VHS Cheer Spirit Handbook
2014-2015
Head Coach: Tammy Jones
[email protected]
Office: 512-570-2000 ext 42302
Table of Contents
VHS Cheer Requirements ………………………
(p. 3)
Cheer Expectations………………………………..
(p. 4)
Cheer Class Expectations……………………….
(p. 5)
Financial Responsibilities………………………..
(p. 6)
Sponsorship Responsibilities…………………..
(p.7)
Uniforms…………………………………………………
(p. 8-10)
Behavior Infractions & Consequences……… (p. 10)
Grading Policies……………………………………..
(p. 11)
Big Sis/Lil Sis…………………………………………..
(p. 12)
Spirit Book Contract……………………………….
(p. 13)
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VHS Cheerleader Requirements
The responsibilities outlined below are aligned with and in addition to the LISD cheer
handbook attendance and participation requirements.
Welcome to the 2013-2014 Vandegrift High School Cheerleading Program! We are excited to have you and
look forward to a great year. At this point in time, you are under the guidance and policies governed by the
VHS Cheer Coaches, LISD Cheer Program and the VHS Spirit Handbook. You will be held accountable to all
rules, requirements, expectations and policies from this point forward.
It is important that LISD cheer members realize the level of commitment that is necessary to make a team
successful. Attendance at all games and cheer events is not only crucial, but also mandatory. Absences
jeopardize the entire squad and hinder success.
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Attending all practices, games, events, pep rallies, and fundraising activities is mandatory. Work or All
Star team practices are not an excuse to miss any of these events!
 An absence to a game/event will only be considered excused in the following circumstances:
- Personal illness/accident (resulting in missing school and a doctor’s note may be required)
- Funeral, serious illness, or emergency in the family
- UIL, academic or school-related performance/event
****It is the coach’s discretion which absences will be considered excused
Sporting Events and Expectations
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All cheerleaders will participate in the following VHS sporting contests & events as mandated by the
Coach;
o Football
o Race for the Cure
o Basketball (girls & boys)
o Viperpalooza-Spring Game
o Baseball
o Community-wide events
o Softball
o Orientations & Ceremonies
o Volleyball
o Open house
o Soccer (girls & boys)
o School ceremonies
o Wrestling
o Volunteer activities/events
o All Sports Teams’ playoffs
o Spirit send-offs
Additional Cheerleader Duties & Requirements
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SUPPORT EVERY VHS TEAM &
ORGANIZATION with a positive and
respectful attitude
Cheer at Pep Rallies
Attend Summer Cheer Camp
Squad social and team bonding events
Special appearances
Paint Signs
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Varsity cheer only- provide football treats
and signs
Dress up for spirit theme days
Participate in fundraisers and cheer clinics
Competition team & events (Comp Squad
only)
Exercise/Condition/Work Out
Maintain and progress tumbling skills
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Mandatory after/before school practices (TBA)
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VHS Cheer Expectations
General expectations:
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Respect for all members and coaches
Responsibility- Read & abide by all Coach’s
e-mails & “TWC” responsibilities.
If it is on the calendar, it is required and you
must plan for it. You will not be excused!
Be Prepared for EVERYTHING!
Be responsible for your uniforms and
accessories!
Keep Your Grades Up!
NO PDA
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NO Smoking, Alcohol, Drugs
Be a Role Model
Positive Attitudes
Cooperation and good sportsmanship
Abide by all LISD Cheer Handbook policies
and rules
Email ALL coaches if sick, absent from
school, or if missing an event.
Physical Expectations
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Cheerleaders will demonstrate clear diction, vocal strength, rhythm, and coordination.
Cheerleaders will perform physical moves that may involve jumps, balance, agility, and upper body
strength.
Cheerleaders will exhibit stamina in physical activities that involve physical endurance and fitness, and
will be able to perform routines in both indoor and outdoor settings, in heat and cold weather.
Cheerleaders must uphold the skill level demonstrated (i.e. tumbling, stunting, jumps, etc.) at
tryouts while striving for continuous improvement. Failure to uphold skills may result in
consequences to be determined by the coach.
There will be times when cheerleaders must meet requirements determined by coach to participate
in pep rallies, away games and or other performances. Coaches will determine which cheerleaders
will attend these functions.
VHS Cheer Classroom Expectations
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Be an Athlete – 100% of the time
Always do your best!
Make respectful suggestions, comments
and constructive criticisms.
Have a positive attitude and never give up!
BE ON TIME!!!!
Do not talk while Coach or cheerleader is
addressing the team!
Turn in all paperwork on time!
Be Dressed Properly Including:
o Attire for the day – TBA in TWC
o No Jewelry!
o High Pony Tail
o Sports Bras & Bloomers with
uniforms
o Cheer Shoes!
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No Cell Phone use during class, practices,
games, or events. It is a district-wide policy!
Team Physical Reminders when safety is not
a priority.
7 min. dress time: that means you have 7
minutes after the tardy bells rings to be
completely dressed, OUT of the locker room
& READY for practice to begin.
Keep Locker room clean! Locks are
REQUIRED and are DUE by the 1st August
practice for a daily grade (August 5th).
Required Class Supplies:
o Writing pen/pencil
o Cheer Folder
Cheer Financial Responsibilities
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A payment schedule may be set up with the Booster Board Treasurer for all payments due.
All cheer members must be current with their payment schedule. Not being current may result
in missing cheer events or games. In the event that a cheer account is not current, permanent
suspension may result at the discretion of the coach and administration. In that case, the cheer
member will still be responsible for the amount due to their program.
Cheer members who owe a balance on their account will not be eligible to try out the following
year until the amount is paid in full.
Cheer members are encouraged to participate in group fundraising activities in which all money earned
will be contributed to the general cheer activity fund.
At the high school level, all financial obligations are handled by the respective campus’ cheer booster
club. All payments should be made to the respective booster club and mailed to the booster club P.O.
box address at;
o VHSCBC
2900 North Quinlan Park Road
#240 Box 218
Austin, TX 78732
A late payment fee may be instituted if the pay schedule is not met.
Cheer members who quit, resign or are dismissed from a team, may or may not be responsible for
unpaid balances. Items that are ordered and not able to be returned must be paid for by the cheer
member.
Payment Deadlines for 2013-2014
Soon after the uniform fitting dates, you will receive an invoice from the cheer booster treasurer for your
personal payment responsibilities. Below is only an estimate for the general expenses.
Payment
1st
Payment
2nd Payment
FINAL Payment
Due Date
April 19th at the Mandatory Parent
Meeting
May 20th Cheer Practice and/or
cheer booster meeting
On or before July 14th
If you need extra time, please discuss
your situation with Coach Jones or
Sharlyn Threadgill ahead of time
Amount
Uniform deposit $575
Booster fee $100
Sponsorship of $300, second uniform
payment ($260) and camp fee
($315)=$575
TBD by your final balance total
*You may pay in full anytime. Please make checks payable to the VHS Cheer Booster Club. You will receive a personal
balance statement after your second payment.
*Please review & understand the LISD policy regarding payment expectations & consequences for not staying current. The LISD
Cheer Handbook states, “All cheer members must be current with their payment schedule. Not being current may result in missing
cheer events or games. In the event that a cheer account is not current, permanent suspension may result at the discretion of the
coach and administration. In that case, the cheer member will still be responsible for the amount due to their program.”
Cheerleader Sponsorship Fund Raising
Responsibility
The Vandegrift Cheerleading Booster Club asks that each cheerleader, upon making the team, help raise
funds in the form of sponsorships. This will be the bulk of our fundraising efforts for the year. We will
also hold traditional cheer fund raising initiatives such as; Game day T-shirt sales, Cheer Clinics, and
some additional events.
Sponsorship donations will serve to support each cheerleader and program expenses such as;
new/additional equipment, camp events and uniform accessories, travel, gifts, team dinners, banquets
and socials. Each cheerleader is asked to raise at least $300.00 in sponsorship donations.
Cheerleaders may acquire sponsorships by solicitation to businesses (area doctors, dentists, salons, real
estate firms, car dealerships, restaurants, etc.) or friends and family member donations.
An official sponsorship letter will be distributed to the new cheer members in early May in order
to promote the fundraiser and distribute to potential sponsors. The letter will state sponsorship
levels with incentives and rewards for supporting the VHS cheer program.
The sponsorship funds will be due by May 30th in order to prepare and organize the
sponsorship package rewards
Booster Club Sponsored Merchandise & Events
Below is a sample list of Booster Club sponsored events and treats for our Viper Cheerleaders. Your sponsorship
fundraising will heavily assist in providing for these memorable activities, uniform apparel & equipment!
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August Back to School Social
Yearly Paint and Poster supplies
Team Homecoming dinner
Cleaning supplies for locker room
Cheer Tent
Bottled water at all games
Holiday party, dinner & gift
End of the year banquet & gift
End of the year awards & video
Escort/flag runner shirts
Senior Scholarships
Cheerleader Emergency Kit & supplies
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Pink Pom Poms-October Breast Cancer
Awareness Month
Pink bows- October football games for
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Pinning Ceremony- Pinning ribbons and
breakfast for all new cheerleaders.
Cheer Picture Collage framed & displayed
in cheer gym of each squad.
Team and squad dinners
Team t-shirts and sweaters
Snacks and gift bags for cheer camp
Equipment- Stereo, CDs, bulletin boards,
posters, markers, etc.
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2013 VHS CHEER Uniforms & Accessories
*Please note that each individual order will be based upon individual needs. Each girl will receive an
itemized summary of what is ordered and the costs associated with it.
All Squads:
1. All Squad Uniform
2. Pink Bows (new will get black and white as well)
3. Game Day Tee-shirt
4. Long Sleeve Spirit Day Tee-shirt
5. Pink Briefs (match bows…new this year)
6. Poms- Black and Silver metallic mix
7. Ear Warmer with name
8. Bags- Tote bag is required, back pack is optional
9. Campwear:
A. Day One: Mint Green Tee with black motionflex short
B. Day Two: Black Tee with white VHS short
C. Day Three: White Tee with black & white chevron short
D. Day Four: Viperpoolza tank and black short
10. Motionflex short-Black (where under skirts)
11. Shoes- Allowed to wear any CHEER shoe to practice but must wear these for game days
12. Warm-Up- Black pullover and black windpant
2. Varsity Squad Uniforms:
A. 2012-13 fill uniform
B. New Uniform with matching bodyliner
3. JV Squad Uniform
A. New Uniform with match bodyliner
4. Freshman Squad Uniform
A. New Uniform with matching bodyliner
*In addition to the above, all girls will need a white sports bra and white ankle socks
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Behavior Infractions & Consequences
LEVEL I – As listed in LISD Cheer Handbook & additional infractions for VHS Cheer:
Immediate Reminders: The cheer coach will determine the reminder at the time of the infraction. 10
Reminders will result in a strike. However, depending on the reminder, consequences could vary from removal
from participation to conditioning after practice and will be left up to the discretion of the cheer coach(s). The
list below includes examples of some behaviors which would require immediate reminders:
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Tardiness to practice or class
Forgetting practice clothes or arriving to
practice/game without proper attire and/or hair
not pulled back
Wearing jewelry in practice, game, or
performance
Chewing gum, eating candy, or snacking during
a game, practice, or activity without
permission
Being disruptive, horsing around, talking
excessively during a game, practice, or activity
Socializing with friends or family without
permission
Failure to bring designated materials when
required (i.e. papers, handbook, binder)
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Failure to help hang or remove signs when
assigned
Failure to paint signs when assigned
Failure to turn in any paperwork or project
money
Failure to be in complete uniform
Failure to cover visible tattoos, including
pen/marker drawings on skin
Cursing (In and Out of Class)
Bad/disrespectful/insubordinate attitude (also
could result in a level II infraction)TBD by coach
Leaving valuables and possessions in the gym
(not placing in your assigned locker with a lock)
Using cell phone without permission
Consequences of any Level I infraction listed above will result in:
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Points deducted from daily grade or performance grade
10 consecutive reminders will result in a strike and being benched for a game/performance.
Level II Infractions (see list in 2013 LISD handbook) = Automatic formal strike for each infraction per
LISD Cheer Handbook
Level III Infractions (see list in 2013 LISD handbook) = Removal from squad per LISD Cheer
Handbook.
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Grading Policies
Categories and weight:
Daily practices
Performances
50%
50%
Total Point Systems:
Daily practices: will be averaged per week for a final weekly grade. Receiving a level 1
infraction will result in a 10 point deduction for each infraction.
Games/Performances:
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Will be graded at every performance. Worth 15 points each.
Dressed properly:
20pts.
Followed all rules:
20pts.
On Time before the game and after half time:
10 pts.
Completed tumbling & stunting requirements
10pts.
Spirit & Attitude:
10pts.
Effort:
10ts.
Cleaned up after the game & exhibited great behavior: 20 pts.
A “Cheerleader of the Week” will be chosen by the coaches from each squad and
after each football game during the football season. The Cheerleader of the Week
is a cheerleader who exhibits the most spirit, worked hard and represented the
team with outstanding skill and character throughout the week and during the
game. The Cheerleader chosen will receive a hair bow and an announcement at
her following home football game.
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Cheer Sisters
The Big sister/Lil sister relationship exists to foster support, mentorship, and camaraderie between squads and
members within our program. Cheer sisters are asked to motivate, support, encourage, protect, and serve as
accountability partners for each other. This is a bond that should be taken to heart and deeply respected.
Instead of giving tangible items or gifts, cheer sisters will focus on bonding, encouragement, mentorship, and
spending quality time with one another. The older (big) sister will serve as a mentor and personal
guide/teacher to the little (lil) sister. The big sister will take the lead in organizing, mentoring and planning
events with their little sister. We will also hold several cheer sister events throughout the year in place of the
mandatory sister gifts.
The cheer booster program will organize and provide supplies for special big sister and little sister events.
Also, during the cheer class and throughout the year, we will schedule “sister time” to bond, mentor and work
with your big/lil sister.
We ask that you please respect this initiative and refrain from giving gifts of tangible value to your big/lil sister.
Instead, consider the following thoughtful gifts and activity ideas for your sister;
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Notes, posters, and cards of encouragement
Private lessons and guidance with cheer skills and routines
Meeting for coffee, tea or smoothies before school
Eating team meals/snacks together during camp, summer practices and throughout the year
Cooking a meal together at each other’s homes
Sleepovers and outings with other sister groups
Craft making, poster painting, bow making, t-shirt designing together
Go see a movie together
Play iPhone App games together (“Words with friends”, “draw something”, etc.)
Send a sweet, encouraging or inspirational text, tweet, or e-mail
Friend each other on Facebook and share pictures
Sit together at lunch during the school year
Bake her something and make a card for her birthday
Go to your sister’s games and cheer her on!
We hope to create a stronger bond with this initiative while taking out some of the extra expenses from the
cost of cheerleading. We look forward to your commitment and dedication to this part of our program. Please
follow the guidelines set above and we will have a strong and successful cheer sisters program.
We will draw for lil sisters the second week of practice so you have time to bond over the summer months.
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VHS Cheer Spirit Book 2014-15 Contract
Please sign and turn in no later than Wednesday, May 12th by 6:00pm
I, _______________________________________ have read, understand,
(Cheerleader’s Name)
and agree to abide by all of the rules, requirements, expectations,
financial guidelines, grading policies, infractions and consequences, and
cheer sister guidelines listed in the VHS Cheer Spirit Book.
Cheerleader Printed Name: ______________________________
Cheerleader Signature: _________________________________
Date: _________________
Parent Printed Name: __________________________________
Parent Signature: _____________________________________
Date: ___________________
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