AVHS Cheerleading Handbook 2017 2018 Head Coach: Shawna Judd Email: avhscheercoach@gmail.com Website: www.avcheer.weebly.com Follow us on Twitter @AVCheerTeam
Purpose The purpose of this organization is to promote and uphold school spirit, develop good sportsmanship among students, to support athletic programs and to develop positive relationships in the community and between schools during athletic events. The organizations goal is to work in harmony with the administration, faculty, band, athletic teams and other school organizations. Eligibility Requirements Apple Valley High School cheerleaders must: Maintain eligibility under all of the conditions and requirements of AVHS, District 196, as well as the Minnesota State High School League (MSHSL) Maintain a C average or greater each trimester Turn in signed cheerleader agreement contract Turn in physical for current year of participation and fees to the AVHS Athletic Office Be entering/in grades 9-12 at AVHS Be able to fulfill attendance requirements set by the coach(es) and listed in AVHS Cheerleading Handbook Safety To maximize safety, regardless of the level of participation, the coach and squad members will hold a realistic understanding of their skill level, make reasonable judgments about appropriate levels of participation and will proceed accordingly. All coaches will have completed the NFHS required courses and maintain the American Association Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) Certifications. Cheerleaders will: Understand and appreciate the inherent risks faced in cheerleading and exhibit a positive attitude toward safety. Refrain from laughing, talking or screaming during the building and execution of stunts to protect the safety of all athletes. Cheerleaders will communicate to the coaches any safety issues including, but not limited to, cheerleader health, fitness level, mental focus, appropriate use of equipment, condition of equipment or environment or cheerleading technique that compromise safety Will follow and adhere to all safety rules and guidelines put forth by the coach(es), AVHS and MSHSL Cheerleaders who consistently violate safety standards may not be allowed to stunt, or may be removed from the squad Academic Responsibilities Being an AVHS Student Athlete means being a STUDENT first! Each cheerleader is required to maintain at least a C average each trimester. The head coach will monitor grades and grade checks will be conducted on an asnecessary basis. In the event of a failing grade in any subject at time of grade check, parents will be notified by the head coach and cheerleader will be placed on Academic Probation until the grade is remediated. Academic Probation includes suspension from games, practices and public events/appearances. When the grade has been remediated, participation may resume. If a cheerleader gets placed on Academic Probation more than once in any given season, an in-person meeting will take place with parents, cheerleader, coach(es) and the athletic director. Uniforms, Practice Wear and Equipment Please make yourself aware of the costs and commitment that is required for AVHS cheerleading. Individual invoices for required clothing items will be distributed for payment and fees are required to be paid in full by the date specified. Clothing will not be purchased for the cheerleader until all items have been paid in full. Optional clothing items will be made available to purchase if the cheerleader and parent/guardian so chooses. Cheerleaders have the responsibility to respect the property of Apple Valley High School and the AVHS Cheerleading program. The athlete will pay for any damaged equipment or uniforms belonging to AVHS. Uniforms belonging to AVHS must be returned at the end of the season undamaged and laundered. Uniforms may NOT be altered without approval from the head coach.
Cheerleading shoes are not to be worn as casual shoes and should be worn only for practices, games, pep fests and other cheerleading related events. Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of team identification must always conduct themselves in a manner becoming of an AVHS Eagles Cheerleader. Appearance Uniforms and shoes should be kept spotlessly clean at all times. For safety reasons, jewelry or watches will not be worn during any time when cheering or in cheer uniform. Makeup should be natural and not excessive. Absolutely no glitter. Fingernails must always be kept to a short length with no white showing when palms are facing up. No fingernail polish is permitted when in uniform. No visible tattoos are allowed. All hairstyles must be neat and off the neck and shoulders. Practices All practices, games and events will be supervised by the coaching staff or designated school official. Cheerleaders will NOT practice any stunts or gymnastics without the direct supervision of the coaching staff. Practices will be determined by the coach(es) and a calendar will be given to each cheerleader. The amount of practices will vary due to events and season schedules. The coaching staff reserves the right to call extra practices when needed. Practices are closed to the public with the exception of a parent or guest that have received prior approval from the head coach. ALL cheerleaders are expected to attend ALL practices, games and events. Cheerleaders must wear appropriate practice clothing and shoes to every practice. Hair must be tied back; no gum and ALL jewelry removed. Attention must be given to coach(es) at all times during practice. Cheerleaders must be present at the last practice before a game or performance in order to participate. All injuries or accidents that may occur at practice or an event must be reported immediately to the coach(es). Games and Transportation Each cheerleader is responsible for securing transportation to and from all games, events and practices unless coach(es) provide bus transportation. If a cheerleader needs a ride from another cheerleader or parent, arrangements must be made 24 hours in advance. Arriving late or not having transportation is an unexcused absence. If bus transportation is provided, all cheerleaders must ride to and from the game/event unless they have received prior approval from the head coach. The head coach will need a signed parent note before they will provide approval. No friends, family or visitors will be permitted on the bus. Cheerleaders will not be allowed to leave before the end of any event or game. Attendance All cheerleading activities including (but not limited to): practices, team fundraising, volunteering, games, pep fests, camps, competitions, public appearances, parent/team meetings and parades are MANDATORY and all cheerleaders must be in attendance. Every attempt should be made by cheerleaders and parent/guardians to schedule any family vacations and appointments around the cheerleading schedule. Cheerleaders must be on time to all events listed above. Tardiness will not be tolerated and will result in extra conditioning at the end of practice and count against the cheerleader s opportunity to letter. Examples of Unexcused Absences: family vacations, medical or dental appointments, college visits, work or common cold illnesses that do not require student to miss school Examples of Excused Absences: hospitalization of student, death in the family, personal religious obligations or other AVHS conflict (i.e. choir or band concert)
Cheerleaders and parent/guardians are required to notify the appropriate coach(es) at least two weeks prior to the absence unless it is an emergency, then they should notify at least 2 hours before event/game and provide written parent/guardian documentation. Student athletes missing an entire day of school must have parent/guardians contact the coach(es) by email the morning of the absence. Three unexcused absences will result in disciplinary action and possible removal from the squad(s) at the discretion of the coach(es). Excused absences that occur in excess of 10% of total events/practices/games will limit cheerleader participation and result in disciplinary action or possible removal from the squad(s) at the discretion of the coach(es). In the event of a suspension or injury, the cheerleader will still be required to attend all games, practices and events. A suspended or injured cheerleader is expected to sit with the coach(es), not on the cell phone or with friends. Conduct Cheerleaders must follow all rules and guidelines in the AVHS Cheerleading Handbook and are expected to maintain and uphold the positive reputation of the AVHS Cheerleading program through their own sportsmanship and conduct before, during and after all games. Cheerleaders must be respectful and polite to all visiting cheerleaders, fans, athletes and game officials. All cheers and chants shall be of a positive and sportsmanlike manner. Cheerleaders will make every attempt to ignore or dissuade negative responses at events and not become involved in such action themselves. Inappropriate or obscene language, gestures or harassment will not be tolerated. Cheerleaders will not use obscene language or post inappropriate pictures/statuses/etc of any form on their social media accounts. Improper use of social media is grounds for disciplinary action. Smoking, drinking and/or drug use are grounds for dismissal from the team. Bullying will not be tolerated. Public displays of affection are not allowed in school or at school activities while in uniform or cheerleader apparel. Cheerleaders will be given one warning before prior to disciplinary action. Respect and positive attitudes must be shown at all times, consistent negative attitudes at cheer events will result in disciplinary action. The use of cell phones are NOT allowed during any game, practice or event unless the coaching staff deems it is an appropriate time. If cheerleaders are found using their cell phone during an unapproved time, the coaching staff will hold onto their device until the remainder of that event. Ongoing issues surrounding cell phone usage will result in disciplinary action. Selection of Captains and Captain Responsibilities The AVHS Cheerleading team will have up to two co-captains per squad, at the discretion of the coach(es). Each candidate will be required to submit the captain application. The selection will be based on a compilation of each candidate s application and a coach evaluation. Responsibilities of Captain: Be at practice early, fully ready to go Lead warm up and conditioning activities Being responsible and having all necessary supplies ready for practice, games and events Lead cheers and chants at games and events AND take suggestions from other teammates Be responsible for welcoming visiting squads and setting a good example of sportsmanship Act as a peacemaker in the case of disagreements, show no partiality within the squad (i.e. no favoritism) Keep the crowd cheering positively and cheerleaders in proper formation during games Assist coach as requested with various items Be an example of the cheerleading program s purpose and values
Set an example to the rest of the team by abiding by all rules and requirements of the cheerleading program, AVHS, District 196 and MSHSL A captain who receives more than one written warning will be removed as captain In the event that the captain is not able to perform their duties, another cheerleader will take over until that captain is able to return, at the discretion of the coach(es) The coaching staff reserves the right to relieve a captain of their duties, should the need arise, and appoint a replacement Parent/Guardian Involvement There are many opportunities for parents to be involved in the sideline cheerleading program. In fact, parent volunteers are VITAL to the success of our program. Letter Awards Lettering is considered an honor and is reserved for the athlete that has fully committed to cheerleading. Athletes involved in the cheer program will receive a Varsity Letter Award if they: Are in good standing and have upheld all the requirements of athletes as defined by the MSHSL, District 196, AVHS and the AVHS Cheerleading Handbook Participate on a Varsity squad and successfully complete the season with less than 10% absence Abide by all attendance, safety and behavior guidelines and expectations put forth by the coach(es) Have not received multiple written warnings or disciplinary action AND have shown effort to improve and/or remedy the situation(s) that initiated the warning. Have paid all monies due for apparel, uniform replacements, cheer events, etc. Any Cheerleader missing 2 or more weeks due to injury will not letter unless they attend every event/game and practice as a non-participant, up to the designated 10% allowance. Duties and Responsibilities of the Coaching Staff The coaching staff is responsible for helping cheerleaders develop their skills, character and maintain their positive academic standing. Coach(es) will maintain fair treatment and respect of all team members. Coach(es) will ensure that team members are safe and will maintain an emergency contact list at all times. Coach(es) are tasked with organizing and arranging training schedule, equipment, training facilities, fundraising, volunteering, travel and events. Coaching Staff Discretion All Apple Valley High School cheerleading rules will be interpreted and carried out by the coaching staff under the guidance of the AVHS Athletic Director.
2017-2018 AVHS SIDELINE CHEERLEADING AGREEMENT CHEERLEADER NAME: I understand that cheerleading is athletic and that participating in cheerleading has risks. Even when properly managed, the risk of serious, catastrophic or even death can never be fully removed. As a cheerleader, I am part of the safety of the team and I have a role to play in cheerleading safety. To help lower those risks, I pledge to: Always bring my best self to every practice, game, event or performance. I will be rested, focused and healthy for my team and myself. Maintain a C average or greater each trimester. Speak up if I have a safety concern. If something doesn t feel right, or I know we re about to do something wrong, it is my duty to help protect myself and the team. Tell my coach if I have an illness or injury. Performing at less than 100% increases the chance that a teammate or I could be injured. Follow the safety rules and guidelines as defined in the AVHS Cheerleading Handbook and by MSHSL. In case there is an emergency, I will fulfill my role to help get assistance to my teammate as quickly as possible. NEVER practice without a coach. Cheerleading skills involve risk and are required to be supervised by a qualified coach. Maintain eligibility under all conditions and requirements of AVHS, District 196, as well as the MSHSL. Be able to fulfill attendance requirements set by the coach(es) and listed in the AVHS Cheerleading Handbook. Provide at least two weeks notice for all absences and at least 2 hours for any emergency absences. Parent/guardian communication should be in a written note or email. Make every attempt to schedule outside activities, work and appointments around the cheerleading schedule and understand if I miss over 10% of all cheerleading events, practices, games, etc for the season I will not receive a Varsity Letter Award and could result in disciplinary action. By signing below, I,, state that I have read, understand and agree to abide by all of the safety guidelines, policies, procedures, guidelines and expectations as stated here and in the AVHS Cheerleading Handbook at www.avcheer.weebly.com/parent-information. Participant Signature: Date: By signing below, I,, state that I have read, understand and agree to abide by all of the safety guidelines, policies, procedures, guidelines and expectations as stated here and in the AVHS Cheerleading Handbook. Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: