OC Cheer Handbook

Oakland Catholic Cheerleading

Cheerleading General Guidelines

 

Cheerleading at Oakland Catholic is a competitive sport whose team competes at local and national competitions, cheers at home basketball games and represents the school at special functions.  The season starts in Summer, with practices 1-2 times a week until school starts, and then practices 2-3 times a week.  Team members are expected to be committed, attend practices, be on-time and be ready to work.  The following are some general guidelines: 

 

Physicals:

· Every girl must have a physical examination to participate in any sport at OC

· She must have the OC medical form completed and on file

· OC has special arrangements with the UPMC Sports Medical Center to have sports exams at reasonable cost.

 

Uniforms:

· Each girl must purchase their own cheerleading uniform.  If the uniform is the same as the prior year, they may wear it again as long as it fits properly and is in good condition as determined by the coach.

· Uniforms are only to be worn when assigned by the coach and are not to be worn for personal or recreational activities. 

 

Fingernails:

· No artificial nails or nail polish are permitted at competition

· Real fingernails should be kept at an athletic length.

 

Practice Attire:

· Girls are to come to practice in t-shirts and shorts in colors designated by the coach.  A practice uniform will be required consisting of an official OC Cheer shirt and maroon shorts to be worn at certain practices and some events.

 

Gum:

· Gum chewing is a safety hazard and is not permitted.

 

Jewelry:

· Jewelry of any kind is not permitted to be worn at competitions.  This includes belly rings and tongue rings.  It is unsafe to wear jewelry at practices and games and it must be removed or covered at all times.

 

Cell Phones:

· Cell phones are to be turned off and put away during practice.  They are only to be used in an emergency and with the permission of the coach.

 

Tattoos:

· Visible tattoos are prohibited.  If a member has a tattoo when they try out, the coach will determine whether it is compatible with cheering. 

 

Travel Attire:

· Travel attire will be either the practice uniform, grey sweat suit or maroon sweat suit and will be announced by the coach in advance. 

 

Financial Responsibility:

· Because cheerleading is not a WPIAL sport, there are school and club fees associated with being a member of the team or as an alternate.  These fees are the responsibility of the girl and her parents.  Numerous fundraising opportunities will exist to help offset these fees.  Unpaid fees will prevent the team member from participating in Nationals and other school activities.

 

Conduct:

· All members will remember that they are representatives of Oakland Catholic High School and reflect the image of the school and student body

· No member may smoke or drink wearing any part of their uniform

· Members are asked to refrain from public displays of affection while in uniform — this includes holding hands, hugging, kissing, sitting on laps, etc.

· Any necessary disciplinary action will be determined by the coach in coordination with the school administration.  A cheerleader who gets in trouble at school may be suspended or removed from the team as determined by the school administration and coach. 

 

Open-Door Policy:

· Cheerleaders should directly approach the coach regarding problems or concerns regarding the team, events or other members.  Parents with concerns may contact the coach as well.  Issues regarding other team members will be handled as discreetly as possible but may result in the coach intervening and/or mediating. 

 

Requirements for Lettering 2008-2009

 

At Oakland Catholic High School, Cheerleading is considered to be a competitive sport in which the girls have the opportunity to letter and receive awards from the Athletic Department.  In order to letter in Cheerleading, an athlete must earn 100 points according to the following: 

 

             Each Competition                                               10 points

             Each Basketball Game                                       5 points

             Each Practice/Clinic                                            1 point

             Each Missed Practice/Clinic (excused)           -1 point

             Each Missed Practice/Clinic (unexcused)       -2 points

 

Exceptions include: (1) an injury which prevents cheering/practicing; but injured cheerleaders are still to attend practice, competitions, and basketball games; (2) two weeks of pre-approved vacation. 

 

Absences are excused only when approved by the coach.