St. Augustine High School

3205 Varella Avenue

St. Augustine, Florida 32084

904-547-8530

March 29, 2016

Dear Parents and Prospective Cheerleaders,

We are extremely excited that your daughter/son is interested in trying out to be a Jackets cheerleader for the 2016-2017 school year. The goal of the SAHS cheerleading program this year is to build a spirited team of student athletes who will positively represent St. Augustine High School while increasingschool spiritand serving as an encouraging student and community ambassador.

There will be a mandatory informational meeting for parents and candidates on Wednesday, April 13that 6:30 p.m. in the SAHS Media Center. The parent(s) orcheerleadermust be in attendance at this meeting. We will also conduct a mandatory clinic and tryouts under the following schedule:

Monday, April 18th - Clinic from 4:15-6:30 p.m. in the SAHS Gymnasium

Tuesday, April 19th - Clinic from 4:15-6:00 p.m. in the SAHS Gymnasium

Wednesday, April 20th - Tryouts beginning at 3:15 p.m. SAHS Gymnasium

In order to tryout, candidates must have an unweighted cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or better and receive positive teacher evaluations that will be factored into the judges’ scoresat tryouts.The following documents need to be submitted at clinic on April 18th:

Signed Tryout Application, Constitution, and Online Contract

Completed Physical (must be less than 1 year old)

Copy of Insurance Card

Copy of 3rd quarter report card showing current cumulative unweighted GPA

Teacher Evaluations (Blank teacher evaluation forms are attached to this packet. Please choose 4 out of 7 teachers to complete an evaluation. Teacher evaluations will be used as part of a candidate’s overall score and will be kept confidential. 4 completed teacher evaluations must be submitted to Ms. Marjorie Bennett by April 15th, 2016. Teachers may place completed evaluations in Mr. Bennett’s mailbox or in guidance.)

There are several financial obligations that must be met in order to participate in the cheerleading program at St. Augustine High School. Please understand that we will make every effort to fund raise, but there will be a significant financial commitment to this program. This will be outlined completely at the parent meeting on April 13th.

Please be sure that you and your daughter/son read the constitution entirely and understand the responsibility that you are accepting as a Jackets cheerleader. Please review and sign the application which will be turned in on the first day of clinic. Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Marjorie Bennett

(904) 547-8512

SAHS Varsity Cheerleading Coach

St. Augustine High School

2016-2017 Cheerleading Application

Name:______Age: _____Date of Birth: ______

Current Grade: 8th______9th ______10th ______11th______

Current Unweighted Cumulative GPA: ______

Parents/Guardians’ Names:______

Parent Emergency/Cell #1 (____) ______Who’s phone #? ______
Parent Emergency/Cell#2 (____) ______Who’s phone #? ______

Your Cell Phone Number (____) ______Your Email Address: ______

Parent E-mail Address ______

Home Address______

Emergency Contact Person______Relationship______Tel(____) ______

Medical Insurance Company______Policy #______

List Any Prior or Present Injuries______

Allergies/Illnesses______

Prior Cheerleading Experience Y___ or N___ List any other teams you are on______

Height____ ’ ___” Weight______Shoe Size_____ Short Size (Adult) ______T-Shirt Size (Adult )______

List any standing/running tumbling skills: ______

______

Why do you want to be a St. Augustine High School Jackets cheerleader?

What can you add to the St. Augustine High School Jackets Cheerleading Program?

By signing below I, ______, state that I will abide by all St. Augustine High School, FHSAA, and St. Johns County School Board rules in participating with the St. Augustine High School Cheerleading Program.

Participant’s Signature: ______Date: ______

By signing below I, ______, the parent of ______, support the rules and programs listed above and fully support the decisions, rules, and regulations of the St. Augustine High School Coaching Staff.

Parent’s Signature:______Date:______

St. Augustine High School

Cheerleading Constitution

Purpose
The purpose of this organization to promote and upholdschool spirit, to develop good sportsmanship among students, to support athletic programs and to develop positive relationships and work in harmony with school administration, faculty, the schoolband, athletic teams, other school organizations, and community organizations.

Participation in the SAHS cheerleading program provides an opportunity to develop confidence, leadership skills, and a sense of SAHS pride in a positive and safe environment. When you choose to be a part of this program, you are committing to participate for the entire 2016-2017 season which begins during the week of tryouts and concludes with the end of season banquet in March 2017. You may not choose to cheer for only one sport. You are required to participate in cheer camp, football season, basketball season, competition (Varsity only), and any community events planned throughout the year.

Eligibility

St. Augustine High School Cheerleaders must:

- Maintain an unweighted cumulative 2.0 GPA.

- Maintain a clean discipline record including the current school year.

- Turn in a signed constitution and online conduct contract.

- Meet the eligibility requirements set forth by FHSAA.

- Turn in a medical release form and physical stating that she/he has passed a physical examination and is capable of cheering.

- Not have any outstanding financial balances with SAHS

Academic Responsibilities

A. Being a SAHS “Student-Athlete” requires being a STUDENT first.

B. Each cheerleader is required to maintain at least a “C” average (2.0 GPA - unweighted) each grading period.

C. Grades will be monitored by the head coach. Grade checks will be made at interims and report cards.

D. Should there be a failing overall grade in any subject at any time, or if GPA is below 2.0, parents will be

notifiedbythe head coach and the cheerleader will be placed on academic probation. This will include a

suspension frompractices, games, and extra-curricular activities until that grade is brought above passing.

E. Being on academic probation more than two times will result in dismissal from the team.

F. Student athletes’ responsibilities include regular school attendance, conscientious effort in classroom work,

and conformance to school rules and regulations.

G. Student athletes and parents have the responsibility to respect the rights and authority of teachers, student

athletes, administrators, and all others included in the cheerleading program.

H. Study hall will be held before practice. Cheerleaders will use this time to complete homework, do make-up

assignments, or receive tutoring.

Membership

A. The SAHS Cheerleading team may be a co-ed squad.

B. The Varsity team will consist of a maximum of 18 cheerleaders, and the Junior Varsity team will consist of a

maximum of 16 cheerleaders. Alternate members may be allowed to fill regular team positions as they

become available.

C. The entire team will cheer at all football and basketball home games, select away-games, pep rallies,

promotions, fundraisers, and community/charity events.

Tryouts

  1. Tryouts will be held in a fair manner conducive to allowing each candidate to show his/her best abilities and

potential.

  1. A tryout will consist of performing designated skills in front of judges and coaches. The judges will be chosen on the basis of their expertise in cheerleading.
  2. Skills that will be judged include, but are not limited to: cheer technique, voice, motions, jumps, dance,

rhythm, tumbling, and spirit. All skills will be judged on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being the best score possible.

  1. All skills necessary to try out for Varsity and Junior Varsity will be taught at the tryout clinic. Attendance at

the clinic is mandatory.

  1. Each candidate will be rated by their teachers on the basis of attendance, punctuality, attitude, respect,

leadership skills, cooperation, and conduct in class. Teacher evaluations will be factored into the points for the selection of cheerleaders. All teacher recommendations and disciplinary records will remain confidential.

  1. Selection of the team members will be based on the points assigned by the judges and from teacher

evaluations.

G. The coaches reserve the right to make preliminary cuts before the final judged tryout.

H. Acceptance of a candidate shall be on the basis of ability, the coaches’ agreement, acceptance of the team

rules, and without prejudice of race, creed, or color.

Cost of the Season/Fundraising

  1. The cheerleader is responsible for purchasing individual items including, but not limited to: camp fees,

uniforms, cheer shoes, warm-up suits, briefs, body liners, ribbons, socks, practice clothes, game day shirts, and competition expenses. A cheerleader may have additional expenses through the year. Fundraisers will be conducted to help cover expenses.

  1. All cheerleaders will participate in all fund raising projects during the year. Money earned is used for

miscellaneous expenses throughout the year.

C. All fundraising activities must be school approved.

D. All funds raised must be turned in a timely manner.

Uniforms, Practice Wear, and Equipment

  1. Cheerleaders have the responsibility to respect the property of St. Augustine High School and the SAHS

Cheerleading Program. The athlete will be responsible to pay for all damaged equipment.

  1. The cheerleader is responsible for any alternations and all upkeep of uniforms. Uniforms may not be altered

without the coach’s approval, even if purchased by the cheerleader.

  1. Uniforms may only be worn by SAHS Cheerleaders and for events as designated by the coach.
  2. Only official team jackets may be worn over a uniform. Practice t-shirts and warm-ups are the only part of the

uniform that may be worn when not cheering.

  1. Cheerleading shoes are not to be worn as casual shoes and should be worn only for practices, games, pep rallies and competitions.
  2. Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of team identification must always conduct themselves in a

manner befitting of a SAHS Jackets cheerleader.

Appearance

A. Uniforms and shoes should be kept spotlessly clean at all times. Uniforms should be neatly pressed.

B. For safety reasons, jewelry or watches will not be worn with uniform or at practice. This includes earrings,

bracelets, rings, necklaces, watches, tongue, eyebrow, lip or navel piercings.
C. Makeup should be natural and not excessive. Under no circumstances is make-up to be applied in front of a

crowd.

  1. Fingernails must always be kept to a short length with no white showing when palms are facing up. Only neutral fingernail polish colors will be permitted while in uniform.
  2. No visible tattoos are allowed. No additional tattoos or body piercings should be added during the season.
  3. All hairstyles must be neat and off the neck and shoulders. If hair is long enough to touch the collar, it

must be pulled back. Hairstyles worn for games should be simple and should not require adjusting during a

game.
G. A SAHS cheerleader should maintain a high level of physical fitness.

Practices

  1. All practices, games, and competitions will be supervised by the coach, assistant, or a designated school official. Cheerleaders will not practice stunts or gymnastics without the direct supervision of the coach, assistant, or a designated school official.
  2. A monthly calendar will be given to each cheerleader by the coach, which will list the practices, game times andbus times.
  3. During football season, 2 to 3 practices will be held each week. During basketball season, 2 practices will be

held each week. A coach may call extra practices at any time.

D. Attendance to all scheduled practices is mandatory.

E. Cheerleaders must wear a t-shirt or tank top, shorts, socks and cheer shoes to practice. Hair must be tied back,

no gum and ALL jewelry removed.

F. Attention must be given to the coaches and captains at all times during practice.

G. Cheerleaders must be present at the last practice prior to a game or performance in order to cheer.

H. Summer practices dates will be given in advance.

I. Participation in summer cheer camp is mandatory (no excuses including family vacations).

Games and Transportation

A. Each cheerleader is responsible for securing transportation to and from all home games.

B. The cheerleader must be at the school at the designated time before the game to warm up and practice. The

cheerleader must be fully dressed and prepared to warm-up at the designated time.

  1. A cheerleader missing any piece of his/her uniform, including poms, will be required to sit with the coach in the stands for that game.
  2. The coach will arrange transportation on a school bus or van to away games.
  3. Halftime – Cheerleaders will be allowed to walk around during halftime to socialize, eat, take photos, etc. Cheerleaders must be in place and ready to cheer no later than 2 minutes until the start of the 3rd quarter.
  4. All cheerleaders must ride the bus provided by the school district to and from games. Friends or visitors will

not be permitted on the bus.

  1. All cheerleaders will return from away games with the team unless he/she rides home with his/her parents, and the coach talks with and receives a signed note from that parent before departing. No cheerleader will be allowed to ride home with another student.
  2. If the cheerleader misses the bus, he/she must have a parent drive him/her to the game, and he/she will sit out for the first half of the game, unless otherwise determined by the coach.
  3. Rides should arrive promptly at the end of any game or event. A coach will not be responsible to wait for a

cheerleader’s ride home to arrive at the high school. If a parent is extraneously and/or repetitively late, the cheerleader will be issued a consequence.

  1. Cheerleaders will not be allowed to leave before the end of any game.

Attendance and Tardiness

  1. All cheerleading activities, including games, practices, pep rallies, fundraisers, and summer camp are

mandatory.

  1. FHSAA mandates that a student must attend school a minimum of half of a day to be eligible for

participationin an activity on that day.

  1. Cheerleaders must be on time to all practices, games, cheer events, and competitions. Tardiness will not be

tolerated, and demerits will be issued for tardiness.

  1. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: family vacations, medical or dental appointments, college visits, work, or common cold illnesses; unexcused absences will result in demerits.

E. EXCUSED ABSENCES: hospitalization of the student, death in the family, personal religious obligations

F. Every attempt should be made to schedule any family vacations and appointments around the cheerleading

schedule. However, should a cheerleader know in advance of an absence for one of these reasons, he/she

mustgive the coach two weeks notice to be excused.

  1. In case of emergency or illness, the parent must contact the coach by phone or e-mail on the day of the emergency 2 HOURS BEFORE the scheduled practice, performance, meeting or game. If not notified prior to the scheduled event, then the absence will remain unexcused and will result in a demerit.
  2. Student athletes missing an entire day of school must have their parents contact the coach by phone or e-mail

first thing to notify them of the absence and its’ nature.

  1. In the event of a suspension or injury, the cheerleader will still be required to attend all games, practices and

functions. A suspended or injured cheerleader is expected to sit with the coach in the stands, not with friends.

  1. There will be no overlapping in sports, other extra-curricular activities, college visits, doctor’s office visits, socialevents or jobs. If these cannot be worked around cheerleading responsibilities then the cheerleader will be required to make a choice. Please remember the COMMITMENT you made to this program. Please discuss all extenuating circumstances with the coach.
  2. If a cheerleader does not attend the last practice prior to a game or performance, then he/she will not cheer and will be required to sit with the coach in the stands.
  3. All cheerleaders are encouraged, but not required to attend social events. Advance notice of non-attendance isrequired.

Conduct

A. Cheerleaders must follow all rules and guidelines in the SAHS Student Code of Conduct.

B. Cheerleaders are required to maintain and uphold the reputation of the SAHS Cheerleading Program

through their own conduct and sportsmanship before, during and after all games.

C. Cheerleaders must be respectful and polite to all visiting cheerleaders, fans and the game officials.

D. All cheers and chants shall be of a positive and sportsmanlike manner. Cheerleaders will make every attempt

to ignore or dissuade negative responses at events and not become involved in such action themselves.

E. Inappropriate or obscene language, gestures, and harassment will not be tolerated.

F. Public displays of affection are not allowed in school or at school activities.

G. The use cell phones is NOT allowed during any game, practice, cheer events, or competition.

H. Inappropriate behavior and defiance will NOT be tolerated.

I. Cheerleaders are not permitted to leave the field or practice area without permission from the coach.

Discipline – Demerit and Dismissal Policy

A. Demerits will be issued for violations including but not limited to the following:

- Unexcused Absence (including being more than 30 minutes late)5

- Late to Practice/Game (less than 30 minutes)3

- Conduct Violation/Defiance 2 to 5

- Unpreparedness 2

- Detention/After School Work Detail 4

- In School Suspension 7

- Out of School Suspension 15

B. 15 Demerits = Dismissal from the team

7 Demerits = One Game Suspension

C. A cheerleader who has been issued a one game suspension for accruing 7 demerits will be required to sit

with the coach in the stands for that game.

D. Merits may be offered at the coaches’ discretion for activities that go above and beyond to help the team.

E. Automatic reasons for suspension or dismissal from the team include:

- Remaining on academic probation for more than two grade checks

- Conduct, including fighting, making threats, stalking, or intimidating, including bullying, that

endangers the well-being of the other student athletes or coaching staff.

- Use or possession of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.

- Weapons violations or conviction of a crime.

- Forgery, cheating, plagiarism, or dishonesty.

- Conduct unbecoming of a cheerleader which reflects upon the reputation of the school and squad.

F. If a cheerleader is dismissed or resigns from the team before their obligations are fulfilled, he/she may not be