Competitive Cheerleading Guidelines
These guidelines are in addition to those already dictated in the Hempfield Area Spartan
Cheerleader Contract.
Each year it is and will be one of our jobs as coaches to evaluate the cheerleading program. What
works one year might not be the right choice for the program the next year. We want our
cheerleading program to be something the entire school district can be proud of. We want to
address and correct our weaknesses and build on the strengths of the program. After much
thought and discussion between the coaches, we have decided that the format for how our
competitive squad will be grouped this year is as follows:
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The number of members on this squad will be determined based on the “natural drop-off”
of the tryout scores. This squad will have between 12 and 20 members.
Cheerleaders will tryout based on their stunting position: flyer, base, or back spot.
The coach will choose her own choreographer that she feels will work best for her squad.
Coaches will choose squad leaders and will also designate the squad leader
responsibilities. The competitive cheerleading squad will select two squad leaders to help
lead this year. These leaders will be selected based on their ability to fulfill duties (see
below) not dependent on grade level. Being elected leader of the cheerleading squad is a
privilege that will be decided by your coach. If you do not fulfill your responsibilities as
squad leader, your coach can revoke your privileges at any time.
All competitive cheerleaders are required to attend gymnastics this year. The coaches have
provided a gymnastic location at Westmoreland Gymnastics for the girls to attend as a
squad. Coaches will determine for each cheerleader a pass or skill to master within a
designated time period. In addition, gymnasium time will also be utilized to improve
jumps. Cheerleaders will complete at least 10 jumps/jump sequences per session in between
passes. Failure to meet skill expectations can result in your replacement with an
alternate.
At any time that the coach feels you are not performing to your best ability, your attitude
does not represent Hempfield Cheerleading in a positive way, or there are any negative or
derogatory posts on any online site, you can be replaced by an alternate.
Any concern that a girl may have with a coach or fellow cheerleader must be handled in a
mature and non-confrontational way.
You must be at every squad practice and gymnastics practice at least fifteen minutes
before practice start time to stretch and warm up jumps. Practice will begin promptly at
start time.
If any stunt falls during practice, the individual stunt group will be required to stay at
the end of practice to complete the stunt 3 times per fall. If any stunt falls at an event, the
stunt group will be required to stay after the next practice to complete the stunt 10 times
per fall.
Competitive Cheerleaders must realize this is a serious, time consuming sport and that in
trying out for competitive cheerleading, other sports and activities will come second to
this one.
o Competitive Cheerleaders may participate in conditioning two days a week
throughout the month of May and in a stunt camp one day a week throughout the
month of May.
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o Choreography will be taught June 1, June 2, June 3, and June 4, 2013. These
practices are mandatory. Missing for any reason will result in immediate
dismissal from the squad.
o Cheerleaders will be required to attend every practice throughout the competitive
season unless a written medical excuse is provided or there is a death in the
family.
o They will also be excused for one week of summer vacation during the months of
June, July, and August.
o Cheerleaders are permitted one unexcused absence in addition to summer vacation.
The cheerleaders will practice at least two days a week throughout the summer and school
year. Additional practices will be added as needed. On the week before competition,
coaches may have up to five practices as needed.
A competitive cheerleader is in uniform when: she is wearing her competitive skirt and
vest, silver spanks, body suit, competitive makeup (blue/silver eye shadow or smoky eye
and pink lips), a ponytail, competitive bow, white socks, and competitive shoes. No
jewelry is to be worn.
A competitive cheerleader is to come to practice in competitive practice gear. Sundays:
competitive outfit, Week Day: Kennywood T-Shirt and blue shorts. No jewelry is to be
worn to practices.
In the case of injury, an alternate will be trained to take the place of the injured
cheerleader. Coaches must be notified immediately (this means at the time of the
occurrence). If a cheerleader is injured and unable to perform one-three weeks before a
competition, she will be replaced by an alternate for the upcoming competition. Her
position on the squad will be decided upon after the cheerleader’s injury and ability to
return is assessed by the coaches.
If a cheerleader misses a practice, for an excused or unexcused reason, she will not
perform at the next school scheduled exhibition or performance. Her stunt group will
mock the stunt for the performance.
Competitions range from $10-$40. Cheerleaders may fundraise for these costs.
Squad Leader Descriptions
Squad leaders will be elected after the start of the season.
A cheerleader cannot be a squad leader if she already holds a captain title on another squad. She
can only be elected leader after performing on the competitive squad for at least one year.
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*Fitness Leader*
Lead Squad Stretches at the beginning of each practice
Stretch all flyers in addition to squad stretching
Run Jump Sequence at each practice
Assess the capabilities of the squad as a whole and create a conditioning sequence to
completed at the end of each practice
Prepare the squad to complete the 2.30 routine without being winded
Hold conditioning practices in conjunction with regularly scheduled practices
Monitor gymnastics advancement
Monitor stunt groups who drop stunts at scheduled events. Be prepared to work with
individual stunt groups on any stunt dropped.
Should you fail to complete your assigned tasks, your captain privilege can be revoked.
*Motivation/Completion Leader*
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Make sure all cheerleaders are arriving on time to practices and events.
Inspire cheerleaders to complete the routine in advanced time.
Design activities for squad bonding.
Make sure all cheerleaders have required makeup/hair for competition
Choose dress code/color to wear in school on the day before the competition/performance
in conjunction with coach’s wishes
Monitor the volume/voice of cheerleaders at competition and practice year round- find a
means to adjust level if necessary
Should you fail to complete your assigned tasks, your captain privilege can be revoked.
WE HAVE READ AND AGREE TO ABIDE BY THE RULES AND REGULATIONS LISTED
ABOVE, IN THE COMPETITIVE CHEERLEADING GUIDELINES:
Student Name ______________________________________________________
Student Signature __________________________________ Date_____________
Parent Name________________________________________________________
Parent Signature ____________________________________ Date____________
(SIGN AND RETURN THIS SHEET TO YOUR COACH. THE REMAINDER OF THIS
DOCUMENT SHOULD BE KEPT FOR YOUR REFERENCE).