El Modena High School Cheerleading

Athlete & Parent Contract

2025-2026

 

 

Welcome to the El Modena High School Cheerleading Program!

 

This handbook has been created to help athletes and their families understand the expectations, qualifications, and commitments associated with being a part of our cheer team. Being an El Modena Cheerleader is not just an extracurricular activity—it is an honor that comes with great responsibility. With dedication and effort, this experience will be both rewarding and unforgettable.

 

Every athlete and family member plays a vital role in the success of our program. A strong partnership between coaches, cheerleaders, and parents is key to fostering a positive and successful team environment. We encourage you to read through this document thoroughly, as it outlines important information regarding our program’s structure and expectations.

To participate in the El Modena Cheer Program, both the athlete and a parent or legal guardian must sign the contract located at the end of this handbook. This signature confirms your understanding and agreement to the team’s rules, responsibilities, and values.

 

Our Philosophy

 

El Modena Cheerleaders serve as proud ambassadors of El Modena High School and the surrounding community. Cheerleaders are expected to support all athletic teams and promote school spirit with enthusiasm and integrity. Our program fosters leadership, pride, and sportsmanship through spirited performances, community involvement, and exemplary behavior.

Through participation in the El Modena Cheer Squad, student-athletes will strengthen their skills, develop self-discipline, and grow as leaders. Our goal is to provide a positive and inclusive environment that builds teamwork, confidence, and lifelong memories—both on and off the field and mat.

 

 

Athlete Expectations

 

Responsibilities

As a member of the El Modena Cheer Squad, you represent more than just yourself—you reflect our team, school, and community. Athletes are expected to uphold high standards of behavior, commitment, and character at all times.

 

Respect

Cheerleaders must consistently demonstrate respect toward:

• Themselves and their families
• Coaches, teammates, and staff
• Students, athletes, staff and fans from all schools
• The greater El Modena community.

 

You are always in the public eye. Conduct yourself with maturity, kindness, and integrity—on and off campus, online and in person.

 

Practices

 

All practices (during and after school) are mandatory.

Athletes must arrive on time, in proper attire, and ready to work with a positive attitude.

 

Practice Guidelines:

• Schedules will be posted on BAND Calendar; Occasional changes may occur;
• Required attire: Spirit wear, cheer shoes, hair secured, nails trimmed, no jewelry.
• Full participation is required unless excused due to injury with a doctor’s note.

 

Tumbling:

• Tumbling is not mandatory, but it is highly encouraged for all team members.
• Tumbling enhances the overall performance level of our routines and increases team competitiveness.
• A weekly tumbling session will be scheduled at a local cheer/tumbling gym where athletes can attend together to train in a team environment.
• Athletes are responsible for the cost of any outside tumbling training, but attendance at team sessions is strongly recommended for skill growth and routine development.

 

Attendance Policy

 

Cheerleading is a year-round commitment. Attendance at all practices, games, events, and performances is mandatory.

Excused Absences (must be pre-approved/documented):

• Illness (with doctor’s note)
• Religious observance
• Death in the family
• Court appearances
• Family weddings

 

Unexcused Absences Include:

• Birthdays, work, social events
• Transportation issues
• Forgetting to check BAND

 

Uniform & Appearance

 

Athletes must maintain a clean, professional, and team-appropriate look.

Full Uniform Includes:

• Top, liner, skirt, briefs
• White no-show socks and team-issued shoes
• Hair styled with bow; performance makeup
• Team backpack and appropriate undergarments

 

Uniforms are only worn at approved events. Athletes must change clothes before attending unrelated events or staying late.

 

Practice Wear:

• Assigned spirit wear, cheer shoes, and proper undergarments
• No loose clothing, jewelry, or long/acrylic nails
• Hair secured; hair color must be natural or coach-approved

 

While in Uniform or Spirit Wear:

• Wear hair and bow as directed
• Avoid PDA, foul language, and chewing gum
• Represent the team with pride and professionalism

 

 

If full payment of uniform and spirit wear is not received it must be returned to the program at the end of the year.

 

 

 

 

 

Behavior Expectations

All athletes are held to the highest standards of behavior. There is a zero-tolerance policy for inappropriate behavior. Misconduct will result in disciplinary action up to and including a demotion or dismissal from the team.

 

Prohibited Behavior Includes (but is not limited to):

• Disrespect toward staff or teammates
• Use or possession of drugs, alcohol, or vaping products
• Inappropriate conduct or social media posts
• Poor sportsmanship or unsportsmanlike behavior
• Failure to maintain skill level demonstrated at tryouts
• Bullying, gossiping or immature behavior towards your teammates or fellow students at El Modena or other school

 

Cell phones must remain in bags during all practices and events. Emergencies should be directed to coaches.

Social Media Policy

 

Your online presence reflects the entire program. Athletes must refrain from:

• Posting profane, sexist, or racist content
• Attacking individuals or schools
• Displaying or using illegal behavior or substances
• Sharing content that violates team or school policies

Violations may result in suspension or dismissal.

 

Eligibility

 

Academic Requirements:

• While we strongly encourage all athletes to maintain a 3.0 or higher GPA, school policy requires a Minimum GPA of 2.0 to remain eligible for participation
• Grade checks are conducted regularly throughout the season. 
• If an athlete's GPA falls below 2.0, they will be placed on academic probation for one grading term. Continued ineligibility may result in dismissal from the team.
• Failure to meet the GPA requirement during the probation period will result in removal from the team.
• Athletes need to consistently maintain a C grade or higher in all classes.

 

 

 

 

Evaluations & Tryouts

 

Tryouts:

• Two-day workshop + evaluation day
• Judged by impartial cheer professionals and Coach
• Evaluated on skill, positive attitude, spirit, and team needs

• Late tryouts may be offered under special circumstances and at coach discretion.

 

In-Season Evaluations:

• Required to perform at games/events
• Evaluated on sideline cheers, band dances, and routines
• May be approved for select routines only

 

Performance Participation:

• Missing practice the day of/before an event may result in not performing the following event
• Coaches may revoke performance privileges for behavior or attendance issues

 

Coach Authority:

• Coaches may alter formations, performance groups, and choreography as needed for safety and team cohesion

 

Team Breakdown & Time Commitment

 

Varsity Team

• Cheers at all Varsity Football games (home/away) and home Boys Varsity Basketball.
• Participates in CIF playoffs, senior events, rallies, and community events.
• Eligible to earn a Varsity Letter upon successful season completion.
• Practice/games: 3–5 times/week (Monday–Friday).
• Attends 3–6 local competitions (typically on weekends) during competition season.
• Cheer is the top priority—other commitments are not excused absences.
• Mandatory participation in fundraisers and school events (e.g. assemblies, Back to School Night).

 

Junior Varsity (JV) Team

• Cheers at Home JV Football and Home JV Basketball games.
• May support select Varsity games, school events, or senior nights as assigned.
• Attends 3–6 local competitions (typically on weekends) during competition season.
• Cheer is the top priority—other commitments are not excused absences.
• Mandatory participation in fundraisers and school events (e.g. assemblies, Back to School Night).

 

Sideline Team

• Cheers at JV Home Football and JV Basketball games.
• May support select Varsity games, school events, or senior nights as assigned.
• Practice/games: 1-3 times/week (Monday–Friday).
• Expected to assist with fundraisers and community events.

 

Competition Squads will be selected after summer evaluations are completed.

 

 

Communication & Coach Availability

 

Effective communication is essential. Our primary communication platform is the BAND app. All athletes and parents are required to download, register for, and regularly check BAND.

Two groups will be created:

• Group 1 – Coaches & Athletes: Practice info, individual updates, scheduling, communication with Coaches and athletes among themselves.
• Group 2 – Coaches & Parents: Weekly updates and important announcements and information from Boosters to Parents.

 

Athletes must use BAND to communicate with coaches, including reporting absences or conflicts. Timely responses to coach messages are expected. Coaches may also use email as a secondary communication tool with parents/guardians.

 

• Communication Plan:

• Athletes and parents check BAND for information that may answer their question.

• Athletes reach out to their captains if the information is not on BAND. 

• Athletes speak to the coach if the above two were unsuccessful.

• If not resolved, parents reach out to the coach through BAND or email.

• Lastly, if all the steps above are unsuccessful, then reach out to the athletic director, Mr. Henderson.

• Parents, communication of requirements and expectations to the team will be directed to the athlete. It is the responsibility of the athlete to communicate information with you.

 

Safety, Injuries & Benched Athletes

 

Benched/Injured Athletes:

• Must attend events in full warm-up, seated with coach
• No sitting in stands or phone use
• Doctor’s note required for injuries; clearance needed to return
• "Return to Play" protocol may apply, even with doctor’s clearance

 

Concussion Policy:

• Must complete “5 Days to Play” protocol with athletic trainer
• Full rest is mandatory before returning

 

Athletic Clearance:

• Physical exams and paperwork must remain current throughout the season

 

Discipline Policy

 

To maintain fairness and accountability, a three-tier system will be enforced.

Tier 1 – Minor Offenses (Sit out activity)
Examples: Dress code violations, lack of effort, missing routine components

Tier 2 – Moderate Offenses (Sit out activity or comp/Grade impact/suspension; meeting required)
Examples: Bullying, excessive absences, negative social media, inappropriate events in uniform

Tier 3 – Major Offenses (Immediate removal from program)
Examples: Accumulating 3 Tier 2 offenses, drug/alcohol use, poor GPA, or ongoing behavioral issues

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Parent Code of Ethics

 

As a parent or guardian of an El Modena Cheerleader, you play a critical role in the development, success, and well-being of your child and the overall team. Your support and involvement are greatly appreciated and directly impact the positive environment we strive to create. To ensure consistency, fairness, and a respectful atmosphere, all parents/guardians are expected to adhere to the following code of ethics:

 

As a parent/guardian, I agree to:

• Support my athlete’s commitment to the El Modena Cheer Program, recognizing that cheer is a team sport that requires dedication, accountability, sacrifice and financial commitment.
• Encourage open, honest communication between my athlete and their coaches, promoting independence and problem-solving. I will allow my child to advocate for themselves.
• Respect the authority of the coaching staff, understanding that all decisions regarding team placements, participation, discipline, choreography, and routines are made with the team’s best interest in mind.
• Refrain from coaching from the sidelines. I will not give instruction or correction during practices, games, or competitions.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship by being a positive role model at all events—cheering respectfully, avoiding negative remarks, and celebrating the efforts of all athletes.
• Address concerns appropriately. I will follow the 24-hour rule before reaching out to coaches regarding non-emergency issues, and communicate respectfully, privately, and at the appropriate time.
• Honor the chain of communication: Athlete → Coach → Parent/Coach → Athletic Director→ Principal. I will not discuss team issues with other parents or athletes in a way that may cause division or drama.
• Support team policies, fundraisers, and booster efforts to ensure all athletes have the resources needed for a successful season.
• Uphold confidentiality and privacy of athletes, coaches, and families. I will not engage in gossip or online negativity regarding the team or program.
• Ensure my athlete maintains eligibility by monitoring academic performance and supporting time management at home.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2025-2026 El Modena Cheerleading Athlete/Parent Handbook

Handbook Acknowledgment

 

Student Agreement

 

I have read and understand all the guidelines outlined in the El Modena Cheer Handbook. I acknowledge and agree to uphold the responsibilities and expectations, including:

• Maintaining academic eligibility
• Demonstrating commitment and positive behavior
• Attending all required practices, games, events, and fundraisers
• Prioritizing cheer over other activities

 

I understand that failure to meet these expectations may result in dismissal from the team.

 

 

Student Name: _____________________________________

Student Signature: __________________________________

 

Student Team: _____________________________________

 

Grade in the ’25-’26 school year: _________________           Date: __________________

 

 

Parent/Guardian Agreement

 

By signing below, I confirm that I have read and understand the Cheer Handbook and agree to the following:

• Support my child in meeting all rules, responsibilities, fundraising requirements, and any other obligations associated with their participation in the cheer program.
• Acknowledge and accept that participation in the El Modena High School Cheer Program is a year-round commitment, and I agree to fully support my child’s participation throughout the entire season.

• Follow the Parent Code of Ethics at all times.
• Respect the authority, decisions, and leadership of the coaching staff.

 

Parent/Guardian Name: ______________________________

 

Parent/Guardian Signature: ___________________________    Date: _______________