2017 Lackawanna Trail Jr. Lions Cheerleading Information Packet
2017 Lackawanna Trail Jr. Lions Cheerleading Information Packet Practice schedule Practices are scheduled to begin on July 12, 2017. Please wait to hear from your coach regarding practice times etc. Practices will be held Tuesday – Thursday at the practice field from 5:30 to 7:30. The only exception will be the weeks prior to competition when practices will be Monday thru Friday. Please be on time to practices. When we near competition practices may be held at the high school field. We will let everyone know the dates we are allowed to use the field once they have been approved by the high school. Practicing on the field will give the cheerleaders the opportunity to work on the lines and practice proper positioning. Practices are mandatory! Please let us know of any vacations or absences before they occur or any other conflicts. Missing too many practices can result in your child being benched from a game or not being able to participate in competition. If we cancel practice due to inclement weather I will post and text parents at least 15 minutes prior to the start of practice. We will still practice if there is light rain but the coaches will not allow stunting during that time do to slippery conditions. It is recommended that parents stay at practice. Sometimes we may end practice early due to weather. Our coaches are volunteers & may have other commitments so PLEASE be prompt when picking up your child if you choose not to stay. Prior to practice the cheerleaders are led through a warm up session so they are ready to participate in stunting. The warm ups are vital to helping minimize sore or pulled muscles. If you miss your warm ups your coaches will ask that you run laps and perform stretches prior to taking part in practice. Cheer Clinic There will be a cheer clinic which is hosted by our Varsity Cheerleaders under the supervision of the varsity coach. This is an optional activity. You will need to register your child and pay the registration fee for the event. The cheer clinic is a great way to kick off the season and for new cheerleaders to start to learn the basics. The Varsity cheerleaders have fun activities for your children to participate. At the end of the clinic there will be a show and tell for the parents to come and watch what their child has learned. While participation in the clinic is not a required activity I strongly encourage all cheerleaders to participate.
Attire: Children must wear sneakers for practice. NO FLIP FLOPS, SANDALS, CROCS, ect…. They must be in clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for the activity. T-shirts without offensive writing or pictures, shorts, sweats, yoga pants, ect…. NO JEANS, DRESSES, SKIRTS, SKORTS, SPAGHETTI STRAP TANK TOPS, MID DRIFT BARING CLOTHING. Long hair needs to be pulled up and hair should be
away from the face and eyes. Wearing the proper clothing will allow the children to move freely during cheers and stunting. Keeping the hair out of the way will make sure they can see during stunting.
PLEASE NO JEWELRY. It is painful when it gets caught on someone’s clothing during stunting. Stud earrings are okay for practice and games but NOT permitted at competition. All girls should come ready to practice. Apply sunscreen & bug spray prior to the start of practice. Restroom/Breaks: Please send your child with a bottle of water to practice & games. Please have your child use the restroom prior to coming to practice. Once practice begins we will have 1 scheduled break at 6:30pm for the children to use the bathroom. We cannot have practice disrupted for multiple bathroom breaks. Because of the location and distance of the bathrooms an adult would need to go with them. This will take 10 minutes out of our practice time. Please communicate this to your children. In the past there have been multiple disruptions to practice for bathroom breaks. Practice is only 2 hours and we need to minimize breaks. If your child has a medical issue which requires they use the bathroom more often please speak to your head coach or the cheer advisor. The parent will be asked to stay at practice to take their child for the additional bathroom breaks to help minimize disruption of practice of a coach or squad parent having to stop and take your child to the bathroom. Games: Cheerleaders are required to cheer at all games. Cheerleaders should be at the game location at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. If you cannot attend you must notify the coach/ advisor. Missing games is considered an absence. Too many unapproved absences can result in your child being removed from the squad and the registration fee forfeited. Absences: It is very important that the children attend practices and games. Because of formations and stunts that we do, we need everyone there to participate. One child missing can result in a stunt group not being able to be practice or the entire squad not being able to properly execute a stunt or formation. The cheerleaders love to practice their stunting and are very disappointed when they aren’t able to because of missing children. Too many absences may result in your child being benched from a game or removed from competition. If absences become habitual your child will need to leave the squad. In certain circumstances, such as planned vacations, family emergencies, or illnesses exceptions will be made. Please discuss directly with the head coach/ advisor as soon as you are aware of any upcoming absences. Competition: It is a requirement by the NAJFL that all cheerleaders participate in competition. The cheerleaders need to be fully prepared. For the 2 weeks prior to competition, all squads will practice Monday thru Friday from 5:30 to 7:30. If the coaches feel we need more time to prepare we may need to adjust the
practices to 4 (Mon- Thur.) days a week for 3 to 4 weeks prior to competition. We will have a better feel if we will need to increase the practice days toward the end of August. The routines they perform are complicated with many stunts and formation changes. It requires ALL the cheerleaders to practice together. THESE PRACTICES ARE MANDATORY. If your child misses practice for any reason except family emergency or illness the coach/ advisor has the right to remove your child from the squad. Competition is a lot of fun for both the children and the parents. The cheerleaders work hard to perfect their routines and it is important they get the opportunity to practice together. This is the only competition they will take part in. Absolutely no jewelry, nail polish, or colored hair is allowed at competition. This puts our squads at risk for losing points for appearance. Monetary Commitments: There are several items that you are required to purchase for your child to participate in cheerleading. In order to register, you must commit to buying the following items by the due date. Failure to comply will result in benching and or removal from the squad. Items
Sneakers Lollipops with boy cut briefs Bow Socks
Cost Estimated Cost: $15-$20 Estimated Cost: $20 Estimated Cost: $5 Estimated Cost: $5
These items will be purchased through the league. Money for required uniform items will be due by Thursday ______, 2017. Please make your checks out to __________________________________
Other items will be available for purchase but NOT required; Warm ups, jackets, parent’s competition shirt, spirit wear, rain jacket. Again these items are optional. Uniforms: There will be 2 drop off times to return uniforms following the last game. The dates and times will be communicated via text and our web page. Any uniform not returned or not returned in good condition and clean will result in the parent being billed for the cost of a replacement uniform at a cost of $75.00. If you do not pay for the replacement uniform prior to the banquet your child will not be able to attend. If you have not paid the fee prior to the start of the next season your child will be unable to register. Uniforms are available on a first come first serve basis. The league cannot guarantee a certain size or perfect fit will be available.
Game Day Uniforms: Girls must be in full uniform for game days. This includes sneakers, bows, briefs, turtleneck (unless it is hot then a tank top can be worn under the top). The only item allowed under the uniform is the turtleneck or a BLACK, RED, or WHITE tank top. Long hair must be pulled up/back in a ponytail, braid, or bun. Only BLACK, RED, or WHITE hair accessories are permitted. In the event of rain, the cheerleader is permitted to wear a clear poncho or rain jacket. When it begins to get colder out girls can wear their black warm up pants or long solid black leggings. No other color or styles are permitted. If it is really cold they can wear a sweater or jacket. If possible make it the school colors: BLACK, RED, or WHITE. If they need to wear gloves again please try and use the school colors: BLACK, RED, or WHITE. Concession Stand: Parents are required to work at a minimum one shift and donate minimum of one food item to the concession stand per number of children enrolled. Example 1 cheerleader and 1 football player would require you work the stand a minimum of 2 times during the season and donate a minimum of 2 food items. If you aren’t able to work your designated shift please switch with another parent. You can also ask someone work in your place: grandparent, aunt, uncle, family friend. They must be 18 years or older. Any parent who does not fulfill their stand requirement will need to pay for the cost of their child to attend the banquet. The concession stand and food donations are an important part of the league. It provides much needed funding so we can purchase items for the cheer and football teams. It also allows the league to minimize the expense that is passed on to the parents for the children to participate in the league.
Disciplinary action: We expect the children to act in a respectable manner towards themselves, the coaches, and the other children. Disciplinary action is up to the head coach/advisor/ board. Disciplinary action will depend on the misconduct and will vary from a verbal correction to having to sit out at practice or a game. In extreme situations immediate removal from the squad may occur. If your child is disciplined a parent/guardian will be notified of the circumstances and action taken to correct the child. We want your child’s and your experience to be fun and rewarding. None of the coaches or the league want to take disciplinary actions. We just ask everyone follow the rules and that the parent or guardian reinforces the rules with their child(ren). Sportsmanship: Un-sportsman like conduct of any kind directed at other cheerleaders, teams, or coaches will not be tolerated. This includes but not limited to; name calling, making faces, not congratulating someone from an opposing team. This behavior can result in immediate removal of the squad.
Bullying policy: Bullying of any kind by kids or parents will not be tolerated. Exhibiting this behavior can result in immediate removal from the squad. Bullying is not tolerated at school and will not be tolerated at league events. We are a team and we will work together and be supportive of each other. Parents talking negatively about cheerleaders, coaches, the advisor, or board members will also not be tolerated. This is a volunteer organization and are giving up their own time to teach your children. Parents yelling at practices, games, or within the community will not be tolerated. All coaches, the advisor, and board members are willing to discuss an issue or concern in a proper manner and setting. Parents or children writing negative comments on social media about each other, other teams, coaches, the advisor, the league, ect. will not be tolerated. This can result in removal from the squad. Any violation of this policy may result in the parent not being allowed to attend practices, games, or competition. This is supposed to be a fun experience for us all and we need to be supportive and respectful of each other.
Fundraisers: We ask all parents participate in fundraising during the season. This will help keep costs down that are passed onto the parents and give the league the ability to purchase the needed uniforms and equipment. The more money we raise the less money you will need to spend for your child to participate!!
I have received the 2017 Jr. Lions Cheer Manual. I agree to uphold all the requirements and expectations for the season. I understand failure to comply with any guidelines may result in my child being benched for the games and possibly removed from the team.
_____________________________________ Parent or Guardian Signature
_____________________________________ Print Name
_____________________ Date
_______________________________ Print Cheerleaders Name
Attire: Children must wear sneakers for practice. NO FLIP FLOPS, SANDALS, CROCS, ect…. They must be in clothing that is comfortable and appropriate for the activity. T-shirts without offensive writing or pictures, shorts, sweats, yoga pants, ect…. NO JEANS, DRESSES, SKIRTS, SKORTS, SPAGHETTI STRAP TANK TOPS, MID DRIFT BARING CLOTHING. Long hair needs to be pulled up and hair should be
away from the face and eyes. Wearing the proper clothing will allow the children to move freely during cheers and stunting. Keeping the hair out of the way will make sure they can see during stunting.
PLEASE NO JEWELRY. It is painful when it gets caught on someone’s clothing during stunting. Stud earrings are okay for practice and games but NOT permitted at competition. All girls should come ready to practice. Apply sunscreen & bug spray prior to the start of practice. Restroom/Breaks: Please send your child with a bottle of water to practice & games. Please have your child use the restroom prior to coming to practice. Once practice begins we will have 1 scheduled break at 6:30pm for the children to use the bathroom. We cannot have practice disrupted for multiple bathroom breaks. Because of the location and distance of the bathrooms an adult would need to go with them. This will take 10 minutes out of our practice time. Please communicate this to your children. In the past there have been multiple disruptions to practice for bathroom breaks. Practice is only 2 hours and we need to minimize breaks. If your child has a medical issue which requires they use the bathroom more often please speak to your head coach or the cheer advisor. The parent will be asked to stay at practice to take their child for the additional bathroom breaks to help minimize disruption of practice of a coach or squad parent having to stop and take your child to the bathroom. Games: Cheerleaders are required to cheer at all games. Cheerleaders should be at the game location at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. If you cannot attend you must notify the coach/ advisor. Missing games is considered an absence. Too many unapproved absences can result in your child being removed from the squad and the registration fee forfeited. Absences: It is very important that the children attend practices and games. Because of formations and stunts that we do, we need everyone there to participate. One child missing can result in a stunt group not being able to be practice or the entire squad not being able to properly execute a stunt or formation. The cheerleaders love to practice their stunting and are very disappointed when they aren’t able to because of missing children. Too many absences may result in your child being benched from a game or removed from competition. If absences become habitual your child will need to leave the squad. In certain circumstances, such as planned vacations, family emergencies, or illnesses exceptions will be made. Please discuss directly with the head coach/ advisor as soon as you are aware of any upcoming absences. Competition: It is a requirement by the NAJFL that all cheerleaders participate in competition. The cheerleaders need to be fully prepared. For the 2 weeks prior to competition, all squads will practice Monday thru Friday from 5:30 to 7:30. If the coaches feel we need more time to prepare we may need to adjust the
practices to 4 (Mon- Thur.) days a week for 3 to 4 weeks prior to competition. We will have a better feel if we will need to increase the practice days toward the end of August. The routines they perform are complicated with many stunts and formation changes. It requires ALL the cheerleaders to practice together. THESE PRACTICES ARE MANDATORY. If your child misses practice for any reason except family emergency or illness the coach/ advisor has the right to remove your child from the squad. Competition is a lot of fun for both the children and the parents. The cheerleaders work hard to perfect their routines and it is important they get the opportunity to practice together. This is the only competition they will take part in. Absolutely no jewelry, nail polish, or colored hair is allowed at competition. This puts our squads at risk for losing points for appearance. Monetary Commitments: There are several items that you are required to purchase for your child to participate in cheerleading. In order to register, you must commit to buying the following items by the due date. Failure to comply will result in benching and or removal from the squad. Items
Sneakers Lollipops with boy cut briefs Bow Socks
Cost Estimated Cost: $15-$20 Estimated Cost: $20 Estimated Cost: $5 Estimated Cost: $5
These items will be purchased through the league. Money for required uniform items will be due by Thursday ______, 2017. Please make your checks out to __________________________________
Other items will be available for purchase but NOT required; Warm ups, jackets, parent’s competition shirt, spirit wear, rain jacket. Again these items are optional. Uniforms: There will be 2 drop off times to return uniforms following the last game. The dates and times will be communicated via text and our web page. Any uniform not returned or not returned in good condition and clean will result in the parent being billed for the cost of a replacement uniform at a cost of $75.00. If you do not pay for the replacement uniform prior to the banquet your child will not be able to attend. If you have not paid the fee prior to the start of the next season your child will be unable to register. Uniforms are available on a first come first serve basis. The league cannot guarantee a certain size or perfect fit will be available.
Game Day Uniforms: Girls must be in full uniform for game days. This includes sneakers, bows, briefs, turtleneck (unless it is hot then a tank top can be worn under the top). The only item allowed under the uniform is the turtleneck or a BLACK, RED, or WHITE tank top. Long hair must be pulled up/back in a ponytail, braid, or bun. Only BLACK, RED, or WHITE hair accessories are permitted. In the event of rain, the cheerleader is permitted to wear a clear poncho or rain jacket. When it begins to get colder out girls can wear their black warm up pants or long solid black leggings. No other color or styles are permitted. If it is really cold they can wear a sweater or jacket. If possible make it the school colors: BLACK, RED, or WHITE. If they need to wear gloves again please try and use the school colors: BLACK, RED, or WHITE. Concession Stand: Parents are required to work at a minimum one shift and donate minimum of one food item to the concession stand per number of children enrolled. Example 1 cheerleader and 1 football player would require you work the stand a minimum of 2 times during the season and donate a minimum of 2 food items. If you aren’t able to work your designated shift please switch with another parent. You can also ask someone work in your place: grandparent, aunt, uncle, family friend. They must be 18 years or older. Any parent who does not fulfill their stand requirement will need to pay for the cost of their child to attend the banquet. The concession stand and food donations are an important part of the league. It provides much needed funding so we can purchase items for the cheer and football teams. It also allows the league to minimize the expense that is passed on to the parents for the children to participate in the league.
Disciplinary action: We expect the children to act in a respectable manner towards themselves, the coaches, and the other children. Disciplinary action is up to the head coach/advisor/ board. Disciplinary action will depend on the misconduct and will vary from a verbal correction to having to sit out at practice or a game. In extreme situations immediate removal from the squad may occur. If your child is disciplined a parent/guardian will be notified of the circumstances and action taken to correct the child. We want your child’s and your experience to be fun and rewarding. None of the coaches or the league want to take disciplinary actions. We just ask everyone follow the rules and that the parent or guardian reinforces the rules with their child(ren). Sportsmanship: Un-sportsman like conduct of any kind directed at other cheerleaders, teams, or coaches will not be tolerated. This includes but not limited to; name calling, making faces, not congratulating someone from an opposing team. This behavior can result in immediate removal of the squad.
Bullying policy: Bullying of any kind by kids or parents will not be tolerated. Exhibiting this behavior can result in immediate removal from the squad. Bullying is not tolerated at school and will not be tolerated at league events. We are a team and we will work together and be supportive of each other. Parents talking negatively about cheerleaders, coaches, the advisor, or board members will also not be tolerated. This is a volunteer organization and are giving up their own time to teach your children. Parents yelling at practices, games, or within the community will not be tolerated. All coaches, the advisor, and board members are willing to discuss an issue or concern in a proper manner and setting. Parents or children writing negative comments on social media about each other, other teams, coaches, the advisor, the league, ect. will not be tolerated. This can result in removal from the squad. Any violation of this policy may result in the parent not being allowed to attend practices, games, or competition. This is supposed to be a fun experience for us all and we need to be supportive and respectful of each other.
Fundraisers: We ask all parents participate in fundraising during the season. This will help keep costs down that are passed onto the parents and give the league the ability to purchase the needed uniforms and equipment. The more money we raise the less money you will need to spend for your child to participate!!
I have received the 2017 Jr. Lions Cheer Manual. I agree to uphold all the requirements and expectations for the season. I understand failure to comply with any guidelines may result in my child being benched for the games and possibly removed from the team.
_____________________________________ Parent or Guardian Signature
_____________________________________ Print Name
_____________________ Date
_______________________________ Print Cheerleaders Name
