St. Gregory’s University Cheerleading Constitution
Mission Statement:
Mission Statement: To support the St. Gregory's University athletic teams, primarily basketball, to provide positive representation for our university, and to increase school spirit.
Goals:
The St. Gregory's University Cheerleaders strive to:
- Glorify God in all our cheerleading endeavors;
- Support, and encourage crowd involvement for the SGU athletic teams;
- Be positive role models to other cheerleaders and to all young people
- Be academically sound; and
- Positively represent SGU in any and all endeavors as cheerleaders.
Rules and Regulations:
I. ACADEMIC REQUIREMENTS
- Cheerleaders must be in good standing with St. Gregory's University, and maintain good standing throughout the entire season.
- Cheerleaders must be full-time students (a minimum of 12 hours each semester).
- Class attendance is considered important and the SGU faculty will be made aware of your role as a cheerleader. Unfavorable reports will be called to your attention.
II. ATTENDANCE POLICIES
All practice sessions, regular season and play-off home games are required. Requirement of away games will be determined by the co-captains at the start of the season.
- Practice sessions are required; therefore, plan your class schedule and work schedule to meet the required times.
- All men’s and women’s home basketball games are required.
- Attendance at all home games during Christmas break will be determined by the co-captains.
- Attendance and participation in fundraising events is required.
- In the event that a Saturday practice becomes necessary all cheerleaders are expected to attend.
- Extensive absences will result with a dismissal from the squad.
ATTENTION: Absences are considered unexcused unless the co-captains are notified prior to the scheduled event (either practice or game). An illness or a death in the family are the primary consideration for excused absences.
III. GENERAL INFORMATION
- Practices are required. Please be prompt!
- Cheerleaders are to assemble at least one hour prior to game time.
- Warm-ups will be done away from the crowd.
- While before the crowd, activities such as gum chewing, hair combing, eating, etc. will be considered inappropriate.
- Every squad member is required to be on the sideline at least two minutes before games and return for squad activities a minimum of two minutes prior to the start of the second half.
- A cheerleader recuperating from an injury is expected to attend practices and games unless excused by the co-captains.
- Cheerleaders are expected to assist with fund-raising opportunities and scheduled charity events.
- Cheerleaders are expected to attend the summer retreat held in August. The location is chosen each year and minimal expenses can be expected.
- Travel to required away games will be decided at the beginning of the year.
- Squad members will wear designated St. Gregory's University uniforms for all official squad activities. Unofficial clothing at official functions is prohibited
- Uniforms are the property of the St. Gregory's University Cheerleading Organization.
- Uniforms are to be kept clean and returned to the university cleaned and pressed at the end of the season.
- Cheerleaders may be able to keep their uniform, depending on fundraising and membership completion. This decision will be made at the end of the season.
IV. RESTRICTIONS
- Abuse of alcoholic beverages, use of drugs, etc., WILL NOT BE TOLERATED while an individual is serving as a representative of the university cheer squad. Unsubstantiated rumor or suspicion by the co-captains is sufficient cause for a reprimand.
- Smoking while in uniform is NOT permitted.
- Inappropriate fraternization at games or while in an official capacity is NOT considered appropriate and will be dealt with on an individual basis.
- Tattoos which are, or may become visible, to the public during any cheerleading endeavor will be kept covered during official cheerleading activities.
- Body piercing, other than post earrings, will be removed or kept covered if they are or may become visible to the public during any cheerleading endeavor.
- Your attendance at practice and games is very important. A demerit system will not be used, but excessive absences will be dealt with. If this becomes a habit, you will be excused from the squad.
- Failure to attend class regularly, drug or alcohol abuse, or displaying a lack of respect for others on the squad may result in immediate removal from the squad.
** The co-captains maintain the right to make all final decisions for the squad. The consensus of the Cheerleading Sponsor would be sought in situations deemed controversial or where termination of a squad member is involved**
V. VALUES
- Accepting the position of cheerleader implies a commitment to cheerleading and its related activates, which comes before personal endeavors, such as intramural sports participation, dates, dances, etc.
- Cheerleaders are expected to workout in the gym three times a week (practice does not count for gym hours). Appearance is a major concern for cheerleaders. While the organization would prefer not to deal with this issue, it is the general consensus that each cheerleader at SGU should attempt to maintain an ideal weight. This is most beneficial in terms of your personal health, and your cheerleading performance. Problems in this area will be dealt with individually.
- The St. Gregory's University Cheerleading Squad is a TEAM. We should do things for each other and be supportive of each other in regard to outside activities. We should accept our responsibilities as a member of the TEAM, whether in performance or in fund-raising.
We have as our mission to support the SGU athletic teams and to provide a positive representation for our university. While these activities may prove time consuming, your grades and class attendance should be the first priority. If it becomes difficult for you to fulfill your academic requirements, please notify the co-captains so that arrangements can be made.
