Handbook
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2015 Kenowa Hills Junior Cheer Sideline Rules
Northern Rocket Football League (NRFL)
Goal for Kenowa Hills Junior Cheer Teams as part of the NRFL:
Our cheerleading program is designed to focus on team building skills, coordination with the football program, the community and ultimately the school system that these girls will be attending as well as providing many fun activities at football games. The goal is to provide skills that they can develop to obtain positions on their school cheer teams. Emphasis on physical fitness, good sportsmanship and positive community representation are a must for any program.
Purpose of the Programs:
· Promote community spirit.
· Support the 1st-6th grade football teams and involve the crowd in cheering.
· Promote positive relationships with other leagues and organizations in NRFL participation area.
· Teach and develop good sportsmanship
· Develop and prepare cheerleaders for each game while ensuring each cheerleader’s individual needs are met for further goals.
· Leave a positive impression and experience to fans, visitors and the community about our sport.
Fundamentals:
Sideline Cheerleading is about having fun, perfecting the fundamentals of the sport and performing to the best of our ability. We will be focusing on all aspects of cheerleading, including motions, chants, formations, jumps, skills, tumbling, and stunting.
Leadership, Spirit and Sportsmanship:
· Profanity, alcohol, tobacco and drugs are strictly forbidden.
· Cheerleaders, parents and coaches will need to refrain from distracting behavior during games and practice time. This will include chewing gum, talking to friends, repairing makeup, fixing hair, etc. If any of these behaviors are witnessed during practice or games, there will be consequences. This also includes any disrespectful behavior.
· Cheerleaders will be representing their school and community and need to be held to the upmost standards. We want to be leaders, role models and always show positive sportsmanlike conduct.
Cheering Standards:
· Maintain a good attitude at all times. Always need to be positive.
· Listen attentively and refrain from talking during practice and games.
· Act responsible by being on time, following rules and listening to all coaches.
· Cooperate with all coaches and teammates.
· Every practice the cheerleader should have practice clothes (shorts/pants, tank top/t-shirt, socks and shoes) on. Hair should always be worn off the face in a ponytail.
· No jewelry or acrylic nails of any kind at practices and games. Natural nails should be kept short.
· Your uniform is your responsibility. It should be clean and complete for each game. Shoes should be clean and white. Your complete uniform should include: tshirt, skirt, boycuts, socks, shoes, hair ribbon, and bodysuit (for colder games).
· Cell phones should be kept off and in your bag during practice and games.
***We will arrive by carpool to every game. Every game the cheerleader should have their uniform (bodysuit, shell, skirt, lollies/briefs, hair ribbon, white socks and shoes) with them in order to participate. Makeup should be minimal, tasteful and neat. Nail polish, face paint and glitter are NOT permitted.Punctuality and Attendance:
Your attendance is vital to your success, as well as the success of your team.
· Cheerleaders are expected to attend all practices, games and activities.
· Cheerleaders must arrive on time and join the team at least 30-45 minutes before game time to allow for stretching.
· Sports drinks and water are allowed at practice. Sorry, no pop, energy drinks, food, gum or jewelry will be allowed. Hair must be all the way up and fingernails must be short with no fingernail polish. Eating properly and getting plenty of rest and fluids is highly recommended.
· Warm up and stretching is critical to safety. Late arrivals are not only disruptive but also cause chaos when a coach is trying to determine if stunts, chants or formations need to be adjusted. If a cheerleader is going to miss a practice/game, notification to the coach is required as early as possible. If you must miss practice, coaches must receive details in writing from a parent/guardian the day after the absence occurs. Please give prior notice whenever possible.
***Getting your cheerleader to practice on time and being prepared is the responsibility of the parents as well as the cheerleaders. If the parents cannot get the cheerleader to practice on time, notification must be given to the coach. If a parent has other obligations, arrangements can be made with other parents to get the cheerleader to practice/games and home.***We do our best to dismiss our athletes on time from practice. Please do your best to pick them up promptly.Uniform:
· Shirt and skirt will be provided to each athlete.
· Each athlete will be responsible for purchasing shoes, bodysuit, and boycuts. (New black bodysuits are recommended if yours is not in great shape.)
Adult Supervision:
· An adult is required to be present and in charge of the girls at all times. An adult as stated by NRFL rules is someone 21 years of age or older.
· Absolutely no stunting is allowed unless supervised by a NRFL approved coach.
· Absolutely no one is allowed on the field except cheerleaders and coaches with the NRFL badges. No exceptions!
Parental Support:
Parental support is required and crucial for successful programs. There is no way that a single program and it’s coaches can provide all the girls need. Some ways parents can be involved are helping with snacks, working concession stands, making signs and noise makers to support the teams and provide a fun atmosphere. If you would like to help, please contact Nicole Dombrowski.
Coach Nicole Dombrowski
Executive Director of Kenowa Hills Junior Cheer
Kenowa Hills 7/8 Grade Head Cheer Coach
616-304-0179 (Nicole’s cell)
