2009 FORKS
CHEERLEADING RULES
The Forks Township
Recreational Board and the Forks Township Athletic Association (FTAA) state
that children may only participate in one sport per season for Forks
Township. Cheerleading begins the first
week of July until approximately December.
Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee, and Midget levels may advance to the
playoffs/championship.
Attendance:
- Practices
will be held at the Forks Municipal Park.
Coaches will provide times and dates.
- Games
are held on Thursdays/Sundays. Cheerleaders
should arrive at least 30 minutes prior to games and events unless
otherwise instructed by the coaches.
If you are late to a game, you may not be eligible to cheer during
the halftime. It is the coach’s
discretion.
- Unless
you have an excused absence, Cheerleaders are expected to promptly attend
and participate at practices, events, competitions, Football Games, The
Easton High School Cheerleading Clinic-August, Community Days-September,
Blue Mountain Valley Competition-October, Easton Halftime, Showcase-October,
Easton Cheerleading Challenge-December.
The dates are to be announced.
These events may charge an entrance fee and are mandatory unless
there is an excused absence.
- Excused
absences are due to sickness, doctor/dentist appointment, vacation, or
family emergencies. Excessive vacations may effect a cheerleader’s time on
the field at halftime.
- NON-
FORKS ACTIVITIES are considered unexcused absences.
- One
unexcused absence will result in Discipline Procedure 2. Two unexcused absences will in result in
Discipline Procedure 3. Three
unexcused absences will result in the Final Discipline Procedure. (See page 2)
- If you
cannot attend a practice or game, you must call your coach. Unless there is an emergency, having a
friend report your absence is not acceptable.
- If practice, games, or events are cancelled, you will
be notified. Practices may be held
in the community center or games may be played if there is inclement
weather.
Conduct:
- All
cheerleaders are expected to act in a well-behaved manner and show good
sportsmanship at all times. This
includes showing respect to coaches and team members of their own as well
as opposing teams.
- If a
cheerleader is disruptive or chooses not to participate, they may be moved
or asked to sit by the coaches during a practice/game.
- Cheerleaders
must remain with their squad and coaches at all times during practice,
games, during half-time activities, and events.
Uniforms:
- Uniforms
are to be worn at games or as required by the program.
- Cheerleaders
are not permitted to eat food including candy and gum in uniform. The uniform must be covered or changed.
Please provide water or clear liquids.
If you plan on staying for additional games, please bring a change
of clothes.
- Parents
will be responsible for replacement costs of dirty, damaged, or lost
uniforms.
- Uniforms
must be cleaned before being returned at the end of the season.
- All
cheering articles provided/purchased must be brought to each game in the
duffle bag provided.
- Articles
purchased by you for the cheering season, e.g. sneakers, should be worn
only as required until after the season.
General:
- There
shall be no mascots.
- Each
squad shall have two captains.
Captains will be selected through a competitive process and will be
in effect for the entire season.
Tryouts will consist of a cheer and jumps one or more times for an
outside judging panel. Any cheerleader may tryout for the position
(s). Exceptions are: If there is
more than one age group at a level the oldest grade is eligible to tryout
for captain. Tryouts usually take
place the last week of July.
Appearance at the
Game:
- Hair
must be neatly pulled back. While
in uniform the cheering hair ribbon must be worn.
- For
safety reasons no jewelry may be worn during practices, games, and events.
- No
nail polish (Exceptions clear or a French Manicure), glitter, excessive
makeup, tattoos, no hair beads or wraps.
Stunting and
Gymnastics:
Partner stunts, pyramids, and
gymnastics are prohibited without the consent and immediate supervision of the
coaches and/or assistants at any practice, game or authorized cheering
activity.
Volunteering/Fundraising:
- All
parents/guardians are responsible to volunteer three (3) hours of time per
child in the snack bar, the Cheerleading Dance, or another volunteer
activity approved by the coaches/commissioners.
- All
cheerleaders are strongly encouraged to participate in the
fundraiser. If you do not wish to
participate, you can pay a buy out fee.
Discipline
Procedures:
- Discipline
problems will be handled in the following manner by all coaches:
- 1st
time – The cheerleader and the parent will be made aware of the problem
by the coach.
- 2nd
time – The cheerleader and her parents will be made aware of the problem
by the coach and the commissioners will be notified.
- 3rd
time – The Forks Township Athletic Association will be notified. The cheerleader will be benched for the
game. She will be expected to be
at the game in uniform and must sit by the coaches, but will not be
permitted to cheer.
- Final
– The coach and commissioner will go to the FTAA and request that the
cheerleader be dismissed from the squad.
If dismissed, the cheerleader will be required to turn in her
provided uniform and equipment upon request.
- Any
problems that occur during the season should be discussed with the
coach(s). If a solution cannot be
reached, the commissioners will assist in reaching a resolution.
These rules are
established to encourage cheerleaders to be responsible for themselves and
their actions as well as be cooperative and courteous with their teammates and
coaches. These are important life
skills, and they are necessary for a team to be successful. Cheerleading is a team sport. While this is a recreational level program,
it is still a commitment that has been made by the cheerleaders and their
parents. Please honor this commitment
accordingly.
Dates to
Remember
Practices start
the week of July 6, 2009
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FORKS
CHEERLEADING 2009 SEASON RULES AND GUIDELINES:
Your signature will represent that you have read and
understand all of the rules and guidelines of Forks Cheerleading for the 2009
Season.
Cheerleader’s Name:
__________________________________ Squad: _____________________
Cheerleader’s
Signature___________________________________________________________
Parent’s Signature:
____________________________________ Date: ______________________
(Return this slip at Try Ons
Scheduled for 2009 at the Forks Community Center)