|
|
 |
RULES, REGULATIONS and INFORMATION
PURPOSE:
The purpose of Marshfield Youth Cheerleading Association is to promote town spirit, develop teamwork and sportsmanship, and provide a safe environment in which children can learn, grow and have fun. It is the intention of this organization to allow any child who wants to cheer, the opportunity to participate. Depending on the number of cheerleaders, availability of uniforms, the number of coaches available, etc., it may be necessary to limit squad sizes.
COMMITMENT:
As with other sports, cheering requires both TIME and COMMITMENT. Other than school and religious obligations, cheerleading must be a priority. MYCA has a field squad and a competition squad (the competition squad is chosen from the participants of the field squad). The field squad cheers for Marshfield Youth Football at their games. There are no buses to the away games, parents usually carpool. The football season begins in September and goes to the end of October. Sometimes the season continues into November with Playoff games and the Superbowl game. The competition squads go through the end of November with the conclusion of the OCYCA Competition. All competition practices are mandatory and subject to discipline.
CHEERLEADING SEASON:
The cheering season begins with a three (3) day clinic in June. Regular practices begin in July. Practice days will be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, while outside on a field. The times will be from 5:00 – 7:00. Practices are held on the left side of the track behind the Martinson Elementary School.
We usually enter the gyms the last week of September or the first week of October. Once inside the gyms, the practices will be primarily for the competition squads. We will not know until sometime in September what gyms, times or days we will have. Unfortunately this is out of our control. The times, days and gyms are determined by the individual school administrations and may vary from the regular summer practice schedule. We are sorry for any inconvenience this may cause and we will notify you as soon as permits are issued.
COMPETITION:
Competition is mandatory for every MYCA registered cheerleader. MYCA participates in the annual Old Colony Youth Cheerleading Association (OCYCA) competition each year. This is a Saturday event in which cheerleading squads from area towns compete against each other. There may be a cheer squad and/or a dance squad.
The competition squads are “drill teams” that develop and perfect specific routines that will be performed and judged. Due to the nature of these routines, it is imperative that each cheerleader makes a full commitment to their squad. Every member of the squad is an intricate part of the routine, and this requires dedication to achieve a safe and effective outcome. The cheerleaders are required to work very hard and this hard work shows its’ benefits the day of competition.
For those of you who have been to competition, you have seen and felt the excitement and enthusiasm that all the cheerleaders have. This is a feeling you must experience first hand.
The coaches may also choose to take part in other competitions.
CHEERLEADING CLINIC:
There will be a three-day cheerleading clinic held at the Martinson School Field in June. All cheerleaders are required to attend. The clinic will teach basic cheerleading techniques and routines to the new cheerleaders and will review cheers and moves for the returning cheerleaders. The clinic will give the cheerleaders prep work to practice at home before the season starts in July. We will be showing warm-ups and stretches as well as strength training to help the cheerleaders learn jumps and stunting that will be needed during the season. The clinic also will serve to acquaint all the cheerleaders new and old.
CHEERLEADING CAMP:
There is a four-day camp held in July for Midgets and 3 day camp held also in July for the Mites and Pee Wees. A fundraiser may be held to help defray the cost of camp. As this is not a mandatory but a voluntary fundraiser, parent credits for this will not be considered toward your parental service requirements of five credits for the year.
CAMP ALL STARS:
Cheerleaders may have an opportunity to try-out at camp for All-Star positions. Parents and cheerleaders should be fully aware of all time and financial commitments before accepting the opportunity to be an All-Star. Written permission will be required by parent/guardian prior to try-outs at camp. A cheerleader, at the mite and peewee level, is allowed to earn the title of All-Star only once in their MYCA career.
MYCA will sanction All-Star fundraising. Fundraising for All-Stars will be done by the cheerleaders and parents involved. The other cheerleaders in MYCA may be asked to help with the All-Star fundraising but it will not be mandatory for them to do so. All-Star parents must meet with representatives of MYCA and past All-Star parents to help set up some fundraising ideas and brain storm. Fundraising will be the responsibility primarily of those directly benefiting. All funds raised MUST go through MYCA account and will then be disbursed back to each participant accordingly. All activities for fundraising MUST be approved by the MYCA Executive Board prior to the actual event. If there are any questions regarding this aspect of the All-Stars, please contact the Vice-President of MYCA.
UNIFORM FITTING:
Uniform fitting is usually held in April/May and uniform distribution day will vary from year to year. ALL CHEERLEADERS MUST BE PRESENT FOR THE FITTING. If you are not present, you run the risk of not having a properly fitted uniform. Having uniform fitting so early in the season is necessary, in the event we must order other sizes.
PICTURE DAY:
There will be a practice day set aside for team and individual pictures. This date is usually in August. The cheerleaders will be notified ahead of time and given a picture form to be completed and returned with payment on the day of pictures. cheerleaders will also be asked to bring a change of clothes so they may return to practice after pictures are taken.
FUNDRAISING:
Fundraising is a necessary and vital part of the organization. Moneys are needed for various areas which include uniforms, camps, buses, field and gym user fees, scholarship fund, banquet, trophies, jackets, field decoration: these include spirit sticks and candies for visiting teams, streamers, raffle tickets, etc. Funds are also needed for paper, copies, envelopes, postage, folders, etc.
Registration fees cover some, but not all, of theses expenses. Our major fundraising is the sale of lottery calendars. This is a MANDATORY fundraiser for all cheerleaders. If you do not sell the mandatory number of calendars, you will be obligated to pay the amount equal to the participant requirement. There will be several other fundraisers during the season in order to make the cheerleading season a success. Only with everyone’s participation and cooperation can all of this be achieved.
VETERAN’S DAY PARADE:
All cheerleaders are asked to march in the Veteran’s Day Parade in November. One of the purposes of MYCA is to promote town spirit. We feel that participating in this event will show this spirit. We cannot make this mandatory but we strongly encourage participation by all cheerleaders.
JACKETS:
In the past, MYCA has given a gift to departing 8th grade cheerleaders. This gift has been in the form of a green Marshfield jacket. Should MYCA continue this practice, the following criteria shall apply.
To receive a jacket a cheerleaders must:
1. Have been a Marshfield Youth Cheerleader for at least three (3) years.
2. Be an active participant in cheerleading in the 8th grade for the full regular season.
UNIFORM DEPOSIT:
A UNIFORM DEPOSIT OF $265.00 WILL BE REQUIRED BEFORE THE CHEERLEADERS WILL BE ALLOWED TO RECEIVE THEIR UNIFORMS. The deposit may be made by cash, check or money order. Checks should be post-dated to Dec. 1st. The uniforms are the property of MYCA. The uniform deposit will cover the cost of a replacement skirt, shell, warm-up suit (2 pcs.) and bag. This deposit will be held in a safety deposit box and will not be cashed if the complete and clean uniform is returned by the specified date. If the uniform is STAINED, DAMAGED OR NOT RETURNED by this date, the uniform deposit will be cashed and the funds used to repair/replace the uniform as needed. Once cashed, the uniform deposit is NON-REFUNDABLE.
WATER BOTTLES:
All cheerleaders must bring a water bottle with them to all practices and games. The summer practices get very hot as well as some of the games. Fluids are very important in the heat. Only water or clear Gatorade in the water bottles. Juice and soda have sugar and carbonation. Combining them with jumping and hot weather can cause physical side effects such as headaches, nausea, etc.
THE RULES THAT FOLLOW ARE FOR EVERYONE’S BENEFIT AND SAFETY.
PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY!!!
All incomplete discipline is carried to the following year or the cheerleader will not be permitted to participate. If a cheerleader is removed from the program, she is not automatically registered for the next year so the cheerleader will be put in the lottery for any vacant positions.
The Executive Board has the final decision on all discipline. They reserve the right ti make any appropriate changes to the rules and discipline structure. If you want to appeal any rule or discipline, you put in it writing and file it with the Executive Board. If requested, a meeting will be held with all involved to discuss the situation.
ABSENCES and TARDINESS:
Attendance will be taken at the start of each practice. You are expected to be there on time. If there is a problem with transportation, please seek alternate means. A phone list will be provided at the beginning of the season for carpooling purposes.
If a cheerleader is going to be absent from a practice or a game, a phone call from the parent to the coach is expected. A call must be made at least a ½ hour before a practice or by 9 a.m. the morning of a game. Please DO NOT SEND A MESSAGE WITH ANYONE ELSE. WE CAN ALL FORGET THINGS! Coaches must be informed in advance of family vacations or doctor appointments.
You need to be in full uniform with the squad one (1) hour before the start of a game (unless otherwise stated by your coach). Attendance will be taken at that time. If you are late for attendance at a game you will be benched from half time. This rule is important because EVERYONE’S POSITION in a half-time routine depends on all the cheerleaders. If one cheerleader is late or doesn’t show up, the routine must be changed. Cheerleaders must use the restroom PRIOR to a game or practice. All cheerleaders must stay together with their squad during games and practices. No one will be allowed to leave or wander from their formation during a game. If this occurs they may be benched for the remainder of the game and may b e benched from the next game.
Practice
After 4 absences from practice, (sick, vacation, etc.) you are removed
from the program.
Games
Only one absence is allowed from a game. If absent more than once, the cheerleader will be removed from halftime during all future games.
OTHER RULES:
The following rules, if violated, will follow this discipline structure:
First Violation
Verbal Warning
Second Violation
One game suspension. Cheerleader must come to the game dressed
in their uniform and sit on the sidelines. No fooling around or hanging with friends, etc. will be permitted.
Third Violation
Removed from program.
No cheerleader under any circumstance will be allowed to be absent or tardy for any other sport or activity. The only activities allowable are for School or Religious abservances.
Absolutely no siblings, friends or companions are allowed at a practice.
No backyard stunting is allowed. The term “backyard stunting” includes but is not limited to your backyard, skatepark, school recess, etc. All stunts must be done with MYCA coach supervision.
During games, the only cheerleaders speaking are the captains and co-captains. If someone doesn’t like the cheer called, you’re to perform the cheers anyway. Your captains are the ones to choose the appropriate cheers.
When you’re in an MYCA uniform, your behavior should be exemplary; this means no hanging on boys, etc. This reflects on this program, silly or stupid as this seems to you. You represent MYCA and we are proud of this organization and you should be also. You should behave well even when you are at school, out in public, wherever, you still represent the world of cheerleading and you should be proud of that.
Schoolwork comes first so make sure your grades are kept up. We have no problem dropping a cheerleader if a parent should come to a coach and tell them that their cheerleader is not keeping up with their schoolwork. We will back parents 200%.
“Behavior problems”— Absolutely NO GUM CHEWING at practices or games.
PROFANITY and CHEMICAL HEALTH
Profanity, obscene gestures, smoking, drinking or drugs will NOT be tolerated at any time or any place.
First Violation
Verbal Warning
Second Violation
One game suspension. Cheerleader must come to the game dressed in their uniform and sit on the sidelines. No fooling around or hanging with friends, etc. will be permitted.
Third Violation
Removed from program.
Any cheerleader using such language toward any member of MYCA will be disciplined in accordance with the following schedule.
First Violation
2 Game Suspension. Cheerleader must come to the game dressed
in their uniform and sit on the sidelines. No fooling around or hanging
with friends, etc. will be permitted.
Second Violation
Removed from program
PROPER UNIFORM and UNIFORM VIOLATIONS:
Uniform violations include but are not limited to not wearing the proper uniform and eating in uniform
Your uniform consists of a skirt, shell, bodysuit, plain black nylon warm-ups, hairbow, socks, briefs, cheering sneakers and cheering bag. Anything else, including nylons, unless specified by your coach is not allowed. Uniforms are to be kept in excellent condition. When you receive your uniform, you will be required to sign a “uniform agreement”.
THERE WILL BE NO EATING WHILE IN UNIFORM. The only drink allowed while in uniform is plain water or clear Gatorade. NO SODA. If a cheerleader is going to be at the field longer than their game, a change of clothes is highly recommended. If a cheerleader gets food or make-up on their uniform, it will be taken and a $10.00 cleaning fee will be assessed per incident. There will be no excuses accepted for wearing a dirty uniform. Please note THESE UNIFORMS CAN NOT BE DRY CLEANED! Warm-up suits must be washed on gentle cycle and hung to dry. Proper washing instructions will be provided with the uniform.
First Violation
Verbal Warning
Second Violation
Each uniform violation for a single game is a ¼ suspension. Example:
Cheerleader forgets her bow and only has worn one sock so she is
suspended for 2 quarters totaling a half of game. Anyone suspended for 3 or more quarters in any one game will not participate in half-time. No
fooling around or hanging with friends, etc. will be permitted.
Third Violation
Suspended for entire game. Cheerleader must come to the game
dressed in their uniform and sit on the sidelines. No fooling around or hanging with friends, etc. will be permitted.
JEWELRY and MAKE-UP:
Make-up and jewelry are not permitted during practices or games. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! Hair must be pulled back and off your face at all times. This includes bangs. During games, MYCA hair bows only, unless otherwise stated by the coach. For your own safety, we cannot stress enough, NO RINGS!!! They can cause injury to yourself or other cheerleaders during stunts. The same safety rule applies to hairpieces and earrings, including studs. STUDS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED. If you are contemplating piercing your ears, we strongly suggest that you wait until the cheerleading season is over. If you decide not to wait, your earrings will have to be removed before a practice or a game. THIS IS FOR SAFETY REASONS. NO EXCEPTIONS WILL BE PERMITTED. PLEASE UNDERSTAND THIS RULE BEFORE PIERCING YOUR EARS!
No make-up, nail polish or sparkles (hair, body or otherwise) will be permitted. Mascara and sparkles can flake in the eyes and if you are a base, you’ll be putting your flyer in jeopardy along with yourself. Blush, foundation and lipstick can stain your uniform. (Note the cleaning fee above). Fingernails may not be longer than your fingertips. They must be kept trimmed at all times.
First Violation
Verbal Warning
Second Violation
One game suspension. Cheerleader must come to the game dressed
in their uniform and sit on the sidelines. No fooling around or hanging with friends, etc. will be permitted.
Third Violation
Removed from program.
PROPER FOOTWEAR:
Proper cheering footwear MUST BE WORN TO ALL PRACTICES AND GAMES. We cannot stress enough the importance of proper supportive footwear. Cheerleaders will not be allowed to participate in any cheerleading function or activity without proper footwear. All cheerleaders will be measured for cheering sneakers at uniform fitting. These cheering sneakers offer the proper support needed for stunting, etc. These sneakers will be part of your required uniform. These sneakers must be worn to ALL practices and games. Cheerleading sneakers may not be worn outside of cheerleading for any reason, until the cheering season ends. Sneakers must be kept in good CLEAN condition for all games.
PARENTS GUIDELINES:
EVERY COACH AND MEMBER OF THE CHEERLEADING STAFF AND BOARD OF DIRECTORS ARE VOLUNTEERS. BOTH CHEERLEADERS AND PARENTS SHOULD TREAT THEM WITH COURTESY AND RESPECT AT ALL TIMES.
PARENTS MUST PICK UP THEIR CHEERLEADER PROMPTLY AT THE END OF EACH PRACTICE OR GAME.
If you have a problem regarding anything on your cheerleader’s squad, please approach their adult coach. If the coach is not aware of a problem, then the coach cannot help to solve the problem. We are all more than willing to listen and work out any problem you may have. We only ask that you not disrupt a practice to talk to a coach. Coaches cannot watch out for the safety of the cheerleaders and talk with parents at the same time. Please approach the coaches either before or after any practice or game. All coaches are required to communicate all problems to the Board of Directors on a daily basis.
If you have a problem with a student coach, advisor, or coach in training, please address it to the adult coach. Please remember that they are also volunteering their time and talents.
Parents are not allowed in the practice area at anytime. This becomes distracting to the cheerleaders. Parent nights will be periodically held for those parents wishing to watch the cheerleader’s practice. The last practice before competition is usually for dress rehearsal. Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend dress rehearsal.
PARENT PARTICIPATION:
Parent participation is greatly needed throughout the cheerleading season. There are many committees that need your help. We will need help with fundraising, our yearly banquet, uniform distribution and collection, as well as baking and working the bake table and working the 50/50 raffle at the four home games. Help is also needed at the OCYCA competition in November. We are asking that each parent find an area in which they can help. The more volunteers we have, the easier the workload for everyone.
There is a parental service requirement of 5 credits per year. This is per cheerleading family, not per cheerleader requirement. A $10 per credit fee will be assessed if your hours are not completed.
Remember that all we do is for the benefit and safety of the cheerleaders, and your involvement is important and greatly needed. It also makes the cheerleaders feel good knowing your involved in their activities.
CHEERLEADERS CODE OF CONDUCT:
In order that all participants gain the maximum benefit from their involvement in Marshfield Youth Cheerleading, it is essential that a disciplined climate be maintained. The following is a list of activities that CAN result in suspension or dismissal of a cheerleader for the balance of the season:
1. General Misconduct.
2. Being Disruptive.
3. Inciting and/or engaging in un-sportsman-like conduct.
4. Use of abusive or profane language, directed toward peers, coaches, officials or any one else.
5. Belittling or fighting with other cheerleaders, in or out of school or cheerleading.
6. Any other activity deemed by their coaches or members of the MYCA board of directors to be detrimental to themselves or others.
CHEERLEADERS RULE TO LIVE BY:
This is the most important rule in cheerleading! You are a cheerleader. You are all cheerleaders! It is an honor and a privilege to be part of this organization. It is very important that you all get along with each other. NO ONE CHEERLEADER IS ANY BETTER THAN THE OTHER. You are a TEAM. Remember you are all on the same team representing the same organization! You must work as one squad. If a cheerleader is struggling, please do not ridicule, but help them. It makes you a better person and makes your squad stronger. Feelings are important. Treat someone as you want to be treated. Be proud and stand by each other!
| |
|
