2006-2007

SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY CHEERLEADING HANDBOOK

Introduction

This statement is intended to inform cheerleaders (parents, relatives, other interested parties and prospective cheerleaders) of various policies and expectations of the Syracuse University cheerleading program. In all policy and program matters, members of the cheer team shall first be good, law-abiding citizens of their country, the U.S., state, city and university, and secondly, shall be exemplary representatives of Syracuse University. These policies are as follows:

I. Philosophy and Objectives

The SU cheerleading program is a student activity. As a student activity, its first and foremost responsibility to the student is to support and not to compromise the student’s academic career. Secondly, the program should aid in developing the student participant into a responsible, mature and independent adult. Specifically, the program is a means of improving the student’s mental and physical well being. Cheerleading is an athletic activity where the student (1) will be provided leadership training; (2) will develop the ability to make decisions; (3) will enhance the ability to respond to life’s situations e.g., conflict/frustration, control of heat, anger and hate, win/loss, react without exaggerated emotion; (4) will contribute to social development, e.g., awareness of one’s self, development of self- confidence, development of interpersonal relationships; and (5) generally will maximize the opportunity for student growth, change and maturity.

The primary purpose of the cheerleader is to be a member of the team, which has as its goal the support of intercollegiate athletics and Syracuse University. That support is directed into three fundamental purposes: (1) to lead in positive vocal support for the team; to solicit that support from the athletic activity known as cheerleading by performing , partners stunts, motions, pyramids, dance; to perfect this athletic activity for keeping the crowds attention/direction focused on the field/court where the intercollegiate activity is taking place, and for entertainment and competitive purposes; to lead cheers; to create an atmosphere of enthusiasm and excitement at sporting events, thereby increasing attendance and raising the level of support; (2) to monitor the game diluting any potential controversy with appropriate crowd control psychology; (3) to serve as public relations ambassadors of intercollegiate athletics and Syracuse University; to uphold, reflect and project the goals and ideals of the University; to appear at University activities, functions and programs, at charitable and public causes (not commercial/business purposes) to promote intercollegiate athletics and Syracuse University.

II. Organizations Structure

Orange Team Definition (Coed - composed of 8-11 males and 8-11 females) The Orange Team members primarily lead cheers at home games and men’s home games. Five rotating couples travel to away football games with four couples traveling to the men’s Big East and NIT or NCAA basketball tournaments. Orange Team members may also travel to bowl games and compete on local, regional and national levels.

Blue Team Definition (All Girl – composed of 16-20 females) The Blue Team members primarily lead cheers for home football games and women’s home basketball games. Eight rotating members travel to the women’s Big East and NCAA basketball tournaments. Blue Team members may also compete on local, regional and national levels. Generally, at least twelve Orange and Blue Team cheerleaders are selected at spring tryouts; coaches will then add alternate members as deemed necessary at fall tryouts.

III. Travel Expectations

A valuable education experience of Syracuse University cheerleaders is travel. This is a privilege and contribution to social development for each athlete. Traveling to a variety of places, experiencing the local flavor of city, town or country visited, and meeting an assortment of people is a part of this social development. One who is not interested in travel and the experiences of travel is encouraged to not tryout for the team.

The primary emphasis of this policy focuses on the behavior of cheerleaders when they travel as representatives of the University. At all times, cheerleaders’ behavior shall be exemplary. Behavior which is loud, boisterous, rude, unrestrained, rough, rowdy, offensively harsh or discordant, etc., shall subject a cheerleader to discipline. Cheerleaders are to follow team curfew guidelines and are required to wear business attire to all destinations when air travel is necessary. Syracuse University Cheerleaders will travel to and from all events as a team; cheerleaders may not make personal travel arrangements.

When only a specific number of cheerleaders are attending an away game, final authority on who goes rests with the Coach. Consideration as to the selection shall be as follows: (a) determination of who wants to go; (b) seniority (c) whom best will represent Syracuse University (d) attendance records at practices, games, special events with due consideration to tardiness; (e) fairly even distribution of trips for each team member.

IV. Involvement at Functions/Events

In addition to football and basketball games, practices and pep rallies, cheerleaders attend a number of public relations and/or charitable events each year. Cheerleaders do not make business or commercial appearances (as cheerleaders). Cheerleaders who appear at business or commercial events as individuals, not as SU cheerleaders, are required to notify and seek approval of the Head Coach and Associate Athletic Director.

All appearances by the cheerleaders shall be approved in advance by the Head Coach and Associate Athletic Director. Appearances shall be at places and events, which are considered in good taste.

With due consideration to the size of the event, priority for appearances shall be in the following order: SU Athletic Association events/activities, and public relations events/activities. Cheerleaders shall not make appearances at political events/activities. In committing to an appearance for the cheerleaders, the coach shall give first consideration to the student’s academic career and, in particular, attendance at classes. Other considerations to be weighed include (a) number of activities in that week, (b) the function or contribution of the cheerleaders at the event/activity (c) the nature of the event/activity, (d) cost and/or travel expenses and distance to the event/activity, and (e) other valid considerations.

V. Alcoholic Beverages

As stated earlier, cheerleaders are expected, first, to be good, law-abiding citizens of the nations, state, and city. This expectation is foremost when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Cheerleaders are reminded that, as highly visible members of the University community, their actions and behavior are under constant observation. Absolutely while in uniform, but also while not in uniform, SU cheerleaders are known, subject to scrutiny, and can easily be the object of criticism for their behavior or actions, in particular, for indulging or for over-indulging in alcoholic beverages.

While traveling off campus to away games or other official functions, it is strongly suggested that cheerleaders (who are 21 or over) neither consume nor possess alcoholic beverages. In most cases Syracuse University cheerleaders will be under the age of 21, the legal age to consume alcoholic beverages in virtually all states.

Syracuse University cheerleaders shall adhere to the following rules: • Cheerleaders shall not possess or drink alcoholic beverages in a University car, van or bus; • Cheerleaders shall not consume alcoholic beverages before or during a game or a practice; • Cheerleaders shall not offer to procure for or attempt to coerce cheerleaders who are under 21 or who do not want to drink alcoholic beverages into doing the same. • Cheerleaders who violate these rules shall be subject to serious disciplinary measures up to and including immediate dismissal from the team.

In addition, University officials shall not purchase or furnish alcoholic beverages for cheerleaders at any University event/function.

Cheerleaders shall not consume alcoholic beverages while in uniform or dressed in any Syracuse cheerleading garments including camp, practice or recreation wear. Nor will cheerleaders, while in uniform, go into any place where alcoholic beverages are served without permission from the Head Coach or Associate Athletic Director.

In summary, cheerleaders are expected to be good citizens and therefore, carefully and faithfully abide by University rules and regulations and the laws and ordinances of the city or state in which they live or travel.

VI. Drugs

Syracuse University is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for the cheerleading program. Thus, conduct which involves the unlawful possession, use, dispensation, distribution or manufacture of controlled substances by a cheerleader while traveling for the University or at any official cheerleading functions/activities shall result in termination from the SU cheer program. Similarly, the unlawful possession, use, dispensation, distribution or manufacture of controlled substances by a cheerleader at any other time shall result in appropriate discipline, up to and including termination from the cheer program; any action for such a violation outside of cheerleading functions/activities shall be with consideration to the potential of embarrassment or bad reflection on the cheer program and/or the University. The legal use of prescribed medicines under the direction of a personal licensed physician is permitted.

VII. Member Selection Process

The Syracuse Spirit Program will host a two-day tryout session each spring and fall to assess the skills, abilities and potential of interested and qualified candidates for one of the predetermined number of available positions.

Tryouts are intended to be a low stress event. For that reason they are conducted in a practice-like environment during which the level of each candidate’s skills and talents, and their ability to work with current and prospective teammates, will be evaluated. A short interview with the candidate may be conducted at anytime during the sessions.

Actual attendance by candidates at the tryout session is highly recommended; however, persons who cannot attend the tryout session may submit videotape for consideration. Incoming freshmen must receive an invitation from the Head Coach to participate in spring tryouts by submitting a skills tape. All videos must be received in our office by APRIL 1. Upon receipt of tryout video, all candidates will be notified of invitation status via e-mail.

Video Criteria • Cheer (selected by female candidate.) • Chant (selected by female candidate.) • Dance (selected by female candidate. No longer than 30 seconds.) • Standing Back Handspring, Standing Tuck (female/male candidate.) • Running Pass(es) (female/male candidate.) • Elite Partner Stunts (coed and/or all-girl.) • State why you want to become a Syracuse University Cheerleader.

Minimum Qualifications for Tryouts Persons who wish to tryout for a Syracuse University Cheerleading team must meet the following minimum qualifications: (Please note that incoming freshmen and transfer students must be accepted to Syracuse University in order to attend a scheduled tryout session.) 1. Maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or above. 2. Enrolled as a student at Syracuse University. 3. Not be on disciplinary probation. 4. Have sufficient physical fitness, strength, and athletic skills to perform cheerleading activities described below. 5. Have health/hospitalization insurance information. (All health forms are available on-line and due into Ann Greer (trainer) one week prior to tryouts.)

Skills Criteria Mastery, or the potential to master the following skills;

Females Males Standing Back Handspring and Tuck Standing Back Tuck Running Tumbling Pass(es) Optional Tumbling Pass(es) SU SU Fight Song Chant Chant Partner Stunts Partner Stunts - Toss Hands - Toss Hands - Toss Extension - Toss Extension - Toss Liberty full down or cradle - Toss Liberty full down or cradle - Optional Stunt - Optional Stunt *** If the full down is not performed on the toss liberty, it can be performed from the extension or optional stunt.

Appearance Criteria Appearance will be considered at all times during the tryout. You should wear what makes you most comfortable while keeping in mind you are trying out for an important position representing Syracuse University. We are looking for the All-American type female and male with a great attitude and work ethic.

Gentlemen: Please SHAVE before attending tryouts. It is required and expected from those who are selected for the program to not grow facial hair during the course of the year. Ladies: Please look “game ready” at tryouts. This includes shirt tucked in, natural make-up and hair pulled away from face and curled. No jewelry, chewing gum or nail polish. Finger nails should be at a short appropriate length for cheerleading.

All candidates should wear appropriate t-shirts, gym shorts and shoes to tryouts. No blue jeans.

Body piercing, which has become prevalent during recent years, will not be an acceptable habit for anyone connected with Syracuse University Cheerleading. Jewelry of any kind through the navel, tongue, nostril, eyebrow, neck etc will not be permitted at any time. Tattoos also must not be visible.

Other Criteria • Strong leadership qualities • Charismatic presence/personality • Confidence • Independence • Spirit/Enthusiasm

Notification of Team Selections The names of persons selected for both Orange and Blue Cheerleading Teams will be posted on our website at www.suathletics.com after all tryout sessions have been completed.

The coaching staff will make final selections of members for the Syracuse University Cheerleading Program.

VIII. School Year Commitment

Mandatory Pre-Camp Practices All Orange and Blue Team members need to report to campus by August 5, 2006. Pre-camp practices will be held August 5-7th, in the quad. A Junior/Senior goal setting meeting will be held Saturday, August 5 from noon – 1:00pm in the quad.

Mandatory Summer Camp All Orange and Blue Team members will be required to attend UCA summer camp from Wednesday, August 9 through Saturday, August 12. A charter bus will be provided for team transportation.

Mandatory Pre-Season Practices All Orange and Blue Team members will be required to be on time and participate at pre-season practices. August practices (post camp) will be held Monday through Friday (for times/locations see calendar). Optional pre-housing information can be obtained by contacting the Syracuse University Housing Department prior to June 1.

Mandatory Practice Times The Orange and BlueTeams will be on time and practice throughout the year on Sunday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. Weight room times will be given out for the Fall Semester. Each cheerleader will be required to workout with our personal trainer for a minimum of two times weekly. These workouts will be recorded and should last no longer than one hour each.

Both teams practice in Archbold (Gymnastics Room – 3rd Floor) and Manley Field House (Main Gym). An occasional practice may be scheduled in the Quad or Carrier Dome.

DO NOT register for classed during these time periods. Your practices are mandatory. If professors schedule tests during practice time, we ask that you plan ahead and attempt to work out alternate test times with your specific professor.

Games All Syracuse University Cheerleaders are required to arrive at the game site 90 minutes prior to kick off or tip off. All cheerleaders are required to be at every game for the sport you are scheduled for regardless of when the game is scheduled. There will not be any picking and choosing of games. Do not plan on leaving school early for Thanksgiving break, winter intersession and spring break. You may also be required to return to Syracuse early from breaks and/or winter intersession depending on game/practice schedules. All Football and Basketball players show up; therefore, you, too, will show up. Please be aware of this requirement prior to trying out. Again, professor’s schedule tests outside of class times, and the tests may come in conflict with games. We ask you to plan ahead and attempt to work out alternative times with your professors.

Captains Cheer Team captain(s) will be selected by the coaching staff based on experience, leadership, dedication, positive attitude and work ethic.

National Competition Commitment College Nationals is a program goal. We hope the SU cheerleaders will qualify and participate at the National Competition, but first and foremost the team must master game basic fundamentals. CHEERLEADERS PRIMARY PURPOSE IS TO SUPPORT THE TEAM BY MOTIVATING THE CROWD.

Team fundraisers will be required by all members to offset travel and hotel expenses for the National trip.

Nationals require additional practices that are scheduled during winter intersession. Cheerleaders will practice until December 15 and then return to practice on January 3, 2007. College Nationals will be held in Orlando, mid-January.

SU Cheer Program Personal Costs Males Females 3 Camp T-Shirts $30.00 3 Camp T-Shirts $30.00 Uniform $150.00 Uniform $150.00 Underarmor $25.00 Briefs & Bow $25.00

A non-refundable uniform deposit of $75.00 is due when the uniforms are ordered. All balances will be paid in full prior to the cheerleader receiving his/her uniform.

Each cheerleader will receive from the University a Nike warm-up suit, Nike travel bag and Nike shoes. We make every attempt to keep cost down. Please DO NOT let personal costs weigh in your decision to tryout for the Syracuse Cheerleading Program. We understand some individuals may not be able to afford all expenses. A fundraiser may be offered to offset individual costs to help those needing financial assistance.

Academic Commitment All cheerleaders will be required to maintain an overall GPA of 2.5 or above. Upon review at the end of each semester, students falling below a 2.5 will be required to seek academic counsel and could be placed on temporary team suspension.

Students participating in the Cheer Program are eligible for Physical Education credit.

Athletic Appeal If a student is dismissed from the spirit program for any reason, he/she may request an athletic appeal consisting of: 1. A written grievance from the student submitted to the Head Coach. 2. A meeting between the student, Coach and Associate Athletic Director. 3. If further resolution is required, the student will submit written documentation to the Athletic Director. The Head Coach will also provide a written assessment to the Athletic Director documenting the decision that resulted in the termination from the team. 4. The final decision regarding the status of the spirit squad member will be the sole responsibility of the Athletic Director.

XI. Injuries/Illness

Any illness or injury shall be reported to the trainer and coach immediately. If an injury or illness incapacitates a team member, he/she shall not be permitted to practice and cheer for a period of time as determined by the SU trainer or doctor. In some situations, the Coach may require an injured athlete to attend certain practices for observation/communication purposes only.

Generally, another member shall replace an injured/ill member of the team until he/she is fully recovered. If a doctor recommends that a team member no longer cheer, due to injury or a health problem, the team member shall be removed from the squad. If chronic illness or injury causes a team member to miss games or practices repeatedly, the cheerleader may be removed from the team by the Coach.

X. Health, Life-Style and Nutrition

The Syracuse University Cheerleading Program is committed to promoting and fostering healthy lifestyles and eating habits for all team members. Conduct which opposes this philosophy and/or conduct which poses unacceptable risk and disregard for the health, safety and welfare of participants is violation of this policy and will result in appropriate counseling recommendations. We DO NOT support height/weight requirements. All cheerleaders must maintain the appropriate physique in order to participate safely in all aspects of cheerleading.

XI. Scholarship Program

Syracuse University currently does not offer scholarships to its cheerleaders. However, the James Caswell Memorial Cheerleading Scholarship Endowment Fund was successfully established in the fall of 2006. Once the financial goal is met, the following will be considered:

• The Orange/Blue Cheerleaders consists of up to 42 combined team members. • Scholarship monies should be based on academic excellence, financial need, cheerleading experience and sterling representation of the Syracuse Cheer Program. • A three person committee (President of Alumni Relations, Head Cheer Coach and Associate Athletic Director) should decide an appropriate amount and number of scholarships each year based on the accumulated interest of an original trust endowment. • Private donations for establishing an original endowment will be accepted through the Syracuse University Athletics or Alumni Relations offices in c/o SU Cheer Scholarships.

Closing

Anyone selected to the Syracuse University Cheer Program is expected to be a leader among the SU student body. Involvement in our program makes that individual a highly visible Syracuse University representative. He or she may be called upon to speak to thousands of alumni and friends during a pep rally or at a game. We are seeking talented people wanting to continue their cheer experience, who are healthy and fit and who are committed to obtaining a college education at Syracuse University.