El Modena High School Cheerleading

Athlete & Parent Contract

2026-2027

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; 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 of our routines and increases our team's 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 to support skill development 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 schools

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:

One-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's 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 before or on 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 reserve the right to adjust team placements, formations, performance groups, choreography, and athlete participation at any time in order to prioritize athlete safety, maintain team cohesion, and support the overall success and competitive performance of the program.

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 and one travel competition (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).

Competition team placements 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, 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 questions.
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.
If not resolved, parents reach out to the cheer advisor if one is identified
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 to you.

Safety, Injuries & Benched Athletes

Benched/Injured Athletes:

Must attend events in full warm-up, seated with the 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 a 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, I understand:

Team Placement & Playing Time

I understand that participation on Varsity, Junior Varsity, Competition teams, stunt groups, performance groups, and formations is not guaranteed and may change throughout the season based on team needs, attendance, attitude, skill progression, safety, and coaching discretion.

No Parent Interference

I will not interfere with coaching decisions, practices, choreography, discipline, evaluations, or team operations. I understand that sideline discussions, gossiping, group messaging, lobbying, or attempting to influence coaching decisions undermines team culture and cohesion.

Social Media & Group Messaging Conduct

I will not engage in negative discussions, gossip, bullying, or inflammatory comments regarding athletes, parents, coaches, judges, placements, or the program on social media, text chains, group chats, or public forums. This includes indirect posts, screenshots, or anonymous commentary intended to create conflict or division.

Respect for All Athletes

I will support all members of the program regardless of team placement, role, seniority, or personal relationships. I understand that comparison, favoritism allegations, or divisive behavior negatively impact athlete morale and team unity.

Cooling-Off Period

I understand that emotions can run high following tryouts, competitions, performances, or disciplinary decisions. I agree to allow appropriate time before initiating discussions and will approach concerns calmly and constructively.

Booster & Parent Boundaries

I understand that El Modena Cheer Boosters and the parent volunteers support the program operationally and financially, but do not participate in coaching decisions, placements, evaluations, discipline, or decisions regarding athlete performance.

Unified Front

I will publicly support program expectations, even if I privately seek clarification. I understand that undermining coaches, administration, or team decisions in front of athletes damages trust, morale, and program culture.

Conflict Resolution

I understand that concerns should be addressed directly through the established communication chain and not through other athletes, parents, board members, spectators, or social media platforms.

Sportsmanship at Events

I will model respectful behavior toward officials, opposing teams, event staff, judges, coaches, athletes, and spectators at all games, competitions, and events.

Failure to uphold the Parent Code of Ethics may result in limitations on parent involvement, removal from team activities/events, or disciplinary action up to and including removal from Booster Club membership.

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

Participation in El Modena Cheer is a privilege, not a right. The success of the program depends on trust, respect, teamwork, and a shared commitment to maintaining a positive environment for all athletes. I understand that failure to meet these expectations may result in dismissal from the team.