HANDBOOK AND POLICIES MANUAL
Dear MJW Parent/Athlete: Welcome to MJW’s (McHenry Junior Warriors) Cheer & Dance program for 2016! This parent/Athlete handbook is intended to be a supplement to the MJW Cheer & Dance website www.mjwpomandcheer.org. The information in this handbook will help explain the guidelines and expectations of the MJW Cheer & Dance program. In order to make the most of your season, we ask that you begin by reading this handbook as it is a reference tool for most questions. It provides continuity throughout the program in terms of policy, procedures and expectations of everyone involved. For those new to the MJW Cheer & Dance program please use this resource as a tool to familiarize yourself with the program. For returning Athletes, please browse through the information as there are many new additions. MJW is continuously looking to improve our program through new ideas and concepts. Our community is very fortunate to have a group of parents/volunteers who have worked long and hard to bring you a top quality program for 2016. These board members are dedicated to making this program a fun and enjoyable, yet safe experience for your child. The success of our program relies heavily on our volunteers – the parents. Anything you can do throughout the season to assist your squad is appreciated. I’d like to ask all of our parents to continue to provide dedication, support and enthusiasm to all of our Directors and Coaches. If at any time during the season you have questions or comments regarding the program, feel free to contact me directly. Cheers, Kristin Kostakos MJW Cheer & Dance President
[email protected]
McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual MISSION STATEMENT The philosophy of McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance includes voluntary endeavors to develop, teach and promote youth cheerleading and dance. Through adherence to this philosophy, the Organization shall attempt to insure that each Athlete is encouraged to discover their worth, both physically and emotionally. To promote sportsmanship and citizenship, while building character and fitness through cheerleading and dance. GENERAL INFORMATION McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance began in 1995. Our Organization is an independent, notfor-profit organization, and is run entirely by volunteers. The Organization is open to children grades kindergarten to eighth. Based on registration numbers the Organization may need to combine grade levels and/or make additional decisions should there not be enough Athletes to form a squad. MJW Cheer & Dance is a member of the Illinois Recreational Cheer Association (IRCA) and our program follows the Rules and Regulations set forth by that board. Currently we are following the 2016 IRCA Rulebook. Revisions will be updated and a rulebook will be provided to each squad. THE CHEER & DANCE PROGRAM The Cheer & Dance programs are designed for returning and new Athletes (girls and boys) who have a desire to learn more about Cheer and Dance. Both of our programs will perform at sporting events and participate in community events to promote the program. In addition, our program will compete in several competitions during the season, chosen by the Executive Board. It is the expectation that our Athletes will gain sport specific goals and skills and continue to develop them throughout the season that they participate. We expect that our Directors and Coaches will work within the levels and skill sets of the squad and help foster and develop teamwork, dedication, and commitment to teammates. We also have the expectation that our Directors will adjust and build on the comments from the judges to improve the squad’s overall performance levels. GOALS • • • •
Basic Cheer & Dance skill set that builds on team and personal development. Empowerment of Athletes to compete in competitions to increase self-confidence and sportsmanship skills. Commitment to a team and group. Promote health and fitness of our Athletes in a fun environment.
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McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual MCHENRY JUNIOR WARRIORS CHEER & DANCE WEBSITE The URL for MJW is: www.mjwpomandcheer.org. There will be maps, calendars/schedules, results, and other league information on the website throughout the season as it becomes available. It is imperative that parents and cheerleaders/dancers check the website frequently for important updates. The website will be our main avenue for communication. There is also a MJW Facebook Page. Parents that are on Facebook should be sure to “like” the page to get the most up to date information available. MJW EXECUTIVE BOARD The Executive Board consists of President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Cheer Head of Directors and Dance Head of Directors. These are elected positions; open to any general member with two-year rotating terms and are responsible for MJW’s strategic direction, finance, and other activities necessary to function successfully. Nominations are held in mid-October. Elections are held in December at our Uniform Turn-In Meeting. More information will be provided as time draws near. NAME Kristin Kostakos Kerrie Haverty Michelle Blake Michelle Blake Catherine Lovitsch Vacant
POSITION President Vice-President Secretary Treasurer Head of Dance Head of Cheer
EMAIL mjw-president@hotmail,com
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
TERM EXPIRES 2018 2017 2018 2017 2018 2017
Description of a Director The main responsibility of the Director(s) is to provide for the welfare of the Athletes on his/her Cheer & Dance squad. The Director(s) will follow the guidelines set forth for governing practices, competitions and games. The Director is expected to conduct himself/herself in a manner that displays leadership, sportsmanship and act as a positive role model for the program Athletes.
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McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual Director/Coach Selection Director/Coach positions require many demanding hours throughout the year. We respect and admire all these volunteers who give their time and talent to benefit the Athletes and the Organization. Our Coaches are high schoolers selected by MJW Executive Board members. Anyone interested in becoming a Coach can check our website www.mjwpomandcheer.org for information. After applications are submitted, the Executive Board reviews and selects the Coaches. Director positions are appointed by the President and approved by the Executive Board. Assistant Directors are appointed by the Director and approved by the Executive Board. They are a one-year term. Squads may be combined or eliminated if there are no Directors/Volunteers/Athletes for that squad. Director and Assistant Director squad assignments are typically completed by March 1st of each calendar year. Coach assignments are typically completed by April 1st of each calendar year. MEETINGS Monthly Board Meetings MJW holds closed monthly board meetings each month at a predetermined place. The Executive Board and all Squad Directors are expected to attend. A newsletter to all members for nominations of Executive Board will take place at least 30 days prior to the Elections Meeting. A newsletter listing all available one-year Director Positions will be sent out in the same newsletter as nominations to Executive Board.
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McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual 2016 SEASON The 2016 season will start on July 12, 2016 and run through December 4, 2016, as applicable for those squads that receive a bid to State competition. Football games are on either Saturday or Sunday starting towards the end of August and may continue into October. Our season moves indoors to prepare for competition. REGISTRATION “Grandfather” registration is allowing previous year’s Athletes the opportunity to stay in the organization before “opening” up to new Athletes. Notification of “Grandfather” registration is sent to you via email approximately the 2nd week of March. The week after “Grandfather” registration closes will allow for Athletes to switch programs two to four weeks later, registration will “open” to the public. “Open Registration” will be held at a designated location. Registration information is advertised on the MJW website, Facebook page and at many locations in McHenry and surrounding community boards. All Athletes are required to supply MJW with a copy of their Birth Certificate at open registration and no later than uniform handout. All paperwork will be done electronically during registration. Payment is due at time of registration. REGISTRATION FEES Registration fees will be determined each year during the budget process outlined in these guidelines. A $15 fee will be added for the payment plan option. All remaining seasonal fees will be added up front as a lump sum, so we do not continue to ask for additional monies throughout the season. Seasonal fees include socks/shoes/shoe bag, end of year party, end of year gifts, Coaches gifts, etc. MJW enforces a no refund policy after July 1, 2016. Exceptions to the registration fee can only be made with the authority of the MJW Cheer & Dance President and Treasurer. Please note: Registration fees cover a portion of our organization’s operating expenses. The overall MJW Cheer & Dance program fundraising monies will help cover additional costs. In addition, parents will have the option to raise fundraising dollars and/or sponsors to help offset the cost of the program. Information on the different sponsor options available will be posted on the website www.mjwpomandcheer.org. MJW Cheer & Dance reserves the right to refuse registration from any Athlete and/or families that currently do not have an updated account status OR who have violated ANY of the Parent/Athlete expectations outlined in the conduct guidelines outlined within the handbook.
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McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual SPONSORS Local businesses and/or families can sponsor MJW by contacting us directly or through our website. There are tiered sponsorship options available. The sponsor’s name will be printed on the back of all MJW squad sweatshirts or t-shirts. The sponsors will receive a plaque and team photo at the end of the season. A HUGE thank you to our sponsors! We encourage our Athletes and their families to patronize our sponsors! EQUIPMENT All parents and Athletes are required to attend the uniform fitting and sign confirmation of your Athlete’s uniform. Members are required to purchase the additional items listed, as these items are not considered a part of the MJW uniform: • • • •
Shoes – Cheer Shoes – Dance Football Poms – Dance Other items are available for purchase, but are not required by MJW
Uniforms are to be returned to Directors at a time determined no later than December 15th, 2016 for the Summer/Fall Season. UNIFORM The uniform (shell, liner and skirt) is the property of MJW, for use at games and competitions. Uniforms must be returned at the end of the season or you will be charged accordingly. Sweatshirts or t-shirts, spankies, socks, shoes, hair bow, costume and poms (if purchased in a previous season) are yours to keep. If any item is lost, you will need to purchase another to keep the uniform complete. We do our best to properly fit each Athlete; however do know that the uniforms are not custom fit. Should the uniform become damaged in your care a fee will be imposed: • • • • • •
Damage of Shell & Skirt $225 (if one piece is damaged you’ll be charged by the piece, not the full amount) Striped liner $75 Spankies (black replacement) $15 Removal of tags $20 Competition Bow $15 Competition Poms $35
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McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual UNIFORM CARE • • •
Please wash MJW property INSIDE OUT on the gentle cycle in cold water separately. DO NOT PUT IN DRYER, either hang or lay flat to dry. DO NOT CUT ANY TAGS OFF ANY PART OF THE UNIFORM (Shell, Liner, Skirt) DO NOT DRY CLEAN OR IRON – this will RUIN the UNIFORM
FACILITIES Program Athletes practice at several locations throughout the season. Our program uses District 15 schools and other facilities as needed. Directors will detail practice location changes as they may happen throughout the season. TeamSnap will send out practice/game/event/competition reminders automatically to each Athlete and their family who registered through TeamSnap. Should your e-mail, cell phone number or cell phone provider change please let your Director know immediately so they can update the information and you will not miss any important information. GAMES Football games are a big part of the MJW Cheer & Dance season and all squads will perform sideline and half-time routines. Home games are held at McHenry Township Park cheering on the McHenry Township Jr. Warriors Football Organization. We do travel to away games, but not all away games. The season consists of approximately four to eight games, games are held on weekends. The football schedule for MJW may vary from year to year. The football games are dependent on the football schedule provided by TCYFL and then pushed down to the Football Organization and then to our Organization. Directors will notify the program Athletes via email, website and Facebook. Supporting our Football Organization at games continues to be a focus of our program and provides our Athletes with the experience and practice needed for performing at those football games. Performing at football games is also a requirement to ensure that our program continues to be classified as a Recreational Cheer and Dance Program. PRACTICE Athletes practice outside from mid-July through August for both Cheer & Dance. Once inside practice days and times may vary and will include weekends. Practice locations vary from season to season. Directors arrive at practice 5-10 minutes before practice actually begins. According to District 15 policy, adult supervision is required at all MJW events, so please DO NOT drop off your child prior to the scheduled practice time unless indicated by the squad Director. Every practice is important as a team requires every member’s participation. To prepare for competition, mandatory practices will be scheduled starting in August. Times and days may change due to limited indoor space available. Schedules and location to be determined. These will be closed door practices. Revision: V3.0 2016-03-24
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McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual CHOREOGRAPHY CLINICS Choreography dates are mandatory and a vital element of our program. Choreography days are one of the best experiences for the squads. Providing an opportunity to learn new skills as well as bond with teammates. Choreography days give the team members an opportunity to improve their techniques, skills and abilities and learn the foundation of their routine that they will be performing at competitions. It gives the Athletes a chance to get to know their fellow team members and other Athletes in the organization. Mandatory attendance – absence on choreography days can and will affect the Athletes position/placement throughout the routine as they are learning the foundation of their routine. IMPORTANT: Team routines are established on the choreography days. Attendance at the clinics is required and vital to provide the squads with the best preparation to be competition ready by midSeptember. Dates, times and locations of our 2016 choreography days will be communicated as soon as possible for planning purposes. Continue to check the MJW website for important updates regarding this important part of our program. ATHLETE EXPECTATIONS Expectations of the MJW Cheer & Dance Athlete Our goal is to provide a safe, fun program for the interested Cheer & Dance Athlete. The program does have high expectations for our Athletes. The MJW Cheer & Dance Board expects our Athletes to be courteous, truthful, honest, considerate, determined and respectful to other Cheer & Dance Athletes, Directors and Assistant Directors, High School Coaches and Cheer & Dance Board members. Therefore, each Athlete will know and abide by the expectations set before them in this handbook. They will uphold the level of excellence that we are striving to achieve. Parents are encouraged to discuss the code of conduct with their children and families. Attendance Cheer and Dance are team sports that do not have alternate Athletes to take an Athlete’s place during an absence. Therefore, attendance is extremely important. Each and every cheerleader and dancer has a position and responsibility to his/her teammates. During an absence, each cheerleader and dancer miss instruction on proper techniques taught by their Coaches. Upon joining a MJW Cheer or Dance squad, it is your (parents & Athletes) obligation to: •
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Ensure the Athlete attends all practices. Cheer and Dance is a team sport, with each Athlete having a required place in routines. When one member is absent it can keep a whole team from achieving their goals for that practice, jeopardize the safety of all of those involved in mount/stunt groups, formations and prevent some Athletes from practicing portions of a routine. Notify your Director at least 2 hours prior to practice in the event of illness.
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Arrive at all events on time. Full attendance is important and excessive tardiness will not be tolerated. Team members that arrive late or have to leave early disrupt and distract practice. Commit to extra practices. During competition season, MJW reserves the right to schedule extra practices as deemed necessary by the Executive Board, Directors, Assistant Directors, etc. Abide by the Director request for closed practices for the good of the team. Viewing may be open the last 10 minutes of practices as the facility will allow.
Practice Rules In order to get the most out of practice and have it run efficiently, the following rules have been established: • • • • • • • •
Hair must be pulled back, away from face, for safety reasons. Jewelry is not allowed for safety purposes. Gum chewing, eating and soft drinks are not allowed during practices. Personal issues are to be left at the door when you enter the practice facility. Athletes should not engage in rough-play at any time. Concentration is required at all times for your safety and our teammate’s safety. New skills are to be attempted only after proper preparations and practice and only on the advice of a qualified Coach. INSUBORDINATION IS UNACCEPTABLE! The following actions can result in being removed from a MJW squad in accordance with the MJW Disciplinary Policy found at the end of this handbook. o Temper tantrums, outbursts. o Profanity, lewd language. o Showing disrespect to the Directors/Coaches by talking back, eye rolling, etc. o Showing disrespect to a fellow team member. o Lack of participation or poor attitude. o Unnecessary and excessive talking. o Use of cell phones for non-emergency calls. o Disrespect for the practice or competition facilities.
Respect for Athletes, Directors and Coaches No Director, Coach or Athlete shall tolerate abuse or disrespect from an Athlete within the program, regardless of whether the Athlete is on the same squad or another squad.
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McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual Competition It is the objective of MJW to have all competitions run efficiently. Below is a list of rules required at each competition: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Each MJW Athlete is required to wear the full uniform at each competition. Squad members must be prompt to competition locations as per competition information. Upon arriving at the competition location, please be competition ready (fully dressed) unless otherwise instructed by your Director. No makeup Jewelry is not allowed during warm-up or competition. Team members are to be in full uniform at the awards ceremonies. Gum, food and soft drinks are not allowed in the warm-up area or the competition floor. MJW Athletes and families are a reflection of our program and should conduct themselves in a manner that is in line with our beliefs. Insubordination as stated above will not be tolerated. In appropriate behavior, profanity, or lewd conduct is unacceptable. Tobacco, alcohol and illegal substance consumption is not tolerated. Unsportsmanlike behavior or disrespect to another team is inappropriate. Full respect for MJW Coaching staff and team parents is expected of each team member. Parents are expected to set an example not only to their own child/children, but to all of our team members. Please make sure that your actions do not interfere with the responsibilities of your Athlete to her squad. Please feel free to contact a MJW Director or Board Member if you have any concerns. All family members and their guests will need to follow all posted rules and regulations at competitions and games. This related to behaviors, sportsmanship and photography/video matters. Should you decide to compete, you MUST to commit to ALL competitions and mandatory practices. You cannot compete in only one event. Videotaping of any kind (phone or camera) and or photography without signing the IRCA Waiver will result in loss of grandfather registration status. Parents will be required to sign a waiver accepting responsibility for potential fines if caught videotaping at any IRCA competition.
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McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual Parent Code of Conduct • • •
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I will encourage good sportsmanship by demonstrating positive support for all Athletes, Directors, Coaches, and officials at all practices and competitions. I will put the emotional and physical wellbeing of my child ahead of my personal desire to win. As a parent, I will not interfere with Directors and Coaches in the instruction of the Athletes during practices or competitions. I will approach only Directors with any problems. Any constructive criticism/complaints will be discussed in person privately with the Director and President, if necessary. I will not have any interaction, at any time, with the High School Coaches with relation to the squad activities. I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs and alcohol and will refrain from using drugs or alcohol at all Cheer and Dance events. I will ask my child to treat other Athletes, Directors, Coaches, fans and officials with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or ability. I will ensure my child arrives on time and is picked up on time at the end of practices, games and competitions. I understand that I am not to leave my child alone at practices or games until a Director is present. I will ensure my child returns to practice, after missing more than a week due to an injury, with a doctor’s note stating my child is able to participate again in Cheer or Dance. I will notify my child’s Director at least two hours before practice or a game if my child will be absent. If you compete in one competition you must compete in all competitions. I will abide by the rules and regulations of all organizations at games, competitions and practices. I will help my child enjoy the Cheer and Dance experience by doing whatever I can, such as being a respectful fan, volunteer as needed, and provide transportation. I will inform my friends and family that are present at my child’s Cheer or Dance event about this Code of Conduct that we abide by.
REMINDERS FOR THE PARENTS • • • • • •
All parents are required to sign and abide by the MJW Parent’s Code of Conduct. MJW has a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for smoking by anyone during any/all MJW events. MJW does not take responsibility for the supervision of any sibling(s) of a MJW Athlete. Read notes sent home with your children or posted on your Squad’s internet site. Additionally, please check the MJW Facebook page regularly for updates. Make sure your child brings a water bottle to every practice. Ice water only (no pop, gum or candy). For practices; wear comfortable shorts/sweatpants (no jeans), shirts and gym shoes. Dancers must bring their Poms to every practice, if applicable.
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Hair pulled back ~ no barrettes, flip clips only. Safety issue. Pull hair neatly away from face (ponytails for cheer, ponytails or half-ponytails for Dance) No jewelry is to be worn during practices, games or competitions. Athletes must not get any new piercings until after the season ends. Safety issue. If jewelry is worn, the Director will insist it is taken off at the MJW events; MJW is not responsible for lost or stolen property. Nails trimmed down. No acrylic nails either. Safety issue. Make sure that your child’s uniform and shoes are clean for all games and competitions. For all MJW events, all parents and Athletes are representing MJW, so please act accordingly and dress appropriately. Be on time when dropping off and picking up your child as a courtesy to our Directors, as they have a family to get home to as well. Late arriving parents have been an issue every practice, every year. A $5.00 late fee will be assessed for every 10 minutes you are late. To avoid this situation, please keep your squad Director’s information handy and make the appropriate phone call or email. This sport requires a team effort and it is important for everyone to be in attendance at all practices and games. To the best of our abilities we will work together with school sports. Should attendance become an issue, it will be addressed on a case by case basis. MJW competes in approximately three to four competitions PLUS a State competition if applicable. Should you decide to compete, you MUST commit to ALL competitions and mandatory practices. You cannot compete in only one event. If your child will not be attending a practice, and/or game you need to call the squad Director prior to the scheduled meeting time. Attendance is important! If one unexcused practice is missed that week, cheerleaders must sit out at half-time while dancers will sit out for their sideline dance, though they will still need to be in attendance for the warm up practice prior to the game and during the game.
Any violation in the above list of rules can and will lead to removal from the MJW program. Please make sure you are completely familiar with the above expectations. COMMUNICABLE/CONTAGIOUS ILLNESSES If at any time during our season your child should contract head lice, we will require that the child not participate until we have received a note from the doctor or school nurse. The note must state that the child has been cleared and is able to attend school and normal activities. McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance follows District 15 policies regarding infectious/contagious illnesses and lice.
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McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual WORLD WIDE WEB Posting of any MJW routines on the internet is strictly prohibited and will result in termination from MJW. MJW ask that no one post any competition or practice videos of any of the MJW routines, neither cheer nor dance, onto any social media site. This includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat, etc. We ask that family members do not post our videos either. Each squad may set-up a secure site solely for the use of their Athletes to post practice information, routine videos meant for practicing to prepare for competition. MJW Cheer & Dance website will be updated and new information will be posted on a regular basis. Please make an effort to check the website regularly. The calendar will be updated with important dates. Registration information will be updated for each season on the registration section on the website. Families can contact MJW at
[email protected] for any questions or concerns. WEATHER Due to excessive heat, rain or cold, practices or games may be cancelled. The football players do play in the rain; however we will assess the situation and make a safety call at that time. Every effort will be made to call games and practices in a timely manner. You will be notified at least 30 minutes prior to any cancellations. If the weather is questionable, the rule of thumb is to arrive at your scheduled time, unless you hear otherwise from your Director. PICTURES Team and individual photos will be taken on a day and time to be determined. We will notify you when the date is chosen. Cheer & Dance Athletes should wear their complete uniform and hair bow provided by MJW. Parents are under no obligation to purchase pictures, but Athletes should be present to be included in team photos. Directors will pass out picture packet information as soon as it is available. A photo release form will be provided at Uniform Sizing day. Photos and videos taken by MJW are for the sole purposes of MJW printed publications and website.
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McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual GRIEVANCE PROCEDURES If you have an issue that you cannot resolve with your Squad Director, please submit your concern in written form in one of the following manners: 1) Hand delivered to the President, Vice President or Head of Directors 2) Mailed to MJW at PO Box 1503 McHenry, IL 60050 Attention: Grievance Committee 3) Email MJW at
[email protected] The MJW Executive Board will review your grievance and you will be contacted with the outcome. BY LAWS/RULES The McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer and Dance organization is governed by a set of By Laws. Parents may view the By Laws by visiting the MJW website at www.mjwpomandcheer.org. Safety is MJW’s number one priority. We make every effort to ensure the safety of all Athletes. Each Director is provided with safety guidelines that are age appropriate. DEMERIT SYSTEM To enforce the expectations, we work on a checkmark/demerit system. This system encourages responsibility for individual’s actions. If expectations are broken, a checkmark will be assigned to the child. The Organization, however, does retain the right to dismiss any individual who has demonstrated chronic absences or tardiness. Cheer & Dance is a group effort that requires the interaction and attendance of every member. Checkmarks and demerits will be issued for rude/inappropriate behavior, and repeated safety violations. Our standards are: • • •
Three check marks = 1st demerit. Six check marks = 2nd demerit, Athlete sits out for one game. Nine check marks = 3rd demerit, Director and Executive Board will review Athlete’s record for dismissal. Discretion and fairness are used for reviews. Each review is on a case by case basis.
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McHenry Junior Warriors Cheer & Dance Handbook & Policies Manual MANDATORY PRACTICE DEMERITS Once mandatory indoor practices start, any Athlete who receives a demerit will lose their “Grandfather” status at registration next year. For Varsity Athletes, it is the Squad Director’s discretion as to whether or not the Athlete will compete. Remember: • Multiple practice sessions per week are required, be on time with a positive attitude. • To be a good sport, show courtesy to opposing team, and their Cheerleaders/Dancers. • Be on your best behavior and represent McHenry with pride. • Pay attention to the game and your Coaches/Directors. • Cheerleaders must stay in squad formation during the games. Sitting or visiting in the stands or away from your squad detracts from the squad’s ability to perform. You must refrain from food and drinks during performance time. Always • Respect your Coaches, parent volunteers and other Athletes. • Never say “I can’t” you’ll be surprised what optimism can achieve. • Inappropriate language or negative attitudes are not allowed. • Concentration and full participation are required to reduce the risk of injury. In return you can expect respect from others, learn new skills, make new friends, laugh, have fun, and receive applause and enthusiasm from the fans in the stands.
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