ORIENTATION PACKET 2014
SSCO Orientation Packet Table of Contents Page 2 Page 3 Page 4-5 Page 6-10 Page 11-15 2013-2014 SSCO Board of Directors SSCO Mission Statement Fees & Season Information Athlete, Parent & Cheer Code of Conduct Risk of Cheering 2014 SSCO BOARD OF DIRECTORS Name Title Email Phone Milissa Rodgers President pmrog@zoominternet.net H 724-287-8898 Vice President Treasurer Secretary C 724-822-5956 H C H C H C Banquet Manager Advertising Manager H C H C SSCO Website: http://saxonburgspartans.blogspot.com
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Saxonburg Spartans Cheer Organization (SSCO) Mission Statement We are a volunteer organization that strives to create developmental program where our daughters can learn the sport of cheerleading. By relying on the generosity and dedication of our membership, we work hard to create a quality experience at the lowest cost for our families. We will continue to strengthen our relationship to the community, the schools and the members of this organization with whom we work and live every day. We will conduct ourselves with the highest degree of integrity and honor. We will promote the ideals of sportsmanship, friendly competition, physical fitness and fair play. We will strive to develop our children into the athletes that they will become. 3
Saxonburg Spartans Cheer Organization FEES & INFORMATION Thank you for your interest in the Saxonburg Spartan Cheer Organization. As we enter into our next season, we have grown significantly. Here is some information for the 2014 season: Team Dues: U15- $175.00 + ($100.00 Mandatory Fundraiser) U13- $150.00 + ($100.00 Mandatory Fundraiser) U11- $125.00 + ($100.00 Mandatory Fundraiser) U9 - $85.00 + ($100.00 Mandatory Fundraiser) U7 - $85.00 + ($100.00 Mandatory Fundraiser) A $10.00 discount on dues (less US Lacrosse Membership) will be provided for additional family members who are playing. Our refund policy is a 50% refund (less US Lacrosse membership) if withdrawing prior to first game. No refunds will be issued after the 1 st game. All fundraising funds are retained by the BBSLA. Fundraising: Mandatory fundraising of $100/family. 2013-2014 fundraising will be in the form of $1.00 cash prize raffle tickets. The raffle tickets will be pre-paid and handed out at registration. Tickets will be collected in late March and the drawing will be held at our first home game in April. Additionally, BBSLA will provide various other fundraising opportunities prior to and throughout the season to defray season registration fees. Practices: Practices are mandatory. If you can t make it, or will be late you must notify the coach via email or by phone. Contact information will be provided as the season gets under way. Outdoor practices will be at the Primary School or another designated location. Please drop off your child at the location where their squad will be practicing. Always watch for children while driving in the parking lots. 4
Games: Home games are at the Knoch High School Athletic Field or another designated location. Transportation to away games is to be provided by the player s family. Uniforms: All Cheerleaders must have in cheer bag or wear the following uniform pieces at all games. The player is responsible for the purchase of uniform pieces listed below: 1 Helmet (color - Old Gold) Cascade Helmet is preferred but there are other good choices. 2 Gloves (Blue, gold or white) 3 Shoulder pads 4 Elbow pads. 5 Players must also wear mouthpieces at all times. Mouthpieces must be colored (not clear) so they are visible to officials. 6 All players will be required to wear rib guards for practice and games. 7 Football spikes are the shoes of choice for lacrosse. There are now lacrosse shoes but they are often more expensive than football spikes. 8 Lacrosse stick. Players will be provided with uniforms. Uniforms must be turned in at the end of the season. Players are also responsible for the care and washing of these items. Failure to return jerseys or damage to jerseys from careless washing/drying will result in the player being billed for the cost of a replacement jersey. Banquet/Picnic: There will be an end of season banquet or picnic. Ideas and suggestions are encouraged. Information: The preferred route of information will be by email or posting on the website (http://bbsla.us.la) Players who don t have access to email or the web are expected to check with teammates for information. BBSLA Bylaws can be found on the website: http://bbsla.usl.la U.S. Lacrosse Membership: The league requires that all players become members of U.S. Lacrosse. Your team dues will cover this required membership. If you are already a US Lacrosse member, you will be required to present either proof of payment or a current membership prior to the start of practice. Your membership fees will be reduced accordingly Your membership must not expire before May 31, 2014. 5
Saxonburg Spartans Cheer Organization Athlete Code of Conduct Purpose The purpose of the document is to communicate the Athlete Code of Conduct for the Saxonburg Spartans cheer Organization as adopted by the Board of Directors and as amended from time to time for the benefit of the Association. Athlete Conduct Each Cheerleader participating in the Saxonburg Spartans Cheer Organization will conform to the Code of Conduct as outlined in this document. This Code of Conduct has been developed to aid each Cheerleader in achieving the highest level of cheerleader behavior so as to become a well-rounded, responsible and productive cheerleader, representing the Saxonburg Spartans Cheer Organization. Each Cheerleader shall Conform to the rules as set forth in this code of conduct and as may be amended from time to time by the Saxonburg Spartans Cheer Organization and approved by the Board of Directors. Treat fellow cheerleaders, coaches, jr. coaches, opponents, parents, and all associated with cheerleading with courtesy and respect. Refrain from any and all acts of hazing or initiation that is degrading, unsafe or humiliating. Never condone physical or verbal abuse which demeans another Cheerleaders dignity. Treat all fairly without regard to sex, race, religion, color or national origin. Consistently display the highest personal standards of conduct and project a favorable image for the sport of Cheerleading the squad and your families, which you personally represent with your behavior. 6
Refrain from criticism of fellow cheerleaders, coaches and athletes. Refrain from any and all illegal or banned substances. Conform to all substance testing if required. Refrain from profane, insulting, harassing and otherwise offensive language. Conform to the training, practice and competitive schedule as determined by the coaching staff of the Saxonburg Spartans Cheerleading Organization and as approved by the Board of Directors. Uphold the Saxonburg Spartans Cheerleading Code of Conduct, the rules of the sport, the spirit of such rules and encourage fellow cheerleaders to do the same. Treat officials, opponents and coaches with respect before, during and after any competitive event, practice or scrimmage during which you represent the Butler Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association. This Code of Conduct was modeled after the Butler Area Athlete Code of Conduct. School District Policies can be found online at the following address: http://www.w1w.cc/psba/districts_policies/b/butlerarea/polbutltableofcontents.htm#200 Remedy The Board of Directors of the Butler Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association will have sole authority in determining the remedy for infractions of this Code of conduct. A remedy may include suspension or expulsion from the association or civil or criminal action as appropriate. In the event a parent is suspended or expelled from the association the athlete will receive the same remedy. Additionally penalties that are described by school district policy will be followed in any case where a violation of that specific policy has occurred. adopted 9/1/06 revised 9/1/07 revised 10/1/08 revised 9/24/10 revised 1/4/13 revised 12/18/13 7
Butler Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association Parents Code of Conduct Purpose The purpose of this document is to communicate the Parents Code of Conduct for the Saxonburg Spartans Cheer Association as adopted by the Board of Directors and as amended from time to time for the benefit of the Association. Parental Conduct The parent(s) or guardian of each Athlete who participates in the Saxonburg Spartans Cheer Association will adhere to the following code of conduct as approved by the Board of Directors and as amended from time to time for the benefit of the Association. Each parent shall Conform to the same standards of conduct as outlined in the Athlete Code of Conduct for the Butler Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association. In addition each parent shall: Respect all players, coaches and members of the Butler Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association. Conform to rules, policies and other guidelines as adopted by the Butler Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association and approved by the Board of Directors. Honor all coaching decisions with regards to schedules, practices and player assignments. Any question regarding playing time or another issue that occurred at a specific event may be directed to the head coach of the team but only after a 24 hour cooling-off period. Harassment of coaches will not be tolerated. Participate when called upon in fundraising and other activities for the benefit of the Association. 8
Support your team without disparaging the opponent, their coaches and those who support them. Support your team, the players and the coaches and the decisions they make for the benefit of the team. Support all Butler Area School District policies with regards to student conduct, substance abuse, attendance, eligibility and hazing without discrimination. Never physically or verbally abuse another player, their team, their coaches, officials or fans whether at home or away. Remember at all times that you represent the Butler Area School District and the Butler Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association, our players, our coaches and our fans. Specific school district policies can be found at: http://www.w1w.cc/psba/districts_policies/b/butlerarea/polbutltableofcontents.htm#200 Remedy The Board of Directors of the Butler Boys Scholastic Lacrosse Association will have sole authority in determining the remedy for infractions of this Code of Conduct. A Remedy may include suspension or expulsion from the association or civil or criminal action as appropriate. Suspension or expulsion of a parent will result in the concurrent suspension or expulsion of the athlete. adopted 9/1/06 revised 9/1/07 revised 10/1/08 9
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RISK OF PLAYING SPORTS There are many benefits of the athletic participation in the mental, physical and emotional development of the student/athlete, but there is also the possibility that an athlete may be injured. This statement is made to warn you of some of the risks of athletic participation. Death: From trauma or inherent physical weakness Paralysis: Spinal cord injury, broken back Wounds: Cuts, bruises, fat lip Sprain: Twisted knee, torn ligaments Strains: Pulled muscles, Charlie Horse Dislocation: Shoulder, knee CATASTROPHIC RISKS OF ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION OTHER RISKS OF ATHLETIC PARTICIPATION (NOT ALL INCLUSIVE) Fracture: Broken bones (arms, legs and collar bones) Inflammation: Tenderness, infection Concussions: Knocked out Heat Exhaustion: Infection: MRSA from wounds See additional information below on Concussions & MRSA infections: What is a Concussion? CONCUSSIONS Like all contact sports, there are risks associated with playing lacrosse. One of those risks is concussion, also known as mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI). With proper care & precautions, recovery from a concussion is usually uneventful. The major risk from this injury is when a player sustains a concussion that is not reported or diagnosed & returns to competition prior to recovery & sustains a second concussion also known as second-impact syndrome. In that case, complications such as learning & cognitive difficulties can occur. In rare cases, swelling of the brain or bleeding into the brain can also occur. Recognition that a concussion has occurred is the most important step. 11
How does this occur in Lacrosse? In lacrosse, a concussion can occur from impacting another player, by impacting the playing surface or by being hit in the head by a hard shot. Note: helmet to helmet contact is probably the major cause for most head & neck injuries & should be avoided. What are the symptoms of a Concussion? The player may feel dazed initially. He will report a headache, nausea, visual changes, & amnesia to events just prior to the injury as well as for a short duration afterwards. These symptoms may continue over next few hours but should gradually ease up. Report any worsening symptoms such as increasing amnesia, headaches, stiffening of the neck, confusion, irritability, mood swings, dizziness, poor balance, drowsiness, loss of appetite, ringing of the ears or slurring of speech to your health care provider immediately. If you are unable to contact your health care provider, you should go to the Emergency Department. You should go the Emergency Department immediately for any discharge from the nose or ears, vomiting, alteration in breathing patterns, blurred vision or sensitivity to light, seizures, weakness of an extremity, or unequal pupils & odd motion of the eyes. How is a concussion treated and when can my son return to play? Teach your son to report any of the initial symptoms of a concussion to his coach immediately. The coach will do the following: Remove the player from practice or game-play. Observe the player on the sidelines. Notify the parent of a possible concussion. Request that the player not return to contact play until at least 7 days after the last reported symptom. i.e. player is injured on Tuesday, still has a headache until Thursday, he would not return to contact activities until at least the following Thursday. This policy can be overruled with a note signed by your son s health care provider clearing him to return. Otherwise, there will be no exceptions to the 7 day rule. It is strongly recommended that the player follow-up with his health care provider prior to returning to practice or play. Another important tool in the assessment of long-term effects of concussion is a baseline cognitive test that can be completed on-line. Since the long-term symptoms of concussion are very hard to recognize & it is hard to measure recovery, we are encouraging every player to have a baseline ImPACT test in case they suffer a head injury. This test was developed by University of Pittsburgh Sports Medicine & has been adopted by sports teams that include professional football, hockey teams along with many high school teams. You can complete a baseline exam through the: 12
The website provides information and referral sources if you sustain a concussion. The website is http://www.uslacrosse.org/safety/concussion.phtml If you sustain a head injury, you would return to the site & complete a second test. For those of you who played freshmen, JV, or varsity football in Butler, you should have a baseline test on file. You can obtain a copy of the results by contacting the athletic trainers.