Gregory Portland Junior High Cheerleading

Rules and Expectations

The rules and expectations are a summary/breakdown of the Gregory-Portland Junior High Cheerleading Constitution and what I expect from each of my cheerleaders and their parents. Please read the following carefully and familiarize yourself with the information.

General Season Expectations

Cheerleading requires a GREAT deal of time, commitment, and dedications on the part of the cheerleaders, coach(es) and parents. Academics should always be a priority; cheerleading should be next with all other activities to follow. General responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

  • The cheerleader will maintain academic eligibility, which is an average of 70 in all classes currently enrolled for that school year.
  • The cheerleader will positively represent GPJH in actions, dress and overall conduct, and will exhibit acceptable standards of morals and citizenship at all times.
  • Season is from April to May of the next school year.
  • The cheerleader will unquestionably follow through with all squad commitments assigned by the coach. These commitments include but are not limited to:

Football gamesFundraisers

Basketball gamesSchool functions

PracticesCommunity Functions

Camps and ClinicsSquad functions

ParadesDecorating projects

Competition

More commitments may arise throughout the season. Parent, as well as cheerleaders, need to be aware that the above list is not set in stone list of commitments. (I.E. commitments are subject to change!)

  • Cheerleaders are to be on time to all commitments. By being tardy, the cheerleader hinders the progress and success of the entire squad. A cheer squad is a team and as such operates as such, Each member is a VITAL part and is needed to be present at all times.
  • The Cheerleader will plan family/friend outings, appointments, and other activities with the academic and cheerleading schedule in mind firsts and foremost. The Cheerleader will take responsibility for reminding their parent of contacting a coach about an absence. If is YOUR responsibility to let the coach know that you are going to be absent. DO NOT –I repeat—DO NOT send a fellow cheerleader or friend to deliver a message to me about why you will be late or absent. It is solely your responsibility.
  • Prepare and participate in all decorating/spiriting raise projects.
  • Attend any other assigned activity, such as special events, parades, not limited to only those.
  • Meet all financial obligations by established deadlines.
  • The cheerleader will refrain from gossiping and/or any form of verbal or physical confrontation or any lude pictures with any part of cheer clothing on including all social media sites.
  • The cheerleader will raise school spirit.
  • The cheerleader will communicate in a positive manner with teammates, coaches, and staff.
  • The cheerleader will maintain a positive attitude towards his/her fellow cheerleaders and coach.
  • The cheerleader will continue to be coachable: take directions and criticism positively.
  • The cheerleader will be cooperative.
  • The cheerleader will silence his/her cell phone at practice/games.
  • The cheerleader will have all his/her gear with his/her at all times in the cheer bag.
  • The cheerleader will refrain from celebrating the misfortune or defeat of another person, team, or program.
  • The cheerleader will accept placements and awards with dignity and class.
  • Uphold all the articles contained within the GPJH Cheerleading Constitution.

Parent/Guardian Expectations

It is imperative that cheer parents/guardians understand these guidelines and expectations throughout the year/season in order for GPJH cheerleading to be successful:

  • In order for our squad to be successful, it takes the cooperation of the parents, participants, coach and administrators.
  • Parents are responsible for all financial obligations for camps, clinics, uniforms and other expenses involved in this activity during the season and school year.
  • Parent/guardians need to be aware of the huge time commitment involved in cheerleading and need to support your child and the coach in these activities to see that the cheerleader fulfills all responsibilities.
  • The GPJH cheerleaders operate as a TEAM and when one person is late or absent it throws the ENTIRE TEAM OFF, Please made appointments and plans around your child’s cheerlead schedule. If an appointment cannot be rescheduled or avoided, please let me know in a timely manner.
  • Understand by the very nature of the activity, cheerleading, tumbling and stunting carry 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 parent you understand these risks and will not hold GPJH or any of its personnel responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time.
  • Parents and participants need to trust and support the decisions made by the coach and administrators to always do what’s best for the SQUAD.
  • Please keep in mind that the coach and administrators have other responsibilities and commitments outside of cheerleading and it is asked that parents and participants respect their personal and professional time. Any questions or problems concerning the squad should be directed to the coach at the appropriate time. The coach will then return email, texts, and phone calls at their earliest convenience. Issues should not be addressed during practice, games or events.

Practice Rules

The following rules are to be followed during every GPJH cheerleading practice. The coach reserved the right to discipline each member of the squad in accordance to the GPJH Expectations. Please become familiar with these rules for it will make practice run more productive and efficiently.

  • You are to be on time to practice. This means dressed out and on your spot in line ready to go. If you are late you will run. How much you run depends on how late you are. If you need to stay after to get help with a teacher YOU (and only you) need to some let me know, not another cheerleader. YOU.
  • No cell phones or any other electronic devices allowed at any time during practices, games, camp or any other program/activity. Cell phones should be kept in participant’s bag until practice or activity is over.
  • No candy, gum, food or drinks are allowed. I am not staying to clean up after you and it is not the custodian’s job. If I find trash after everyone has left, we will spend the next day of practice cleaning.
  • No foul or grotesque language or dancing is permitted—this includes but it not limited to twerking and grinding. You will conduct yourselves like young ladies or you may be dismissed from the GPJH cheerleading squad.
  • Practices can be verylimited in time so we have to keep the talking and horse playing at a minimum to have adequate time to teach material. You will not perfect the material during scheduled GPJH practices. You will need to go home every night and practice a few extra minutes on what you have learned that day. Please, utilize your time at practice.
  • I DO NOT DO DRAMA. The quickest way to get dismissed from my squad is to start or stir drama – both on and off the squad. Treat others the way you would like to be treated. You will be much happier.

Practice Dress Code

The easiest way to make sure you get the practice dress code right is this: If you cannot wear it to PE/Athletics, you are more than likely are not allowed to wear it to cheer practice. I have included a more in-depth explanation as to the Dress Code and why some of these rules are in place.

  • Shirt must follow school dress code.
  • I do not want to see under garments –bras. I realize a new style is low armholes to show off cute patterned sports bras but this is not allowed at practice.
  • Shorts must have no holes or tears in them. The form fitting pants are not allowed. Leggings are allowed but they must not be sheer. The wearing of jewelry is not allowed during the practice of cheerleading. I would suggest not wearing jewelry to school if worried of losing it or concerned that is might be stolen. Neither the school nor I are responsible for any stolen property. Bring at your own risk.
  • If you get a new piercing you will still have to take the jewelry out during games and practices. The jewelry rule is a UIL rule and as such WILL be followed. If you decide to get a new piercing and refuse to take it out, then you have decided to step down your position as a GPJH Cheerleader for the season.
  • Fingernails should be cut short. Fingernails have to be kept short for safety purposes during stunting. The nail should not be able to be seen over the top of the fingertip.
  • Hair needs to be pulled up. Bangs needs to be pulled/pinned back out of face. If your hair is too short it needs to be out of your face to the best of your ability with the assigned bow. This rule is also due to safety purposes. No hard plastic hair bows or headbands are allowed for safety purposes.
  • Cheer shoes and socks need to be work every day to practice. Cheer shoes have a smooth bottom to allow for stunting.