Handbook
Subscribe to our NewsletterTRHS Cheerleading Constitution
Cheerleading Handbook ~ Coach Nadine Holohan
I. Coach’s contact Information: Do not text absences or tardies
Coach Holohan’s Cell 978-621-3960
neholla8@gmail.com
II. Purpose of Viking Cheerleading:
1. Team Make-Up-
a) If the numbers are greater than the amount of uniforms athletes may need to be selected to by a formal try-out procedure to participate in the TRHS Cheerleading Program.
b) Recently, the Cheerleading Program at TRHS has been all-female, however males are welcome to tryout for the squad.
2. Practice Schedule 2016-2017 (subject to change)
Practices will be Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 3:30-5 pm Monday & Thursday 3:15 mat set-up, Wednesday Weight room and stretch time -TBD (presently 2:30-3:30).
III. Cheer Information
1. Fitness Schedule -
All members of the TRHS Program will be required to participate in cardiovascular workouts and strength training workouts during practice and to supplement their own physical fitness, if needed, outside of scheduled practice time.
2. Games & Performances
a). TRHS Cheerleaders are required to cheer at all home basketball games.
b). Cheerleaders are required to cheer at tournament games
c). The team may perform at pep rallies and events.
3. Game Varsity Status
- Varsity Letter - In order to earn a varsity letter a TRHS cheerleader must 1st be an athlete in good standing (have the TRHS academic eligibility, adhere to TRHS and team specific attendance policies and cheer handbook expectations)
- Athletes must participate in 100% of the home games and practices. Attendance is non-negotiable.
4. All intentional misses = are skips - you will be on probation or removed from the team. Intentional misses are those other than illness, bereavement or religious.
- You are a part of an educational institution yes, yet you need to make the commitment to this team. Your presence is non-negotiable. You have tests, projects, job, etc. Make sure being a part of this team fits into your life's schedule. You are responsible for adjusting, adapting and making your life fit around these hours. Schedule other activities around our practice and game schedule.
- Practice purposely starts at 3:30 to allow athletes the time to meet with teachers and project group members while still on campus.
- Tardiness is unacceptable. Be to the designated practice area dressed and ready 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Just being in the vicinity is not the same.
- Mats must be set up by the team before the start of practice. Therefore the team must be setting mast up around 3:15
- All-Star cheerleading -MA Bona-fide member rule states that a school committed athlete must put that team first. Leaving practice, games, events for any other outside sport will result in supension.
- Observed Religious Holidays are excused - Church conferences, seminars, retreats are not excused absences from practice.
5.Fundraising & Community Service
a) All TRHS Cheerleaders will be required to participate in fundraising activities.
b) All money raised will subsidize extra costs of the program
c) All TRHS cheerleaders will be required to participate is the one mandatory community service event to place each season.
IV. Rules & Expectations - While under Coach Holohan’s direction (games, fundraisers, practices, community events all rules are mandatory.
A) Expectations-
- Be on time (dressed & ready before the start time)
- Be dressed –hair up, practice clothes or uniform, sneakers tied and on your feet.
- Be taped prior to start/arrival time.
- Phone usage at practice is not allowed. Texts or calls must be made the hour before practice starts.
- Use the rest room prior to practice
- Make a commitment- keep the commitment
- Be coach-able, listen and learn.
- Don’t use excuses and argue.
- Believe in your team.
- Come to my classroom at least one hour prior if you will be missing or tardy.
- Always give 100%.
- Don’t be afraid of change or hard work
- Follow all rules without being reminded by your coach.
- Our practice time in the gym is precious. We will not waste this time with things that could and should be done before our scheduled time.
B) Rules –
1. If it is on the schedule it is mandatory. Be responsible and mature enough to check the schedule on your on.
***Any and all missed events = benched from next game/event***
All intentional misses = are skips - you will be on probation or removed from the team.
2. See coach about tardy or absences (possible dismissal from the team)
3. We follow all MSSAA, TRHS, AACCA and National Safety / Sportsmanship rules and regulations
4. No jewelry – no reminders
5. Tattoos must be covered
6. Team hairstyle for games- TBD each week. Hair must be in a ponytail* for all practices and games.
7. Official full uniform – No other pieces, colors or deviations
8. Light make-up, no long nails or nail polish- for games
9. Cheerleading sneakers only, coach approved sneakers only
10. Alert coach if you are under a doctor’s care or are on medication.
C. Consequences –
- Any missed practices/event = benched from next game
- No in-person warning = benched
- No in-person warning about an absence = immediate probation possible dismissal from team
- Blatant skip - dismissal from the team
- Missing uniform items, jewelry on, tattoos = benching period of next game
- All other broken rules or unsportsmanlike like behavior will depend on the occurrence and will be decided upon by the coach = benching, alternate team* or dismissal
- Adding onto these tardies or absences you will be placed on probation and on the game team to an immediate dismissal form the team.
- No misses (other than illnesses) within one month to competition- non-negotiable.
Absence due to illness will be decided upon by the coach. After the first offense of absences due to illnesses will need proof with a doctors note. When you are ill you need time to recuperate, for your physical benefit if you miss one of our 3 weekly practices you may sit the next game.
Alternate Team=Not cheering at/in games out of half-time or events. In order to be reconsidered for Game team you must attend 3 consecutive cheer events i.e. games, practices or fundraisers
V. Attendance- If it is on the schedule it is mandatory
ONCE YOU HAVE READ THESE RULES TEXT ME YOUR NAME AND CELL NUMBER FOR MY CONTACTS-Thanks!!
“Be the first to arrive and the last to leave”