WWU 2007 – 2008 SPIRIT TEAM POLICIES AND CONTRACT

PHILOSOPHY
The WWU spirit squad is comprised of students that cheer, dance, stunt, tumble, jump and improve overall spirit at athletics and university events.  The cheerleading team is a part of the overall Spirit Squad, which also includes the mascot. Cheerleaders and Mascots experience activities that will provide leadership training, encourage responsible decision making with accountability, teamwork and an opportunity to work together toward common goals, including building respect for the university, athletics department, media, students, fans, and coaches.

The support that the cheerleading and mascots provide is targeted in the following areas:

- To raise the level of positive fan support for WWU athletics throughout the university community.

- To enhance the overall environment at athletics events and to keep the fans’ attention directed on the game itself.

- To serve as a public relations ambassador of the university.

ACADEMICS

Cheerleaders and Mascots are expected to meet the following criteria:

- Establish and maintain a minimum cumulative and semester 2.3 GPA. (Individuals experiencing academic difficulties are expected to inform the coach as soon as possible.  Resources are available to provide assistance to those students.)

- Enroll in at least 12 credit hours per semester.

GENERAL SQUAD RULES AND EXPECTATIONS
Cheerleaders and Mascots are expected to meet the following criteria:

- Cheer and Mascot members will support teams at WWU

- Serving as a member of the WWU Spirit Squad, including cheerleaders and mascots is a privilege, opportunity and honor to represent the university and is to be treated as such.

- The use of alcohol and tobacco products while in uniform is not allowed.

- The use of illegal drugs will not be tolerated. (Offenses related to this area or any other criminal convictions are grounds for immediate dismissal from the team.)

- Physical conditioning, optimal health, teamwork and unity, and focused commitment to skill development are standards of excellence and expectations for the cheerleader and mascots.

- Cheerleaders and mascots are to report appropriately dressed to all events and practices on time, listen attentively, and follow directions provided by the coach (s) and captains.

- Disrupting practice and coaching instruction will not be permitted.

- Disrespect towards teammates, coaches, referees, students, and fans may be grounds for immediate dismissal form the team. 

- Cheerleaders and Mascots will not divert from safety standards and / or guidelines established by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA).

- WWU will follow the AACCA Safety Manual and the rules and regulations set forth by the university.

- Cheerleaders and Mascots will not perform an illegal partner stunt, mount, turn, leap, jump, and will not perform a partner stunt, mount, leap , jump or turn without the permission of the head coach or staff.

- Stunting, leaps, turns, jumps, dance moves, including pyramid builds, and tumbling, without a coach or captains present is not permitted at anytime.  If found doing so, it will be grounds for immediate dismissal. This is for your safety and the safety of the squad.

- Injuries that occur at official events or appearances are to be reported immediately to the head athletic trainer, coach and or captains.

- Injured cheerleaders or mascots must continue to attend all practices, events, and required appearances.

- Cheerleaders and mascots must show proof of medical insurance prior to participating in official practices and events, which will serve as primary insurance provider for injuries sustained related to cheerleading and mascoting activities.

- The cheer and mascot teams will practice at times determined by the head coach.

- Cheerleaders and Mascots should expect that practices will be held at least three to four times a week, not including game days and conditioning twice a week.  

ATTENDANCES
- There is a “0” tolerance policy on tardiness or unexcused absences.

- Advance notice to the coach or captains of an absence is required

- Studying, working, and other student related activities will not be acceptable reasons for absences.

- Unexcused absences will result in a cheerleader or mascot being suspended or removed from the team.

- Cheerleaders and mascots who are injured are still required to be at all appearances, performances, practices, games, and scheduled events.

- Each cheerleader and mascot is directly responsible for reporting all absences to the head coach or captains.

APPEARANCES
- Women must pull their hair off their face and shoulders during practices and games.

- Nails are to be kept short and to a reasonable length to prevent injury to others.

- Appropriate make-up should be worn to all games and appearances.

- Men must maintain a clean, shaven, and combed look.

- No watches, jewelry, or body piercing are to be worn or showing during practices and especially performances, appearances, and games.

EQUIPMENT
- WWU will provide a uniform for all cheerleaders and mascots.

- All uniforms are the property of WWU

- Poms will be purchased by each cheerleader and or mascot.

- Signs will be supplied by the university.

- All uniforms are to be kept neat and clean at all times throughout the season.

- All uniforms will be washed after each game or appearance.

- All other costs will be the cheerleaders and or mascots responsibility including but not limited to warm-ups and shoes etc.

- All uniforms will be returned at the end of the season clean and on a hanger.

COMMITMENT
- Cheerleaders must commit to one full year on the team. 

- Cheerleaders must commit to practices and any games signed up for and special appearances.

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Violations of team policies and the terms of this contract may result in disciplinary actions determined by the head coach and captains. This may include suspension and / or dismissal from the team.  During a suspension, you must continue to attend all practices, games, and required appearances but may not perform.

ACCOUNTABILITY
By signing below, I agree that I have read, reviewed and understand the terms and expectations of serving as a cheerleader or mascot for WWU.  I understand that if I do not adhere to the terms of this agreement, I will forfeit the privilege to serve on the team.

Cheerleader / Dancer / Mascot________________________Date_______Coaches Int.__

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