2010-11 Competitive Cheer Team Rules

Lansing Catholic High School 
Cheer Rules & Regulations

SPORTSMANSHIP 

1. Respect for coaches and other team members is a requirement for all cheerleaders. This includes, but is not limited to words, actions and attitude. 
2. Respect for other sport coaches, other sport teams, officials, and fans are a requirement for all cheerleaders. This includes, but is not limited to words, actions and attitude. 
3. Cheerleaders are required to greet all opposing cheer teams and coaches. 

ACADEMICS 

1. All cheerleaders are under the eligibility guidelines set forth by Lansing Catholic High School. 
2. Academic eligibility will be checked four times during each semester; at the halfway point of the marking period when deficiencies are due and at the end of the marking period. At the time of the check, failure of two more classes shall render the student ineligible.  Please refer to the Lansing Catholic High School student handbook for specific regulations on academic eligibility.  If a cheerleader is academically ineligible, she will still be required to attend and participate in all practices.  Game/event responsibility will be discussed in a meeting with the coach.
3. Cheerleaders who become academically ineligible during the season may be moved to an alternate position on the team for the remainder of the season. 

BEHAVIOR 

1. The use or possession of controlled substances is absolutely prohibited at all times during a student’s tenure at Lansing Catholic High School. This prohibition applies to all school activities and is not restricted to the period of active participation in the extra-curricular activity. Please refer to the Lansing Catholic High School student handbook for specific guidelines regarding our controlled substance rules and expectations.
2. Any inappropriate behavior while in uniform will result in suspension from the team. This includes, but is not limited to, language, public display of affection, foul play or any action that can harm the reputation of the individual or school. 
3. Any inappropriate behavior out of uniform can also result in suspension or termination from the team. 
4. Insubordination will not be tolerated. Insubordination is ground for suspension or termination from the team. 
5. Cell phones are NOT allowed at practice and/or games. All coaches have a cell phone available in case of emergencies; however, coaches’ cell phones are not on during practice, Games and/or events. 

ATTENDANCE 

1. Attendance at all practices, events, and competitions are mandatory. Excused absences include severe illness, family emergency, and mandatory school activities only. The head coach reserves the right to excuse other absences as necessary. 
2. COMPETITIONS CAN NOT BE MISSED!
3. For an illness to be considered an excused absence, the cheerleader must contact the head coach prior to the practice or event. Absence from school is not considered notice. 
4. Tardiness to practice, competitions, or events is not acceptable. Three occurrences of tardiness equal one unexcused absence.  Any cheerleader who has repeated tardiness we be moved to an alternate position on the team.
5. Unexcused absences from practices or events may result in immediate suspension from the team and an alternate may be placed in your position for the remainder of the season. 
6. Team members are allowed two unexcused absences. Anything more than two is grounds for suspension or dismissal from the team.
7. Cheerleaders must be in school the entire day in order to participate in any form of athletics that evening. If a cheerleader misses school for any reason other than a school excused event (i.e. college visit, school retreat, etc.), the cheerleader MAY NOT participate in practice, games or events on the day of the absence.

• If a cheerleader will miss part of the school day due to an appointment, the cheerleader must turn in a note from the physician’s office to the LCHS athletic office in order to participate in athletics on that day. 

1. Injured cheerleaders are required to attend practice, games and events even if they are unable to physically participate. Injured cheerleaders will be required to dress as though they were participating with the team at all times. 

• All injuries must be reported to the coach in written form from a doctor or medical specialist in order for the non-participation to be excused. 
• Injured cheerleaders may not return to physical participation without a written note from a doctor or medical specialist clearing the athlete to healthy status. This written note must be turned into the coach. 

APPEARANCE 

1. When required by the coach, cheerleaders must be in full uniform. Full uniform consists of the following: shell, skirt, bodysuit, briefs, socks, cheer shoes, hair ribbon and warm-ups (when traveling). If a cheerleader is not in uniform, they will not be allowed to participate and it will count as an unexcused absence. 
2. No jewelry, of any kind, is allowed at practices, games, and/or competitions. This includes, but is not limited to, earrings, rings, watches, necklaces, bracelets, ankle bracelets, and body piercings. Participants may not cover a piercing with a tape/bandage nor can they use spacers or clear coverings on body piercings during competitions.
3. Fingernails must be kept at a length no longer than the tips of the fingers over the entire course of the season. Fingernail polish may not be worn while in uniform. 
4. Hair must be pulled up at all times while in uniform. This includes all practices, games and events. No "messy" hair styles are allowed - hair must be out of the face and presentable.  Athletes will be required to wear the "team hair style" at competitions.
5. No glitter may be worn while in uniform - this includes makeup products. 
6. Cheerleaders will maintain a uniform appearance at all times during events. This includes warm-ups to and competitions. 
7. All cheerleaders must have appropriate attire for every practice.

• No spaghetti strap tanks are allowed for practice or game warm-up. Straps on a sleeveless shirt must be 2 inches in width. 
• Sports bras are required when practicing in any kind of sleeveless t-shirt. 
• Shorts are not to be rolled at any time during practice or game warm-up. Practice clothing must be respectable in taste, words, and design. 
• Midriffs may not be shown at any time. 

COMPETITIONS 

1. All cheerleaders are required to attend competitions.
2. Cheerleaders must maintain the highest level of sportsmanship at every meet. Unsportsmanshiplike conduct towards fans, opposing cheerleaders/teams, judges or any other person/organization is ground for immediate suspension from the team. 
3. Cheerleaders who have diminished game cheering skills may sit out during a round of competition and also be made an alternate for competition at the coach’s discretion. 
4. During competitions, cheerleaders may not have food or drink with them on them outside the locker room. Cheerleaders will be given breaks, as necessary, for water, or snacks.
5. Cheerleaders may not leave the team for any reason without permission from the coach. This includes trips to the restroom or meeting friends and family. 
6. Cheerleaders are not allowed to make or receive phone calls during a game unless approved by the coach.

TRANSPORTATION 

1. Transportation to and from all competitions will be provided by Lansing Catholic High School.
2. Cheerleaders must ride school transportation to all competitions.  Athletes are allowed to ride home from games with THEIR PARENT ONLY provided that the parent sign a waiver form from the head coach for weekday meets only.  On Saturday meets, all cheerleaders are expected to ride home on the bus.

DISCIPLINE 

1. Any cheerleader who is suspended from school for any reason may be removed from the cheerleading program at Lansing Catholic.
2. Two or more unexcused absences are grounds for dismissal from the program.
3. Any cheerleader who quits after the start of her season, must wait one full season to tryout for cheerleading again.  Season ending illness and other circumstances may be an exception.
4. All disciplinary actions will be reports to the Athletic Director and other School Administration as deemed necessary by the head coach.