RULES & REGULATIONS

Attendance

The Livonia Lightning Cheer Club believes that commitment and dedication are essential to achieving success, both individually and as a team. Routine attendance ensures that all members contribute to the overall progress and performance of the squad while fostering a culture of responsibility and accountability.

All athletes are expected to attend all scheduled practices, competitions, and team events unless otherwise excused by the coaching staff. Please ensure prompt arrival time to help ensure practice runs smoothly and that valuable training time is not lost.

Please notify the coaching staff as soon as possible in the event of an absence - preferably before the absence will be incurred. This allows the coaching staff and team time to adequately prepare for a team member's absence in skills, stunts, and routines. Athletes with extenuating circumstances or ongoing challenges that may affect attendance are encouraged to communicate openly with the coaching staff. We are committed to supporting our athletes and finding solutions that accommodate individual needs while maintaining the safety and integrity of the team. 

Persistent absences may result in reduction of stunting and/or tumbling opportunities due to safety concerns. 

Competition Attendance Protocol

1. Promptness is Paramount

   • All team members must be present to check our team in. Late arrival impacts the entire team, resulting in time lost on the practice mats, and possible penalties or forfeiture of the competition. 

2.  Punctuality and Documentation Requirements

   • Being late to a competition may result in removal from the round altogether. Coaches are required to turn in paperwork detailing the number of participants, skills, and stunts being performed in each round 24 hours before each competition. Teams are only permitted to make revisions to the submitted paperwork up to 30 MINUTES before the competition begins. Once that time is up, no changes can be made to the paperwork and penalties and deductions will be made for anything on the mat that doesn't match the paperwork that's been turned in. 

   • If you show up after the 30 minute window closes and the changes have been made to account for your tardiness, you CANNOT PERFORM. An incorrect number of athletes on the mat can result in a penalty. Additionally, if our description sheet says three stunts groups are performing and only two are available to perform and we didn't have advance notice of absences allowing us time to adjust the paperwork, we will incur a penalty for each skill not being performed as described. Absences can result in a stunt group not being able to practice or perfect their skills, and sometimes, the removal of rounds from performances altogether. 

3.  Team Unity and Accountability 

   • Each team member plays a vital role in upholding the integrity of the team and ensuring the success of the performances. Accountability and adherence to protocol are essential for achieving our competitive goals. 

By adhering to these protocols, each member of the Livonia Lightning Cheer Club contributes to the collective success of the team and embodies the dedication and professionalism that define our program. Together, we strive for excellence in every performance and uphold the values of teamwork, commitment, and perseverance.

Dress Code

1. Practice Attire

• Athletic tops and bottoms

  • If you cannot wear it to school, you cannot wear it to practice. Athletes are not permitted to roll the waistbands of their shorts. 

• Cheer shoes

  • These cannot be worn outside. These need to remain clean for competitions and outdoor shoes are not permitted on our expensive cheer mats. 

• Hair pulled away from face

  • This is essential for safety when performing stunts and tumbling.

• No jewelry

  • The coaching staff will adhere to this with NO EXCEPTIONS. You will be asked to remove your jewelry and piercings before all practices and competitions, regardless of when it was pierced. Bandages over your jewelry and piercings are not permitted. 

• No nail polish or acrylic nails

  • For safety, nails must be trimmed no longer than the fingertip.

• No gum, candy, food, or snacks

2. Competition Attire

   • Livonia Lightning Uniform Top and Black Bottoms

     • All athletes must wear the designated team uniform during official events and competitions unless otherwise informed by the coaching staff. 

     • Uniforms must be clean, properly fitted, and in good condition at all times.

   • Cheer shoes

     • These cannot be worn outside. These need to remain clean for competitions and outdoor shoes are not permitted on our expensive cheer mats. 

   • Hair

     • Hairstyle will be given ahead of time by coaching staff. 

     • No matter the style, hair needs to be styled neatly and secured away from the face with hairspray or gel ONLY to ensure visibility during performance. Bobby pins, barrettes, clips, etc. are not permitted.

   • Makeup 

     • Light makeup is permitted and should compliment the overall appearance of the uniform. Body/hair glitter is not permitted.

   • No jewelry

     • The coaching staff will adhere to this with NO EXCEPTIONS. You will be asked to remove your jewelry and piercings before all practices and competitions, regardless of when it was pierced. Bandages over your jewelry and piercings are not permitted. 

   • No nail polish or acrylic nails

     • For safety, nails must be trimmed no longer than the fingertip.

   • No gum, candy, food, or snacks

By adhering to these dress code guidelines, athletes demonstrate professionalism, unity, and respect for the sport and their teammates. Let's represent our program with pride and uphold the standards of excellence both on and off the mat! 

Phones

To ensure a focused and productive practice environment, all athletes are required to adhere to the following guidelines regarding the use of phones and personal belongings during practices and events:

• All athletes are asked to keep their phones stored securely in their bags or designated storage areas during practice and events.

  • All bags and personal belongings should be kept tidy and organized in designated areas provided by the program to prevent tripping hazards.

  • Valuables and personal items should be kept secure to avoid loss or theft.

• Phone usage, including texting, calling, browsing social media, or playing games, is strictly prohibited while on the practice mat or during team activities.

• In case of emergencies or urgent messages, athletes may seek permission from the coaching staff to access their phones.

  • Special circumstances may arise where athletes need access to their phones or personal belongings during practices or events. In these cases, athletes should communicate with the coaching staff and seek permission accordingly. 

  • Coaches will have access to emergency contact information for all athletes in case of unforeseen circumstances or emergencies during practices or events. 

    • It is essential for athletes and parents/guardians to provide up-to-date emergency contact details to ensure their safety and well-being. 

Removing distractions such as phones and personal belongings helps athletes maintain focus, discipline, and concentration during practices and events. Athletes are expected to prioritize their commitment to the team and demonstrate professionalism by refraining from any unnecessary phone use or distractions.

All members of the Livonia Lightning Cheer Club must abide by all rules set forth by Livonia Public Schools.