Bexley Middle School Cheerleaders

Cheerleaders are one of the most visible representatives of their school. BMS Cheerleaders are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. Their purpose is to promote school pride, unity and to lead the student body in showing support of all athletes and coaches. All Cheerleaders are required to participate in designated school events and community activities. Consequences for not participating will be enforced through limitation of cheering at games. Specific requirements will be provided verbally and/or in writing for each event. Those athletes that cannot meet the required commitments must have an excuse deemed valid by the coach as to why they cannot attend.

Practices

·  Practices are set at the discretion of the coach. Everyone must attend all practices.

·  Absence from school means you cannot attend practice/game for that day. School absences should be limited.

·  Missing practice for clubs and other extra-curricular activities is not considered excused. Students with academic obligations will not be penalized. Academics are a priority, please inform your coach ahead of time if you need to meet with a teacher, and provide a note from the teacher.

·  Every effort should be made to avoid missing practice

·  Please inform Coach Adkin if you have an upcoming doctor’s appointment. Either a phone call from the parent or a note from your doctor needs to be made available to me.

·  Please have parents contact me via email or phone call regarding any family vacations that will result in missed practices or games.

·  Other than speaking to a parent/guardian, cell phones are not allowed during practices or games. Friends are not allowed to attend cheer practices.

·  A water bottle is required for every practice. Gum and snacking are not allowed.

·  Cheerleaders are encouraged to eat a healthy snack before practice begins.

·  All cheerleaders are required to wear cheer appropriate shorts, t-shirts and athletic shoes and socks. Hair needs to be pulled away from the face during practice.

Games

·  Cheerleaders must be dressed in uniform for all games at the time designated by the coach.

·  Cheerleaders are responsible for bringing appropriate equipment to all games.

·  Cheerleading is your main concern during the game. Excessive talking to squad members or the crowd is not permitted.

·  Game participation will be limited when practices are missed. One unexcused absences will result in being benched for the next game. Attendance at that game is mandatory. Multiple unexcused absences from practice will result in dismissal from the team. Excused absences would only affect game cheering if it is early in the season and the coach has determined that the cheerleader is not prepared for the game. This would be in consideration of the cheerleader and her squad.

Transportation

·  Cheerleaders are expected to travel to and from the away games on the bus, unless otherwise arranged by the coaches. No cheerleaders will be allowed to ride with other students to or from a game.

Uniforms, Practice Clothing, Etc.

·  If a cheerleader loses his/her uniforms or equipment, he/she will be required to pay for a replacement. Cheerleaders will only be charged what the program pays for the item.

·  Uniforms must be returned, cleaned and in their original condition. Cheerleaders and their parents/guardians are expected to pay for cleaning expenses and/or replacement costs for uniforms that are returned soiled or damaged.

·  Any uniform not returned by the due date will be considered lost and the parents will be charged for a replacement.

·  Cheerleaders will wear appropriate spirit wear or uniforms to school on game days and spirit days.

Rules, Regulations, and Guidelines

·  Cheerleaders who choose to quit the program after being placed on a squad will forfeit the right to tryout the following season

·  Negative attitudes on the team will be discussed with the cheerleader and the parents/guardians will be notified. This can lead to dismissal from the squad.

·  The coach and captain(s) will always be treated with respect. Parents will be notified of any concerns. If this is a repeated offense, it can result in dismissal from the squad.

·  Always be on time or early to practices and games. The Coach and/or captain must be notified via text or phone call of tardiness and it must be a valid excuse. Three unexcused times will result in sitting for ½ of the next game.

·  All personal matters must be taken care of outside of practice; squad unity is a primary goal!

Coaches’ Rights

·  The coach reserves the right to withhold a cheerleader from performing at a game(s) for disciplinary or performance reasons. Reoccurring issues with discipline or the inability of a cheerleader to perform at the skill level of tryouts may result in dismissal from the squad.

·  The coach reserves the right to address attendance issues for practices and/or games on an individual basis.

·  The coach reserves the right to remove any cheerleader from a squad for violating any rule or Code of Conduct.

Requirements

·  Turn in (3) contracts prior to tryouts. The application, parental permission and the student contract.

·  All forms and waivers, with the exception of the Neurocognitive Testing waiver posted on the Bexley Athletics website (“Athletic Forms and Resources”) must be submitted online or turned in to me.

·  Cheerleaders must attend the High School and Middle School Student Athlete meeting on May 18th at 3:20 held by the Athletic Office.

·  Parents must view the OHSAA Meeting Video on the Bexley Athletic website prior to the start of the season.