1. Hornets Cheerleading Parent/Student/Coach Meeting

2. Coaching Staff Coach Kaylene Nelson Coach Derek Nelson
2nd year Coach for Hornets Cheerleading
Head Football Sideline Coach
Competitive and Sideline Cheerleading Experience in High School and College
Phone #:
Coach Derek Nelson
Head Competitive Cheerleading Coach
Theater/Arts, Team Sports, & Youth Program Coordinator Background
Phone #
for both coaches:

3. Contact
Coaches maybe contacted by text, phone call, , or Facebook Message
Please join the Facebook group “Big Lake HS Cheer”
This is were updates are posted most frequently

4. Like us on Facebook

5. Guiding Rules
The cheerleading program will follow the rules set forth by the School Administration, the Minnesota State High School League, the Minnesota Cheerleading Coaches Association, and the Universal Cheerleading Association.
THERE WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE RULES!

6. Next slide is graphic, please look away if easily upset
Jewelry
No Jewelry of Any Kind Will Be Worn During Cheerleading Practices, Games, or Competitions
No Exceptions
This is a state mandated safety rule
Next slide is graphic, please look away if easily upset

7. This is Why
I do not tell you to take it out to be mean, I tell you to take it out to protect you from being severely injured.

8. School Requirements Sports Physical Activity Fee
Only needs to be done once every 3 years
MUST BE DONE BY 2nd WEEK OF THE OFFICAL SEASON
Last week of August typically
Lots of places offer these for free
TC Orthopedic (select dates)
Great River Chiro by appointment
Activity Fee
Due the same time as the sports physical
High School Activity fee is $220
Middle School Activity fee is $85
Low Income fee reduction and payment plans are available
Contact Mr. Midthun (AD) for more information

9. Academics Coaches will enforce the school academic policy
Students must at least have a D- to participate in school activities per the student handbook
If students have less then a C, coaches will have a meeting with student to discuss what needs to be done to maintain at least C’s
Coaches will check grades twice a semester. If a student is failing, they will be benched at practices, games, and competitions until student is passing
STUDENTS MUST STILL SHOW UP TO PRACTICES, GAMES, AND COMPTITIONS
If questions about grade policy, please call the front office

10. Attendance On Time To Every Practice, Game and Competition
This means at least 10 minutes early!!!!
Attend every practice, game, and competition
Absences are only allowed for school sanctioned reasons!
If you must miss, A PARENT MUST , TEXT, CALL, OR FACEBOOK MESSAGE THE COACHES WITH AN APPROVED REASON!
The Absence form located on the website must be filled out as well
If you are absent due to illness more then 3 days, Dr. note will be required
Schedules will be handed out with plenty of time to adjust work schedules and family vacations around practices, games, and competitions

11. Acceptable/Unacceptable Reasons to Miss
Major Illness or Injury
Death in the Family
Maximum of 1 week vacation
Major Religious Holidays
Mandatory School/church functions
Cold, sniffles, cramps, minor injuries, aches/pains
Work
No Ride
Non mandatory school or church events
Drivers Ed
Irresponsibility

12. Attitude Attitude A positive attitude must be brought to practice
We will be learning and trying a lot of new stuff
“Can’t” is a swear word at practice and will be treated as such
No drama
If a student is found to be the source of negativity on the team
First offense there will be a meeting with the coaches
Second offense, student will be kicked off the team

13. Social Media
THERE WILL BE NO CHEERLEADING GROUP CHATS WITHOUT AT LEAST ONE COACH APART OF THE CHAT!
There have been too many issues with misunderstandings, bullying, etc..
Any team chats without a coach that are discovered will result in the entire team being benched for the next game/competition
A Facebook group has been set up and admined by the coaches
This will be the primary source of communication from the coaches
Group will be “open” for one week following this meeting. After that you will have to be added by a current member of the group.

14. Social Media Cont. Coaches maintain a public Facebook page
This page is to let our fans know when there are fundraisers, games, competitions and how the teams are doing
We also post what is going on with cheerleading within the state
i.e. post about Minnetonka winning nationals last year. 
Please have friends and families like us
Instagram account is maintained by the students
Captains know the rules and monitor it
Kaylene doesn’t use Instagram or know how it works….

15. Cell Phones NO CELL PHONES AT PRACTICE!
Cell phones are an unneeded distraction in practice and distract from building the team
Cell phones must be in your bag, unless pre-approved, FOR THE DURATION OF PRACTICE!
If a parent needs to get a hold of a student, call/text Derek or Kaylene
I SEE IT, IT IS MINE!
A parent will have to get your phone from me if taken
Cell phone will be allowed when traveling to and from games/competitions
This privilege will be taken away if it causes any negativity on the team!

16. Transportation
We will be riding with the football players to and from games.
Buses will not wait for late students!
If you are late, you must find your own ride to the game location
If a student needs a ride to a game or practice, student or parent must text Derek or Kaylene at least 1 hour prior to the departure or practice time.
This is to allow us time to adjust our work schedules to accommodate
Please let coaches know right away if a ride home is needed, and remind them!
Communication from parents the day before a game or comp is mandatory in order to take a student home.

17. Stunting
Stunting
Stunting is fun, but can be dangerous if done improperly
STUDENTS WILL NOT STUNT WITHOUT A COACH PRESENT
If a student is caught stunting without a coach, student will be benched for the following game or competition
If a student falls
Coach will check students for injuries
Entire team will do 10 push ups
Stunting is a TEAM effort.
One Person fails, we all fail

18. Stunting Cont. Before a new stunt is learned
All members of the stunt group will participate in drills
Drills are to learn appropriate movements and skills
Drills create muscle memory which aid in better and safer stunts
All practices will consist of stunting drills
All members of a stunt group will experience all positions within the stunt to the best of the students’ ability and safety
If a student refuses to follow direction during drills, instruction, and/or actual performance of stunt it can result in suspension from the team

19. Cheer Camp There will be at least one cheerleading camp this summer
It will likely be hosted by SCSU’s cheer team at SCSU
Details are still being finalized
Cost will be $40 per student
These will not be optional, everyone is required to attend
We will be learning a lot of different stunts and safety tips during these camps
These cannot be made up
Families with economic concerns can speak privately to coaches about options

20. Fundraising We are working on putting together several fundraisers
Cub Foods Bagging
Pizza Ranch
Yankee Candle Sales
Kids Cheer Clinics
Firework Tent
Parents
We must have 1 parent/18+ family member assist with football booster club fundraisers in order to pay for senior banners
If a cheer family does not volunteer, they will have to pay for certain things out of pocket (i.e. Senior Banner, Competition Fees, etc.)

21. Public Image Public Image
Many members of the community look up to the cheerleaders as role models
Cheerleaders will properly wear ALL parts of the uniform at ALL times, NO EXCEPTIONS!
Cheerleaders will NOT SWEAR at practice, games, or competitions
TEAM will do 10 push ups per a swear word!
Conversations in public will be kept clean!
Remember, the walls have ears!
This includes all public social media accounts
Because cheerleaders are role models we expect all public behavior to reflect positively on the cheerleader and the program
Any concerns or issues brought to the attention to the coaches will be addressed between the student and the coaches, and depending on the severity or safety concerns parents and/or school will also be informed

22. Support and Outreach
If there is issues going on in personal, academic, or work life
Do not be afraid to bring it to the attention of the coaches
We have resources through the school and community to help parents and students alike to find resolutions to the addressed issues
Ex. Dating and social relationships, grades, homework, work manager issues, stress/anxiety, ect.
We are all for the support and development of the cheerleader in and outside of the program

23. Uniform Uniforms must be kept clean!
Cheerleading shoes are to be worn at practices, games and competitions
They provide better support and a better grip then normal shoes
Correct Bow must be worn
If Cheerleader is not in proper uniform/practice wear, will sit out during that practice or game but expected to observe and support the team
More then 1 incident will result in being benched at the next game/comp. Continued incidents may result in dismissal

24. Uniform Continued During Warm Weather’ During Cold Weather
Shell, midriff and skirt must be worn with a BLACK RACER BACK SPORTS BRA AND THE REQUIRED BLUE SHORTS
No exceptions!
During Cold Weather
We will wear warm up jackets and warm up pants
Additional layers, hats/headbands, mittens ect. Maybe approved/required during October/November games
Any modifications to uniforms must be approved by coaches

25. Weather We live in Minnesota
It can be raining and cold one minute and hot and sunny the next
BE PREPARED FOR ALL WEATHER!
Students that do not come prepared, WILL BE BENCHED OR SENT HOME!
“I forgot” IS NOT AN EXCUSE!
You are require to have a bag so you can keep everything you will need for cheerleading in it.

26. Family/Friends/Significant Others at Games
We love it when family, friends, and boyfriends/girlfriends come cheer us on at games and competitions
When a cheerleader is at a game or comp, squad comes first, everyone else second
There will be time to say hi and hang out with friends/family during half time and after the game/comp.
And there will be time outside of cheerleading to hug/kiss you bf/gf
If Derek and Kaylene can’t show PDA, neither can you!
PDA in uniform is prohibited

27. Costs Returning Students New Students
Activity Fee ($220 at high school $85 at middle school)
Team outfit $37.50 (10% discount not included)
Cheer camp
$40 for sideline
$156 for comp*
Activity Fee ($220 at high school $85 at middle school)
Team outfit $37.50
Cheer camp
$40 for sideline
$156 for comp*
Warm ups $101
Shoes $47 or $80 (depends on brand)
Briefs $10 (15% discount for briefs, warm ups, and team outfit)
*Cheer camp for comp will be fundraised for with comp specific fundraisers.
Purple = Due May 12th Yellow= Due 3rd week in August Red= Sometime in May or June
White= Sidelines Camp TBD, Comp Camp, $100 due 6/10, $62 due 6/27
If costs are ever an issue, talk to Derek or Kaylene.

28. Costs for Guys Activity Fee ($220 at high school $85 at middle school)
Team outfit $33.50*
Cheer camp
$30 for sideline
$156 for comp*
Warm up Jacket $76*
Shoes $120*
Purple = Due May 12th Yellow= Due 3rd week in August Red= Sometime in May or June
White= Sideline Camp TBD, Comp Camp $100 due 6/10, $62 due 6/11
* Denotes items that do not need to be repurchased if already owned.

29. Cheer Gear All items are available through the GTM shop.
Must be ordered by May 12th
GTM store closes May 15th in order to produce items in time for public appearances
Vets will receive a 10% discount for team outfit
Rookies will receive a 15% discount for warm ups, team outfit, and briefs
It is preferred shoes are the Nike Unites, but the ones available through GTM are a lower cost alternative
It is also possible to find both brands of shoes at other websites and retailers
Coach bought Nike Unites on Ebay for $50
Items will not change year-to-year unless discontinued
Close alternative will then be found

30. Team Out Fit- NEW THIS YEAR!!!!
This will be worn at all camps, fundraisers, and community events. Men’s shorts are similar

31. Cheer Gear Cont.
It is required that every cheerleader has black leggings, white ankle socks, proper fitting and appropriate undergarments and a backpack
These can be purchased anywhere
There are a few backpacks available for checkout from the cheer office
Pom Poms
Pom poms are available for purchase on the GTM website
$16 a pair
NOT REQUIRED

32. Cheer Gear Cont.
To access link to sites

33. Cheer Gear Cont.

34. Important Docs Any and all important docs will be located here.
This maybe updated and changed. A notification will go out in the Facebook group.

35. Schedule
Practices will be Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30pm to 7pm for Football Cheer
Captains practices will be from 4:30 to 5:30pm to learn, review, and clean cheers
Coaches are working with the school to get us a designated space for practice
Once coaches have a confirmed game/competition schedule, a calendar will be sent home and available on the cheerleading website and Facebook group
Current Fall Calendar is being passed out tonight. Away game departure times are TBD and will be announced when they are announced. Fundraisers may be added

36. Football Schedule
**Homecoming is October 6th.

37. Lettering
Per the school handbook “100% attendance at all practices and may not be excused from more than 2 varsity fall football games or 3 varsity basketball games.”
To us this means no unexcused absences from practices or games
We do not expect 100% attendance at practices simply because people get sick and family emergencies happen.
Absences have to be a school approved reason with communication from a parent
Coach will be maintaining a record of who attends what and if it was an excused absence or not.

38. Spud Fest June 22nd-25th Friday Events Saturday Events
Sign up for 3 hour time slots to help football team rake softball field
5:30-? Help with Lake Walk Run
Saturday Events
Parade, line up at 10:30am with youth football association
Will need parent volunteers to supervise raking
This is one of two events that pay for our senior banners

39. Meet the Hornets Night Wednesday August 16th starting at 5pm
Cheerleaders will cheer at scrimmage game and be available for pictures/Autographs
Parents will need to volunteer to help the football booster club for this event
This is how senior banners are funded for us
Minimum of 10 parents needed!
Sign up link will be posted to the Facebook group and sent out via

40. Youth Cheer Clinic New Fundraiser this year!!
September 9th 10am to 3pm, September 14th 5:30-6:30 pm, and September 15th during the football game
We will be teaching a 1 minute routine and 1 easy crowd cheer to kids in 1st-5th grade
They will be performing this during either pregame or half time at the youth night football game September 15th
Cheerleaders will be needed to help keep track of and move children
2 or 3 parents are also requested to assist in getting children back to parents.

41. Homecoming Friday October 6th
Students will be put into “committee” groups
Each committee will be required to help with some function of homecoming
i.e. sign committee will make run through signs, food committee will make treats for football team, ect.
It is mandatory to stay after school Friday October 6th
We have a lot to do and not a lot of time to do it all in, all hands on deck will be needed!
Coaches will be bringing in Subway sandwiches and healthy treats for dinner
We request a $3-5 “donation” from each student to help cover the cost of dinner
Please let us know in advance about allergies or special eating requirements
i.e. vegetarian
We will perform our routine at the pep fest and half time

42. Other Important Dates May 12th GTM Orders due
Need to have it for Spudfest
May 14th Susan G Komen Race for the Cure
We will leave at 6pm. At least 8 students are needed
May need parent volunteers to drive
Firework Fundraiser June 25th-July 5th
Sign up sheet will be going out.
Tent must have at least 1 cheerleader at all time
Season BBQ kick off July 16th starting at 5pm at coaches' house
Pictures are August 29th at 5:30pm

43. Parent Volunteer/Support Opportunities
Coaches are always willing to entertain ideas for fundraising and community events/involvement
Any parents that would want to be involved in the program they can express interest to coaches. If there is an opportunity or good fit, coaches can go through the process of getting them approved to assist.

44. Questions?

45. Comp/Bball Squad Specific Information
Football Sideline parents and students may leave

46. NEW!!!
This will be the first year Big lake will have a competition squad!
While not required, IT IS STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that all students on the competitive squad take the summer gymnastics through community ed and take advantage of their open gym on Fridays
Whether we compete in the tumbling or non-tumbling category will depend on if ¾ of the team has a standing back handspring
Coaches are planning on non-tumbling for routine creation purposes

47. Schedule
Practices
During Football Season we will be practicing Monday from 5:30 to 7:30 pm and Tuesday/Thursday from 7 to 8pm
This will switch to Tuesday/Thursday only 5:30 to 7:30 when the Football season is done
We will Cheer at Boys Bball home games and compete at 5+ comps

48. Bball Games “Blue” and “Gold” teams
Cheer team will be divided into two equal teams
Blue team will cheer at first game
Gold Team at second game
Trade off each game going forward
Both teams will attend the half time performance game, sections, and state games
Section and State games have a cap on the # of students on the floor
Will rotate teams at half time so everyone has a chance to cheer
Both teams will still be required to attend all practices, regardless of game schedule

49. Comps
These are the comps currently scheduled. Several more keep getting added each week.
Highlighted Comps are the comps I plan on taking the team. State will be our “Big” comp this year
If parents and students are okay with taking on additional costs, we can look at doing more. We will do not more then 8 this year though!

50. 24 Hour Rule
For 24 hours following a competition, parents & students are NOT allowed to communicate with coaches
Only exception will be in the event of an emergency (i.e. student is in the hospital, family is flying out of state for a funeral, ect.)
These emergency texts will contain NO QUESTIONS in regards to the competition
This is to allow any emotions to settle and for rational conversation to take place
For 24 hours following the competition, the coaches will also not communicate with students in regards to the competition
Critiquing, score reviews, ect. Can wait until the following practice.

51. UCA Cheer Camp
We have the opportunity to join Dassel Cokato, Howard Lake, and Annandale smaller schools at a 2 day UCA camp.
Camp will be held at Dassel Cokato
This will be an opportunity for us to work on harder stunts with people that do cheerleading professional
Camp is August 1st and 2nd
Cost is $162 ($100 due 6/10, $62 due 6/27)
If I can have a parent lead the charge on finding fundraisers, we can lower the overall out of pocket cost
UCA camps are mandatory for us to do in order to qualify for nationals (not my rule!)

52. Up in the Air
Transportation and competition fees are still up in the air as to if the school will cover them or not
If we need to provide our own transportation, I will need PARENT volunteers to help transport the team
We will try to do as many fundraisers as possible to off set costs
If I can have one or two parents help me lead the charge on finding additional fundraisers, it would be greatly appreciated

53. Final Thoughts
This is our first year, we are not going to bring home hardware every competition
What we will do
Practice like nationals is our next competition
Compete like we never lost
Accept competition results with the dignity and grace of royalty
We will also seek to push ourselves to be better every time we preform and raise the bar for ourselves higher and higher
We will have a viewing party during nationals weekend at Kaylene and Derek’s house to get ideas for next year since it will be our goal to go to nationals!

54. Questions?