All-Star 2008-2009 Information Packet

Dear Clarksville Cheer Extreme All-star Candidate and parent,

Thank you so much for your interest in Clarksville Cheer Extreme! As we prepare for our seventh season, we are anticipating a very exciting and successful year. We want you to know that we are dedicated to giving each cheerleader the ultimate cheerleading experience.  We look forward to getting to know each individual, help them set and achieve goals, learn the value of commitment and teamwork, and ultimately see their dreams become a reality.

We have prepared the following information to help each family understand the commitment level that we expect. Please take the time to thoroughly read over the packet in full. For you veteran families, you will notice some changes in policies and procedures. For our new members, please take the time to read all of the materials. This is not a “recreation” program. Clarksville Cheer Extreme is a competitive, cutting edge program that has high expectations. We know that the level of commitment (time and financial) is not for everyone, so please take the time to discuss the following information with your child.  If your child elects to participate in the all-star program, please continue to encourage your child throughout the season and help your child stay focused on the desired goals.

It is the goal of Clarksville Cheer Extreme Cheerleading to mold the leaders of tomorrow by training the cheerleaders of today. In competitive cheerleading, as well as in life, success comes from talent, hard work, a healthy lifestyle, self-discipline, and determination. Clarksville Cheer Extreme helps cheerleaders be successful in both. Our coaching staff has trained many national champions and is always looking for ways to improve the cheerleaders, the staff, and the world of competitive cheerleading. The Clarksville Cheer Extreme staff makes every attempt to encourage the athletes to feel good about themselves, about the teams that they are a part of, as well as the progress they make in their skills and abilities.

WINNING IS IMPORTANT, BUT IT IS NOT EVERYTHING.

Once again, thank you for considering being a part of Clarksville Cheer Extreme All-stars. We hope that you find this packet informative and that it will answer any questions you may have concerning our program. Please sign and return all forms (commitment, gym medical release, media release, and financial agreement.) All forms must be completed and on file before your placement on a team is finalized.

Section 1: Tryouts/Team Placement

Squads are initially grouped by, but not limited to, the following criteria: Age; Motion Technique; Tumbling Skills; Jumps; and Stunting Skills. Age is determined by the age of the cheerleader as of May 31, 2008. Clarksville Cheer Extreme reserves the right to evaluate all cheerleaders on their previous years of participation. Attendance, attitude, moral conduct, and parental behavior are just some of the areas that will be looked at. The Clarksville Cheer Extreme staff will place individuals on teams so that the individual’s ability level and experience closely matches the other team members. This not only ensures that each team is as competitive as possible, but it also ensures that each team member will have the opportunity to maximize his/her potential. The best interest of the athletes comes first at Clarksville Cheer Extreme. Since advancement is an incentive within our program, throughout the season, the staff may determine that an athlete has earned the right to be promoted.  Likewise, athletes whose skills digress may be moved from their present team to another team more appropriate for their skill level.

In the event that we feel an athlete would better serve another squad, the athlete and their parent will be contacted. If you have any concerns about the placement of YOUR athlete, you may communicate that to the Clarksville Cheer Extreme staff.

Section 2: Costs

(All costs are approximate)

★ Insurance Fee                                 $25

★ Monthly Gym Fee                          $_____

★ Competition Fees                           $

★Camp                                               $_____

★ Uniform (Skirt, Top, Briefs)          $260

★ Shoes (reebok)                               $50

★ Glitter make-up kit                         $20

★ Music                                             $11

★ Hair ribbon                                     $10

`All gym expenses from the previous years must be paid in full to tryout.

All fees need to be paid when asked for. You will have ample time to plan for these expenses, and you will know well in advance when fees are due. If an account is past due by more than 30 days, the athlete will not be allowed to participate in practice.  If you have a problem paying for expenses, please approach the all-star coordinator or gym manager immediately. DO NOT MAKE THEM APPROACH YOU!! Your coach will not be able to provide you with the answers you need, your questions will need to be addressed to Tiffany or Shandy, personally. The program will do its best to work with your situation, but do not let it get out of control.

Outstanding balances could result in your child losing their spot on a squad. If you have financial troubles, we will help you fundraise so that your child may participate.

There will be no refunds (competition fees, gym fees, clothing, etc.) to anyone who quits or is dismissed from the team for any reason. Anyone who quits or is dismissed from the team is responsible for all debts.

If an athlete joins an all-star team just to compete in one competition, that athlete is responsible for paying the competition/coach fee, the gym tuition for the appropriate length of training time, as well as the gym registration fee (unless the fee had been paid previously in the same fiscal year).

Section 3: Payments/Fees

Being an All star requires a great commitment of time and money.  In order to help you with budgeting and to enable us to pay the lowest entry fee possible, we will be collecting competition fees in installments. These fees do not include transportation, lodging, meals, or admission fees for spectators. On your invoice during each of these months, you will be billed for the competition fees as well as for the monthly gym fee. These fees will be due on the date given. Any fees not received by the practice following the due date will be assessed a late fee of $25.  A fee of $25 will be applied to any transaction that is returned. 

The payment schedule for the 2008-2009 season is shown in a separate handout.

Section 4: Fundraising

Competitive cheerleading is not a cheap sport. There are a lot of costs incurred when attending competitions, which include: registration fees, coach’s fees, staff travel and other various expenses. We recognize this and want to do everything in our power to make it as affordable for you as possible. The amount of money that you raise will depend on how much you are willing to work. We have had families pay for their entire season (uniform, competition fees, gym fees, and hotel expenses) by working hard with fundraising. All monies raised will be used to reduce the cost of YOUR competitions and uniforms. The harder you work to fundraise the less you have to pay out of your pocket. Any fundraising money paid in towards fees due is non-refundable in the case of voluntary or involuntary removal from the team.

Each squad will have a Team Parent appointed at the start of the season. The Team

Parent will ASSIST the coaches/fundraising coordinator with communication and organization. Team Parents are volunteers and should be highly praised for their dedication to the job. Please treat them with courtesy and consideration for their efforts. A list of Team Parents will be posted in the front office along with information on how to contact them. If you have questions or concerns about the squad, please ask the Team Parent for assistance.

There will be a different fundraiser for every month, May through November. We are always interested in other fundraisers. If you have an idea, please let us know.

Section 5: Practice, Tardiness and Absences

All-star cheerleading, as with all competitive team sports, involves a serious commitment from both the athlete and the athlete’s parents/guardians. All-star cheerleading is unique in that the absence of just one team member may hinder the effectiveness of practice for the entire team. Once selected for a Clarksville Cheer Extreme team, it is your obligation to attend all practices. All-star practices are twice a week. When one member is absent, it can keep a whole team from achieving their goals for that practice.

Disciplinary action will be taken if attendance becomes a problem (discussed in demerit section).  If a child misses any of the 3 practices prior to a competition, the decision of their ability to compete will be based on the coach’s/owner’s discretion.  This decision will be based on the amount of practice time left before competition, their past attendance, overall attitude, and the amount of changes made to a routine.  If a child misses the practice directly before leaving for competition they WILL NOT be allowed to compete, but will be REQUIRED to attend the competition to show their support for their team. 

Attendance

1)      Attendance is mandatory to all competitions, practices, and performances.

2)      Each child is allowed 6 excused absences.  Every absence after the 6 will result in an

un-excused absence and a demerit.

3)      If an absence is going to occur a 2-week notice MUST be given or a demerit will be issued.

4)      Excused absences from practice only are as follows:

a)      Death in the family

b)      Illness with doctor’s excuse (doctor’s excuse required)

c)      School/Academic meeting that could affect the grade

d)     Family member in the hospital (i.e. brother, sister, mother, father, stepmother,                   stepfather, grandmother, grandfather)

e)      Family vacation (month of June only)

f)       2 personal days

If you are injured, not on bed-rest and not contagious it is REQUIRED to come to practice and observe.  There are no excused absences from performances and competitions other than a funeral for an immediate family member.  If a performance or competition is missed for any other reason the child WILL be dismissed from the team

Tardy

Tardiness is defined at 5 minutes late or having to leave early. Excessive tardiness and absences may result in dismissal from the team. Team members that arrive late or leave early disrupt and distract practice.

Section 6: Rules & Regulations

At Clarksville Cheer Extreme, we strive to be the very best. It is evident that our athletes excel when it comes to competing in cheerleading. That is a goal of ours, but we at Clarksville Cheer Extreme want our athletes to achieve more than just being winners. We expect our athletes to be courteous, truthful, honest, considerate, determined, and respectful and have a high self-esteem. In order for our organization to achieve this, we must set our standard high.

Each athlete will conduct him/herself in such a manner as to credit the Clarksville Cheer Extreme organization. Each cheerleader will know and abide by the rules and regulations set before them in this information packet.

Section 7: Dress Code

• NO JEWELRY! This includes: ear, nose, tongue, toe, eye brow, and belly button rings, necklaces, bracelets or rings. Wearing these items could result in serious injury to your child or another child.

• All cheerleaders are required to wear proper cheerleading attire including shoes, and assigned practice clothes. If a child fails to be dressed in the proper practice clothes they will not be allowed to practice but must sit and observe.  It is recommended that ALL female cheerleaders wear briefs/bloomers and a sports bra under your practice clothes. (Yes, even the “little” girls)

• Fingernails must be kept short. No fake fingernails please. Absolutely, no fingernail polish at competitions!

• At competitions, hair must be styled and make-up applied as per the coach’s request. Hair must be in a straight ponytail on top of your head. Make-up will be worn the same for all teams, lipstick included. No long bangs will be allowed to hang in your face. You will be asked to pull them back. No jewelry of any kind will be worn during competitions.

• You must arrive in complete uniform attire to awards. Anyone dressed otherwise will not be allowed on stage. The only exception is if someone from another team is borrowing your uniform. If that is so, you must still arrive in Clarksville Cheer Extreme clothing.

• Under no circumstances is a cheerleader to walk around with her skirt unbuttoned or unzipped. If your skirt is that uncomfortable, change into shorts or warm-ups (not jeans). We do not want our cheerleaders showing their rear ends in any form– behavior or physically. Failure to follow this rule will result in extra conditioning.

Section 8: Demerits

We have found the best way to maintain a high standard for the squad will be to implement a demerit program.  Once your child obtains 5 demerits he/she will be removed from the squad.  The removal of a child is final and will not be discussed.  We will be running a well-disciplined program where there will be NO TOLERANCE.

3 tardies = 1 demerit

If not completely ready at competition on time = 1 demerit

1 unexcused absence = 1 demerit

Not giving a 2 week notice for absence= 1 demerit

If absence is unexcused & no 2 week notice is turned in = 2 demerits

Lack of proper materials/paperwork = 1 demerit

Breaking of rules or regulations = 1 demerit

Disrupting any practices= 1 demerit

Any parent who enters the gym during practice time= 1 demerit (for child)

Failure to check in at competition = 1 demerit

Any disturbances at hotel during away competitions = 1 demerit

Tardy demerits are the only demerits that can be worked-off.  CCE feels it is not always the child’s fault that they are tardy and therefore, can be worked-off in the following ways:

1. Vacuum/mop the facility for 2 weeks
2. Take out trash for a month
3. Do filing for the office for a month
4. Pay $10.00 towards the awards fund
5. Work-out for 6 hours

 A letter will be sent home once your child reaches 3 demerits to make you aware of the situation. 

Section 9: Summer Choreography Camp

All squads will be participating in some form of a summer choreography camp. The camp dates have been set for __________________. At this time, we do not know which squads will be participating on which dates. Please keep the whole week open. Summer camp gives the team members an opportunity to improve their techniques, skills, and abilities. It gives the athletes a chance to get to know their fellow team members. Team routines and choreography are established at camp. Attendance at camp is mandatory and all athletes are required to pay the full camp fee. Camp is a very important part of our success.

Section 10: Competitions

The competition schedule for the 2008-2009 season is attached in a separate handout. The dates and locations may change during the season because some of these companies have not finalized their plans. Not all teams will attend all of the competitions.                      

Section 11: Competition Rules

1.      Curfew is at 11:00 p.m. when staying overnight at a hotel whether you are with a parent or not.  Being with a parent does not excuse you from this rule regardless of the reason.  This means you must be in your room at 11:00 p.m. this doesn’t mean you must be asleep but remember you may have to compete early the next morning and a rested cheerleader will perform better.  If a competition runs late and we return to the hotel later than 11:00 p.m. you have one hour to do what you wish then you must be in your room.  (Ex. If we return to the hotel at 11:30 p.m. then you must be in your room at 12:30 a.m.) 

2.      Any noise disturbances at hotels proven to be a specific child will result in a demerit. 

3.      No female or male shall stay in the same bedroom, unless they are brother and sister or related in another way.

4.      No eating while in uniform.

5.      The coaches will not take responsibility for personal items at competition therefore; if for example a child has a bag during warm-up they will receive a demerit. Cell phones are not allowed in the warm-up room.

6.      Parents are not allowed in the warm-up room unless special permission is granted from the coaches.

7.      Cheer shoes should not be worn outside the gym and competition.  You must wear different shoes to practice and then change into your cheer shoes.

8.      Remember you are representing CCE and the Panther All-Stars so please act accordingly.

9.      When arriving at the competition site, the cheerleader must check-in with their coach/team mom.  If the coach has not seen the child by the time specified a demerit will be given.

10.  When a designated time is given for children to be ready that means completely ready.  Make-up must be completely done (lipstick, eyes, blush, etc.), spray glitter on, hair fixed, bows in, uniform on and checked in with the team mom.  If this is not done by the specified time a demerit will be given.

11.  Each cheerleader is responsible for having a chaperone at each competition. It is not the responsibility of Clarksville Cheer Extreme Cheerleading to be your chaperone.

12. Parents, relatives, friends, and cheerleaders are not allowed to speak with competition officials for any reason.

13. A true family supports each other in all situations. We at Clarksville Cheer Extreme like to think of you as our family. All cheerleaders are required to watch at least two other Clarksville Cheer Extreme teams at every competition. Prior to each competition, you will be told which teams you are required to watch. The athletes appreciate the noise and it creates a strong presence. Anyone who leaves the competition without the coach’s consent will be held accountable.

14. There will be no arguing or questioning the coaching staff’s decisions at competitions.

Disregard for these rules will result in a demerit.  In extreme cases of repeated violation the child will be dismissed from the squad.

Section 12: Travel Arrangements

During the course of the competition season, it will be necessary to travel outside of the local area for national competitions. Hotel accommodations will be the sole responsibility of the parent/caregiver. Clarksville Cheer Extreme will coordinate blocks of hotel rooms for out of town competitions, but we will not reserve them for you. Clarksville Cheer Extreme blocks the hotel rooms as a courtesy to our all-star family. It is not a requirement for all-stars traveling with family to stay in the designated hotel. If your family elects to stay at a location other than the designated team hotel, you are still responsible to attend and be on time to all meetings and practices. All cheerleaders must have a parent/guardian staying in the hotel room. Each cheerleader must have an ADULT chaperone at every competition. It is not your coach’s responsibility to be your child’s chaperone. Each team member is responsible for making his/her own hotel reservations and travel arrangements and getting to all competitions and any competition site practices on time.

Also, for all of the presently scheduled NATIONAL competitions, each athlete will be expected to arrive in the city where the competition is held on Friday evening. This means that you may have to take time off from work or school. Please plan accordingly.

Section 13: Safety & Health

All-star cheerleading is a very strenuous sport. Therefore, all of the athletes in our program are expected to be in top physical shape. This includes flexibility, strength, and endurance. If you are lacking in a specific area, you may be required to take an extra class to work on that weakness.

All team members are expected to take care of their bodies. This means no drugs, alcohol, or tobacco. If anyone is caught drinking, smoking, using drugs, or if there is an eating disorder, that person will be expected to seek help to remedy the situation. We will help in any way we can.

Parents need to be aware that cheerleading can be a dangerous sport. A natural occurrence in any sport is injury.  Cheerleading incorporates advanced pyramids that can be seven feet or higher into the air and tumbling passes that may cause strain on ankles, wrists, shins, etc.  Naturally, stunts will fall, tumbling passes bust, and bumps and bruises occur.  It is important that each team member realizes that they must “stay tough” and be able to get up and move on.  A bruised arm is an example of “hurt”.  A broken arm is an example of an “injury.”  Squad members are expected to “get tough” and stick through it unless they are seriously injured.  All major injuries will be handled with the utmost seriousness.  Coaches should be notified of any injuries or hurts that occurred outside of practice that may affect their performance during a class or practice. 

We at Clarksville Cheer Extreme take every precaution to limit these injuries from happening. Safety issues when it comes to stunting are of extreme importance.  As a competitive cheerleading team, all members are expected to adhere to safe stunting techniques at all times.  Talking, laughing, or goofing off during any kind of stunt are all prohibited.  Staying focused, making appropriate corrections to skill technique and communicating with members of the stunt group is vital to the success and safety of all team members.

Part of your yearly registration fee covers the athlete’s secondary insurance. In the event of a doctor/hospital visit resulting from an accident at the gym, the insurance will cover whatever expenses are not covered by the primary insurance of the athlete.

If a cheerleader is injured and cannot compete in a competition, we will try to find a replacement. If the injury occurs more than two weeks prior to the competition and the cheerleader is replaced, the replacement will pay the competition fee and the money will be refunded to the injured cheerleader’s gym account. If the injury occurs within two weeks of a competition, it is considered an emergency situation, and the replacement will not be required to pay the competition fee.

Section 14: Alternates

Every year athletes quit the team or are injured and are unable to perform. In this case, a situation may arise where we need to use an alternate. There may or may not be alternates for each team. If you are an alternate, you are expected to follow the same rules as everyone else on the team. Alternates may change throughout the season.

If the number of people on the team outnumbers the size of the division in which we are competing, we may have alternates. (For example, we have 22 members and we are competing in a division with a maximum of 20 members).

Someone can be placed as an alternate for the following reasons: not having the required skills, tardiness, excessive absences, attitude, or anything that the coaching staff deems necessary.

If you quit because you are made an alternate on a team, you will not receive any refunds for any competitions, clothes, fees, etc. that have been paid for. You will also forfeit all jackets, t-shirts, etc. that the team has won during the season. This could also negatively impact your tryouts for the following season.

Section 15: Double Competitors (Crossovers)

A person may be asked to double compete in the event of injury or illness. Also, there are a few circumstances in which it will benefit the athlete to double compete. For example, a flyer who is not the right body type to fly on her primary squad may elect to double compete on an older squad.

If you are asked to double compete, please be aware that it also means DOUBLE competition fees. You will not be charged an additional all-star gym fee; however, we CANNOT waive the competition fees.

Section 16: Uniforms

Each cheerleader is required to have a Clarksville Cheer Extreme uniform. The uniforms include a unifit top, skirt or pants, and bloomers. Uniforms will be used on a three-year cycle. Every all-star will be required to buy a uniform. Uniform fittings will be held on May 14th 5-8:30 and May 15th 3-5:30.

All uniform cost and additional items purchased are non-refundable. Parents are required to attend the uniform fitting and sign a confirmation of your athlete’s order. Clarksville Cheer Extreme will not be responsible for uniforms that do not fit upon arrival. We will do our best to help you get any problems resolved with the uniform company. We will also place a uniform order in September.

Section 17: Attitude

A positive attitude with T.E.A.M. (Together Everyone Achieves Miracles) oriented goals is expected from each athlete and parent at all practices and official Clarksville Cheer Extreme events. Being a member of a competitive all-star team is NOT about self-glorification and self-promotion, but rather about being a TEAM player in whatever capacity is asked of you by the coaching staff. The athlete should always exhibit a positive attitude and a willingness to participate respectfully.

The attitude of the parent has a huge impact on the attitude and performance of a child.

We have watched cheerleaders shut down because they have had too much parental pressure. Children listen to what parents are saying and it affects their behavior. If you act disrespectfully toward a coach, cheerleader, or another parent, your child will mirror the behavior. We welcome constructive criticism and want to address all of your concerns as a parent. However, we also believe that “Attitudes are Contagious”. Negative parents will not be tolerated. We would much rather surround ourselves and our athletes with positive minded people.

Finally, good sportsmanship, polite manners, and a kind disposition are MANDATORY at all competitions. This program prides itself on setting a high standard of behavior.

Please help us continue in this endeavor.

Section 18: Academics

Academics are very important to us at Clarksville Cheer Extreme. Though we cannot require a certain GPA for team members to participate as a non-school affiliated team, we absolutely encourage and promote healthy attitudes and work ethics towards school and academics…current and future. If at any time grades or behavior become a problem with your all-star, we ask that you immediately contact your coach. Our coaches will work with you to try to correct the problem. Please do not use “grounding” from practice time or competitions as a punishment for your child. This also unfairly punishes the rest of that team. Clarksville Cheer Extreme is serious about wanting its team members to properly time manage in order to maintain high grades and potentially strive for scholarships, academic recognition, and more in an effort to be well-rounded, successful cheerleaders AND individuals.

Section 19: Parents and Relatives

o Team Mom

o Head Coach

o Gym Owner

All problems and concerns should be addressed in a proper manner through the proper chain of command.

Please remember that we are here for the same reasons… TO LEARN,

TO HAVE FUN, AND TO WIN!!!

Section 20: Frequently Asked Questions

Q. How much does it cost?

A. All-star tuition is $____ per month. Competition fees range from $45 to $130 depending on the competition. You will also incur coach’s fees and travel expenses for out-of-town competitions.

Q. What are “Coaches Fees”?

A. The cheerleaders divide up the costs for all of the coaches for the competition. This includes their registration fees (if applicable) and their hotel and travel expenses.

Q. Why do I have to pay competition fees so early in the year?

A. It is necessary to have the competition fees in your account earlier in the year than the actual competition dates because we have to register cheerleaders months prior to competitions.

Q. When do we get our uniforms?

A. We will order uniforms in April and September. It generally takes 10 weeks after an order is placed to receive uniforms.

Q. How do you select teams?

A. We select teams so that they may be the most competitive for that division. It is our mission to provide a successful competitive all-star team for any age and ability level.

Q. Can my daughter fly?

A. If the coach feels that your daughter should be a flyer – she will be.

Q. Can my child compete in individuals?

A. It is the policy of Clarksville Cheer Extreme to allow cheerleaders to compete in individuals whenever possible. Competing as an individual is difficult and time consuming. It takes a high level of confidence and maturity. There will be times that an individual may be competing against a fellow teammate. If either the competitor or the parent has trouble dealing appropriately with the situation, the cheerleader will not be allowed to compete individually.

Q. When can my child “move up” to another squad?

A. Your child can “move up” when they reach the appropriate age and skill level.

The coaches may move your child to another squad if they feel it would be better for the athlete and the program if he/she were on a different team. All of the Clarksville Cheer Extreme teams are designed to win their respective division.

Winning a National Title is an incredible experience no matter what the age group or

division.

Section 21: Holidays/Snow Policy

Please make note that the gym will be closed for the following holidays.

May 11^th Mother’s Day

May 23rd – 26th Memorial Day Weekend

June 15th Father’s Day

July 3^rd-6^th Independence Day

August 31^st-September 1^st Labor Day Weekend

October 11^th-17^th- Fall Break

October 31st  Halloween

November 26th – 29th Thanksgiving

December 22nd – January 4th Christmas (Open gym sessions TBA)

March 27-April 4^th Spring Break (Open gym sessions TBA)

Also, if Montgomery County schools are closed for snow, please check the website for the status of the gym.

Section 22: Email & Phone

Unless an EMERGENCY, please contact coaches and owners at the CCE gym.  CCE does have activated voicemail that will be checked everyday.  The panther website is also a great place to post questions and concerns.  In case of an emergency feel free to contact any of the coaches at home or via e-mail.

CCE                           (931) 647-9000          

CCE Website            www.pantherallstars.org