Melvindale Cheerleading: Philosophy and Purpose

Melvindale Schools Cheerleading Handbook

Melvindale Cheerleading: Philosophy and Purpose:

Being a Melvindale Cheerleader in an honor and a special privilege. The goal of our program is to teach correct cheerleading technique and help each member be the best cheerleader they can be. Supporting the athletic teams in our school district is our number one priority. Cheerleaders are first are foremost representatives of their school. They exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position and in accordance with the rules stated in this handbook and the Melvindale Athletic Handbook. Melvindale Cheerleading exists to promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, and wholesome and enthusiastic school spirit. Melvindale Cheerleaders work hard, have fun, and show a passion for their sport.

Team Expectations:

A cheerleader is considered a leader of the student body. Certain responsibilities accompany any position of leadership. In order to set a good example, cheerleaders must have and continue to display the following characteristics.

Must promote and maintain school spirit.
Must be truthful and honest.
Must exhibit high moral standards and exemplary social behavior.
Must be in compliance with the Melvindale Athletic Handbook, campus policies, rules, regulations and directives, and the Melvindale Schools Cheerleading Handbook.

-Any behavior that a coach deems intolerable, such as insubordination, poor attitude, rudeness, disrespect, and the inability to get along with others – will result in dismissal from the squad. One warning will be given and the cheerleader’s parents called before dismissal.

Each cheerleader is expected to follow all school rules, especially rules on behavior and school attire.
The Melvindale Schools Cheer Program and its athletes will follow the Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Cheerleading Safety Guidelines.
Cheerleaders may participate in other extracurricular activities, but cheerleading must be given top priority if a cheerleader is to remain on the squad.
Cheerleaders also may participate in other athletics during the cheerleading seasons. The student must designate which is his or her primary sport and which is his or her secondary. The primary sport will then become priority should contests or practices fall on the same day. This designation will determine resolution of conflicts. In order for a cheerleader to receive their awards, the cheerleader must participate in a designated number of contests per season, per year.
All Melvindale Schools athletes and cheerleaders must maintain a 2.0 GPA and pass five solid subjects to remain eligible. If a cheerleader is removed from the squad for grades, she will forfeit all privileges and awards.
Cheerleaders MUST provide transportation to and from practice sessions and home games. Cheerleaders are also responsible for getting to and from school for away games. A lack of transportation is not a valid excuse for absences. Cheerleaders must also be on time and MUST take school transportation to and from away contests. Cheerleaders must be picked up promptly after the cheer contest or practice session. (If this becomes a constant issue it may result in dismissal from the squad.)
Cheerleaders will purchase shoes, socks, bodysuits, hair bows, jackets, pants, bags, and other necessary articles of clothing to wear with the uniforms provided by the school. Cheerleaders are also responsible for any loss or damage that may occur to school property.

-When in uniform, cheerleaders must exhibit wholesome and ladylike behavior.

Cheerleaders should always give and encourage support of all teams. They must be willing to donate extra time as an initiator and leader of spirit during any clinics or special activities and within the school.
All awards will be presented at the conclusion of the season to eligible participants.
Please follow the appropriate chain of command if you feel as though there is a problem. First, contact your squad coach. If you are still unhappy with the results, then contact the head coach. If you feel as though the matter still was not resolved, only then should you go to the athletic director. If a cheerleader or parent speaks negatively of coaches, other cheerleaders, or the cheer program, the cheerleader will be automatically dismissed. All problems and conflicts within our program are to be discussed within our program and handled only by the coach. (Please follow the 24 hour rule before addressing a situation)
All cheerleaders will adhere to the cheer philosophy. No fighting, arguing, use of profanity, or talking back to coaches and staff. Disrespect will not be tolerated.

Negative behavior will not be tolerated. Any kind of harmful/ disapproval behavior on social network sites (i.e. Facebook, Twitter, Instagram…) will result in automatic dismissal from the squad.

It is the responsibility of each cheerleader and family to do their part in fundraising. Many things are purchased with fundraising monies; such as: certain apparel, choreography, gym time, senior gifts, etc.

Fundraising is mandatory, EVERYONE must participate. If someone cannot sell/ raise the required items, they will be required to pay the difference/ expected amount.

Tobacco, drug, or alcohol use and abuse is prohibited and is grounds for immediate dismissal. Please refer to the district policy on alcohol, drugs and tobacco for specific guidelines.
If a participant is dismissed or quits the team for any reason they will not be welcomed back for the following year.

Absences:

Absences from any cheerleading event will be considered excused for the following reasons with coach approval:

Personal illness or accident.
Funeral or death in family.
Special school activities with prior permission of coach.
Religious holidays.
Other situations previously approved by the coach.
If you have a job, make sure you give your practice/ game schedules to your boss as soon as you get it. You will have these schedules in advance and these can be accessed on our athletic websites.

-Note: Babysitting, working, driver’s ed, or unexplained appointments are not excused.

Late Policy:

If you are 15 minutes or more late to practice it is considered a tardy. A total of 3 unexcused tardies is equal to 1 unexcused absence.

3 unexcused absences/ 9 unexcused tardies or a combination of both will result in dismissal from the squad.

Note: All absences must be reported to a coach by a parent onlyprior to the scheduled practice time.

Practices:

All scheduled practices are mandatory for all squad members. This includes any summer/ “holiday break” practices. Practice schedules will be given in advance and may be revised from time to time. Additional practices will be announced if necessary. Please know your practice schedule.
Come to practice ready to work. Goofing off and silliness will NOT be tolerated. Work harder than the person next to you and you will be surprised how good your squad will become.
Its practice, not meal time – no food/ snacks at practices unless a coach states otherwise.
In order to be excused from a practice:

As soon as a cheerleader knows that she will not be able to attend (due to one of the above stated reasons) she should immediately contact the coach. Any unexcused absences will result in the cheerleader being benched the next event.

Cheerleaders must be on time to practice. This includes being appropriately dressed in practice clothes and shoes… NO STREET SHOES, jewelry, or any other part of clothing that is not a part of your cheerleading uniform.
Cell phones and iPods may not be used at practices or games (this includes while sitting in the bleachers for disciplinary issues). If you must make or receive a call, please get permission by the coach.
Gum chewing, long fingernails, nail enhancements and jewelry – including all piercings, are prohibited.

Any piercing is not acceptable and the cheerleader will be asked to remove it.
Girls will only be allowed to wear natural nail polish (clear or light pink) to games.

All hair must be worn pulled back in a clean/neat and high ponytail with designated bow, no hair in face and no head bands.
All cheerleaders must be willing to try various positions in stunts. Cheerleaders should remember that they belong to a team and they must be willing to do things that will benefit the whole team.
No jumping, stunting, or tumbling may be practiced if the coach is not present.
Cheerleaders must be in good physical condition. Cheerleaders will participate in a conditioning program to help them prepare. Conditioning will include, but is not limited to activities such as running, weights, stamina jumps, tumbling, etc. As determined by the coach.
If you are injured, please notify your coach first. A release to participate after an injury must be in writing from the athletic trainer or your doctor. A parent note will not be accepted. Any cheerleader unable to perform because of an injury will appear at the event in full uniform and sit in a designated area.
Any cheerleader who has an unexcused absence from a practice prior to a game or event will not be allowed to participate in the event.
A cheerleader that come to events unprepared will not be allowed to participate and will appear at event in full uniform and sit is designated area. (Ex. Missing poms/ bow or jacket).
Cheerleaders will not be excused from practices or games due Driver’s Ed.
Cheerleading camp and tumbling classes are mandatory.

If you are planning family vacations, please plan around the cheer schedule. It is important for everyone to be at practices and camp in order to successfully come together as a team and accomplish set goals.

To limit the amount of distractions all practices are closed. No family and especially no friends will be allowed. This is strongly enforced during gymnastics/ tumbling.
If one should miss a tumbling session – it is that athlete’s responsibility to attend a session/ open gym. All missed sessions must be made up and written proof from the session coach turned in.

Games:

On game days, cheerleaders should arrive at school or to the bus at the prearranged time set by your coach. You should be in your complete uniform and shoes, hair and makeup completed before arrival. You are representing Melvindale Schools and setting an example the minute you walk in the door or step on the bus.

Complete uniform includes:
Designated uniform given by coach.
Warm Ups
Hair up in bow.
Cheer shoes, socks, briefs
NO jewelry
Cheer bag and its contents (warm ups, poms, etc.)

Full uniform or designated cheer apparel MUST be worn to school on game days, including socks and bow. Pants/ Capris are to be worn under skirts per school instructions. Violations of this rule will result in being benched.
Cheer shoes are not street shoes and should be changed into for games and practice.
Every cheerleader is required to attend every game.
Treat tournaments (county, sectionals, regionals… etc) as a regular game. Expect we will make it.
Eat, use the restroom, and complete anything else BEFORE THE GAME. There will be no use of concession stands during games or halftime.
All squads should support each other at games and practices.
All cheerleaders who are attending an away game must ride the bus to and from the games unless a coach and athletic director receives written confirmation from your parents in advance. It must be pre-approved.
After the event, do not leave until all equipment is put away and the coach has dismissed you.
Always sing the words to the fight song and school song. Cheerleaders are role models for Melvindale Schools and its teams.
The coaches have the right to bench any cheerleader they feel does not know the expected material for games or is not performing up to the standards of the cheerleading program.
Cheerleaders having an unexcused absence from a game will be benched.

If you miss a game or practice due to a medical appointment, a note must be given to the squad coach upon arrival to the next cheer event.

Competitions:

No one cheerleader is promised a position on a competition mat. Competition positions are based solely on evaluation of skills.
If chosen to compete on a competition team, it is your duty as a cheerleader to accept the responsibility and to put forth your very best effort.
Those not chosen are still required to attend and participate in all practices and competitions.
All competitions and competition practices are mandatory. Competition practices are in addition to your regular team practices. An extra tumbling class (outside of practice) is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED.

Discipline:

If coaches are contacted by any parent, supervisor, teacher, school administrator or security officer:

1st offense: Coaches and/ or Athletic Director will have a discussion with the cheerleader and parent via phone, email or in person. – Athlete may be given a suspension from all cheer related activities for up to 10 days.
2nd offense: Dismissal from squad.

If any coach feels that you are not performing to the standards of your squad, you can be demoted. For example: If you are on Varsity and not performing to potential, you will be moved to JV. There is also an opportunity for a JV cheerleader to be promoted to the Varsity squad. (Both are determined by the coaching staff.)

-No cheerleader should discipline/ confront a teammate or handle a problem themselves. All problematic situations should be brought to the attention of your team coach.

-Parents: If you need to address a problem please do so with the coach BEFORE or AFTER practice.

Financial Responsibilities:

The estimated cost has been given at this year’s pre-season meeting. We are working extremely hard to bring down the cost by supplying numerous fundraisers. These fundraisers are MANDATORY.

Please also keep in mind that returning cheerleaders to our program may already have many of the items needed. Most of the costs incurred will be by new members of the program. The items should carry on through the athlete’s years within the program.

Community Service

It attempt to give back to our community while gaining life experience for future use, we are asking that each squad member complete a minimum of 20 hours community service per year. Hours where money is given in return for services will not count as community service. Examples: Volunteering at hospitals, clinics, senior homes, churches, food kitchens, animal shelters, Red Cross, etc. Child sitting can count for no more than 10 total hours and should not be for immediate family. All hours will be accounted for on signed log sheets.

Scholarships & Referrals:

Our coaching staff prides ourselves on giving as many opportunities as we can in the sport of cheer, and will go above and beyond to assist any current and former team members in obtaining scholarships, and/ or careers relating to the sport. Each good standing member will be supplied with a reference letter for prospective colleges and careers upon graduation from high school.

All team updates and information can be found at:

Facebook @ Strong MS Cheer or Melvindale HS Cheer

Twitter – MELVINDALECHEER

Coach Jessica KonopkaJV - Coach Sarah LongworthMS – (TBD)

(313) 779-0250(313) 573-7719