Cheerleader Information Packet 2013-2014
FCHS 2013-2014 Cheer Clinic & Tryouts Tues., Feb. 19 Wed., Feb. 20 Thurs., Feb. 21 Fri., Feb. 22 Sat., Feb. 23 3:30-5:00 FCHS gym 3:30-5:00 FCHS gym 3:30-5:00 FCHS gym 3:30-5:00 FCHS gym (mock tryouts at 4:00- parents are welcome) 8:00 am FCHS gym (tryouts- closed to public) Dress: Please abide by the P.E. dress code for the clinic practice days. For tryouts, wear black sophees and a white fitted tee. On Tuesday, Feb. 19, please bring your completed forms and the $10 try-out fee. No one will be allowed to participate without the correct forms signed by parents. Scores from tryouts will be divided equally into 4 categories: 1) judges scores, 2) teacher evaluations, 3) clinic observation (attitude and effort) and 4) a short writing assignment on how to promote school spirit (attached). Try-out fee $10 Camp(2-day, private) Shoes $65 Briefs $15 Uniform/bodyliner $120 Cheerleading Projected Expenses* 2013-1014 $220 May be lower, dependent upon the # of cheerleaders. *All expenses are an approximate amount. The money generated from fundraisers will be split equally among the cheerleaders and is applied to the cost of the uniform and/or shoes. A cheerleader who does not participate in a fundraiser will not receive any of the funds generated from that fundraiser. The cost of camp will be your responsibility and can be paid in installments. Camp will be scheduled sometime during June. We are waiting for confirmation on the exact days. We hope to have these dates by the week of tryouts so that we can avoid scheduling conflicts. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact either one of us: Kelly Adams- kadams@faithchristian.info, cell- 256-288-6842 Robbie Yarbrough- ryarbrough@faithchristian.info, cell- 256-201-1241 2
Faith Christian High School Cheerleader Constitution Agreement Form 2013-2014 My daughter and I have read the Faith Christian School Cheerleader Constitution. We understand that cheerleading is a commitment which demands time and effort. We understand that the progress of the entire squad is hindered when one cheerleader fails to meet her obligations and will strive to fulfill the responsibilities involved. Parent Signature Date Student Signature Date 3
Faith Christian High School Informed Consent Form I hereby give my permission for to participate in cheerleading for the 2013-2014 school year (including tryouts). I understand that by signing this, it is a commitment that my child will be enrolled in Faith Christian School during the 2013-2014 school year. Further, I authorize the school to provide emergency medical treatment of any injury or illness my child may experience if qualified medical personnel consider treatment necessary and perform the treatment. This authorization is granted only if I cannot be reached and a reasonable effort has been made to do so. Parent/Guardian Address Home Phone Cell Phone Family Physician Phone Medical Conditions (ex. Allergies or chronic illness) Medications Emergency contact (other than parent) Phone Insurance company Policy# My child and I are aware that participating in cheerleading is a potentially hazardous activity. I assume all risks associated with participation in this sport, including, but not limited to falls, contact with other participants, the effects of weather, traffic, and other reasonable risk conditions associated with cheerleading. All such risks to my child are known by me. I hereby agree to release Faith Christian School, its representatives, and employees from liability for any injury to the above-named student. Parent Signature Date Student Signature Date (Form approved by AHSAA) 4
Contact Information Student Name Cell Phone Email Address Parent Name Cell Phone Email Address 5
Faith Christian High School Cheerleader Constitution 2013-2014 Purpose: The purpose of the Faith Christian School cheerleading program is to provide a Christ-centered program where students have the opportunity to grow as athletes, promote school spirit, demonstrate discipline, build lifelong friendships, and give God the glory by growing their relationships with Him and exhibiting the attributes of a Christ-centered life. Philosophy: God can work through the cheerleading program at Faith Christian High School to build Christ-like character qualities such as leadership, loyalty, love, and faithfulness into the life of each cheerleader. Each cheerleader has an individual responsibility towards God, her school, her coach and her teammates. I. Eligibility a. Eligibility rules as adopted by the Alabama High School Athletic Association will be used. i. Students entering the 8 th - 11 th grades must have passed during the last two semesters in attendance and summer school, if applicable, at least five new subjects with minimum composite numerical average of 70 in those five subjects and must have been promoted to the next grade. ii. Students entering 7 th grade for the first time are eligible. iii. A cheerleader who has resigned or been dismissed from any current or previous squad must receive permission from the cheer coach/sponsor and/or headmaster before trying out. iv. If a girl is not re-enrolled for the following school year by the time of spring tryouts, a written letter by the parent or guardian stating her intention to return will be required. II. Tryouts a. Tryouts for the upcoming school year will be held in the spring as determined by the cheer coach/sponsor and the school administration. b. Cheerleader tryouts will be organized by the cheer coach/sponsor in cooperation with a school administrator. c. Signed permission slips and signed constitution agreement forms must be returned prior to tryouts. d. Girls must attend clinic as scheduled by the cheer coach/sponsor. i. Written doctor s excuse is required in the event of absence. ii. The cheer coach/sponsor should be notified as soon as a possibility of absence is known due to illness or death of immediate family member. III. Duties and Responsibilities a. Cheerleading is a team sport where all members play a vital role, thus all members are expected to be committed to their squad and be present at all squad activities including summer camp, practices, games, fundraisers, school decorating, etc. a. Safety guidelines will be established by the cheer coach/sponsor using guidelines published by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors. i. Evidence of medical insurance will be provided to the cheer coach/sponsor. ii. To insure the safety of all squad members, cheerleaders will maintain good physical condition by participation in physical fitness activities as prescribed by the cheer coach/sponsor. 6
b. Cheerleading clothing will be purchased by the individual cheerleader and by the squad through fundraisers. i. Cheerleaders will purchase shoes, socks, body suits, briefs, and accessories. ii. New uniforms will be purchased through fundraisers by the squad or by individuals when funds are not available. iii. Parents will be notified before new uniforms are ordered if individual cheerleaders must share in the expense. iv. Uniforms purchased by the squad are school property and must be returned to the cheer coach/sponsor in good condition when a girl no longer cheers. v. Uniforms and shoes are to be worn only during cheerleading activities. vi. If a cheerleader quits, she is responsible for all financial obligations, including the cost of the uniform and will not receive a refund for camp. c. Cheerleaders will cheer at all basketball games. i. Cheerleaders will be at the game 30 minutes before home games and 15 minutes prior to departure time for away games unless the coach/sponsor requests another time. 1. Transportation to away games will be provided by parents, and/or cheer coach. 2. Cheer coach/sponsor must approve any alternate transportation. 3. Cheerleaders may ride home from games with their parents; parents must inform cheer coach/sponsor. 4. A cheerleader may be dismissed from the squad for using unapproved transportation. ii. A cheerleader must receive credit for school attendance on game day to cheer at the game (1/2 day). iii. Attendance at games is mandatory. 1. Excused absences include illness, death of a family member, or any absence preapproved by the cheer coach/sponsor. 2. The cheer coach/sponsor must be informed BY A PARENT in writing PRIOR to an absence for non-illness absences. 3. A PARENT (NOT cheerleader) must call the cheer coach/sponsor in the event of an illness. 4. A cheerleader will receive a consequence from the cheer coach/sponsor such as being benched for a game for unexcused absences. 5. A cheerleader may be dismissed from the squad for failing to attend a game without an excused reason for accumulating excessive absences. 6. Injured cheerleaders must have a doctor s excuse to be excused from activities and will dress out with the squad. d. Appearance at Games and Practices i. Fingernails must be cut, and no polish is allowed. ii. No jewelry is allowed. iii. Hair must be pulled up and matching bows worn. iv. Chewing gum is not allowed. v. Public display of affection is not allowed. vi. Use of cell phones, cameras, etc., are not allowed during a game or practice. vii. Consequences will include a warning (1 st time), punishment (2 nd time), and dismissal from the squad (3 rd time). e. Practices i. Cheerleaders are expected to attend all practices. 7
ii. Excused absences include illness, death of a family member, or any absence preapproved by the cheer coach/sponsor. 1. The cheer coach/sponsor must be informed BY A PARENT in writing PRIOR to an absence for non-illness absences. 2. A PARENT may call the cheer coach/sponsor in the event of an illness. 3. A cheerleader will receive a consequence from the cheer coach/sponsor for unexcused absences. 4. A cheerleader may be dismissed from the squad for accumulating excessive absences. 5. Injured cheerleaders must have a doctor s excuse to be excused from activities and will attend practices. 6. Cheerleaders requiring transportation must be picked up on time. f. Conduct i. Cheerleaders are official representatives of Faith Christian School and should display Christ-like character qualities on campus and off campus. ii. Cheerleaders should assume a leadership role and provide an example for others. iii. Guidelines established in the Faith Christian School Handbook will apply to cheerleaders. 1. Cheerleaders may not cheer or practice until a given detention is served on detention day. 2. A cheerleader will be dismissed from the squad for receiving two detentions for moderate or serious discipline. iv. Cheerleaders will treat faculty, parent chaperones, and other adults in authority with respect. v. Consequences (in student handbook) will be given for failure to observe the guidelines established for conduct. 1. Consequences may include discipline during practices such as running laps. 2. Consequences may include benching during games. 3. Recurring discipline issues or serious discipline issues may result in dismissal from the squad. g. Fundraisers i. Each cheerleader is required to help with fund raising projects. ii. A cheerleader who does not participate in a fundraiser will not receive any of the funds generated from that fundraiser and it will be considered an infraction, unless excused in advance, by the cheer sponsor. Consequences: 1 st time: Warning 2 nd time: Discipline (e.g. running laps, benched during game) 3 rd time: Probation or removal from the squad* *consequence will depend on nature of the infraction. Possible infractions requiring consequences (but not limited to): Minor use of a cell phone during game chewing gum or eating during a game not properly dressed for practice tardiness to practice leaving practice early 8
failure to be picked up on time Medium not properly dressed for a game late for a game (also includes after periods and half-times) not cheering or yelling during a game excessive talking/ goofing off during a game leaving a game early Serious unexcused absences arguing or being disrespectful to an adult missing practice or an event without proper notification to the cheer coach causing dissention among the squad (gossip, making fun of someone, etc.) inappropriate off-campus behavior failure to cooperate with the squad and/or coach 9
Name: (To be completed by student trying out for cheerleader) In the space below, please answer the following question: Discuss a way the FCS cheerleaders could boost school spirit. 10