Rocky River Cheerleading Rules & Regulations
2010-2011
Philosophy
Cheerleaders shall serve as support groups for the interscholastic athletic program within the
school and as such, play a very important role in the administration of athletic contests. Each
team should strive to boost school spirit, promote good sportsmanship, and develop good
positive crowd involvement.
Being the most visible and recognizable of a school, cheerleaders are in a position of great
influence; therefore, high standards of conduct are essential. Positive personal behavior and
team cohesiveness demonstrate these standards. Appropriate behavior will help earn the
respect of the student body and is the core of developing effective school spirit and student
involvement.
Sportsmanship
Good sportsmanship is conduct that imposes a type of self-control involving honest rivalry,
courteous relations, and graceful acceptance of results. School spirit is a reflection of these
attitudes and behavior. If a school is to succeed in one of its prime functions, that of developing
good citizenship, it is necessary that student groups radiate proper sportsmanlike conduct. The
promotion of sportsmanship is a primary responsibility of spirit groups.
-
Cheerleaders should always cheer in a positive manner. It is inappropriate to cheer
against the other team or to cheer in response to an opposing player’s mistake.
Cheers and chants with suggestive words and/or motions shall not be used.
Cheerleaders should discourage the fans from yelling in a manner that does not
promote good sportsmanship.
Members must not use foul language at practices, in school, at games, camp or
competitions, etc.
Excessive public displays of affection are never considered appropriate, especially in
uniform, at games or in school.
Cheerleaders must display proper behavior in class, including being on time and in
attendance.
-
-
-
-
All Cheerleaders must have written parental permission in order to participate in preseason clinics or tryouts.
Cheerleaders must have medical examination prior to tryouts, practice, or participation
on a team. Any known medical condition that might interfere with active participation
should be recorded (example: asthma, heart condition, epilepsy, diabetes, etc.)
The following teams may be selected: Freshman Football, Freshman Basketball, Junior
Varsity Football, Junior Varsity Basketball, Varsity Football, Varsity Basketball, and
Competitive Cheer Team. The coaches may have different criteria for each team. In the
event that there are not enough participants to support every team, some girls may be
asked to cover for additional games.
If a student is selected for the competitive team they must also be a member of another
team.
The number of participants selected for each team will be based on the number of
individuals trying out and the group’s skill level. For safety reasons, all individuals
selected to a team must demonstrate a minimum skill level.
If an individual is selected as a member of the team and chooses to drop they will be
ineligible to participate on any other cheerleading team for the remainder of the school
year. If there is an extenuating circumstance preventing the student from completing
the season it will be dealt with on a case by case basis.
Captains
-
Captains may be selected at the time of tryouts or during the summer.
Captains will be based on their leadership abilities.
It is not the role of the captain to reprimand any teammate, but to encourage everyone
to do their best.
It is the captain’s duty to set an example to other teammates by following the rules and
regulations of the team. They will set an example by doing more than her share.
Captains will be at practice early to talk to the coaches to determine the goals for the
practice.
Captains will act as a peacemaker in times of disagreement between team members.
Captains will coordinate the sign making and hanging up of them.
Captains will show no partiality to the team members of the squad.
Practices/Games
-
-
-
Official practice begins when a coach and cheerleaders meet together, including warmups, conditioning, instructional time, and videos.
Cheerleading teams are not permitted to practice without the supervision of an
approved school cheerleading coach.
Cheerleaders are required to use the transportation provided by the school
administration. If there is an extenuating circumstance that prevents someone from
using the school transportation then a transportation form must be turned into the
athletic director at least 3 days prior to the event. No cheerleader is permitted to drive
themselves to a game or event or ride with another student.
When school is closed for the day or dismissed early due to inclement weather, all
cheerleading activities (practices, games, events) for the day will be cancelled.
During 30 second timeouts, cheerleaders cannot perform on the floor. They may do
chants, jumps, etc. in front of their designated bleacher areas.
Preceding all practices sessions and performances there shall be structured stretching
activities and a basic warm-up of cheerleading gymnastics (jumps, tumbling, etc.)
All cheers, chants, dances, or spirit raising activities shall be well planned, practiced, and
organized to promote the safety of students participating in cheerleading activities.
Freshman & JV Football Cheerleaders will cheer at the Homecoming.
Football Middle School Cheerleaders will cheer at the Homecoming Game.
Junior Varsity Basketball Cheerleaders must stay for the first half of every home Varsity
Basketball game. Varsity Basketball Cheerleaders must be in attendance for the second
half of every home Junior Varsity game. Cheerleaders must be in uniform during this
time and assist in leading the crowd in cheers. If a uniform change is needed for Varsity,
the Junior Varsity Cheerleaders may need to cheer a portion of the 2 nd quarter. The
same rule applies to 7th & 8th grade basketball cheerleaders.
Socializing with friends during practice, games or events is not allowed.
Must be on sideline and ready to cheer two minutes before half time ends.
Competitions
-
The competitive team will represent Rocky River School at all spirit competitions.
All competitions must be approved by the competitive coach, and Athletic Director.
All competition registration costs will be paid from either the cheerleading fundraising,
the budget, or the Athletic Department. Members may be asked to bear a portion of
expenses.
Uniforms
-
-
No jewelry may be worn during any practice, game or event.
Aerobic type shoes must be worn at every practice, game or event.
Hair must be secured off of the face for all practices, games, events. If the hair is
shoulder length or longer it must be in a pony tail.
There is no chewing gum or eating during a practice, game or event, no cell phones on.
Nails must be of athletic lengths. No colored polish other than French manicure or clear
polish is to be worn.
Cheerleaders will not loan out any piece of their uniform to anyone. Warm-ups and sweatshirts
are considered to be part of your cheer wardrobe and should not be worn by anyone other than
you.
Cheerleaders must wear their uniform or team designated outfit to school on game days.
Only designated uniforms/ warm-ups may be worn to any team events. This means only warmups and/or uniforms may be worn to any game.
Discipline
Rocky River Cheerleading will operate on a demerit system effective 11/22/10.
Not complying with the rules and regulations of cheerleading and/or the
school will result in a demerit. Receiving 1 demerit will result in sitting out for
½ of a game. Receiving a 2nd demerit will result in sitting out a full game.
Receiving a 3rd demerit will result in sitting out a full game and a meeting with
parents. Receiving a 4th demerit will result in losing your spot on the squad for
the rest of that season, and prompt removal and returning of uniform and
poms. Please note that it is at the discretion of the cheerleading coaches to give
a demerit, and it may not be for a reason stated in the following, as other issues
may occur.
*It is very important to be in attendance for all practices and games. One girl absent affects the
entire squad.
*Absences due to illnesses must be excused by a call from a parent prior to the missed
practice time. If more than 3 practices are missed during the season due to illness a
doctor’s note must be presented to return to practice/ game for the remainder of the
season. Any pre-existing condition that would limit the student’s activity must be noted
on the tryout sheet prior to trying out. If a condition develops during the season the
-
-
-
coach must be notified immediately. Depending on the limitations placed by the doctor,
the coach (along with Administration & Athletic Trainer) will determine if the student
can still participate of the team.
School attendance- a student must be in attendance at least half the school day (by
11:15 am) to be eligible for a practice/game. Special cases (funeral, college visit) may be
waived by the Principal or Athletic Director. An absence on Friday does not have any
bearing on a Saturday game.
At times games may be rescheduled at the last minute. The same rules apply in this
situation.
Attendance at a game, practice or event without proper shoes, clothes or uniforms will
be considered an unexcused absence.
Absences due to a work schedule are unexcused. Jobs must not interfere with
cheerleading responsibilities. This includes babysitting.
Detentions are considered unexcused absences.
During game suspensions, the squad member will sit in uniform with the coach/advisor
for the entire game.
Alternates- Should a Varsity member be unable to fulfill their duties an alternate may be
selected.
Quick snacks are permitted during half time only! Eating meals in the stands or on the
sidelines will not be tolerated.
Absolutely NO CELLPHONE USAGE during any practice or games. Cellphones should be
kept in bag or purse and out of sight. If for any reason a cheerleader needs to contact a
parent, they must ask their coach first before retrieving their cellphone.
As a cheerleader, it is important to remember that you are still representing Rocky River
Schools outside of cheerleading, and should behave accordingly.
******BULLYING******
This is very important and should be read carefully! As this has become a very dangerous
epidemic within school systems and programs, the cheerleading program is taking the issue of
bullying very seriously. Each case of bullying will be handled separately according to the severity
of the actions and words expressed. Discipline can vary from a demerit to principle involvement
and removal from squad. Please keep this in mind while you are using facebook or
cellphones/texting. The cheerleading program is committed to ensuring a safe and positive
program, and will not tolerate bullying.
Injuries
-
All sports have an inherent risk of injury and despite the best efforts to ensure safety,
injuries can and do occur. If a doctor is consulted, a written note must be turned in to
the coach that includes any limitations the athlete may have. A time frame for these
limitations must also be noted. A written release is required before the athlete
maintains full participation. Even if an athlete is injured, the attendance policy remains
in effect. Injured players are still members of a team and are included to the extent
possible. Staying informed with what is going on with the team and supporting fellow
teammates are valuable ways of being part of a team.
Fundraising
-
-
Cheerleaders must participate in all fundraisers.
Families acknowledge that the competitive team will have additional expenses.
All group fundraising money will be used to offset approved cheerleading cost
throughout the season. This may include, but it not limited to, team uniforms,
competition fees, travel fees, team dinners (to include the banquet).
All money raised become the property of the Rocky River Athletic Boosters and is
allocated as determined by the Head Coach.