IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY SPIRIT SQUAD POLICIES AND PROCEDURES CONTACT INFORMATION Allison DiBlasi, Head Cheer Coach Jill Petersen, Head Dance Coach/Spirit Squad Coordinator 3512 Honeysuckle Road 1014 NE 24th Court Ames, Iowa 50014 Ankeny, Iowa 50021 h) 515-292-8124; w) 515-817-0622 jp4cy1@msn.com adiblasi@ames.k12.ia.us (preferred) Darren Papka, Assistant Cheer Coach dpapka@hotmail.com Misty Hade, Assistant Dance Coach mhade@ankeny.k12.ia.us MISSION STATEMENT The Iowa State Spirit Squad promotes and upholds school spirit, through skills and interactive crowd participation. As a member of the team, cheerleaders/dancers will have the opportunity to attend functions which enhance school spirit and give recognition to Iowa State University. It is each squad member s responsibility to put forth their best effort at all engagements, maintain a sense of good sportsmanship, promote crowd involvement, foster good relationships with other schools and take pride in maintaining and creating a level of excellence to be continued through the years. Team members will be challenged to increase personal growth and development through the personal management of athletic and academic responsibilities. PHILOSOPHIES In order to establish a Division 1 Spirit Squad program that is respected and recognized, certain philosophies and policies govern the ISU Spirit Squad program. The coach reserves the right to add/delete or amend policies as s/he sees fit. Given the opportunity to be an ISU Spirit Squad member is considered a privilege, compliance to the policies is expected. It is understood that all ISU Spirit Squad members are dedicated to their sport through financial and philosophical commitments. THE PURPOSES OF BEING AN ISU SPIRIT SQUAD MEMBER Promote ISU spirit at all times Motivate, inspire, and entertain Cyclone fans at games and appearances Maintain a good sense of sportsmanship Promote crowd involvement during games, appearances and competitions Establish and maintain positive relationships with other schools Create and maintain ISU traditions Establish high standards for the Spirit Squad program and continually work to improve our skills as we become a nationally recognized program
SQUAD DESCRIPTIONS The ISU Cheer squads consist of a Co-ed squad and an All-girl squad. Number of squad members varies from year to year and is determined by the coach. The ISU Spirit Squad cheers at football, volleyball (not dance) and men s and women s basketball games, and appearances as assigned. ELIGIBILITY To be eligible to participate in the ISU Spirit Squad Program, the following eligibility requirements must be met. Each team member must Be presently enrolled as a full-time student at Iowa State University, maintaining a minimum of 12 credits each semester Have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 throughout his/her spirit career If a high school senior at the time of tryouts, agree, in good faith, to attend Iowa State University for the fall and spring semesters of the following year Provide proof of insurance at tryouts (medical expenses are the responsibility of the squad member) Provide a current physical, good for the whole year, before camp in early August ATTITUDE We are looking for people who are hard workers flexible (both physically AND mentally) positive mature responsible healthy athletic good role models winners all-around good people We are NOT looking for people who are whiners and complainers quitters lazy immature negative overly dramatic
ACADEMIC POLICY After joining the ISU Spirit Squad, to remain eligible, a team member must be a full-time student (12 credit hours) and maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average. If a freshman does not earn a 2.0 grade point average in their first semester at ISU, they have until the end of the second semester to raise their grade point average to a 2.0, however, they will lose their traveling privileges for the second semester. If they fail to meet the 2.0 grade point average requirement, they will not be allowed to tryout for the following season. If a team member fails to fulfill their grade requirements, they will be dismissed from the squad and asked to turn in their uniform immediately and all fundraising materials, and will not be allowed to practice with the team. An official notice will be mailed to the team member and an invitation to appeal the decision will be offered. UNIFORMS Each team member will be issued a uniform, consisting of pants and shirt for the guys and a skirt, shell and crop top for the girls (similar for dance). Issued uniforms and equipment must be turned in, in the same condition as they were given, at the conclusion of the season, or once the team member has completed their duties with the Spirit Squad. Failure to meet these requirements will result in billing the items to the team member s university account and a hold will be placed on their academic records. In addition, the Iowa State Department of Public Safety may get involved as the items could be considered stolen property. Uniforms may not be loaned out to friends, family or acquaintances. SAFETY The Iowa State University Cheer squads follow guidelines set forth by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA). The ISU cheer coaches are AACCA certified and adhere to the safety standards outlined in the AACCA Safety Manual. The coach will provide AACCA safety guideline information to squad members. CHAIN OF COMMAND If an issue arises, the team member should discuss it with the coach. The issue is handled within the coach s discretion. Under no circumstances are parents of team members to contact ISU staff or faculty. Parents are not consulted or invited to become involved with the workings and/or policies of the program. If any parent/team member disregards this rule, disciplinary action may be taken. The buck stops with the coach.
APPEARANCE As a representative of Iowa State University, the Spirit Squad will portray the proper image of a traditional collegiate cheerleader/dancer at all appearances. If a squad member fails to meet these requirements, disciplinary action may be taken by the coach and at the discretion of the coach. The following guidelines will be enforced at appearances and practices. Appearance must be clean and neat. No gum!!! Guys must be clean shaven (no facial hair). Girls must have their hair out of their eyes (tucking behind ears is not acceptable). Hair must resemble a natural shade. No funky colors. All piercings must be removed, including belly, tongue, and nose. Stud earrings are acceptable for girls. Guys may not wear earrings. No bra straps showing while in uniform Failure to wear the specified uniform (skirt, pants, tops, shoes, socks, bows and the like) will be considered out of uniform and the coach will invoke disciplinary measures, including possible suspension Make-up should be subdued, not clown-like or scary Body tattoos must not be visible! Travel attire will be determined before each trip Due to the nature of the spirit leading activities involved with cheerleading and dancing, the tendency towards developing eating disorders is increased. The ISU Spirit Squad promotes a healthy balance of nutrition and exercise. If you fear that you are developing anorexic or bulimic tendencies, or a teammate, please contact the coach. We will be ready to assist and provide interventive measures. ATTENDANCE POLICY ISU cheerleaders/dancers are required to attend all team functions set by the coach. The coach determines the practice times, dates and locations in advance. Plan accordingly. Times may be subject to change, but not without sufficient notice. All practices are mandatory. Team members may miss practice for illness but must provide doctor s documentation verifying the illness to the coach. If you are sick, but not contagious, you will be expected at practice/game. Injured team members are required to attend practice/game and are expected to participate as best they can (i.e. A sprained ankle does not excuse you from lifting weights). If injury treatment is necessary, a team member must have the treatment done before practice or game time. Should a team member be unable to practice full out, they will still be required to attend practice/game to keep up with the rest of the squad mentally, if not physically.
A documented illness, family emergencies, classes and exams (coach must be notified ahead of time) are the only excused absences. Flat tires, work, sorority/fraternity functions, studying, study groups, or anything else will not be considered excused. Sorority or fraternity participation is not recommended due to schedule conflicts. Forgetting class obligations or personal obligations does not constitute a crisis for the coaches or the team. It is understood that events in your personal life do not take precedence over ISU Spirit Squad activities. While your academic success is a priority, the success of the team depends on everyone being at practices, assigned games and appearances. Squad members must notify the coach via phone or email BEFORE an absence. All disciplinary actions are at the discretion of the coach. However, the following constitute reasonable consequences: Tardy to practice: 3 laps around the track (cheer) If portion of practice is missed, a portion of the next game will be missed Tardy to game: Sit out for a designated time as determined by the coach Unexcused absence to practice: Football Season First offense- Suspension from the next home football game Second offense- Travel privileges revoked for football season Third offense- Possible dismissal Unexcused absence to practice: Basketball Season First offense- Cheerleader will cheer an additional game Second Offense- Travel privileges revoked for basketball season Third Offense- Possible dismissal In addition to conditioning during practice time, three 45-minute strength training workouts are required weekly (Sunday-Saturday). Team members must sign-in at the front desk of the Lied Recreation Facility. Failure to sign in is not the problem of the coaching staff and a team member will earn a consequence to be determined by the coach. During football season, cheerleaders must report to Jack Trice Stadium four hours before kick-off. Team members are expected to warm-up game day stunts and pyramids and then sell their fundraising items at this time along with a few appearances. Team members must report to the field one hour before kick-off for the final warm-up. During basketball season, cheerleaders must report to Hilton Coliseum 1.5 hours before tip-off. (Dance may vary) All Spirit Squad members should be prepared to sacrifice normal university holidays and vacation times. Cheerleaders/dancers will be expected to cheer games and make appearances during most university holidays. This includes, but is not limited to, Thanksgiving, Winter Break, and Spring Break. This policy insures that the cheer squad fulfills the duties of supporting football, volleyball, and basketball, and allows proper preparation for nationals.
CONDUCT ISU Spirit Squad members take on the role of university representative. They are highly visible symbols of Iowa State University, and thus, must conduct themselves at all times, in and out of uniform, with class and dignity. They should be law-abiding citizens and do nothing that would bring embarrassment to the coach, their teammates, Athletic Department, or the university as a whole. Selection as an ISU cheerleader/dancer is a prestigious honor, so act accordingly. Team members are subject to all rules and regulations set by the university as they pertain to alcohol and other drugs. Additionally, the following are reasons for immediate dismissal from the squad: Attending any practice, performance, game or appearance under the influence of alcohol or other drugs Habitual alcohol or substance abuse, or the use of artificial enhancements Drinking/drug use (including tobacco) in public while representing ISU at sanctioned events Possession of illegal drugs/substances No drugs or alcohol will be consumed the morning of, in transit to, or from any home or away game or appearance No alcohol or other drug use is allowed during travel Additional rules include: No swearing or inappropriate language, story-telling or innuendo shall be used while in uniform or during warm-up. ISU Spirit Squad members need to maintain a professional manner while in uniform at all times. Other people, including children, are oftentimes close enough to hear what you are saying! Sexual harassment, or any other harassment based on sexual orientation, race, religion, or gender, will not be tolerated and should be reported to the coach immediately No fraternization with other athletes/trainers besides polite and cordial interaction on road trips, including within Spirit Squad (i.e. females and males may not share rooms) Team members should show proper respect to the coaches and captains; Insubordination will not be tolerated Team members are not allowed to loan out their uniforms or any other garment that advertises ISU cheerleading/dancing in any way Spirit Squad members are never to imitate or make fun of opposing cheerleaders/dancers When fulfilling your role as a Spirit Squad member, attention shall be given first to fans and not to other members of the squad, your family or friends; excessive talking during games is distracting and not allowed. The coach and Athletic Department reserve the right to dismiss any team member for non-compliance
FUNDRAISING In order to maintain, develop and assist our program, fundraising is necessary throughout the year. Each Spirit Squad member will be expected to follow all fundraising mandates. T-shirts sales: Each squad member will be expected to sell at least 80 t-shirts If a team member does not turn in the total amount for the t-shirts to the coach by a specified date, the team member is responsible for returning the remainder of the t-shirts to the coach, or they must pay, out of pocket, the remaining balance of the t-shirts. If the team expectation is to compete at nationals, team members are expected to fundraise the WHOLE amount. IT IS AN EXPECTATION THAT ALL T-SHIRTS ARE SOLD! Calendar sales: Each squad member is expected to secure at least two individuals or businesses to sponsor the spirit calendar Each team member is expected to sell at least 60 calendars If a team member does not turn in the total amount for the calendars to the coach by a specified date, the team member is responsible for returning the remainder of the calendars to the coach, or must pay, out of pocket, the remaining balance for the calendars. If the team expectation is to go to nationals, team members are expected to fundraise the whole amount. IT IS AN EXPECTATION THAT ALL CALENDARS ARE SOLD! Appearances: Team members will be asked to sign-up for appearances For each appearance, the cheer squad or dance squad account earns revenue For each appearance, a cheerleader/dancer receives 10 points EXPENSES Team members are responsible for the following items (app. costs): Summer camp 300.00 Campwear 130.00 Nike Package 0 Hair bows 10.00 Briefs (girls) 10.00 Dance shoes (dance) 105.00 Tights (dance) 10.00 Poms 0 Socks (cheer) Incidentals Team members may choose to purchase additional apparel/gear not included in these basic expenses.
TRAVEL Selection of a travel squad will be selected by the coach and will be based on the following criteria, primarily: Appearance points Sponsorship points Fundraising amounts And secondarily, Seniority Performance Team members who do not attend summer camp will not be allowed to travel during football season, unless the reason was directly related to educational purposes, approved by the coach. Parental permission is required, in writing and at least two weeks in advance, in order to request traveling separately from away events. COMPETITIONS The ISU Spirit Squad coaching staff believes that in order to improve skills, the Spirit Squad needs to compete. It is the expectation that both squads compete at a national competition each year. Local competitions may be attended as well. The coaches will exercise their discretion when selecting a competition squad. Team members may be asked to allow extra practice time to prepare for competitions. YOUR PLEDGE AND OBLIGATION As a member of the Iowa State University Spirit Squad, I have fully read and understand the contents of the ISU Spirit Squad Constitution. I know what is expected of me personally and as a member of the Spirit Squad. My expectations of myself are rivaled only be my expectations of my teammates. I will keep myself knowledgeable and informed of team rules and understand the consequences of unacceptable behavior and inappropriate actions may be severe. I will do all that I can to uphold the honor and tradition of Iowa State University and the ISU Athletic Department, and respect my coaches, teammates, university personnel and all persons associated with school spirit at all times. Signed Parent Signature (if under 18) Please cut off the pledge slip, sign and return to the coach. Date Date