1. Butler Cheerleading Information Meeting
Wednesday, May 10, 2017

2. When are Tryouts? Eligibility Requirements
• Try-outs will be July 26, 27, 28 from 6PM-9PM & 29 from 8-11AM in the Butler auxiliary gym.
Eligibility Requirements
• 2.0 Grade Point Average (from last semester)
• 85% attendance
• Two (2) proofs of residency
• Current Physical (Must be on CMS form & MUST BE TURNED IN 1ST DAY OF TRYOUTS
• Valid Medical Insurance

3. What do I bring on the 1st day of tryouts?
The following must be turned in when you arrive for 1st day of tryouts or you will not be able to participate (IN THIS ORDER):
• CMS Eligibility Certification Form (Along with 2 proofs of residency…one from each column listed on form)
• CMS HS Pre-Participation Form
• HS NCHSAA Preparticipation Exam Form
•Concussion Statement: Student-Athlete Parent Legal Custodian
• Insurance form with a copy of your insurance card; please do not send the original.
• NCHSAA Eligibility and Authorization Statement
• CMC/CMS Authorization forms
• Butler Athletic Rules
• Medical Release
•Student information sheet (Included in this packet pg. 9)
• Uniform Care Sheet/Contract (Included in this packet pg. 10)
• Statement of Permission and Commitment Agreement (Included in this packet pg. 11)
All Forms not included in packet can be information

4. Cheerleader selection will be based on the following
Categories: (VIEW SCORE SHEET pg.5)
• A cheer and dance will be taught during the first two days of tryouts
• You will create your OWN CHANT
• Jumps (A toe touch is required, but a double toe touch, a herkie, and a pike are also suggested.)
• Athleticism, physical fitness & flexibility
• Scholastic achievement and eligibility
• Overall Spirit – which includes an effort to sell ads for the football program (see pgs ) but also includes commitment, attitude, initiative, teamwork, work ethic, enthusiasm and coachability (observed during try-out sessions and interview questions)
• Tumbling & Stunt experience is suggested.

5. • Please wear gym shoes, comfortable RED shorts, a durable sports bra, and a PLAIN WHITE t-shirt.
• Dress as if you would dress for cheerleading practice.
• No denim shorts or jewelry please.
• Your hair should also be pulled back off your shoulders.
• On the final day of tryouts, please wear a RED shorts & a PLAIN WHITE t- shirt that your tryout number can be written on! Feel free to showcase your creativity and the ultimate cheerleader in you!

6. Please read ALL of the information in order to understand what is
expected of you as a Butler cheerleader AND Parent…
Starting the day you make the team!

7. What happens if I make the team?
• A list will be posted Saturday evening on the cheerleading website
• If you make the team, you and a parent will be expected to attend a MANDATORY Parents Meeting: August 5th, 5-6:00pm; following our 1st Fan Fest 6- 7:30pm. Team pictures will also be 3:00pm.
• All cheerleaders will attend ALL practices
• All cheerleaders will attend stunt camp. Stunt camp will be held at Butler High School
• All cheerleaders must pay the $100 CMS Athletic Participation Fee per season
• All cheerleaders will purchase required apparel items
• All cheerleaders are expected and required to participate in Fundraisers, Community, and Special events

8. Practices and Games Schedule
• All cheerleaders are expected to complete BOTH football and basketball seasons.
• Football begins in August and ends in Nov/Dec
• Basketball begins in November and ends in Mar/Apr.
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Please be aware of these dates; if you cannot commit to both seasons, PLEASE DO NOT TRYOUT

9. Varsity Football season:
Monday & Wednesday practices 2:30-5:00pm; games are on Fridays along with team pregame meal/meeting
Varsity Basketball season:
Monday & Wednesday practices 2:30-5:00pm; games are mostly on Tuesdays and Fridays
JV Football season:
Tuesday practices 2:30-5:00pm; games are on Thursdays
JV Basketball season:
Tuesday practices 2:30-5:00pm; games are mostly on Tuesdays and Fridays
Practice days and time are tentative and therefore are subject to change due to the obtained goals of the squad.

10. Attendance Policy (STRICTLY ENFORCED)
ABSENCES CAN BE THE DOWNFALL OF A GREAT CHEERLEADING SQUAD!
• If one or more squad members are absent from a practice or game, the other members are forced to make last minute changes. This can be both stressful and dangerous to squad members.
• You will be expected to be at ALL games, practices, and events. Jobs, club activities, drivers ed, extracurricular activities, doctor’s appointments, etc. must NOT interfere with cheerleading!

11. Attendance Policy (STRICTLY ENFORCED)
• If you commit to cheerleading you are committing to attend EVERY practice, game, and event.
•Unexcused absences are those caused by anything other than illness or family emergencies. In addition, just because a cheerleader asks to be excused doesn’t mean that the excuse will be granted. The decisions for absences to be excused are at the coaches’ discretion!
• If you are ill or have a family emergency, the coach needs to be notified by you and verified by a parent/guardian in order for this absence to be excused. Please notify the coach BEFORE the absence or as soon after as possible; only under extreme circumstances will prior notice not be expected.
Please call Coach to notify her of any excused absences. If she is unavailable, please leave a message.

12. Attendance Policy (STRICTLY ENFORCED)
Ask yourself:
• If I miss a practice prior to a game then I will be required to be in attendance and dressed out for the game, but I will not be able to cheer.
• If I miss a game then I am will be required to be in attendance and dressed out at the following game, but I will not be able to cheer
• If I have to stay after school for educational or club obligations then I will need to report to practice by 3:00pm. If I am more than 30 minutes late to practice due to after school obligations, then I am considered as not at practice and am therefore required to be in attendance at the following game, however I will not cheer.
• If I need to leave practice prior to 30 minutes, then I am considered to have not been at practice and is therefore required to be in attendance at the following game, however I will not cheer.

13. Attendance Policy (STRICTLY ENFORCED)
• As stated in the Guidelines for Butler Athletes, students must be present half the school day (full 2 class periods) to be eligible for practices and games scheduled for that day.
• If a student is assigned to ISS, the student may not participate in any scheduled event for the time the athlete is assigned to ISS. In addition, the athlete will be benched for ISS and dismissed from the squad for OSS. (Be careful with your tardies in school)

14. Grades and Tutoring
• A MINIMUM of 2.0 GPA each semester must be maintained throughout the cheering season. Weekly Progress Reports may be requested!
• Cheerleaders are encouraged to attend tutoring on all OFF days.
• If the cheerleader must attend tutoring on a practice day, the cheerleader must inform the coach, bring a note to practice from the teacher by 3:00pm.

15. Transportation
• Cheerleaders will ride to and from away games on the bus. They can only ride HOME with their own families.
• Cheering/loud conversations are not allowed on the bus. It distracts the driver, coaches and other team members.
• PARENTS you will be contacted in advance to inform you of our return back to the school. It is imperative that you arrive ON TIME to pick up your cheerleader.
Please take in consideration that we as coaches have to stay until the LAST cheerleader is gone to ensure their safety

16. While representing BHS, cheerleaders must NOT:
Expected Behavior
Promote a positive image for the school community, peers, parents, teachers, and community members
While representing BHS, cheerleaders must NOT:
• Post unpleasant things on Social Media
• Drink alcoholic beverages, controlled substances, or tobacco products
• Public display of affection
• Show unsportsmanlike conduct
• Use profanity
• Show displays of affection in public
• Attend ALL practices and games.
• Your attitude and ability to work with other different personalities must be exceptional. Attitudes will not be tolerated!

17. Expected Behavior
• Lying or fabricating the truth will not be tolerated and can result in immediate termination from the squad.
• Part of a coach’s job is to know where you are at all times during practices, games, and special events.
•While safety is our number one goal, please understand that you should expect bumps, bruises, and other occasional minor injuries. This is all part of cheerleading.
• Cheerleaders cannot wear or loan Butler cheerleading uniforms when for non-cheerleading activities.
• All official cheerleading decisions and activities will be made by the coaching staff. All coaches are to be given respect and cooperation by cheerleaders and parents at all times. Lack of respect will not be tolerated and can be grounds for dismissal.
• No cell phones during practices or games! Water breaks at practice are not cell phone breaks. If this becomes a problem, cell phones may be collected by the coach before practice. Leave them in your bag! (Parents you are aware of your cheerleader’s location and I ask that you do not contact them during practice. In an event of an emergency, contact the coach and we will have them contact you)

18. Uniform Care
• Uniforms are issued by the school and are property of the BHS Athletic Department. Uniforms will NOT be issued without a signed copy of the Uniform Care Sheet. If for at any reason a cheerleader quits or is dismissed, she is expected to return all uniforms/equipment on the given date by the coach.
• We do our best to make sure all cheerleaders are given a uniform that will fit appropriately. Some cheerleaders may want to have their uniforms altered. Uniforms can be altered at YOUR expense but can ONLY be altered at Matthews Alterations located at 2217 Matthews-Township Parkway ( ).
• At the end of basketball season, uniforms are to be turned in CLEAN.
• Damaged or lost uniforms will be replaced by the cheerleader.
• During basketball season, JV Cheerleaders choosing to stay for a Varsity game must change out of the cheerleading uniform and into regular clothing.
• Uniforms are expected to be worn to school on game day unless pre approved by the coach. I will be checking with captains & teachers & demerits will be given if cheerleading is not dressed accordingly!

19. •Being in correct uniform means wearing the appropriate uniform--bloomers, hair bow, socks, shoes, having hair pulled up.
•Complete uniform also means wearing no jewelry, nails must be trimmed short with no vibrant colors. Body liner, jackets & any other weather gear will be worn together as a team at ALL times during games!
•Keep all weather gear in your cheer bag at ALL times!
•Uniform for school must be worn with leggings (capri or long) or jazz pants under skirt. The whole team must wear a body liner if decided on. Hair up & bow is optional at school. Jackets also optional at school. NO hoodies, sweatpants etc. over uniform. Adjustments may be made as a team for special occasions & basketball season.

20. Demerit System will be STRICTLY enforced!
There will be a demerit system for all violations, which is outlined for you. The demerit list is NOT LIMITED TO the demerits that are listed, and they may be given for special incidents that arise.
1 Demerit = Warning
2 Demerits = Physical Conditioning
3 Demerits = Physical Conditioning and Parent Contact
4 Demerits = Removal from the squad

21. Coaches reserve the right to make changes/additions to the rules as needed. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns, please respect the following chain of command:
Squad Coach
Athletic Director
Principal