CONTRACT AND INFORMATION 2015-2016 Revised February 2015 Dear Parents, Cheerleaders, and Future Cheerleaders, I would like to thank all current cheerleaders for their involvement in Lyman High School Cheerleading and welcome those interested in becoming cheerleaders. Each year some changes are made in an effort to improve our program. Tryout packets and release forms need to be turned in as soon as possible; but all forms should be turned into the athletic office by April 8th. Late forms will not be accepted. *VERY IMPORTANT! - You must have a current physical and permission slip on file at Lyman HS in order to tryout. This physical must be completed and turned into Mrs. Bennett in the athletic office prior to April 8th or you will not be able to participate in tryouts. Lyman High School Cheerleaders cheer during Football and Basketball season. Cheerleaders are expected to be at all required games and should be aware of the time commitment before trying out. If cheerleaders choose to participate in other sports, Lyman coaches will work together to resolve scheduling conflicts. Please note that if a cheerleader also participates in an allstar cheer program, any conflicts will try to be resolved. Finally, many of the cheerleaders and parents have asked about a competition squad. This year was our first year and they did amazing. 10th in the state which is a great first year! We will be offering it again this year, more info to come! More detailed information will be given out at the parent meeting once the squads are chosen. The Parent meeting is April 21st at 6:30 p.m. in the Media Center for JV and 7:30 for Varsity. If you have questions before or after the meeting, please email: Coach Becky at beckyhessler@ymail.com Sincerely, Lyman H.S. Cheerleading Coaches *Visit www.lymancheer.weebly.com for more information!! Lyman High School Cheerleader Tryouts 2015-2016 Important Timeline Information I. Schedule A. Tryout Release forms due on or before April 8th - Forms must be turned in prior to tryouts. B. Tryout Clinic- April 13-14th (3:00-5:00 p.m.) April 15th (2:00p.m-4:00p.m) C. Tryouts- April 16th (3:00p.m. - until finished) D. Results Posted- April 19th (via the website) II. After Tryouts A. Informational Parent Meeting for new squads: Tuesday, April 21st 6:30(JV) 7:30(Varsity) B. Uniform fitting-Tuesday, April 21st Varsity-2:30-3:00pm JV-3:00-3:30pm Uniform Rental Fee DUE!! C. Overnight Summer Stunt Camp –at UCF July 16th-18th. The tryout clinic is recommended. Each cheerleader is expected to know tryout material prior to April 16th. During the clinic, a dance, chant and a cheer will be taught. You need to wear t-shirt, cheer shorts, socks and tennis shoes. Hair must be worn up at all times, no jewelry. Students need to wear blue shorts and a white tshirt for tryouts, April 16th. No jewelry is permitted. Girls need to wear game day appropriate make-up. There are no “guaranteed” spots for any cheerleader, regardless of prior participation. Squad Selection Criteria: This year we are looking for those girls and guys who want to represent Lyman and are proud to be Lyman Cheerleaders. We want students that want to cheer and will be motivated to be at every practice, game, event, get together, etc. This is going to be a fun filled year with a lot of spirit!! Rules and Responsibilities LETTER AWARDS Only squad members in good standing will be awarded a varsity letter for the season (Varsity squad only). Attendance policies will be enforced. If an athlete is injured during a season, they may still letter if they continue to participate in all practices and performances as much as physically possible. In the event the athlete is unable to physically participate, they must still attend games and cheer along with the squad. They will also be expected to attend practices and participate in non-physical activities, such as poster-making, planning, etc. GRADES: Cheerleaders must have an overall grade point average of 2.0 to be eligible for the squad. Failure to maintain a 2.0 average will result in removal from the squad for season. Discipline and attendance records are also considered. UNIFORM: It is the responsibility of the cheerleaders to clean and maintain their uniforms. Damage or unreasonable wear could result in extra uniform charges for the particular cheerleader. BEHAVIOR: Cheerleaders are expected to act appropriately on and off campus. 1. 2. The following may result in immediate suspension from squad: a. Insubordination b. In- School Suspension c. Severe disorderly conduct on or off campus d. Principal's request e. Inappropriate use of Social media The following may result in immediate expulsion from the squad: a. 2nd suspension b. Out of School Suspension c. Principal's request d. Inappropriate use of Social media LATE ATTENDANCE POLICY TARDY - is defined as the arrival to a practice or game of more than 5 minutes after the appointed time. UNEXCUSED TARDIES: You will sit out of the next game the number of minutes that you are late. The third unexcused tardy will result in a one game suspension and a phone call made to notify parents. Repeated unexcused tardiness may result in removal from the team. Excused tardiness is subject to running, conditioning, or make up time. PRACTICE All cheerleaders must attend every scheduled practice. Cheerleaders may not begin practice until the supervising coach is present. Attire: Practice attire includes the practice outfits designated by the coach. Sport bras, half shirts, and short-shorts are not allowed. If a cheerleader is not dressed appropriately, he/she may be sent home and that practice will be counted as an absence. Excused absences (school sponsored events, preplanned events, etc) must be approved by the coach in advance (minimum 24hrs notice). Please schedule appointments around practices and games. Appointments may not be considered an excused absence. Medical and Dental appointments may be considered an excused absence if advanced notification is given. The schedule is out at least 3 months in advanced. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: For an unexcused absence you will “sit out” one quarter at the next scheduled football game. Two (2) unexcused absences will result in a one game suspension and meeting with coach and parents. Three (3) or more unexcused absences may be grounds for removal from the squad. A possibility of make-up time maybe given in exchange for being removed from the team. Excused absences are subject to running, conditioning, or make up time. GAME POLICIES AND CONDUCT Cheerleaders are responsible for knowing the times and dates of all games. A schedule will be provided for the squad by the supervising coach, and posted on www.lymancheer.weebly.com. Cheerleaders are expected to be in full uniform when they arrive for the game and until they leave the game. Cheerleaders are expected to cheer for all home and away football games, all home basketball games, and any tournament or playoff games. Basketball games will be able to be made up by cheering at another squad’s game. Any games missed must be made up to be in good standings for end of season. Transportation will not be provided to and from all away games and events. It is the responsibility of the cheerleader to make arrangements to be at all away games at the proper time. No cheerleader may leave a game without notifying the coach. At all games, cheerleaders must meet 60 minutes before the game. All taping, medications, bathroom breaks and other personal care items should be taken care of prior to arriving to the field or court. The athlete will be dressed (hair included) and ready to warm-up at least 50 minutes before the start of the game. All squad members will be expected to participate in pre-game warm-ups and practice. ILLNESS/INJURY DURING A GAME If an athlete becomes injured or ill during a performance and does not need immediate medical attention, the athlete will remain with the coach for the duration of the game or until taken home by the parent. They will continue to participate in the game as much as possible by focusing on the competition and cheering with the squad. DISCIPLINE ACTIONS 1. Cheerleaders may receive discipline actions for any of the following reasons: Leaving practice before the scheduled time Inappropriate use of any Social media Late to practice (unexcused) Missing part of the uniform or outfit scheduled to wear Not participating in School Spirit activities Not prepared for games or practice (not knowing the material) Disruptive behavior during class or on campus Undesirable behavior at practice, game, or event (bad attitude, not cooperative) Lack of respect for teammates or coach Late turning in required paperwork (release forms, fundraising money, etc.) Referrals Inappropriate behavior at a game or during school Inappropriate behavior while in uniform (in public) Not participating in fundraising activities or community service events Lying 2. Discipline actions may include any of the following: a. Running or Conditioning Exercises b. Attending extra events c. Sitting out of games, practices, or other events *Any other actions or incidents that are not listed here, but may occur will be dealt with at the coach’s discretion. SUSPENSION If an athlete is suspended for disciplinary or attendance reasons they will be expected to attend any scheduled games. They must arrive at least one half hour prior to the beginning of the game, dressed appropriately (see game day dress code) and participate fully in cheering along with the squad throughout the entire game. If deemed necessary, the suspended athlete will sit with the coach for the duration of the game. Failure to attend a game during a suspension will be counted as an unexcused absence. CONTRACT VIOLATIONS Any violations of the above rules will result in disciplinary action. First Offense - verbal warning from coach. Second Offense – written warning from coach. Third offense - meeting with parents and school administration. Severe and/or continuing offenses could include suspension or removal from the squad. Information and Parent Permission Form NAME: ______________________________________________________ PARENT’S NAME: _____________________________________________________________________ CURRENT GRADE: _______ SCHOOL: _______________________ ADDRESS: ______________________________________________________________________ PHONE: _________________________________ (Parent #) ______________________________ (Cheerleader #) Email :____________________________( Parent) _________________________ (Cheerleader) Squad Selection: Circle the squad(s) you wish to be considered for during tryouts. You may circle more than one. If you only circle one squad, this does not guarantee you will be placed on that squad. Students cheer for football and basketball. Freshman Squad (9th grade only) Junior Varsity (9th, 10th, & 11th grades) Varsity (10th, 11th, & 12th grades) MEDICAL RELEASE AND PARENT PERMISSION I, the undersigned parent or guardian, do hereby grant permission for my daughter/son, ___________________, to participate in the activity of cheerleading at Lyman High School. In order for my daughter/son to receive the necessary medical treatment in the event she/he may sustain injury or illness during participation in the activity, and I hereby hold Seminole County, Lyman High School and its representatives harmless in the exercise of authority. I understand that this activity involves risk to the participant. I further acknowledge and understand that due to the nature of this activity, which involves inversion and rotation of the body, there is a possibility that my daughter/son may sustain physical illness or injury (minimal, serious, or catastrophic), in connection with her or his participation. I further acknowledge and understand that my daughter/son is assuming the risk of such physical illness or injury by his/her participation, and I further release Seminole County, Lyman High School and its representatives from any claims for personal illness or injury that my daughter/son may sustain during the participation in this activity. I further understand that Lyman High School has established rules and regulation pertaining to conduct, behavior, and activities of all students and cheerleading participants, by which my daughter/son must abide during participation in the activity, and that my daughter/son and I will be responsible for her/his failure to abide by those rules and regulations. My daughter/son and I have read and understand the above Medical Treatment Authorization and Liability Release. INSURANCE COMPANY: _____________________________________________ POLICY #: ________________________________________ PARENT SIGNATURE: _______________________________DATE: __________ *The Information above must be completed in order to tryout!!!! Cheerleading Contract As cheerleaders and representatives of all students in Seminole County, Florida and Lyman High School, I _______________________________ dedicate my abilities and I pledge my efforts to generate unity to promote enthusiasm, to instill school spirit, and to demonstrate good sportsmanship in the Lyman High School community and among all institutions with whom I interact. I understand and will abide by the following rules and regulations as a Lyman High School cheerleader. Cheerleading is considered an extracurricular activity and is subject to all the rules and regulations stated in the Lyman H.S. Activities Handbook. Students and parents must sign all appropriate contracts and consent forms and pay all fees prior to the student participating in the cheerleading program. By the very nature of the activity, cheerleading and stunting carry a risk of physical injury. No matter how careful the participant and coach are or what landing surface is used, the risk cannot be eliminated. The risk also includes catastrophic injuries such as permanent paralysis or even death from landing or falls on the back, neck, or head. I understand these risks and will not hold Lyman H.S. or any of its personnel responsible in the case of accident or injury. Medical insurance is the responsibility of the individual athlete. All FHSAA guidelines for cheerleaders apply. An American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) certified coach must be in attendance for ANY stunting during a practice or performances. Being a member of the cheerleading squad is a privilege, and all team members are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner at all times and fully participate in all aspects of cheerleading including, practices, fund-raising activities, pep assemblies, games, poster making, locker and hall decorating, tournament performances and any other scheduled spirit events. These guidelines have been established with the goals of safety, clear communication between coaches, athletes and parents, and fairness to all squad members. By signing this contract, the athlete and parents indicate knowledge of the contents of this contract, including the potential risks involved, knowledge of the Lyman Activities Rules and Regulations and the willingness to abide by them. I fully understand the requirements and responsibilities that are addressed in the Cheerleading Contract for the 2015-2016 school year. I understand and know that I must be in good standing in order to receive my award at the end of the year. __________________________________________ Cheerleader signature _____________________________________________ print name _____________________________________________ Parent Signature ______________________________________________ print name Lyman High School Cheerleading Fees 2015-2016 *All clothing Fees will be paid to Varsity directly more info to come at Parent meeting! Required for Returning Cheerleaders: (Total $303.35) • New Gold Brief • 3 pack crew socks • 3 practice outfits/camp wear • Practice bow • New Jersey (with name and graduation year on back) Freshman & New Cheerleaders will also need: (New Total $336.49) • White bow $6.60 Pink bow $6.60 Poms $19.94 *If you are a returning cheerleader and have lost one or more of these 3 items, you will need to repurchase them. Optional Items available for order: Rain Jacket $12.30 Shoes $71.25 Clear Strap Bra $24.65 Warm Up Jacket $71.25 Warm Up Pants $28.50 New Spirit Tee $53.15 Pullover Jacket $88.55 Fleece Jacket $99.70 Back pack $47.45 (w/lettering and name) In Addition to the Clothing Fees above, additional fees due to “Lyman Cheer” are: $50.00-Uniform Rental due at fitting (April 21st) $292.00-Due by July 7th to be able to go to camp! Over Night Stunt Camp @ UCF $292.00 (July 16th-18th) *For the 2015-2016 season, we will be participating in an overnight camp at UCF. Fundraising will be offered to earn the money. It is very IMPORTANT and mandatory that everyone participates! * Fundraisers will be held throughout the season to help pay for Homecoming gifts, End-of-Year Banquet, and Awards. Every cheerleader will be required to participate or “buy out.”