REV: 3/27/2023

Ephrata Youth
Cheerleading Program

2023 Rules & Regulations Packet

Please Keep This Packet for Future Reference

Website: www.ephratayouthcheerleading.weebly.com

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 TO: All Cheerleading Candidates and Parents
FROM: EYCP Cheerleading Coaches & Board Members
Questions To: Lisa Copenhaver: 717-475-3656, Kim Capwill 717-205-8775,
Megan Copenhaver 717-466-1642
Email: ephratayouthcheering@gmail.com

Thank you for showing an interest in the Ephrata Youth Cheerleading Program. This information packet
is designed to help you decide whether you would like to commit to cheering with Youth Cheerleading
Squad. The Rules & Regulations in this packet are followed by all Cheer Coaches and will also be
followed by all participants involved with the program.
“Please read through ALL the information thoroughly!”

***There is no in person sign ups but you have questions you

may call or arrange to meet with Lisa, Kim, or Megan***
$50 Registration Fee due at sign-ups
Eligibility 1st through 8 th Grades (grade entering in fall ’23)
Every effort will be made to accommodate all participants.
Squads will also be listed on the website: www.ephratayouthcheerleading.weebly.com

IMPORTANT SIGN-UP NOTE: Cheerleader Registration Form, Waiver

Sheet, Photo Release & Acknowledgement Release Form/Parents code of Ethics
located on the website MUST BE completed, signed & returned to the Ephrata
Youth Cheerleading Program prior to May 15 to receive $5 discount, or by
registration deadline (May 31). You may NOT participate if we do not have the
completed consent form. NO EXCEPTIONS!!

Mandatory Uniform Fitting, Saturday June 10th morning – THIS WILL BE BY

APPT. More Information to follow.
The cheerleaders will be sized for uniforms and shoes (shoes may be used from
last year with coach approval). A $50 uniform/shoe deposit is due at this meeting.
Individual Cheerleader/Parent Information Folders will be distributed, which will
contain information on fundraisers, practice/game schedules, and other
important details regarding the upcoming season. This is Mandatory for All
Cheerleaders.
Practices / Games:
Practices begin in June and football games start in September (Labor Day
Weekend is 1st game)—either on Saturday or Sunday (dates and times to be
announced in August) and end of October. Season for B & C squads could be
extended to November due to playoff games.

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 Practice Schedule (calendars will be distributed at fitting on June 10th)
SUMMER
June 12 thru Aug 23 (Mon & Wed): 6:15–8 PM All Squads
NOTE: No Practice July 3rd
FALL
Aug 30 & September (Wed. Only): 6:15–7:30 PM All Squads
(Dates/times may possibly be adjusted due to weather or daylight)
October (Wed. Only): 6:15-7 PM – All Squads

PARENT NOTE: Practices Begin and End exactly as stated. We will be practicing
outdoors, so dress accordingly. Sneakers, sweatshirts, sweatpants, T-shirts, tank tops, and knit
shorts are acceptable however, jeans, crop-tops, spaghetti straps shirts and
sandals/slip on shoes are unacceptable. If not in proper attire will be asked to go
home and change or not participate during practice. Your hair must be neatly pulled
back and off the face. No jewelry, heavy makeup, nail polish or chewing gum is permitted.
Water breaks will be given – please put name on bottle. Coaches will NOT provide water.
If there is no water bottle, then parent will be called to bring one or the cheerleader doesn’t
participate during practice. No carbonated drinks! No one is permitted to leave the area during
practice…so plan accordingly (ex: use bathroom before practice). Anyone with special medical
concerns (i.e.: allergic to bees, asthma, etc.) must see Lisa Copenhaver, before practice begins.
Please make a note of all medication and bring any necessary medication with a parent note to
practices.

We are looking for enthusiastic and dedicated cheerleaders. Please consider

your decision carefully. Decide how you will juggle your schedule if you are
involved in other activities. Cheerleading is a team sport and we expect a great
deal of your time and commitment. Every cheerleader will be responsible for
some expenses. A list of estimated costs is included in this packet. Fundraisers
are available to offset costs.
ALL Expenses Must Be Paid On The Designated Dates Unless Arranged Otherwise.
Checks are always payable to: Ephrata Youth Cheerleading Program
We look forward to a fun and exciting season! Please feel free to contact us if
you have any further questions.
GOOD LUCK! ☺ EYCP Cheer Coaches

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 GUIDELINES FOR THE EPHRATA YOUTH CHEERLEADING PROGRAM

PURPOSE:
We, the members of the Ephrata Youth Cheerleading Program, dedicate ourselves, and
our service, to help promote and maintain good sportsmanship and community spirit.
PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:
1. Promote and uphold community spirit.
2. Promote unification of the crowd’s involvement during athletic events.
3. Develop good sportsmanship among students and adults.
4. Establish a good relationship between communities during athletic events.
5. Promote Safety
VALUES OF CHEERLEADING:
1. Respect, courtesy, tolerance, and self-control.
2. Responsibility, dedication, and commitment.
3. Leadership.
4. Moral development and character.
5. Self-confidence, personal expression, and patience.
6. Safety awareness, physical fitness and coordination.
7. Sports appreciation.
8. Sportsmanship and citizenship.
SQUAD MEMBERSHIP:
After submitting forms (Cheerleader Registration Form, Waiver Sheet, Photo Release &
Acknowledgement Release Form/Parents code of Ethics) candidates will be placed on
a squad based on their upcoming grade (’23-’24 school year)

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS: Please Read the Following Carefully!

1. Cheerleader Registration Form, Waiver Sheet (on website separate documents),
Acknowledgement/Release Form/Parents Code of Ethics, Photo Release must be
signed & returned to EYCP by registration deadline (May 31). Sign up by May
15 receive a $5 discount per child.
** FORMS MUST BE COMPLETED IN THEIR ENTIRETY TO BE PLACED ON A SQUAD! **

2. Must be in good standing with the Ephrata Youth Cheerleading Program.

3. Must attend Mandatory Uniform Fitting.

NOTE: Uniform Balance will be due on Wednesday July 12th

Warm Up outfit Balance will be due on Wednesday August 9th

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CHEERLEADING UNIFORMS/SHOES:
We will measure & order cheerleading uniforms and shoes. A Coach/Board Member at the
Mandatory Uniform Fitting must approve uniform & shoes from last year. A deposit of
$50 is required and must be paid at the Mandatory Uniform fitting when
placing an order. It is then your responsibility to have the uniform balance
paid by – July 12th & remaining warm up outfit balance paid by August 9th. All
cheerleaders will be responsible for maintaining their uniform. This includes repairs,
keeping it clean/white, wrinkle-free, etc. Any additional items (such as bags, t-shirts,
etc.) will be purchased separately. More information will be handed out at a future date.
**All Deposits Are Non-Refundable

CHEERLEADER CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Always remember the primary responsibility is to support the athletic program.
2. Always show respect and cooperate with coaching staff, other cheerleaders, game
officials, and visitors.
3. Take the responsibility of providing positive leadership both when cheering and
when not cheering to promote good sportsmanship and school spirit through
cooperation with other students and adults.
4. Be enthusiastic and prepared.
5. Strive to be modest in victory and gracious in defeat.
6. Expected to participate at all practices, games, and fundraising activities.
7. Keep a good attitude about improving cheerleading skills.
8. Be aware of your actions and appearance at ALL times.
9. Follow the AACCA safety rules and regulations (every Squad Coach has a copy).
10. Do Not sit in the stands or leave the squad/line-up, during the game.
11. No eating, drinking, or chewing gum during practices or games. NOTE: Except
at designated times. Ex: Drink @ half-time.
12. No texting during practice or games.
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 Attendance SYSTEM
Please – Only Call A Coach If Your Cheerleader Will Be Absent OR Late.

“Benching” means no participation in half-time routine at the game. Benching will

begin with the first game.
NOTE: Cheerleaders will also be benched if: Absent from a Wednesday Practice
PRIOR to a Game OR Arriving more than 15 minutes late for a game -- No Exceptions!

1. Attendance/Tardiness
a) Unapproved Absence from practice or game without prior written
notice. Absence from a Wednesday practice prior to a game, will result in
the cheerleader being ‘benched’ from that half time routine. No Exceptions!
b) Sick for Practice or Game (will be benched if Wed. before a game)
--Parent must call coach at least 1 hour prior. Failure to do so will be
considered an Unapproved Absence from Practice/Game (#1a above)
--2 occurrences will be excused w/o Dr’s excuse. Additional absences
will require a Dr’s excuse. Without the Dr’s excuse, the cheerleader
will be considered Unexcused (#1a above). This applies only to consecutively
missed practices/games. Absent practice before a game? Benched
--Child must be 24 hour fever free to return to practice/game
c) Late for Practice/Leaving Early--more than 15 minutes - Must contact your coach
d) More than 15 minutes Late for Game = benched (see above)
e) Family Vacation- MUST BE IN WRITING –
EITHER A WRITTEN NOTE OR EMAIL YOUR COACH
--6 ‘Cheer Days’ will be excused w/2 weeks written notice.
‘Cheer Days’ = A Scheduled Practice or Game Day
--Additional absences— Must be discuss with your Coach
f) PRACTICES & GAMES ARE MANDATORY unless approved by squad coach.
(see above – e)
2. Appearance/Unprepared ☺ Tank Tops at Practice are OK ☺
--Appearance: Uniform must be clean, mended and well-pressed at all times.
Shoes must be clean and white. Hair must be pulled back and off of the face.
No jewelry (medical purpose only)—this includes ear & belly rings. Only clear,
purple or gold nail polish. No temporary tattoos, or additional piercings during the
season.
Your Squad Coach will decide on the amount of glitter to be used or none at all.
(no unnatural hair color during game season)
--Unprepared: Failure to know the cheers, chants, dances, or routines is also cause
to be “benched” for a game per discretion of the coach.

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3. Nonparticipation in Fundraiser
Fundraising is used to operate this program and benefits ALL participants. ALL
members are expected to participate in any fundraisers or activities the team is
involved in. Distribution of individualized funds raised, will be stated at the start of each fundraiser.
***NEW**** IF YOU DO NOT WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN ANY FUNDRAISERS THEN
YOU MUST PAY A BUY OUT FEE OF $50 PER CHILD. This will need to be paid at fittings
(June 10)
4. Inappropriate Cheerleader Conduct
a) Leaving the squad or the line-up during the game without coach
permission.
b) No eating, drinking, or chewing gum during practice or game – will result in
sitting out at practice or getting benched a game. (Except at designated break or half-time
as stated by coach).
c) Inappropriate behavior inside OR outside of cheerleading will result in
disciplinary action. Disciplinary action will be decided by the
Coaching/Board Member Staff and could result in dismissal from the
Cheerleading Program.
(examples: smoking, etc.)
--Any of the above or other types of misconduct, could result in
further disciplinary action as determined by the Coaching/Board Member
Staff.
5. Attitude
a) Inappropriate/Disruptive Behavior (& follow-up letter to parents)
--Inappropriate language in-uniform will result in immediate benching
--Threatening a coach, team member, etc., will not be tolerated—think
before you speak--"I didn't mean it" or "I was just kidding" will
NOT get you off the hook. Additional discipline will be determined by Coaches.
b) Insubordination.
--This includes insubordination to any coach from any squad. Further disciplinary
action will be determined by EYCP President & Vice President.

In addition to being a representative of the community, a cheerleader is a member of a

team and her actions reflect upon ALL cheerleaders AND the entire Cheerleading Program.

Cheerleading Coaches/Board Members reserve the right to revise or amend the Attendance System as needed.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR COOPERATION!

To Be Determined After Season Begins

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 CHEERLEADER CRITERIA and TIPS

APPEARANCE: You are the first thing that the crowd sees---not the performance. Follow
ALL appearance requirements as stated earlier in the packet. We are looking for smiles,
pep, and confidence in your performance. Remember, try your best and … Keep Smiling
☺
VOICE PROJECTION: Your voice should be loud and clear. Your words should be
pronounced clearly. Do not let words run together. Do not drop your voice at the end of a
chant or cheer—instead, get louder!

MOTION TECHNIQUE: Motions should be sharp, crisp and exact. Lunges should be
deep, and toes pointed for kicks and jumps. Especially watch for broken wrists and bent
limbs. Practice in front of a mirror so you can see what needs to be improved.

EXECUTION OF JUMPS: Nice and smooth approach, pointed toes, height, landing, and
overall technique. Always stretch out before attempting any jumps. Remember the
landing is just as important as the jump itself.

RHYTHM AND TIMING: Coordination, timing and expressions during the dance routine.
It is important that you have fun, look like you’re having fun and use facial expressions. If
you make a mistake or can’t remember part of the dance, do no stop. Pick up where you
can and make it look like you did it right!

ATTITUDE:
Things coaches are looking for:
Good Team Skills Must be able to get along with others. If a problem does arise,
talk to a coach. Don’t wait until it ruins your fun cheering.
Treatment of Other Girls and Coaches; never laugh at or pick on someone who is
having difficulty with something. Not everyone learns at the same pace or is good at the
same skills. Please respect everyone. If you are cheering with girls more experienced or
have cheered longer than you, the coaches will take that into consideration.
Attendance Girls need to be at practice every day. If this is not possible, you must
tell a coach. It is then your responsibility to learn any missed material—Not the Coaches.

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 o Cheerleading Jumps

DOUBLE HOOK SPREAD EAGLE SPIRIT TUCK

-Hook both legs same direction -Keep knees forward -Bring knees to chest
-Keep shoulders square -Keep a straight body without picking -Keep knees together

SIDE HURDLER DOUBLE HOOK

FRONT HURDLER
-Bring straight leg up to chest
-Land with feet together at the same
time
-Hook both legs same direction
-One leg is kicked forward, level to your waist
-The other leg is bent behind and to the side, -Keep shoulders square
level with your waist.
(The idea is to look like a hurdler in track)

TOE TOUCH

TOE TOUCH
-Keep head and chest up
-Pull legs up to arms.
-Reach for the arch of the foot and not toes.

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 How can you support your child?

Be On Time To Practice And Games

Sometimes you will be late due to unforeseen events, but for the most part, you know your
child's schedule ahead of time. Don't try to cut it as close as possible and then be stuck in
traffic when your child is due at practice. Plan to be early.

Offer To Volunteer
Youth coaches can always use an extra pair of eyes. One of the most dangerous problems in
youth sports occurs when a child has to use the restroom and the coach cannot supervise the
child without losing sight of all the other children. Help out by chaperoning a child to the
restroom, etc. If the coach doesn't have enough helping hands, volunteer to give yours. You can
help the coach by understanding better what is going on. Especially if you have never tried
cheerleading, this is your chance to learn something, as well as your child’s.

Practice With Your Child

Often parents will urge children to try something new without having the confidence to try it
themselves. Just because you never tried cheerleading before, doesn't mean that you can't
learn along with your child. Cheerleading provides you the chance to share an activity with your
child. Watch what is happening at a practice and then go home and practice with your child.
You will find that you learn something about yourself as well as learning a new sport. Watching
cheerleading is nothing like actually doing cheerleading. It looks so easy until you go out and try
it yourself.

Encourage Your Child

You know your child better than the coach. If you fail to share information with your coach
about how your child reacts to success and failure, then she is left to learn that information for
herself. Don't leave them guessing. Establish communication with your coach about your child.
Be close by during the practice so that your child can see that you support her when she is
afraid to try something new. When she experiences success, you can be there as well so that
she has someone to share it with. After practices and games, talk about the things she did well.
No cheerleader is ever perfect and there is no expectation that they can be. So conversations
should always be directed towards what they did well and not where they failed. If the coach
was evaluating, she will know what each girl needs to improve on and will design a practice
session so that they can get a chance to improve those areas, it is not your job to do that. Use
cheerleading as a chance for you and your child to share some time together. It is not often
that you get to sit in on a class in school, so take this opportunity to see how your child learns
and interacts with others.

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 Responsibilities Of A ‘Cheer Parent’
1. To support your cheerleader and their Coach(es) throughout the season.
2. To uphold a positive attitude (‘no tolerance’ policy for gossip — your cheerleader
could be dismissed immediately).
3. Sign, Enforce and Abide by the forms, releases and regulations of the program.
4. Call the Coach, if practice will be missed, due to illness or death in the family.
5. Understand that ALL practices are mandatory, and the only accepted absences are
due to illness or death in the family.
6. Understand that should your child quit or be dismissed, no refunds or credits, of any
type, will be given.
7. Understand that funds, not covered through fundraising, are the responsibility of the
cheerleader and the parent, and must be paid when due.
8. Understand that uniforms or cheer gear stolen, lost, or damaged, must be replaced by
the cheerleader.
9. Understand and recognize the risks involved with cheerleading.
10. Your cheerleader has a commitment to all practices. All camps and fundraisers,
however, are recommended in order to have squad bonding activities during the season.
11. You are responsible for transportation to and from all events and practices.
12. You have the responsibility to accept the decision(s) of the Coach(es) regarding
routines and camps.
13. You are to contact the coach regarding your OWN CHILD ONLY.
14. The physical requirements of your cheerleader are intense. They are required to
possess certain skills and gain others, and train for different performances at each event.
15. Understand that additional practices may need to be called. Effort to provide as much
advance time as possible will be made.
16. Remember that cheerleading is a team sport and requires all cheerleaders to be present
to practice routines for games. Unlike football or other sports, no one sits out.
17. Understand that cheerleading is a privilege and no child has a secure spot in
consecutive years.

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 ‘Estimated’ List of Expenses (subject to change)
EXPENSES:
• Registration Fee due at Sign-Ups $50
(sign up by May 15 receive a $5 discount)

--Entire Cheer Uniform package includes: embroidered

shell, skirt, bloomers, bodysuit, warm-up outfit (jacket &
pants), shoes,2 pairs of socks, hair bow and rain jacket
Uniform cost: $140.00

Warm Up Cost: $105.00

Shoes cost: $ 38.00
(Prices are subject to change)

CHEER CAMP INFORMATION (must have 25 participates):

Cost $51 (includes camp shirt)
$20 Deposit for camp cost is due at
Mandatory Uniform Fitting – June 10.
Balance due by July 8.

Cheer Camp date: Saturday July 8

Time: All Squads Full Day – 9am-3pm

OPTIONAL ITEMS (more to come at later date): TBDUCA Cheer Camp includes T-
Shirts Recommended $70
YOUR ‘ESTIMATED’ TOTAL $

All items purchased (Required and Optional) are yours to keep. Every cheerleader’s
expense will vary depending on Uniform Needs & Fundraising profits. Cheerleader’s
individual profits from fundraiser sales will be applied to their Required Expenses first.
Statements are distributed periodically and available upon request.
Cheerleaders NOT Purchasing new shell, skirt, turtlenecks, warm up outfit or shoes must
have them approved at the Uniform Fitting (6/10).
The Uniform order will be placed end of June.

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 MARK YOUR CALENDARS!
MAY 15th --Reminder: CHEERLEADING INFORMATION FORMS handed in by this
date will receive $5 discount off of registration fee. Incomplete Forms will be
returned at the Uniform Fitting and must be completed that day.

JUNE 10th --MANDATORY UNIFORM FITTING at Coach Lisa’s house. This will be
by appointment. We ask that only 1 parent/guardian come with the cheerleader.
More information about how to schedule the appointment will be release at a future
date.

July 8th --CHEER CAMP

Mandatory Uniform Fittings: Cheerleaders will be fitted for their Uniform & Shoes
and Parents can look through their Information Folder & ask questions. NOTE: If
NOT purchasing turtleneck or shoes they must be worn to meeting for approval.
$50 DEPOSIT IS REQUIRED ON JUNE 10th FITTING, IF ORDERING any item on
the Expense List (p. 11). Included in Folder: Fundraiser (due June 26), Squad Info,
Vacation Calendars (due at first practice June 12), Chant Sheet(s), and anything
else we can think of to keep you informed!

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