I.                   Purpose

A.     The purpose of the Severna Park High School cheerleading team is to promote and uphold team spirit, lead by example in developing good sportsmanship throughout the school, and support positive community relations and relationships with other teams during athletic events.

II.                Eligibility

A.     All candidates must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA and adhere to all eligibility requirements designated by Anne Arundel County.

B.     The SPHS cheerleading program demands excellence from all its athletes—physically and academically. Simply put, 2.0 GPA is the minimum GPA allowable; the coaches want to see far better, preferably a minimum of one “C” per cheerleader and a combined team GPA of at least 3.4.

C.      School comes first. Each team practices five times per week at a minimum. Please recognize your limitations—if a cheerleader is struggling to meet academic expectations, please ask for help!

III.             Attendance Requirements

A.     Both teams practice a minimum of five days a week as mandated by Anne Arundel County guidelines.

B.     The coaching staff expects impeccable attendance during the season. That being said we realize that absences due to illness and family emergencies are unavoidable. Our policy regarding absenteeism is as follows:

1.                  One of the four coaches must receive a telephone call (or voicemail) prior to the commencement of practice from the cheerleader’s parent, indicating that they will not be attending that day’s practice.

2.                  If a cheerleader was absent from school or left early, he or she must bring the absentee pass issued by the attendance office.

3.                  Cheerleaders will be dismissed from the team for any of the following:

a)                  Two unexcused absences from a game

Two unexcused absences from practice = one unexcused game

Two unexcused tardys to practice or game = one unexcused absence

One unexcused late pickup by parent (ten minutes) = one unexcused tardy

b)                  Two absences, excused or unexcused, from a mandatory practice

C.     Competition: All members of the team are required to attend, regardless of their actual participation in the competition.

D.     Social Activities: All members are encouraged, but not required to attend. Advance of non-attendance is considerate to other team members and coaches. 

IV.              Financial Responsibilities

A.     Fundraising is mandatory—no exceptions.

1.                  All cheerleaders will participate in all fundraising projects. The money raised will be deposited either in the team account or the Booster’s account and used for expenses like new uniforms, competition music, team award banquets, etc.

B.     Parents are required to purchase the necessary mandated items—no exceptions.

V.                 Selection of Captains

A.     The number of captains will be highly dependent on the numbers of cheerleaders on the team. Ultimately, the number is left to the coaches’ discretion.

B.     A majority vote will designate captains; coaches will have the final decision. 

VI.              Duties of Captains

A.     Set an example to the rest of the team by following the rules and regulations of Anne Arundel County and the SPHS cheerleading team.

B.     Be at practice early and facilitate the prompt commencement of practice.

C.     Coordinate (with the coaches) the painting and hanging up of signs.

D.     Be responsible for welcoming visiting squads and setting a good example of friendliness to other cheerleaders.

E.      During games, keep the crowd cheering and keep your fellow cheerleaders in proper formation.

F.      Show no partiality within the squad—treat everyone respectfully.

VII.           Appearance

A.     For safety reasons, no jewelry of any kind is permitted during practice.

B.     Uniforms must be kept spotless at all times (remember, if you “break it, you buy it”).

C.     Makeup should be natural—not excessive.

D.     All hairstyles must be neat and off the face. Hairstyles must also be as the coaches mandate.

E.      When in uniform, cheerleaders should look their best. After all, they are representing both themselves and the school.

F.      Nails should be trimmed and artificial nails are strictly prohibited. Brief exceptions will be made for school dances.

G.     Absolutely no glitter is allowed during performances.

H.     Athletes must not put lotion on prior to practice as it presents safety issues while stunting.

VIII.        Conduct

A.     Members are required to maintain and uphold the reputation of the SPHS cheerleading team through their own conduct and team spirit.

B.     All cheers and chants will be of a positive and sportsmanlike manner.

C.     Members will make every attempt to ignore or dissuade negative responses at events and not become involved in such action themselves.

D.     Athletes absolutely are forbidden to consume any illegal substances.

IX.              Disciplinary Action

A.     Incidents that result in the suspension or other disciplinary action of the cheerleader will result in immediate dismissal from the team.

B.     If the coaches have concrete proof of severe misconduct (e.g. pictures, videos, blogs, etc.) the cheerleader will be dismissed from the team immediately.

C.     In less severe instances, the SPHS cheerleading coaching staff generally follows a “two strike” policy. If a cheerleader receives two strikes, she will be asked to leave the team. The following is a list of possible scenarios that comprise one strike:

1.                  Unexcused absences from practices and games

2.                  Absence from mandatory practice—excused or not

3.                  Bad attitude, talking back to the coaches, or other forms of disrespect (e.g. rolling eyes, muttering under one’s breath)

4.                  Public displays of affection with boyfriends or girlfriends

5.                  Missing uniform, practice attire (e.g. forgot shoes)

6.                  Failure to participate in fundraising activities

D.     Dismissal regarding attendance is as following:

1.                  Two unexcused absences from a game

Two unexcused absences from practice = one unexcused game

Two unexcused tardys to practice or game = one unexcused absence

One unexcused late pickup (ten minutes) = one unexcused tardy

2.                  Two absences, excused or unexcused, from a mandatory practice

X.                 Health and Nutrition

A.     Cheerleaders are responsible for maintaining optimum health and wellness throughout the season—the more resilient a cheerleader’s immunity, the less likely he or she will be to miss a practice or game.

B.     Without the right foods, even physical conditioning and good coaching are not enough to push you to your best—good nutrition must be a key part of your program if you are to succeed. 

C.     Be sure to take a daily multivitamin and eat a variety of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, healthy fats, and of course, fruits and vegetables (and water)!