Preamble- The following Rules and Expectations have been developed with the advice and consent of the administration and the cheerleader coach. The purpose of these rules and expectations is to communicate the standards of which all candidates must meet to be eligible for participation. Participation in extracurricular activities, such as cheerleading, is a privilege, not a right, and participants will be held to higher standards than those who do not participate in extracurricular activities.

This document may be amended at any time and does not limit the coach's ability to make decisions pertaining to the cheer program, consistent with the guidelines set forth herein.
Mission Statement The purpose of the McDade ISD cheerleading program is to promote and encourage team spirit, to foster good sportsmanship by example, and express enthusiasm/loyalty to the team and the school. Members shall lead by example, embody exemplary qualities of character, and uphold the highest moral standards while acting as representatives of McDade ISD and the community.
Candidate Eligibility
• A cheerleader or mascot team candidate must be academically eligible, as defined by the No Pass,
No Play Rules. Being ineligible for more than two six weeks, will result in dismissal from the
Cheer Team.
• Members shall comply with all TEA-UIL Side by Side Guidelines for Cheerleading Teams.
https://www.uiltexas.org/policy/tea-uil-side-by-side A cheerleader who has resigned or removed from the squad may not be able to participate in subsequent years. Coach's approval is required. All cheerleaders must demonstrate exemplary attendance, behavior, and citizenship habits. Cheerleaders must have had at least 90% attendance rate for the current school year and must not have been suspended, assigned to ISS, or expelled at any time during the current school year to be eligible for participation. The campus or designee will make the final determination regarding a candidate's eligibility for participation. All cheerleaders must be medically fit to participate in cheerleading activities, as certified by a medical doctor.
Students will not be eligible to participate if he/she: A) Has received two or more disciplinary referrals for the current school year. B) Has received citations for the use of or possession of alcohol or tobacco during the current school
year.

Candidate Moral Expectations
Cheerleaders should understand that acceptance into the McDade ISD Cheerleading Team is a PRIVILEGE. Cheerleading team members represent the community and the public; therefore, members will be expected to uphold the highest moral standards. Students are expected to adhere to all standards brought forth by the school in the Student's Code of Conduct. Failure to adhere to these standards, will result in dismissal. Cheerleaders should exemplify exemplary character. Candidates should be responsible, honest, reliable, dependable, cooperative, dedicated, and loyal. Cheerleaders should be enthusiastic, self-disciplined, willing to learn and prepared to practice to improve their performance and the performance of the squad. Cheerleaders should understand that the schedule of a cheerleader requires a certain amount of time commitment, including but not limited to, attending practices, participating in games, and attending other community events.
Rules for Participation
• If a cheerleader will be absent from school and will miss ANY function, he/she or a parent MUST
notify the coach as soon as possible. Failure to attend 3 or more events will result in dismissal
from the squad.
• Practices are mandatory for participation. Failure to attend or show up on time to practice will result in privileges being revoked.
* If a cheerleader has an unexcused absence from 1 practice during a given week, the
cheerleader will lose eligibility to participate in that week's game.
o If a cheerleader is tardy to practice, the cheerleader will lose eligibility to participate in
full performance or will be subject to further disciplinary workouts. o Excessive absences or tardiness leads to a disruption in the progression of the team. This
prevents the group from being able to work as a whole to prepare for performances. Excessive absences or tardiness will lead to the following. Missing 3 practices or arriving over 5 minutes late to practice 6 times during a given season will lead to
dismissal from the team. If a cheerleader is not able to perform due to injury, they must attend all functions and should return to active participation as soon as reasonably possible. Cheerleaders are expected to show up to practices and games prepared. Meaning, students should be dressed out, with no jewelry, and ready to practice/participate. Failure to cooperate will result in the cheerleader having additional workouts or losing participation privileges. Special circumstances (i.e. doctor's appt., sickness, etc.) will be considered; however, participation will be left to the coaches discretion. As a member of the cheerleading squad, you are a representative of McDade ISD and the community. Any behavior in school or outside of school that is deemed inappropriate, and poorly represents the school or community, will result in dismissal from the Cheerleading Squad.
By signing below, you acknowledge the rules and expectations of the McDade ISD Cheerleading Squad. These terms are non-negotiable and are subject to change depending on necessity.