophomore, Junior and Senior grade levels Freshman Cheerleaders will consist of: 1 coach 14 members from the Freshman grade level 2 officers from the Freshman grade level 1
If a cheerleader from any squad resigns or is dismissed a member may be promoted to the next level squad from the already established JV or Freshman squad. The promotion will be evaluated per coaches discretion. All cheerleaders are required to abide by all cheerleading, FHN, District and State policies, rules and regulations. Cheerleaders are required to be respectful of one another and coaches, as well as represent FHN at all times. Each cheerleader s level of commitment and attitude will be evaluated when choosing a squad for next year. General Rules, Regulations & Policies Cheerleading Requirements The FHN Cheerleading Squad requirements are to: Maintain a 2.5 GPA or above and pass 5 classes each semester (If a cheerleader passes 5 classes but has less than a 2.5 GPA she may apply for a one-time provisional eligibility exception in the Activities Office) Be enrolled and passed 2.5 units of credit Attend a mandatory study hall (study hall times are yet to be determined) Have a physical dated after February 1 st of the current school year in order to participate Have medical insurance Being a FHN Cheerleader does not guarantee placement on the squad for the following year. Although talent and skill levels are important, representation of FHN, cooperation, effort, attitude, and commitment will be just as important when selecting squad members. Cheerleading Conduct Policies The FHN Cheerleading Squad conduct policies are to: Always exhibit proper classroom behavior, which includes: Being on time for classes Refraining from cheating Refraining from skipping classes Adhere to all FHN, Athletic Code of Conduct, District and State rules and regulations (Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the team) Not use foul language and refrain from Public Displays of Affection (PDA) while at a cheerleading and school function Not use drugs at any time, which may include but not limited to: Alcohol Tobacco Drug use will result in immediate dismissal Display RESPECT for parents, teachers, coaches, administrators and squad members at all times Always turn in all monies, forms and equipment on time Return all squad-owned clothing and/or accessories in good condition (Failure to do so will result in squad members being required to replace items as determined by the FHN Athletic Department) Accept and abide by all decisions made by and follow the directions of the cheerleading coaching staff 2
Demerit System Each time a cheerleader does not abide by the rules, regulations and policies one demerit will be received. The FHN Cheerleading Squad demerit system consists of: Up to 2 demerits=warning 3 demerits=call to parent or guardian & benching from game 4 demerits=2 week suspension from the squad 5 demerits=meeting with the coaches, athletic director and a principal to discuss squad continuation Demerits consist of but are not limited to the following: Failure to call coach if missing practice, games, study hall, or any cheer function Failure to follow directions from coaches, parents, and school officials Failure to have appropriate length finger nails Failure to turn in paperwork or documentation in a timely manner Failure to wear appropriate uniform to school on game days or practice clothes Tardiness to practice, games, study hall, or any cheer function Unexcused absences Wearing jewelry at practices and games Any additional demerits will be given per the coach s discretion. Practice Policies The FHN Cheerleading Squad practice policies consists of: Possible practices at off-campus sites Practices consisting of: Warm ups Cheer techniques Learning & cleaning cheers & routines Tumbling Stunting Set warm ups led by the chosen cheerleading officers Squad evaluations by the 2 coaches Additional running as a team, plyometrics, cardio & toning ALL PRACTICES ARE MANDATORY!!!!!!! Practices missed for: Illness Junior/Senior college visits Field trips sponsored by an instructor and counted as part of a grading system Death of a family member Anything not listed will be considered an unexcused absence and will result in a demerit. If a squad member is ill for practice or a scheduled game or event either coach should receive a telephone called. If the coaches are unavailable a message must be left. If a squad member is ill please bring a 3
doctor s note to the next practice. Squad members may not attend practice if they are absent from school the same day. If a cheerleader leaves school early for a doctor s appointment and then returns for practice a doctor s note must be provided. Failure to do so will result in non-participation of practice for that day and an unexcused absence. If squad members receive an unexcused absence they will receive a demerit. If squad members are tardy they will receive an unexcused absence, which will result in a demerit. Detentions are unacceptable for all cheerleaders, but if one must be served, please do so before school. Serving detention during practice time is an unexcused absence, which will result in a demerit. In School Suspension (ISAP) is prohibited and will result in automatic dismissal from the squad. Cheerleaders are required to bring all necessary equipment with them to practice. Each time a cheerleader forgets their shoes or poms, they will receive an unexcused absence, which will result in a demerit. Cheerleaders are responsible for learning what was missed before returning to practice. Cheerleaders that are unable to perform a scheduled routine to or near perfection the second to last practice before a scheduled performance or competition will not perform or compete. Financial Expectations & Fundraising Cheerleading is a financial obligation. There will be out of pocket expenses early on for camp and camp clothing. Please be prepared financially to participate in the cheerleading program. Fundraisers are necessary in order to provide the cheerleading squad and individual squad members with funds for various functions, trips, accessories, team gifts, etc. and all must be approved by the coaches and athletic director (All upcoming fundraisers will be discussed at a later date). Fundraising Buy-Out If you choose not to participate in fundraising you must pay the amount set for the particular fundraiser. Not meeting fundraising requirements will result in non-participation in extracurricular cheerleading activities. Camp Rules & Policies The FHN Cheerleading Squad will be attending camp this summer. Camp expenses are the responsibility of each individual cheerleader. All cheerleaders are responsible for purchasing camp wear/clothing, shoes and hair accessories. The camp clothing and accessories will be worn during campy, clinics, team fundraisers and some performances (More information about camp dates and location will be given at a later date). Competition Rules & Policies All state, FHN and District rules and regulations will apply to each cheerleader. Any cheerleader that cannot or does not choose to abide by all school, District and/or State rules and regulations will be asked and required to be transported back to St. Charles by a parent or guardian. 4
Competition clothing and/or accessories may be taken from the cheerleading general fund account at the coaching staff s discretion but there also may be additional out-of-pocket expenses for squad members. The squad members may be competing out of state and in the event that the squad does travel out of state, parents and guardians of the cheerleaders will be responsible for sponsoring one district administrator s travel, lodging, and living expenses in relation to the out of state competition. Game & Performance Day Policies The FHN Cheerleading Squad game policies are to: Wear cheerleading uniforms to school on game days as decided upon by the coaches Wear the complete uniform and no additional items that are not apart of the uniform Wear uniforms in same manner as during a game o performance (If cheerleaders choose not to follow this policy they will receive a demerit) Arrive to all events on time and in complete uniform (If cheerleaders are over ten minutes late to an event without calling the coaches a demerit will be received. If its over 20 minutes late with a call to the coaches a demerit will be received) The commitment to perform at any state tournament may result in missing a day of school. By signing the 2006-2007 contract cheerleaders are accepting that she has been made aware of and accepts all consequences of missing half or an entire day of school, with parental and administration approval, and will honor the agreed upon appearance or performance. Squad members are to abide by all FHN, District and State rules and regulations on game days, at games, during performances or appearances and competitions. Failing to do so will result in receiving a demerit. Team Responsibilities The FHN Cheerleading Squad responsibilities are to: Abide by all the rules as stated in this contract Maintain a positive 2.5 GPA and good study habits Work to develop and maintain respect for each other and the coaches Maintain a positive attitude and to meet with the coaches if there are any problems or concerns Equally participate in group assignments and duties Provide support for FHN Cheerleaders through participation in school spirit Entertain our home crowd through cheering, chanting, stunting and tumbling Complete and have ready to teach any routine by the scheduled due date Remain at all scheduled games until the conclusion (Cheerleaders with special circumstances may be granted dismissal by the coaching staff) Represent FHN and the Francis Howell School District in a positive manner on or off campus 5
2006-2007 Francis Howell North Knights Cheerleading Contract & Release Form I have read and understand the handbook for this up and coming year. As a member of the FHN Cheerleading Squad I agree to represent Francis Howell North and the Francis Howell School District by abiding by all the rules stated by the School, District and State. I further understand that should I fail to abide by said policies, procedures and rules I am subject to agree to accept all consequences as stated in all handbooks. As a member of the FHN Cheerleading Squad I understand the financial obligations and agree that I and my parents/guardians are required to purchase all required clothing and accessories and replace any squad owned clothing assigned to me that may have been stolen, lost or damaged. My parents/guardians and I further understand that should we have any questions or concerns we have the option and duty to discuss them with the FHN Cheerleading coaching staff. I hereby give my consent to my son/daughter, to tryout for cheerleader at Francis Howell North and recognize his/her responsibilities and requirements as a leader of his/her school. I understand that, if chosen, my son/daughter will be required to pay for cheerleader camp and clothes, and to fundraise to cover additional expenses incurred by the cheerleading program. Further, we understand that school and/or personal insurance must cover our son/daughter. We understand that cheerleading is a contact sport and injury may occur. We further understand the Francis Howell North cheerleading coaching staff, faculty and administration will not be held liable if injury does occur. We give permission for our child to receive medical attention in the event that we cannot be present or reached for any reason. FHN Cheerleader s Signature Parent/Legal Guardian Signature Date Date 6