Professional Documents
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Cheerleading Team Rules and Regulations20112012
Cheerleading Team Rules and Regulations20112012
Date ____________________
I have read and understand the rules and regulations governing a West Forsyth
cheerleader. If selected, I will abide by the constitution to the best of my ability. I
understand that I may be removed from the squad if I do not maintain the high standards
expected of a squad member. I understand that cheerleading is a major personal
commitment of my non-academic time and cannot be placed secondary to other non-
academic activities.
Date ____________________
CHEERLEADING TEAM RULES AND REGULATIONS
WEST FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL
CLEMMONS, NORTH CAROLINA
Purpose
A. To promote interest, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and cooperation among the student body of West
Forsyth toward the athletic program.
Membership
A. The number of members on the cheerleading team will be determined by the cheerleading team
coaches.
B. Anyone who will be a student at West Forsyth shall be eligible for tryouts as long as he/she meets the
following requirements: (1) An overall 2.0 (C) grade average or meet Academic Support guidelines,
(2) Be of unquestionable character, and (3) Not have excessive absences.
C. There will be one captain or co-captains for the team determined by the coaches.
D. The principal and the cheerleading coaches will make a decision on new members if the need arises.
E. Cheerleaders who resign from the squad for just cause as determined by the administration and
coaches may be granted permission to try out the following year.
Requirements
A. Maturity, leadership, and sound judgement, as evidenced by faculty evaluation, observation, and
conduct grades.
B. A cheerleader must maintain an overall 2.0 (C) average in school or meet Academic Support
guidelines.
D. Must be prepared to work on fundraising projects and do their part in raising money for uniforms,
pom-poms, competition fees, etc.
E. Think seriously before joining clubs, sports, or part-time jobs since cheerleading is a very demanding
sport, requiring a full team effort.
F. Driver’s Education classes should be taken over the summer privately or postponed until the end of the
season. Demerits will result for any practice or games missed due to Driver’s Ed.
G. A cheerleader must attend cheerleading camp during the summer and participate in community
activities (parades). Members must cheer at the Mary Garber Tournament prior to Thanksgiving and
the Frank Spencer Tournament during the Christmas holidays. JV cheerleaders must cheer at the
Christmas tournament during the holidays as determined by the coaches.
H. Must be financially prepared to meet all cheerleading expenses during the year. Approximate costs:
Camp $160
Shoes $60
T-shirts $48
Misc. expenses $100 or above
Gym classes $145
I. A physical examination and doctor's permission to participate is cheerleading is required of all squad
members.
Try-Outs
A. Cheerleaders will be selected in the spring by the cheerleading coaches.
B. Candidates will receive instructions prior to try-outs from the senior members of the cheerleading
squad.
C. Faculty members of all rising 9th graders will give a written evaluation on basis of conduct, leadership,
and ability to work well with others. These evaluations will be used to aid in the selection process.
E. First semester and third quarter grades will be used in the selection process.
B. Shall have the power to call and preside over meetings and practices with the approval of the
cheerleading coaches.
C. Must be at practices before starting times and have the practices start on time and help keep them
moving.
D. Must know cheers he/she is going to use, never hesitating as to which cheer he/she is to use next. Use
appropriate cheer for each occasion.
E. Should show no partiality and should consider suggestions from all squad members.
H. Aid the coach with certain responsibilities not limited to calling members on a need to basis.
B. NO GUM.
E. Make-up should be neat and conservative. Personal hygiene should be maintained at all times.
F. NO POLISH should be worn. Fingernails (real or false) need to be kept a reasonable length (no
longer than fingertip length) for safety reasons.
H. Wear only the designated uniform to school or event for which it is required (briefs, shoes, shirt, also
are classified as part of the uniform). Selected cheerleading shoes and bloomers must be worn at all
times when the uniform is worn.
I. Each cheerleader will be held financially responsible for damaged or lost uniforms and equipment.
K. All uniforms, bags, and megs (V) are school property and must be returned at the end of the season
cleaned and in the same condition that they were issued (taking into consideration normal wear and
tear) unless purchased by individuals.
Games
A. Cheerleaders are expected to attend all games and be ready to cheer at any time. The only reasonable
excuses are illness, injury, or death in the family. Please pay close attention to all schedules and
calendars.
B. Part-time jobs, extra-curricular activities or all-star squads should not interfere with game schedules.
C. Cheerleaders must be in school at least 50% of the school day to be allowed to cheer that night or at
practice.
D. If you are present at school and become ill or have some other reason for not attending practice or a
game, you MUST NOTIFY THE COACH IN PERSON (not another cheerleader), by email or
voicemail and your PARENT must notify the coach by email or voicemail before the game that
you will not be able to attend. A note is required afterward.
F. Cheerleaders must sit with the coach in the stands if unable to cheer due to illness or injury.
I. Cheerleaders are expected to cheer the 2nd half of the game even if they are involved in Homecoming
activities.
J. Cheerleaders are expected to participate in all tournament games, including the Varsity and JV
basketball tournaments over the Christmas holidays as determined by the coach.
L. Cheerleaders should not cross legs, lean back, or lay down on the bleachers or friends during the game.
M. A cheerleader who misses practice at which a pyramid, stunt, or cheer is perfected should not perform
the material at the next cheerleading activity.
N. A cheerleader who misses more than one practice during the week may not be allowed to participate in
all stunts or dances at the game for that week.
O. Cheerleaders should attend games to observe if unable to participate due to injury or illness, but able to
attend school.
Transportation
A. Cheerleaders must be able to provide or secure transportation to all home games and practices. Bus
transportation will NOT necessarily be provided (ie., Frank Spencer).
D. Parents must sign their cheerleader out when leaving an away game and any cheerleader approved by
note.
Practices
A. Frequency of the summer practices will be determined by the team and the coaches.
B. Must attend all scheduled practices including summer schedule unless there is a valid reason.
C. Part-time jobs and all-star squads should not interfere with practice.
D. If you are present at school and become ill or have some other reason for not attending practice or a
game, YOU MUST NOTIFY THE COACH IN PERSON(not another cheerleader), by email, or
voice mail and your PARENT must notify the coach by email or voicemail before practice that
you will not be able to attend. A note is required afterward.
E. Doctor's appointments should be scheduled at times other than practices. Use the calendars when
planning other appointments.
F. Cheerleaders should attend practice to observe if unable to participate due to illness or injury.
G. A calendar will be provided each month stating all practice and game times.
I. Practices shall be orderly at all times! Socializing should be limited until after practice!
J. Appropriate attire is required; sweat pants or shorts, loose shirts, and shoes. No jewelry (including
earrings).
M. Practice should begin with an organized warm-up routine led by the team captain.
N. As pre-determined by the cheerleading coach and the athletic team coach, cheerleaders may participate
in another sport, but only with special permission.
Conduct
A. Cheerleaders shall conduct themselves properly at all times, both at school and outside of school.
Cheerleaders are official student representatives of the school.
D. Conduct in the classroom should be a caliber that gives good examples to other students. Must
maintain "Satisfactory" conduct grades at all times. Failure to do so will result in probation.
E. Cheerleaders are to use proper language during games, competition, and practice.
F. Cheerleaders are for support of their own teams and are not to criticize either team.
G. Cheerleaders should be discreet in display of affections in public.
Cheers, Partner Stunts, and Pyramids
A. Cheerleaders are encouraged to use a variety of stunts and gymnastics while performing.
B. Cheers and chants should be spirited and directed toward crowd participation.
D. Cheerleaders are not to do cheers or chants which are directed at the other team or fans.
E. All stunts should be practiced to perfection on mats with spotters in position before being performed at
games.
F. All stunts must follow the Guidelines for Cheerleader Safety as set out by the WSFSC system in
accordance with the AACCA Safety guidelines.
Cheerleading Coaches
A. Has complete responsibility for control, organization, and implementation of the cheerleading
programs at West Forsyth High School.
B. Keep all records: Permission slips, home phone numbers, attendance, grades, camp and competition
information.
Dismissal
A. The power of dismissal shall be considered the decision of the cheerleading coaches, principal, and/or
assistant principal.
B. Because of the leadership role of a cheerleader and the signed commitment of It’s My Call, alcohol,
tobacco, or illegal drugs should not be used . Involvement with any of the above may lead to dismissal
from the cheerleading team.
C. Automatic dismissal for: (1) unpaid debts to the cheerleading fund, (2) not attending summer camp
with the squad, (3) smoking or drinking, (4) possession of illegal drugs, (5) suspension from school,
(6) excessive absences from school (10), (7) not meeting academic support guidelines for those below
2.0 C average. (see F)
D. Failure to maintain satisfactory conduct will result in probation for two weeks. Cheerleader will be
required to attend all games during these two weeks and will be allowed to return to normal
cheerleading activity once evidence of improvement is shown. If the cheerleader does not achieve
satisfactory conduct within four weeks, dismissal will result.
E. ISS or Saturday school assignment will likely result in probation and possible dismissal. This will be
decided by the principal and cheerleading coaches.
F. Local athletic guidelines require students to maintain a 2.0 (C) grade point average. Students may be
required to attend weekly tutoring sessions to help maintain their eligibility. Failure to the quarterly
academic support guidelines will result in dismissal.
G. Once a cheerleader has been dismissed from a squad, they may not return to the squad for the
remainder of the school year. Students who are dismissed from a squad are eligible to try out for the
squad the following year.
H. A cheerleader may only be placed on probation one time. Dismissal will result for any future
violations that require a second probation
DEMERIT SYSTEM
WEST FORSYTH HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING
In order to maintain a good cheerleading team, there must be self and group discipline. The following
demerit system is necessary for both. Demerits are not to be viewed as “I have them so I will take them.”
Cheerleaders should keep in good standing by following all rules and limiting the number of demerits
received.
This demerit system will be in effect for the entire year. Cheerleaders who receive 6 demerits will
have to sit out a ballgame as determined by the coach. Dismissal will result with an accumulation of
12 demerits.
OFFENSES DEMERITS
1. Not attending a practice for any reason other than illness 1
16. Not having required uniform (uniform, shoes, bloomers, ribbon,& poms)2
17. Not attending game for any reason other than illness or death in family 3