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!!

As a member of a Somerset Shadows cheerleading or dance squad, you will be expected to follow the rules below and adhere to them at all times. This is to ensure we have a productive and committed squad and be the best we can.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Attendance is compulsory 6 weeks before a competition – if it is crucial a session is missed the coach MUST be informed as soon as possible.  If you do not let us know that your child is missing a practice for a legitimate reason, we WILL contact you.  If a practice is missed 6 weeks before competition other than in extreme circumstances, you will be taken off the competition team
Cheerleaders must be at practice at least 10 minutes before it starts and ready to warm up when practice starts and be prepared for training in suitable clothing.  Leaving early will only be permitted if previously agreed with the coach
Cheerleaders are expected to take part in all competitions, events and performances 

TRAINING

Chewing gum and eating is not permitted at practice
Water/toilet breaks may only be taken with the permission from a coach.
Mobile phones may NOT be used at any time during a training session.
Stunting/gymnastics is only permitted under the instruction of a coach and on safety mats.

UNIFORM/TRAINING WEAR

ABSOLUTELY NO JEWELLERY/hats/hard head bands/large clips permitted during training/competitions/displays.
Appropriate clothing must be worn for training – no hoods, open zipped tops, large pockets or baggy jogging bottoms
Cheerleaders are expected to wear either a Somerset Shadows top or T shirt to all practices with shorts or tight fitting leggings, Flyers must only wear shorts
Cheer trainers must be worn at all times during training and they must be fastened properly, Cheer trainers must not be worn outside you must wear outdoor shoes to training and put you cheer trainers on once in the gym .
Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of squad or team identification must always conduct themselves in a manner becoming to a Somerset Shadows Cheerleader
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) Fringes must be clipped back off the face.

BEHAVIOUR

NO SWEARING
Cheerleaders must be polite and show respect to each other, other squads, coaches, and members of the public
A positive attitude must be maintained at all times
Any problems/concerns that a cheerleader or parent has must be reported immediately to a coach or a member of the parents committee Any form of verbal/physical/cyber/txt BULLYING or intimidation towards other members/opponents/the public/staff at events or training locations will not be tolerated and must be reported to a coach
Decisions about tryouts, positions etc are made by the coach and must be respected by cheerleaders and parents alike

ANTI BULLYING CODE

Every squad member has the right to be free from intimidation, both in the squad and in the surrounding community.
The Squad will not accept and will question unkind actions or remarks, even if these were not intended to hurt.
Any wounding action or comment will be called bullying and will be dealt with seriously.
We are a listening squad.  We all have a duty to report bullying.  Bullying is too important to ignore.

FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES:

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.
All fund raising activities will be approved by the majority of the squad and with the approval of the coaches and Parents Committee.

ELIGIBILITY:

A candidate must be physically fit, neatly presented and if under 18yrs old provide written parental permission.
A candidate may be male or female and a minimum age of 8yrs.
Acceptance of a candidate shall be on the basis of ability, Coaches agreement and acceptance of the squad rules and without prejudice of race, creed or colour.

MEMBERSHIP:

This is open to anyone who meets the eligibility criteria above.
Who attends regularly and participates fully in the squads activities and pays their subscriptions on time.
The squad will be divided into appropriate groups depending on age as specified by the IASF (International All Star Federation) and ability.
Insurance is mandatory and will be paid for through subs and arranged by the coach. There are no Exemptions.

DISCIPLINARY ACTION:

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.
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 constitution.
A squad member may be dismissed from the squad for the following reasons: - Excessive and Irreconcilable disruptive behaviour or influence on the squad, conduct likely to bring the squad reputation into disrepute.

PARENTS

Please ensure your child adheres to these rules at all times
If holiday is to be taken please inform us no less than 8 weeks in advance as coaches plan their sessions in advance.
Please ensure a registration form is completed when joining the squad.
All fees are to be paid weekly
Cheerleading is a team sport and relies on all participants being committed at all times. Failure to comply with the code of conduct may result in suspension or being asked to leave the squad.