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Cheerleading Guidelines




Queens University of Charlotte Royals Cheerleading
Program Guidelines
 
Introduction
These guidelines are provided to inform cheerleaders of the expectations of participating in the cheerleading program at Queens University of Charlotte (QUOC). Persons selected for participation on the cheerleading squad must be in agreement with and adhere to these guidelines during their tenure on the squad. These guidelines are as follows:
 
I. Purpose
            The QUOC Cheerleaders shall dedicate themselves to the following:
1)      Providing for support for athletic teams during competitions
2)      Leading the crowd in appropriate, sportsmanlike cheering for athletic teams, and in doing so, improving student/fan/athlete morale and excitement
3)      Developing and promoting loyalty to and pride in Queens University of Charlotte
4)      Developing and promoting the cheerleading program in such ways as to garner respect from students/fans/administration, as well as establish ourselves as an organization worthy of athletic recognition
5)      Participating in various Queens and community events to gain opportunities for positive exposure for the program
6)      Participating in fundraising opportunities as appropriate to support the cheerleading program
 
II. Organizational Structure
            The QUOC cheerleading program is an athletic team. In order to be a successful Queens cheerleader, the students’ first priority shall be to academics. The cheerleading program shall take precedence over all other student activities/obligations. QUOC cheerleaders will be subject to the same random drug testing as all other athletes, as well as being held to the successful passing of a physical examination prior to the start of any athletic activity.
 
            The QUOC cheerleaders shall be comprised of a Co-ed squad (or All-Girl when no males participate) and a mascot. The squad shall be comprised of 16-20 females and/or males. The squad members will cheer for men’s and women’s home basketball games (including all tournaments where our presence is required/requested). The team will only travel to tournament games, unless otherwise instructed as decided by the coach. There will be times when the team’s presence is requested at Queens or outside community events; all requests will be considered and accepted at the coach’s discretion. Attendance at all assigned events, athletic contests, practices, fundraisers, etc. are mandatory for all members. Traveling to away games is a privilege. At times, when the squad is asked to attend away events, including tournaments, the squad may be limited by disciplinary actions and/or budget considerations; and there may be occasions when a full squad is not able to travel.
 
The mascot program will consist of 2-3 students. Between these 2-3 students every home men’s and women’s basketball game/event, community event, or other athletic contests where their presence is requested will be attended by a mascot.
 
Try-outs and an evaluation (handled through reference checks and an interview following try-outs) by the coach and judges are considered when accepting new members to the program. Try-outs for the cheerleading squad are held during the spring semester. Try-outs for the mascot positions will be held at the beginning of the fall semester. It may be necessary to hold an additional try-out for the cheerleading squad at the beginning of the fall semester; this decision will be at the discretion of the coach.
 
The coaching staff will consist of one head coach and (a minimum of) one assistant coach. The head coach is responsible for the:
1) Organization and oversight of all aspects of the QUOC cheerleading and  
      mascot program
2) Supervision of the cheerleaders/mascot(s) during athletic and special events
3) Enforcement of the standards and expectations set forth in this document
4) Provide instruction in the fundamentals and techniques of 
     cheerleading/stunting
5)      Coordination of summer camps, stunt clinics, and cheerleading workshops
6)      Communication with appropriate University offices
7)      Administration and monitoring of all applicable budgets
The Queens University of Charlotte athletic department administration supervises the coach of the cheerleading program.
 
III. Academic Expectations
 
            All members of the cheerleading program are required to maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA, based on a 4.0 GPA scale. At both, the mid-term and end of a semester, the cheerleaders/mascots will meet with a member of the coaching staff to discuss the student’s academic progress and eligibility for the following semester.  If a member’s GPA falls below the required minimum, they will be academically ineligible to participate during the following semester.
 
IV. Rules and Regulations
 
Try-Outs
  1. Anyone wishing to participate in try-outs during the spring semester shall:
    1. Attend mandatory clinics
    2. Have a 2.0 cumulative GPA (for returning students), or be a new student approved for regular admission
  2. Only with special permission from the coach can an individual try-out for a cheerleading or mascot position after being removed or having left a position previously.
  3. 16-20 females and/or males will be chosen at spring try-outs. 2-3 mascots will be chosen at a fall try-out.
  4. An individual is ineligible for participation in the program after having been on the squad for a total of five years. If transferring from another institution, eligibility will be based on time participating in the QUOC cheerleading program.
  5. The QUOC cheerleading program is a competitive and time-consuming sport. Individuals who have other serious commitments, including significantly time-consuming academic programs, are strongly encouraged to discuss these commitments with the coach prior to trying out for the squad.     
  6. Squad members are required to work as a team.
 
General
  1. Cheerleaders and mascots shall:
    1. Enroll in a full-time course load (minimum of 12 hours) throughout both the fall and spring semesters
    2. Maintain a 2.0 cumulative GPA
    3. Remain in good standing with Queens University of Charlotte
  2. The coach will select a captain or co-captains for the team.
  3. All members in good standing, who have been on the team for at least one year, will be eligible for the position of captain or co-captain.
  4. Uniforms, poms, and bags are the property of QUOC, but they are the responsibility of the team members. If the uniform, poms, or bag is damaged or lost, the cheerleader will responsible for financing a replacement.
  5. Team members will take turns cleaning the uniforms throughout the season.
  6. No public displays of affection will be tolerated during scheduled events or while traveling with the team.
  7. No food is allowed during scheduled events unless provided for the entire squad.
  8. No gum or jewelry is permitted at any scheduled event.
  9. Individuals who do not meet the aforementioned criteria will have any scholarship awards revoked and lose their position as a member of the program.
 
Meetings, Practices, and Work-outs
  1. Cheerleaders:
    1. Must not practice as a squad without a coach
    2. Must attend all meetings/practices/workouts scheduled by the coach (one unexcused absence, or two excused absences within a week removes an individual from the following game’s line up)
    3. Must notify the coach and captain as soon as possible with a legitimate reason for missing a scheduled meeting/practice/work-out (approved reasons: death in the family, illness, academic field trip; proof of conflict is required)
    4. May not consume alcoholic beverages or nicotine products before or during meetings/practices/work-outs
    5.  May only perform approved stunts during games or special events (Note: Approved Stunts=stunts that have been successfully completed 7 consecutive times)
    6. Must cooperate with captains and other team members to ensure team improvement
    7. Must be responsible for concentrating on personal improvement through establishing personal goals, accepting and applying constructive criticism, and dedicating extra time outside of practices/work-outs to master team material
  2. Members of the team and the coaching staff are the only individuals permitted at meetings/practices/work-outs; unless otherwise invited by the coach
  3. Individuals who do not meet the aforementioned criteria will have any scholarship awards reduced and will face removal from the team if negative behavior is perpetuated.
 
 
Games, Competitions, and Special Events
  1. Cheerleaders and Mascots:
    1. Must attend all scheduled games, competitions, and special events
    2. Must arrive 60 minutes prior to the start of the game; unless otherwise decided by the coach
    3. Must not consume alcoholic beverages or nicotine products for 24 hours before or during a scheduled event
    4. Must perform only approved stunts (disciplinary action for the stunt group will result from the attempt of unapproved stunts during a game, competition, or special event)
    5. Must conform to the appearance standards set by the coach
    6. When traveling as a team, all members must arrive 15 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time in appropriate travel attire (team warm-up)
  2. In addition to games and special events, this team will compete. Possible competitions include, but are not limited to, UCA, NCA, Athletic Cheerleading Championships, CheerSport, Americheer, and COA.
 
Travel
  1. Travel privileges are based on adherence to all University and team policies, and budgetary restrictions.
  2. The squad, or a portion thereof, will travel with the coaching staff as representatives of Queens University of Charlotte.
  3. All travel will be as a group. No exceptions.
  4. Final authority of all decisions made while traveling shall rest with the coach.
  5. An itinerary will be prepared and given to each team member prior to the departure date. The itinerary will include time/date of departure, time/date of arrival, necessary telephone numbers and addresses, and appearance requirements while traveling.
  6. All members are expected to adhere to established itineraries.
  7. The decision of who will be permitted to travel to a specific event will rest with the coach, and will be decided in a timely manner.
  8. Any team member who exhibits behavior unbecoming of a member of the Queens University of Charlotte community will immediately return to campus, and forfeit their position on the team. This behavior is outlined as:
    1. Unruly
    2. Harsh language
    3. Discordant
    4. Rude
    5. Rowdy
    6. Violent
 
V. Insurance
      
       1.   Personal insurance is recommended (being on a parent/guardian’s insurance is
             considered ‘personal insurance’).
       2.   If a cheerleader has opted to use the University sponsored insurance from the
             Health and Wellness Center, an additional policy is required per NCAA policies.
             (This additional policy costs $880.)
  1. A clearance packet to file all necessary insurance forms with the Athletic
Training Office is located on the University’s web site. The directions to access     this site are as follows:
 
    1. visit www.queens.edu
    2. click on ‘Athletics’
    3. click on ‘Athletic Training Links’
  1. Each member will need to download, print, and complete all forms in their entirety and return them to the Athletic Training Office prior to the start of the season. Failure to do so will result in that individual’s removal from the team.
 
VI. Physical Qualifications and Safety
 
  1. Cheerleading is a strenuous and physically demanding activity. The QUOC cheerleading program is committed to promoting and fostering healthy lifestyles and eating habits for our team members. Conduct which opposes this philosophy and/or conduct which poses unacceptable risk and disregard for the health, safety, and welfare of participants is in direct violation of this policy and will result in appropriate counseling and/or disciplinary action up to and including being removed from the squad.
  2. Body piercings are dangerous to both the individual and fellow team members, and will not be allowed during games or practices.  
  3. The nature of cheerleading activities, particularly stunting, demands certain physical requirements. Bases and spotters must have sufficient body strength and control to safely secure a stunt group. Flyers must have significant body control and awareness to safely and effectively execute tricks within a stunt group.
  4. For safety purposes, unannounced physical assessments may be conducted by the coach or trainer during the season.
  5. Team members who acknowledge an eating disorder will be suspended from performance (games and practices) and referred to the Health and Wellness Center for evaluation. A team member may only return to performance status after obtaining written approval from a physician.
  6. The increased athletic demands on cheerleaders have resulted in increased concern for the safety of cheerleaders while participating in their sport. Cheerleaders are put on notice that improper conduct of cheerleading activity may result in catastrophic injury, paralysis, and even death. In becoming a participant in this program, a cheerleader voluntarily assumes the risk involved with cheerleading practices, games, and special events.  
 
VII. Resolution of Conflicts
 
  1. Conflicts between squad members:
    1. Disputes among squad members must first be resolved between the squad members involved in the conflict. If an impasse still exists, either individual may request assistance from the team captain or co-captains in resolving the issue. If the matter still persists the coach will intervene to resolve the conflict.
  2. Conflicts between the squad and the coach:
    1. Disputes that exist between the squad members and the coach should be resolved among the parties involved. If resolution is not achieved, the coach will arrange a meeting with the parties involved and the Athletic Director.
 
 
 
 
VIII. Disciplinary Action
 
  1. Tardiness
    1. Practice-team member will run one mile at the conclusion of practice
    2. Game-team member will run two miles at the conclusion of the following practice.  
    3. Special Events/Departure Times-team member will run one mile at the conclusion of the following practice
  2. Absences-Practices/Work-outs
    1. Unexcused-one unexcused absence of either practice or team work-out within a practice week will remove the individual from the following game’s line up
    2. Excused-two excused absences of either practice or team work-out, or both, will remove the individual from the following game’s line up
  3. Games
    1. An unexcused absence from a game will require that squad member to be at the following game and assist the coach in game day responsibilities. The cheerleader will not cheer at that game.
 
Participation in this program requires an understanding and a commitment to the guidelines and policies of the program. Failure to comply with the aforementioned standards and expectations will result in the above disciplinary action(s) and could lead to expulsion from the team.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
By signing the line below, you indicate that you have read, understand and agree to dhere to the rules, regulations, and policies contained within this document. Any violation of the aforementioned rules, regulations, and policies will result in disciplinary action, including the possibility of expulsion from the team.
 
 
To be considered for membership to the QUOC cheerleading program, the lower portion of this page must be returned JUNE 1, 2008 to:
 
Lori Townsend, Cheerleading Coach
Queens University of Charlotte
1900 Selwyn Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28274
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Detach and return.
___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___
 
 
I have read, understand, and agree to adhere to the rules, regulations, and policies contained within this document as requirements for membership to the QUOC cheerleading program.
 
Signed_____________________________________________________________
 
Printed Name________________________________________________________
 
Date_______________________
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