2007-2008 LHS Cheerleading Rules and Expectations

Welcome to the program!

 

Time Commitment

• All practices and games are to be attended and are considered mandatory.
• Both football & basketball game schedules will be given prior to the start of each season.  Cheerleaders will be told what time to arrive at each game, generally it is 45 minutes to an hour before the start time.
• Practice schedules will be given in advance.  Once the school year begins, practices will be on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays – time TBA.
• There will be no scheduled practices on Wednesdays except during the week of a competition.  It is recommended to schedule appointments & other commitments on Wednesdays when there is no practice.
• The time, place, and dates of practices, games, and competitions are subject to change.
• Anyone who misses a practice before a game may be subject to but not limited to removal from court cheers, and half-time routines during games.
• Only the coaches determine cheerleader’s stunting positions and placement in formations.
• Be on time! Tardiness will not be tolerated. 
• Once mandatory practices begin in August, excused absences include:

Ø  Family Emergency

Ø  Medical Excuse (doctor’s note required)   

Note: When injured you should attend practice to watch, if possible.

Ø  Absent from school

Ø  Required academic function

 

Any excuse not listed above is considered unexcused and will result in consequences.

 

• NOTE*: Cheerleaders cannot leave early, come late, or miss our practices, games, performances, or competitions, for other teams’ practices, competitions, etc., or work.  It is the responsibility of each cheerleader to resolve any conflicts and keep her schedule open for their Liverpool Cheerleading commitments.  Cheerleaders who wish to participate in an all-star program must first have the approval of the coaching staff.

 

In all cases, with the exception of emergency situations, the individual cheerleader should either tell a coach at practice ahead of time or call her coaches at least 2 hours prior to a practice or game for the absence to be considered excused.  If the coach does not answer, please leave a detailed message on your coach’s phone. Varsity cheerleaders should call Coach Rebecca and JV cheerleaders should call Coach Emily.

 

Any unavoidable conflict should be notified to the coaches at least 2 weeks in advance.  This does not guarantee that there will not be consequences.

 

Consequences

All consequences are the coaches decision and based on cheerleader’s circumstances/past behavior.

 

• Consequences for a Varsity cheerleader an unexcused absence to a practice, game or competition:

1^st offence – Consequences may include (and are not limited to) benched for 1-2 games or removal from special events.

 

2^nd offence – Based on the circumstances the coach will determine the appropriate consequences which may include benched for multiple games, a competition, a special event, or may result in removal from the team.  A hearing with the Athletic Director may also result.

 

Anyone caught lying about an absence may face immediate removal from the team.

 

• Consequences for a Junior Varsity cheerleader an unexcused absence to a practice, game or competition:

1^st offence – Consequences may include (and are not limited to) benched for ½ to 1 game.

 

2^nd offence – Based on the circumstances the coach will determine the appropriate consequences which may include benched for multiple games, a competition, or a special event.  A hearing with the Athletic Director may also result.

 

Anyone caught lying about an absence may face immediate removal from the team.

           

• Consequences for Tardiness – JV & Varsity members

1^st Offence – Cheerleader will be issued a warning

 

2^nd Offence – Cheerleader is subject to being benched for ¼, ½ , or the entire game

depending on the number of minutes late.

 

Note: If a cheerleader is benched for any reason, she is expected to attend the games or competitions in full attire. She will sit with the coaches for the duration of the event.

 

Cheerleaders who break the code of conduct (drinking alcohol, smoking, fighting, inappropriate myspace conduct, etc.) will face the school’s policy of a minimum 25% suspension, and depending on the individual circumstance could be removed from the team.

 

Cheerleaders will also be asked to hand write a note for every absence and tardiness, “excused” or “unexcused”, these notes will be filed and kept as a reference in the event there is a dispute over attendance.

 

Grades and Appeal Process

·         Must maintain GPA of 70% overall and pass four classes

·         If you do not meet these requirements you are responsible for setting up an academic hearing. For the fall, on the first day of school and for the other quarters on the day you receive you report card you must contact Linda Haber in the main office at the high school, 453-1500.

·         Should you miss the deadline to set up a hearing you will be removed from the team until the next report card, where you will need to meet the grade requirements.

 

Appropriate behavior at games

• Cheerleaders will be respectful of the other teams.
• Cheerleaders will not be allowed to socialize with anyone during the game or during breaks (time-outs, quarters, half-time of the game.)
• Cheerleaders are expected to eat before or after a game not during, unless permitted by a coach.
• A cheerleader will only be permitted to get a ride home from a parent following an away game once the parent has signed out the cheerleader.
• For your child’s benefit, parents must refrain from approaching the coaches during the game unless it is an emergency, please discuss any issue with a phone call or after practices.

·         There is ABSOLUTELY no talking during sidelines. A cheerleader that is talking in sidelines may be asked to sit for a quarter or the remainder of the game. Parents we ask that you please not distract your child by trying to talk to them during the game.

·         Cheerleaders who have been taught sidelines and cannot remember them correctly will sit until they can perform the material correctly.

·         Have a positive attitude and good sportsmanship; be positive and welcoming to the other team.  You must be respectful towards members of the opposing squad. Any inappropriate behavior may result in consequences.

 

Uniforms and appearance

• Each cheerleader is responsible for purchasing the accessories to her uniform.
• Each cheerleader will receive warm-ups, a skirt, shell top, football sweater and bag, which must be returned in a clean condition at the end of the season.
• Uniforms are intended to last several years please treat them with respect.  They are property of the Liverpool Cheerleading Program.
• Uniforms and warm-ups are not to be warn anywhere except to a game, competition, or when otherwise directed.  They will never be lent to a friend.
• Cheerleading uniforms and warm-ups are never to be altered in anyway.  There are specific numbers of certain sizes in order to fit all shapes of cheerleaders.  We will fit each cheerleader with the proper size to the best of our ability.
• If there is a seam tear, it is the cheerleaders’ responsibility to have it repaired. Please notify a coach first.
• Cheerleaders are required to wear all parts of their uniform to games.  In the event that a piece is missing the cheerleader will sit out. Uniform includes: wearing warm-ups to the game/bus, at the game body suit, shell top, hot pants, skirt, cheer socks, cheer sneakers, poms, and game bow.

 

Attitude

·         The “I can” rule: Liverpool Cheerleading strives to set the newest trends, we are always trying new and creative things to stay on top! Keep an open mind and try your best.  Your coaches would not ask you to do anything you are not capable of.  A positive attitude is necessary for a successful season!

·         Check Your Baggage: We all have bad days, but when you come to practice, we ask that you leave the events of the day outside the gym and come to practice with a good attitude and a willingness to work hard.

·         RESPECT: for your coaches, your teammates, opposing squads and yourself!

·         Be committed: Your coaches, your teammates, and your parents invest a lot of time and energy to have fun and be successful, therefore we expect each cheerleader to be respectful and show the same amount of commitment throughout the entire season.

·         No Tears: we all get frustrated, but crying will fix the problem and therefore will not be tolerated. We can work through whatever struggles we encounter as a team as long as you bring them to the coaches attention in a respectful manner.

·         Good Sportsmanship: you must be respectful to members of opposing squads. This means shaking hands after a game and not responding to any rude comments made by opposing teams.  Please immediately report to a coach if any fans or opposing teams are being inappropriate.

 

Injuries

• Due to the nature of this and all sports injuries may occur.
• All injuries that occur at practice need to be reported to the coaches immediately.  Some cases may require an accident report to be filled out at the trainers’ office.
• For all injuries that require a doctor’s visit, both a doctor’s note removing the cheerleader from practice and also releasing the cheerleader back to practice is required.  It is the cheerleader’s responsibility to hand a copy of this note to the trainer AND her coach.

 

Gymnastics

• All cheerleaders are encouraged to attend tumbling class.
• Information on recommended places will be handed out soon.
• All varsity cheerleaders are required to have a clean back handspring.  Anyone who does not have a safe and clean back handspring may not be allowed to participate in court cheers, chants, dances and competition routines at the discretion of the coach.
• Varsity members who suddenly opt not to perform their backhandspring will be immediately removed from all games, competition, and special events until they can meet the teams requirements again, as this is a requirement to make and remain on this team.  If a significant amount of time passes with out being able to meet the requirement it is likely a JV member will be pulled up to take their place.

 

Fundraisers

• Fundraisers are a necessary and mandatory part of this program.  Each cheerleader is expected to fully participate in all fundraisers.
• A parent or guardian will need to assist in fundraising activities.
• Cheerleaders always have the option of an individual bottle drive anytime throughout the season.  Please notify a coach where you will be collecting so we do not have too many girls in one place.

 

Captains

• Captains are leaders that are to assist the coaches when needed.  Teammates are expected to listen to and respect their captain’s directions, as they are given by the coach.
• Captains will meet with their coaches once a month to discuss team goals.
• Captains will be chosen by the coaches and teammates.

 

Web-site

·   There is a Liverpool Cheerleading Web-site that is designed to keep cheerleaders and parents informed.  Weekly reminders, calendars, handouts, and photos from games/competitions/team dinners will be posted.

·   Your signature below gives permission for any photographs that may include your child to be displayed.

·   www.geocities.com/lpoolcheercoach/index.html

 

Miscellaneous

·         It is expected that every cheerleader will turn in money on time.  Late arrivals will not be tolerated and may result in consequences.  If for any reason it is absolutely impossible to turn in on time a parent or cheerleader must contact a coach 5 days prior to the due date.  Due dates are assigned far enough in advance to make necessary arrangements.

·         In the unfortunate event that a cheerleader decides to quit the team any money she has already paid will not be refunded.

·         The Booster Club is a support system for the coaches/cheerleaders and the coaches will make all final decisions.  Parents are an important part of our program, your participation and involvement is needed and greatly appreciated.

·         Email is frequently used among the Booster Club and coaches to quickly inform all parents and cheerleaders with updates and information. If you have provided us with an email address please be sure to check it at least every other day.

 

Reminder: As a member of the Liverpool High School Cheerleading Team, each cheerleader is on contract throughout the entire year. This means that there is absolutely NO tolerance for the use of tobacco, alcohol, or any other illegal drug. If any cheerleader is found to have engaged in any of these activities, she will be subject to the consequences of the Athletic Department. This is outlined in the Code of Conduct each cheerleader signed at tryouts.

                  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sign & return this portion to your coach

 

I am aware of the responsibilities and commitment I am making to the Liverpool High School cheerleading program.  I will work hard to improve myself, represent myself and this team in the best way possible, be a leader in the community, and promote good sportsmanship.

 

I have read, understand, and agree to all of the terms outlined in the Rules and Expectations of the Liverpool High School Cheerleading Program for the 2007-2008 season.

 

Cheerleader signature ___________________________­____________ Date: ________

 

 

Parent signature _______________________________________ Date: _________