Lake Norman Charter School Cheerleading Handbook
Purpose and Values
The purpose of the cheerleading team is to be ambassadors of Lake Norman Charter Schools, exhibit Knight pride, and provide support to the Lake Norman Charter community. Cheerleaders are expected to interact, uphold, reflect, and project the goals and ideas of Lake Norman Charter Schools. Cheerleaders at Lake Norman Charter shall promote school spirit at all times and encourage good sportsmanship among students and spectators. Cheerleaders will unify the crowd’s involvement during athletic events by leading in a positive and professional manner. LNC cheerleaders will work to be diversely skilled athletes engaged in cheerleading, tumbling, conditioning, and competitive training. Cheerleaders will improve and build excitement for the overall program. They shall strive to build better relationships and lasting traditions among the overall Lake Norman Charter student body. They shall also play an important role in creating relationships with opposing schools. Cheerleaders will work to uphold the highest personal and athletic standards. Cheerleaders will commit to Lake Norman Charter, the coaches, their teammates, and their own self development for the complete season, making cheerleading among their top priorities. As a representative of LNC, cheerleaders must maintain proper behavior at all times and must follow the guidelines set forth in the Cheerleading Handbook.
Coaches will work to support each cheerleader’s growth into a well-rounded young adult. The focus values of the program include, but are not limited to: leadership, physical fitness, coordination, healthy lifestyle, respect, courtesy, tolerance, self-control, sportsmanship, citizenship, appreciation for athletics, responsibility, patience, and strong communication skills. At LNC we especially hold very high the values of character and moral development through the sport of cheerleading.
Eligibility and Conduct
___ a. If you choose quit cheerleading at any point during the season, or if you are removed from the squad for disciplinary reasons, you will not be permitted to participate in ANY LNC athletics for a full year, including try-outs.
___ b. Every cheerleader is expected to adhere to all federal, state, and local laws, in addition to NCHSAA, school district, and athletic department rules and regulations. Additionally, all cheerleaders in the program are required to abide by all the rules and expectations of the coaching staff.
___ c. Cheerleaders will not use inappropriate language at games, practices, on social media, or while serving as an ambassador for the LNC Community.
___ d. All cheerleaders are expected to arrive at all practices and games with a positive attitude, ready to give their best effort in every endeavor.
___ f. All official cheerleading decisions and activities will be made by the coaching staff.
___ g. Cheerleaders and parents are expected to respect and cooperate with coaching staff. Lack of respect can be grounds for dismissal.
___ h. Consequences by coaching staff are final and are not up for negotiation.
___ i. Food and cell phones should not be out during games or practices.
Confidentiality
___ ___ a. Cheerleaders and parents will not be involved in any matter of disrespect towards any members of the LNC Cheerleading Program or participate in negative gossip or communications (including social media) that adversely affect LNC Cheerleading.
___ ___ b. Cheerleaders and Parents will discuss issues or concerns regarding the program with the coaching staff or athletic department instead of the community. We will work to keep our “family business inside the family.”
___ ___ c. Cheerleaders and Parents will adhere to confidentiality when situations arise and consequences are given. This includes being aware that coaches cannot and will not discuss consequences of other cheerleaders to other parents or athletes.
Communication
___ ___ a. If athletes or parents need to discuss anything with the coaches, please make an appointment via e-mail. The best time for appointments is after practice. All meetings need to be scheduled in advance and with a subject matter explained so that coaches can be fully prepared.
___ ___ b. Communications with coaches is preferred through the [email protected] email address, as well as referencing the http://lncscheer.weebly.com/ page. This allows the entire coaching staff access to all communications and helps ensure consistency in information provided.
___ ___ c. With the goal of preparing your daughter for life beyond Charter and cheer, we expect that the girls are responsible for their schedule and important announcements. We encourage athletes and their parents to challenge themselves in this way, as well.
Attendance
___ a. When an athlete needs to be absent they must complete the attendance form (online). Texting is NOT an appropriate form of communication about absences with a coach. Please notify the coach before the absence or as soon after as possible; only under extreme circumstances will prior notice not be expected.
___ b. It is the responsibility of the cheerleader to make both coaches and parents aware of all absences.
___ c. Should an athlete be injured or ill they are still expected to be at practice and active in cheer related business. (Providing the team feedback, calling cheers, tasks for coaches, etc.)
___ d. In order to be excused from activity (jumps, kicks, conditioning) during practice or games, a doctor’s note is necessary that tells what activity they should be excused from and when they can return to full activity.
___ e. As stated in the Guidelines for Athletes, students must be present half the school day (full 2 class periods) to be eligible for practices and games scheduled for that day.
___ f. The coaches will determine the practice schedule. We will make every effort to get the information and changes out in advance but some circumstances cannot be avoided. It is your responsibility to listen to the announcements and check with your coaches. Please realize that additional practices will be scheduled to prepare for pep rallies, other special events, or if the coaches deem necessary.
___ g. Regular attendance policies apply for playoff games, despite tentative/last minute nature of the tournament schedule. Plan on at least 2 Friday’s after regular season for Football Playoffs (Just Varsity) and plan on 2 weeks after Basketball for Playoff games (JV and Varsity).
___ h. Attendance Policy:
Academics
___ a. Cheerleaders will maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average.
Uniform and Attire
___ a. Uniforms are issued by the school and are property of the LNC Athletic Department. If for at any reason a cheerleader quits or is dismissed, she is expected to return all uniforms/equipment within five days of the termination.
___ b. Washing instructions will be verbally given when uniforms are distributed. At the end of basketball season, uniforms are to be turned in laundered. DO NOT DRY CLEAN YOUR UNIFORMS.
___ c. Do not spray perfume or body sprays on your uniform, it will discolor the garment.
___ d. All altered uniforms must be restored to their original size before being turned in at the end of the cheering season.
___ e. Any damaged or lost uniforms will be replaced by the cheerleader. Failure to return the uniform will also result in being charged.
___ f. A cheerleader may not represent another sport (soccer, track, baseball, etc) while in uniform. If a cheerleader wishes to wear her uniform for an event as a costume (pageant, etc.) she needs to gain coach permission ahead of time.
___ g. For practices, cheerleaders are expected to be in complete practice attire. This requires shorts, sweats, shirt, socks, and athletic shoes. Hair must be pulled back, absolutely NO JEWELRY or nail polish. Poms are required for practices.
___ h. On days of games and performances each team member must wear what is agreed upon and approved by the coaches. Consequences will be assigned based for those that do not participate.
___ i. No jewelry for games, practices, or events. Naval rings, earrings, cartilage earrings, watches, rings, necklaces, etc. will not be worn at ANY time. Naval rings are to be covered at all times with a band-aid for they can catch on fabric and tear the skin. If you are told repeatedly during our season to remove your jewelry, demerits will be assigned. No visible tattoos or body piercing. If you have one of these you will be asked to cover or remove them so they are not noticeable.
___ j. Nails are to be at an active length. If they are not, you will be asked to cut them. **No polish for competitions**
___ k. Game uniform includes shell, body liner, warm up jacket and pants, cheer shoes, white socks, poms, and correct bow.
Transportation
___ a. Your parent is the only one you are allowed to leave a game with, not boyfriends or friends. If for some reason, anyone other than a parent is picking up a cheerleader, please provide the coaches with a note prior to the game.
___ b. Cheerleaders are expected to ride to the game through carpool and or the bus. If we take a bus to a game, you are expected to ride it back to LNC to be respectful to those taking the time to drive you.
Agreement
Coaches reserve the right to make changes/additions to the rules as needed. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns, please respect the following chain of command:
• Squad Coaches
• Athletic Director
• Principal
Purpose and Values
The purpose of the cheerleading team is to be ambassadors of Lake Norman Charter Schools, exhibit Knight pride, and provide support to the Lake Norman Charter community. Cheerleaders are expected to interact, uphold, reflect, and project the goals and ideas of Lake Norman Charter Schools. Cheerleaders at Lake Norman Charter shall promote school spirit at all times and encourage good sportsmanship among students and spectators. Cheerleaders will unify the crowd’s involvement during athletic events by leading in a positive and professional manner. LNC cheerleaders will work to be diversely skilled athletes engaged in cheerleading, tumbling, conditioning, and competitive training. Cheerleaders will improve and build excitement for the overall program. They shall strive to build better relationships and lasting traditions among the overall Lake Norman Charter student body. They shall also play an important role in creating relationships with opposing schools. Cheerleaders will work to uphold the highest personal and athletic standards. Cheerleaders will commit to Lake Norman Charter, the coaches, their teammates, and their own self development for the complete season, making cheerleading among their top priorities. As a representative of LNC, cheerleaders must maintain proper behavior at all times and must follow the guidelines set forth in the Cheerleading Handbook.
Coaches will work to support each cheerleader’s growth into a well-rounded young adult. The focus values of the program include, but are not limited to: leadership, physical fitness, coordination, healthy lifestyle, respect, courtesy, tolerance, self-control, sportsmanship, citizenship, appreciation for athletics, responsibility, patience, and strong communication skills. At LNC we especially hold very high the values of character and moral development through the sport of cheerleading.
Eligibility and Conduct
___ a. If you choose quit cheerleading at any point during the season, or if you are removed from the squad for disciplinary reasons, you will not be permitted to participate in ANY LNC athletics for a full year, including try-outs.
___ b. Every cheerleader is expected to adhere to all federal, state, and local laws, in addition to NCHSAA, school district, and athletic department rules and regulations. Additionally, all cheerleaders in the program are required to abide by all the rules and expectations of the coaching staff.
___ c. Cheerleaders will not use inappropriate language at games, practices, on social media, or while serving as an ambassador for the LNC Community.
___ d. All cheerleaders are expected to arrive at all practices and games with a positive attitude, ready to give their best effort in every endeavor.
___ f. All official cheerleading decisions and activities will be made by the coaching staff.
___ g. Cheerleaders and parents are expected to respect and cooperate with coaching staff. Lack of respect can be grounds for dismissal.
___ h. Consequences by coaching staff are final and are not up for negotiation.
___ i. Food and cell phones should not be out during games or practices.
Confidentiality
___ ___ a. Cheerleaders and parents will not be involved in any matter of disrespect towards any members of the LNC Cheerleading Program or participate in negative gossip or communications (including social media) that adversely affect LNC Cheerleading.
___ ___ b. Cheerleaders and Parents will discuss issues or concerns regarding the program with the coaching staff or athletic department instead of the community. We will work to keep our “family business inside the family.”
___ ___ c. Cheerleaders and Parents will adhere to confidentiality when situations arise and consequences are given. This includes being aware that coaches cannot and will not discuss consequences of other cheerleaders to other parents or athletes.
Communication
___ ___ a. If athletes or parents need to discuss anything with the coaches, please make an appointment via e-mail. The best time for appointments is after practice. All meetings need to be scheduled in advance and with a subject matter explained so that coaches can be fully prepared.
___ ___ b. Communications with coaches is preferred through the [email protected] email address, as well as referencing the http://lncscheer.weebly.com/ page. This allows the entire coaching staff access to all communications and helps ensure consistency in information provided.
___ ___ c. With the goal of preparing your daughter for life beyond Charter and cheer, we expect that the girls are responsible for their schedule and important announcements. We encourage athletes and their parents to challenge themselves in this way, as well.
Attendance
___ a. When an athlete needs to be absent they must complete the attendance form (online). Texting is NOT an appropriate form of communication about absences with a coach. Please notify the coach before the absence or as soon after as possible; only under extreme circumstances will prior notice not be expected.
___ b. It is the responsibility of the cheerleader to make both coaches and parents aware of all absences.
___ c. Should an athlete be injured or ill they are still expected to be at practice and active in cheer related business. (Providing the team feedback, calling cheers, tasks for coaches, etc.)
___ d. In order to be excused from activity (jumps, kicks, conditioning) during practice or games, a doctor’s note is necessary that tells what activity they should be excused from and when they can return to full activity.
___ e. As stated in the Guidelines for Athletes, students must be present half the school day (full 2 class periods) to be eligible for practices and games scheduled for that day.
___ f. The coaches will determine the practice schedule. We will make every effort to get the information and changes out in advance but some circumstances cannot be avoided. It is your responsibility to listen to the announcements and check with your coaches. Please realize that additional practices will be scheduled to prepare for pep rallies, other special events, or if the coaches deem necessary.
___ g. Regular attendance policies apply for playoff games, despite tentative/last minute nature of the tournament schedule. Plan on at least 2 Friday’s after regular season for Football Playoffs (Just Varsity) and plan on 2 weeks after Basketball for Playoff games (JV and Varsity).
___ h. Attendance Policy:
- Absent for the practice -No stunting, quarter cheers, or halftime for the following game and benched for the first quarter of the game
- Absent 1 Game- Benched the next game
- Arriving late to a game-benched the first quarter
- If attendance is a reoccurring problem for any cheerleader, the coaches will conference with the cheerleader and parent to determine next steps. Should the problem persist, the cheerleader could be removed from the squad.
Academics
___ a. Cheerleaders will maintain a minimum of a 2.0 grade point average.
Uniform and Attire
___ a. Uniforms are issued by the school and are property of the LNC Athletic Department. If for at any reason a cheerleader quits or is dismissed, she is expected to return all uniforms/equipment within five days of the termination.
___ b. Washing instructions will be verbally given when uniforms are distributed. At the end of basketball season, uniforms are to be turned in laundered. DO NOT DRY CLEAN YOUR UNIFORMS.
___ c. Do not spray perfume or body sprays on your uniform, it will discolor the garment.
___ d. All altered uniforms must be restored to their original size before being turned in at the end of the cheering season.
___ e. Any damaged or lost uniforms will be replaced by the cheerleader. Failure to return the uniform will also result in being charged.
___ f. A cheerleader may not represent another sport (soccer, track, baseball, etc) while in uniform. If a cheerleader wishes to wear her uniform for an event as a costume (pageant, etc.) she needs to gain coach permission ahead of time.
___ g. For practices, cheerleaders are expected to be in complete practice attire. This requires shorts, sweats, shirt, socks, and athletic shoes. Hair must be pulled back, absolutely NO JEWELRY or nail polish. Poms are required for practices.
___ h. On days of games and performances each team member must wear what is agreed upon and approved by the coaches. Consequences will be assigned based for those that do not participate.
___ i. No jewelry for games, practices, or events. Naval rings, earrings, cartilage earrings, watches, rings, necklaces, etc. will not be worn at ANY time. Naval rings are to be covered at all times with a band-aid for they can catch on fabric and tear the skin. If you are told repeatedly during our season to remove your jewelry, demerits will be assigned. No visible tattoos or body piercing. If you have one of these you will be asked to cover or remove them so they are not noticeable.
___ j. Nails are to be at an active length. If they are not, you will be asked to cut them. **No polish for competitions**
___ k. Game uniform includes shell, body liner, warm up jacket and pants, cheer shoes, white socks, poms, and correct bow.
Transportation
___ a. Your parent is the only one you are allowed to leave a game with, not boyfriends or friends. If for some reason, anyone other than a parent is picking up a cheerleader, please provide the coaches with a note prior to the game.
___ b. Cheerleaders are expected to ride to the game through carpool and or the bus. If we take a bus to a game, you are expected to ride it back to LNC to be respectful to those taking the time to drive you.
Agreement
Coaches reserve the right to make changes/additions to the rules as needed. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns, please respect the following chain of command:
• Squad Coaches
• Athletic Director
• Principal