All cheerleaders and parents should be aware of the cheer policies as outlined below. If you have any questions about any policies or procedures please contact Coach Marshall.
Cheerleaders depend on the entire team when cheering or performing and especially when stunting. Attendance at practice and games is mandatory throughout the year. In order to cheer at games/meets/competitions, cheerleaders will not be allowed to miss practice prior to the event, even if absence is excused.
Coach must be made aware of planned absences at least 2 week in advance by the Cheerleader.
Cheerleaders are required to come to practice on time and ready. This means all UCA guidelines are met (hair, nails, shoes, attire). If cheerleader is not prepared at the start of practice, this will be counted as an absence.
UCA guidelines require that all cheerleaders have hair pulled back and out of face (must be up unless shorter than shoulder length), no jewelry, nails cut short (nail tips cannot me seen over finger tips), clothing is athletic in nature; not loose or baggy which could get caught while stunting, and all cheerleaders will wear cheer shoes while practicing and performing. If uniform is being worn, cheerleaders must be in full uniform to represent DCHS and their role as a spirit leader. If not within guidelines, cheerleader will be considered not prepared and thus considered not in attendance.
Preparedness includes the cheerleaders are ready to perform and lead at all events. Coaches will gauge preparedness on knowing cheers and/or routines, meeting appearance guidelines, having a positive attitude, fulfilling their role as a spirit leader, working hard during practices to meet expectations (staying attentive during entire practice), and utilizing outside practice time to ensure individual preparedness (cheerleader may access team captain for assistance).
Bow
Poms
Shell
Liner
Skirt
Cheer shoes
Briefs (black)
Socks (white)
Bow
All hair off face/shoulders - NO WHISPIES, flyaways
"Half up" only allowed if hair is shorter than shoulders
Gum
Jewelry - Rings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, body piercings (ear, nose, belly button, etc.)
Long Nails (over the tips of your fingers)
SMILE
Energy
Must know cheers/dance
Positive Attitude
Be Proud
Respectful
Alert/Stand in formation
We will follow a progression of stunts and tumbling in accordance with the National Federation of High Schools Spirit Rule Book, endorsed by the Iowa Cheer Coaches Association and Iowa High School Athletic Association. We will use mats when appropriate and will perform within our skill level. A coach must be present whenever the cheerleaders are stunting. To further prevent personal injury, hair must be secured and away from the face (i.e., in a ponytail, long bangs pinned back) and nails must be trimmed at the fingertips for practice and at games or performance events. Jewelry of any kind should not be worn at practice or in uniform with the exception of medic-alert tags which must be secured against the body. Accidents and injuries may occur, as is the risk in all athletic endeavors, but we will do our utmost to insure the safety of our cheerleaders.
Our cheerleaders are students, first and foremost, and their academic progress is one of the most important reasons for attending Dowling Catholic High School. We will follow the guidelines set forth in both the Student and the Athletic Policies in regard to academic matters.
Parents/guardians, for themselves, and on behalf of their daughter(s) release and waive any and all claims and actions that either of them may have as a result of transportation against Dowling Catholic High School, its coaches, and its staff, for any and all damages, costs, expenses or liability. All drivers will posses a valid driver's license, have proper and current licenses and vehicle registration, have the required insurance coverage in effect, and make good decisions while driving. Coaches do not coordinate rides - parent representatives can help organize if needed.
Cheerleaders will transport themselves to home games at Valley Stadium and any game in the metro area. Bus transportation will be used for anything further. In the winter if farther than metro, parent drivers will be asked to transport cheerleaders.
I will
Encourage good sporting behavior of all in attendance at DCHS events.
Accept coach’s decisions.
Act as a positive role model by showing exceptional support for all students, coaches, and game officials.
Use my influence and authority to deter inappropriate conduct by others towards officials, coaches, and opponents.
Encourage and expect my child to follow all rules set forth for DCHS Cheerleaders.
Behave as outlined for parents in the DCHS Student Athlete Handbook.
Support DCHS administration, teachers, coaches, and volunteers.
I will not
Engage in any physical or verbal confrontation with coaches, school staff, students, fellow supporters, or opponents.
Criticize, harass, heckle, threaten or otherwise disrespect any coaches, school staff, students, fellow supporters, or opponents.
Coach from the sidelines
Negatively discuss coaches, students, or other parents.