Smyrna Middle Cheerleading Covenant
2017-2018
Purpose
-The objective of the Smyrna Middle cheerleading squad is to effectively execute a school spirit program that supports the athletic teams and promotes school spirit. Cheerleaders will serve as a positive role models and leaders for SMS, and should promote sportsmanship within our school and among other schools. The highest priority should be to display and encourage spirit and pride for SMS.
Squad Members and Practices
-Members will only be chosen at a formal tryout session
-Our squad will consist of sixth, seventh, and eighth grade students who will cheer at all Varsity football and basketball games, school competitions, and pep rally events.
Attendance Requirements
-The squad will have practices each week. A schedule will be sent out with practices and games. All practices are mandatory, and other schedules should work around cheerleading practices. Additional practices may be added when needed.
-Cheerleaders will be given a Varsity schedule at the beginning of football and basketball season, and are expected to be present for ALL home and away varsity games. Cheerleaders will not be going to any games that are out of county.
-ABSENCES CAN BE A DOWNFALL OF A GREAT CHEERLEADING SQUAD!! If one or more squad members are absent from a practice or game, the other members are forced to make last minute changes. This can be both stressful and dangerous to other squad members. If you commit to cheerleading you are committing to attend every practice and game. Unexcused absences are those caused by anything other than illnesses or family emergencies. In addition, just because a cheerleader asks to be excused doesn’t mean the excuse will be granted. 3 unexcused absences will result in 1 game suspension. 5 unexcused absences will result in automatic dismissal from squad.
-If you are ill or have a family emergency, or need to request an excused absence for any other reason, BOTH coaches need to be notified by PARENT OR GUARDIAN for this absence to be excused. Please notify the coaches before the absence or as soon as possible; only under extreme circumstances will prior notice not be expected. Send an email, or text. If the Coach is not available leave a message.
-As stated in the RCS Athletic handbook, students must be present half of the school day (two full class periods) to be eligible for practices and games that scheduled that day.
-If a student is suspended from the squad or at school, the student may not participate in any scheduled event for the time the athlete is suspended. If a student receives OSS for any reason through the course of the school year, they will likely be dismissed from the squad.
Grades
-A minimum of a C average must be maintained throughout the cheerleading season in order to be considered in good standing with the squad.
-Because cheerleaders are students first and athletes second, progress reports/report cards will be turned in so the coaches can monitor academic progress. If a student fails to turn in his/her progress report/report card the student will receive a strike.
Expected Behavior
-All Smyrna Middle guidelines must be followed at all times.
-A 3 strike system will be in place from day ONE!
-Promote a positive image for the school community- your peers, parents, teachers, and community members.
-While representing SMS, cheerleaders must NOT:
Show unsportsmanlike conduct
Use profanity
Show inappropriate displays of affection
Be academically dishonest
-Your attitude and ability to work with other different personalities must be exceptional.
-Lying or fabricating the truth will not be tolerated and can result in immediate dismissal from the squad.
Social Media
-You are a representation of Smyrna Middle School and the inappropriate use of ANY TYPE of social media can result in automatic dismissal from the squad.
Uniforms
-Uniforms are issued by the school and are property of the SMS Athletic Department. If for any reason a cheerleader quits or is dismissed, he/she is expected to return all uniforms/equipment within five days of the dismissal.
-Washing instructions will be provided when uniforms are distributed. At the end of basketball season, all uniforms are to be turned in dry-cleaned.
-All altered uniforms must be restored to their original size before being turned in at the end of the cheerleading season.
-Damaged or lost uniforms or equipment will be replaced by the cheerleader to whom they are assigned.
Financial Responsibility
-Every cheerleader is expected to support all fundraising events which support the team.
-Failure to participate and meet individual fundraising quotas can result in the individual not receiving goal items, which may lead to other consequences.
-Turning in cheerleading expense money after the due date will result in a strike or possibly being benched.
CHEERLEADER SIGNATURE
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