Philosophy

It needs to be understood that being a cheer squad member is not an easy job. There are many sacrifices to be considered. As a cheer squad member, you will be a member of an athletic team – a team that maintains a regular practice schedule, conditioning program and, of course, cheers at athletic events.

Our first priority is to honor Christ. All members of the cheer squad should remember that wherever we are, whatever we are doing, we represent Christ. We are sometimes the only Christians that someone sees. We must remember to put Him first in all that we do.

Our second priority is academic achievement. All squad members will be required to maintain a passing grade in all class subjects to remain eligible to cheer. A coach may find it necessary to bench a squad member who is having difficulty in the classroom to allow them the opportunity to bring their grades up.

Our third priority is school spirit. It is our belief that a member of the cheer squad should at all times promote school spirit. Members should refrain from negative statements about the school, teachers and athletics. Our purpose is to promote, support and encourage our athletes and our school. School spirit and support of athletics comes before performing and competing. Performing and competing will be done after members have successfully done their first job of promoting school spirit and supporting our athletes.

A teamwork attitude is essential. As a cheer squad member you are a member of the TEAM. You will perform, compete and conduct yourselves as a UNIT, not as individual personalities. The TEAM is only as good as its weakest member, so we should uphold, help and encourage one another. Each member should remember that his or her attitude and conduct affects the whole squad. Your performance and dependability affects every member of the squad. One member’s poor performance affects the way the squad appears as a whole. One member’s absence affects the squad’s ability to perform stunts and cheers. If we all work together we will have a wonderful cheer squad!!

You are the ambassadors of Westminster Christian Academy. Often, you will be the first and only impression people have of our school. Members of the cheer squad are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior that represents Westminster Christian Academy. The conduct of a squad member is a direct reflection on the school as a whole. We desire for that reflection to be a positive one.

We also believe that problems within the squad belong within the squad and should not be discussed outside of the squad (except with parents). Opinions, suggestions and complaints are welcome if given with respect for the feelings of all members of the squad. These should be discussed at practice only and not at a ballgame. Our goal is to bring this squad together as a team and solve any problems as a team. Cooperation is vital to our squad and in-squad bickering will lead to dismissal from the squad.

It should also be understood that we will do our best to provide schedules as soon as they are available to allow for scheduling appointments. However, schedules are subject to last minute changes that are unavoidable. Tournaments cannot be scheduled in advance, and you should plan to cheer at all times during tournaments. This philosophy is necessary because to be a successful team, we must all be there to work together.

Rules and Regulations

Rules and regulations are necessary to maintain a team approach and insure that the best possible image of Westminster Christian Academy is presented to the students, community and other schools.

REGULATIONS

1. MUST maintain school grade and eligibility policy.

2. MUST be on time for school to be able to practice or participate in games.

3. MUST be at school the day of a game. If you are home ill, you are not to be at the game. If you leave early, without permission from the principal, you will not be at the game.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Respect and abide by the coach and captain’s decision and rules.

2. Attend and participate fully in ALL practices and ballgames.

3. Keep informed of what is happening.

4. Keep uniforms clean and neat.

5. You must be, at all times, concerned about your moral standards and good behavior at school and in the community. You must be dependable and show leadership because “ALL EYES ARE ON YOU!” You will often be the first impression people have of Westminster Christian Academy; so show your pride in what you have chosen to represent.

6. You MUST travel to and from cheering events and games as a team. Exceptions will be made ONLY with a written note from your parent.

7. You MUST participate in making signs and/or goody bags for games/functions.

8. Cheer shoes should only be worn for cheer activities.

9. Anyone who will be missing a practice/game, MUST contact the coach. Your squad members will not do.

APPEARANCE

1. If you have on any part of your uniform, except shoes, you must have on all your uniform.

2. No jewelry while in uniform. (NO EXCEPTIONS)

3. While in uniform you must be clean and neat in appearance. Hair clean and pulled out of your face. NO bright colored nail polish, only a neutral or clear coat.

ABSENCES

If an absence is not excused from school, then it is not excused from practice. Try not to schedule routine doctor or dentist appointments during practice times. Appointments with a specialist will be excused due to the difficulty in scheduling the appointment. If you are planning a family trip, 1 week notice is required for the absence to be considered excused. All absences need to be given to the coach in writing. PRIOR NOTICE IS REQUIRED. (Call before the practice or the game if you are sick.)