Program     Information

Table of Contents
Program Overview: Educational Value/Mission/Purpose page 1
Rules and Regulations page 2
Section A: Participation and Eligibility page 2
Section B: Commitment page 2
Section C: Conduct page 3
Section D: Behavior and Attitude page 4
Section E: Attendance Policy page 4
Section F: Attire, Uniforms, Equipment & Grooming Policies page 6
Section G: Transportation Information page 7
Section H: Safety page 8
Section I: Community Service Projects page 8
Section J: Awards Banquet page 8
Section K. Cheer Booster page 8
Educational Value to Carlsbad High School
Membership on the Lancer Cheer Team offers a unique opportunity for personal growth, leadership, and
involvement in diverse activities. The attitude, dedication, and enthusiasm of the squad members are just as
important as the skills involved in cheerleading. Members of the cheer squad are committed to the highest level
of athleticism, performance, self-discipline, respect for the school and others, personal exemplary conduct and
the performance of all responsibilities related to the pursuit of school spirit and pride. Furthermore, cheerleaders
demonstrate a proven ability to balance academic requirements and demands with extra-curricular and personal
activities.
Our Mission
Carlsbad High School Cheer Program?s mission is to develop a sound cohesive cheerleading program, which
will be a leading example for other schools. By maintaining program integrity and continuity, while creating a
professional, safety-conscience environment, student?s can learn and progress in their cheerleading skills and
abilities, while being exposed to the development of leadership and life skills. We adhere to ensuring equal
opportunity to all students without regard to gender, race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry or
economic capability.
Our Purpose
The purpose of Carlsbad High School?s cheer program is two fold. Primarily, cheerleading serves as a support
system for our sports programs including but not limited to football, in the fall and basketball in the winter.
While emphasizing the ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, integrity, accountability, and fair play,
cheerleaders will perform at all games including CIF playoffs & final championships. Secondarily, the cheer
program is responsible for Lancer school spirit beyond sports. This is accomplished through supporting
ASB/school activities and community awareness as school representatives/ambassadors to the community at
large, which is achieved through a variety of community service activities.
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Text Box:
* Rules and Regulations *
Cheerleaders understand that teamwork and the maintenance of discipline are main components to the success
of the cheer program. Cheerleaders are dedicated to promoting spirit, enthusiasm, and a positive winning
attitude through example. Adherence to the Cheer Program Rules and Regulations is vital to achieving these
goals. All members realize that the manner in which they conduct themselves, in or out of uniform, directly
reflects on the entire team and school.
It is recognized that these rules and regulations are necessary to maintain squad morale, squad and individual
discipline, and effective learning. Consistent enforcement of rules and regulations is also necessary to ensure
the safety and general well-being of each individual cheerleader.
Section A. Participation and Eligibility
1. CHS Cheer is considered an athletic activity and a cheerleader must meet the eligibility criteria for
athletes under the CIF rules.
2. Academics are important. A cheerleader must maintain a 2.0 grade point average on a four point scale to
be academically eligible and must be enrolled in a minimum of six classes unless otherwise excused.
3. Cheerleaders must maintain good citizenship, attendance, class performance and teacher
recommendations during the time on the squad and for try-outs.
4. CHEERLEADERS MUST MAINTAIN ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY AT ALL TIMES, or they will
be subject to academic probation or possible dismissal from the squad. Students must be academically
eligible at the time of the tryouts based on the grade point average of the last grading period prior to
the tryouts. (Grading periods at Carlsbad High School are 6-7 weeks in length.)
5. Cheerleaders will not be allowed to participate at any level, until the signed cheer contract is turned in to
the advisor, physical exam/athletic eligibility form is completed and on file in the school office. (The
school will provide an opportunity for students to receive a medical exam on campus at a cost of
$20.00.)
6. Cheerleaders may not have outstanding school debts.
7. All practices and games are mandatory.
8. Participation in specific community service projects related to the cheer program is required.
Section B. Commitment
Being a Lancer Cheerleader is a voluntary commitment of time, energy and effort. It is an honor and privilege
to be a Lancer Cheerleader, not a right. Accepting this position requires a 100% commitment to make CHS
Lancer Cheer a first priority over other sports or extra curricular activities during cheer season, which runs for
fall and winter sports. Any other activity may not conflict with participation in the cheer program including
practices, games, related cheer/school activities and community service/awareness events. Extra curricular
activities can enhance and offer new experiences for students and are encouraged. However, due to the time
constraints the cheer program works within, students may want to consider these outside activities after the
cheer season.
Time Involvement:
.. Team members will attend all practices (Times to be set by the advisor.)
.. Team members will cheer at all games.
.. UCA Cheer Camp at UCLA
.. Team members will attend student body activities.
.. Team members will be involved in all community service/awareness activities as required by the
program.
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(Section B. Commitment continued)
.. Varsity Cheerleaders are required to volunteer with Carlsbad Pop Warner cheer/football teams, as part
of the program?s community service projects. (The amount of time commitment will be determined by
the student.)
.. Team members will host a junior cheer clinic (should this come about).
.. Team members & Parents are asked to participant in all fundraising activities.
.. Parents are asked to work in the snack bar or spirit booth a minimum of three shifts per cheerleader.
.. Parents are asked to attend and sign up for booster activities.
.. Parents are asked to support the advisor and uphold this contact.
Section C. Conduct
Students are responsible for their own conduct, behavior and actions. By being part of the Lancer Cheer Squad,
you are accepting the fact that your actions are more prominent than those not associated with such an activity.
Because of this, exemplary behavior is required at all times, at all school functions and anywhere in the
community where you are recognized as a representative of Carlsbad High School. Proper appearance is
required at all times with clothing appropriate to the occasion.
Courteous, friendly and respectful behavior toward fellow students, other squads, teams, and each other is
expected. You will show respect towards the coaches, advisor, teachers and administrators. Cheerleaders must
display proper behavior in class including being on time, not skipping class and not cheating. Should a
cheerleader be assigned a detention, he/she will serve the same duration as any other student. Misconduct may
result in possible suspension from the next game or performance.
1) The following Carlsbad High School Rules apply:
a) Any student who is a participant in cheerleading at Carlsbad High School is subject to school rules at all
times, including weekend travel to and from school sanctioned events. Violations must and will be
reported to the Advisor, Athletic Director or Assistant Principal immediately after the infraction occurs
or on the following school day.
b) Cheer members possessing, using or under the influence of any controlled substance, alcoholic
beverage, or unlawful intoxicant will be removed from the squad.
c) Suspension from school carries a two-week period of ineligibility. A cheerleader may not participate in
any practices or athletic events during the two-week period.
d) Cheer members with frequent absences or tardies from classes/practices or who are a constant
disciplinary problem, may be held ineligible by the Advisor/Athletic Director/Assistant Principal for a
period of time at his/her discretion.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES WILL PROFANITY, DRUGS, SMOKING, OR USE OF ALCOHOL BE PERMITTED.
Any of the above may be cause for immediate dismissal from the squad. Any situation involving a cheer squad
member which may be deemed as poor conduct, whether previously listed or not, will be handled by the advisor
and/or school administration. Members will be disciplined accordingly. At all times the advisor has the
authority to enforce any other disciplinary action that is appropriate for the smooth operation of the cheer
program. Every attempt will be made to discipline fairly/equally and to make consequences of actions known
ahead of time. Each case of discipline will be judged individually. Parents will be notified of problem situations.
2) Game Expectations:
a) Remain in cheering area during game, unless otherwise instructed by the advisor.
b) Execute cheers, chants and routines correctly.
c) Control and lead the crowd through organized cheers and chants.
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(Section C. Conduct continued)
d) Display correct and acceptable leadership skills. This is the LEADER part of Cheerleader.
e) Do not socialize with players or crowd during the game.
f) Follow the captains.
g) Do not act silly. Remember you are athletes.
h) Follow advisor's directive at games.
Section D. Behavior & Attitude
Cheerleaders are representing our student body, school, and community. It is imperative that each cheerleader
display a high level of integrity. ATTITUDE must be positive and upbeat! You must always be willing to work
and cooperate at both practices and games. Do not bring your problems with you to practices and games. The
key word in your position is CHEER leader. Teamwork is the key to a great cheer squad! A positive attitude
and respectful behavior is necessary to maintain program integrity. Rolling of eyes, giving of attitude, not
complying with requests, sassy or argumentative behavior is viewed as defiance. Any defiance or disrespect is
documented and will result in possible suspension from the next game or performance. There will be
communication between the cheerleaders and advisor/coaches at all times. Cheerleading functions of any kind
may not be held without the knowledge and approval of the advisor. No member may call a mandatory practice
or meeting without the advisor?s permission. You are all Carlsbad High School cheerleaders. There shall be no
competition between squads.
When CHS cheerleaders are functioning as a team/squad at any related game/event/activity, you are
?performing? for the entire time or duration of that related game/event/activity. Therefore, the following are
necessary:
1. Cheerleaders are to attend the entire sporting event (home or away) and remain on site. (A cheerleader
who leaves a visiting school?s property before or during a game shall have disciplinary action.)
2. A cheerleader must pay strict attention to the game and the crowd. Cheerleaders will not engage in
personal conversation with other cheerleaders or members of the audience during the game or sporting
event.
3. No food or gum will be brought onto the floor or field during a sporting event. This also includes during
half-time. Water is the only acceptable beverage during a game.
4. When cheerleaders are not engaged in cheering during a game, they will stand in a uniform fashion,
either with hands behind the back or hands on the hips.
5. Cheerleaders are responsible for leading pep rallies in conjunction with ASB and other groups
participating.
Section E. Attendance Policy
ATTENDANCE TO ALL PRACTICES, GAMES (including CIF playoffs), EXIBITIONS, AND
SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES ARE MANDATORY. One person being absent affects the entire squad. If you
are not present, most formations, stunts, and routines cannot be practiced. It is important not to inconvenience
the practice time of the entire squad by being absent. Failure to be in attendance at practices/games/events may
result in being eliminated from a routine, disciplinary action or dismissal from the squad. If there is an
emergency, contact the advisor.
Lancer Cheerleaders are held to high standards. Taking on this leadership roll requires balancing academics,
school, work, social and extra curricular activities. It can be challenging at times! Be sure not to procrastinate
with assignments and carefully plan ahead. Only three excused absences are allowed. Use them only if
absolutely necessary. Check the cheer calendar before planning holiday outings or other activities during
weekends or breaks. (For example, CIF playoffs for both football and basketball seasons are mandatory and
sometimes occur during school holidays.) If you are unsure about planning travel arrangements, ask the advisor.
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(Section E Attendance Policy continued)
PLEASE REMEMBER:
. No outside activities may conflict with the cheer schedule.
. Members are NOT excused from squad obligations due to work schedules.
. Should a team member need to make up a test or attend after school tutoring (with classroom teacher),
advance notice is requested.br Students should come to practice immediately following the test or
tutoring session. A ?Cheer Pass? must be signed off by your teacher to be marked excused.
. Excessive tardies (excused/unexcused) may be grounds for temporary suspension or possible dismissal
from the squad.
. Cheerleaders are expected to be punctual. They must arrive to practice/game/event on time, be
appropriately dressed wearing proper shoes and clothing, ready to start.
. Members are allowed 3 excused and 3 unexcused absences for the entire cheer season.
. When a member misses a practice they may not be put in a routine.
*If there is an emergency, please call or contact the advisor.
1) ABSENCES:
The following are Excused Absences: Illness ? please call/notify & must be followed up with parent note;
School Academics- teacher required assignment ?must provide advance notice & note from teacher; 3
excused absences for: schoolwork or personal/family obligations
All others, with or without notes are deemed Unexcused Absences, including but not limited to:
extra-curricular activities including music/dance/etc. lessons; clubs; all stars; work; volunteer commitments;
group projects/assignments & doctor/dentist appointments (unless cleared in advance); etc.
a) Absences due to work schedules are unexcused. Jobs must work around the cheer squad schedule.
b) Cheerleaders are allowed a total of three EXCUSED ABSENCES for school and family related
obligations if notice is given in advance (preferably two weeks). All absences must be excused by a
note from a doctor if you had an appointment or a call and note from your parent if you are sick.
c) Excessive absences (excused/unexcused) may be grounds for temporary suspension or possible
dismissal from the squad.
d) Missing a scheduled practice may result in the individual not performing a routine.
e) Any team member who is late to practice may face the following consequences: Run extra laps; if
necessary, subsequently: Sit out first quarter of game then sit out first half of game. If persistently
tardy - will sit out an entire game.
f) Please make medical and dental appointments around practice or game schedules.
g) AN UNEXCUSED ABSENCE WILL RESULT IN SITTING OUT AN ENTIRE GAME.
2) PRACTICES:
a) Are mandatory. Being responsible means being on time, tardies are unexcused and may result in sitting
out of part or all of a game.
b) Are at the discretion of the advisor, and run approximately two hours, unless otherwise stated.
(Occasionally, there may be a required Saturday or night practice. Notification will be given as early as
possible.)
3) GAMES:
a) All games including post season CIF playoffs are mandatory. A squad member must attend all assigned
games during the season.
b) A cheerleader MUST attend a minimum of four hours of class on the day of a game or contest.
An exception may be granted only with administrative approval.
c) For home games: Members are required to arrive 1 hour prior to game time.
d) For Away games: When buses are made available for cheer, they have scheduled departure times ? be
on time. (Students will be notified as soon as arrangements and times have been set and/or are
confirmed. Miss the bus?miss the game.)
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Section F. Attire, Uniforms, Equipment & Grooming Policies
Squad members are loaned uniforms. Uniform pieces are reused and reissued each year. The cheerleader is
responsible for the care of this uniform. The uniform pieces will be inspected before they are given to the
cheerleader and any damage will be noted. When returned at the end of the season, the uniform will again be
examined. If damage beyond normal wear and usage is noted, the cheerleader will be charged for the repair of
the uniform piece. The Varsity squad has the option to purchase their uniforms. All squads have the option to
purchase their own warm ups.
A. Practice Attire: All practice attire will be limited to the following CHS colors: white, black, grey,
purple, gold. (Camp packs may be used at practices.) Athletic shorts and sweats are permitted. Shoes
must be worn at all times. Shoe soles must meet safety requirements set forth by coaches.
All female members will wear spandex ?biker shorts? under their shorts or pants at all times during
practices; shorts/pants may not be rolled down to expose bellies; T-shirts, standard tank tops (no spaghetti
straps/undershirts). All male members will wear T-shirts or polo type shirts (no tank tops/undershirts).
Shorts/pants may not be worn as to expose under garments.
B. Uniform: Female - Uniform pieces consist of shell, skirt, bodyliner, hair bow, warm up, ?05 cheer shoes
and Varsity sweater. Male ? Uniform pieces consist of shirt, Varsity top, short, pant, warm up and ?05
cheer athletic shoe. These are issued to each cheerleader and must be worn at related cheer activities
and may not be worn by any other student or parent.
C. Equipment: Cheer equipment consists of cheer boxes and pompoms for all squads. Megaphones are
reserved for Varsity squad only.
For safety and/or program integrity, the following guidelines for cheerleaders while in uniform and
practice will apply:
1) GENERAL applies for practices and games:
a) Artificial or Acrylic fingernails will not be allowed at anytime during the season.
a. Gel-filled/coated nails are acceptable.
b. Nails should be athletic length: to the end of the fingertip ? no longer.
c. No nail color. Clear or French manicure is acceptable.
b) There will be no jewelry allowed, including watches, rings, belly button, nose or eyebrow jewelry.
c) At no time will a member be allowed to cheer at an athletic or cheer event with visible ?hickeys?.
d) Excessive public displays of affection are never considered appropriate, especially in uniform, at games
or in school. There will be no public displays of affection while in uniform.
2) PRACTICES:
Hair must be pulled off the face and neck for all practices.
Spandex biker shorts must be worn under shorts/pants.
Shorts/pants may not be rolled down to expose: female ? stomach; male - under garments.
No jewelry.
There is no chewing gum or eating during practice.
3) GAMES/ GAME DAY:
a) Cheerleaders will show Lancer spirit by wearing designated uniforms to school on game days.
b) Have complete uniform, neat & clean, at all games. If you do not have proper uniform, you will be
unable to cheer. You will sit out the game beside your coach and cheer.
c) Cheerleaders dressed in full uniform with hair done 1 hour before game time or when boarding the bus
for away games.
d) Pompoms & Varsity megaphones are part of a cheerleader?s game equipment and should be brought to
all games.
e) All cheerleaders are responsible for maintaining and bringing their cheer boxes to all games.
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(Section F. Attire, Uniforms, Equipment & Grooming Policies continued)
f) Be ready to make a good impression: Make-up should be worn in moderation.
g) Make up may NOT be applied in public! We want to look prepared.
h) Hair must be uniformed for girls: pulled up high, tight and slicked in a ponytail (unless otherwise
indicated) with no whispies, or bangs in face.
i) There is no chewing gum or eating during games.
Any violations of the above may be cause for disciplinary action.
Section G. Transportation
CHS ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT BUS/TRANSPORTATION GUIDELINES:
All Carlsbad High School athletes are expected to ride the bus to and from all games. Athletes are expected to
follow the Carlsbad Unified School District rules while on the bus. Examples include, but are not limited to:
*Remain seated, facing the front of the bus at all times.
*Keep all materials and body parts inside the bus at all times.
*Use seat belts in vehicles equipped with them.
*Obey the bus driver and follow his/her instructions at all times.
*Food and drink may not be consumed on the bus.
*Do not litter on the bus.
*Use of profane language or obscene gestures is forbidden.
*Radio volume is at the discretion of the driver.
1) Athletic Department bus policies apply to cheer activities in support of the Carlsbad High School
teams and competitions. In regard to specific questions:
. Bus departure times will be announced both weekly and provided to the advisor and coaches for the
season.
. Squad members MUST ride the bus with their squad to cheer at an event.
. In situations involving bad weather at the site of the contest, suitable shelter will be secured and made
available to the squad.
. No eating or drinking on the bus. Cheer bags, megaphones and boxes will be transported on the bus,
when space allows.
. Squad members may not leave the site of the event.
. Miss the bus?miss the event. As a representative of Carlsbad High School, remember, team unity is
important. Travel as a team, act as a team, look like a team.
2) Exceptions for Transportation Regulations:
.. When participation in other official CHS activities requires a student to miss a departure or return time.
(Any transportation provided by a parent or legal guardian with prior arrangement on file in the
Athletic Director?s office.)
.. Emergency situations that arise at the site of the athletic event.
.. Special situations beyond the control of the student when arranged between the parent or guardian and a
school official at least one day prior to the scheduled trip. Example: Court appearances, court
ordered visitations, etc.
Cheerleaders not riding the team bus will not be allowed to participate in the game, and this is an unexcused
absence unless one of the above conditions applies. Only under special circumstances, with prior school
approval, may athletes drive themselves or have parents drive them to away games or school functions.
Cheerleaders are not allowed to be transported to and from events by other students. Parents transporting other
students must have a Vehicle Transportation Insurance Form on file at the school office.
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Section H. Safety
Safety is a top priority for the cheer program. Every member should strive to do their part to ensure the safety of
the group. The cheer staff is offered ongoing support through the Universal Cheer Association (UCA) on safety
and technical training. For program continuity, we teach and primarily use the UCA progressive stunting and
tumbling techniques. Clinics and certifications are made available to all cheer staff members. We follow the
guidelines set forth by the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS) and American Association of
Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACA). All cheer staff have received CPR/First Aide training. The CHS
trainer is available for the cheerleaders when needed.
Section I. Community Service Projects
First and foremost a CHS cheerleader?s responsibility and duty is to their squad and the cheer program. The
CHS Cheer Program believes cheerleaders should display our Lancer Spirit at our school and in our community.
As CHS Cheer representatives, we support our athletes, sport events, school functions, and work closely with
ASB. We also serve as ambassadors to our community. Our community looks at the Lancer Cheerleaders as
role models and mentors for children. Participation in specific community service projects related to the CHS
Cheer program is required. These are usually after school or on weekends. The events may range from 1 hour to
a day long event. We will try not schedule more than one weekend event a month.
Carlsbad Pop Warner has requested our assistance with their program. The Varsity Squad is required to work
with this organization as part of the community service. Each Varsity squad member may determine the amount
of time they can volunteer to CPW.
Some community awareness and service projects may include but not limited to the following: Adopt-a-family,
Arbor Victoria, Carlsbad 5000, Carlsbad Pop Warner, Carlsbad Fire Department, Carlsbad Senior Center,
Carlsbad Street Fair, CHS Adopt-A-Spot, Casa de Amparo, Goodwill Games, Hope School Carnival, Joy of
Sports, Kids Are Worth A Million?, Sunrise Senior Living, Suzuki Marathon.
Section J. Awards Banquet
The cheer season ends at the completion of basketball. A banquet is held to honor all active cheerleaders in
good standing*. Parents and family are encouraged to attend. The Banquet runs about 2-3 hours. Awards and
letters are presented at this time.
Varsity Letters are earned for an entire cheer season commitment. First year varsity members earn a varsity
letter (providing the athlete has not yet earned a varsity letter in another sport.) Felt megaphones are issued for
subsequent varsity years. To be awarded Scholar Athlete recognition a student must have a 3.5 GPA or better
during specific marking periods. Scholar Athletes are recognized by the Athletic Department at the end of our
season. The cheer program recognizes the first marking period of the fall semester.
*Any cheerleader who resigns (except for medical reasons), is suspended or dismissed, has not turned in
uniform pieces, has an outstanding debt, or has not fulfilled any mandatory obligations will not be able to
participate in the banquet.
Section K. Cheer Booster
The CHS Cheer Booster is made up of all parents/guardians of current cheer members. It meets once a month in
the evenings at CHS. The booster?s purpose is to assists the cheer program in raising funds (we receive no
financial support from the school), offer logistical support and coordinate specific team functions. It does this
under the guidance of the advisor. The parent booster support is vital to our program.
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~ PLEASE KEEP THE PRECEDING PAGES ~
RETURN THIS PAGE of the
2005-2006 CHS CHEER CONTRACT SIGNED
to the CHEER ADVISOR by MONDAY, MAY 9, 2005.
STUDENT:
I have read the CHS Cheer Contract portion of this document and understand the rules and regulations by which
I am to abide. I understand that I am required to participate in specific Cheer community service projects and
will support fundraising efforts. I also understand that if I break any of these rules, disciplinary action will be
taken.
_______________________________ ___________
Cheerleader Signature Date
PARENT/GUARDIAN:
I have read the preceding pages of the Cheer Contract and understand the rules and regulations by which my
child must abide to remain in good standing with the CHS Cheerleading Program. Our family will support the
advisor in implementing and upholding it.
I understand my son/daughter is also required to participate in specific Cheer community service projects. I will
support fundraising efforts for the cheer program and am willing to help out and volunteer in booster related
activities.
_______________________________ ___________
Parent/Guardian Signature Date