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Saugus High School

Cheerleading Handbook

Interscholastic athletics/activities supplement the secondary curricular program and provide the students with educational experiences and learning outcomes that contribute toward the development of the attributes of good citizenship. Cheer squads shall serve as support groups for the interscholastic athletic program within the school; thus, playing a very important role in athletic/activity contests. Each squad shall strive to boost school spirit, promote good sportsmanship, develop good positive crowd involvement, and help student participants and spectators achieve the most worthwhile educational objectives of the interscholastic program.

Being the most visible and recognizable representative of a school, cheer squads are in a position of great influence; therefore, high standards of conduct are essential. Positive personal behavior and squad cohesiveness demonstrate these standards. Appropriate behavior will help earn the respect of the student body, which is the core of developing effective school spirit and student involvement.

Cheer squad activities should center on “leading” or “directing” the cheering of student or adult fans. In this role, cheer squads can become Saugus High School’s most effective student leaders. These activities shall be focused on by creating a cooperative spirit among the cheer squad members, athletes, student bodies, school administrators, and the community; recognizing outstanding plays and good sportsmanship on the part of both teams; and aiding the school and game officials in the promotion of good sportsmanship and in the administration of the contest.

Performing is a secondary role of the entire cheer team, yet can effectively promote school spirit when included at appropriate times at interscholastic contests, pep rallies, competitions, and assemblies. Participants must condition, practice, and warm up the same as other athletes in preparation for a performance.

PART I – PROGRAM OVERVIEW

CHEER PROGRAM COMPOSITION

The cheerleading program shall consist of the following squads/club: Varsity, Junior Varsity, Freshman, and Competition.

Regular Squads: They shall practice for the entire year and mainly support the football and basketball programs by regularly attending games.
Competition Squad: This is a performance-based squad only. You must be on Varsity or JV.

Students must meet the eligibility standards and rules/regulations set by the William S. Hart School District and the Cheer staff. If you cannot fulfill the standards presented in the handbook, the Cheer staff may place you on probation, demotion, or dismiss you from the program.

SQUAD SIZE

Also stated in the William S. Hart Union School District Advisor Handbook, “Squad size may vary from year to year as determining conditions change”. Squad size will be determined by the natural break in scores closest to the recommended number of squad members from the cheer staff.

Factors that the cheer staff considers when determining squad size include:

Does the candidate posses enough enthusiasm and spirit as a leader on campus?
How skilled are the applicants? How deep is the skill pool?
Can adequate safety and supervision be provided?
Will the competition squad hit the maximum number in their category?

COMPETITION SQUAD

Out of all the squads in our program, this is the most intense due to the physical, emotional, and financial requirements.

Our competition squad practices are in addition to the school squad and may claim many weekends for travel.
If you make the Comp squad, skill level, behavior/attitude, attendance, coach-ability, and sportsmanship will be noted throughout the year and determine your place on the squad.
Depending on the circumstances, not all Comp squad members will be used for each scheduled competition.
Failure to attend any competition or complete payment dues in a timely manner will result in automatic release from the squad.
The Cheer staff will be the only ones to choose all competitions, uniforms, and competitors. This is not an area of negotiation.

ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS.

Cheer is a 5-credit course. Cheerleaders must enroll in cheerleading class both semesters.
Student must have an overall 2.0 GPA at the grading period that determines participation eligibility.
If a student falls below the minimum at the end of the 10-week grading period, the student is placed on probation.
During the probation period, students must still attend all activities, but are benched for games and performances.
Students not eligible for more than one 10-week period will be dismissed from the squad.
Incoming freshmen with less than a 2.0 GPA will be monitored during the 1st 5-week grading period. If a student fails to raise his/her GPA, they will be benched and until their grades improve.

HEALTH

Cheerleading is a rigorous activity, which requires its participants to be in top physical and mental shape.

Cheerleading is a performance-oriented class; full participation is expected.
Students with serious health problems that are aggravated by exercise and/or which limit full participation for a substantial amount of time should not tryout and may be grounds for dismissal by the cheer staff. This policy has been enacted in order to protect both the potentially ill member as well as other squad members from injury.
Ongoing injuries limiting participation will be assessed on an as-needed basis. Removal from the squad may be a possibility depending on the severity and limitations of the injury.
Each squad member will be required to have a physical examination by her own physician and expense prior to the start of summer practice.

RISK

Cheerleading incorporates acrobatic, tumbling, stunt, and precision movements that are very difficult and could potentially be extremely dangerous. Moderate to severe injuries, including death can occur in any activity involving motion and increased height or force. Please be aware that each individual can maximize her own safety and the safety of others by following our Saugus Cheerleading rules. Staying focused and living a healthy lifestyle such as eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water, staying physically fit, and getting plenty of rest also aids in injury prevention.

FINANCIAL CONCERNS

Cheerleading involves a huge financial commitment on the part of the parents. Be responsible for your commitment – avoiding deadlines or refusing to clear accounts is unacceptable and hurts everyone involved. If at anytime you encounter some financial hardships, it is imperative that your contact the booster treasurer.

Cost breakdown provided on the estimated budget handout
For any previous cheerleader, it is MANDATORY that any outstanding booster bills have been cleared in order to tryout.
The competition squad will have an additional payment plan along with a $_100__ non-refundable check due on the second day of tryout clinics.
Financial dues.
- 1st = $800____ (April/fittings)
If you are unable to attend a meeting in which a payment is due, please mail a check to the following address:
Saugus High School Cheer Booster Club
P.O. Box 802442
Santa Clarita, CA 91380-2442

GYMNASTICS TRAINING

Cheerleading has evolved and has included other sports into the dynamics of cheer. Gymnastics, dance, aerobics, track events, weight training, etc are all helpful tools in attaining better skills for Cheerleading. It is important for proper strength and development to have a balanced physical education.

With the strenuous demands imposed from stunts in our routines, we strongly encourage everyone who is participating to get involved in an extracurricular gymnastics class 1 time per week
A team tumbling class will be set up although it is not mandatory to attend.

TIME COMMITMENT

Please be aware that dedication from each team member is necessary in order to have a successful practice, performance, game, and year! The team cannot function properly without every member present. Please be aware of this when planning family events.

Summer Practice: Participation in the summer program is MANDATORY. Failure to attend will result in removal from the squad. Practice will be:
______________________________________________________________________.
Summer Camp: Participation in the cheer camp is MANDATORY. Camp sets up our routines for the football season and intensifies skills learned during summer practice. Camp will be: ___________________________________________________________.
Football and Basketball Season: During these seasons, practice will be 21/2 -3 hours, 2 to 3 days per week (at the coach’s discretion) in addition to weekly games. Schedules will continually change especially for playoff games.
Off Season Sports: Attendance to these events will be determined by the Advisor, but are still part of the student’s grade.
Booster Fundraising Events: There are MANDATORY events to raise money to help pay for the high cost. Dates will be scheduled at booster meetings and noted on the practice calendars and the website.
Competitions: These will be determined at the beginning of the season. Dates/places will be given in advance.

OUTSIDE CHEER COMMITMENTS

Outside commitments should not conflict with any student’s cheerleading duties. Please consult the website and the practice calendars BEFORE making personal appointments.
Students should plan accordingly and let the Advisor know of any conflicts in advanced through email, voice mail, or in a written note.
Outside commitments that conflict with any student’s cheerleading duties may result in a deduction of his/her class grade.
Potential Cheer Interruptions: Weddings, family vacations, jobs, SAT classes, COC classes, all-star team, confirmation practices, driving lessons, etc.

PART II- TRYOUT GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS

TRYOUT PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS

Students will be taught the order which they will demonstrate these requirements during the clinic. They will see a judges’ score sheet and the points assigned for each requirement listed.

If you tryout for one of the school squads, you will need to demonstrate the following:

Overall Appearance/Attire
Attendance/GPA (application)
Spirit Entrance
Dance (taught at clinic)
Chant (taught at clinic)
Jumps - One toe-touch, Two jumps of choice
Tumbling - Any ability level

If you tryout for the competition squad, you will need to demonstrate the following items:

Jumps - Toe touch, pike
Tumbling - Standing back handspring
Interview Question

CLINIC AND TRYOUT ATTIRE

Please follow the guidelines below for dressing during the clinics and tryouts; otherwise it will be taken into consideration during your tryout performance. In general, please avoid wearing jeans, street shoes, and jewelry, exposing tummies, or chewing gum during clinics and tryouts.

Clinic attire: Wear comfortable school-appropriate workout clothes, tennis-type shoes with backs, and socks. Hair must be up and out of face in a ponytail.
Tryout attire: Blue shorts (any shade), plain crewneck white T-Shirt with sleeves (no embellishments/SHS lettering), tennis-type with backs or cheerleading shoes, socks, and natural make-up (no glitter or rhinestones). Hair must be up and out of face.
Mascot/spirit club candidates will be allowed to wear/carry items that exhibit school spirit. i.e. body paint, wigs, costumes, etc.

CLINIC AND TRYOUT DATES/TIMES

Clinic dates/times are as follows:

1st Clinic:
2nd Clinic:

Tryout times are as follows:

Varsity Tryout:
Competition Tryout:
JV Tryout:
Freshman Tryout:

Please try to arrive 30 minutes prior to your tryout times for stretching and warm up.

CLINIC AND TRYOUT RULES

Sign in for every date listed above.
Daily attendance at the clinics is MANDATORY. Check in will be at the outdoor stage.
The order of tryout candidates will be established randomly per squad.
Judging will be done by a panel a professional cheerleading company
Applicants will tryout in groups of 3 or more in front of the judging panel.
Tryouts are closed to all observers. Only the cheer staff will be present during tryouts. Graduating seniors will be facilitating candidate warm-ups and line-ups.
Any photography and/or video taping during the clinics will result in automatic disqualification from tryouts.
All necessary paper work must be completed before the clinics begin (application form, tryout agreement letter). If paper work is not turned in you cannot participate.

TRYOUT RESULTS

As stated in the William S. Hart Union School District Advisor Handbook, “the selection process is expected to be one that allows an equal opportunity for all students who tryout for the squad to be selected for the squad. While it is also understood that all whom tryout may not be selected, the process should allow an opportunity for only unsuccessful candidates to learn about the area(s) in which they need improvement.”

Squad lists will be posted on our cheer website www.sauguscheer.com
Unsuccessful candidates may make an appointment with the SHS Admistrator in charge to review only their judges’ score sheet.

MANDATORY UNIFORM/SPIRIT WEAR FITTINGS

After tryout results have been posted, the students will need to meet one night to be sized for their uniform and spirit wear.

Date/Time:
A parent will need to come in order give the first booster payment of $
Without this payment, students will still be fitted that evening for a uniform/spirit wear; however, we will not order it until the amount due is paid in full.
When the uniforms/spirit wear come in and is ready to be distributed, the second payment will be due; however, we will not distribute the items until the amount due is paid in full.
Late payments may result in benching and/or deduction of class grade without uniforms/spirit wear for games or practices.

MANDATORY PARENT/CHEERLEADER MEETING

A meeting will be held to review the final section of the handbook and a packet filled with participation forms. It will also be a time to review positions available on the booster executive board. These descriptions can be viewed on our cheer website ahead of time.

Date/Time:

PART III - CHEERLEADER GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS

CHEER PURPOSE

To promote and uphold school spirit through support of school sports, clubs, events, and competitions.
To establish team unity and the ability to work with and lead others through planning, organizing, serving, and compromising.
To develop communication skills, proper techniques, and assume competent performance skills.
Acquire, maintain, and improve physical abilities and well-being.
To establish a working relationship with the community, faculty, student body, and other schools.

DEDICATION

In and out of uniform, SHS Cheerleaders will behave in a way that exemplifies the good standing of the school. The dedication level of each squad member is a vital part in the operation of our program.

Class credit will be earned through attendance to 7th period, scheduled games, practices, competitions, fundraisers, and any other events the advisor deems necessary. Therefore, absences, tardies, behavior, and appearance will count heavily against your grade, and will risk removal from routines, competitions, performances, and/or games.
Membership on any of the squads is a YEAR ROUND COMMITMENT.
If at any time you terminate your position as a Saugus cheerleader, for whatever reason, you may not wear your uniforms/spirit wear at anytime thereafter or be involved in any cheer program activities. You may not also tryout for cheer for the following year or attend the cheer banquet at the end of the year.

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

William S. Hart District policy requires that students attend all classes on the day of games or performances, except for injury-related appointments. Parents/cheerleaders must also notify the attendance office and the advisor to clear grade deductions.

Any cheerleader on suspension, grade ineligibility, or probation is expected to attend all practices and games in full uniform and sit with the Advisor/Coach. Failure to do so will result in benching for the following event.
The entire squad must be at practice, games, performances, events, and rallies on time.
Individuals must provide transportation to events in which school transportation is not available.
If an individual is absent for any reason to a practice, game, performance, or event, the individual must contact the Advisor A.S.A.P.

If you anticipate a conflict ahead of time, please contact the Advisor.
Delays in communication cause a disruption in the program and may inhibit the student from receiving full credit towards their grade.

Ways to communicate: squad captains, email, written notes, voicemail

Mandatory participation: games, tryouts (graduating Seniors only), community events, cheer clinics, fundraisers, rallies, Burger Bash, Back to School Night, and other events deemed mandatory by the Advisor/Coaches.

OUTSIDE COMMITMENTS

The cheerleaders will perform at home and away games to be determined by the Advisor and/or Coaches. Therefore, it is necessary for you to be flexible with scheduling and plan accordingly.
Because of the time commitment, members of the SHS Cheer Squad cannot participate in any other sport/club/activity/outside classes/job if they conflict with
cheer class times, practice times, and/or athletic and school events in which students will be participating.

Scheduling communication: website, practice/game calendar, squad captains, email, written notes, orally to girls only at practices/games

UNIFORMITY

Cheerleading is a team sport. It is necessary that all squads look like a team. The Cheer staff or captains will make the decision on dress for cheer events. Therefore, the purchase of uniforms, spirit wear, and other accessories are MANDATORY.

UNIFORM GUIDELINES

All squad members must be dressed alike during practices, games, performances, spirit days, and other cheer events. The squad captains, Coaches, and/or Advisor will determine attire. The school will do their best to utilize the same uniform for a minimum of 2 years. This is dependent on the school being able to secure from the manufacturer the same uniform with the appropriate colors.

Hair must be pulled back away from face and secured in a full ponytail. No metal/plastic clips or hairpieces.
Chewing gum is prohibited.
No jewelry in or on any part of the body including toe, belly, ear, and tongue rings.
Nails must be kept at a sport length (When looking at palm, nails must not be visible above tip of finger). Clear nail polish may be worn for games, rallies, competitions, and performances.
Team athletic shoes must be clean at all games and performances.
Natural make-up. No glitter or rhinestones.

Practice Days: sports/supportive bra, shoes, socks, briefs, no jewelry, notebook, and required practice shorts/T-Shirt.
Game Days (at school): Full uniform. “Being in uniform” entails an assigned hairstyle and ribbon, shoes, socks, no jewelry, and briefs. The rule is that if one has it, you all must have it.
Games: Full uniform. This includes arriving/departing events in full uniform as well (i.e. no flip flops/uggs in place of shoes and socks etc.) Poms, bodyliners, and warm ups need to be brought also.
Spectator Days (at school and games): Spirit wear TBA
Rally Days: Full uniform unless otherwise notified.
Spirit Prep: School clothes. Bring your notebook.
Other Events: You will be notified on what to wear since everyone must look the same.

Presence at a game or practice without dress code will result in a deduction of the student’s grade.

BEHAVIOR GUIDELINES

Squad problems and conflicts should be discussed only with the captains, the Advisor/Coaches, not with people outside the squad.
1. Parents should not get involved with squad problems nor involve squad members in parental problems. This can be very damaging to the unity of the team.
2. Ways to communicate parental concerns regarding the program only to the Advisor: email, written notes, phone
Use of cellular phones and/or pagers is prohibited for the duration of cheer practices, spirit prep, and cheer performance at any cheer related event.
Cooperation and teamwork are imperative in building a great team.
Control foul language, fighting, gossiping, and other forms of rudeness.
Use of alcohol, drugs, or tobacco will not be tolerated. A student will be automatically dismissed. Students suspected of substance abuse can be suspended until investigation of the matter is cleared/confirmed by administration.
Any disrespect or defiance shown to teachers, coaches, rules, administrators, or school officials, which results in an action form of a disciplinary referral, will result in possible squad dismissal.
Excessive public displays of affection are never considered appropriate, especially in uniform/spirit wear at games or at school.

Remember – you are school representatives at all times. You represent not only yourself, but also those who support the program.

PRACTICE GUIDELINES

Practices will be held during 7th period. You are to arrive promptly at 2:20pm and immediately begin stretching.
For safety reasons, the Coaches will designate practice areas. Mats or a grassy area will be used for mastering stunting and tumbling techniques.
All stunts and tumbling must be practiced under the supervision of the Coaches. Safety guidelines set forth by the National Federation of State High School Associations should be followed.
Be aware that the tumbling and stunting performed is at an accelerated level, but will in no way be permitted at games unless mastered in practice.
Any additional practices scheduled by the students are not mandatory. They cannot be held on school property and the Advisor/Coaches will not be in attendance. Saugus High School, the Advisor, and/or Coaches will not assume liability for injuries resulting from student-scheduled practices.
Taking part in a stunt without the cheer staff’s approval or presence is prohibited. If a student stunts outside of practice, she is violating policy and therefore releases the coaches, advisors, administrators, school, and district from any responsibility of injuries, etc.

GAME GUIDELINES

Family and friends may sit behind the students during games. Small children should be kept at a safe distance.
For games, students are to arrive 1 hour prior to the start of a game, unless told otherwise. Once you arrive, you should be ready to begin stretching with the coach.
Students should be in position 2 minutes prior to start and half time.
Students should be in full uniform and hair/makeup are to be done before entering the stadium/gym.
There may be occasions when the squad is split to cover numerous events scheduled on the same day.
All levels of performance (stunting, cheers, chants, dances, etc…) will be monitored by the Cheer staff and will only be allowed for performance with their approval.

DISCIPLINE

At all times the school policies for attendance and discipline, as stated in the school handbook, will be enforced. If at any time a SHS Cheerleader acts inappropriately, or causes harm to another team member, the coaches/advisor reserves all rights to choose the appropriate consequences. Benching (sitting out of games, and/or practices), grade reduction, additional conditioning, practice removal, suspension, and dismissal from teams are all actions that could be deemed necessary.

GRADE POINT SYSTEM

You are expected to follow the dress code, attendance, appearance, and behavior guidelines listed above. Each aspect contributes to your overall grade.

Excused Absences Unexcused Absences

Due to illness -Truant
Injury-related appointments -Personal appointments
Funeral -Serving Detentions
Religious holiday -COC classes
Religious ceremonies -Job
Religious retreats -2 weeks prior to a competition

Practice and Spirit Prep

10 points = Full attendance/participation. This means fulfilling dress, behavior, and practice guidelines.
Spirit prep takes place during 7th period and begins promptly at 2pm on the days you do not have practice. Your attendance is mandatory.
5 points = Infraction of any of the dress code, behavior, or practice guidelines
0 points = Truant or no communication to the advisor explaining absence.

Injured Students - Official notification of injury and clearance to participation from the doctor must be given in written form to the advisor BEFORE full program participation is allowed. It is still your responsibility to be present all practices, spirit preps, games, and other required events. You must be fully dressed and present in order to earn full credit.

Games (cheering/spectating) and Booster Events

30 points = Full attendance. This mean fulfilling dress, behavior, and game guidelines.
15 points = Infraction of any of the dress code, behavior, or game guidelines
If you miss a full day of school on game day or the last day of practice before a game, you will be benched. This means you may cheer, but not stunt with your team.
0 points = Truant or no communication to the advisor explaining absence.
If this occurs, you will be benched for the following game and receive only 15 points.

Absent Notification Procedure: Phone, email at ctolisa@hartdistrict.org, and/or written notes.

COMMUNICATION

It is imperative that the lines of communication between cheerleaders, parents, coaches, and advisor remain completely open. Open lines of communication allow for a better cheerleading experience for all involved.

Absences must be cleared through the attendance office and the advisor.
It is expected for the students/parents to give prior notification of major personal events i.e. confirmation practices/retreats, SAT, etc. Missing games/practices for these events will influence routines and practice schedules.
Compelling circumstances that disable students from performing expected duties should be brought to the attention of the advisor ASAP.
Failure to communicate effectively with the advisor will result in a lower grade on the student’s part.

Notification procedures: Phone, email at ctolisa@hartdistrict.org, and/or written notes.
Other forms of communication: website, practice/game calendar, squad captains, email, written notes, orally to girls at practices/games
Complaint Procedure: Advisor, Athletic Director, Athletic Administrator, Principal

FUNDRAISING

The purpose of booster club is to support the cheer program through fundraisers, not to set policy regarding the cheer program. Therefore, concerns regarding purely the cheer program should be addressed with the Advisor.

Group fundraising events are MANDATORY. Some of these events may fall on the weekend; Therefore, plan accordingly.
Failure to attend these events will affect class grade.
100% of participation is required to receive credit to individual accounts.
Money raised will be entered into a general cheerleading fund and/or individual accounts to aid in the team expenses such as homecoming, banquet, uniforms, competitions etc.

Fundraising communication: website, practice/game calendar, squad captains, orally to students at practices, booster club meetings

ADVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES

Person in charge of the program
Liaison for coaches, parents, and administration
Structure grading scale
Record and compute grades
Discuss issues with Saugus Administration and Cheer staff
Report writing and follow-up (i.e. Injury reports)
Advise parents and cheerleaders of their roles and responsibilities in participating in the Cheer program
Handle all paperwork, including excuses, medical clearance, and parental concerns
Communicate any announcements and activities to the cheerleader through the web and practice calendar
Attend executive booster board meetings
Manage all in-squad problems or concerns
Alternate game duties (attendance, supervision, etc.) with coaches.
Follow-up on all parent concerns – investigate and/or solve the issue
Support and enforce all rules and regulations set out by Saugus High School, William S. Hart School District, CIF, and Saugus High Cheer

COACH RESPONSIBILITIES

Train students in all areas (i.e. stunts, jumps, conditioning, technique) incorporated to cheerleading
Schedule practice calendar with Advisor
Develop structured practice agendas
Execute additional needs/announcements from the Advisor
Choreograph numerous routines
Ensure a safe environment at all times
Support and enforce all rules and regulations set out by Saugus High School, William S. Hart School District, CIF, and Saugus High Cheer
Coordinate aspects of Competition – i.e. routines, teams, and all competitions teams will be attending
Attend all games and specific events in which Cheerleaders need coaches present (performances)
Alternate game duties (attendance, supervision, etc.) with advisor.

PARENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Sign any mandatory forms throughout the year. It is appreciated that they are returned in a timely manner since some forms are attached to the individual’s grade.
Please consult the attendance policy stated in the program handbook and disclosure statement when questions arise.
Financial responsibilities as stated in the estimated budget handout. Deadlines will be set for financial dues. Please contact the Booster treasurer for assistance in this matter. If these obligations are not fulfilled, consequences may result in limited participation of cheer events and competition.
Parent volunteers manage our booster club. We encourage you to regularly attend meetings and participate for at least 2-3 events during the year.
Parents must support, enforce, and cooperate with decisions made by the Advisor/Coaches. Without positive support of the program, parents may cause unintentional damage to the morale at all levels of the program.
When needed, ways to communicate with the Advisor have been clearly outlined in this handbook for the parents to utilize if a concern occurs.
Parents are expected to encourage team unity and cooperation. Communicate clearly and openly with the Advisor.

We appreciate your effort by supporting the team with your attendance whenever possible. Last, but not least,

Cheerleading Handbook

PART I – PROGRAM OVERVIEW

PART II- TRYOUT GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS

PART III - CHEERLEADER GUIDELINES AND EXPECTATIONS

YELL WITH US AT GAMES!

GO CENTURIONS!!!