MUSKIE CHEERFall 2013

How to create…

THE PERFECT CHEER SQUAD

* ACCOUNTABILITY/INTEGRITY

* HARD WORK/DEDICATION

* SUPPORT

* SQUAD COHESIVENESS

ACCOUNTABILITY/INTEGRITY

RULES – Following the rules at all times is essential. This includes the S.S. rules plus cheerleader specific rules and all ICCA rules.Parent Contact for all absences

No School, No Participation

Coach determines participation

Get missed material on your own time

ISS = Missed Game

Not all absences will be excused. Unexcused absences will not be tolerated.ICCA rules are to be followed at ALL TIMES, even when we aren’t stunting.If you are sitting out you cheer with your team in uniform.

ACCOUNTABILITY/INTEGRITY

FACT FILES – All rule violations will be entered into a fact file to help keep track of each cheerleader. These will include both positive and negative.

ACCOUNTABILITY/INTEGRITY

SCHEDULE – Each cheerleader is responsible for their own schedule. Vacation request forms should be filled out ASAP.

April – Full Team: Tuesday 30th. Spirit Training 5-7pm

May – Full Team: Tuesday ‘s 5-6pm J.V. Only: Thursday’s 5-6pm Varsity Only: Friday’s 5-6pm

June – Full Team: Monday & Wednesday Nights TumblingFull Team: Tuesday’s 5-7pmJ.V. Only: Thursday’s 5-7pmVarsity Only: Friday’s 5-7pmFREE WEEK: June 9-15th (Tumbling still in session)Saturday June 1st Relay for LifeSaturday June 8th Race for the Cure

SUMMER SCHEDULE

July –Mon. July 1st Parade Practice 5-7, Tumbling (MHS) 7:00-7:45pmTues. July 2nd Parade Practice 5-7pmWed. July 3rd Parade Practice 5-7pmThurs. July 4th 4th of July ParadeMon. July 8th Tumbling (MHS) 7:00-7:45pmTues. July 9th Camp Conditioning 5-7pmThurs. July 11th-Sun. July 14th UCA Summer CampFREE WEEK July 15th-20th

Mon. July 22nd Tumbling (MHS) 7:00-7:45pmTuesday July 23rd Parade Material 5-7pmFriday July 26th Parade Material 5-7pmSaturday July 27th Great River Days ParadeMon. July 29th Tumbling (MHS) 7:00-7:45pm J.V. Only Game Day Preparation Clinics Mon-Wed-Fri July 29th-31st-Aug. 2nd. Game day preparation 5-7pmVarsity Competition MaterialTuesday July 30th & Friday Aug. 2nd. 9am-Noon & 1-4pm

SUMMER SCHEDULE

ACCOUNTABILITY/INTEGRITY

IMAGE – How are you representing your community? Your school? Your squad? Yourself? How do you act at school? In public? On social media?

ACCOUNTABILITY/INTEGRITY

ACADEMICS - A teammate’s #1 priority should be her schoolwork. This means passing all classes and holding a 2.5 GPA.

HARD WORK/DEDICATION

TIME COMMITMENT – Look over the Summer Schedule. Fall Cheerleaders are involved in practices, games, special appearances, community service and fundraisers May-November.

TRAINING/PRACTICES – This includes camp, good spotting techniques, stunt progressions, and a team emergency plan. Practices include a detailed daily practice plan.

HARD WORK/DEDICATION

GOALS – Each squad will set group and individual goals which will be evaluated monthly.

HARD WORK/DEDICATION

Junior Varsity: Great Sideline Cheerleaders. Build the

basics and a love of cheerleading

Varsity: Achieve high levels of success in each area

of cheerleading. Improve overall skill level.Compete in one or more divisions at state

competition4th place or higher in the timeout divisionAnd/or top half of 4A division in 2 ½ minute

routine

CONFIDENCE – It is important to be a confident cheerleader and a confident person. We will work on self esteem to improve confidence for games.

HARD WORK/DEDICATION

*** Save the Date: Tuesday April 30th 5-7pm

POSITIVE MINDSET – Practices, games and events are more fun and productive when you start out with a positive attitude.

HARD WORK/DEDICATION

SUPPORTCOACHES/COORDINATOR – Your coaches and spirit coordinator are certified in coaching , cheerleading and first aid and are always looking for ways to self improve.

Iowa Cheerleading Coaches AssociationStunt Progressions CertificationFree Cheerleader ClinicState Competition & Other State Events

Concussion Prevention

New Injury Policy

Tumbling Training

TEACHERS/STAFF/ADMINISTRATION – Your administration supports the efforts of the Spirit Squad Program and help the coaching staff be the best they can be.

SUPPORT

Ambitious Appreciative Attentive BrightBubbly

Caring Cautious Charismatic Cheerful CommittedCompassionate Competent Confident Conscientious

Considerate Consistent Cooperative Dedicated Dependable Determined Driven Easy Going Energetic Enthusiastic Excellent Friendly

Fun Funn Goal Oriented Good Worker Happy Hard Worker Helpful High Energy High Expectations Honest IntelligentInterested Kind Leader Level Headed Livel Loud Loyal Mature Motivated Neat Nice Organized Outgoing Participator Passionate Perseverance Pleasant Polite Positive Problem Solver Quiet Relaxed Reliable Respectful Responsible Self Controlled Sincere Smart Social Soft Spoken Spark Spirited Studious Sweet Talented Teachable Team Player Thoughtful Timely Trustworthy Upbeat Vibrant Vivacious Well Behave

PARENTS/GUARDIANS –Parents and guardians are an important part of the Spirit Program. Parents can help by volunteering with fundraisers and supporting their child in the stands in a positive way. They can also help by supporting the efforts of the coaching staff. Suggestions…..

SUPPORT

Be positive in the standsBe positive about the experienceNo quit attitudeHelp avoid drama

Transportation

Support Teammates

At home conditioning/health

Call coach when appropriate

Encourage fundraising

Chain of Command

MUSKIE ATHLETIC BOOSTERS – The MHS athletic boosters run all concessions during athletic events. The money earned during these events is divided among all athletic groups and activity programs.

SUPPORT

FANS/COMMUNITY/PUBLIC – The Muscatine Community is a very generous community who is eager to help the cheerleaders reach their financial goals.

SUPPORT

SQUAD COHESIVENESSSQUAD BONDING – We do a number of

squad bonding games throughout the season and at camp. These activities help bring the team closer together.

SQUAD COHESIVENESSTEAMWORK – There are times when teamwork is the only way to accomplish a goal. You are only as strong as your weakest link.

SQUAD COHESIVENESSLEADERSHIP ROLES – Each cheerleader will be given a season long responsibility that will help out the team. These duties will not be taken on by the coach. However, the coach will help with suggesting ideas if needed.

Competition Leader

Communication Leader

Warm Up Leader

Stretching Leader

Conditioning Leader

Community Relations LeaderSpirit Leader

Homecoming Leader

Home Game Leader

Away Game Leader

SQUAD COHESIVENESSOUTSIDE CHEER INTERACTION – You don’t need to be best friends but you need to be a tight knit “Cheer-munity”.

The 2013 Cheer Squads will be…

Crowd Leaders

Award winners

Friendly & Supportive

Respected by others

Academically Successful

Enthusiastic & EntertainingGoal Oriented

Confident

Role Models

Organized & Well Prepared

PERFECT !!!!!

Hard Working Well Trained

TEAM FEESVarsity: $30.00Junior Varsity: $20.00

What does this cover?

Shipping Expenses

Team Fees

Transportation

Team Meals

Awards

Universal Cheerleaders Association Resort Camp

Coralville Iowa MariottThursday July 11th-Sunday July 14th

WHY SHOULD EVERYONE GO TO THIS CAMP?

* Great training from the best instructors around.

* Close to home. No busing fees

* Air Conditioning!!! All the luxuries of a hotel.

* Learn material you will use all season. You will be behind if you don’t attend.

* Team bonding is best away from home

* Scope out the competition AND/OR network with other schools.

Tumbling Session 1Parks and Recreation

Monday June 3rd, Wednesday June 5th

Monday June 10th, Wednesday June 12th

Monday June 17th , Wednesday June 19th

Monday June 24th, Wednesday June 26th

These classes are required for cheerleaders with less than a Round Off Back Handspring. All others with advanced tumbling should be signed up with a once a week tumbling class at the gym of their choice.

*** There is a class at P&R currently in session if you would like to see if you can sign up late.

NEW MATERIAL!!!

NEW CUSTOM BOWS!!!

M

VARSITY

M

J.V.

Front & Back Design

Cheerleader Names on Back

Outdoor Accessories Package

Head/Ear Warmer

Black Knit Gloves

NEW 2013!

NEW OPTIONAL ITEM!!!

Parent Shirt Design TBD

Poms

Yard Signs & Window Clings

FUNDRAISINGImprovements have been made to the booster club, but parent support is still crucial.

It is EACH cheerleaders RESPONSIBILITY to fundraise.

There will be a goal set for each fundraiser. This is set to cover expenses we know we will have during the season. If you don’t fundraise you will be responsible for coving the item we are fundraising for out of pocket.

COMMUNICATION

Phone Tree

Facebook“Muskie Cheer” (Closed & Public)“Muskie Spirit Squads”

Twitter@MuscatineCheer@MHSSpiritSquad

E-mailmuskiespiritcoordinator@gmail.commuskiecheercoach@gmail.com

Newsletter?

See our new Business Cards!!!

MissionTo promote Muscatine High School and its athletic teams by increasing school spirit and awareness and provide entertainment at sporting events. Additionally, as with any athletic team, the Spirit Squads make it a priority to increase self-esteem in its members, promote consistent academic performance and encourage leadership qualities and lifelong social skills.

Priorities- A member’s first responsibility is her academics.

- The primary function of the Spirit Squad is to effectively execute a school spirit program that supports the athletic teams and promote the school itself.

- A high school spirit squad, has the responsibility to uphold and reflect the goals and ideals of its school community.

- To represent MHS at Iowa State Dance/Drill Team Association (ISDTA), Iowa Cheerleading Coach’s Association (ICCA) and any Iowa High School Athletic Association (IHSAA) events as well as all other performances and competitions.

Financial Responsibly

- Resale items are the responsibility of the individual member.Resale items will become the property of the team member, once payment is made. Resale items include: Shoes, Briefs, Bag, tee-shirt, misc.

- Uniforms are not a resale item.

- Financial support is available.

- If fundraising requirements are not met individuals will be asked to pay out of pocket.

Attendance and Practice Policy

- Attendance is the key to success.

- All team members are expected to be at all scheduled events and practices

- Each team member is responsible to make up any missed material

- Attendance Policy:“To be on time is to be early,to be on time is to be late,and to be late is letting yourself and your teammates down.”

- Spirit Squad members must have a parent notify the coach if they cannot attend a practice, whether it is excused or unexcused. If you know you are going to be absent from practice, your parent must call the coach before practice starts. If you call afterwards, you will be considered unexcused. The coach holds the right to double check on attendance and confirm with a parent at any time if the reason for the absence is questionable. Do not expect the school or captain to contact the coach for you.

- Each member is allowed 3 excused absences per season. Any absence after 3 will be considered unexcused and will result is suspension from one game/competition or other spirit event.

- Attendance will be taken at every scheduled event, including practice.

- Missing the practice the day of or the last practice before a performance/competition will result in the team member being unable to perform/compete.

- Any member who is ill, but not going to be absent from school, on a day we meet for practice is still required to attend. Members may sit and watch or take notes.

- If you have to leave early from practice, you must inform the coach prior to the start of practice. Preferably, the practice prior to, or earlier if possible. Failure to do so will result in absence and possible further repercussions.

- During the week of a performance/game, you must attend practice the entire week. Missing one practice is crucial and the coach can choose to pull you from that week’s performance/game.

- If you are absent, it is your responsibility to get the information from that practice such as handouts, schedule changes and material missed if you wish to perform/cheer. Material will NOT be taught to those who miss practice, it will be up to you to get with another member outside of practice to catch up.

- If you are injured you must provide a doctor’s note excusing you from practice. Upon your return, in order to continue practice, you must bring in a doctor’s note allowing you to practice.

- Serving an In School Suspension (ISS) during the season will result in a missed performance from the closest performance.

- Only the coach can cancel practice

- Practice clothes will consist of a white t-shirt and black shorts or pants.

- During practices the same rules apply as they would during a game. This includes all ICCA rules.

- All cheerleaders must be “Ready to Go” 30 minutes prior to a game/event. Example: The game starts at 5:00pm. Cheerleaders must be ready to go by 4:30pm. “Ready to Go” means hair up, warm ups off, make up done, food eaten, poms in hand, gum out, etc…

- If you are absent or leave school early you will not be allowed to participate in any cheerleading activity for the remainder of the day. If you leave early or are absent for medical reasons a doctor’s note must be given to coach in order to participate.

- Absences from practices/events for normal everyday activities are NOT acceptable. These include but are not limited to: hair appointments, dates, family dinners, dance classes, etc…

- Unexcused absences from practice/event will not be tolerated and will result in the cheerleader sitting out the next full game/event. Unexcused means no parents contact. More than one unexcused absence will result in the cheerleader meeting with the coach and coordinator to discuss removal from the squad.

Performances- For all performances, assemblies, and other scheduled events involving a

performance from the dance team, all hair will be consistent among the entire team. The coach determines the style.For safety reasons, no glitter, jewelry, gum. All nails must be painted clear or no polish.

- For all practices, all hair is to be up, away from the face, and not distracting.

- The coach determines all decisions about makeup and accessories. No extras are to be added without permission.

- Gum is not allowed in practice or during a performance.·

- Uniforms are property of MHS and will be inventoried at the beginning and end of the season. All uniforms will be selected by coaches.

- Failure to wear the uniform as directed by the coach will result in the member not performing.

- Uniforms will not be worn on game days.

- All I.C.C.A. rules must be followed AT ALL TIMES. (See ICCA hair rules)

- Hair should be pulled back away from face and above shoulders at all practices, events and games

- No Jewelry at games practices or events.

- Fingernails should not be visible when looking at the palm of your hand.

- No acrylic nails.

- Fingernail polish must be an appropriate color (natural colors) and should be a fresh coat (not chipped).

- Hair should not be dyed more than 2 shades from its original color.

- No visible tattoos.

- No new piercings during the cheer season. All jewelry must be taken out every time.

Practice and/or Performance Eligibility

The coach has the right to suspend a team member from a performance if she feels the team member has missed too many practices, does not have proper knowledge of the routine, or does not have the proper attire. If suspension occurs, the team member must still attend the event and in most cases, dress and perform the school song and/or sidelines. Final decisions are at the discretion of the coach. Similar to varsity level athletics, membership on the team is not a guarantee of performance. All members will have to meet the standard set by the coach.

Academic Policy- Academic excellence is a trait the Muskie Spirit Squads

strive for.

- All dance team members are to be passing all academic classes including Driver’s Ed and Physical Education classes. Any member receiving a failing grade will be suspended until grade improvement with consent of the administration. The suspension will be three performances, unless proof of passing is presented.

- Grades will be checked by the Spirit Coordinator every six weeks.

Code of Behavior- No conduct, during or outside of school, which would reflect discredit upon the team and or the school is condoned. This will result in immediate reprimand and possible dismissal at the discretion of the coach with the consent of the administration.

- Team members must consider that they represent the team within the community. Inappropriate videos, photos, or public comments will result in consultation with the coaches and administration and will result in suspension or dismissal from the squad.

- All team members are expected to follow the conduct policies of MHS.

- All team members will adhere to the Good Conduct Policy (Board Policy 502.4)

- Zero tolerance policy on bullying.

The success of the spirit squads, requires that all members cooperate with each

other and abide by policies, regulations and guidelines.

Team work involves everyone.If we enjoy what we do, we will be

successful.If we do not enjoy what we do, we will

not succeed.Loving our work makes the difference.