Cheerleader, Mascot, Twirler, and Pep Squad

Rules, Requirements, and Guidelines

For Junior High and High School

For the year 20_____ and 20_____

*** STUDENTS & PARENTS: Please read this carefully and entirely, and then sign the back page, and return the entire document to the sponsor. (You will be given a copy to keep.)

I.Squad Size

The following junior high and high school squads will be limited to:

  1. Cheerleaders: No more than six.
  2. Mascot: No more than one.
  3. Twirlers: No more than two.
  4. Alternates: In the event an alternate to a position is named, said

alternate will be able to fill a vacated position up until camp time.

If the position is vacated after camp, the squad will operate with a

reduced number of members. (The alternate must attend camp in

order to be a member of the squad.)

  1. Conduct Rules:

Any person accepting the position of cheerleader/mascot/twirler/or pep

squad member realizes that he/she represents the school and the com-

munity of Sidney, and will always need to present a friendly, courteous

appearance that will reflect a positive image to others. As a cheerleader/

mascot/twirler/or pep squad member, the person realizes the influence

he/she has on fellow students, and will strive to be a positive example and

influence in all areas of life.

While representing yourself as a cheerleader/mascot/twirler/or pep squad

member, the following rules apply. If a student does anything that is illegal, or that is considered inappropriate or embarrassing to themselves and/or the school, they may be removed from the squad. If any rules are violated, the cheerleader/mascot/twirler/or pep squad member will receive a written warning plus a disciplinary action which will consist of:

1st Offense: A written essay or sentences dealing with the offense.

2nd Offense: Expulsion from the next pep rally and game.

Final Offense: A third offense will result in permanent expulsion.

All offenses must be reported to the proper chain of command (See

Section “F”) by a responsible party; the sponsor and/or principal will

oversee all disciplinary actions, and parent notification of such.

  1. Illegal substance use at anytime throughout the school year.

1. There will be no smoking or tobacco use of any kind.

2. There will be no drinking of alcoholic beverages.

3. There will be no use of illicit drugs or intentional misuse or

abuse of any over-the-counter or prescription drugs or

medications.

In the case of #2 or 3, immediate removal from your position

will result. If problems have occurred in the past with any

cheerleader/mascot/twirler/or pep squad member, additional

individual guidelines and restrictions may be implemented.

B.Attendance

1. The cheerleader/mascot/twirler/or pep squad member will

attend and participate at all football pep rallies and games,

home basketball games, and any playoffs, parades, or other

special functions. You will come dressed to perform in the required uniforms. (If you are playing in a basketball game,

bring your uniform to change into afterwards.) The mascot

will be required to keep the mascot suit on at all times, in-

cluding the head, unless instructed otherwise by the sponsor.

In cases of sickness or death in the family, or in cases deemed

as an emergency, a note, text, or phone call from a parent will be required in order to miss.

  1. The cheerleader will attend all scheduled and called practices

except for the reasons listed above. Missing a scheduled prac-

tice the week before a game will result in the individual not

performing in the pep rally. Attendance at a game or practice

without proper shoes, clothes, or uniform will be considered an

unexcused absence. Mascot, twirlers, and/or pep squad members

will need to attend practices set up by the sponsor that include

their participation during pep rallies and games. Any cheerleader/

mascot/or twirler must attend summer camp. It is mandatory.

  1. The cheerleader/mascot/twirler/or pep squad member must be on

time in order to perform their pre-game duties at home games (such as setting up the run-through sign, distributing programs,

attending to any announcements or the national anthem, etc.).

Away game duties include loading all signs, props, etc. on the bus.

For these reasons all squad members of any kind must be at the

football field or loaded and on the bus 30 minutes before kickoff

or departure time. It is also mandatory that all cheerleaders/

mascots/twirlers/or pep squad members ride the bus to any away

games. You may ride home with your parents or legal guardian

only with verbal permission given to the sponsor.

  1. Once at the game, all cheerleaders/mascots/twirlers/or pep squad

members will be on the field, in the bleachers, or inside the gym at

all times except during halftime at football games (and after any

routines), and during the first 5 minutes of the third quarter of

basketball games. Any exceptions to be approved by the sponsor

or school official in attendance. During the game the cheerleaders

and the mascot are expected to be on the field in front of their

designated area. All twirlers and pep squad members are to sit

in a tight formation in the location the sponsor chooses. No one

may leave the bleachers or field without permission, and no

wandering off to sit with parents, guys, or guests. Remember, you

are there to support the team, so focus on your job. Also, eat your

snacks as quickly as possible during halftime so that you can resume cheering for the team in a professional manner.

  1. Eligibility Requirements
  1. For Tryouts:
  2. All students and their parents must read these rules care-

fully, and sign and return this document by ______.

b. Candidates and their parents MUST attend a meeting with

the sponsor and the principal to go over these rules and sign

this document.

  1. If a student quit the squad the previous year or was dismissed

for any reason, they will not be eligible to try out.

  1. Excessive or unexcused absences during the year may prevent

a student from participating in tryouts.

  1. In order for the candidates to participate in tryouts, he/she

must be free from any previous debts, either monetary or

disciplinary.

  1. After Election: All UIL rules regarding eligibility apply to any

elected cheerleader/mascot/twirler/or pep squad member.

Failure to maintain a passing grade of 70 at the end of the six

weeks will result in dismissal from the squad until the next

three-week notices come out, at which time the student must

be passing all classes in order to participate again.

  1. Behavior Rules

1. No showing of disrespect toward teachers, administrators, staff

members, other adults, peers, or Sidney School or community,

or any other visiting or rival school or community.

  1. There will be no fighting, except in cases of self-defense. This will also result in automatic removal from your position.
  2. No use of profanity, either spoken verbally, or otherwise implied.
  3. No lying, gossiping, or criticizing others.
  4. No rude or lewd gestures or behavior or improper body

language.

  1. No PDA (Public Displays of Affection). This includes such

activities as arms around each other’s waist, kissing, cuddling,

touching or fondling, or even just being alone with someone

in a secluded area. Remember that you are a role model for our school every day, not just when you are in uniform.

  1. No hickies. You will be expelled from pep rallies and games

until it is no longer noticeable.

  1. No use of cell phones except at halftime or after games.
  2. You have a responsibility to learn the cheers, chants, skits, or

routines that are to be presented. Failure to do so adequately

may result in being made to sit out until your performance is

“up to par.”

  1. Dress Code

1. This code applies off the field as well as on; for example, on

the bus, during the school day, and at games.

  1. No wearing of jewelry (enforced only while cheerleading),

visible markings, tattoos (permanent or temporary), or body

piercings. Piercings will have to be taken out even if they are

new. NO ARGUMENT!

  1. No wearing of inappropriate or revealing clothing, for example:
  2. No midriffs, halter tops, sports bras as tops, or

bra straps or underwear showing.

  1. No short shorts or mini-skirts.
  2. No holes or tattered or otherwise tacky clothing.
  3. No logos referring to drugs, alcohol, or having sexual

connotations or implications.

  1. Refer to the Dress Code section of your Student Handbook

for any other specifics on dress particulars; that applies here

as well.

  1. Chain of Command

If there is a problem, question, or the need arises to discuss any

occurrence, the following is the proper chain of command. We

expect parents and candidates to be considerate of others and to

follow this chain.

  1. First contact is to be made to the sponsor.
  2. From the sponsor to the principal.
  3. From the principal to the superintendent.
  1. Uniforms

The student and parent will be responsible for the purchase and upkeep of the approved uniform, which usually consists of:

  1. For cheerleaders: a shell with emblem, skirt, shoes, socks,

briefs, under armor (top & bottom), and camp clothes, and

any extra group decision or requirement.

  1. For mascot: camp clothes.
  2. For twirlers: twirling or dance outfit, shoes, tights, batons,

and any camp clothes.

  1. For pep squad: to be decided as a group, usually nice jeans and matching tee or polo shirts.
  1. Payment of Uniforms & Camp
  1. Once elected, the cheerleaders and their parents will meet in

the spring with the sponsor, and will choose an appropriate uniform and any accessories if needed. The parents or guardian will then be responsible for ordering and paying for the uniform on-line. This must bedone approximately 6 weeks before the uniform is required,which is usually at camp or the Comanche parade in July. The cheerleader will NOT be allowed to participate in anyevent until they have their uniform! If you do not have accessto a computer, the sponsor will assist you in ordering. A complete cheerleading uniform runs about $______, so it is EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to budget this money prior to thetime to order uniforms.

  1. The same procedure will be used for any camp clothes that are

ordered.

  1. The cost of campruns anywhere from $169 for a home camp, to $315 foran away camp (we usually go to Tarleton). The school will contribute $1000 toward the costof camp, with any

remaining balance to be covered by the parents or guardian. How much extra you will owe is dependent upon the number of cheerleaders, and other factors, such as outstanding squad debts orobligations that must be met first, or replenishing the cheer fund. Understand that you MAY be responsible for the full camp amount, which needs to be paid at the end of May.

  1. We will do at least one fundraiser to help with expenses, but this probably won’t happen until after school starts, so plan

on paying any balances owed prior to then, and we will work

on getting you a partial or total reimbursement, depending on the success of the fundraiser and what needs to be kept in their cheer account.

  1. Accident Policy

As a candidate, you understand by the very nature of the activity, being

a cheerleader/mascot/twirler/or pep squad member (on occasion) carries

a risk of physical injury. No matter how careful the participant and coach are, how many spotters are used, or what landing surface is used,

the risk cannot be eliminated. As a candidate, you understand and accept these risks and will not hold Sidney ISD or any of the personnel

responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time.

  1. Agreement

I have read these rules and understand that it is my child’s and my

responsibility to follow these rules throughout my child’s year as

cheerleader/mascot/twirler/or pep squad member. I realize that

situations may arise that aren’t specifically covered in this document,

and I must trust the sponsor and/or principal to use their judgment in

the implementation of any needed regulations, and that their decisions

will be final in any disciplinary matters.

Student’s Signature ______Date ______

Parent’s Signature ______Date ______

Deadline to turn this document in is: ______

Tryouts will be held on: ______

Scoring is based on: One-third grade point average: ______

One-third judges’ scores

One-third popular vote

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE!!!