Bexley Cheerleading Rules

Practice

1. Practices will begin at scheduled times previously designated by coaches. ALWAYS BE ON TIME!

2. Team members must dress for practice in athletic clothing, cheer shoes, and white socks. Absolutely no inappropriate t-shirts, shorts, etc. Anything you cannot wear to school, you cannot wear to practice (this includes tanks that you would not be allowed to wear to school). Enforcement of this will be strict. Warnings will be given and disciplinary actions will occur if inappropriate attire continues to be worn.

3. Hair must be pulled back and out of face.

4. No gum chewing or eating food during practice.

5. All directions given by coaches must be followed and bad attitudes will not be tolerated. Not following this rule could result in suspension or termination from team.

6. Coaches will decide on disciplinary actions for missed practices. If too many missed practices occur in one season, for any reason, dismissal from the team may be the punishment. If you miss any practices or games, the coaches must be informed AHEAD of time. The coaches can be reached at all times, know the numbers to call!

7. Respecting the coaches and your teammates is expected. There will be absolutely no disrespect at anytime. Dismissal from team could result for this type of behavior. Remember that there are eyes and ears everywhere!

Games

1. Squad members must be in complete uniform during the game. If you are missing any part of your uniform, you will not cheer the game. Coach will determine performance if the part is received by the start of the game.

2. Coaches will decide on the uniform for the game and for school ahead of time, not captains. Wearing the appropriate clothing to school is just as important as it is for the games!

3. Absolutely NO colored nail polish, only clear is permitted.

4. NO jewelry (post earrings are acceptable) at all during practices or games. This includes belly button piercing.

5. Shoes must be kept clean and are only to be worn in uniform or at practices. If shoes become unclean or torn up, you will be asked to purchase new shoes.

6. There will be no “primping” in front of the crowd. All brushing of hair and putting on of make-up should be done in the restroom areas. This includes changing from warm-ups to skirts.

7. If you miss the bus to a game, you will not cheer that game and you will sit out the following game. If the coaches are informed ahead of time, arrangements can be made. ALWAYS BE ON TIME!

Attendance

1. Coaches will determine how missed practices/games will be dealt with. More leniency will come for school event conflicts, illness, religious commitments, or death in the family, as long as the absences are not excessive. We will be cooperative with other coaches/advisors; however will expect cooperation and not total sacrifice of cheerleading events only.

2. If you do miss a practice or game, you are responsible for all material missed. You must sufficiently perform material for coach before you are allowed to participate in a game, pep rally, etc.

3. If you miss an excessive amount of games or practices per season, you may be dismissed or demoted from the team. Missing more than 1 game and 2 practices during football season is considered excessive and missing more than 3 games and 2 practices during basketball season is considered excessive (for any reason). Any practices or games missed must be excused, or you risk being dismissed from the team. If you sit out a game for behavioral reasons, this will count as a missing game.

4. If you miss a practice and do not call prior to practice start, you WILL NOT cheer at the next game.

Miscellaneous

1. No cheerleader will participate in a cheer/dance at a game or pep rally if she does not sufficiently perform the cheer/dance at practice.

2. Behavior must be appropriate toward parents, coaches, teachers, administrators, opposing teams, and each other at all times. Be aware that people are watching, you are in the eye of the public at events, games, and anytime that you are outside your home. You must act accordingly.

3. Use of alcohol, tobacco, and other illegal activities WILL NOT be tolerated and will result in immediate dismissal from team! You must follow all Bexley High School Conduct Rules and Athletic Rules. We are aware of much more than you think!

4. As high schoolers, you are on your way to adulthood. Therefore, you should be mature enough to put personal problems/feelings toward squad members/coaches aside for the good of the team.

5.  Cell phones are strictly prohibited at all cheerleading events! You may carry a phone with you however; it must remain off until the event is over. You may use the phone on the bus or after the game/event, only if you are calling to get a ride, or are out of uniform.

6. Study tables will be required for freshman and anyone who is on the "grade-watch" list or who has been on it before.

Discipline

1. Disciplinary actions will be determined by the coaches and will be administered by the coaches and/or athletic director/principal.

2. Discipline will be in the form of physical activity (running laps, push-ups, etc), sitting out of games, or dismissal from team.

3. If the coaches feel your behavior warrants a written contract to ensure better understanding of what is expected of you, you will be placed on an "improvement plan" to be written and enforced by the coaches and agreed upon by the athlete and her parents.

4. Your behavior, attitude, and grades reflect on the team. DO NOT let the team down by doing something "un-becoming" a Bexley Cheerleader!