PURPOSE
The objective of the Hawks Cheer team (Heritage High School and White Pine Middle School) is to effectively implement a school spirit program that supports the athletic teams and promotes the school itself. Cheerleaders will serve as positive role models and leaders for Hawks Cheer and should promote sportsmanship within our school and among other schools. The highest priority should be to display and encourage spirit and pride for Heritage High School, White Pine Middle School and Hawks Cheer.
TEAM MEMBERS
Members will be chosen at a formal tryout session.
Each team will consist of up to 30 students who may cheer at school functions, games and will participate in scheduled competitions.
During competition a maximum of 16 students can perform on the mat per round. This means that not all team members may perform in every round at every competition.
If a member of a team is removed from a position, a replacement will be determined by the coaches.
ATHLETE EXPECTATIONS
Hawk Cheerleading Handbook
Please note this is in addition to the athletic and schools handbook!
This is a living document. If an incident should arise that is not specifically addressed in this document,
the coach(es) and/or school and district administration will address the incident on an individual basis.
The Hawks Cheerleading Program reserves the right to revise this handbook.
Citizenship
Athletes must behave with a positive attitude toward teachers, coaches, classmates and teammates at all times, conducting themselves as ladies in both school and athletics.
Athletes must show good sportsmanship reflecting a positive image for themselves and the team as a whole.
Eligibility
Athletes must maintain good academic and classroom behavior. Athletes who fail below the district standard will not be able to participate until remedied. After the second occurrence, you will be released from the team.
During the time of ineligibility, athletes are expected to attend practices or competitions dressed in proper athletic attire, and sit with coaches and teammates for the duration of the competition. Athletes will be required to bring school work to practice and work on this until grades are at an acceptable level!
If failing two or more classes in the semester prior to athletic participation, the athlete is not allowed to participate in competition, but may still practice, until the following semester.
Athletes must maintain good attendance, and be in school all day to participate in practice, games or competitions. Any exceptions to this rule must be cleared with the principal or athletic director prior to absence (example: college visits, funeral, etc.) This extends to being LATE, so be on time. Athletes must attend school & practice the day prior to an event.
Athletes may not participate in a practice or competition on the same day that they donate blood. In other words, NO DONATING BLOOD during the season!
Athletes must have a sports physical and participate in a try-out before becoming a member of a team.
Athletes and parents are responsible for monitoring grades throughout the week. Finding out on Monday that you cannot cheer at that week's competition puts the team in a difficult position. Eligibility is extremely important.
Practices
Please arrive early to help set up. Putting out and picking up mats is the responsibility of the entire team.
Mandatory attendance means no excuses. If you are sick, you must notify a coach ahead of time, or immediately after returning for the next event. Notification must include a call or email from a parent. If you are in school, you should be at practice, even if it is just to sit unless accompanied by a doctor’s note.
Excused absences are only for illness, funeral, or graded school activity. You may not miss practice because of work, failure to arrange a ride, or family events. After 3 absences, you will be released from the team.
Tardiness is unacceptable. Tardiness will result in making up practice time by mentoring the MS team during their practice. Practice starts at a specific time. Athletes should be present, ready and on the practice mat by the scheduled start time. (I.e not walking in and still needing to change, eat etc). 3 tardies will equal an absence!
No stunting or tumbling until a coach is present. YOU CAN start getting the mats ready and begin stretching.
In the event of an injury, athletes will be expected to participate in their fullest potential. Including attending practices and competitions. Athletes must know the difference between injured or sore, and will need a doctor’s note to sit out of any activity for an extended period of time.
Attire
Cheerleading attire: You must wear your assigned practice uniform if applicable. If non-applicable, cheer shorts or athletic leggings with a T-shirt or thick strapped tank top is requested. Items not allowed: pajama pants, thin/spaghetti strap tank tops, hoodies. Midriffs must be covered.
You must have your cheer shoes and socks must be worn.
Hair must be pulled fully back during practice. Competitions and events will be at the coaches discretion.
Do not get any piercings during the season. You will still have to remove them, even if they are brand new. The same goes for fake nails.
DO NOT WEAR JEWELRY TO PRACTICE. This is a safety hazard, and can result in injury.
Please refrain from hair colors that will distract from our performance or score.
To keep our mats nice, please do not walk on them with street shoes, take food or drink on them, or allow anyone who is not a cheerleader to use them. You are not allowed to wear your uniform to a non-cheerleading event.
Transportation
All team members must travel to games or competitions as a group. If you are late arriving to meet transportation, you may be left behind. Your behavior during travel will reflect positively on the team.
You are only allowed to travel home from a game or a competition with your own parents. The only exception to this rule is through signed permission from your parents and a school official. Failure to adhere to transportation guidelines may result in consequences, including loss of transportation privileges. In order to ride home from a function separate from the team, paperwork must be completed with the athletic office prior to each event.
Camps, games and competitions
On the day of a game or competition, cheerleaders must wear the designated attire to school. You will be told what to wear ahead of time.
Uniforms should be kept clean and neat. You will have to wear them all season, and many of them must be returned in the condition you received them.
Cheerleaders should arrive at all events in designated cheer attire.
While at games or competition, act professional. This is your sport. If you act like it is a joke, people will continue to treat it like one.
Cheerleaders should always look pulled together and polished.
Social Media/Phones
The character you reflect on social media (Facebook, Twitter, etc.) is who you portray yourself to be, and is therefore a reflection on your team and school. Anything that you post online is free for public viewing by peers, teammates, teachers, and coaches. Therefore, if you choose to post vulgar language, pictures that represent you in a poor light, negative posts about your team or others, or anything else that could be deemed offensive, you also choose to deal with the consequences.
Be mindful of yourself and your electronic devices.
Phones are a huge distraction and will not be allowed at practice. If an athlete has to be reminded of this rule during a practice they will be required to place their phone on the gym desk until the end of practice. Parents can contact a coach for emergencies. Phone usage will also be restricted while at or participating in events.
Behavior Guidelines
The use of alcohol, tobacco, or drugs is strictly prohibited. Breaking this rule (EVEN IN PICTURES) will result in long-term suspension or removal from the team.
ABSOLUTELY NO display of affection while in uniform. You are a representation of yourself & team.
Be responsible for turning in money, forms, or remembering practice times. We are very organized. You need to respect the team by doing the same.
Respect the decisions of the coaches. We always have your best interest in mind.
Any decision made by the athlete to quit this team or any decision made by the coaches or administration to remove the athlete from the team based on her attendance, behavior, or the breaking of this contract will result in the following: any money invested in cheerleading will not be refunded, athlete will not be eligible for end-of-season awards, and may not be allowed to be a member of the team in the future, based on the decision of the coaches.
This team is a commitment that you CHOSE to make. Other girls may have been cut from the team so that YOU could be a part of it. You DON’T QUIT. You DON’T GIVE ATTITUDE. You DO YOUR PART. If you don’t like it, you DON’T TRY OUT NEXT YEAR. People who are successful in life follow through with their commitments, and put forth their best effort in everything they are involved in.
We are a team in the fullest sense. Your teammates need to be like family to you. Any successful team has 100% of its members giving 100% all the time. Disrespect of your teammates or coaches will not be tolerated in or out of practice. We are here for the sport, not to gossip, demean, or cause problems. When you do this, you disappoint your team, your coaches, and your family. Be there for each other, care for each other, deal with each other appropriately. It is the ONLY WAY this team will operate and those who cannot abide by this do not deserve, and will not continue, to be on the team.
24 Hour Rule - if you are upset with a coaching decision, write down your concerns & notify the coaching staff. Following a 24 hour cool down period, all coaches & concerned parties shall meet to discuss.
Parents
Remember to be a positive role model and to encourage athletes through positive actions. Please do not engage in unsportsmanlike behavior or ridicule an athlete for making mistakes. Please be respectful and courteous of others.
Heritage Athletics will not tolerate a parent bullying, yelling or belittling an athlete, official, coach and/or another parent in any way. Failure to follow the Code of Conduct will result in sanctions and may lead to removal from the athletic event.
It is a parent's role to ensure your athlete attends practice sessions or notifying a coach prior to the absence.
Athlete’s Acknowledgement
I, _____________________________________, have read and understand the team expectations. I agree to abide by the handbook above and I understand that failure to adhere to these expectations could result in dismissal from the team.
_______________________________________ _______________________________
Athlete’s Signature Date
Parent/Guardian’s Acknowledgement
I, ______________________________________, have read and understand the parent expectations. I agree to abide by the expectations described and I understand that failure to adhere to these expectations could result in my athlete’s dismissal from the team.
______________________________________ ______________________________
Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date
PARENT EXPECTATIONS
Parents and Guardians understand that Heritage Hawks activities are for the benefit of our athletes, and parents are required to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with creating a positive experience for athletes and their families. As a Parent or Guardian of an athlete registered with Heritage Athletics, you are responsible for the conduct of your guest and other family members. Heritage Athletics will not tolerate a parent yelling at or belittling an athlete, official, coach, or other parent(s) in any ways. Any and all violations of the Code of Conduct will result in sanctions and may lead to the immediate expulsion of that parent, family member, or friend from an event and other Heritage activities.
I understand that Heritage Hawks activities are for the benefit of athletes and their parents. I am required to conduct myself as an adult and role model, as students/athletes are influenced by my words and actions.
I agree to the following:
I will remember that all students/athletes participate to have fun and games are for youth, not adults.
I will be a positive role model for students/athletes and will encourage them to reach the highest levels of sportsmanship and to play by the rules.
I will be respectful and courteous of others, and will encourage players, umpires, officials, and coaches through my positive actions and attitude.
I will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike behavior with an official, umpire, coach, player or parent such as arguing, booing, taunting or using profane language or gestures.
I will teach my student/athlete to treat other players, coaches, umpires, and officials with respect regardless of age, race, creed, color, gender, or ability.
I will not be aggressive or hostile towards another individual and will teach my student/athlete to resolve conflicts without resorting to violence or argument.
I will not ridicule or yell at my student/athlete or any other participant for making a mistake and will not hold a specific student/athlete responsible for losing a competition.
I will respect and support the umpires and coaches authority during games and will never argue with, question, discuss or confront umpires or coaches.
I will do my best to make youth sports fun for all students/athletes.
I will support the Heritage Hawk teams, coaches and parent volunteers.
ROLES
Purpose
The purpose of these roles are to foster positive relations between parents and coaches, and to make sure a positive environment is provided so athletes can technically, tactically, and socially develop.
The Parent’s Role
I will ensure my athlete attends all practice sessions. If she cannot attend due to illness or emergency, I will contact the coach prior to practice.
I will encourage my athlete to exhibit positive behavior both on and off the field or mat.
I will make sure my student/athlete attends school regularly, completes assignments on time, and maintains the minimum GPA for participation in interscholastic sports. (Remember Student comes 1st then Athlete)
I will be supportive of my athlete’s training and practice program.
I will respectfully reach out to the coach if I have concerns with the program. (following the 24hr. rule)
If I attend activities, I will follow the rules for spectators as set forth by the Heritage High School Athletics Guide, Parent form, and Parent Coach form.
I will not promote unhealthy behaviors that could negatively impact performance in the classroom or on the field/mat, including smoking and drinking.
I will support, encourage, and take interest in my athlete’s participation and achievement on the team.
I will not interfere with the instruction of the coaching staff. I will let the coaches’ coach.
I will demonstrate and exhibit positive character traits I want my athlete to perform both on and off the field/mat.
The Coach’s Role
We will hold regular practice sessions.
We will provide a full season schedule and ensure any schedule changes are communicated immediately.
We will continually strive to improve our program ensuring our athletes have the greatest opportunity for success.
We will ensure the SAFETY of all athletes.
We will encourage good sportsmanship and model the same behaviors expected from our athletes.
We will respectfully reach out to the athlete and/or parent if we have concerns with the athlete’s behavior, skillset, and/or performance.
PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT
Athletes and Parent/Guardians will need to agree to the expectations outlined above by signing the Participation Agreement and returning to the Hawks Cheer Coaching staff.
Hawk Cheer Handbook 2023-2024