Coaches and cheerleaders alike should strive to represent BSH and MCPS in the most positive way possible, both on and off the court. Compliance with BSH Cheer policies, MHSA & NFHS regulations along with district policies and student code of conduct are required as a member of this team.

Punctuality: Participants are expected to arrive to every scheduled practice, game and event on time and ready to go. This means hair up, dressed, jewelry out, etc.

Tardy policy: 3 tardies up to 15 minutes – automatically benched for next game. 1 tardy of over 15 minutes – automatically benched for next game.

Attendance:  If a participant is going to be gone for a school-related or family function, either Amy or Morgan need to be given a 48-hour written notice.  If a participant is sick or there is an emergency that prohibits them from participating, coaches need to be told as soon as possible (any form of communication is okay).  Any unexcused absence will result in automatic suspension of the next game.  The school is monitoring attendance as well – any unexcused absence from a class on a game day will result in being benched for that game. If you are tardy to class, it is your responsibility to ensure your teacher marks you as tardy, not absent. Excused absences include doctor’s appointments (written note is mandatory), family bereavement or legal meetings. 

Behavior & Conduct:  While a member of this team, participants are not only representing themselves and their coaches, but also their entire school and town. We expect all team members to carry themselves in a way they can be proud of. Coaches will not tolerate any behavior – on or off the field- that gives the rest of the team a bad name. Examples are: fighting amongst each other at games/practices, foul language, disrespecting the school/team while in uniform, etc. It is up to the coaches to handle each incident on a case by case basis and come up with appropriate consequences. Depending on the situation, parents will be informed and a meeting with all 3 parties may be scheduled.

Academics:  All BSH Cheer members are expected to adhere to the academic standards set forth by MCPS and Big Sky High School. If, at any time, a team member becomes ineligible, they will still be required to come to all scheduled events, but may be asked to bring their homework so they are able to catch up. If a team member is on the ineligibility list more than twice in a year, a meeting will be scheduled with coaches, parents and the participants. The goal of that minute is not to embarrass or shame the student, but to help them succeed. If they become ineligible for a third time during a season, they will be removed from the squad.

Food/beverages:  During the season, team members will be expected to make sure they are making healthy food & drink choices. Our squad follows a no-soda rule throughout the entire year, even while away from practices & games. No gum is allowed while at games or practices.

Cell Phones:  Cell phones must be silenced at any scheduled practice, game or event. Team members may access them when necessary to contact parents/guardians.

Substance Abuse:  We have a zero tolerance policy for any team member that is caught using drugs or alcohol. Any instance will result in immediate termination from the BSH cheer squad.

Uniforms/Equipment:  All uniforms will be handed out at the beginning of the season and will be expected to be turned in at the end of the year in the same shape. Please make sure you are washing them at home according to the tag instructions. Warm-ups will be the property of each team member and are theirs to keep when the season is over.  While using the school facilities (wrestling room, weight room), there is an expectation that all equipment will be used properly and taken care of.

Hair/Jewelry/Appearance:  This is a strict MHSA rule and we will follow for every practice and game. Absolutely NO jewelry is to be worn at practices and games. Plastic spacers will NOT be acceptable – we have clarified this with MHSA. Hair must be completely up and off the shoulders and remain a natural color. Nails must not be longer than your fingers and must be natural – no acrylics or gels. For example, if you hold your palm up you shouldn’t see your nails. These rules are for all team members' safety and there will be no exceptions.

Social Media:  Big Sky Eagles Cheerleaders have a Facebook page with information, pictures and videos are all posted. It is recommended you "Like" the page to keep up to date. www.Facebook.com/BigSkyCheer

As coaches, we cannot monitor or place restrictions on the use of networking sites, but it is critical that, as a student-athlete, you understand you are a representative of Big Sky High School and any information you put on these sites can be accessible to anyone.  Threatening language, cyber bullying, pictures of illegal/irresponsible acts could result in being removed from the squad.

Additional side notes:

• No physical contact with their significant other while in uniform or at practice. Please do not bring anyone with you to practices or game warm-ups unless you’ve talked to Amy or Morgan.
• No taunting or negative cheers (don’t follow the crowd). You are here to lead and have a positive impact.
• 100% effort will be expected from each team member.
• If you are injured, you must notify one of the coaches immediately. We cannot help if we don’t know that you’re hurt. If you see a doctor, we will need a note confirming you can return to practice before we can allow you to continue. This is for your safety!
• Cheerleaders will have a good attitude throughout the season and will work as a team cooperatively. We succeed as a team and meet challenges together as a team.
• There is NO guarantee that every girl will cheer in every game. Each cheerleader must EARN the privilege to cheer through attendance, attitude, practice, and responsibility of perfecting chants, cheers, and dances to be performed during games and competitions.

Contact Numbers:  Amy Schott – 552-7320 or Morgan Holzberger – 781-5103