Guidelines and Regulations

CHEER GUIDELINES AND REGULATIONS  (PLEASE REVIEW THOROUGHLY!)

Sideline Cheerleading Season: 

• Cheerleading season begins after tryouts, and ends after football season and playoffs have concluded. Additionally, cheerleaders are expected to participate fully in any school "spirit days" year-round.  

• Clean uniforms are to be returned in a bag labeled with the cheerleader's name at the end of the season. 

Behavior:

• A cheerleader is a LEADER and should be an example to all. FCS Cheerleaders are held to the highest standards, and must conduct themselves accordingly at all times. 

• Upon game commencement or at events, cheerleaders must remain in proper formations as established by the coach.  Enthusiasm and good sportsmanship are expected, and all Cheerleaders are expected to give 100% at practices and games. The performance of the entire team is affected when even one member does not do her part.  

• Cheerleaders are expected to help with set-up and clean up before and after practices and games.

• Cheerleaders are not permitted to practice any type of stunting or tumbling without a coach or authorized personnel being present.

• Photos and videos of any cheer related activity should not be posted on any media sites unless authorized by the coach.  Discovery of any “questionable” postings of any sort is grounds for dismissal from the squad at the discretion of the coach and/or FCS administration.

• Cheerleaders and their families should refrain from making negative comments about our school or teams. This includes all social media.  

• Videos of competition routines shall not be posted on any media sites until the end of the season unless approved by the coach,

• Violation of these rules will be handled at the discretion of the coach. The coaches reserve the right to re-evaluate a cheerleader’s spot on the team due to their lack of performance or repeated unacceptable behavior during the season.

• Cheer uniforms are not to be worn outside of school activities unless approved by the coach. 

Attendance at Games and Practices:

• All teams will practice 2 days/week for approximately 2 hours each practice. 

• Practice will take place at the Paladin Center and/or a local gym.

• An event calendar will be given for the season - Practices resume August 2. 

• Cheerleaders must arrive on time, in the appropriate uniform, with hair up, no jewelry, and short nails. Excessive absences not related to an emergency or illness will be grounds for dismissal from the team at the discretion of the coach. Absences from practice for any reason may result in the cheerleader being removed from subsequent cheerleading performance and extra conditioning. If a game or practice is missed, that cheerleader will sit out the first quarter of the next game. During the school year, all appointments, vacations and lessons should be arranged on days not previously scheduled as a cheerleading activity. If a cheerleader needs to go to academic help class after school, the coach must be notified prior to the start of practice. 

• If a cheerleader is too sick to attend a full day of school, she is not allowed to participate in after school activities, and needs to contact the coach before practice that day. Depending on the illness, you may still be asked to attend competition practice to observe. A cheerleader must be present in school at least ½ day in order to participate in after school activities unless excused due to an approved appointment.

•  If a cheerleader is injured and unable to cheer, she is still required to attend games and  support the team.  She must sit with the team or coach.

Varsity Competition Team:

• The FCS Varsity Competition Team will be selected from those 9th-12th graders trying out for the JV/Varsity sideline teams. Additional sideline cheerleaders must be willing to be alternates if needed. 

• Competitions will be held from September to November.

• Competition Team practices will resume the week prior to the start of school. These practice sessions will be in addition to regular sideline practice, and may include one Saturday a month.

• Attendance at practice and competitions, including camp and choreography in the summer, is required to remain on the team. No exceptions.

Fees and Expenses:

• The FCS Athletic Fee, appropriate Player Pack Fee and Team Fees will be charged to your FACTS account at designated intervals described below. Additional gym rental, team meals, competition, and choreography fees will be assessed if applicable. 

• The FCS Athletic Department charges every FCS athlete an athletic fee. This, along with the cost of our “player pack” will be billed by September through FACTS. 

• The Team Fee which covers snacks, locker magnets, transportation, end-of-the-year party and other miscellaneous expenses will be billed in December. 

• You will be personally responsible for purchasing white no-show socks, navy blue spandex shorts and an appropriate bra for under uniforms. Middle school squads will also be responsible for the purchase of their own cheer shoes. 

• Camp fees, for those attending, will be billed in June. 

• Any cheerleader deciding to quit the team after the new season has started, or who is dismissed from the team, will not be permitted to try out the following year.  Any financial obligations to the team will still be expected to be paid in full.