Cheer Constitution
Mission Statement
Cheerleading is a respectable educational opportunity. Each team member exhibits a positive attitude and a strong
work ethic. It is not only an honor to be a cheerleader, but a tremendous responsibility. With high spirit and
gratitude the team will cheer on the school both academically and athletically at all times.
“Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success.”- Henry Ford
Contact Information:
Head Cheerleading Coach
Khadijah Fair/ KD
(216)534-6649
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Assistant Cheerleading Coach
Jennifer Clark
Squad Membership:
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Members will be chosen through a formal tryout process.
There is only one tryout for both Basketball and Football season.
“ATRAC” (After Tryouts Rush and Conditioning)
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This is an intense practice for new incoming students (ONLY) who were unable to tryout during our formal tryout process.
This usually occurs during football season during cheer camp. The process is suggested for those who have previous
experience in cheerleading.
The same day a student comes to practice they are either encouraged to tryout for next year or asked to return for a
second practice.
If a student is asked to return; that student has that practice to show the Coach(s) and team all of their dedication and skills
(Show off). After the second practice the student will know if they have earned a position on the squad.
Rules and Obligations:
Practices and games are mandatory and can demand a lot of time. Please be aware of this commitment as you plan for the
upcoming season Please consult this schedule before planning any trips or vacations.
We cannot be successful without 100% participation from each cheerleader. Therefore, you must be 100% dedicated to your team.
Monthly calendars will be available in a timely manner. The only excused absences will be for sickness, religion, family
emergencies, academics or other extenuating circumstances excused by your coach. All matters should be discussed before
practice is missed.
Practices and Games:
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There are two practices per week. Sometimes more depending on event (Competition, Showcase etc.) All practices are
mandatory! Additional practices may be added during competition season in order to perfect what we know will be an
awesome routine!!
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During football season, games are usually held on Saturdays. You will also be given a schedule at the beginning of the
season, and cheerleaders will be expected to be present at all games, including playoff games.
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During basketball season, games are normally held on Wednesday, Saturday and sometimes Friday. Occasionally, games may
be held on other days of the week (especially during inclement weather when games must be pushed to a different date).
NO EATING IN UNIFORM. Exceptions include: Fruit, vegetables, light colored athletic drinks, and water. NO JUNK FOODS!
Grades:
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Please refer to the Hiram College Student-Athlete Policy Manual.
A minimum of 2.0 GPA must be maintained throughout the cheering season. Cheerleaders are students first and
athletes second.
Cheerleaders are encouraged to attend study tables. Your grades and GPA will determine how many hours per week.
Three Strike rule
I. Verbal Warning.
II. Loss of privileges:
a. Will not be able to participate in the next two performances.
b. Mandatory attendance of practices and performances.
III. Depending on situation student-athlete may be removed from the squad and may not be able to tryout next season.
The Three strike rule is subject to change or revision at the coaches’ discretion.
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Community and Volunteering
Community service is one of our top priorities. As a team we will volunteer our services, help, guidance, leadership
and presence at two events during the school year. These events will be planned around each squad members’
schedules.
Workouts and Yoga
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During the season the team will workout once a week together and multiple times individually. Individual
workouts are called “Dorm Workouts”.
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Dorm workouts will be sent from either a coach or a team captain. The workouts are usually cardio mixed
with yoga.
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At the coaches discretion the team will be tested upon one or more dorm workouts (so be prepared).
Communication
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Most communication will be sent via email.
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NO issues should be discussed via email or text message.
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If there are any problems the coach should be contacted directly. Issues or problems such as but not
limited to:
o
Missing an event, practice, workout etc.
o
Eligibility
o
Issues with other teammates
Please do not contact any coach after 9:00 p.m.
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Do You Have What it Takes to be Captain?
The positions of Cheerleading captain(s) and CO-captain(s) are often the most coveted on a squad.
These positions are earned not given. Captain(s) set a good example for the rest of the cheer team. The
team looks to the captain as a role model and therefore follows your lead. Be a leader and motivator.
What you Should Know about Good
Captains:
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Good Communication Skills - You should
be able to not only speak clearly, but also
be a very good listener.
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Responsibility and Maturity - You
should be dependable, punctual, and
emotionally mature.
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Be a Good Role Model - Your behavior is
a reflection on not only yourself but the
whole squad. You should always set a
good example in what you say and how
you act.
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Fair and Unbiased - You should be able
to separate your friendships from your
responsibilities. Your decisions should
not be based on favoritism and you
should always do what's best for the
whole squad and not any one individual.
Helpful and Friendly - You should
always be willing to do a bit extra for
others or to get tasks accomplished.
Be Approachable - The squad should feel
like they can discuss situations and
problems with you.
Be Able to Delegate Without Being
Bossy - Remember it's not always what
you say that's important but how you say
it. Be respectful of others feelings.
Responsibility and Duties of
Cheerleading Captain(s) and COCaptain(s):
 Start Practices - See that all materials
and supplies are ready to go.
 Notify Squad Members - You should
have a calling list and be sure everyone
on the squad is notified of upcoming
events.
 Call Cheers - You might be asked to plan
what cheers are used and call them at
games and events.
 Help Organize Fundraising Events Work closely with the Coach/Advisor on
setting up any fundraising events
 Help with Publicity and Advertising You should act as your squad's
ambassador by greeting and making
visiting squads feel welcome. Help with
recruiting and any positive exposure for
the squad.
 Help Solve Conflicts - This is where your
skill at being fair and unbiased will come
in handy.
 Be Able to Communicate with the
C oache s - You may sometimes be
asked to act as a go between from the
squad to the coach. You should realize
this and not hesitate to do what is right
for the whole squad.
 Are you the Next Hiram College Cheer
Captain
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Medical Information:
NAME:____________________________________________________ DOB:_____/_____/_____
PARENT / GUARDIAN:______________________________________________________________
HOME PHONE:______________________________WORK PHONE:_________________________
ADDRESS:________________________________________________________________________
EMERGENCY CONTACT:_____________________________________________________________
HOME PHONE: _____________________________CELL PHONE:____________________________
Please check any of the following that apply:
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HEARING DISORDER

DIABETES
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TEETH RETAINER
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Previously Broken Bone(s)
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HEART CONDITION

ASTHMA

LEARNING DISORDER
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CONTACTS / GLASSES
When and Where:
___________________________
Other:
___________________________
Practice is MANDATORY!
Please list any dates that may conflict with any pre-planned class trips or projects. These dates WILL be checked. If you
do not list dates below, you will be penalized for each missed practice. NO EXCEPTIONS. Remember, cheerleading is a
privilege and can easily be taken away. Please refer back to the Cheerleading Constitution and Hiram College StudentAthlete Policy Manual.
Date:
Reasoning:
____________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
Student Signature
_____________________________________________________________________ Date: ____________________
Parent Signature (if under 18 years of age)
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Cheer Constitution Agreement
If you make the cheerleading squad, realize that you are making a commitment to Hiram College, your coaches, your
teammates, and yourself for the complete season (full year). The decision to tryout should not be taken lightly. You
will be expected to put cheerleading as one of your top priorities. Furthermore, as a representative of Hiram College
Cheerleading program, you must maintain proper behavior at all times. You must follow the cheerleading guidelines
set forth in the Hiram College Cheerleading Constitution and the Hiram College Student-Athlete Policy Manual.
Students who break the rules will be disciplined. By making this commitment to the Cheerleading program, you will
receive many valuable and rewarding educational experiences that you will remember long after you graduate from
College. These activities will not only channel your enthusiasm and spirit in a constructive and beneficial manner but
you’ll gain experience and lifelong friendships.
I,
_________________, have read and understand the 2016-2017 RULES FOR CHEERLEADING. I agree to abide
by the policies described if I am chosen as a member of the squad. I am agreeing to the information in the packet and
understand that failure to adhere to these rules policies could result in dismissal from the squad.
Student Signature
Parent Signature (if under 18 years of age)
__________/____________/_____________
Date
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
By signing this, you are stating that you understand our policies and support our decisions throughout the
season. Please make a personal copy of this and the student-athlete agreement form, and turn the originals
into the coach at tryout.
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