Centaurus Cheerleading
Policies / Contract
Cheerleading Coaches:
Caressa
Bible (720) 261 0609
Guy
Bickel (303) 999-6481
Websites:
Centaurus
High School Website:
Centaurushs.org
Centaurus
Varsity Cheerleading Website
Colorado
High School Activities Association Brochure
http://chsaanow.com/tools/bylaws/
CENTAURUS HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING SQUAD
POLICIES / CONTRACT
ORGANIZATION / GOALS:
A.
This contract has been
written and adopted for the Centaurus High School Cheerleading (CHSC) Program.
B.
The purpose / program
goals of CHSC is to:
a.
Promote school spirit,
pride and loyalty, along with being great leaders and role models in the school
and community.
b.
Promote interest in
school sports / activities and perform at games.
c.
Develop responsibility,
self-respect, teamwork, dedication, time management, positive values, encourage
honest effort, develop strong character and strive to excel within our sport.
d.
Have fun, build lasting
friendships and memories.
C.
Coaches are hired by the
Boulder Valley School District, and will be responsible for the practices
and daily activities of the CHSC and are responsible for administering all
disciplinary actions.
ELIGIBILITY:
A.
CHSC will be composed of
freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors who will be selected based on tryout
scores, stunting positions needed and past performance, if applicable.
B.
Members will participate
for the entire term of our sports season, which is approximately ten/eleven
months (based on the end date of basketball playoffs).
C.
Participation in
extracurricular activities, club sports or jobs may not conflict
with cheerleading responsibilities.
D.
Members must remain in
good standing at school, must adhere to the athletic code of conduct, and must
be passing a minimum of 25 credit hours throughout the semester, as set forth
by the Boulder Valley School District policy. Academic excellence is a
priority.
Academic Requirements: CHSAA guidelines do not permit more than
one F at any time during the cheer season. Failure to meet these requirements
will result in ineligibility. Repeated offenses may result in possible removal
from the competitive team, no Varsity letter earned for the season and possible
removal from the Centaurus Cheer team.
- Each team shall consist of a
minimum of 8 and a maximum of 25 members.
F.
There will be team
captains for the varsity and JV teams
G.
Each member must submit
a completed Parental Consent/Medical Release Form signed by the candidate, and
a parent or guardian during registration.
H.
Each member must have a
physical exam and a medical form must be completed by the physician and turned
in to the Coach before the first tryout clinic.
I.
All athletes will be
required to register with BVSD in the fall before the first mandatory practice.
(No registration fee is due for cheerleading.)
ATTENDANCE / ILLNESS:
A.
If a member is in school
all day, he/she will not be excused from practice / events. In the case
of illness, the parent/guardian must notify the coach prior to
the start of a game or event (including practices and fundraisers). Failure to
do so will result in an UNEXCUSED absence.
B.
It is the responsibility
of the member to contact a Coach to ascertain any information distributed or
discussed at a missed practice.
C.
If a member is ill and
misses any activity, she must be at home resting or seeking medical attention.
D.
All doctor/dental
appointments should be scheduled so they do not interfere with team practices
or events. If this is impossible to avoid, the absence must be pre-approved by
Coach. The practice schedule is given out months in advance. Please avoid
scheduling appointments during this time. The whole team is compromised when
one person is missing at a practice. This is especially important during our
competition season from September to February.
E.
Work, babysitting,
appointments, social events, driving classes etc. must not conflict with
practices, games or events. Any conflicts will be considered unexcused
and result in being benched at the next game. (Parents may call the coach to
discuss any major emergency scheduling conflicts.)
INJURY:
A.
If a member is seriously
injured, which keeps her from actively participating in cheer activities, a
doctor’s excuse must be submitted to the Coach, stating how long he/she expects
for the injury to heal. If the injury is so severe that the member is unable
to successfully complete the season, no varsity letter will be earned for that
year.
B.
To resume active
participation following a doctor’s excused injury, a permission form must be
given to the Coach, signed by the parent/guardian and the doctor.
This is not a punishment; it is a precautionary measure to ensure the
safety of the member and the whole team.
C.
Injuries do happen.
If a member is injured at a practice or event, she must inform the
supervising Coach immediately.
CONCUSSION POLICY:
CHSAA rules: If a suspected concussion occurs, athlete will
be sent to see CHS athletic trainer. The Athlete must go to the doctor. Athlete
must sit out a minimum of 5 days (even if a doctor states otherwise). The new
procedure is in place to prevent a 2nd concussion, where most problems can
occur. The new theory is "a gradual return to play", which entails a
mandatory 5 day evaluation process by the CHS athletic trainer including a slow
re-entry to the sport.
CHARACTER:
A.
Team members should be
leaders within the school and community and set a good example at all times, in
and out of uniform.
B.
Team members should make
good health and good hygiene habits a priority.
C.
Smoking, drinking and/or
drug use are grounds for suspension or dismissal by the Coach and CHS
Administration. Each member must abide by the CHS code of conduct.
D.
A member must be
courteous and respectful to all teammates, the student body, coaching staff, teachers,
school administration, judges & referees and other teams.
E.
It is the responsibility
of cheerleaders to ensure a positive atmosphere at sporting events. If the
crowd is being negative, the cheerleaders are to turn that around with positive
cheers. If this is not effective, they should report it to a school official
immediately.
F.
Team members and their
families should represent the Centaurus Cheer program in a positive way.
Negative comments about the squad, its members, or coaches are detrimental to
the success of the program, and will not be tolerated.
G.
Social media profiles
and posts should be absent of offensive language or content.
H.
Cheer is a NO BULLYING
zone. Be kind and generous to your team mates at all times.
Not adhering to these character expectations
could result in disciplinary action, including dismissal from the team.
Any questions / concerns should be directed to the coaching staff.
DUTIES / EXPECTATIONS:
A.
Must be enrolled in five
classes per semester with the equivalent of 25 units of credit.
B.
Attend and fully
participate in all scheduled sporting events, practices, meetings, mandatory
fundraisers & performances, including varsity playoff games.
C.
Represent Centaurus High
School by always showing good sportsmanship in and out of uniform.
D.
Have a reasonable
understanding of the rules and regulations of the sports supported.
E.
Meet CHSAA and district
guidelines.
F.
Make safety a priority
at all times when tumbling & stunting.
PRACTICES:
A.
Attire
a.
Unless otherwise stated,
athletic shorts, practice shirts, cheer shoes, hair secured away from face, NO
JEWELRY. (No taping of piercings allowed - Nat'l Federation of High School
Sports rule.) No midriffs showing at any time.
B.
Attendance
.
All
practices are mandatory, unless otherwise stated. Members must arrive on time and in
appropriate attire and may not leave unless pre-approved by coach.
a.
SUMMER
cheer camps &
conditioning are held two days per week, with tumbling one night per week.
Attendance at these camps is important to the success and growth of the squad.
Most cheers and stunting skills are taught and perfected during this time.
However, family vacations, summer activities and plans are expected and highly
encouraged to take place in July. Please notify coach ASAP with vacation
dates, so practices can be planned accordingly.
b.
If a practice is missed,
it is the responsibility of the cheerleader to contact the coach to
ascertain any information given at the missed practice.
c.
Being late for practice
without former approval will result in a behavior modification for the whole
team
d.
Unexcused absence from a
practice or event can result in being benched from the next game.
e.
In case of illness: parent/guardian
must notify the coach BEFORE practice by phone (voice mail or text is
acceptable) or in person. Otherwise, the absence will be considered
unexcused and will result in being benched from the next game.
f.
If you are going to be
late to a practice due to a teacher request, a note from your teacher is
required. Otherwise, it will be considered unexcused resulting in
being benched from the next game.
g.
Unexcused absences may
result in removal from the competition squad.
C.
Safety
.
Safety is a key
element during practice. Inappropriate behavior, which could result
in an unsafe situation, will be disciplined.
a.
Proper stunting and
tumbling technique will be taught during practices, with each cheerleader being
responsible to follow those guidelines.
b.
Absolutely NO STUNTING
is permitted, at any time, without a qualified Coach present.
(There may be an occasion when the coach is unable to attend a
game. In that event, a school administrator is qualified to supervise the
cheer team and stunting IS permitted. This includes stunts that have been
mastered and approved for the sideline.)
UNIFORMS:
A.
Each Cheerleader is
responsible for purchasing his/her own game and competition uniforms and
accessories: shoes, socks, briefs, bodysuit, warm ups, pom poms, camp clothing,
cheer bags, etc. We will do fundraisers to help offset the cost of these
items.
B.
Appearance in uniform
should be neat and well groomed at all times. Articles which are not approved
as part of the designated uniform may not be worn without prior approval by the
coach and could result in disciplinary action. No visible tattoos,
large earrings, necklaces, nose rings or other body piercings are
permitted in uniform or at practices. For practice or performances, you
may NOT cover piercings with tape. This is a rule set forth by the National
Federation of High School Sports, and also enforced by the Colorado High School
Athletic Association.
C.
Fingernails are to be
trimmed so that the tips cannot be seen from behind to minimize risk for
participants. No bright colored nail polish, other than red, white or
blue, is permitted during competition*
*Subject to change
- Supports, braces, etc which are
hard and unyielding or have rough edges or surfaces must be appropriately
covered with tape. A participant wearing a cast is not permitted to be
involved in a stunt.
E.
Uniforms, poms,
megaphones, Warrior costume or other school cheerleading property may not
be lent to any individuals for use in or out of school without the approval of
CHS cheer coach. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.
QUITTING OR REMOVAL FROM
SQUAD:
A.
QUITTING is a voluntary
action by a cheerleader who chooses not to complete the season. No varsity
letter, pin, or certificate will be earned. No refunds will be given. The
individual will not be eligible for the squad the following season. An
exception to this rule is if an injury or other unavoidable circumstance
prevents the cheerleader from completing the season, she will be
permitted to try out the following year.
B.
We will be treating the
athletes as the young adults that they are and will have them put in a one week
notice before quitting, just as they would in the professional world. They are
obligated to finish through their final week and come to all games, scheduled
practices, and team tumbling.
C.
REMOVAL of a cheerleader
from the squad is at Coach’s discretion based on cheerleader adherence to CHSC
contract guidelines and BVSD code of conduct, academic achievement and general
behavior. No cheerleader will be removed from the squad without a
conference including the coach, school Athletic Director, the cheerleader and
her parents. The individual will not be eligible for the squad at any time
following this action. No refunds will be given.
DISCIPLINE / BENCHING /
SUSPENSION / ILLEGAL SUBSTANCE ABUSE:
A.
Violation of any CHSAA,
BVSD code of conduct or CHSC policies / contract will result in benching and/or
suspension. Any member caught by authorities using tobacco, alcohol
or illegal drugs will be benched for 20% of the entire eleven month season
(approx. 6 games/performances), forfeit the right to letter in cheerleading for
that year (at the discretion of the coach) and may be immediately
removed from the competition squad. Any member caught a second time
within a cheer season will be automatically removed from the cheerleading
squad, will NOT receive a varsity letter and will be ineligible to try out for
the team the following year. If a member self-reports an illegal
substance incident, the suspension will be for 15% of the cheerleading season
(approximately 5 games/performances), still may forfeit the right to earn a
varsity letter for that season and MAY be removed from the competition squad,
all at the coach’s discretion.
B.
Benching may occur for unexcused absences, improper or
unsafe behavior, continued tardiness, inappropriate behavior while in uniform,
or any other violation of the CHSC contract. The cheerleader will sit in the
stands with the coach and cheer along with the cheer squad, and will not be
permitted to wear the uniform.
C.
Suspension will occur if a member has had repeated benching
penalties and will entail a minimum of two weeks without performing. It
will begin at the discretion of the coach. The parent/guardian and school
administration will be notified of the action and reason for the suspension.
D.
Inappropriate
representation of CHSC on the internet, social media, “Facebook”, cell phones
or general public will not be tolerated. Violations will result in appropriate disciplinary
action and possible removal from the cheer squad, at coach’s discretion.
E.
Captains will be immediately
replaced if a drinking or drug use violation occurs. They may still
participate, after the penalty period, as a squad member. (provided it is the
first offense)
CHS VARSITY COMPETITION
SQUAD SELECTION & GUIDELINES:
A.
A competition squad
will be selected by the coaching staff before each competition. The
number of participants may vary, depending on the type of competition, squad
skill level, number of available alternates, etc. The selection process will be
based upon member's’ ability level, dependability, adherence to all rules and
guidelines in the contract, availability, grades, overall attitude, and the
team's needs based on specific stunting & gymnastics skills, i.e.: flyers,
bases, spotters, standing tucks, fulls, etc.
Like other sports, the number of athletes who
can compete at a given time is controlled by specific rules. Athletes
who practice with a team do not necessarily compete in every competition.
UCA Regional &
National cheer competition divisions are determined as follows:
COED:
Small: 20 athletes (1-4
males)
Medium: 25 athletes (4-6
males)
Large: 21–30 athletes (6 or more males)
All-Girl:
Small: 12 athletes
Medium: 16 athletes
Large: 20 athletes
Super: 30 athletes
(Note: in Colorado, a
rule was established that limits all spirit squads to 25 athletes per squad)
- Any athletes who do not
compete, will be considered “alternates” and may be called upon at any
given time to step in for an injured or ineligible athlete. The
alternates are still responsible for cheering all games, pep assemblies,
community service projects, etc. and are still required to attend all
practices, in preparation for competitions. It is also a requirement that
alternates attend ALL competitions, in support of the competition squad,
with the exception of “Nationals”, which is optional.
C.
Outside “conflicts” or
scheduling requirements may lead to ineligibility to make the competition
squad. 100% commitment is a requirement for anyone interested.
D.
Additional mandatory practices
may be called during “peak” competition season, usually September through
February. Family vacations should not conflict with competition practices.
E.
Tumbling/group classes
are required for the varsity competition team during “peak” season.
F.
Additional costs may be
necessary, due to competition fees, travel expenses, etc.
G.
A competition squad
member is still fully responsible for his/her commitments to the CHS Cheer
squad. All games & events must be attended.
H.
A competition squad
member may be replaced, at any time, due to injury/illness, poor attitude,
violations of the contract or suspensions (including drinking / drug use),
unsafe behavior, unavailability at practices & events, lack of ability,
etc., at the coach’s discretion.
FUNDRAISING:
A.
CHSC will hold several
fundraisers throughout the season. Funds raised through fundraising will be
deposited into everyone’s cheer account at the school to help offset the cost
of cheerleading expenses. Most fundraising through CHSC is voluntary. In group
fundraisers, the money will be divided amongst those cheerleaders who
participated in the fundraiser. If a cheerleader does not participate, she will
not receive any portion of the funds raised for that event.
B.
Some fundraising events
are mandatory, and some portion of the funds raised will pay for the general
expenses of the fundraiser, and the remaining proceeds will be distributed
amongst the participants into their cheer accounts at the school.
APPEARANCE POINTS
A.
Appearance points are
points given to cheerleaders for helping around the community, as well as helping
the coaches, and the athletic staff.
B.
A total of 15 appearance
points are needed to receive a varsity letter.
LETTERING:
A.
The honor of
receiving a Varsity Letter in cheerleading will be at the discretion of the
cheer coach. Letters will be earned by cheerleaders based
on adherence to all the above-mentioned policies & the Boulder Valley
athletic code of conduct and will be awarded following the completion of the
season, which includes all football and basketball playoff &
championship games if applicable. Attendance at practices, appearances,
competitions and games, as well as eligibility lapses will be considered.
B.
JV members will not
receive a Varsity letter unless determined by the coaches to have been earned.
CHSAA “NO SUNDAY
CONTACT” RULE:
The Colorado High School Activities Assn. has a
rule that no performance contact may be made between coaches & team members
or their families on Sundays, during our sports season, which is from the date
of our first mandatory practice in August through the last day of our season.
(Exception to this rule is that Colorado spirit teams may participate at
the NHSCC in Orlando in February).
Social, academic or service related activities
that are strictly voluntary are permitted on Sundays. These Sunday
activities must be non-competitive and non-participatory.
UCA SUMMER CAMP:
A.
CHSC is adamantly
committed to a cheerleading squad whose goal is excellence. To help achieve
this, we participate in a summer training camp. Superior skills, safety
elements and team building exercises are learned. Attendance at this camp is strongly
encouraged.
B.
The cost of attending
summer camp is the responsibility of each cheerleader.
CENTAURUS CHEER PRACTICE RULES & EXPECTATIONS:
- ALL MEMBERS MUST HELP ROLL OUT
MATS AND RE-ROLL MATS.
2.
No late arrivals or
early departures from practice, unless PRE-APPROVED by Coach. (Phone
call/ texts/ email from cheerleaders or parent.) If late due to a meeting
with a teacher, you must bring a note from that teacher.
3.
If you are late or
wearing the incorrect practice clothes, behavior modifications will be
implemented.
4.
No cell phones. Parents
should contact the coach by cell phone during practice time if it is an
emergency.
5.
No food EVER on the
mats.
6.
In Coach’s absence,
Captains are in charge. They are to get the same respect as Coaches.
No stunting or tumbling is allowed unless a coach is present.
7.
Must be “coachable”.
If given constructive criticism, take it like an athlete and use the
advice to correct the technique.
8.
No talking / laughing
during stunting. Safety MUST be our #1 priority. Excessive laughing
and talking causes lack of muscle strength and distraction and therefore
creates an unsafe environment. We are stunting at an elite level and must
take this seriously in order to advance. We need focus and a serious
attitude when we are responsible for others safety and lives. Failure to do
this will result in being removed from practice.
9.
No jewelry of any kind,
including hair ties on wrists, any earrings, or body piercings of any kind.
This is a rule set forth by the National Federation of High School
Sports, and highly enforced by CHSAA.
10.
Hair must be secured
back away from face at all times. Again, safety is #1 priority.
11.
No excessively loose
clothing. Need to be able to move freely and without clothing getting in
the way.
12.
If an injury occurs,
tell a Coach immediately.
13.
No long fingernails.
Must not be able to see nails when palm of hand is facing up.
14.
Supports / braces, etc.
which are hard and unyielding or have rough edges must be appropriately covered
with wrap. No one may stunt wearing a cast.
15.
No gum chewing.
16.
Always be respectful to
your coaches, captains and teammates.
17.
All in-season practices
are mandatory. Unexcused absences can result in being benched at the next game,
or removed from the next competition.
Centaurus Cheer Team
Requirements
VARSITY
Required
Stunting: prep, extension, lib,
retake, cradle
Tumbling: Roundoff, back handspring
Others: Good attitude, hard work
ethic
Suggested
Stunting: full-up, any inversion
stunts (stunts that are completely inverted), full-down
Tumbling: Back-tuck
Others: Previous cheer experience
Junior Varsity
Required
Stunting: prep, retake
Tumbling: roundoff
Others: good attitude, hard work
ethic
Suggested
Stunting: prep, extension, retake,
cradle
Tumbling: back handspring
Others: any cheer experience
Centaurus Cheerleading
Practice Schedule
2016-2017
Find the up-to-date schedule on our website:
Cheercentaurus.blogspot.com
Varsity/JV Combined:
Spring: (May)
If the
coaches decide practice is needed in May we will notify the team and parents
during the post-tryout meeting.
Summer: (May 31-Aug 17)
A
summer practice schedule will be sent out after tryouts. We will practice twice
a week during the summer and have the month of July off.
Fall: (Aug 22- Dec 17)
Mondays: Practice at CHS 3:30-6:00
Tuesdays: Tumbling
Wednesday's: Practice at CHS 6:30-9:00
Thursdays: Tumbling
Friday's: Games
Winter: (Jan 4 – Feb 8)
Mondays:
Practice at CHS 3:30-6:00
Tuesdays: Tumbling/ game
Wednesday's: Practice at CHS 6:30-9:00
Thursdays: Tumbling
Varsity Basketball games are Tuesday and Friday evenings
Nationals will be
discussed later in the year
Centaurus Cheerleading
Teacher Recommendation Form
Name of
applicant ______________________
Name of
recommender______________________
Please
rate the candidate on a scale of 1-5 (1-unsatisfactory 5-above average) in the
following areas that we feel are important qualities we look for in a
cheerleader. There will be space below to discuss anything you feel is
pertinent information for our coaching staff. If you have any further questions
please feel free to contact us via email Chscoaches2@gmail.com. Please place
finished form in a sealed envelope (provided by the cheerleader) and return
form to the cheerleader.
ATTENDANCE
1 2
3 4 5
PUNCTUALITY
1 2
3 4 5
POLITENESS
1
2 3 4
5
DISCIPLINE
AND PERSONAL CONDUCT 1 2
3 4 5
TREATMENT
OF PEERS 1 2 3
4 5
EFFORT
IN SCHOOL WORK 1 2
3 4 5
DETERMINATION
TO LEARN AND ACHIEVE 1 2
3 4 5
HOW DO
YOU KNOW THIS ATHLETE?
IS
THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE US TO KNOW ABOUT THIS CANDIDATE?
SIGNATURE__________________________________________
DATE_____________
