Chapin High School Cheerleading Contract

2016 - 2017
At Chapin High School, cheer/yell leading is an earned privilege. Our members represent every aspect of Chapin High School, and
therefore must set a good example in our school and community at all times. They should be aware that a poor attitude or misconduct
is an injustice to our school and the squad, this type of conduct is unacceptable.
Each squad member will be expected to uphold the standards of the school while attending school, as well as in the community in
general. The following guidelines have been established so that elected squad members will have an understanding of the expectations,
requirements, and responsibilities that surround being a Chapin High School cheer/yell leader. The opinions and decisions of the
coach, the Student Activities Manager, and the administration will be upheld on ALL QUESTIONS NOT COVERED BY THIS
CONTRACT. The term "cheerleader" will refer to both female and male participants, when applicable.
I. PURPOSE
A to promote and uphold school spirit
B. to develop good sportsmanship among students
C. to support ALL aspects of Chapin High School
D. to promote good relationships in our community and among schools
E. to be overall Spirit Ambassadors
II. VALUES / CHARACTERISTICS
A. courtesy and respect
B. tolerance, self-control and patience
C. responsibility and self-confidence
D. leadership
E. character, citizenship and sportsmanship
F. communication and personal expression
G. healthy attitude and appearance
III. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
* Varsity cheerleaders will cheer at all varsity football games, home varsity volleyball games, home girls
and boys varsity basketball games, all varsity playoff games, and other sports/events as assigned by the
coach.
* JV cheerleaders will cheer at all home JV football games, home JV volleyball games, home girls and
boys JV basketball games, and other sports/events as assigned by the coach.
* Freshmen cheerleaders will cheer at all home freshman football games, various home freshman
volleyball games, various home freshman girls and boys basketball games, and other sports/events as
assigned by the coach.
* Competition squad members will compete in local and/or out of town competition which will include National
Competitions, if bid is earned.
Husky Stuntmen will cheer at all games as assigned by the coach.
IV. ACADEMIC
1. Each squad member must maintain a grade of 70% or better in every subject for each
nine weeks grading period, as well as any UIL eligibility grading period.
2. Each squad member will be required to submit eligibility forms or show report cards
to the coach as requested (this can be used as part of their class grade).
3. Squad members are required to attend tutoring if they are failing or are in danger of
failing. Tutoring should be scheduled as to not conflict with practices, etc.
4. The NO PASS, NO PLAY policy will be enforced at all times. Therefore, failure to
maintain a passing grade for the six weeks grading period will result in ineligibility (a three to six week suspension as per
UIL policy).
5. Suspended cheerleaders ARE NOT allowed to attend ANY games including out of town playoff games, special trips or
events while they are serving a suspension.
6. Failure to adhere to the preceding code of conduct will result in disciplinary action
(a U in conduct, suspension, or permanent removal from the cheerleading squad).
V. ATTENDANCE
1. Any type of truancy (such as "ditch days" or skipping of classes) is unacceptable, and
will result in a suspension, demerits, and possible denial of a Varsity letter.
2. Squad members must not have any unexcused absences. Attendance will be checked

periodically by the coach during each six weeks period. Unexcused absences are grounds for demerits.
Squad members are expected to report to all classes (including cheer class) on time.
Squad members must attend ALL summer, after school and weekend practices, as
well as summer camps. Failure to attend these mandatory practices will result in non-participation during football/volleyball
season and/or demerits as well as possible denial of varsity letter.
5. Squad members who are involved in other activities, organizations, athletic teams or
are employed in a job that compromises his/her effectiveness to the cheerleading squad will have to resolve conflicts with the
coach. Work is NOT an excused absence, calendars are provided monthly say you may adjust your work schedule around
cheerleading.
6. Any cheerleader who quits or gets removed from the cheerleading squad will not be allowed to try out for cheerleading
during the next calendar year.
7. Squad members who are unable to attend any cheerleading activity due to
uncontrollable circumstances or emergencies must notify the coach AND their squad captain beforehand.
8. Squad members will adhere to a "no practice/no participate" rule. If a practice is
missed, the cheerleader will not be allowed to participate or will be moved to the back of the formation in cheer events and/or
performances for that week (or that are being practiced for).
9. Squad members will be required to bring official documentation explaining/excusing
their absence (doctor's note, note from teacher, note from religious director, etc.). Absences without documentation will be
considered unexcused. Each unexcused absence will result in demerits. After three unexcused absences, a cheerleader will be
placed on suspension.
10. A cheerleader must attend at least 50% (four consecutive classes) of the school day (the day of a game, event or activity) in
order to participate in that day's activity.
11. A "no show/no call (BEFORE the event)" will result in an immediate suspension.
12. Cheerleaders are expected to attend all out of town playoff games (as assigned). It is
the squad member's responsibility to make arrangements for make up work for the classes they miss due to the absence. Their
absence will be excused and marked as school duty.
13. All personal appointments, tutoring, make-up work, etc. should be scheduled on nonpractice, non-cheer class time, if this is not possible arrangements must be made with coach.
14. A cheerleader may "call in sick" only if they are in a state that prevents them from
participating in an event/game. If a cheerleader habitually calls in sick, they will
need to provide a doctor's note for their absences to be excused. After five excused absences, a cheerleader will be placed on
suspension.
15. Failure to adhere to the preceding attendance policies will result in disciplinary action (a U in conduct, suspension, or
permanent removal from the cheerleading squad).

3.
4.

VI. MEDICAL
1. All squad members must have a current physical on file at school in order to
participate in any cheerleading activity (physicals must be renewed after July 1,2016).
2. All squad members MUST have a physical by the FIRST DAY OF CHEERLEADING
CLASS. Failure to do so will result in a suspension until the physical is obtained and turned in to cheer coach.
3. Physicals should be obtained from doctors practicing in the United States.
4. Any squad member who becomes pregnant during the cheerleading calendar year will
be removed from the squad.
5. Any squad member who is injured and unable to cheer may wear the uniform to
school, games, an or events (and must remain with the squad or coach at games and events). Uniform should not be
worn to any unapproved events or cheerleader will receive demerits.
VII. PRACTICES / GAMES / EVENTS
1. Gum chewing or eating candy or food during cheer class, practices, games or
performances is not allowed and is grounds for benching and/or demerits.
2. Squad members may not wear any jewelry during cheer class, practices, games,
performances, or while in uniform (grounds for benching and/or demerits).
3. Cheerleaders may not wear colored nail polish (or nail tips) or heavy "performance"
style make up at games, events or performances (grounds for benching and/or demerits).
4. All squad members are expected to stay for the duration of the practice, game or
event that they are attending (no arriving late or leaving early - grounds for benching and/or demerits).
5. Squad members are expected to cooperate with all members of the cheerleading
organization, regardless of the level (Freshman, JV, or Varsity), and or status (captain, co-captain) one may have in the
organization.
6. Squad members are expected to report to the game/event AND the specified cheering
location (field, court, gym, etc.) at the assigned time (this includes after half time). If a squad member arrives late, they will
be benched for that game.
7. Squad members are expected to practice and perfect material at practice and during

cheer class. Any squad member who is not prepared for a game or event (performance) will be benched for the duration of
the game/event.
8. Squad members who are absent from practice or cheer class and do not know the
material (dances, chants, cheers, etc.), are responsible for learning the material by the time it is to be performed. If the
material is not learned, they will not be allowed to perform for that particular game/event.
9. Being selected for the cheerleading squad does not guarantee that the cheerleader will
be automatically included in all performances, competitions and cheerleading activities. Additional in class "try outs" will be
held for special performances, competitions, etc. It is the squad member's responsibility to be prepared for these additional
try outs.
10. At times, one cheerleading squad may be asked to cover the responsibilities of
another cheerleading squad. It is at the coach's discretion which squads will cover and which squads will perform at specific
games/events. Freshmen and JV squads are NOT guaranteed cheer time at any Varsity game/event.
11. Cheerleaders are expected to cheer at all assigned games/events (which may include
but are not limited to: ACADEC, swimming, track, wrestling, soccer, elementary school pep rallies, Meet the Huskies,
Freshman Fish Camp, City Cheer competition, etc., in addition to football, volleyball, basketball, baseball, softball).
12. All squad members will ride to and from events on school provided transportation
when available (NO EXCEPTIONS). Squad members may have to provide their own transportation to various events where
school transportation is not provided. Missing a game/event due to lack of personal transportation is NOT an excused
absence.
13. During games and events, squad members must stay together as a team at all times.
Squad members should pay attention to the games, and not spend time visiting with friends OR FAMILY during game time.
Squad members must remain in the designated "cheering" area for the duration of the game or event.
14. All squad members are expected to participate in special activities that promote
school spirit which include but are not limited to: dress up days, decorating halls, poster making, holiday events, etc. Such
participation is included as a part of the cheerleading class grade.
15. Cheerleaders may be graded for their game/event performance as part of the cheerleading class grade.
16. Cheerleaders must attend all games, practices and events as assigned by the coach. It is important to be flexible as games,
practices, and events may be added on short notice. Cheerleaders will be provided with a monthly calendar of games/events
and responsibilities so that conflicts with their cheerleading duties may be avoided.
17. Failure to adhere to the preceding policies will result in disciplinary action
(U in conduct, suspension, demerits, or permanent removal from the cheerleading squad).
VIII. UNIFORMS / CAMP AND CAMP CLOTHES
1. Squad members are required to be in full, correct uniform at games, events, and school
(this includes megaphones, poms, ribbons, socks, SHOES, etc.). Any squad member who is not in complete, correct uniform
will be benched and must sit with the coach for the duration of that game/event. If the squad member is out of uniform at
school, they will not be allowed to cheer for the game/event being advertised, and they will get a 50% for their uniform check
grade. Excessive jewelry may NOT be worn with the uniform during the school day and absolutely NO jewelry may be worn
with the uniform when cheering.
2. Uniforms will be selected by the coach, and approved by the administration.
3. The cheerleaders will be issued one school purchased uniform for their use during the
cheerleader calendar year. This uniform is the property of Chapin High School and must be returned at the end of the
cheerleader calendar year, or in the event that the cheerleader is removed from the squad; if the uniform is not returned the
cheerleader will not be cleared to register for the next school year unless the uniform is paid for by the cheerleader.
4. Each squad member is responsible for the purchase of their own personal items such
as shoes, socks, camp clothes, body suit, bow, briefs, bags, etc., as well as a shell, skirt and warm-ups.
5. Cheerleaders must meet all financial responsibilities on said due dates. No part of the
purchased uniform will be distributed until the balance is paid IN FULL. Uniform payments must be made to the coach or
business office in cashiers check, money order, or cash ONLY. Be sure to secure a receipt.
6. Items purchased by the squad members/parents will be the property of each squad member. All items purchased by the
district or school, or by fund raising monies, will become the property of CHS. Lost or damaged uniforms, etc. must be
replaced by the squad member at replacement cost.
7. Each squad member is responsible for the maintenance of their assigned uniform (which includes care throughout the year
and cleaning the uniform before turning it in at the end of the cheerleader calendar year), and their purchased
uniform. Uniforms must be returned in good condition. Uniforms may not be worn if they are soiled (shoes, etc.).
8. Squad members may not wear any part of their uniform off campus or after school other than for cheerleading related
activities. Squad members may not wear any part of the uniform if not scheduled to do so (this includes shoes, hair
accessories, warm-up jackets, etc.).
9. Squad members who are ineligible or have been suspended from cheerleading activities may not wear any part of the
uniform until they have been reinstated by the organization.
10. Squad members should NOT lend any part of their uniform to non-cheerleaders.
11. Cheerleaders may fundraise to help pay for camp costs. Cheerleaders will be required to participate in fundraisers to raise
money for the school cheerleading fund.

IX. CAPTAINS
A. Should the squads have a captain, they will be selected by the coach through a process
which may include the following:
1. leadership ability
2. learning and teaching ability
3. personal essay/interview/speech
4. popular vote
5. try-out score
6. coach's recommendation
B.
The selected captain(s) will be responsible for the following:
1. to work closely with the coach, Student Activities Manager, administration, and the cheerleaders
2. to monitor cheerleading activities
3. to make the coach aware of violations of the cheerleading contract and to notify the coach of any
potential problems
4. to help keep squad members informed (through phone calls, text messages and email)
5. to be the authority in the absence of the coach
C. The captain(s)' authority is to be respected at all times and WITHOUT ARGUMENT
X. VARSITY LETTERS
A. Varsity Squad members are eligible for a varsity letter.
B. Only 8 1st time Varsity members are eligible for a letter issued by the school district. To receive a letter, the
following conditions must be met:
1. No suspensions due to noncompliance with cheer contract OR no suspension due to demerits
2. Must not have any unexcused absences to cheer events
3. Must have been eligible during each UIL grading check
4. Must have been in front line of chant lines at least once during the school year
C. The district no longer provides letterman jackets but only a letter.
D. If you did not receive a varsity letter you can become eligible to receive the following year if applicable.
E. Those who receive a varsity letter may not receive the letter until summer of the current school year or the
beginning of the following school year depending on when the district ships them out.
F. Those who are pulled up to perform with varsity are not eligible for a jacket or a letter
G. Competition squad members are not eligible for a jacket or a letter
XI. MEDIA AND TECHNOLOGY
A. Cell phone use is prohibited during all cheerleading activities including practices, bus rides, and games (including halftime).
Cell phones must be placed in the off or silent position prior to arrival at cheerleading activities. In the event of a true
emergency, parents/guardians may call coaches cell phone numbers (to be provided), or may come directly to school to
contact their cheerleaders. Cell phone use may resume at the conclusion of cheerleading activities.

B. Inappropriate use of technology (i.e. cell phones, text messaging, internet use (Facebook, Youtube, Twitter, or any other social
network]) with photos, video, etc that either violates the Chapin High School code of conduct and/or is unbecoming, will not
be tolerated. This includes, but is not limited to, status updates, pictures (tagged in, on a wall, album, etc), videos, bullying,
references to drugs, alcohol, or tobacco use, etc. Dismissal from the team, denial of varsity letter, or demerits will be assessed
for any inappropriate use, at the discretion of the coaching staff. You are expected to act and speak like ladies and gentlemen at
all times.
XII. DISCIPLNARY ACTION
A. demerits
1. Squad members and their parents will be informed of offenses in writing.
2. An accumulation of five offenses will result in a cheerleader being benched/
suspended (depending on the degree of the offense).
3. An accumulation of fifteen demerits will result in removal from the squad.
4. See demerit sheet for further information
B. suspensions
1. Squad members will be put on automatic suspension for a severe violation
of the cheerleading contract (disciplinary or academic), or a level 2 school violation.
2. An accumulation of two suspensions will result in permanent removal from
the cheerleading squad and will not be able to try out for the remainder of their school years, this
includes suspension due to ineligibility.
3. A Varsity squad member who has been suspended during the cheerleader

calendar year will not receive a Varsity letter

The preceding contract has been established so that the cheerleaders of Chapin High School, and their parents, will have an understanding of
the qualification and requirements for the position of Chapin cheerleader. While these regulations cover the various aspects of cheerleading at
CHS, they may not be totally inclusive. The opinions and decisions of the coach, Student Activities Manager, and principal will be upheld in all
matters.
Being a cheerleader at Chapin High School should be a fun and rewarding experience. The aforementioned contract will provide the guidelines
for a positive and successful year. I look forward to building a close working relationship among squad members, parents, and administration.
Together, we can make this a great year!
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------By signing below you understand all aspects of the 2016-2017 Cheerleading Contract
Chapin Cheer/yell leader

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