Hillcrest High School ChEERLEADiNG hANDBOOk 2021

Hillcrest High School

Cheerleading

Handbook

2021 - 2022

#BE1PAT

This cheerleading handbook has been prepared to provide you with information that will be

helpful to you while serving as a Hillcrest High School cheerleader. Cheerleaders and their

parents must have a clear understanding of all policies and expectations contained within this

manual. Please do not hesitate to ask questions.

Cheer Coach: Traci Dubberly

o Agreement and Signatures

o Student Athlete Consent/Insurance Form

o Front and Back copy of insurance card

o Medical Treatment Permission

o Medical Physical Form

o Hillcrest High Athletic Packet

o Concussion forms- 2 pages

o Participation Agreement, Consent, Release

Cheerleader Tryout Information

1. Information Packets Information packets and required forms will be available in the HHS, HMS, and

DMS school offices beginning Tuesday, April 6.

2. Required Forms Packet- still stapled together (last 3 pages of packet) is due WITH the tryout fee

of $30, copy of insurance card, and current physical no later than 3:00 on

Thursday, April 22.

3. Try-out Clinic (Mandatory) Monday, April 26 3:30-5:00 indoor facility

Tuesday, April 27 3:30-5:00 indoor facility

Wednesday, April 28

3:30-5:00 indoor facility

Thursday, April 29 3:30-5:00 (mock tryout) ***TBA

4. Try-outs Friday, April 29 3:30 ***TBA

5. Mandatory Parent meeting Monday, May 3 5:30 - library

Payment 1

payment of $300 due (covers camp, camp wear, paint and paper for signs)

6. Uniform fitting Tuesday, May 4 3:00 ***TBA

7. Spring Mandatory practices begin the week of May 3 - Tuesdays and Thursdays 3:30-4:30

8. Final payment due September 30

9. Summer Camp Camp details will be given at parent meeting. Camp is tentatively planned for

the week of July 26.

10. Mandatory Practices Practices during the school year - Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:30-5:00

12. Try out Requirements Cheerleader Candidates will be judged on the following skills:

***taught at clinic ***Cheer 25%

***Sideline chants 25%

****Dance 20%

*Tumbling/Jumps 15%

*Coach evaluation 15%

The number of teams and cheerleaders selected will be

determined by the number of students trying out as well as

individual scores from tryouts.

HILLCREST HIGH SCHOOL

CHEERLEADER CONSTITUTION 2019-2020

ARTICLE I: PURPOSE

SECTION 1- The cheerleaders shall promote and uphold school spirit.

SECTION 2- They shall develop a sense of good sportsmanship among the student body.

SECTION 3- They shall promote unification of the crowd’s cheering.

SECTION 4- They shall strive for positive relationships between competitive schools, among their own squad, and with

their coach.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 1- Is open to all eligible ninth, tenth, eleventh, and twelfth grade students for the next school year.

SECTION 2- Selection is for one year, and you are a cheerleader from the moment you are selected until the time a new

squad is selected.

SECTION 3- You must adhere to and meet all rules and regulations within this Constitution, the TCBOE Policy, the

Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) and the Alabama State Department of Education.

ARTICLE III: TRYOUTS

SECTION 1 - Eligibility of cheerleader candidates:

A. Grades must meet all AHSAA and Alabama Board of Education requirements and the “No Pass, No Play” ruling.

B. Must attend the required clinic each day.

C. May not have violated any offense as defined in the Tuscaloosa County Code of Conduct that resulted in an out-of-

school suspension (within the school year preceding tryouts.)

D. Cannot have been expelled from any school at any time.

E. Cannot owe any outstanding cheerleading fees, bills, or other types of fees or bills to the school.

F. Must return the tryout fee of $30.00 with the application.

G. Tumbling is a requirement for both tryouts and cheering at games, pep rallies, and camp.

H. Must have a current completed and signed physical examination form on file with the school.

SECTION 2 - Procedures for tryouts:

A. All persons trying out shall wear appropriate attire consisting of black Nike tempo-like shorts and a white shirt.

B. No persons except coaches, candidates, clinic staff, judges, and persons designated by the administration or the

coaching staff will be allowed in the facility during tryouts or clinic.

C. All necessary forms must be signed and submitted.

D. Names of the new squad members will be posted on the school website at the designated time announced at tryouts.

E. The decisions of the judges are final.

F. Both the candidate and his/her parents/guardians agree to abide by the decision of the judges.

G. There will be no video recording allowed during any part of clinic or tryouts unless instructed to do so by the coach.

ARTICLE IV: CAPTAIN/CO-CAPTAIN

SECTION 1 - A captain and/or co-captain will be selected by the coach.

SECTION 2 -The coach will assign duties of the captain and/or co-captain.

ARTICLE V: CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITES OF THE CHEERLEADER

SECTION 1 - Performance:

A. A cheerleader shall never fail to complete a cheer unless it interferes with the game.

B. A cheerleader must cooperate with the captain, coach, game officials, administration, fellow squad members, and

students.

C. During the game, a cheerleader should appear spirited, well groomed, and in command of the situation.

D. Cheerleaders must be in their assigned place at designated time of arrival and prepared to take care of their

responsibilities.

E. Cheerleaders must be in their place with one minute on the clock prior to play for all athletic games.

F. A cheerleader shall not sit in the stands or leave without permission from the coach, until the end of the game/event and

all duties are completed – including clean up.

G. A cheerleader may not eat or chew gum while performing his/her duties as a cheerleader.

H. It is the responsibility of the cheerleader to promote good sportsmanship and school spirit at all times. A cheerleader is

never to engage in negative communication with referees, opposing team players, or opposing team fans.

I. Cheerleaders are responsible for planning events that are related to their squad, contributing spirit ideas, and helping to

control the attitude of the crowd as much as possible. (e.g.- goodie bags for football, senior week for the girls)

J. It is the coach’s discretion to require cheering, stunting, tumbling, jumping, etc. during any part of the cheerleading

season.

SECTION 2 - Conduct:

A. Cheerleaders shall conduct themselves properly at all times, on and off campus, for they are official representatives of

the school.

B. There shall be no public displays of affection with members of any sex before, during, or after cheerleading events,

practices, etc.; specifically, while wearing the cheerleading uniform and being looked upon as a school athlete.

C. No electronic devices (cell phones, headphones, etc.) are allowed during practices or events. If these devices are

brought to an event, they must be kept in the cheerleading bag or in the care of someone.

D. Cheerleaders are expected to follow all rules and guidelines set forth by the coaching staff, administration, the TCBOE,

and the Alabama State Department of Education. Misconduct will be dealt with according to this Constitution and the

policies set forth by the previously mentioned individual

SECTION 3 - Academics:

A. A cheerleader shall strive for academic excellence.

B. Any cheerleader who is failing any course will not be allowed to cheer until a passing grade is achieved in that course.

The cheerleader will be benched until the coach receives verification of a passing grade signed by the course instructor.

Grades will be monitored every nine weeks by the coach.

C. Academic eligibility shall be in accordance with the AHSAA rules and regulations and the “No Pass, No Play” ruling

set forth by the Alabama State Department of Education.

SECTION 4 - Attendance at Events:

A. An event shall be defined as a pep rally, ballgame, parade, competition, tournament, practice, breakfast, fundraiser,

banquet, or any other activity, which a coach shall designate as an event.

B. The cheerleader shall be present at the designated event time; otherwise, the cheerleader will be tardy and receive the

demerit(s) in accordance with the penalty schedule.

C. The cheerleader is required to CALL the coach and SPEAK with them in order to report the absence (prior to).

D. Each cheerleader must be present at school the day of a game in order to cheer an event.

E. Cheerleaders must attend all camps (summer) and summer practices for the entire length of designated time. Vacations

will NOT be an excused absence. Plan vacations around dates noted on front page.

F. PLEASE NOTE: cheerleading does not end with football season or the end of the fall term. You must be committed

100% throughout the entire school year and term of your service.

G. Attendance at cheer camp is mandatory.

H. If a cheerleader misses any practice it is that cheerleader’s responsibility to learn all cheers, stunts, chants, dances, etc.

that were taught at that time.

I. Church trips and functions will NOT be an excused absence.

J. Competitive cheerleading practices, events, and competitions will NOT be considered an excused absence.

K. Absences due to conflicts with other school events will be considered excused and be handled on a case-by-case basis.

SECTION 5 - Uniforms and Appearance:

A. Each cheerleader shall be responsible for the care of the uniform.

B. The uniform must be clean and neat for every event

C. The uniform may be worn only in conjunction with school activities. If a cheerleader decides to change after a game,

he/she must remove all portions of the uniform. A cheerleader will not be allowed to wear “part” of a uniform.

D. Cheerleaders must arrive at cold-weather events with their warm-up suits covering their uniforms.

E. Jewelry (all), nail polish (other than clear) and acrylic nails may not be worn during practice, games, or any other

cheerleader related event. THEREFORE, do not obtain new piercings during the cheerleading season, due to being

unable to maintain them by wearing jewelry on a continual basis.

F. Cheerleaders will follow the dress schedule as designated by the coach and/or the team captains.

H. Hair must be worn in accordance with dress schedule for the entire time the cheerleader remains in uniform or

cheerleading attire.

I. No visible tattoos are allowed.

J. Bra straps are NOT to be visible.

SECTION 6 - Practices:

A. All practices are required; cheerleaders must report on time to practice, stay on task during practice, and remain for the

entire practice.

B. Proper attire, conducive to physical education activity shall be worn to practice and class, including shoes and hair

secured in ponytail.

C. The coach may at any time schedule practices, classes, camps, etc.; this includes summer practices.

D. All practices are closed. Parents may only attend with prior permission of the coach.

E. Failure to attend ANY part of a pep rally practice will result in the cheerleader not participating in the pep rally.

F. According to the AACCA (American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators), all cheerleading

squads should adopt a comprehensive conditioning and strength building program. This will be incorporated into each

practice.

SECTION 7 - Fundraisers/Financial Obligations/Competitions:

A. All cheerleaders, squad members, and their parents/guardians (or adult designee with coach’s permission) must

participate in all fundraisers as designated by the coach.

B. Failure to attend a mandatory fundraiser will result in the appropriate penalties.

C. If a cheerleader fails to pay his/her entire cheer bill balance before/on September 30, he/she will not be allowed to

cheer until the total amount of the debt is paid.

D. First deposit of $300 is due the day of the mandatory parent meeting, May 3, 2021. The remaining balance is due on

September 30, 2021.

E. Throughout the school year, there may be additional cost. Examples of additional cost include but are not limited to

goodie bags during football season, possible donations for breakfast for football, senior week, and providing food for the

hospitality room during basketball season.

SECTION 8 - Guidelines for Dismissal:

A. Unsportsmanlike conduct.

B. Violations of the standards and regulations of the school, which results in any form of suspension. Violations resulting

in detention may be grounds for dismissal after having been reviewed by both the coach and principal, if removal would

be in the best interest of the program.

C. Absence from an event or practice without proper documentation AND prior approval of the coach (this requires

calling and speaking to the coach, prior to the absence).

D. Any illegal act, as defined by school, local, and/or state laws, policies, rules, regulations, and guidelines.

E. Any act or deed NOT stated in this constitution, in which the coach and/or principal determine to be harmful to the

student’s reputation, the school’s reputation, the coach’s reputation, or the squad’s reputation.

F. Suspension--each case will be looked at individually and any previous decisions have no bearing on the outcome of the

present decision, unless it deals with the same individual; therefore, other squad members will not be discussed

G. Excessive negative attitude or participation in any act causing harm or embarrassment to a coach and/or fellow squad

member.

ARTICLE VI: Demerit System (Penalty Schedule)

5 Demerits

Missing a required, practice, game or event.

****If a cheerleader receives 5 demerits, he/she will be benched for 1 game.

****If you are benched, you will not be allowed cheer. If there is a pep rally on the day you are benched from a

game- you will NOT participate in the pep rally.

**** If a cheerleader is benched, they will be required to sit behind the cheerleaders/with coach in uniform away

from peers and will NOT be allowed to leave, eat during the game, or be on their cell phone. If any of this occurs,

the cheerleader will receive more demerits.

Each cheerleader will be given a list of policies and rules. Demerits will not be given for violation of these rules.

Minor infractions will be dealt with by issuing appropriate penalties as warranted.

Section 2 - Accumulation of Demerits: A demerit sheet will be maintained for each cheerleader listing the dates and

amounts of demerits received. A running total of demerits will be kept. If a cheerleader receives fifteen demerits, he or

she will be dismissed from the squad. The demerit sheet will run the course of each season.

ARTICLE VII: CONSEQUENCES FOR DISMISSAL AND QUITTING

Section 1 -

A. If a cheerleader is dismissed from any squad or quits, he/she will not be allowed to tryout the following year.

B. Individual will still be responsible for any fees or bills incurred as a result of being a cheerleader.

ARTICLE VIII: AMENDMENTS

A. This constitution will be amended throughout the year if a situation arises that warrants the amendment. A copy of the

amendment will be given to each cheerleader and his/her parents.

B. This constitution will be amended in accordance with the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education Policy, State Board

of Education Policy, and Alabama High School Athletic Association Policy.

C. Ignorance of any part of the constitution does not excuse the breaking of the rules and regulations or

change the consequences thereof.

AGREEMENTS AND SIGNATURES

This form must be returned to the Cheer Coach by the specified due date, in order for the candidate to be

eligible for cheerleader.

Cheer Applicant’s Name - ______________________________________________ grade_____________

Agreements and Signatures for the Hillcrest High School

Cheerleader Constitution 2020-2021

Section 1-By the signing this Constitution, I am signifying that I have read and understand everything that is

required of me (STUDENT) and agree to comply with all that it contains

Section 2- __________________________________________________________

Signature of STUDENT (APPLICANT)

Section 3-By signing this Constitution, I am signifying that I have read and understand everything that is

required of me as a parent and of my child as a cheerleader, and I agree to comply with all requirements

therein including financial obligations.

Section 4- __________________________________________________________

Signature of PARENT/GUARADIAN

Section 5-By signing this Constitution, I am signifying my agreement and understanding toward the imposing

of any rule, regulation, demerit assignment, or offense that the coach and/or principal may deem reasonable,

although it may not be specifically stated in this constitution due to the fact that all situations cannot be

predetermined.

Section 6- _________________________________________________________

Signature of STUDENT (APPLICANT)

Section 7- _________________________________________________________

Signature of PARENT/GUARADIAN

STUDENT ATHLETE CONSENT/INSURANCE FORM

TUSCALOOSA COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION

Tuscaloosa, Alabama

******************************************************************

NOTE: This form must be completed, signed by the parent, and filed prior to a student (grades 7-12) participating in any AHSAA sanctioned athletic

contest or practice sponsored by a school of the School System. It shall be the responsibility of the principal and appropriate coaches to

secure completed forms on all applicable student athletes. Such completed forms shall be kept on file at the school for the scholastic year.

PARENTAL CONSENT STATEMENTS

I/We, the parent(s) of _________________________________________________________ consent for

my/our child to participate in interscholastic athletics at ___________________________________________

School.

I/We consent for my/our child to travel by public or private vehicle to athletic contests/practices away from the school campus in which

teams or individuals from the above named school may participate.

I/We consent for my/our child to use the facilities and athletic training equipment at the above named school at his/her own risk at any

time with permission of the athletic staff.

I/We will not hold the school, the Tuscaloosa County Board of Education, or its employees liable in any way in case of an injury or accident

occurring from participation in contests or practices or from travel associated with the school’s athletic program.

_________________________ ____________ ____________________________ __________

STUDENT ATHLETE DATE PARENT/GUARDIAN DATE

NOTE: The form must be signed by the student athlete and his/her parent/guardian and dated.

******************************************************************PARENTAL

INSURANCE DECLARATION

DIRECTIONS: Please circle A or B below and sign the statement circled.

A. I do not request that the school carry athletic insurance on my/our child. I/We certify that my/our child is covered by

a family insurance policy(ies).

______________________________________________ ______________________________

PARENT’S/GUARDIAN’S SIGNATURE DATE

INSURANCE COMPANY CARRYING POLICY(IES) ___________________________________________

POLICY(IES) OR GROUP NUMBER(S) _____________________________________________________

B. I/We request that the school secure athletic insurance on my/our child at our expense. Please check the type

coverage applicable to your child from the following list:

____ Spring Training Football ____ Football/24 Hour Coverage

____ Football (Fall and Spring) ____ All Other Sports

____ Football/School Time Coverage ____ All Other Sports/24 Hour Coverage

______________________________________________ ______________________________

PARENT’S/GUARDIAN’S SIGNATURE DATE

NOTE: Parents/Guardians should contact the school principal/coach to determine the costs of the various insurance plans available to

cover athletes. A check should be made payable to the school and returned with this form to cover the costs of the insurance

plan.

Medical Treatment Permission Form

Student Name _________________________________________________________________

I grant permission to the school and its employees to take whatever action necessary in the event of an

emergency occurring while my son/daughter is involved with a school-sponsored practice, performance, or

trip. In the event that I cannot be reached, I hereby authorize the school and/or its employees to give consent

for my son/daughter to receive medical treatment.

Home Address__________________________________________________________________

Mother’s Name___________________________________Signature_______________________

Father’s Name____________________________________Signature_______________________

Date____________________________

Contact Information

Home Phone________________________ Email addresses_______________________________

Work Phone (mom)_________________ Work Phone (dad)_____________________

Cell Phone (mom)____________________ Cell Phone (dad)______________________

Cheerleaders Phone ___________________________

Other Emergency Phone Numbers

Name__________________________ Phone_________________________

Family Doctor_________________________ Phone_________________________

Date of last Tetanus Shot __________________________________________________

Allergies________________________________________________________________

Please list any other medical problems or medications that the doctors would need to know in case of an

emergency. ______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

*Please provide a copy of the front and back of your insurance card when you return these forms.

ALABAMAHIGHSCHOOLATHLETICASSOCIATION

Name__________________________________________________Sex________ Age______ Dateof birth___________

____

Address_____________________________________________________________________

_ Phone______________________

School________________________________________________________Grade__________Sport______________________

PreparticipationPhysicalEvaluation Form

Revised 2018

History Date_______________________

Explain“Yes”answersbelow: Yes No

1. Hasadoctoreverrestricted/deniedyourparticipationinsports?

2. Haveyoueverbeenhospitalizedorspentanightinahospital?

Haveeverhadsurgery?

3. Doyouhaveanyongoingmedicalconditions(likeDiabetesorAsthma)?

4. Areyoupresentlytakinganymedicationsorpills(prescriptionorover‐the‐counter?

5. Doyouhaveanyallergies(medicine,pollens,foods,beesorotherstinginginsects)?

6. Haveyoueverpassedoutduringorafterexercise?

Haveyoueverbeendizzyduringorafterexercise?

Haveyoueverhadchestpainordiscomfortinyourchestduringorafterexercise?

Doyoutiremorequicklythanyourfriendsduringexercise?

Haveyoueverhadhighbloodpressure?

Haveyoueverbeentoldthatyouhaveaheartmurmur,highcholesterol,orheartinfection?

Haveyoueverhadracingofyourheartorskippedheartbeats?

Hasanyoneinyourfamilydiedofheartproblemsorasuddendeathbeforeage50?

Doesanyoneinyourfamilyhaveaheartcondition?

Hasadoctoreverorderedatestonyourheart(EKG,echocardiogram)?

7. Doyouhaveanyskinproblems(itching,rashes,staph,MRSA,acne)?

8. Haveyoueverhadaheadinjuryorconcussion?

Haveyoueverbeenknockedoutorunconscious?

Haveyoueverhadaseizure?

Haveyoueverhadastinger,burner,pinchednerve,orlossoffeelingorweaknessinyourarmsorlegs?

9. Haveyoueverhadheatormusclecramps?

Haveyoueverbeendizzyorpassedoutintheheat?

10. Doyouhavetroublebreathingordoyoucoughduringorafteractivity?

Doyoutakeanymedicationsforasthma(forinstance,inhalers)?

11. Doyouuseanyspecialequipment(pads,braces,neckrolls,mouthguard,eyeguards,etc.)?

12. Haveyouhadanyproblemswithyoureyesorvision?

Doyouwearglassesorcontactsorprotectiveeyewear?

13. Haveyouhadanyothermedicalproblems(infectiousmononucleosis,diabetes,infectiousdiseases,etc.)?

14. Haveyouhadamedicalproblemorinjurysinceyourlastevaluation?

15. Haveyoueverbeentoldyouhavesicklecelltrait?

Hasanyoneinyourfamilyhadsicklecelldiseaseorsicklecelltrait?

16. Haveyoueversprained/strained,dislocated,fractured,brokenorhadrepeatedswellingorother

injuriesofanybonesorjoints?

HeadBackShoulderForearmHandHipKneeAnkle

NeckChestElbowWristFingerThighShinFoot

17. Whenwasyourfirstmenstrualperiod?__________________________________________________________________

Whenwasyourlastmenstrualperiod?___________________________________________________________________

Whatwasthelongesttimebetweenyourperiodslastyear?________________________________________________

Explain“Yes”answers:

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Iherebystatethat,tothebestofmyknowledge,myanswerstotheabovequestionsarecorrect.

Signatureofathlete___________________________________________________________Date___________________

Signatureofparent/guardian__________________________________________________  DUPLICATEASNEEDED 

Rev. 2018 (The revised 2018 form is the official form accepted by the AHSAA.)

FORM5

Page 1 of 2

Revised 2018

Preparticipation Physical Evaluation

Physical Examination

Rule1,Sec.14 — Inorderforastudenttobeeligibleforinterscholasticathletics,theremustbe

onfilein theSuperintendent’sorPrincipal’sofficeacurrentphysician’sstatementcertifyingthat

thestudenthaspassedaphysicalexam,andthatintheopinionoftheexaminingphysician(M.D.

orD.O.)thestudentisfullyabletoparticipateininterscholasticathletics(Grade s7‐12).The

AHSAAPhysiciansCertificate(Form5 Rev. 2018)mustbeused. Aphysicalexamwillsatisfythe

requirement for one calendar year through the end of the month from the date of the exam. For

example, a physical given on May 5, 2020, will satisfy the requirement through May 31, 2021.

Clearance:

A. Cleared

B. Cleared after completing evaluation/rehabilitation for: _______________________________________

C. Not cleared for:

Collision

Contact

Noncontact ____ Strenuous ____ Moderately strenuous ____ Nonstrenuous

Due to: ____________________________________________________________________________________________

Recommendation: _________________________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name of physician ________________________________________________________________ Date ____________________

Address ________________________________________________________________________ Phone___________________

Signature of physician _____________________________________________________________, M.D. or D.O.

LIMITED

Height ____________ Weight _____________ BP _____ / _____ Pulse ____________

Vision R 20 / ____ L 20 / ____ Corrected: Y N

Normal Abnormal Findings

Cardiovascular

Pulses

Heart

Lungs

Skin

E.N.T.

Abdominal

Genitalia (males)

Musculoskeletal

Neck

Shoulder

Elbow

Wrist

Hand

Back

Knee

Ankle

Foot

Other

(Form must be signed and dated by the attending physician.)

Rev. 2018 (The revised 2018 form is the official form accepted by the AHSAA.)

__________________________________________

Student's name

Revised 2018

COMPLETE