Squad Constitution

The Somerset Shadows Squad incorporates character building skills through:

Teamwork, Health and Fitness,
Self Esteem, Discipline,
Friendship and Respect

Always be punctual
Attend every training session
Always have a good warm up
Participate to the best of you ability
Take care of your appearance - always be neat
Always dress properly for practice
Hair must be tied back, and no hats must be worn during practice
For safety reasons YOU MUST NOT WEAR ANY JEWELLERY
No sweets, gum or snacks when in uniform
No swearing - behave appropriately
Maintain a positive attitude at all times - SMILE!!
Treat each other with respect this includes other squads !!!
Be kind to others - do not gossip
Talk to your coach if you have any problems
And most importantly, ALWAYS HAVE FUN!!

1 UNIFORMS & PRACTICE WEAR:
1.1 Uniforms will be provided for the regular or attending members of an event. These must be returned to the coaches for cleaning after each event DO NOT clean uniform yourselves. The squad may decide by majority vote to purchase additional or replacement uniform items from squad funds/fund raisers/sponsorship etc, with the approval of the coaches
1.2 Any uniform that is damaged and deemed unusable by the coaches must breplaced at full cost by the cheerleader in whose care it was given.
1.3 Only official squad jackets may be worn over uniform. Official jackets, T shirts, and practice wear are the only items of squad clothing that can be worn whilst not in full uniform. Uniform will only be worn for events as designated by the coaches
1.4 Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of squad or team identification must always conduct themselves in a manner becoming to an somerset shadows Cheerleader.

2 APPEARANCE:
2.1 For safety reasons jewellery or watches will not be worn with uniform or at practice this includes Belly Button rings/bars, except for small flat earrings or small stud earrings.
2.2 Uniforms must be kept spotless at all times.
2.3 Makeup should be natural and not excessive.
2.4 All hair styles must be neat and secured up out of the face, not needing attention (combing etc) whilst performing, long hair MUST be in a high ponytail (for safety whilst performing stunts etc)
2.5 Cheerleaders should look their best at all times, especially when in uniform

3 CONDUCT:
3.1 Squad members are required to maintain and uphold the reputation of the Somerset Shadows Cheerleaders through their own conduct and squad spirit.
3.2 Members are required to be courteous, polite, friendly, and try to have a smile for everybody.
3.3 All cheers and chants shall be of a positive and sportsmanlike manner.
3.4 Members will make every attempt to ignore or dissuade negative responses at events and not become involved in such action themselves.

4 FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES:
4.1 All cheerleaders will participate in as many fund raising projects as they can. The money raised will be used to fund additional agreed expenses during the year such as extra items of kit or equipment. Donations to, and fund raising for, Somerset Shadows team funds or charity projects may be conducted as agreed by the squad and coaches.
4.2 All fund raising activities will be approved by the majority of the squad and with the approval of the coaches.

5 ELIGIBILITY:
5.1 A candidate must be physically fit, neatly presented and if under 18yrs old provide
written parental permission.
5.2 A candidate may be male or female and a minimum age of 8yrs (for the under 8's there is a cheerleading for fun squad we have links to).
5.3 Acceptance of a candidate (through tryouts) shall be on the basis of ability, Coaches agreement,
and acceptance of the squad rules and without prejudice of race, creed or colour.

6 MEMBERSHIP:
6.1 This is open to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria above.
6.2 Who attends regularly and participates fully in the squads activities and pays their
subscriptions on time.
6.3 The squad will be divided into appropriate groups depending on age (as specified by
the BCA (British Cheerleading Association) and ability.
6.4 Insurance is mandatory and will be paid for through subs and arranged by the coach.
Their are no Exemptions.

7 ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT:
7.1 Competitions – The squad as a whole will decide which competitions to enter but the
coach has the final decision (due to costs).
7.2 Once a cheerleader agrees to participate in the competition all practices must be attended
(including extra ones).
7.3 Other Performance – From time to time the squad will be asked to take part in fates, parades and
other charitable events. All members are expected to participate in such events, unless holiday
or illness prevents them doing so.
7.4 Social Events – From time to time the squad will arrange social events. All members are encouraged,
but not required to attend. Non-attendance notification is required.
7.5 The Coaches will give reasonable notice of all upcoming events, through engagements lists,
word of mouth and separate letters (if necessary).

8 SQUAD CAPTAIN:
8.1 Will set an example to the rest of the squad by following the squad rules at all times and by being
at training and events early.
8.2 Act as peacemaker in the event of disagreements.
8.3 Be responsible for welcoming visiting squads and setting a good example of friendliness to
other cheerleaders.
8.4 Organising the Squad at events to ensure they are in the right places at the correct times.
8.5 In the event the Squad captain does not perform his/her duties correctly a new captain will be appointed.

9 PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
9.1 This will be arranged by the coaches.
9.2 Training will be held at Priory Community School Gym every Wednesday Evening.
9.3 During competition training or other important events full day training may be required.
9.4 ALL squad members are required to attend ALL training sessions unless valid reasons are notified
to the Coaches.

10 DISCIPLINARY ACTION:
10.1 It shall be squad policy that disciplinary action will only be taken as a last resort, and that every reasonable attempt will be made to avoid situations likely to lead to such action through squad discussion and positive encouragement, by example and by finding ways and means to correct negative trends.
10.2 A squad member may be suspended from performances/competitions for the following reasons:-
Unexcused absence, excessive absence, failure to cooperate with coaches or failure to abide by the squad rules and regulations.
10.3 A squad member may be dismissed from the squad for the following reasons:- Excessive and
irreconcilable disruptive influence on the squad, conduct likely to bring the squad reputation into disrepute.