Cheer Team Rules

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PURPOSE:

  • To promote and uphold school spirit.
  • To develop a sense of good sportsmanship among students and adults.
  • To promote the unification of the crowd’s involvement during athletic events.
  • To strive to uphold the highest personal standards and to better relations between schools.
  •  To support the school and all of its clubs and activities.
  • To improve ones own ability in the areas of: Cheers, Chants, Tumbling, Jumps, Stunts, Dance, Motions, Poise, Projection, Enthusiasm, Coordination, and Attitude!!!!
  • To compete competitively as an athlete.

Participation in athletics is a privilege, NOT a right. The athlete must earn the privilege through dedication, desire, and discipline. Without the pursuit of these, the athlete can in no way do justice to him/herself or the school. The athlete must discipline him/herself to be a good citizen and student in order to achieve athletic excellence. In order for a determined course of action for the pursuit of athletic achievement and the character training of young men and women, the athletic policies and standards must be understood.

TEAM MEMBERSHIP:

The cheerleading program is split into three segments, sideline cheerleading, competition cheerleading, and unified cheerleading.

SIDELINE CHEERLEADING

  • Varsity & Junior Varsity Sideline Cheer Season Runs from Tryouts to Banquet (Approximately April end of school year– March of following school year).
  • Cheerleaders will cheer for FALL & WINTER school athletic games (along with SPRING games/activities) and school/community activities throughout the season. They will be the “spirit leaders” in the building, promoting school spirit all year. Cheerleaders will participate in; but not limited to: Football games, Basketball game, other sport events/games, pep-rallies, spirit weeks, kid’s camps, open house, fundraisers, community service, practices, and all other events designated by the coaching staff. *** We know cheerleading requires a lot of time but we do our best to spread out responsibilities between the cheerleaders!
  • Sideline cheerleaders “COULD” qualify to cheer for UCA/NCA Nationals in the game day division. This is for our sideline UCA Nationals is held in Disney in February. NCA Nationals will be held in January in Texas. It is our expectation that if you are a sideline cheerleader you will tryout for this team IF we attend unless notified and agreed upon before the season.
  • Sideline tryouts are in the spring to get cheerleaders prepared and performance ready for the upcoming season. April – July are used to master our sideline skills. These practices are important to prepare for the season. Skills must be mastered in order to participate at any event or game. If you miss cheer you should practice the material and work on your skills on your own. Lack of practice and/or missing might cause you to not be a what we consider “performance ready” and you could become an alternate. An alternate position is explained later in this document. You must be performance ready to cheer at an event.
  • A Junior Varsity team will consist of members from the eight through eleventh graders. This team will consist of no more than 20 cheerleaders. It is highly suggested that you be enrolled in a tumbling class in order to learn tumbling skills. Some cheerleaders on JV will/could have high level tumbling skills.
  • The Varsity team will consist of members from the ninth through twelfth grade. To be eligible to cheer you should have strong cheerleading, dance, and/or gymnastic experience. Tumbling requirements: standing & running Back-Handspring and preferable Back Tuck. This team will consist of no more than 25 cheerleaders. Just because you have tumbling skills does not mean you will make the varsity team. It is highly suggested that you be enrolled in a tumbling class in order to keep your skills up with requirements and to gain new skills. **Loss of skill could result in being moved to the alternate position or the JV team due to loss of skill** Varsity Alternate positions could also become possible depending on one’s cheerleading skills, the needs of the team, etc. If this option becomes possible, it will be discussed and explained in more detail to you.  This is done on an individual basis, as is determined by the coaching staff on a case to case basis.
  • Starter vs Alternate status: This is like other sports with playing time or have a 1st string/ 2nd string or starter or non-starter. Performance ready has to do with all areas of cheerleading (knowledge or material, stunting, jumps, tumbling, and more.) Performance ready status will be constantly evaluated and deemed ready or not ready by coaching staff before each activity. A starter is some who is performance ready for each event as determined by the coach. A starter will perform on the sideline and at events. The more you practice the better chance you must be performance ready. An alternate is a team member who is not performance ready or becomes injured or has missed practice before the event and therefore wasn’t there to practice for that performance. A varsity alternate could also be a cheerleader who has not yet mastered the needed tumbling skill or who has lost a tumbling skill to be on varsity BUT has other skills above/at varsity level AND the team is in need of someone to perform that skill (ie. a stunting spot). An alternate will not have an assigned stunt group or sideline field spot or performance spot. They will practice with the team and attend all events working to become a starter. An alternate is still a team member and will do everything with the team but perform, unless a substitution is needed for the team to perform a skill. Alternates can be named by the following but not limited to: injuries, absences, loss of skills/unmastered skill, not know material, no longer at the level of the team as a whole, etc.
  • Officially start dates: The fall season starts in July/August. Fall season officially runs July/Aug – Nov. VHSL requires all cheerleaders to have 20 days of stunt/tumble FALL practices in before participation at an event/game. None of the practices held from April – July can count towards these FALL practices days. The Winter Season starts in mid-November. All team members must cheer for winter unless they are playing another BDHS Winter Sport OR are a senior and are opting out as the senior privilege. 
  • For Varsity --- During the FALL season we will only practice one day a week for sideline All other days will be used to prepare for the competition season as it can NOT start until Aug. This is why Spring/Summer Cheer is important as we use this time to have all our sideline work completed. Because Most Varsity participate in both sideline and competition cheer they will get their 20 stunting days in through the both practices.
  • All members will function under the rules & guidelines of the National Federation of State and High School Association Spirit Rule Book, VHSL, District & Region, Prince William County, and Brentsville District High School regulations.

TRY-OUTS

  • Sideline try-outs will be held in April/May AND

       Competition try-outs will be held in July/August.

  • Members of the teams will be determined through process listed on the tryout information & procedures sheet included in the tryout packet. Cheerleaders will be placed on the team by the coaching staff. You must constantly improve, work hard, and accept all rules and regulations to remain on the team.
  • Cheerleading candidates must meet VHSL regulations; this includes transfer regulations &
  • All cheerleading candidates must have all assigned paper work turned in before tryouts.
  • Anyone who makes the team must have and maintaine a current physical every 14 months updated through the PWCS ARBITER..
  • All Cheerleaders & Parents must have concussion training complete! (this can now be done online – through ParentVUE and Arbiter)
  • All Cheerleaders must meet grade Failure to do this will results in dismissal from the team. This includes final year end grades.
  • Cheerleaders will be evaluated on all areas of cheerleading and as being a representative of Brentsville District High School in and out of
  • Each cheerleader will be placed on a team (Varsity or JV) by the coaching staff. A scoring system is used to “help” determine team placement. Team members will be re-evaluated during the season as to their status of a starter or alternate. Team members must be willing to cheer on any team (Varsity or JV) they are placed on and understand that they can be moved from starter to alternate or (Varsity to JV) or vise versa at any time at the coach’s discretion.
  • Winter Tryouts: Additional team members may be added if a winter sideline winter tryout. Current cheerleaders do not need to re-tryout. Seniors ONLY may also opt out of winter This is done so these cheerleaders can attend more college cheer clinics, get a job during the winter season, etc.  This is a senior privilege after giving so much to this program.

COMPETITION CHEERLEADING

  • The Junior Varsity Sideline team “may” participate in “some” JV competitions and or exhibitions. To compete with the JV team you will be reevaluated to determine who will “make mat”. The members will be decided by the coaching staff. Alternates may be used.
  • The Varsity Competition team members will be selected from a separate try out in July/August. The Competition and sideline cheerleading teams are two teams. Just because you are a sideline cheerleader does not mean you will be a Varsity competition This team can have up to twenty members and five alternates.
  • All Varsity and JV Cheerleaders are encourage to tryout for the Varsity Competition team. Tumbling skills are highly suggested – just as in Varsity sideline. Eight Graders are not eligible for a Varsity team.

UNIFIED CHEERLEADING

  • Unified Cheerleading is dedicated to promoting social inclusion through shared sports training and competition experiences, Unified Sports® joins people with and without intellectual disabilities on the same team. It was inspired by a simple principle: training together and playing together is a quick path to friendship and understanding.
  • All sideline cheerleaders will be part the of the Unified Cheer Program.
  • Unified Cheerleaders will participate in practices, some JV Football games, V homecoming game, and all Unified Basketball games. Students with intellectual disabilities will get to choose what level of participation they would like to do with their parents input. 
  • Unified Cheerleader can attend the Summer Kids camp for free.
  • Unified Cheerleaders “might” participate is special unified competitions or performances, community service opportunities, and parades. Unified Cheerleaders “might” participate on other cheerleading events and activities as determined by the coaching staff, cheerleader, administrator, and parent input.

PARTICIPATION OTHER SPORTS/ACTIVITES

  • Participating in another Sport: You may participate in another BRENTSVILLE DIST. HS sport!!  If you would like to participate in another Fall Sport like Volleyball, Field Hockey, Cross Country or Winter Sport like basketball, swim, or track please talk with Coach Witt about how this works. Springs sports should not interfere as this is our down season.  This means you would only cheer during the one season (fall or winter – the one you are not playing another sport in). Cheerleaders must let Coach Witt know prior to tryouts any sport they are considering trying out for. Both cheerleaders and parents should understand how this works.  Also you must communicate with your other coach about this.  You are allowed to play other BDHS sports even though we are year round sport!

 

  • Outside sports: ALL STAR CHEERLEADING OR GYMNASTICS OR OTHER SPORT LEAGUES--- if you wish to cheer competitively on an all-star cheer team outside of school, or and compete with an outside gymnastic team or another outside group we would like to TRY to work with you during the “winter season”. To do this you may not miss anything during the FALL/SUMMER season but during the WINTER, starting after the VHSL State Cheer, you can miss BDHS cheer to do your ALL-STAR cheer or gymnastic. See Coach Witt for more information if you wish to do this and if this will work. Again please be sure your other gym/coach knows you are doing this. And please be sure this has been discussed and worked out prior to tryouts.
  • Cheering for only 1 season (fall or winter) – means that you will not letter for the other season and do not participate in any cheerleading activities or events during that season unless a special circumstance was approved by coaches and admin. Not Including Unified Cheer.

 

Other Policies:

Communication:  We use several forms of communication with parents and cheerleaders. We primarily use an app called “BAND”! This app must be downloaded on both parents and cheerleaders phones. There is an online version as well. We also have an online calendar for all dates. We have a website on the BDHS athletic site. We also have a Facebook page, twitter, and Instagram page for the public to see what we are doing.

We also promote open communication between cheerleaders and coaches AND parents and coaches.  If there are any concerns or questions we want you to ask to have an understanding.  We are working hard to add the athletes voice to our program and will use different ways to do this such as: polls, one on one meetings, check ins, and leadership opportunities during cheer.

Transportation: When traveling to away games cheerleaders will travel mainly by school bus. When the team travels by bus students must ride TO and FROM on the bus. We are a team and will be a team the entire trip. Some away games the coaches will opt to go by car. In these situations, parents and coaches will drive the team to the location and return to the school after the game.

Permission slips will be signed any time a team member must ride with another parent. Only BDHS cheerleading attire will be allowed during all sponsored activities.

Schedule/Attendance: Cheerleading is very demanding. A calendar will be posted online in advance. Please note that changes do happen to the schedule and cheerleaders and parents must be flexible when changes arise. ALL other activities are to be scheduled around cheerleading. You are expected to be at all assigned events. Your attendance includes showing up on time and stay through the entire activity. It should also be noted that if a pattern of absences develops (excused or unexcused) you could be dismissed from the team.  Coaches will allow the team to have a voice in the Schule when possible.  This will include voting on options to find what the majority of the team things will be best.

We understand sometime absences are unavoidable. But our expectation is for all cheerleaders to be at all events and outside activities are scheduled around cheerleading.

Varsity Letter: Varsity Cheerleaders are eligible to receive a varsity letter at the end of our season  for both FALL & WINTER! . To receive this letter you must FIRST successfully complete the season/program as deemed by the coaching staff and administration. Also you must have good attendance at events and practices, working hard, AND follow all the rules and regulations. Any cheerleader that quits or is removed from the team will not be eligible for awards and lettering.

Cheerleaders will letter separately for the Fall & Winter Seasons. The following guidelines must also be met; coaches discretion may be used.

Varsity cheerleaders must also perform/attend in EIGHTY-FIVE percent of all activities/practices and Fifty percent of all games/competitions and complete there community service in order to letter.  Coaches’ discretion may be used. Being injured and having to sit out can affect your qualifications to letter. School related class absences for a grade will not count against you.

Leadership & Community Service

As we know cheerleaders are seen as leaders in the school.  We want to be “servant leaders”. The term “servant-leader” begins with the natural feeling that one wants to serve, to serve and put others first. A servant-leader focuses primarily on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. While traditional leadership generally involves the accumulation and exercise of power by one at the “top of the pyramid,” servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.

Cheerleaders will be providing leadership/community service in many different ways.  Some times all members will be required to do others we will do a sign up to share the responsibility.  Examples: Kids Camp, Helping Teachers during teacher work week, Making Signs, Vacuuming the mat, Making candy bags, Donating Candy, Working Concessions, and more.

Injuries & Illness:

Good Fitness is the best way to prevent injuries! Please notify your coach immediately of injuries.

Remember to stretch before and after practice. We will be conditioning all year to help prevent injuries.

All injuries must be reported to your coach and athletic trainer. The coach will work with the athletic trainer to determine the best course of action. It is best practice to see our trainer before going to a doctor.

We are fortunate to have an athletic trainer available to care for cheerleaders. If you need to be taped or evaluated for an injury, it is your responsibility to see the trainer prior to the start of practice or meeting time.

Anytime a cheerleader sees a doctor a note must be provided. Failure to do so will result in having to sit out from cheer for a specific period of time determined by our athletic director.

In case of injury if you are seen by outside medical care you will need to be cleared by them first and then our athletic trainer. When you are out because of an injury your position is not guaranteed upon return. Any questions please contact Coach Witt.

Any suspicion of concussion must be reported to your coach immediately. Parents and friends are encouraged to let the coaches know if you think a cheerleader may have a concussion. All concussions will be turned over to our athletic trainer and will follow concussion protocol. Both parent and athletes are required to attend concussion training ever year.

Illness: Your health is important to us. If you are not feeling well you must communicate this with your coach immediately. Sometimes you may be able to still come to practice and other times we will ask you to stay home.  Due to ever changing health concerns and advisory’s – PWCS policy’s will be announced and must be followed.

To stay health you should eat three meals a day.  You should also have a snack before practice.  Be sure to increase your water the 24 hours prior to practice and after practice drink your electrolytes.  Cheerleaders should use hand sanitizer often – it is provided at practices.   If you are not feeling well – wear a mask to prevent the spread of anything.  If you have a fever stay home. It is also important to shower when you get home and to clean and sanitize your cheer bag.  We encourage you to put your shoes in the shoe holder of your bag and clean the bottom of your shoes.  Try not to wear your shoes outside of cheer activities.

EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS

All issued equipment is the property of Brentsville District High School. Cheerleading equipment: Uniforms,

Warm-ups, bag, and pom-pons; should be cared for properly. All equipment will be collected at the end of season or one week upon leaving the team. Any uniform returned damaged or altered will need to be

paid for by the cheerleader. If any or part of the equipment is not returned your awards will be held and you will be charged for the cost of the equipment. No alterations may be done to the uniforms without permission. Uniforms and Warm-ups may not be worn at any time unless assigned by the coaches.

Cheerleading is an EXPENSIVE sport. Cheerleaders are responsible for buying some of their own items.  We work hard to get high quality items that are used ALL YEAR and work to get the best prices. Please see the CURRENT cost sheet to understand all FINANCIAL obligations. All expenses are covered on the cost sheet. There is an optional fundraiser scratch card that you can use to raise up to $250.00 to help offset the cost. There is a payment plan set if needed. PLEASE talk to COACH WITT about any financial concerns.

Money and cost should never be a reason someone does not cheer! Talk to Coach Witt about any concerns. We will work to find a way to help anyone in finical need. DO NOT LET COST BE THE REASON YOU DON’T

TRY OUT --- we will find a way to work it out!!!

DRUGS, ALCOHOL, AND TOBACCO

Due to the harmful effects upon the health of an individual, all athletes will I will not be involved in the possession, use or attempted use, receipt or attempted receipt, purchase or attempted purchase, distribution or attempted distribution of drugs (illegal, prescription, and/or over-the-counter), alcohol, inhalant intoxicants, look-alikes, placebos, or paraphernalia or who are under the influence of same on school property, or at school-related activities, are subject to suspension and/ or expulsion from school and shall be removed from the extracurricular activity for the remainder of the season. Students found in possession or in use of illegal weapons on any school property, going to or from school, or at any school-related activity, regardless of where that activity takes place, shall also face removal from the extracurricular activity for the remainder of the season. Cheerleaders will not have in improper diets, and get proper rest. Any indication of these harmful activities WILL result in Administrative Action; this can include dismissal from the team. School administration, guidance, and security departments will be contacted.

PWCS code of behavior and the PWCS athletic code MUST be followed at all times. Both of these documents can be found on the PWC website. It is your responsibility along with your guardians to know the rules and follow them. By signing the permission slip and emergency card you agree to know these rules.

BEHAVIOR

  • There is a HIGHER standard for being a Brentsville
  • All athletes will conduct themselves as young ladies and gentlemen at all times. Appropriate behavior is expected when players are representing their school either IN or OUT OF SCHOOL. As a representative of my school, I realize that my conduct must be exemplary at all times, I will display responsible citizenship at all times and serve as an ambassador and representative of Brentsville District High School.
  • Profanity and unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated at any time.
  • Cell Phones: Cell phones are not to be used at practices or games. If it is out they may be taken and asked for a parent to pick it up. Cell phones should be turned off and secured in your locker and/or bag at all times. Any messages or pictures used with your phone that are inappropriate will be get reported and result in disciplinary action.
  • There will be no HAZING of any form and Bullying will not be tolerated.
  • There will be no public display of affection in cheerleading attire.
  • Dedication and teamwork will be expected at all times.
  • Honor, Respect, Sportsmanship & Positive attitude must be given at all times towards your school (and other schools), team members, officials, coaches, and everyone/anyone.
  • All referrals and detentions must be reported to your coach that day!! Any referrals based on disciplinary problems will result in disciplinary
  • Cheerleaders are expected to be in school and on time. Any tardies or absences must be reported to your coach. If you are absent, you or your parent, are to call or email your coach with the reason. Unexcused absences or tardiest will result in disciplinary action.
  • I will uphold the BDHS rules and regulations of PWCS, BDHS, and our program.
  • I will abide by school and team dress code at all times. To include game uniforms, outfits to school on game days, practice, etc.
  • I will not instigate or be a part of any verbal, physical, or social media aggression towards my peers or school staff. I will not post any social media that would be deemed inappropriate by the coach or BDHS or PWCS.
  • In question of coaching action, etc … it will first be brought up by the athlete and then if the athlete or parent is not satisfied or there are concerns the parent can contact the coat and set up a meeting. Parents and athletes will not address these concerns before/during/after a game or practice.  A meeting will be set up in a timely manner to address these concerns.  After this meeting if there are still concerns they will be reported to the athletic director.
  • In an effort to support safe participation, PWCS does not support the use of energy drinks by athletes. Athletes are prohibited from the use of energy drinks for any reason, especially for the purpose of rehydration before or after exercise. Fluid replacement drinks or drinks used to replenish body fluid after exercise are defined as drinks that replace energy and electrolytes to assist the body in recovering from exercise. Fluid replacement drinks are not classified as energy drinks. Some common examples of fluid replacement drinks are Gatorade and Powerade.
  • I understand that a violation of the BDHS/PWCS code of conduct will result in disciplinary action both academically and athletically.

Standards of Responsibility:

  • I understand that prompt attendance to class, practices, games, competitions, and events is mandatory.
  • I understand that it is my responsibility to communicate with my teacher to make up any missing work or tests and adhere to the teacher's policy.
  • I understand that I will be expected to participate in all events and that it is my responsibility to know when and where these events will take place.
  • Any other sports or activities will be outside of the practice and game schedule. This sport will be my priority.
  • I understand that it is my responsibility to speak with my coach about missing games, practices or any other issues concerning the well-being of the team
  • I understand that I am making a commitment to BDHS Cheerleading Program.
  • I understand SPORTSMANSHIP is an important part of sports.

All inappropriate behavior, grade concerns, absenteeism/tardies can result in discipline action! REMEMBER YOU HAVE THE CHOICE OF CHOSING HOW YOU ACT. YOUR BEHAVIOR REPRESENTS YOUR CHACTER!

Points & Demerits:

As with every year we will try new things to make our program one of the best in the state.  Sometimes the things we try work and other times they do not.  If we decided something isn’t working and we will no longer use them – both parents and cheerleaders will be notified.

Reward Point System: 

Cheerleaders will log through a MOS Forms page all of the “extra” things that are required of cheerleaders.  Some examples are making signs, donations, vacuum mats, camp councilor, volunteer stuff, etc.  Points can then be turned in for treats.  A list of points and rewards will be given and post towards the end the of school year.

Demerits:

We are going to try a new structured demerit system this year, to help all rules to be met.  We will reset this system during each “Season” (Spring, Fall, Winter)

Ø  Cheerleaders will have a check in before every practice.  This means we will check for appropriate attire, hair and nails, water bottles, and anything they are supposed to have with them.  We will also do this at all games and activities. Cheerleaders at BDHS will also check in with Mrs. Witt before school on game days for school attire. Being on time for these check in is required! When something is not correct the following will happen:

o  During Spring/Summer – 1st time running the mile during warm-up.  After that being sent home to fix the issue and running and receiving a demerit. – No penalty for missing as long as coaches were notified.

o  During Fall – running the mile during warm-ups and receiving a demerit.

o  During the Winter – being sent home and receiving a demerit.

Ø  Un-sportsman like conduct, disrespect, not listening, not following directions/rules given.

o  During Spring/Summer – 1st time each practice warning and conditioning or running the mile after practice (name will be placed on the board so we remember who has to stay), 2nd time being sent home.

o  During Fall 1st time each practice warning and condition after practice (name will be placed on the board so we remember who has to stay), 2nd time – you will take a time out and asked to leave practice and a coach will come talk with you – 3rd time you will be sent home and receiving a demerit. (Fall is different due to the number of days we see you compared to the other seasons).

o  During the Winter – being sent home and receiving a demerit.

Once you receive 3 demerits – a meeting will happen between coaches, cheerleaders and parents for a plan of action that could result in dismissal from the team or a behavior plan put in place.

*** At any time any action or behavior that is deemed in detriment of the team, another cheerleader, coaches, the school, the cheer program or breaks PWCS code of conduct. Cheerleaders will automatically bypass this system and the demerits and administrative action will trump all rules/consequences as seen written in the overview and consequences section.  

 

SPORTSMANSHIP

I will be courteous to visiting teams and officials.

I will be humble in victory and gracious in defeat.

I will observe all rules and regulations of the sport.

I will respect the integrity and the judgment of the judges and referees, and accept their decisions as final.

I will respect the facilities of host schools.

I will support the teams I cheer for and compete to the best of my ability, regardless of discouragement.

I will never give-up, quarrel, cheat, bet or grandstand.

I will act as a lady or gentleman at all times.

Overview & Consequences

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

  • Abide by the provisions of the Athletic Code set forth by PWCS. Athletic code is located online on the Prince William County Schools athletic
  • All cheerleaders are STUDENTS first and a Cheerleaders second. To remain eligible for athletics, each athlete must be passing 5 classes with a minimum of 3 D’s and 2 C’s
  • Attend ALL practices, games and events, unless prior permission to be absent has been granted by cheerleading coach
  • Follow all rules stated in this packets and follow the instructions (verbal and written) of the cheerleading coaches

Any violation of these rules or conduct deemed improper and unsuitable for a cheerleader could result in one or more of the following consequences, administered at the discretion of the cheerleading coach and/or athletic director and/or principal: verbal warning, parent conference, written reprimand, temporary exclusion for specific number of days, or dismissal from cheerleading squad.

ADMINISTRATIVE ACTION (By any BDHS or PWCS administrator, etc) can happen at any time for any reason and will trump any and all things in this document.