Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Handbook
Welcome to The Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Program. Thank you for your interest in Bishop Park All-Star Cheerleading. As we prepare for our 1st season we will continually be changing and improving to keep up with the demands of the all-star cheerleading competitions.
The mission of Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Program is to enrich the lives of the children and their families through the sport of competitive cheerleading. Our goal each day is to teach our cheerleaders the value of commitment, hard work, integrity, leadership, self-confidence, positive attitude and a love for the sport. We accept all skill-levels, regardless of previous training or experience. Cheerleaders participating and performing at their personal best, is all that is required. Winning a competition is a blessing, but achieving your own personal goals, doing your very best, with a positive attitude, is really what winning is about!
Each and every family is important to our program. We have prepared the following information to help each family understand the commitment level that is expected from each cheerleader and their parents. Please take time to carefully read over the handbook in full. The Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Program expects 100% positive encouragement from each cheerleader, and their parents, for the entire competition year.
Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Program is a recreational program, it is also competitive, fun and very rewarding. Competitive cheerleading is not for everyone, however if you and your child are committed to being the best teammate possible, and working hard to achieve goals and support the program, please join us! We welcome all skill levels regardless of previous training or experiences, we will find a place for you. Good luck and we look forward to having you as part of the Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading team.
Thank you,
Lanita Wasson, Saline Cheer Starz!
Head Cheerleading Coach/Program Manager
Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Program
Everyone associated with Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading (i.e., coaches, cheerleaders, volunteers, family members, etc.) is expected to uphold a high level of sportsmanship and character. This handbook is provided as a guide to the specific policies and procedures of our program.
WHAT IS ALL-STAR CHEERLEADING?
All-star cheerleading teams are formed for the primary purpose of competing. All-star cheerleading is a sport that requires a lot of hard work, and dedication. However, it is also a fun and exciting opportunity for the kids to build self-confidence, as they reach individual and squad skill goals. Competition offers an exceptional experience performing can only bring, and meeting new people, while doing something they really enjoy.
WHAT DO THEY LEARN?
All-stars cover every aspect of cheerleading. They will learn motion technique, cheer, jumps, dance, partner stunts, pyramids, tumbling, and spirit. They will also learn teamwork, setting goals, self-discipline, commitment, and sportsmanship. Many of our former cheerleaders move on their school spirit squads or traditional All-Star programs, building on the skills learned within this program.
PRACTICES
Our teams typically practice a total of 2-3 hours a week for the bulk of the season. This is typically broken into 1-2 practices every week. There will also be a required 5-day Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Camp in June. Practice and Camp schedules will be determined, based on the best available days and times for the coaching staff, and majority of the cheerleaders, convenience of coaching staff rules. Also, the length and number of practices may change as we enter new phases of our season. Some months may have more or longer practices than others.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance is very important to the success of the teams. Practices are mandatory. Once practice times are set, everyone is expected to be there. This is a team sport, no cheerleader is less important than any other team-member. You can get a lot accomplished in a 2-hour practice if everyone is there. If team-members are missing, the whole team suffers. Each cheerleader has to be committed to themselves, their goals, and to the other members on the team. Saline Cheer Starz! does not discourage cheerleaders from participating in other activities. However, this is a very committed sport and attendance is very crucial to the success of the whole team.
Competitions are mandatory for the Competition Squad. It takes the team in its entirety to perform to the best of the teams’ ability. You will have all of these dates in plenty of time to make any arrangements needed. All we ask for, is that the cheerleaders and their parents, commit to a 5-day Camp in June, 1 - 2 nights a week for practices, 1-3 competitions, and between 1-3 exhibitions, per season. The only way to guarantee that a cheerleader will be able to compete at every competition, is for the cheerleader to attend the required practices and be confident in performing the skills and routines of their cheerleading squad. (We do understand that situations come-up, illnesses, family emergencies, etc., we will do our best to respect the cheerleader and her family’s situation. Please let us know if the cheerleader will not be attending practices, so we can work around her. You will probably miss some practices, however, we are asking that you and the cheerleader, please valiantly do your very best to make it to practices.)
EXPECTATIONS of CONDUCT
1. Challenging the authority of the coach or person in charge, by student or parent, will be grounds for dismissal. Any concerns may be respectfully discussed with the Coach/Program Manager, Lanita Wasson.
2. Abusive behavior, lying, or any other negative forms of behavior will also be grounds for dismissal.
3. No profanity in the gym, during practices, or at meets. Cheerleaders and parents, you are always a role model for someone else, so please keep a positive and respectful code of conduct. You are representing the Saline Cheer Starz! Negative attitudes are contagious, let’s lift up our Starz! not bring them down.
CHEERLEADER EXPECTATIONS
1. Each cheerleader must be willing to work hard and strive for excellence.
2. Cheerleaders must be on time to all activities! They should wear the required practice or performance uniform and shoes. No jewelry. Hair should be pulled back away from the eyes and face, if long enough a ponytail is preferred. There is to be no chewing gum or eating during practice. However, we will allow short breaks for small snacks and drinks.
3. Cheerleaders will do everything in their power to achieve personal and squad goals.
4. Each cheerleader is responsible for finding out any missed information.
5. NO CELL PHONES DURING PRACTICE.
PARENTAL EXPECTATIONS
1. To make sure your child is on time and to attend designated practices and events.
2. Parents are to inform the coach if the student is to be late or absent from practice.
3. Fulfill any financial obligations.
4. Parents are to encourage and support all teams and students.
INJURIES & LIABILITY
While we strive to provide the safest possible environment for our cheerleaders, injuries may occur. Bishop Park Community Center, City of Bryant, -OR- Southwest Community Center, City of Little Rock, or any volunteer or paid-staff member of Bishop Park Community Center, City of Bryant, Southwest Community Center, or City of Little Rock, is not liable for any expenses arising from injuries resulting from participation in this cheerleading program.
SALINE CHEER STARZ! EXPENSES
Saline Cheer Starz!
-Cheer Skills
$25 Practice Uniform
$25 Monthly ($80 – 4 mos in advance -or- $100 – 6 mos in advance)
-Competition Squad
$80 Registration (Covers practice and activity fees Jul – Feb 2015)
*$50-$70 Each Competition (usually we do 3 Nov–Jan, fees are due in advance of
deadlines!)
*$100 - $130 (tba- still determining pieces) Competition/Performance Uniform (bow, bag, shoes, socks, poms, uniform top and uniform bottom, briefs, competition make-up)
*Installment Plans are in place to make these more affordable!
-ALL FEES- directly benefit your cheerleader!
We are a not-for-profit, community based, volunteer managed program
COMPETITION FEES
Meet fees will vary depending on which company is hosting the competition. The meet season usually begins in November and ends by Mar. We will usually do one – three competitions during this season. We may only ‘visit’ a competition as spectators as well.Meet fees are not Saline Cheer Starz! fees. However they are required fees for Competition Squads, which have to be paid to the hosting gym or company before your child will be allowed to compete. Competition fees usually range between $50-$70.
FUNDRAISING
Fundraising events will be available to anyone who wishes to participate. Only those participating in the fundraising activity will benefit. It is possible to pay for many program fees with fundraiser proceeds. However, Fundraising takes parent participation and involvement, and a Parent Volunteer, working under the supervision of the Coach, to be responsible for organizing fundraising events. If needed, please take advantage of these fundraisers so your child can participate.
COMPETITIONS
-The coaching staff will choose all competitions.
-All teams will perform; some may perform more that others.
-All competitions/exhibitions will be local or in-state competitions.
-Competition season begins in November 2014 and will run through Mar 2015.
-At this time, we are not going to list all of the competitions we will attend. As the season approaches, the coaches will decide on what competitions the teams will attend as spectators or competitors. We will get the list out to you as soon as we have decided on them.
Winning is a Blessing, something we strive for, but each cheerleader performing at THEIR OWN PERSONAL BEST, is their own TROPHY. We may not win competitions every time, but we will do our best every time, learn from our mistakes, and move on, always improving.
EVALUATION SCHEDULE AND PROCEDURES
All cheerleaders will need to be evaluated by the coaching staff in order to be properly placed on a team for the 2013-2014 competitive season. Please remember this is a ONE-YEAR COMMITMENT. All candidates must fill out and return the Registration Form no later than May 31, 2014, for the Competition Squad. Evaluations will be scheduled in May, you will be notified when specific date is determined. This will also be posted on our main website –
AGE DIVISIONS (If enough cheerleaders register to allow for separate squads, otherwise we will have one mixed age squad)
11 years & under Youth squad **Please note the age is as of August 31, 2014.
SALINE CHEER STARZ! YOUTH - Level 1 (11 Years or Younger)
1. NO REQUIREMENTS TO BE ON THIS SQUAD
SALINE CHEER STARZ! YOUTH - Level 2 (11Years or Younger)
1. 2 TOE TOUCH JUMP COMBINATION
2. STRONG ROUND OFF
3. BACK HANDSPRING WITH A LIGHT SPOT
14 years & under Junior squad **Please note the age is as of August 31, 2014.
SALINE CHEER STARZ! JUNIOR - Level 1 (14 Years or Younger)
1. NO REQUIREMENTS TO BE ON THIS SQUAD
SALINE CHEER STARZ! JUNIOR - Level 2 (14Years or Younger)
1. 2 TOE TOUCH JUMP COMBINATION
2. STRONG ROUND OFF
3. BACK HANDSPRING WITH A LIGHT SPOT
18 years & under Senior squad **Please note the age is as of August 31, 2014.
SALINE CHEER STARZ! SENIOR - Level 1 (14 Years or Younger)
1. NO REQUIREMENTS TO BE ON THIS SQUAD
SALINE CHEER STARZ! SENIOR - Level 2 (14Years or Younger)
1. 2 TOE TOUCH JUMP COMBINATION
2. STRONG ROUND OFF
3. BACK HANDSPRING WITH A LIGHT SPOT
TIME LINE
January – June 2014, 6:00 - 8:30,Fridays, Cheer Starz! Cheer Skills Classes (fees covered w/monthly payment)
May 2014 - Evaluations for Squad Placement
July 2014 Regularly Scheduled, Bi-Weekly All-Stars Squad Practices Begin - Days and times TBA (fees covered w/monthly installments)
Thank you for your interest in Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Program. We appreciate your consideration and hope this program is what you are looking for. We look forward to working with you in the future, and expect an outstanding season. Please help us by following the guidelines set forth in this Handbook.
Thank you,
Lanita Wasson, Saline Cheer Starz! Head Coach & Program Manager
NOTE: Please fill out completely the Statement of Commitment, Acknowledgement, Authorization and Release Form, and the Registration Form. Turn in all the pages Lanita Wasson, Head Coach & Program Manager with required registration fees.
Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Program
2014-2015
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT, AUTHORIZATION AND RELEASE FORM
In consideration for (cheerleader’s name) ______participation in the activities provided by The Center of Bryant at Bishop Park, and/or The City of Little Rock Community Centers, including but not limited to, all aspects of the Saline Cheer Starz!, recreational cheerleading, tumbling and/or competition activities, that I am fully aware, that any activity involving motion, height, or athletic activity, creates the possibility of serious injury.
I have read and agree to adhere to all the expectations of the cheerleaders and parents of the Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Program Handbook as described herein. I also have read and agree to follow all rules and regulations of Bishop Park Community Center ( ), and/or The City of Little Rock ( Community CentersRules and Regulations for Public Use.
I hereby release Bishop Park Community Center, the City of Bryant, Soutwest Community Center, the City of Little Rock, and the Saline Cheer Starz! Program,including it officers, employees, and volunteers, from any and all liability to the above named cheerleader, of the person claiming through him/her, arising from injury to the person or property of the above named cheerleader occurring on the premises of Bishop Park Community Center or City of Bryant facilities, as well as Southwest Community Center or City of Little Rock, including any event sponsored or sanctioned by Bishop Park Community Center or City of Bryant, and Southwest Community Center or The City of Little Rock, and/or travel to and from such activities.
I am fully aware of the nature of the activities provided, and the possibility of injuries arising from such activities. This release is intended to be binding upon the cheerleader his/her heirs, assignees, and successors in interest, and anyone claiming by or through him/her. In addition, I have read and understood the registration form and agree to all terms as stated above. I also attest that all information given is factual.
I certify that the cheerleader is in good health and may participate in activities at. In case of an emergency requiring medical treatment, the undersigned hereby authorizes The Center of Bryant at Bishop Park, to take the above named cheerleader to a qualified medical or hospital facility for care and treatment.
Additionally, I relinquish any claims to photography or video of my child, taken while participating in the Cheer Starz! Cheeleading Program, and any and all activities thereof, and/or activities sponsored by The Center of Bryant at Bishop Park, The City of Bryant, Southwest Community Center, or The City of Little Rock. I understand that photos and videos will be used to promote such activities, and release any ownership or censorship rights, of such photography or videography, where my child is photographed or recorded.
Cheerleader’s Name ______Cheerleader’s Signature ______
Date ______
Parent/Legal Guardian’s Name ______
Parent/Legal Guardian’s Signature ______
Date ______
Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Program
2014-2015
STATEMENT OF COMMITTMENT
Financial Commitment
I have read and fully understand my financial commitment to The Saline Cheer Starz! Program as outlined in the Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Handbook. I understand that my commitment is for the 2014-2015, All-star competitive season. I understand that I will forfeit any monies paid if I choose to leave a team, or am asked to leave the program. I understand that I am entering into this program of my own free will.
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature______Date______
**This Commotment Statement is Only Required of Competition Squad
Policies and Expectations Commitment
I have read and fully understand all codes, rules and expectations in the Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Handbook. I understand that I am entering into this All-star program of my own free will. I understand what is expected of me as a parent and a Cheer Starz! cheerleader. I will conduct my self in a sportsman like manner and uphold the standards that are expected of me as a member of the Saline Cheer Starz! Program.
Parent/Legal Guardian Signature ______Date ______
Cheerleader Signature ______Date ______
Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Program
2014-2015
REGISTRATION FORM
Parent/Guardian Information
Parent/Legal Guardian 1- Name: ______
Cell Number:______Home Number:______
Email:______
Parent/Guardian 2 - Name: ______
Cell Number:______Home Number:______
Email:______
Cheerleader/Participant Information
Name: ______
Address:______City:______, AR Zip:______
Gender:___Age:___DOB:______
MEDICAL INFORMATION
Please list any physical/psychological limitations, injuries, or weakness that may affect the cheerleader’s participation and/or performance:
Medication: ______
Allergies: ______
Relevant Medical Concerns which may affect cheerleader, (i.e. diabetes, seizure disorder)
______
______
Doctor’s Name ______
Doctor’s Number ______
Emergency Contact Name (other than Parent/Guardian listed above)______Relationship______
Emergency Contact Number ______
*************************************************************************************
**STAFF USE ONLY**
Cheer SkillsClasses - $25 Monthly -or- $80 for 4 Months - $100 – 6 Months in Advance
Mandatory 5-day Saline Cheer Starz! Cheerleading Camp Fee - TBA
Practice Uniform Fee $25: ______(Paid directly to Coach)
Performance Uniform Fee $130 ______(or 2 payments of ($65) ___ /($65) ___)**STAFF - List dates paid in blank spaces w/initial.