Temple University Cheerleading Manual 2008-2009 Matthew Echevarria / Lauren Ketterman Head Cheerleading Coaches (215) 204-2789 matthew.echevarria@temple.edu / kett327@hotmail.com http://owlsports.cstv.com/trads/cheer.html
Organization General Information: As a Temple cheerleader, you'll always have some of the best "seats" in the house! The tradition of excellence for our football program, and our successes on the basketball court offer an exciting backdrop for cheerleaders and fans alike. Away games (when applicable) offer regular travel opportunities to every corner of New England and the Mid-Atlantic States, including post-season playoffs for football and a chance for courtside "seats" to the NCAA basketball tournament. We also make the annual trip to the National Collegiate Cheer Championships. Our involvement in public appearances outside the sporting venue also makes our program one of the most high-profile in the country. Most importantly, however, our program offers the opportunity to make life-long friendships. Scholarship information: The University offers a $600 total book scholarship to all cheerleaders. At the end of each semester each cheerleader will receive a $300.00 check. Teams Responsibilities: 1. The Squad s first responsibility is to their academic programs. Participating in cheerleading should not hamper their educational progress. 2. The primary role of our cheerleading program is to support athletics & the marketing department and we will spend the majority of our time developing ways to increase school spirit and crowd involvement during games and special appearances. 3. Our squad has a responsibility to uphold, to reflect, and to project goals and ideals of our school. We intend to be good public relations ambassadors for the school and its athletic programs. Uniforms Equipment: 1. Cheerleader uniforms are University property. 2. Cheerleaders will be held responsible for uniforms that are cleaned improperly, stained, damaged or lost and must pay the cost in full. Each uniform costs approximately $200. The same rules apply to megs and poms. 3. Cheerleader uniforms should be performance ready at all times! Uniforms should always be pressed, neat, and clean when worn at pep rallies, home/ away athletic event, and university community events. Failure to uphold this requirement may result in the athlete sitting out the uniformed event. Correct colored undershirts are required.
Uniforms Equipment: (Cont d) 4. All uniforms must be turned into the cheerleading coach within one week of the end of the season. Uniforms should be laundered by a professional service and returned in a dry cleaning bag with the tag still attached. All other cheerleading gear must be turned in at the same time. University records and graduation may be blocked and withheld if directions are not followed!!! 5. In the event that a cheerleader quits the program or is dismissed, the cheerleader must return all cheerleading attire immediately. This includes all T shirts, shorts, sneakers, and uniforms that were provided in that academic year.. University records and graduation may be blocked and withheld if directions are not followed!!! Games: 1. Cheerleaders will perform at all pep rallies, community and athletic events when approved and arranged by the coaching staff and Athletic Marketing Department. 2. Cheerleaders must arrive two hours prior to game time unless otherwise instructed by the coaching staff. 3. Cheerleaders must have proficient knowledge of all cheerleading material and stunt progressions. 4. Cheerleaders are required to abide by all safety guidelines set by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA). 5. A cheerleader will be dismissed from the team immediately if he/she arrives at a cheerleading activity under the influence of alcohol or drugs as determined by the coaching staff. There shall be no alcohol or non-prescription drugs used while in uniform, or during any activity sponsored by the cheerleading team or the university. Any cheerleader found to be using alcohol or non-prescription drugs will be dismissed immediately from the team. 6. The head coach will determine the number of cheerleaders that attend the athletic events or activities. Practice/ Performance: 1. Cheerleaders must attend all practices and performances. Practice will be scheduled by the cheerleading coach. 2. Cheerleaders must be prepared to compete for the College cheerleading championship. This will require additional time for taping and practice if deemed appropriate by the head cheerleading coach. 3. Cheerleaders must abide by all AACCA safety guidelines. 4. Team members must participate in cardiovascular training at least three days per week. Similarly, team members must participate in weight training at least three days per week. Repeated failure to meet the work out requirements will result in the suspension from the performance and/ or dismissal from the team.
Practice/ Performance: (Cont d) 5. No jewelry of any kind will be permitted at practices or games. Females may wear stud earrings at games only! 6. Facial hair must be kept clean. 7. No food drinks, or gum will be allowed at practices or performances. (Only Water or Non colored Sports Drinks) 8. All team members must be early/ on time to practice/ performances. 9. Individuals who miss practice (unexcused) will not participate in the next performance/ Function; however, they will be required to attend in full uniform. Repeated unexcused absences will result in the dismissal from the team. 10. Individuals who miss a game (unexcused) will be dismissed from the team. Each individual case will be reviewed by the head cheerleading coach. 11. Group and private discussions between team members will not be allowed during games and public relations activities. 12. Arguments between cheerleaders will not be tolerated as they negatively reflect on the organization of the team. Conflicts will be resolved at an appropriate time outside of the performance/ practice. 13. Cheerleaders must use appropriate and acceptable language at all times. No profanity or vulgarity will be tolerated. 14. ATTITUDES ARE NOT TOLERATED! Attitudes must be checked at the door prior to any practice, game, or event. REASONS FOR DISMISSAL FROM TEMPLE CHEERLEADING TEAM A cheerleading Team member will be dismissed in the following cases: 1. Failure to fulfill the Temple University Athletic academic standards listed above. 2. Failure to promote and uphold the goals and ideals of the Temple University and the cheerleading program. Cheerleading team members will be held to code of conduct above that of the average student. This is due to the high visibility of the athlete on and off campus. 3. Failure to abide by the Temple University and State of Pennsylvania alcohol and drug policies for athletic teams. Therefore, while traveling and participating in team-sponsored activities, student athletes will be prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages. Similarly, student athletes are expected to abide by NCAA regulations regarding the use of non-therapeutic drugs or the use of nicotine in any from while a member of the athletic organization. Random drug testing will be preformed based on University and NCAA policy. 4. Three Unexcused cases of tardiness to cheerleading practice/ lifting. 5. One unexcused absence at a mandatory cheerleading event. A cheerleading team member will be penalized in the following cases:
REASONS FOR DISMISSAL FROM (Cont d) TEMPLE CHEERLEADING TEAM 1. One unexcused* absence from practice, lifting, or public relations event will result in sitting out the next scheduled athletic event. 2. The Temple University Cheerleading team works on a three strike policy. Unexcused tardiness to any event or practice is considered a strike. A team member receiving a third strike will be immediately dismissed from the team. An unexcused absence is any absence that has been deemed acceptable by the head cheerleading coach. Examples include: sickness, death in the family, acts of God or nature, or accident. Note: Upon dismissal from the cheerleading Team all cheerleading equipment and uniforms must be returned to the head coach within three working days. Upon dismissal you are not allowed to tryout until one year later after dismissal date. Coaches & Temple University Administration reserves the right to dismiss any athlete on the spot if athlete is not adhering to any rules or policies engaged on this manual. Name of Cheerleader: I have read the information in the 2008-2009 Temple University Policy and Procedure Manual in its entirety. I understand that failure to abide by any of the established polices of the Temple University Cheerleading Program could result in my immediate dismissal from the team. Signature of Cheerleader: Date: Temple University