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Website: Ehighcheer.weebly.com Twitter: @ehighcheer IG: ehscheer17.18
ETIWANDA HIGH SCHOOL CHEER HANDBOOK 2018-2019
Advisor Tracie Alo
Advisor LaShawn Freeman
Coach Makenna Kelsey
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WELCOME EAGLE CHEERLEADERS
Dear EHS Cheerleader and Parents,
Thank you for taking an interest in the Etiwanda High School Cheerleading
Program. We are all looking forward to a wonderful and exciting year for
everyone involved.
This handbook is designed to help you understand that cheerleading is more
than just yelling out cheers and showing up for a game. It is an attitude. It is
spirit, pride, hard work, dedication, a sense of who you are, and the beliefs of
the school you represent. We hope this handbook will help you see clearly
through all the "show" of cheerleading and focus on what really counts: pride
in yourself, your classmates, and EHS. You will be expected to maintain an
acceptable academic level in school and behave in a manner which is
considered respectful and mature. You will be an ambassador of Etiwanda
High School and must always represent it honorably. You are not a football or
basketball cheerleader. YOU ARE AN ETIWANDA HIGH SCHOOL
CHEERLEADER and will cheer and lead in that way.
A good cheerleader maintains a healthy balance in life, combining schoolwork,
activities, and a competitive spirit. We are here to help you find that balance
and have fun doing it. Make no mistake, it is hard work and a big
commitment.
Please read this handbook carefully and keep it for your reference. Be prepared
to bring it with you to practice if you are asked to do so. It is also important
that your parents review this handbook and understand the guidelines for
becoming an Etiwanda High Cheerleader. Both the cheerleader candidate
and a parent must sign the agreement before the candidate will be allowed
to attend tryouts.
Good Luck
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Mission and Purpose
In uniform and out, the members of the EHS Cheer Squad will behave in a way
that exemplifies respect, ethical behaviors and attitude, and remain in good
standing at Etiwanda High School. The organization’s goal is to work in
harmony with the Administration, Faculty, ASB, Dance, Athletic Teams, and all
other organizations. Our primary function is to support interscholastic
athletics and to promote school pride, spirit, and unity. This refers to boys and
girls sports during fall, winter and spring seasons.
The purpose of this organization will be to promote school spirit, to build student
morale and self-esteem, to learn responsibility, to develop leadership skills,
physical fitness, and self-discipline, learn organizational and cheer skills, learn
how to cooperate, accept criticism, and become responsible and respectful
citizens of Etiwanda High School and the community. Specifically:
● To develop the individual potential of each member by mutually giving and accepting constructive criticism, praise, responsibility, and leadership duties.
● To set a good example of proper conduct, sportsmanship and leadership for the EHS student body by abiding by the Eagle Code of Conduct.
● To be a loyal representative of the school, the CJUHSD, and the community by engaging in all school activities with pride and respect to self and others.
● To promote school spirit by performing at schools athletic events, rallies, community service events and other assignments.
● To proudly support and represent Etiwanda High School in EHS athletic
events and community events throughout the year.
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Eligibility to Try Out
In order to tryout, a candidate must meet all of the following eligibility
requirements:
1. Enrolled at Etiwanda High School for the 2018-2019 school year.
a. Membership to the Varsity Cheerleading squad will be open to
Junior and Senior students for the 2018-2019 school year
b. Membership to the Junior Varsity Cheerleading squad will be open
to Freshmen and Sophomore students for the 2018-2019 school
year.
2. Have a 2.0 cumulative GPA
3. Have a current physical on file
4. Complete and turn in the full application to the activities office by April
13, 2018.
5. Attend the following required events:
a. All mandatory tryout clinics (in case of illness, injury or emergency,
contact EHS Cheer at [email protected])
6. The following required paperwork must be completed and submitted NO
LATER THAN 4:00 PM on Friday, April 13, 2018 to the EHS Activities
Office, ATTN Cheer Advisors-Cheer Tryout Packet
a. EHS Cheerleader/Mascot Application with current head shot on
photo paper
b. Current CJUHSD Athletic Clearance form
c. Handbook Acknowledgment
d. Social Media Contract
e. Eagle Code of Conduct Acknowledgement
f. Demerits Acknowledgement
g. Spirit Pack Order Form
h. Copy of last report card showing a minimum GPA of 2.0
i. Teacher Recommendations (submitted by teachers)
Failure to submit required paperwork by Friday April 13, 2018 at
4:00 PM will result in not being allowed to participate in the
tryout process.
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Tryout Information
Dates
Tryouts for this squad will be held on Friday, April 20th at 3:30 p.m. However, a
candidate must attend all of the following pre-tryout clinics:
Cheer Clinic:
● Tuesday, April 17th, 3:15-5:45 p.m. in the gym
Tryouts:
● First Cuts: Wednesday, April 18th, 3:30 p.m. in the gym
● Call Backs: Thursday, April 19th, 3:30 p.m. in the gym
Tryouts and clinics will be held in the gym; clinic will be closed to parents and
the public, tryouts are open for $5 admission per person.
Selection Process
The members of the cheerleading squad will be chosen on the basis of the
following:
1. Coaching staff will determine the size of each squad and its members.
Results from tryouts are final. Guest judges will be present at tryouts in
addition to coaching staff.
2. Judges will score on the following material for female cheerleaders
performed during the clinic and tryout:
a. Spirit entrance
b. Interview question
c. Jumps (two)
d. 3 Cheers
e. Dance
f. Tumbling (extra points for back handspring or higher; based on
tumbling pulled)
g. Clinic Evaluations
i. Participation and attitude
ii. Overall impression
3. Male cheerleaders will be scored on the following:
a. Spirit Entrance
b. Interview Question
c. 3 Cheers
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d. Stunting and Jumps
e. Clinic Evaluations
4. In addition, all candidates will have the following factored into their
overall score:
a. Teacher recommendation scores
b. GPA
The members of the mascot squad (if needed) will be chosen on the basis of the
following:
1. Coaches and advisors will score on the following material performed
during the tryout:
a. Spirit entrance
b. Interview Question
c. Mascot routine
d. Clinic Evaluations
2. In addition, all candidates will have the following factored into their
overall score:
a. Teacher recommendation scores
b. GPA
Scores will be an average of all judges’ scores, the teacher recommendation
score, and the GPA.
Results of the tryout, listed by candidate number will be posted on the cheer
website https://ehighcheer.weebly.com/on the squad page on Wednesday,
April 18th after 7:00 PM for 1st cuts and Friday, April 20th after 4:00 PM. No
scores will be released to anyone, other than administration, for any reason.
Discipline and Expectations
Etiwanda cheerleaders are expected to be examples in conduct, athleticism,
and leadership. Additionally, they are expected to be faithful in attendance and
participation to their required activities and maintain the skills performed at
tryouts throughout the year.
Upon completion of summer practices, all members shall demonstrate
knowledge and performance of all cheers and routines. At the discretion of the
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Advisors, failure to demonstrate knowledge or skill in any cheer or performance routine may result in the denial of the member to cheer for an amount of time
determined by the Advisors.
Practices:
A. During the school year, the Advisors shall determine practices and all
members are required to be present. Attendance will be taken. B. All practices are mandatory. C. Hair will be pulled back, up and away from face at all practices. D. Members are expected to wear appropriate workout clothes (within school
dress code) and athletic shoes to all practices. Fingernails must be kept
sport short including acrylic nails.
E. There will be before school, after school, evening and/or weekend
practices.
F. Cell phone use is not permitted at practice unless prior approval is given.
G. Holding a job and having to work is not an excuse for missing practices.
Attendance & Tardy Policy
A. A member will be considered tardy if she/he is not dressed in
uniform/practice clothes for practices/performances at the designated times. Members will receive a warning, if tardiness continues, parents will be contacted. Suspension for games and performances will also be
implemented. (See Eagle Code of Conduct) B. If a member is injured, they are required to dress out and be present at
ALL events to support the team. If the injury is too severe to allow this to
happen, a medical note must be given to the coach with dates as to when the member will be able to attend games without full participation and
when they will be ready to participate. C. All appointments must be scheduled around cheer as it is imperative that
ALL members are present at practice and games. Appointments will not
be deemed an excused absence. D. Remember that it is imperative for the success of the team that all
members are present and active participants. If attendance becomes an
issue the member will be dismissed from the squad.
Other Athletics/Club or All-Star Cheer
A. Involvement with extra-curricular activities, sports, clubs, groups, or
jobs cannot interfere with the member’s commitment to the EHS Cheer
program.
B. Due to the amount of time necessary in order to fully commit to the EHS
Cheer Program, members are not allowed to participate in an outside All-
Star or club cheer program during the EHS Cheer season.
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C. Members that wish to participate in other sports at EHS must abide by
the following guidelines and discuss these guidelines with the coach of
their desired sport:
1. Members will attend practice for their desired EHS sport if it does
not interfere with scheduled cheer practice.
2. Members MUST attend all regularly scheduled cheer practices.
3. Members are responsible for obtaining any information missed due
to participation in other activities; it is not the responsibility of the
coach or the advisors to send the information.
4. Failure to abide by the rules will result in removal from the squad.
Games/Events
A. All athletic games, as directed by coaches/advisors are mandatory.
We do not only cheer for football and basketball; EHS cheer will
support all Etiwanda High School athletic programs.
B. Cheer Squad members will cheer for their division of the regular
season games, as well as any other games deemed necessary by
the coach (Homecoming, CIF events, etc…).
C. Any boys/girls game throughout the fall, winter, and spring season
either home/away is subject to being mandatory based on the
decision of the Coaches/Advisor/Administration.
D. All CIF games or Play Off games are mandatory, as deemed
necessary by the Coaches/Advisor.
E. All squad members must travel to an event by transportation
provided by the school.
F. Cell phone use is not permitted at ANY event while in view, unless
prior approval is given.
G. Sunglasses are not allowed to be worn at games/events, without
prior approval.
H. Members will have designated times to eat.
I. To be eligible to perform at any event a member of the EHS Cheer
Squad must:
a. Be present at school for at least 3 class periods that day.
b. Come prepared in correct uniform; including hair and bow
c. Be on time.
d. Maintain a 2.0 GPA.
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Failure to uphold these expectations will result in infractions for which there
will be consequences. Minor infractions will be worked off weekly in the form of
extra jumps and conditioning. Major infractions will have more serious
consequences detailed below.
Grooming
A. All members of the EHS Cheer Squad are engaged in a team sport; therefore, it is imperative that all squad members look uniformed as a
team. B. It is mandatory for all team members to be in uniform on game days,
performances, and any other day/event the coach deems necessary.
C. Being in uniform entails identical coordinated outfits, hairstyles, and accessories for all squad members, as approved by the Advisors.
D. Members will not chew gum while in uniform. E. Any item purchased by the school will be school property. This currently
includes cheer boxes and megaphones. Any lost or damaged item will be
up to the individual to replace at current cost. F. If a cheer squad member loses or damages any cheer uniform and/or
equipment it will be their responsibility to replace the item. Please take care of your uniform. Losing one piece can impact a whole team.
G. Each member must take responsibility to find out what to wear on Game
Days/Performances. H. Uniforms (or other mandated spirit wear) will be worn to all functions at
which the member will be performing and in school on the day of the
performance for publicity and school spirit. If not followed, that member will not be allowed to cheer or perform.
I. When a squad wears a uniform or spirit wear to school, activity or games, EVERY member must wear exactly the same attire.
J. When in uniform during school, hair can be worn in any desired
manner, as long as it is neat and hair is combed. K. Members should arrive at call time game/performance ready, with hair
as instructed by Advisors and designated bow in place. Failure to arrive
ready to perform will result in sitting out 1 quarter or not being allowed to perform.
L. Cheer shoes will not be worn during the school day, in order to protect the integrity of the shoe throughout the season. Members should wear a black or red athletic shoe, as determined by the advisors and coaches
(i.e. Vans, Converse, cheer slides, etc. NO UGGS, boots, or other sandals).
M. For games/performances, cheer shoes should be clean and worn with low cut black socks.
N. Shell and skirts are the only attire permitted (unless otherwise
instructed by Advisors) at football and basketball games. Warm ups or
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sweatshirts are permitted (with Advisor approval and in cases of extreme cold weather) during games.
O. The cheerleader that earned the uniform is the only one allowed to wear the uniform. Associations are made between the behavior of the person
wearing of the uniform and the image of the squad. Please refrain from loaning any part of the uniform to a friend for any reason, including poms.
P. Nails should be “sport short” in order to prevent injury to self and others. This is a safety concern and cheerleaders are subject to benching until in compliance.
Q. Failure to comply with the dress code will result in game or event suspension.
JV/Varsity Boxes & Megaphones
A. JV boxes are issued by EHS Cheer, and must be returned at the
completion of the football season.
B. JV boxes must meet the standardization policy, with all 4 sides in red
and a black top. The front of the box will read EHS Cheer in gold. The
only deviation allowed is for JV captains, who are allowed to customize
their boxes, within EHS Cheer colors and expectations.
C. JV will utilize the black EHS Cheer megaphones, depending on
availability. Sophomores will be issued megaphones first, with the
remaining going to the freshmen.
D. Varsity boxes must meet the 2’ cube measurements, can be digitally
wrapped or hand painted. The sides must be designed using the
following criteria:
a. Spirit side with the current EHS mascot logo, and eagle quote (i.e.
“Fly High”)
b. Name side with the cheerleader’s class (i.e. ℅ 2020);
c. Picture side (can be a collage)
d. Free side
e. The top can either be decorated or solid black.
E. Varsity boxes must include a dolly for transport.
F. Varsity members will purchase standard custom megaphones for $37.50
that will be purchased by the cheerleader/family. These do not need to
be returned at the end of the season, and are theirs to keep.
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Absences
Excused absences must be pre-approved by the coach and include the
following:
● Sick from school that day (if you come to school, you come to practice)
● Family emergency (along with communication from parent)
● Tutoring (must not occur regularly and have note from tutor)
● Official college visit
● Doctor appointments
● Mandatory field trips or activities for a class grade
Unexcused absences, even if pre-approved, will still result in being benched for
1 quarter of the next game or 20 minutes of conditioning. Missing a game or
practice to attend a party, concert or other non-school related event will result
in being benched for 1 full half of the next game or 40 minutes of conditioning.
You must communicate directly with the coaches or advisors. Messages that
come through teammates will not be accepted. All absences must be reported
via email to [email protected]; planned absences must be reported
1 week prior in order to be excused. Absences reported in any other manner
will not be considered excused.
Demerits and Consequences
Demerits will be issued to cheerleaders/mascots who fail to abide by the rules
and expectations as specified in this handbook. Coaches and advisors have
the sole responsibility for assigning demerits. The cheerleader/mascot will sign
off on each demerit given, and it will be the cheerleader’s responsibility to tell
the parent and keep with the number of demerits that have been obtained. The
coaches and advisors reserve the right to issued demerits for unacceptable
situations with are not outlined in the cheer handbook. Final decisions
regarding demerits will be made by the coaches and advisors. Please see the
2018-2019 EHS Cheer Demerits Addendum for specific infractions and their
consequences.
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Major Infractions
Inappropriate social media, violations of the Eagle Code of Conduct, or any
school related suspensions can result in possible dismissal from the team,
based on the severity of the offense. A conference with school administrators
including principal, athletic director, and advisors/coach will be required in
order to determine your position on the squad.
Other Requirements
All EHS squad members will take both fall and spring stunt clinics; which will
further build upon the skills taught during summer cheer camp. The cost for
these stunt clinics will be built into the spirit pack costs. Furthermore,
members will enroll and complete three (3) online courses: Sportsmanship,
Sports Nutrition and Social Media for Students. Captains and the Pep
Commissioner(s) will role in an additional course: Captain’s Course. All
courses are free and can be found on the following website: www.nfhslearn.com
. Links will be found on the EHS Cheer website. These courses are required to
be completed prior to the start of the fall season, and completion certificates
should be included in the athlete’s cheer binders.
Safety Information
Safety is of utmost importance when performing cheerleading skills, and in
practices, pep rallies, and at games, it will be treated as such. Therefore, all
skills included in these activities will be in accordance with NFHS and AACCA
safety guidelines. Additionally, all coaches are AACCA safety certified and are
familiar with the emergency action plan in order to respond quickly and
appropriately in case of injury.
Specific Guidelines
1. No tumbling or stunting skills are to be done until the coach or advisor
arrives.
2. Coaches and teammates will spot all new stunts.
3. Coaches reserve the right at any time to change out flyers or bases.
4. All bases are to make their flyer’s safety their priority, especially when
she is in a downward motion.
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5. Every cheerleader is expected to give 100% to a stunt regardless of their
position.
6. Spotting requires hands in the air at all times fully prepared to catch
while facing the flyer.
7. Stunt groups are created at the discretion of the coach but will be formed
by taking into account size, height, and skill of all cheerleaders.
8. Coaches may hold a group accountable for dropping a stunt or
performing a stunt unsafely, including extra conditioning or “grounding”
a group for a time.
Practices, Games and Events
Practices
During the summer, cheerleaders/mascots will have 4 practices per week.
● Monday 6:30-8:00 am
● Tuesday 6:30-8:00 am
● Wednesday 6:30-8:00 am
● Thursday 6:30-8:00 am
Starting in the fall, cheerleaders will have daily morning practices, plus 2
afternoon practices as needed (for a rally or event).
● Monday-Thursday 0 period 7:04-7:58 AM
● Monday, 3:30-5:00 during a rally or event week
● Wednesday, 3:30—5:00 during a rally or event week
All cheerleaders are expected to attend all practices unless excused in
accordance with the absence guidelines. Those who are absent may have
consequences also in accordance with the demerits guidelines. All attire worn
to practice must be up to the athletic dress code of the school.
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Games
In the fall, football games typically occur on Thursday afternoons (JV) and
Friday evenings (Varsity). Expect to cheer at 8-10 of these throughout the
season, half of which will likely be away games. In the spring, basketball games
will be played on Tuesday and Friday afternoon/evenings for several weeks.
Expect to cheer at 12-16 games, half of which will likely be away. EHS Cheer
does support all sports on campus (Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Water Polo, etc.);
required dates will be given to the squad once selected by the Advisors.
Pep rallies and other activities
Additionally, there will be, at minimum, 4 pep rallies in which the cheerleaders
and mascots will perform. For these pep rallies, additional practices may be
called.
There will also be opportunities for service projects and social activities that
will require participation, but you will be notified of these events well in
advance in order to make proper arrangements.
Leadership Roles and Selection
Captains
The final decision for leadership is at the Advisors discretion. Captains will
work with the coaches and co-captains to prepare all aspects of cheerleading.
They will meet with the coaches at designated times and help plan for the
school year and activities. They will lead during football and basketball games
and at any time the squad is assembled. Additionally, they will be appropriate
examples of Eagle Pride at all times. The Advisors retain the right to remove
and replace any captain not performing duties. All nominees for Captain will
have had a minimum of 1 year on the squad for which they represent. Please
see captain’s handbook for further details.
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Pep Commissioner
The Pep Commissioner(s) shall be an appointed Associated Student Body (ASB)
and/or Student Achievement (SA) position, and act as the official liaison to
ASB/SA for the entire Pep Squad and be a member of the ASB or SA class. The
Pep Commissioner(s) shall be the primary on campus contact for the Advisors,
Administration and staff (when Advisors are unavailable). The Pep
Commissioner(s) will work with the advisors, coaches and captains to lead the
team in unity, spirit, and social activities. They will be responsible for presenting
some of the character lessons, coordinating big and little sisters, team birthday
celebrations, and planning and executing social activities during and outside of
practices. These positions are selected by the Cheer Advisors and approved by
the ASB/SA Director, and will have had a minimum of 1 year on EHS Cheer.
Parent Commitments
All parents are expected to give support, encouragement and accountability to your cheerleader as they walk out their commitment to our team and the
standards expressed in this handbook. Be supportive and constructive toward the school, the cheerleading squad, and its leaders by practicing life-promoting
attitudes and action, and by avoiding criticism and complaining. Parents are also expected to be open in communication with the Cheer
Advisors and Coaches, bringing concerns to them first. If necessary, further concerns can then be addressed with the Athletic Director/EHS
Administration. Additionally, EHS Cheer Parents should be committed to follow through with
the appropriate steps of registration, uniforms, camps and competitions, as well as parent involvement and volunteering for fundraisers, social activities, or school events.
Lastly, parents should strive to be an example in sportsmanship and support
within the school community—uplifting athletes on all sides and holding
themselves and their own athletes to the highest standards.
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Definitions
Probation
If a member fails to keep a 2.0 GPA at each formal grading period (6 week or
semester), he or she will be placed on suspension (6 weeks) until the next
grading period. If a member is on suspension for grades more than twice
during the season, he or she will be dismissed for the remainder of the year.
Ineligibility:
Ineligible members will not participate in pep rallies, competitions and games
or wear uniforms during their ineligibility period, but will be required to attend
practices, activities, and games as discussed with parents and advisors.
Members must be in warm ups or spirit wear on game/event days during their
ineligibility period.
If a member’s behavior warrants receiving school discipline, or he/she leaves a
game, practice or event without permission of the advisors or designated adult,
the member may be ineligible to participate and perform for at least two (2)
weeks. If this occurs a second time, the member can be released from the
team.
Quitting/Dismissal:
A member who quits or has been dismissed, for any reason, may not participate
in any team activities for the rest of the season. Dismissal will result when the
member does not meet the guidelines for extra- and co-curricular activities as
approved by the Etiwanda High School administration. A member will be
dismissed if he or she is placed on suspension for failing to keep a 2.0 grade
point average for more than one grading period in one school year.
Members are expected to observe all school behavior rules, including Ed code
behavior codes. Violation of the following would result in IMMEDIATE loss of
eligibility of membership in or out of uniform, prior to, during or after any school
function:
1. Smoking and/or drinking alcoholic beverages
Page 17 of 18
2. Possession or use of illegal drugs
3. Possession of a weapon
4. Fighting
5. Inappropriate pictures or social media posts, in or out of uniform,
which compromise the integrity of the cheer program.
A member receiving a school suspension may be dismissed and subject to the
Eagle Code of Conduct.
While the staff fully supports students pursuing their future endeavors, if a
student cannot fully participate in the remainder of the season for ANY reason,
that member will be honorably dismissed and will not attend banquet.
The advisor/coaches reserve the right to dismiss any member for ANY violation
of the handbook.
Health/Injuries
Cheerleading can be a dangerous sport. Members must follow all safety
guidelines and assume liability for failure to do so. All members must be in
good health. Members and their parents should be aware of the extensive
physical requirements of cheerleading. For members to meet the many
challenges: physically, mentally and emotionally, they need to be in top physical
shape. Member will be constantly encouraged to improve and perfect new styles,
stunts, dances and gymnastics moves. Parents should be aware, although
correct technique and safety is stressed, potential injury is a factor that must be
considered. A sports physical is required for all members.
Any injury must be reported immediately to the advisors; then evaluated by the
Athletic Trainer. If a member receives a doctor’s note excusing him or her from
practice and performance for a designated time, that member may not participate
until the release date, but must still attend all scheduled practices and
performances. Upon release from the member’s physician, the member is
expected to return to full capacity, unless further restrictions are specified by
the physician. Members must take precautionary measures to avoid injuries.
This includes keeping all equipment and clothing in good repair, warming up
properly and thoroughly, taping when necessary, and not performing if already
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injured. A member will not perform if the advisors feel that it will endanger
the member, aggravate an injury, or endanger any other squad member.
Athletic Letter
Each varsity cheerleader who successfully completes the duties and obligations
of an EHS cheerleader as listed within the cheerleader handbook shall receive
an athletic letter for that particular year.
