Rules and Regs2009

1

BALTIMORE RAVENS CHEERLEADERSRULES AND REGULATIONS

GENERAL RULES

AUTOGRAPHS AND FRATERNIZATION

Autographs from the players and coaches may NOT be obtained by cheerleaders for personal use or gain. All requests for players/coaches autographs for charities, schools or other community functions must be forwarded to the Ravens Community Relations department for review and completion. It is important to respect the privacy and the time of the Ravens players and coaches.

Your position may require frequent contact with players, coaches and or media. It is important to handle yourself in a professional manner and treat the all of the aforementioned entities with respect. There shall be absolutely no contact with the players outside the scope of your job. Cheerleaders are not permitted to socialize with the players during off hours. Dating of Ravens players, coaches or staff personnel is prohibited. Excessive and/or improper fraternization and/or association (male or female) will be grounds for dismissal. Any activity, which gives the APPEARANCE of fraternization including phone calls, emails, excessive or improper fraternization in public or private places, will also be cause for dismissal. In addition, cheerleaders are not permitted to discuss salary, injuries or job security with players at any time. Violations of any of these policies will lead to disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination.

INFORMATION AND REQUIREMENTS

Social Networking/Personal Websites and Internet Activities

Social networking is a prominent part of our society. Many people engage in some type of social networking. As a cheerleader for the Baltimore Ravens you are required to represent yourself and the team in a professional, upstanding way at all times…in person, in writing, and online. All existing web pages, social networking pages, modeling pages/contracts or any other personal web pages must be approved by your director. If you participate in any social networking sites, such as MySpace or Facebook, you are required to “Friend Request” your director. You are also required to sign and complete a release for any future type of modeling/acting contracts. You must get prior approval before engaging in any of these types of activities. Furthermore, any photograph depicting you, as a Ravens cheerleader or photographs taken solely for Ravens purposes may not be used on personal websites and doing so is considered copyright infringement. Any representation considered to be in poor taste or unbecoming of a Ravens’ cheerleader could lead to dismissal from the squad.

Rules and Regulations

1. All cheerleaders are required to provide all email addresses used for any and all personal email accounts including Facebook, Myspace or any other social networking site.

2. The Baltimore Ravens will determine the number of members to serve on the cheerleading squad, which may include alternates. The Ravens reserve the right to change the number of members and alternates at any time and at its discretion.

Baltimore Ravens CheerleadersRules and RegulationsMarch 2009

2

3. Smokings, drinking of alcoholic beverages, use of drugs, chewing gum, or use of objectionable language while in uniform or at any time when you are representing the Ravens is strictly prohibited. Underage drinking will not be tolerated by the Ravens and can result in suspension or dismissal from the squad.

4. Up to three excused (3) absences from rehearsals are permitted each year. Sufficient notice, permission and reason must be given in writing in triplicate copies to management prior to each excused miss. If you are going to be late to a practice, game or an appearance please call Tina’s cell first at XXX-XXX-XXXX. If for some reason there is a problem call Keren at XXX-XXX-XXXX or Will at XXX-XXX-XXXX.

5. Any cheerleader MUST notify the Ravens immediately upon learning of any health condition that affects or impairs his/her ability to perform the essential duties as a cheerleader. Examples include but are not limited to pregnancy, heart conditions, concussions, and/or diabetes. Essential duties include but are not limited to, dancing, tumbling, jumping, flying, sprinting, performing, standing in extreme weather for long periods of time, etc. You may continue to cheer with your doctor’s permission as long as weight and performance do not become factors. A doctor’s note is required before you can continue performing. The Ravens, in its sole discretion, will determine when a cheerleader may perform.

6. If you are undergoing medical treatment you MUST provide the Ravens with you doctor’s written permission to participate in rehearsals, games and appearances. You may not resume performing in any capacity until the Ravens receive such written permission.

7. No cheerleaders may enter a pageant or any other type of contest without prior written approval from the Ravens. Failure to comply with this requirement could result in dismissal or suspension from the team.

8. All cheerleaders are subject to drug testing at any time in the sole discretion of the Ravens. Refusal or failure to take a test or a positive test result may result in immediate termination. If you are selected for random drug testing you must submit within 24 -48 hours.

9. Cheerleaders shall not commit any act that will or may create notoriety, bring the Ravens or cheerleaders into public disrepute, or reflect adversely on Ravens and/or Ravens’ sponsors. This includes, but is not limited to cheerleader’s participation in exotic dancing or any commercial ventures, such as the publishing of cheerleader memoirs, participating in or posing nude or semi-nude (string bikini) or performing in tasteless films, photos or bikini/swim wear contest in or for any media or publication whatsoever. As noted above, all cheerleaders are required to notify Ravens director of cheerleading and management of any ventures existing and/or personal web pages or online mediums in season (May – Jan).

10. Ravens cheerleading staff must approve any cheerleaders working in the restaurant/bar industry serving alcohol in the cheerleading season of May through January.

Media Relations

All Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders are required to treat the media with courtesy and respect. Cheerleaders are prohibited from sharing any information with the media unless at an approved media appearance. All requests from the media for interviews should be directed


3

to the Public Relations staff. You should never be a source regarding player injuries, doctor examinations, training room treatment or roster changes for the media. Cheerleaders who violate this policy will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including immediate termination.

UNLAWFUL HARASSMENT

The Ravens are committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, ancestry, disability or any other protected status. All employees, regardless of their position, are covered by and are expected to comply with this policy, and to take appropriate measures to ensure that prohibited conduct does not occur. Discriminating and offensive or harassing behavior will not be tolerated.

This policy covers all employees, vendors, customers, or others who enter the Ravens’ workplace, and extends to all work-related settings and Ravens-sponsored events such as business trips, training programs and social events.

Sexual Harassment

Sexual harassment is defined as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

Submission to such conduct is made explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment; or

Submission to or rejection of such conduct is used as a basis for employment decisions affecting the employee; or

Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

COMPENSATION

1. All cheerleaders will receive $100.00 per game- captains will receive $125.00. If you miss cheering a game due to sickness, injury or suspension you will not receive pay for that game.

2. Cheerleaders are not allowed to sell complimentary tickets. Anyone that sells his or her tickets will be immediately dismissed from the squad.

ATTENDANCE

Gamedays

1. You must attend all home games and be at the stadium, prepared for practice (taped and in practice attire) at least five (5) hours before kickoff. If you are late for gameday you will be subject to rules regarding lates. See below.

2. Misuse of game day credentials/ parking passes or transportation can result in revocation of said passes and dismissal from the squad.

3. Food and drink will be provided on gamedays. You will be expected to clean up after yourself in the locker room. This includes plates, napkins, cups and ALL personal items.

4. The Ravens are not responsible for lost or stolen articles.5. No cheerleader will be allowed to bring guests to the locker room.


4

6. The provided Ravens attire/warm-ups will be worn to and from games unless alternate official cheerleader clothing (such as a wind suit) is provided for this purpose. Attire should be neat and professional. Neither jeans nor trendy, provocative clothing will be permitted. No exceptions.

7. All tattoos must be covered on gameday.8. No jewelry, other than a wedding band is to be worn by any cheerleaders on gameday this

includes naval rings, earrings, watches or necklaces. Female cheerleaders are allowed to wear diamond stud earrings.

9. Ravens cheerleaders will be responsible for their guests behavior. Poor behavior on behalf of your guest could result in the loss of perks afforded to you as a Ravens’ cheerleader.

Practices, Meeting, Etc.

1. ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED AT ALL CHEERLEADER REHEARSALS, MEETINGS, FITTINGS, PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS AND OTHER MEETINGS. THERE WILL BE NO MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENTS FOR SAID MEETINGS, REHEARSALS, OR SESSIONS.

2. All cheerleaders will be issued practice attire. All practice attire must be worn to all practices. Cheerleaders should look appropriate at all practices.

3. All cheerleaders are responsible for cleaning up after themselves at all practices.4. No jewelry, other than a wedding band, is to be worn by any cheerleaders at practices

including naval rings, earrings, watches or necklaces.5. No eating, CELL PHONES, gum chewing, hats, or glasses during practice6. Any cheerleader missing a rehearsal due to illness or injury MUST present a doctor’s note at

the next attended rehearsal.7. If you miss a rehearsal, you will STILL BE RESPONSIBLE for obtaining all information given

out as well as learning all material BEFORE the next scheduled practice, even if that rehearsal is the next day.

8. No cheerleader will be excused from the last rehearsal before a game. If this rehearsal is missed you will NOT PERFORM on sidelines at that particular game. The only exception is of the end zone performance and this is at the discretion of the Ravens cheerleading coaching staff. Furthermore, you will not be paid for that game.However; you will be required to report at the scheduled arrival time to the stadium on game day. Cheerleaders who have been scheduled, by the Ravens, for appearances on the rehearsal date before a game are not subject to the above mentioned rule.

9. All practices will be closed to friends and family. The Ravens reserve the right to invite members of the media to practice. Cheerleaders may not be notified of such an invitation and should therefore always be prepared for all practices.

10. Generally, two (2) rehearsals will be scheduled weekly; however, the director, in conjunction with management, reserves the right to schedule additional practices as needed due to appearances, inclement weather conditions, or specific stadium activities.

11. Rehearsal dates and times are Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. exact rehearsal hours may change at the discretion of the Ravens.

The Baltimore Ravens Cheerleading Guidelines are as follows:

Lates

Practice


5

Arriving anytime after the schedule start time of practice is considered a “late”. 3 accrued lates will result in accumulating to 1 missed practice. 2 unexcused lates for practice will result in 1 full gameday pay withheld. If you are more than 1 hour late to practice or scheduled event it will be considered a

missed practice.

Gameday

1 late to gameday results in ½ of gameday pay withheld

2nd late to gameday results in full gameday pay withheld

Missed

Practices

1 unexcused missed practice results in1 gameday check withheld. 2 unexcused missed practices results in dismissal from the squad.

Gameday

1 unexcused gameday results in dismissal from the squad.

Suspensions

Any Cheerleader that is placed on suspension will not receive gameday pay for the games that they are suspended, however, they are still are expected to attend the game.

APPEARANCES AND PROMOTIONS

1. ALL PERSONAL APPEARANCES AND PROMOTIONAL JOBS WILL BE SCHEDULED AND CAST THROUGH THE RAVENS’ OFFICE. NO JOBS are to be accepted by any squad member. Please refer any job inquiries, including photo sessions, commercials or interviews to the Ravens. You are not permitted to discuss fees or policies pertaining to personal appearances with anyone. All jobs will be scheduled according to the availability of squad members and the needs of the sponsoring organization.

2. You must arrive NO LATER than fifteen (15) minutes PRIOR to the time an appearance is scheduled to begin. ALWAYS allow extra time to get an appearance, especially if you are not familiar with the area. If you are late to an appearance you may not receive the full payment for your appearance.

3. Captains of an appearance will be responsible for calling Tina Galdieri after the appearance to make sure that the appearance ran smoothly.

4. Most, if not all, appearances will be done in partners. If your partner does not arrive for a scheduled appearance, contact your director, Tina Galdieri, or the captain immediately for further instructions. If you miss a scheduled appearance your pay for a comparable appearance may be withheld. Continued offenses are grounds for dismissal from the squad.

5. Once you have committed to an appearance, you are responsible for making that appearance. If you are unable to work that date for whatever reason it is your responsibility to immediately call Tina Galdieri. Tina will provide you with further instructions on how to handle the appearance. Only the director will make appearance substitution. You are NOT to ask another squad member to take your place unless approved prior by the director.


6

6. A friend or family member may drive you to and from appearances, but that person may not interfere with you responsibilities to the client and should not remain at the appearance site unless authorized by the Ravens.

7. Cheerleaders will be expected to participate in commercials and media events to promote the Baltimore Ravens, the Baltimore Ravens Cheerleaders and sponsors.

8. Depending upon demand, each squad member will be expected to complete twenty (20) appearances, charitable or otherwise, by Feb 2010. All cheerleaders will be REQUIRED to attend at least (2) charitable appearances a month.

9. In the event that the Ravens continue to post season play, the Cheerleaders will be expected to add promotions to their schedule on a week to week basis.

UNIFORMS

1. Each cheerleader will be issued an official uniform(s) at the beginning of the season. All uniform items are the property of the Baltimore Ravens and must be returned upon request.

2. Each cheerleader will be required to pay a $250.00 cash deposit for females and $175.00 for males prior to receiving his/her uniform(s). Said deposit will be refundable to each member should the uniform(s) be returned in good condition at the conclusion of the year. All loaned items must be returned within 48 hours of resigning or being dismissed from the squad. Your last gameday or appearance check(s) can be withheld until these items are returned to the Ravens organization.

3. You will be financially responsible for damage to or loss of any part of the official uniform(s).4. You will be responsible for cleaning and maintenance of all uniform items in your possession.

Uniform must be cleaned in accordance with the instructions provided by uniform manufacturer.

5. NO part of your uniform is to be worn to rehearsals or in any public establishment except when designated by our office (i.e., at an appearance). All apparel and equipment provided by the Ravens such as cheerleader jackets, wind suits, polo shirts and sneakers, are included as part of your official uniform.

Items cheerleaders must purchase:Line up Sports Bra-sleeveless game day uniformCold gearPantyhoseGlovesOptional Ravens merchandiseMake upGuest Banquet ticket

Items provided to cheerleaders:SneakersBag-luggageRain hatAppearance shirt2 pair of practice shorts1 sports bra2 practice shirtMale warm up

Items on loan:Long sleeve uniform top2 gameday skirtsAppearance boots (2 pairs-black and white)


7

Appearance outfitSanta suitWarm upWinter pants, top and Ravens crystal bucklePuffy black and white jacketPoms

PERSONAL APPEARANCE AND CONDUCT (Male and Female)

Any guideline outlined below or above not followed could result in suspension from a game, deletion of gameday tickets, and possibly dismissal from the team YOUR APPEARANCE MUST BE IMPECCABLE AT ALL TIMES! This includes hair, makeup, nails, personal hygiene, street clothing, uniform and shoes. Curlers and any other offensive personal effects must never be worn to games, practices or personal appearances.

Each new cheerleader will receive complimentary introductory hair and make-up consultations. NO new cheerleader is exempt from the consultations. You will be required to learn how to apply your own make-up for games and personal appearances. Make-up and hair assistants will be available at home games (and at personal appearances as determined by the Ravens) to help with touch-ups. The Ravens may conduct monthly or gameday “maintenance checks” and you may be referred to our hair and make-up artists for additional consultations. You will be financially responsible for any and all such visits

Personal Appearance Guidelines :

1. The Ravens will provide you with access to a discounted salon to maintain your appearance.

2. Cheerleaders must maintain color treated hair at least two weeks prior to every home game. If hair color is not maintained, the cheerleader may not be allowed to perform at the game.

3. All fair-skinned cheerleaders must have a warm skin color tone for every gameday. This is provided through tanning and/or spray tanning. The Ravens will provide cheerleaders with discounts to a tanning/spray tanning salon.

4. Cheerleaders are expected to use the makeup and hair guidelines provided in their personal consultations. Failure to comply with those guidelines could result in gameday suspension(s).

5. Nails must be neatly groomed and manicured. Nail designs, flashy nail polish and/or ungroomed nails are not acceptable.

6. Proper skin care must be maintained by all cheerleaders. Should acne or any other skin care become a problem, you must consult with your director.

7. Any skin discolorations, including bruises, cuts, scars, tattoos, or acne must be covered to the best of your ability. Ask your makeup consultant for the most effective way to cover tattoos and/or skin discolorations.

8. Each cheerleader, male and female, is expected to maintain ideal body weight and physical look for the duration of your contract. Weigh-ins will be held at the discretion of the Ravens.

a. Failure to comply with body weight and/or appearance guidelines could result in suspension from the team or gameday suspensions.

b. 3 game misses due to physical appearance suspensions could result in dismissal from the team.All cheerleaders are provided with a free membership to DAC. All cheerleaders are expected to maintain physical fitness by working out regularly.


8

The Baltimore Ravens’ cheerleading uniforms are designed for and demand lean, healthy figures.

1. Prior to your first appearance as a Baltimore Ravens cheerleader, your appearance (i.e. hair, make-up, nails, physical appearance) must be approved by the director or member of the coaching staff. Once approved, you must adhere to that appearance for all gamedays and cheerleader appearances. Any changes to your appearance must be pre-approved by cheerleading management.

2. All jewelry, with the exception wedding bands for males and females and diamond stud earrings for females, must be removed when you are representing the Baltimore Ravens. This includes all piercings (naval rings, ears, etc.)

End of Year Awards

Each year, the Baltimore Ravens cheerleaders participate in an end of year banquet where awards are given to outstanding cheerleaders. Failure to comply with any of the above mentioned guidelines, policies and rules could result in you not being eligible for participation in the awards banquet. If you are dismissed from the squad for any reason prior to the banquet, you will not be able to attend.

Conclusion

Please remember that you are now a representative of the Baltimore Ravens. Your actions as an individual, whether in uniform or in your personal life, reflect on the entire Baltimore Ravens organization. We expect professionalism, respect and will tolerate nothing less. Any infractions of these rules and regulations or any action inconsistent with our expectations will impact your position as a team member as well as any position in the future and can result in immediate dismissal. The Baltimore Ravens director, cheerleading assistants or Baltimore Ravens management reserves the right to suspend or dismiss any team member at any time with or without cause and will not be obligated to give a reason.

Employee Handbook

To the extent that any rules or regulations set forth herein are in conflict with the Baltimore Ravens Employee Handbook, the rules and regulations set forth above shall be govern.

THE UNDERSIGNED CHEERLEADER AGREES TO ABIDE BY ALL OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS AS SET FORTH ABOVE. FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH ANY OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OUTLINED ABOVE AND AS AMENDED BY RAVENS FROM TIME TO TIME MAY RESULT IN DISMISSAL.

________________________________________Print cheerleader Name

_________________________________________ ____________________Cheerleaders signature Date

_________________________________________ ____________________


9

Witness’ signature Date


Rules and Regs2009

Documents

Transcript of Rules and Regs2009