Andrew Jackson Middle School Cheerleading Handbook 2018-2019
General Guidelines for Cheerleaders 1. Cheerleaders should be present at all events that are assigned and initiate crowd involvement with chants. 2. Cheerleaders should be in their assigned position throughout any game or event to which she is assigned. I ask the girls to not get up and roam around the gym for any reason during games unless an emergency. 3. As representatives of their school, cheerleaders should practice good grooming and proper behavior because the community will judge the school by appearance and conduct of squad members. Good grooming includes hair up in a ponytail, no jewelry, no excessive make-up, and a clean and neat uniform. 4. Cheerleaders should accept the decisions of the officials and discourage disagreement of fans by initiating positive chants or cheers. This includes no negative yelling or noises at the calls made by the officials. 5. Cheerleaders should realize the importance of actively influencing the positive conduct of spectators. 6. Cheerleaders should show good sportsmanship, which imposes a type of selfcontrol involving honest rivalry, courteous relations, and graceful acceptance of results. School spirit is a reflection of these attitudes and behavior. If a school is to succeed in one of its prime functions, that of developing good citizenship and school spirit, it is necessary that student groups radiate proper sportsmanlike conduct. The promotion of sportsmanship and school spirit is a primary responsibility of cheerleaders. 7. Cheerleaders should always cheer in a positive manner. It is inappropriate to cheer against the other team or to cheer in response to an opposing player s mistake. 8. Cheers and chants with suggestive words and/or motions shall not be used, as in many situations; they bring about an inappropriate response. 9. Obnoxious behavior will not be encouraged nor permitted under the guise of school spirit. Opposing players, officials, and fans should be treated with respect and dignity. If inappropriate crowd behavior arises, assistance should be obtained from a school administrator or game management. Techniques for Leading Cheers 1. Stimulate and control crowd response. 2. Choose the right cheers at the right times. 3. Divert the crowd s attention by starting a popular cheer when booing develops. 4. Cheerleaders should get the crowd to respond to their lead.
Game Day Reminders: 1. You must be in FULL uniform the entire school day. This includes your skirt, shell, bloomers, socks, clean shoes, and hair bow. If any of these items are missing, appropriate demerits will be deducted. Only school colored jackets should be worn with the uniform. You must never wear any type of jewelry when in uniform. 2. Your hair must be neat and up out of your face. No head bands permitted while in uniform. If you need to keep your bangs back, you must wear bobby pins. 3. No writing anywhere on your body. 4. Remember to keep nails short and polish may be neutral or school colors. No fake nails. 5. You may not use your cell phone during the game. I should not see it out at any time including in-between games. I am not responsible for your phones in your bags. If you would like it in a secure place, I will hold them in my bag. 6. You will use the bathroom during hospitality and before the game. You will not be permitted to talk to your friends during the game. You must wait until half time. Parents please do not talk to your daughters during the game. If it is important and cannot wait until half time, please see me and I will pull her out for a moment. 7. You should not be eating or chewing gum at any time during games. 8. DO NOT LEAVE ON THE BUS BELL! Cheerleaders will leave on the second bell, and report directly to the locker room. It is important that you take all of your belongings with you on the bus, as you will not be able to get back into the gym when we return to school if it is an away game. If it is a home game, you will LOCK everything up. Nothing should be left on the floor or on the benches in the locker room. (The locker room is open during the games to everyone and you wouldn t want anyone stealing your stuff.) 9. Bring your pomes and megaphone to every game with your water bottle, and carry in your bag. 10. On home game days you need to leave on the second bell and report directly into the gym. You will have fifteen minutes to socialize, do hair, and fix makeup. We will stretch and practice after the fifteen minutes. 11. Please remember to be courteous to our visitors with a happy and bright smile on your face! 12. FACIALS especially during your performance!
13. Please respect the bus driver by being completely silent when the overhead lights are on (railroad crossings). Because we share a bus with the girls basketball team, talking on the way to games will not be loud. You may listen to music only if you have headphones in. 14. Keep your hands and other objects in the bus at all times. (No screaming out the window or waving to anyone.) 15. Please say THANK YOU to the other team during hospitality. Try to mingle with the other team don t just sit with Jackson only remember, they will be at Jackson for our home game! 16. HAVE FUN! Rules During Games: 1. Smile during your performance and on the bleachers. Look like you are having fun even if you are not! 2. Pay attention to the game. (Is your team offense or defense? Are you winning or losing? Who has the ball?) The game should affect how you cheer and what you cheer. 3. Pay attention to what your team is doing and what they are planning to do, don t wait until the last minute before a stunt or performance to ask questions. Walking out to perform is not the time to ask, What are we doing? or Where do I go? 4. If you make a mistake, don t draw more attention to yourself by stopping in the middle of a performance and laugh to your neighbor about it. Just keep going. If you mess up, chances are not many people noticed. Mistakes are inevitable; it s how you react to your mistake that is important. 5. Stay in your formation and in your assigned seat. If you are standing on the side court or sitting in the bleachers, don t EVER walk to another position and talk to a friend. Cheerleaders are supposed to be cheering on the team, not carrying on a conversation amongst each other. It s okay to look like you are having fun, you can even chat about the game with the cheerleader NEXT to you but this isn t the time to talk about boys and what you did last weekend. 6. We are not practicing cheers on the sidelines during the game. That s what practices are for. To perform during halftime, you must already know the cheer/chant/dance. 7. When walking around at halftime, please place your hands behind your back while walking to your destination. We are not to be in the gym during
hospitality dinner with the other squad. We are to be eating and socializing with the other cheerleaders. 8. Remember: no jewelry of any kind. 9. Do not get up until 15 seconds are on the clock to perform on court. Andrew Jackson Middle School Cheerleading Constitution The Andrew Jackson Middle School Cheerleading Squad s goals are to support the athletic programs and build school spirit at AJMS. The squad s responsibilities are to lead cheers and raise the level of fan support. We will participate in the athletic activity known as cheerleading by performing cheers, chants, dance movements, and gymnastics. We will also serve as public relations ambassadors and will uphold, reflect, and project the goals and ideals of Andrew Jackson Middle School. 1. Purpose 1.1 The primary function of the cheerleading program is to support the basketball teams (boys and girls). 1.2 The cheerleading squad has the responsibility to promote and uphold team spirit for those we encounter, to develop good sportsmanship by example, to support good relations in the community and between teams and squads during events. 1.3 A cheerleader s first responsibility is to his/her academic program. Cheerleading will not interfere with a student s educational progress. You must maintain a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory conduct during the entire school year in order to participate in cheerleading activities during the school year. You are a student first and an athlete second. If you drop below a 2.0 anytime in the year, you will be removed from the squad until your grade comes back up. 2. Eligibility 2.2 A cheerleader candidate must support the Andrew Jackson Generals above all other teams. This includes other cheerleading events or squads outside of Jackson. 2.3 A candidate must be neatly presented, medically fit. 2.4 Cheerleading must attend practice. Attendance is MANDATORY. There will be additional summer practices, they are not mandatory, but you are encouraged to attend to be ready for the game season. 2.5 Games will be on Tuesday and Thursday evenings during basketball season. 2.6 Maintain a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory conduct. Attendance is mandatory at all games and practices. If a member is to miss a practice or game, they MUST notify the coach as soon as it is known.
3. Safety Guidelines 3.1 Cheerleaders will practice only under the direct supervision of the coach. 3.2 The coach will supervise all practices, games, and scheduled events. Squad members will not be released to practice gymnastics without the direct supervision of the coach. 3.3 Training in proper cheering and dance techniques will be mandatory and learned at camp. 3.4 No jewelry will be allowed when in uniform or at practice. This includes rubber bracelets. 3.5 Wear appropriate clothing to all practices. 3.6 Warm up exercises and stretching will precede all practice sessions, pep rallies, and games of any kind. 3.7 Be on time to ALL practices and performances. Please do not schedule appointments on these dates and times. 3.8 Stay in your assigned seat at all times during the games. Bathroom breaks will be permitted during hospitality and before the games. The AJMS Cheerleading Squad is expected to work as a team, and each member is expected to learn all of the cheer and dance routines. Cheers, Dances, or Seating Arrangements: If you are not placed in a certain dance sequence, seating arrangement, or have been replaced for any person with another member, this decision is not to be taken personally. The AJMS Cheerleading Squad is a team and we will work as one as the saying goes, There is no I in team! 4. Expected Code of Conduct 4.1 All cheerleaders will abide by Brevard County s student code of conduct while attending classes, in the hallways, on the patio, in the lunchroom, at practice, at games, or any other times they may be representing Andrew Jackson Middle School. 4.2 Squad members are required to maintain and uphold the reputation of Andrew Jackson General Cheerleaders through their own conduct and squad spirit. 4.3 Members will be courteous, polite, and friendly. Try to have a smile for everyone especially when you are in uniform! Remember, there is always a little girl in the crowd who wants to be just like you don t disappoint her! 4.4 All cheers and chants shall be of positive and sportsman like manner. 4.5 Members will ignore or dissuade negative responses at events and not become involved in such actions themselves. Any negative actions need to be reported to the coach immediately. 4.6 All cheerleaders will be respectful of game officials; opposing team members, coaches, cheerleaders; and Jackson players, coaches; and administrators, whether at home or away.
4.7 All cheerleaders will support each other and avoid any negative comments or attitudes among the squad. Remember you are a TEAM! 4.8 Our squad has a responsibility to uphold, to reflect, and to project the goals and ideals of our school. We will be good public relations and ambassadors for the school and its athletic program. 4.9 Poms must be kept in your backpack or P.E. locker. They should not be brought to the classrooms for ANY reason. If you are found to have them out during class, in the halls, etc., you will be benched the following game and appropriate demerits will be taken. Please be responsible for all of your belongings. All cheerleaders are able to rent a locker first semester. 5. Travel 5.1 Cheerleaders will travel to away games on the school bus chaperoned by the coach. Parents will be expected to pick up their child upon returning to Jackson promptly. If a parent would like to take their child home from an away game, they must check them out with the coach first. 5.2 You must keep your hands, arms, and any other object inside the bus at all times. 5.3 There will be no loud talking or listing to music without headphones on the bus during the way to away games. You will need to do homework or something quietly as the girls basketball team will be preparing for their game. 5.4 Riding the bus is a privilege and if rules are broken, you will be benched from the bus and you will not be cheering at the next away game. 6. Appearance 6.1 For safety reasons, jewelry or watches will not be worn with uniform or at practice. 6.2 Uniforms must be kept spotless at all times. 6.3 Make-up should be neat and minimal. 6.4 All hairstyles must be neat and secured up, not needing attention (brushing, fixing, etc.) while performing. Hair must be the same for the entire squad on game day. Your hair should be up in a high ponytail. This looks neater and more uniform. 6.5 Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of squad or team identification must always conduct themselves in a manner becoming to an Andrew Jackson General member. 6.6 Your cheer jackets may be worn over the uniform. When in uniform, this or a jacket with school colors may ONLY be worn. Skimmers (bodysuits) will be worn only when the coach says they need to be worn 6.7 Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of squad identification MUST always conduct themselves in a manner that is becoming to a Jackson General member. Keeping this in mind, that is why you should NEVER let someone wear your jacket or other cheerleading items.
6.8 Nails must be kept short. Polish should be natural or school colors. Absolutely no artificial nails will be allowed. 6.9 On Fridays, you will be required to wear spirit shirts. This is EVERY Friday for game season. If you choose to not wear the spirit shirt, you will receive demerits. 7. Duties of Captains 7.1 Set an example to the rest of the squad by following the rules and regulations of the Andrew Jackson Generals Cheerleaders. 7.2 Be at practice early and start practice on time; getting everyone together where they need to be the coach should not have to tell you. 7.3 Assist in setting cheers and chants to be used at games and events. The squad should make suggestions, but the decision shall be made by the captains and the coach. 7.4 Be responsible for welcoming visiting squads and setting a good example of friendliness to others. 7.5 Hanging up all game signs and making sure that they are up one week prior to that game. Please make sure to remove the signs once the game is over the following day. 7.6 Keep the crowd cheering and your cheerleaders in proper formation during the games. Again, if the captains tell you to move from your assigned seat, do not take it personally. This is their job to make sure you are following along and where you need to be. 7.7 Show no partiality within the squad. 7.8 Before a captain makes any adjustments to the squad and/or cheers, they need to inform the coach FIRST. Any cheerleader wishing to try out for next year s squad must be in good standing. You will not be allowed to tryout if you quit the squad or had to be dismissed from the squad. 8. Demerit Schedule At the discretion of the coach, additional categories may be added and enforced. The categories below represent the minimum requirements of the district and school policies. Any additional infractions will be discussed with the cheerleaders in detail. Assigned activity means games, practices, or other activities scheduled by the coach. Please note: If you miss more than two assigned activities without approval FIRST, you will automatically be benched. Also, the coach will not deal with drama within the squad. If you are found to be causing any sort of drama, your parent will be notified and you will be automatically dismissed from the squad.
Infraction Demerits Missing an assigned activity without 10 approval Not being a team player 10 Late to an assigned activity 5 Leaving an assigned activity without 5 approval Not in assigned seat during game 5 Not in full uniform 10 Gum/candy 5 Jewelry or markings on hands 5 Dirty or wrinkled uniform 5 Dress coded at school 5 Served a detention 10 demerits and sitting out the next game Dean s Detention 10 demerits and sitting out the next game You are caught posting any inappropriate 10 demerits and sitting out the next game. photos or language on your media pages about others (especially teammates) Caught cyber bullying or bulling in general by administration and/or coach and were found guilty Immediate removal from squad and they will not be allowed to try out the following year. Cursing at school ( you are an ambassador 10 demerits and sitting out the next game. for Jackson) Suspension Immediate Removal from the squad and they will not be allowed to try out the next year. Please be aware of the game and practice schedules to make certain that you do not schedule appointments or vacations during these times. If you must miss an assigned activity, you must bring in a note from your parent or guardian for it to be excused. Please call the coach before it is known. Double demerits will be taken from all unexcused tardies and absences! Practice is very important and MANDATORY! Upon accumulation of fifteen demerits, the coach will bench the cheerleader at the next game, and call the parent. If your child is benched at a game, they must sit by the coach dressed in full uniform for the entire game and not participate. Grounds for Expulsion from the squad and will not be allowed to try ou the following year: 1. Accumulation of forty demerits. 2. Use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. 3. Serious offense/immoral conduct (fighting, grade changing, etc) which usually results in a referral.
4. Failure to maintain scholastic eligibility. (U s or two or more N s in conduct) 5. Causing drama. 6. If you receive a suspension, you will be removed from the squad immediately and will not be allowed to try out the following year. 7. For each detention you receive you will be benched the next game. Excessive detentions will result in an expulsion from the squad and will not be allowed to try out the following year. 8. If your cheerleader receives 2 or more detentions after game season they will not participate in any more activities with the cheerleaders for the remainder of the year. They will also not be chosen for the following cheer season (7 th graders) or given a recommendation for high school cheer squad (8 th graders). 9. Discipline Suspension and Dismissal Policies 9.1 ACADEMIC All cheerleaders must maintain a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory conduct in ALL classes (including electives). 9.2 Cheerleaders must abide by the Brevard County Schools Code of Conduct. 9.3 It shall be squad policy that disciplinary action will only be invoked as a last resort, and that every reasonable attempt will be made to avoid situations likely to lead to such action through squad discussion and positive encouragement, by example, and by finding ways and means to correct negative trends. Demerits will be given for every violation to the listed constitution, practice rules, and/or squad rules. We are one of the most visible units at Andrew Jackson Middle School. We have a duty to support our school in a positive manner and spread school spirit throughout AJMS. The Cheerleading Squad is an extracurricular activity; it is considered a privilege to be a member of this squad. As a member, you will be expected to support AJMS athletics and actively build school spirit. You will also be expected to maintain your academic standing, and keep your GPA at a 2.0 or higher at ALL times. As a member of the AJMS cheerleading squad, you will be expected to conduct yourself as a responsible, mature young adult. The game will go on without you if you cannot abide by these rules. This informative document is written for the cheerleading squad, (as well as parents/guardians or relatives of the cheerleaders) in order to have a complete understanding of the policies of the AJMS cheerleading program. Members of the AJMS Cheerleading squad shall first be law abiding citizens of the nation, state, and city; and secondly, shall be exemplary representatives of AJMS.
I,, have read the above constitution/contract, have a copy of the contract, and understand fully what is expected of me as an Andrew Jackson Middle School Cheerleader. This contract runs from the day you sign it on April 17 th, 2018 until the last day of the 2018-2019 school year. (Cheerleader s Signature and Date) (Parent/Guardian s Signature and Date)