Wekiva High School

2017-2018 Cheerleading

Fall Tryout Packet

2011 FHSAA State Champions 2015 FHSAA Regional Champions

Wekiva High School

2501 N. Hiawassee Road Apopka, FL 32703

407-297-4900

Head Coach - Spirit & Competitive Cheer: Michelle Crawford michelle.crawford@ocps.net

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WHS Cheerleading

The purpose of all cheerleading squads at Wekiva High School is to represent the school and promote school spirit. The following additional purposes have been added to each squad. Varsity Spirit/Competition Squad Current 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grade students are eligible to try out for this squad. The squad cheers at all home and away Varsity football games, pep rallies, and all home boys and girls Varsity basketball games. All members of the varsity squad will be required to enroll in a weight training class for the school year. In addition, they will be required to attend all scheduled practices. The Varsity Squad is also the Competitive Cheerleading Squad. The coach reserves the right to choose who is competing on the floor and who is an alternate. All members will be required to attend all competitions whether they are physically competing or not. The Competition team will also represent Wekiva in any additional performances. Because competition is embedded into every practice, game and activity, it is essential that the cheerleaders attend all practices and all functions. Minor conflicts that arise may be excused with the coaches’ permission. Cheerleaders who also participate in other sports that will conflict with competition season will not be eligible for this team. Members will be allowed to participate in spring sports only. Junior Varsity Spirit Squad Current 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grade students are eligible to try out for this squad. They will attend all scheduled practices. They will cheer at all home and away JV football games, pep rallies, all home JV boys and girl’s basketball games, and the Varsity homecoming game. They also cover Varsity Basketball games during comp season. Freshman Spirit Squad Current 8th Grade students are eligible to try out for this squad. They will attend all scheduled practices. They will cheer at all home and away Freshman football games, pep rallies, all home Freshman boys and girls basketball games. Freshmen Squad Practices are

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Expenses Being a cheerleader at Wekiva High School involves yearly dues. The expenses for participation on the Wekiva High School cheerleading program are used to cover the following costs: uniform rental, practice clothes, shoes, accessories, and camp. Actual expenses of each item may vary. This expense notification is meant to help parents and potential cheerleaders decide if they can make a commitment to this activity. In addition, there will be various required fundraisers scheduled throughout the year to cover squad spirit items, banquet, rewards and minor squad needs. There are no refunds. The monetary dues in order to participate in the 2016-2017 Wekiva High School cheerleading program are as follows:

Required Cheer Dues $190 Due September 15th

Required Camp/Practice Accessories $324 Ordered online ASAP

Optional Items Additional cost. Ordered online at anytime

Competition Squad Dues $100 Due by October 3rd (All Varsity members)

Below is an itemized list of where the dues are going: *Required Items Cost *Optional Items Cost Cheer Spirit Dues: Due at Parent Meeting Jersey $60

Uniform Rental $50 Sweatshirt $50 Camp(s) (Required)(No exceptions) $125 Backpack $90

Specials (Occasions/Events/Game) $15 Letterman Jacket $85

Total $190 Warm Up $104 Camp/Practice Accessories Items Ordered Online by June 6th

Team Practice Wear/Camp Wear $155

Shoes/Bow $90

Poms $42

Raincoat $15

White Turtleneck $22

Total $324 Competition Squad Dues: Due October 3rd

Includes: Music, Choreography, Competition venue fees, gym fees, Etc.

Total $125

Required Warm up $104 Ordered Online

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Tryout Procedures

Official tryouts for the 2017-2018 Wekiva High School Cheerleaders will be held during the following dates at Wekiva High School gym: September 5-7 Cheerleaders who wish to tryout must follow the procedure outlined below:

1. Have physical exam completed and approved by the Head Athletic Trainer. Only High School completed physicals will be accepted. Trainer will stamp your physical card. You will not be able to tryout without the stamped approval card from the Athletic Trainer. Forms are available online and at the Athletics office.

2. Fill out the cheerleading tryout packet in its entirety. If we do not receive your completed paperwork, you may be ineligible to try out for the team. 3. Read the constitution. Fill out the application/contract and have both applicant and parent/guardian sign the application/contract. In addition, all sections of the constitution must be initialed, and this must be turned in as well. 4. Attend the official WHS Mustang Cheerleader tryout. Tryouts are closed to the general public. No one will be allowed access to the facility during tryouts. Candidates must be present for all five days of try outs to be eligible. Members of the squads will be chosen by the coaching staff. The tryout will be conducted like a practice. They will learn the material, and they will be assessed on their skills at this time. Cheerleaders will be given information regarding who made the team. Cheerleaders who have made the Spirit Program will be listed by number. Tryout Schedule

Day 1 3:00-3:30pm Registration 3:30-5:00pm

Remaining Days 3:00-5:00pm **These times are tentative and are subject to change WHAT TO WEAR

Black shorts w/plain white t-shirt (Wekiva Shirt is acceptable)

Proper shoes (sneakers)

Hair must be pulled back in a ponytail (not in face)

No jewelry, no gum, no cut off shirts, and no artificial nails or polish

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Wekiva High School

2017-2018 Cheerleader Application

Name: ____________________________________________ Address: ___________________________________________ ___________________________________________ Cheerleader E-mail Address: __________________________ Phone #: _______________________ Date of Birth: _________________ Current Grade Level: _____ Student #____________________ Race:______ Cheerleading Experience: ________________________________________________ _______________________________________________ School Activities: _______________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________ *You are trying out for Wekiva High School Cheer Program. You will be placed on a squad based on your tryout scores, Coaches observations and training camps. Official Team Rosters will be announced when we return for football season. You have the right to move you from squads to squad throughout the year. Please indicate the position that you are trying out for: *You may mark more than one*

_____ Top Girl _____ Base

_____ Back spot

Why do you want to be a WHS cheerleader? Please attach a 1-page summary of why you want to be a WHS cheerleader. Include the importance of the role that cheerleaders play both in the school and the community. Define what it means to be a team and a team player. Also include why you would be an asset to your team.

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WHS Cheerleading

Parental Permission

My daughter _____________________________________________ has permission to try out for the 2017-2018 cheerleading squad at Wekiva High School. I have read and discussed with my child the guidelines and I understand the responsibilities of being a cheerleader. I also understand the role that I must assume as the parent of a cheerleader. I will assist in every way to see that the rules and decisions made throughout the season are carried out. I understand the financial obligation of this activity and I will assist in fundraising efforts. I understand the school and coaches assume no responsibility for any accident or injury that may occur either at school, practice, and event, or away from school grounds at any time. Every attempt will be made to properly supervise activities to prevent any accidents or injuries. I understand that each cheerleader will be required to have a current physical exam and submitted to the Head Athletic Trainer on day of tryout. I understand the cost, time commitment and travel time involved with this support. I do hereby give my consent and support for my daughter, if selected, to be a cheerleader at Wekiva High School for the 2017-2018 Season. Date: _________________ Parent Signature: _________________________________________ Parent Printed Name: _________________________________________ Address: _________________________________________ _________________________________________ Contact Number: _________________________________________ Parent Email: ______________________________________________________

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Wekiva High School 2017-2018 Cheerleader Contract

I have read the Wekiva High School Cheerleader Constitution and understand the responsibilities and privileges of being a Wekiva High School Cheerleader. I will abide by these rules and regulations if chosen for the 2017-2018 school year. I understand that if I do not follow the rules and regulations, I will receive consequences and may be suspended or removed from the cheerleading squad. I will cooperate fully with the coach and all persons and organizations concerned to promote school spirit and good sportsmanship at Wekiva High School. I will, at all times, whether at or away from school, conduct myself in a manner that best represents the students and faculty at Wekiva High School. I understand the financial obligations of this activity and I understand that I will be required to participate in fundraising activities. Cheerleader Printed name: _________________________________ Signature: _____________________________________ Date: ____________________ Parent/Guardian Printed name: __________________________________ Signature: ______________________________________ Date: ______________________

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Wekiva High School

2016-2017 Cheerleading Tryout Requirements

There are minimum requirements to be eligible to make one of the cheerleading squads at Wekiva High School. All requirements pertain to stunting abilities. Tumbling is not a requirement but can be performed at the tryout. The minimum requirements are outlined below. These requirements will be taught and worked on during try outs, but it is recommended that you have prior knowledge of the stunt technique. Please understand that these are requirements to make the team. You must meet these requirements to be eligible for the team, but it does not guarantee you a spot on the team. Other factors are taken into consideration such as motion sharpness/placement, dance/cheer abilities, jumps, overall attitude, performance, fight song, alma mater, interview etc. Minimum stunt requirements for VARSITY/Competition

Top girls must be able to hit multiple body positions: Liberty, Stretch, Bow Arrow, Scorpion and Arabesque

Walk-in liberty, bump down

Walk-in heel stretch, full down

360 to load, tap up to liberty/heel-stretch, bump down

Liberty/stretch, power press w/ ¼ turn to arabesque, bump down

J-Up to hands OR walk-in two-base to shoulders/extension Minimum stunt requirements for Freshman/JV

Straight up to extension

Straight up to Liberty

Cradle and bump down dismounts *Any males wishing to try out for Wekiva cheerleading must be able to perform a toss-to-hands with one of our top girls. If this requirement is not met, the candidate will not be eligible for the team. Male Cheerleaders do not compete with the competition team.

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WEKIVA HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING PROGRAM

CONSTITUTION

Philosophy

The cheerleading program at Wekiva High School (WHS) will provide its cheerleaders with many opportunities involving leadership, spirit, and teamwork. The objectives of this program are to promote school spirit and support all athletic teams at WHS. Cheerleaders will also work on their personal cheerleading abilities and techniques such as safe stunting, jumps and dance. The WHS Cheerleading Program is part of the Athletic Department. In addition to the rules outlined in this constitution, cheerleaders are also subject to the extracurricular code of conduct and all policies of the WHS Athletic Department. I. Purpose Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

To promote and encourage school spirit, enthusiasm, loyalty and good sportsmanship.

To foster support among all athletics organizations.

To provide leadership opportunities.

To promote unification of the crowd’s involvement during an athletic event.

To build relationships between schools.

To encourage the “spirit of competition”. II. Tryouts Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

Each potential cheerleader will learn a cheer, sideline and dance. The coaches will determine tryout material.

Candidates will try out in front of the WHS coaching staff. o Tryouts are closed to the public; this includes friends, family, etc. o The coaching staff have the final say in who makes each squad

A candidate must be passing in all classes to be eligible for tryouts. Potential candidates must have a cumulative 2.0 GPA in order to be eligible to tryout.

A candidate must be in excellent physical health and have a physical on file with the athletic office. o Physicals are good for 1 calendar year

When a cheerleader voluntarily leaves the squad or is removed from a squad, they may not be eligible for the next year’s tryouts. This will be strictly enforced from this day forward.

All paperwork must be completed and turned in prior to participation in any part of tryouts. o This due date is determined by the Head Coach. The coaching staff has the right to turn a

candidate away at the time of tryouts because of incomplete paperwork.

Current 8th, 9th, 10th and 11th grade students are eligible for the JV or Varsity squads. o 12th graders are not chosen for the Varsity Team

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III. Cheerleading Safety Regulations Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

Cheerleaders are athletes and therefore must adhere to all physical eligibility requirements, safety precautions, and rules/ regulations governing athletics in accordance with Orange County Public Schools policy.

AT NO TIME will stunting, mounting or tumbling be permitted without the presence of an AACCA certified coach.

All cheerleaders must abide by AACCA, NFHS and FHSAA rules as they are clearly stated in this constitution in addition to the rules that are stated in the respective handbooks.

If you are sidelined for injury or illness, you must have a doctor’s note stating you may return to practice. You are still required to attend all activities and events.

The rules of cheerleading are always changing, and it is the coaches’ responsibilities to maintain their education in regards to cheerleading safety.

Approved surfaces for practices/performances o All surfaces are approved surfaces for practice, whether it is the gym, dance room, gym hallway,

cafeteria, track, or the practice fields outside. o Mats will be used for stunts REQUIRING the use of a mat. Basket tosses and full downs are

illegal without a mat. o Unless it is raining, mats will be rolled out for all home football games. The mats will not be

rolled out during basketball games due to FHSAA restrictions. o All stunts performed by Wekiva cheerleaders are legal, and they are able to perform these on

any surface according to AACCA safety rules.

Stunting o Stunting will not take place without a coach present o All WHS coaches are AACCA trained and certified, and it is illegal for a team to perform any

stunts without an AACCA approved coach present o If WHS cheerleaders are found to be stunting without an AACCA approved coach, disciplinary

actions will take place at the coaches’ discretion

AACCA rules o Important AACCA/NFHS rules will be reviewed with the cheerleading teams at the beginning of

the season It is imperative that cheerleaders are aware and educated on the rules/risks associated

with cheerleading o All student-athletes will receive a copy of the rules to refer to in case of any

questions/clarification

IV. Attitude and Behavior Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

Cheerleaders are expected to follow all school rules as outlined in the Orange County Code of Conduct and the WHS Extracurricular Code of Conduct.

A cheerleader is responsible for his/her actions both on and off the field/ court. o Any type of misconduct during school or out of school will be dealt with by the coaching staff. o This includes referrals from Wekiva High School

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Depending on the severity of the event/referral, the coach has the right to discipline the student-athlete due to misconduct.

o Out of School Suspension may result in removal from the squad. This may make the member ineligible for tryouts the following year.

o If a student-athlete received ISS, the member will be benched for the amount of games that are equivalent to the days spent in ISS. Excessive suspensions may lead to removal from the squad.

There is a ZERO TOLERANCE policy for DISRESPECT! When a squad member is disrespectful towards the coach, administration, faculty of WHS or another teammate, the member will be disciplined.

A cheerleader is a role model for the fans and must display good sportsmanship at all times.

Any behavior that is deemed unbecoming and/or reflects poorly upon the squad, school or cheerleader will be handled at the coaches’ discretion.

A minimum cumulative semester GPA of 2.0 unweighted is required for participation. Cheerleaders who fall below a 2.0 will be removed the squad. This is school policy!

o Please understand that this applies when FINAL GRADES are released. If the participant’s GPA falls below the requirements upon release of grades in June, the participant will be ineligible to cheer.

All communication regarding issues or concerns must be made between the student-athlete or his/her parent and their respective coach

o For example: Varsity cheerleaders will communicate issues or concerns with Varsity coaches, JV cheerleaders will communicate with JV coaches, etc.

o All coaches are instructed to direct the student-athletes to their respective coach if they have any issues or concerns.

V. Duties and Responsibilities Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

Attendance at all practices, home games, and designated away games is mandatory. o The cheerleading season begins on the first day of school, and it goes through February 2014. o Cheerleaders will not be permitted to participate in Fall or Winter sports as they conflict with

the cheerleading season. Cheerleaders may participate in Spring sports once the cheerleading season has concluded.

o Cheerleaders will be given schedules well in advance so make arrangements/appointments accordingly!! Please schedule appointments, etc. on days that practice is not scheduled.

An absence is unexcused without prior approval from the coach; the coach will determine whether an absence is excused or unexcused.

o Team members must notify their coach at least 24 hours in advance to an absence unless it is a severe emergency.

This notification must be in writing and signed by a parent/guardian. o Please understand that some games will be cancelled/rescheduled due to unforeseen

circumstances. Cheerleaders must be flexible during these changes! o Each athlete is given three free misses per year. However, these misses cannot be taken during

the practice right before a game, or the two weeks before a competition or pep rally. If a fourth miss occurs, the athlete may be removed from the team.

These misses include excused and unexcused absences o Giving notice to the coach does not make the absence excused.

The coach will determine an excused vs. unexcused absence

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o Cheerleaders will be disciplined for unexcused absences.

If a cheerleader misses a practice during the week of a football game, regardless of whether it is excused or unexcused, the cheerleader will not be able to stunt at that week’s football game due to safety reasons.

If a cheerleader is absent from school for more than ½ the school day on a game day, the cheerleader will have to sit out the game per school policy.

Excessive absences or tardiness to a game or practice may result in removal from the squad. o Tardiness is unacceptable. Calling your coach to tell her you are running late is inexcusable!

You may face disciplinary consequences due to tardiness.

Practices will be arranged by the coach and shall be held as needed. Practice times or days may be changed at the coaches’ discretion.

Practices start promptly and tardiness is unacceptable except for an emergency.

The coaches reserve the right to schedule extra practices if needed.

Cell phones and pagers are not allowed at practice! This means they cannot be in your possession, in your pocket, on the floor, or anywhere where practice is being held. They must be off and put away in a bag! In case of emergency, parents may call the coaches’ cell phones.

PROFANITY IS UNACCEPTABLE BOTH IN AND OUT OF UNIFORM!! Any time profanity is ever used, the member will be disciplined.

Discipline will be determined by the coach. Types of discipline may vary depending on the situation.

While at the games: o Keep cheers and chants flowing at all times. o Pay attention to the game (not social time). Absolutely NO socializing during the games. Advise

friends and family you may not socialize during games. o Never cheer against or boo the opposing team or officials. o NO food or drinks while you are cheering, except water.

Cheerleaders need to arrange to eat BEFORE or AFTER games. o Return to the bench 2 minutes prior to the beginning of the second half, unless your coach tells

you otherwise. o Be ready to cheer. o The only items allowed at games are poms, water and duffle bag. o Benched cheerleaders, regardless of the reason (injury or disciple matter), are expected to sit

quietly at the game/practice. This means no socializing with family, friends, or other cheerleaders. Texting, talking on the phone, or being any sort of distraction is prohibited.

Dues responsibilities o All monies are non-refundable under no circumstances.

VI. Appearance Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

Uniforms will be worn during the school day for every football game and every designated basketball game. This information is found on the calendar.

o Unless a coach informs cheerleaders that they are not to wear their uniform on an assigned day, they must assume they are to wear it. When in doubt, contact a team member.

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o If a cheerleader is out of proper uniform dress, they will sit out that evening’s game This includes, but is not limited to, correct uniform, correct shoes and socks, correct

hairstyle and ribbon, no jewelry.

At games, hair is to be worn in a ponytail or half-up with the assigned ribbon. Hair styles for games will be at the coach’s discretion. Hair must be pulled back securely for practices prior to warm-ups (practice will not be stopped while you adjust your hair). This will be designated on your monthly calendars.

o Only at the Homecoming game will the participants be allowed to wear their hair down.

NO jewelry is to be worn at practice, games or while in uniform.

Fingernails need to be kept short. The coach will determine an acceptable length. In accordance with AACCA rules and the rules of FHSAA, acrylic nails are prohibited. This includes gels even if it is over your real nail!

Cheerleading shoes are the only shoe that should be worn to practices, games or while in uniform. That means no flip flops, boots, and slippers.

When in practice clothes, your shorts are to remain unrolled. DO NOT roll your shorts up in an effort to make them shorter.

NO face paint is allowed to be worn at games. ONLY, if approved by the coach, face tattoos will be acceptable, and in that case, the entire team will have to wear them.

Keep in mind that you represent the cheerleading squad in the community and around the school. DO NOT wear any clothing that would be deemed unacceptable or of a suggestive manner. You must abide by the school’s dress code.

VII. Uniforms Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

One uniform will be issued to each cheerleader at the beginning of the cheerleading season and will be returned at the end of the season.

One competition uniform will be issued to each member of the competition squad and will be returned at the end of competition season.

Uniforms are property of the WHS.

Uniforms are to be kept clean and in good condition at all times. o If a uniform is damaged at any point during the season, there will be a replacement cost of $75

per item regardless of the circumstance.

When in uniform, whether at school or an event, cheerleaders must abide by ALL uniform policies. o This includes, but is not limited to: wearing the correct shoes, not wearing jewelry, wearing hair

the correct way with the correct color ribbon

Uniform parts: o Shell top o Skirt o Shoes o Varsity/CDT cheer socks (white) o Bloomers o Sports bra (straps must NOT be visible)

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VIII. Squad Leadership Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

Captains will be determined in a method chosen by the coaches.

The coach has the right to remove a captain from her leadership position on the team for ANY reason that she deems necessary

o If a captain receives excessive disciplinary actions, her position as captain may be revoked; however, the coach reserves the right to remove a captain for any other reason.

o Coach will notify the student-athlete privately and in person o Coach may or may not choose to reassign the position to another member on the team

IX. Transportation Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

All cheerleaders are required to travel to and from away games in school approved vehicles and under adult supervision provided by WHS.

o If a cheerleader will be leaving with a parent from an away game, proper paperwork must be filled out, and the parent must find and notify the coach before the game is over.

o According to OCPS, a cheerleader may only ride home from a game with a parent. This does not include siblings, grandparents, other participants’ parents, etc.

All cheerleaders are responsible for finding rides to and from home games, practices, and from school upon return by bus from away games.

o Parents or designated rides need to coordinate with the ending times of games and practices, and please be on time! There is limited supervision after school/events.

o Cheerleaders not picked up on time upon return from away games may not cheer at the following game.

All cheerleaders are responsible for having transportation to and from competitions. We will always meet at the site of the competition at a designated time.

X. Other Non-School Participation/Activities Parent/Guardian Initials _______ Athlete Initials ________

All cheerleaders participating on a WHS team may practice and compete with an All-Star program or non-school team provided there are no schedule conflicts with the WHS program.

Absences or tardiness due to participation in a non-school activity or event are unexcused and the cheerleader will be disciplined. This may result in removal from the cheerleading squad.

o This includes, but is not limited to, work, birthday parties, practice for other sports, other sporting events, other classes, church events, etc.

XI. Fundraising Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

Fundraising efforts are necessary in order to keep our program of high quality while alleviating some of the financial burden from the cheerleaders and their families.

o By not fundraising, there will be more money to be paid out of pocket.

Accepting the invitation to join one of the cheerleading squads at WHS is also accepting a commitment to participate fully in fundraising activities. Failure to participate in fundraising activities may result in disciplinary action including removal from the squad.

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Cheerleading is a team activity and it is vital that everyone participates in fundraising for the benefit of the entire team.

Fundraising events are MANDATORY as members of the WHS cheerleading program. Absences from fundraising events are unexcused unless it is approved by the coach at least one week in advance.

o Cheerleaders will perform the necessary duties assigned in order to make the fundraiser successful without complaint or questioning of the coach.

XII. Competition Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

The competition squad will be comprised of the current Varsity cheerleading squad.

The coaches reserve the right to choose who is in the competition routine and who is not. Anyone who is not in the routine is considered an alternate, and is still a member of the competitive cheerleading squad. They will be required to pay dues and attend all practice and cheerleading competitions.

The coach also reserves the right to move a student-athlete from JV to the Varsity/competition Team if needed.

If an athlete becomes injured, and is removed from the routine, an alternate will be put in immediately. The injured athlete will become the alternate, and will still be expected to be at every practice and every competition.

Alternates are required to pay comp dues, practice and learn all material as replacements can happen at any time, leaving little to no time to learn the routine.

The student will not be able to be involved in another sport whose schedule/season conflicts with the competition schedule/season.

If a member of the competition squad is absent more than 3 times, whether it is excused or unexcused, the member will be removed from the competition routine until further notice. The cheerleader and parent will be notified when they have been absent 2 times.

All rules in this constitution apply to the competition squad. The competition squad is not considered a separate entity from the varsity spirit squad.

XIII. Injuries Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

Any injuries that occur under supervision of cheerleading coaches/advisors must be reviewed and evaluated by the Wekiva High School athletic trainers.

o Procedure: Athlete gets injured Coach will send athlete to athletic trainer Coach will follow up with athlete and athletic trainer If the injury is severe, parent contact will be made by either the athletic trainer or the

coach o If athlete is being treated by athletic trainer, coaches must receive medical clearance from the

athletic trainer before athlete will be allowed to practice or participate in any cheerleading event.

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o If athlete is being treated by a medical doctor, coaches must receive medical clearance in writing from the doctor before athlete will be allowed to practice or participate in any cheerleading event.

Medical clearance will require a follow-up visit with the doctor in order for the doctor to properly evaluate and clear the athlete.

Any injuries that occur outside of WHS cheerleading practice/events, are to be dealt with privately with a medical professional if needed

o A written notice of limitations must be provided to the coach o In order to be cleared for participation, the athlete will need to follow up with the doctor so he

or she can properly assess the injury and provide medical clearance in writing.

Student-athlete will NOT be allowed to participate until AFTER the coach (es) have received written notice of medical clearance.

o Participation includes, but is not limited to, stunting, jumping, running, tumbling, and cheering. o Depending on the nature of the injury, the student-athlete may be physically able to perform

one or more of the above. This will be solely based upon medical clearance, and the coaches’ discretion

o Student-athlete will not be allowed to stunt, regardless of clearance, until stunting has been practiced with the specific team members prior to the event. If medical clearance is obtained

o The day of an event, the student-athlete will NOT be permitted to stunt since he or she has not been able to practice with the team.

Unless the athlete is physically unable to attend school, the student-athlete is still required to be in attendance at all practice, games, or other events.

o If a doctor’s note states “No Cheerleading,” the athlete is still required to attend all practices/games/events for the team. They will not be participating, but they WILL be in attendance. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary actions and eventual removal from the squad.

o Absences due to injury WILL count against the varsity letter criteria XIV. Varsity Letter Criteria Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

In order to receive a Varsity letter, the cheerleader must meet certain requirements.

These requirements will start on the first day of practice for the season, and they will end on the final day of the season in February.

Varsity coaches will keep track of all events and the student-athletes who were present.

The following criteria must be met in order to receive a Varsity letter: o Attend at least 90% of all games (football/basketball combined) o Attend at least 50% of all promotions throughout the school year o Attend at least 50% of all social events planned

If ALL criteria listed above are not met by the student-athlete, he/she will not receive a Varsity letter at the end of the year.

o If the student-athlete fails to meet the criteria in one of the areas above, he/she will not receive a varsity letter

Absences, whether they are excused or unexcused, will count against the percentage above. Meaning, an absence is an absence, and it will be recorded as such on the varsity letter tracking sheet.

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In order to receive a Varsity letter for the competitive cheerleading squad, you must have been an on-floor competing member for more than 50% of the competitions attended.

XV. Communication Parent/Guardian Initials __________ Athlete Initials ___________

Communication is done mainly through email.

It is important that everyone checks their emails DAILY.

If a student-athlete has a question or concern, they must follow this procedure: o Ask another team member o Email your coach o If you haven’t heard back from your coach within 24 hours, you may place a phone call

Cheerleaders should not text their coaches under any circumstances. Coaches will not text the cheerleaders unless it is an extreme emergency that deems a text message being sent out. This should all be done through email.

Facebook – cheerleaders should maintain appropriate Facebook/MySpace profiles at all time. Remember, people can still see your page even if you have all of your privacy settings on. There have been cases in which complete strangers have notified coaches of inappropriateness on Facebook. If it will harm the team as a whole or an individual on the team, chances are, it will be brought to the attention of the coach.

YouTube – videos of pep rallies, other performances, and competitions should not be posted on YouTube.