Social Circle 

Athletes selected for the Social Circle cheerleading program are expected to make a total commitment to their team(s) and to the sport. This involves seven key areas: Dedication, Character, Responsibility, Honor, Spirit, Stability, and Academics.

1 - DEDICATION

Being a cheerleader is not all privilege; it involves sacrifice. Dedication is demonstrated by an athlete’s unselfishness and loyalty to his/her team and school. Throughout the seasons, there will be trying times as well as rewarding times; it is essential that cheerleaders maintain their loyalty to their team, coaches and school. An organization is only as strong as its weakest member and cannot grow and survive without the loyalty and dedication of all members. Each cheerleader MUST remember that no individual is more important than the team. Cheerleaders may find that they disagree with coaching decisions and policies, but they MUST support and respect the decisions made. Cheerleading is a selfless endeavor. Cheerleaders are expected to maintain a positive attitude and build school spirit on and off the field, court and mat without anything in return other than the satisfaction of a job well done. 

2- CHARACTER

As a cheerleader you represent not only yourself and your family, but also your team, your school and your community. As a cheerleader, you are the most visible of all Social Circle students and athletes. We require that you represent your school well by demonstrating your respect for yourself and others at all times. In other words: do not be rude, discourteous and/or obnoxious. Be proud and confident, but not cocky and loud. Cheerleaders are expected to abide by rules of public displays of affection and to dress according to the dress code of Social Circle Middle School or Social Circle High School, setting an example for other students. They are expected to be courteous and respectful when speaking with fellow students, teachers, administrators, and coaches. Back-talking and disrespectful language is unacceptable.

3 - RESPONSIBILITY

When an athlete makes a commitment to a team at SCMS or SCHS, the team, its members and the school count on that individual to carry out all of the duties and responsibilities that are included. It is the athlete’s responsibility to follow up on all assignments in and out of the classroom, check for announcements, and be present and active at all practices and other activities. It is for this reason, that if a cheerleader quits one squad, he/she quits all squads and will not be allowed to try out again for one full school year. It is not enough for a cheerleader to “show up.” He/She must be prepared and appropriately engaged at all times. A cheerleader’s responsibility includes being physically and mentally prepared. Cheerleaders must arrive on time, with all their gear, dressed appropriately, with the right attitude, and prepared to be accountable. Cheerleaders are required to participate in numerous activities throughout the year. It is the cheerleader’s responsibility to keep up with provided schedules. Cheerleaders are expected to be responsible for themselves and their behavior at all times.

4 - HONOR

Honor is a multifaceted concept. You must not only honor yourself, but you must also honor your family, teammates, coaches, school and community. Making a total commitment is not an easy task; it involves self- discipline and respect. You must respect yourself and conduct yourself in an appropriate manner even when others do not.

5 - SPIRIT

Cheerleaders demonstrate school and team spirit when their team wins and loses. It is a cheerleader’s job to focus on the positive and lead fans in positive cheers for their team. Cheerleaders never participate or encourage cheering against referees; they cheer louder, positively to lead fans in an appropriate manner. Cheerleaders do not shout for a coach to make a change during a game. Cheerleaders speak positively about SCMS or SCHS and NEVER complain about “having to go to a game.” Cheerleaders do not hope for a loss in play-off games or any game in order to shorten their season. Cheerleaders work to encourage other students to come out and support their teams. Cheerleaders are honored to be asked to participate in extra events by the teams they support, not inconvenienced because of a lack of their own personal recognition.

6 - STABILITY / CONSISTENCY

Everything else is pointless if it is not done consistently with a constant level of effort. We all slip, but you MUST have the mental discipline to recognize your error and make it right. You must be willing to be there at every function, every practice, every game, and to be there for others. If your team cannot count on you then you are not part of the team. If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. Being a part of the team adds to the stability of your team. You must maintain a positive attitude. Be someone others can count on. Be a positive leader. Be a role model. Be consistent.

7 - ACADEMICS

The cheerleading program at Social Circle will work to promote each cheerleader’s success in the classroom as well as on the sidelines and the mat. Athletics is NOT an excuse for failing grades. A true athlete is well disciplined and realizes that the sacrifices required to become a member of a team does NOT include academics. Team members cannot count on those teammates who are inconsistent in their academics. Free time, social time and wasted time must be sacrificed, if necessary, for your academic and athletic well-being. Our priority is proper academic advancement. We expect our athletes to keep their priorities straight and to challenge themselves at all times.