2014-2015
STANDARDS FOR LHS CHEERLEADERS
Cheerleaders are part of a well-established, well-respected cheerleading program. Your coaches expect you will maintain the quality and caliber of this program in everything you do. Conduct yourself in a first class manner everywhere you go. Your teammates are your family, do nothing to let them down. Commit totally to being the kind of person that will make everyone you know proud to say you are part of the Hobo Cheer team.
Hobo Cheer Standards....
1. Be polite and respectful to anyone whether it be in the halls or classrooms of school or outside the school.
2. When teachers and coaches are talking, show them proper respect. Sit up straight and look her/him straight in the eye and listen.
3. Accept the responsibility of your actions and behavior. Excuses are just that...excuses for not doing what you should.
4. Be the best that you can possibly be, then in the truest sense of the word, you will be a winner.
5. Be a winner in the classroom as well as on the cheer floor.
6. Believe in discipline, conditioning, commitment, teamwork, high standards, yourself and your teammates.
7. Every cheerleader must think in terms of team success instead of individual glory. Always put your team first!
8. Strive for perfection every minute and every hour when performing your duties as a Hobo cheerleader; be it on the court, in the classroom, or outside the school.
9. Be mentally, physically and emotionally ready to handle your cheer responsibilities.
10. Be honored to be a Laurel Hill School cheerleader and wear the name proudly in all that you do!
The cheerleaders are expected to set high standards for their school and to set a good example for their fellow students. To achieve these ends, the cheerleaders will:
· Be passing in all classes. Cheer coach will monitor grades every 3 weeks. If at any time you fall below passing, you will be on probation from cheer. If, at the end of any 9 week grading period, you have a failing grade you will be terminated from the squad for the remainder of the cheer season.
· Attend all scheduled practices and games. No practice, no game. (excused or unexcused) You will be expected to cheer from the bench at the following game. Miss 3 games and you will be terminated from the squad for the remainder of the year.
· Be in good standing with all financial obligations: Participation in fundraisers are MANDATORY!
· Maintain reasonable standards of appearance and conduct when engaging in activities representing Laurel Hill School.
· Cooperate with each other and follow the instructions of the cheerleading coach.
· No whining! NO….drama!!!!!
· Any violation of these rules or conduct deemed improper and unsuitable for a cheerleader will result in consequences administered at the discretion of the cheerleading coach, assistant coach and/or athletic director: Consequences may range from a verbal warning, parent conference, written reprimand, temporary exclusion for specific number of days, or exclusion from cheerleading squad. Coach's decision is final.
POINTS TO REMEMBER
· Be ready at all practices with hair pulled back in a ponytail, shoes for workout, no gum, a good attitude and be on time. No eating during practice time. No cellphones during practice. If coach sees it, coach will take it. If coach takes it, your parent may retrieve it at the end of the day.
· No jewelry at games or practice. (This includes studded earrings and body piercings. You may NOT use tape to cover-up studs. It is against FHSAA rules.)
· No nail polish. No fake nails. Nails should be cut to a safe length. Safety is our first priority.
· ATTITUDE must be positive and upbeat! You must always be willing to work and cooperate at both practices and games. Do not bring your problems with you to practices and games. The key word in your position is CHEER leader. Be willing to do what is necessary... no moaning, complaining, or whining.
· All squad members are to participate in ALL areas: making cheers & posters, creating dance routines, participating in fundraisers & pep assemblies, etc. Everyone should be given the opportunity to be creative. Everyone must share the workload.
· Everyone must have a solid working knowledge of all cheers, chants, dance routines, cheer terminology, techniques and safety. You must pass a chant and safety test in order to cheer at games and assemblies.
· Be dedicated to the point of extra practices in areas of weakness.
· Be an active listener and accept constructive criticism.
· Set an example of good behavior at all times in or out of uniform.
ABSENCES
One person being absent affects the entire squad. It is important not to inconvenience the practice time of the entire squad by being absent. Absences should always be avoided when possible. Missing a scheduled practice will result in non-participation of next scheduled event. Absences due to work are not excused. Jobs must work around the cheer squad schedule. You will NOT be excused for missing after-school practices and you will be required to make-up your exercises at the next practice. Attendance at a practice, event or competition without proper shoes, uniform, hair, will be considered an absence. Remember, you made a commitment to be a part of this team and people are counting on you. 3 unexcused absences will result in termination from cheer squad.
GAME EXPECTATION
· Arrive at game 45 minutes prior to game time. You have a 5-minute grace period. If you arrive after that time, you will sit out the first half beside your coach & cheer from the stands.
· Warm-up for the first 15 minutes, review necessary material for 15 minutes and be ready to cheer 15 minutes before the start of the game. Travel in school transportation is required to an event. Cheerleader may ride home with parent after signing out with cheer coach.
· Have complete uniform, neat & clean, at all games. If you do not have proper uniform, you will be unable to cheer. You will sit out the game beside your coach and cheer from the stands.
· No jewelry. No nail polish. Nails should be cut to a safe length
· No drawing on your hands, arms, legs. You will sit out the game beside the coach and cheer from the stands.
· Remain in cheering area during game.
· No cell phones!
· Follow game agenda.
· Execute chants and routines correctly.
· Control and lead the crowd through organized cheers and chants. Display correct and acceptable leadership skills. This is the LEADER part of Cheerleader.
· DO NOT socialize with players or crowd during the game! This includes your family.
· Follow the coaches’ lead and do not tell them what chants you want or do not want to do.
· Follow coach's directive during games.
· No chewing gum or eating at games. You may have water bottles ONLY on the bench.
· You must eat before or after the games. You will NOT be allowed to have anything but water during games. It is your responsibility to arrive physically prepared for the game, which means you eat BEFORE arrival time.
· Perform stunts only that have been perfected. All stunts need to have the proper amount of spotters.
Estimated Cost
The cost of cheering is the sole responsibility of the parents and cheerleaders. Below you will find an estimated cost for the upcoming season and an expected payment plan. If a cheerleader is unable to meet this financial obligation, you will be dismissed from the squad.
Camp and Practice Gear: 120.00
Includes 3 tops, 3 bottoms, 1 Bra top
Camp Costs:
Camp 200.00
Uniform Costs: 500.00
Includes uniform, warm-up, shoes, poms
If you are returning cheerleader, you will only be responsible for shoes, poms, bows. ($100.00)
Returning cheerleaders who wish to buy a new top or bottom will be totally responsible for replacement costs.
Each parent and cheerleader MUST follow the payment plan below or dismissal from the squad will result. These costs are based upon the above estimates. Cost may increase but will be announced during tryouts if needed,
New Returning
May 19: $205 $105
June 10: $205 $105
July 10: $205 $105
August 1: $205 $105
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I have read and understand the Laurel Hill High Cheerleading Standards. I agree to follow these rules and policies and cooperate fully with the other members of the cheerleading team and the Coach(es).
Parent Signatures:
Cheerleader Signture:______