2011 Sideline Team Rules

Lansing Catholic High School 
Cheer Rules & Regulations

SPORTSMANSHIP 

1. Respect for all coaches and other team members in our program and others is a requirement for all cheerleaders. This includes, but is not limited to words, actions and attitude.

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 each marking period when deficiencies are due and at the end of each 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 LCHS (in or out of season). 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/or out of 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. Insubordination will not be tolerated. Insubordination is ground for suspension or termination from the team. 
4. 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 games is mandatory. Excused absences include illness, family emergency, and mandatory school activities only. The head coach reserves the right to excuse other absences as necessary. 
2. For an illness to be considered an excused absence, the cheerleader must contact the head coach prior to the practice, game, or event. Absence from school is not considered notice. A text message is not acceptable!
3. Tardiness to practice, games, or events is not acceptable. Three occurrences of tardiness equal one unexcused absence. 
4. Unexcused absences from practices, games, 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. 
5. Team members are allowed two unexcused absences. Anything more than two is grounds for suspension or dismissal from the team. 
6. Tardiness to or during a game will result in immediate suspension from the team for AT LEAST one quarter of the game. Team members will be required to stay in uniform and sit with the coach for that quarter. Tardiness will count towards unexcused absence totals. 
7. 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/pant, bodysuit, briefs, socks, cheer shoes, hair ribbon and poms. 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. 
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. 
5. Cheerleaders will maintain a uniform appearance at all times during events. This includes warm-ups to and from games and competitions. 
6. 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. 

GAME CHEERING 

1. All cheerleaders are required to fully participate in game cheering, including sideline chants, timeout cheers, stunt performances and other activities required by the coaching staff. 
2. Cheerleaders must maintain the highest level of sportsmanship on the sidelines. Unsportsmanshiplike conduct towards fans, opposing cheerleaders, referees 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 performance and also be made an alternate for competition at the coach’s discretion. 
4. During games, cheerleaders may not have food or drink with them on the sidelines. 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 away games will be provided by LCHS.  Home games (including varsity games at Holt JH) are the responsibility of the athlete or parent.
2. Cheerleaders must ride school transportation to all games.  Athletes are allowed to ride home from games with THEIR PARENT ONLY provided that the parent sign a waiver form from the head coach.

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.