2015-16 SWANSON ADMIRALS

CHEERLEADING A Handbook for SMS

Cheerleaders

Swanson Middle School 5800 Washington Blvd Arlington, VA 22205

(703)228-5500

 

 

CHEERLEADER RESPONSIBILITIES AND RULES SMS CHEERLEADERS Cheerleading will be open to all SMS students in grades 6, 7 and 8. 2015-16 tryouts will be the week of October 6th through October 8th 2014. Wednesday, September 30th will be an informational meeting after school. Tuesday and Wednesday, October 6th and October 7th will be practice sessions after school during PM1 and PM2. Thursday, October 8th will be the actual tryout during PM1 and PM2, and results will be posted by Friday, October 9th. Anyone who wishes to be on the team should attend all sessions prior to Thursday’s tryout. CHEERLEADER CANDIDACY Each cheer candidate shall have signed permission from a parent or guardian (attached), as well as the written approval of all current teachers (including the student’s current class average-also attached). Each candidate shall have no lower than a ‘C’ average (no D’s or E’s) on their midterm progress reports. In addition, all cheerleaders must maintain no less than a ‘C’ average for the remainder of the season. If a cheerleader falls below the ‘C’ average, he/she will not participate in events, and the Coach and Activities director will work with his/her teachers to ensure that he/she is able to bring up the grades. MISSION STATEMENT Cheerleaders will promote and uphold team spirit for the Swanson Admirals, as well as any team of which we encounter. We will lead by example in our display good sportsmanship, while developing ourselves physically, psychologically, and socially. We will promote a sense of pride and dignity in SMS, do our best, and have fun! FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Cheerleaders will be responsible for purchasing personal use items. These include body suit, bloomers, shoes, socks and hair bow. These items run approximately $60 with tax, and the ordering information will be provided. Everyone will have the opportunity to cheer. Students receiving free or reduced lunch and any other students requiring financial assistance will work with the Coach and the Activities Director to ensure receipt of appropriate gear. RULES All SMS Cheerleaders are expected to abide by the rules set forth in the Swanson Middle School Student/Parent Handbook as well as the Arlington Public Schools Handbook. Additionally:

1. Once a cheerleader joins the squad, he/she is expected to finish out both seasons with the team. Quitting will not be tolerated. SMS Cheerleading is a COMMITMENT from October through March. We will be practicing several times a week, and cheering for basketball games starting in November. We will also be participating in any other activities deemed appropriate by the Coach and the Activities Director. Once a cheerleader is off the squad, he/she may not return for the rest of the school year. No exceptions!

2. Cheerleading is a SPORT! It is extremely physically demanding. No one will be allowed to participate on the team until a Sports Physical has been turned into the

 

 

Activities Director. NO EXCEPTIONS! Additionally, all cheerleaders must ensure they are eating properly and taking care of their mind and bodies, to include receiving a good night’s sleep every night!

3. We will be using a demerit system this season. The purpose of the demerit system is to

cut down on any problems that may arise on the squad. Demerits will only be given by the Coach during after school hours, and will NOT affect the cheerleader’s grade. In a one-week period, 3 demerits will result in sitting out during a pep rally or other during-school activity. 5 demerits will result in sitting out during a game. During the school day, cheerleaders are expected to uphold the standard Code of Conduct and classroom rules. Demerits will be handed out for the following violations:

a. Receiving a detention Automatic Bench b. Being disrespectful to anyone 2 c. Arguing or talking back to Coach 2 d. Unexcused absence from practice or game 2 e. Not being prepared for practice or game 1 f. Eating or drinking without permission during game 1 g. Not participating during game 1 h. Unexcused late for practice or game 1 i. Chewing gum 1 j. Hair not up during practice or game 1 k. Refusing to follow bus driver’s rules 1 l. Improper clothing during practice 1

4. If any part of the uniform is forgotten, the cheerleader will not be permitted to participate.

This includes proper shoes, undergarments and hair bows as well as the cheer shell and skirt. Additionally, hair is expected to be up and out of the face in a high ponytail, and earrings and other jewelry are not to be worn (for safety reasons).

5. SMS Cheer will have two Co-Captains. If it is hard work being a cheerleader, it is

doubly so for a Captain. The Coach will decide on the Captains. Captains must maintain at least a “B” average, and must lead by example.

6. Practice gear and uniforms must be kept spotless at all times. While in uniform

cheerleaders should only drink water (no colored beverages). Makeup should be natural and not excessive.

7. If a cheerleader is late or absent, a note from a parent/guardian, doctor or teacher will be

the only acceptable excuses. Otherwise, the absence will be unexcused.

8. Repeated unexcused absences or behavioral offenses will result in removal from the team. The Coach will work closely with the Activities Director and Administrators when removal is being considered.

9. Most practices will be held during PM1 and PM2. Space at Swanson is limited, and the

Coach is an Active Duty Soldier in the U.S. Army. Practices will be scheduled with

 

 

regard to available space, as well as the work schedule of the Coach. All cheerleaders are expected pay close attention to the announcements in the event a practice has to be cancelled last minute.

10. All cheerleaders are expected to provide the Coach with a cell phone number and email

address where they may be reached. This is so the Coach and cheerleaders may communicate with each other regarding uniform or schedule changes. It is mandatory for the Captains.

SMS Cheerleading is a responsibility and privilege. All cheerleaders will be expected to uphold the history and traditions of Swanson Middle School, as well as the sport of cheerleading. When you are accepted onto the SMS Cheer Squad, remember you are a part of a TEAM. You will support and encourage each other, regardless of your background, opinions, ideas etc. Anything less will be unbecoming of an Admirals Cheerleader!!

 

 

CHEERLEADER HANDBOOK CONFIRMATION

2015-16 CHEERLEADER ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY I have read the Swanson Middle School Cheerleader Handbook carefully and thoroughly. I agree to abide by the rules stated in the handbook at all times. I understand the responsibilities of being a Swanson Middle School Cheerleader and will do my best to uphold the high standards of the squad. I will accept the decisions of the Coach, the SMS Activities Director and the Administration. Student Signature_______________________________________________________________

2015-16 PARENT/GUARDIAN ACCEPTANCE OF RESPONSIBILITY I have read the Swanson Middle School Cheerleader Handbook carefully and thoroughly. I agree to help my child comply with all policies, rules and regulations set forth in the handbook. I understand the responsibilities of being a Swanson Middle School Cheerleader and will abide by the decisions of the Coach, the SMS Activities Director and the Administration. Parent/Guardian Signature________________________________________________________ Date__________________________________________________________________________

2015-16 TEACHER APPROVAL

TA___________________________________________________________________________ P1_____________________________ Current Average_________________________________ P2_____________________________ Current Average_________________________________ P3_____________________________ Current Average_________________________________ P4_____________________________ Current Average_________________________________ P5_____________________________ Current Average_________________________________ P6_____________________________ Current Average_________________________________ P7_____________________________ Current Average_________________________________ P8_____________________________ Current Average_________________________________

 

 

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION NAME________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS____________________________________________________________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN 1_________________________________________________________ CELL ________________________WORK___________________________ PARENT/GUARDIAN 2_________________________________________________________ CELL ________________________WORK___________________________ ALLERGIES OR KNOWN CONDITIONS__________________________________________ MEDICATION ALLERGIES_____________________________________________________ REQUIRES EPI PEN YES NO REASON_______________________________

PERSON TO BE CONTACTED IF PARENT/GUARDIAN CAN’T BE REACHED NAME________________________________________RELATIONSHIP_________________ CELL____________________________ WORK______________________________________