Croswell Lexington Cheer Team Rules
“Some people dream of success and others wake up and work hard at it.”
STUDENT ATHLETE HANDBOOK & CODE OF CONDUCT
Each athlete and parent entering Croswell Lexington Area Schools has received this handbook and must read and sign the agreement. Many issues such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, academic eligibility, code of conduct, parent/coach communication, school attendance, and more are covered within this document. Rules are firm and all coaches will enforce them.
GIVING 100%
This season we will not only focus on being successful at competitions, but also on every athlete giving 100% of their abilities ALL the time. We are convinced if we help each athlete develop an attitude of giving 100% ALL the time individually, (at practice and meets), then the success will come. Each athlete will be required to give 100% for their team, coach, school and themselves.
SEASON SCHEDULES
Every athlete will receive a schedule of practices and competitions. Make a note, that as coaches, we cannot leave the school until your athlete is picked up from a meet or practice, so please be prompt in picking them up so we are not left waiting. Every year, mostly in the middle school, coaches have to wait sometimes for an hour for a parent to pick up their athlete. Athletes must have a physical on file in order to practice.
GET STUFF SIGNED AND TURNED IN
Physicals, Athlete Handbook and this Team Rules signature sheets must be signed and turned in to your coach before your athlete can play!
BUS TRANSPORTATION
All athletes are REQUIRED to ride the bus on all away competitions if one is provided. For special circumstances and with prior approval, a handwritten note/signature from the parent to the coach is required to take your athlete home rather than riding the bus back. No athlete is allowed to ride home with anyone other than her own parent or guardian if we have bus transportation.
MAT CHEERING TIME
Cheering/Mat time for athletes will be based on each girl’s commitment to practice, intensity, attitude and skills. Each coach makes the decision who will cheer as they know best the effort put forth. Each coach will decide placements of rounds and who is where in each round. A given spot is never guaranteed. Just because an athlete has one role or position one week, it does not mean she will have that same role/spot every week. Girls are encouraged to ‘challenge’ a teammate for their spot if they feel their skills are more worthy than the athlete that is in that spot/role. The coach will make a final decision after reviewing skills/dedication of both athletes. Every girl has the same chance to develop and can get additional skills training or tumbling experience to obtain a more role playing position if desired. Coaches will not discuss round placement/ playing time with parents. Coaches will not discuss another athlete’s skill/role with another parent besides their own. Athletes are welcome/encouraged to ask about their personal role and what they can do to improve themselves in order to succeed.
MUST ATTEND
In order to promote the value of teamwork, all athletes are required to be at practice and/or team functions, on time every day as attendance will always be taken.
Tardy:
Any time over the designated start time is considered tardy and may result in forfeiting Mat time or the penalty your coach chooses. Your coach may substitute running for tardiness penalty.
Excused absence:
Sometimes it is hard to make appointments around school functions, so things like doctor appointments will be allowed only 2 times over the season, however, the athlete may not be cheering in the rounds if they are missing from practice the day before a competition and your coach must know in advance of absence.
Unexcused absence:
If you miss an entire practice and it is not excused you will forfeit cheering the next competition. You must let your coach know, that day, if a situation arises that you will be absent so that you may get excused. You must call your coach and leave a message that day. 2 unexcused absences, off team. If athlete is at school all day, she must be at practice unless excused.
If absent, regardless if it is an excused or not, the coach may pull an athlete from the round for the following competition or replace that person if necessary. This sport takes every athlete in each round to have a complete practice and one person missing messes up formations, round changes, stunt practice, etc. The coach will base this decision off of reason for absence, time before competition, and what practice involves that day in order to prepare for the next meet. An athlete missing isn’t always a removal from rounds, but can happen if needed.
PERSONAL CONDUCT
Athlete actions are monitored at all times by coaches and administration and if out of line, they will be addressed. Many things will happen to these young athletes on and off the mat this season, whether it be with opponents, teammates or with the coach and it will not all be positive. If we can help athletes get a handle on these things, we believe they will have a better chance in handling the pressures of life.
Swearing, coarse language, inappropriate gestures will NOT be allowed at anytime. Athletes involved with improper interaction (talking poorly about teammates, coaches, or themselves, lying to coaches- BIG ONE, disruptive behavior with teammates, coaches, opponents or opposing school personnel anytime may result in suspension (This includes social media). Athletes involved with this kind of behavior may be addressed and given options to correct. Athletes must show team support at all times. Any athlete who sits out for school discipline reasons must still participate in practices, if suspended you cannot participate.
ATHLETE AND PARENT CONCERNS
If you have concerns/comments, don’t hesitate to come to your coach and discuss it, making sure you follow the Athletic Code Handbook. All coaches wish to develop a good relationship with athletes as well as parents/guardians and this happens through good communication. Cheering time is only discussed between the athlete and their coaches.
ACADEMICS
Our main concern is that your athlete does well academically, if for any reason they have to sit out for academic reasons they will not practice with team.
INJURIES
Injuries are just a fact of life when cheering. If they have something we think they can work through, that’s what we will do. Parents must keep us informed of any issues of your athlete. If she sees a doctor, we will need a doctor slip and written release before she can cheer again. Injured athletes must still sit in practices unless their coach excuses them. If an athlete sits out due to an injury, they must have a doctor’s release to return.
DRESS AND UNITY
We not only represent our team, but we represent our school, peers, staff and community. This will be discussed as a team and everyone will follow the code, from head to foot. All cheerleaders are responsible for their uniforms, practice t-shirts and warm-ups during the season; if lost you will be expected to pay for them. Short rolling, untucked shirts, sloppy appearance is NOT allowed in this program! In practice, athletes are not allowed to wear spandex shorts alone. Normal short sleeve T-shirts and athletic shorts required. Teams must sit together (as team) when designated by their coaches. This is not a time to be messing around or wandering around any building.
PARENTAL CONDUCT
Parents are to act respectable, being the positive example their athlete needs. Parents who verbally attack teammates, coaches or opponents will be referred to the athletic director for prompt action. If there is a major issue, please wait 24 hours to confront the coach.
FINAL THOUGHT
In our years of coaching we find that 90% of our athletes are very cooperative, punctual and supportive of their team and coaches. It is always the few who want to push the boundaries and change things for themselves. The rules will be firmly enforced by all coaches at Croswell Lexington from 7th grade right on up through varsity level. Parents and athletes, please support your team with your actions and your conversation.
“Some people dream of success and others wake up and work hard at it.”
STUDENT ATHLETE HANDBOOK & CODE OF CONDUCT
Each athlete and parent entering Croswell Lexington Area Schools has received this handbook and must read and sign the agreement. Many issues such as alcohol, drugs, tobacco, academic eligibility, code of conduct, parent/coach communication, school attendance, and more are covered within this document. Rules are firm and all coaches will enforce them.
GIVING 100%
This season we will not only focus on being successful at competitions, but also on every athlete giving 100% of their abilities ALL the time. We are convinced if we help each athlete develop an attitude of giving 100% ALL the time individually, (at practice and meets), then the success will come. Each athlete will be required to give 100% for their team, coach, school and themselves.
SEASON SCHEDULES
Every athlete will receive a schedule of practices and competitions. Make a note, that as coaches, we cannot leave the school until your athlete is picked up from a meet or practice, so please be prompt in picking them up so we are not left waiting. Every year, mostly in the middle school, coaches have to wait sometimes for an hour for a parent to pick up their athlete. Athletes must have a physical on file in order to practice.
GET STUFF SIGNED AND TURNED IN
Physicals, Athlete Handbook and this Team Rules signature sheets must be signed and turned in to your coach before your athlete can play!
BUS TRANSPORTATION
All athletes are REQUIRED to ride the bus on all away competitions if one is provided. For special circumstances and with prior approval, a handwritten note/signature from the parent to the coach is required to take your athlete home rather than riding the bus back. No athlete is allowed to ride home with anyone other than her own parent or guardian if we have bus transportation.
MAT CHEERING TIME
Cheering/Mat time for athletes will be based on each girl’s commitment to practice, intensity, attitude and skills. Each coach makes the decision who will cheer as they know best the effort put forth. Each coach will decide placements of rounds and who is where in each round. A given spot is never guaranteed. Just because an athlete has one role or position one week, it does not mean she will have that same role/spot every week. Girls are encouraged to ‘challenge’ a teammate for their spot if they feel their skills are more worthy than the athlete that is in that spot/role. The coach will make a final decision after reviewing skills/dedication of both athletes. Every girl has the same chance to develop and can get additional skills training or tumbling experience to obtain a more role playing position if desired. Coaches will not discuss round placement/ playing time with parents. Coaches will not discuss another athlete’s skill/role with another parent besides their own. Athletes are welcome/encouraged to ask about their personal role and what they can do to improve themselves in order to succeed.
MUST ATTEND
In order to promote the value of teamwork, all athletes are required to be at practice and/or team functions, on time every day as attendance will always be taken.
Tardy:
Any time over the designated start time is considered tardy and may result in forfeiting Mat time or the penalty your coach chooses. Your coach may substitute running for tardiness penalty.
Excused absence:
Sometimes it is hard to make appointments around school functions, so things like doctor appointments will be allowed only 2 times over the season, however, the athlete may not be cheering in the rounds if they are missing from practice the day before a competition and your coach must know in advance of absence.
Unexcused absence:
If you miss an entire practice and it is not excused you will forfeit cheering the next competition. You must let your coach know, that day, if a situation arises that you will be absent so that you may get excused. You must call your coach and leave a message that day. 2 unexcused absences, off team. If athlete is at school all day, she must be at practice unless excused.
If absent, regardless if it is an excused or not, the coach may pull an athlete from the round for the following competition or replace that person if necessary. This sport takes every athlete in each round to have a complete practice and one person missing messes up formations, round changes, stunt practice, etc. The coach will base this decision off of reason for absence, time before competition, and what practice involves that day in order to prepare for the next meet. An athlete missing isn’t always a removal from rounds, but can happen if needed.
PERSONAL CONDUCT
Athlete actions are monitored at all times by coaches and administration and if out of line, they will be addressed. Many things will happen to these young athletes on and off the mat this season, whether it be with opponents, teammates or with the coach and it will not all be positive. If we can help athletes get a handle on these things, we believe they will have a better chance in handling the pressures of life.
Swearing, coarse language, inappropriate gestures will NOT be allowed at anytime. Athletes involved with improper interaction (talking poorly about teammates, coaches, or themselves, lying to coaches- BIG ONE, disruptive behavior with teammates, coaches, opponents or opposing school personnel anytime may result in suspension (This includes social media). Athletes involved with this kind of behavior may be addressed and given options to correct. Athletes must show team support at all times. Any athlete who sits out for school discipline reasons must still participate in practices, if suspended you cannot participate.
ATHLETE AND PARENT CONCERNS
If you have concerns/comments, don’t hesitate to come to your coach and discuss it, making sure you follow the Athletic Code Handbook. All coaches wish to develop a good relationship with athletes as well as parents/guardians and this happens through good communication. Cheering time is only discussed between the athlete and their coaches.
ACADEMICS
Our main concern is that your athlete does well academically, if for any reason they have to sit out for academic reasons they will not practice with team.
INJURIES
Injuries are just a fact of life when cheering. If they have something we think they can work through, that’s what we will do. Parents must keep us informed of any issues of your athlete. If she sees a doctor, we will need a doctor slip and written release before she can cheer again. Injured athletes must still sit in practices unless their coach excuses them. If an athlete sits out due to an injury, they must have a doctor’s release to return.
DRESS AND UNITY
We not only represent our team, but we represent our school, peers, staff and community. This will be discussed as a team and everyone will follow the code, from head to foot. All cheerleaders are responsible for their uniforms, practice t-shirts and warm-ups during the season; if lost you will be expected to pay for them. Short rolling, untucked shirts, sloppy appearance is NOT allowed in this program! In practice, athletes are not allowed to wear spandex shorts alone. Normal short sleeve T-shirts and athletic shorts required. Teams must sit together (as team) when designated by their coaches. This is not a time to be messing around or wandering around any building.
PARENTAL CONDUCT
Parents are to act respectable, being the positive example their athlete needs. Parents who verbally attack teammates, coaches or opponents will be referred to the athletic director for prompt action. If there is a major issue, please wait 24 hours to confront the coach.
FINAL THOUGHT
In our years of coaching we find that 90% of our athletes are very cooperative, punctual and supportive of their team and coaches. It is always the few who want to push the boundaries and change things for themselves. The rules will be firmly enforced by all coaches at Croswell Lexington from 7th grade right on up through varsity level. Parents and athletes, please support your team with your actions and your conversation.