• Coaches and Cheerleaders alike should strive to represent HHS and MCPS in the most positive way possible, at all times. Compliance with HHS Cheer Policies, MHSA & NFHS regulations, along with district policies and the student code of conduct are required while a member of this team. 

     

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

     

    Attendance Policy: If a squad member is going to be gone for a school-related or family function, coaches need to be given 2 weeks' written notice. If a squad member 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 an automatic suspension from the next game. All practices and scheduled events are posted well in advance and are mandatory. It is each squad member’s responsibility to check the team calendar for any changes. Excused absences include illness, special requests with 2 weeks written notice, family bereavement or legal meetings. 

     

    Behavior & Conduct: While a member of this team, squad members are not only representing themselves, their coaches and their team, 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 – in or outside of cheer – that gives the rest of the team a bad name. 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 HHS Cheer members are expected to adhere to the academic standards set forth by MCPS and Hellgate High School. If at any time a squad 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. We are always willing to work around school concerns as long as there is good communication from the athlete. If a squad member is on the ineligibility list more than twice in a year, a meeting will be scheduled with coaches, parents and the participant. This is held to discuss different paths to get the student athlete back on track. If they become ineligible for a third time, they will be removed from the squad. 

     

    Performance Eligibility: Squad members are expected to be performance ready in order to be eligible to cheer at a game or performance. Being “performance ready” means being able to perform ALL cheers and dances with minimal mistakes, sharp motions and showmanship. Squad members will sit out games or performances if deemed by their coaches to not be performance ready. Failure to pass the required cheer tests will result in sitting out at games and/or performances, meaning no cheering, dancing or stunting on the sidelines. The ultimate decision of performance eligibility is at the sole discretion of the coaching staff. 

     

    Cheer Tests: All squad members will be required to participate in cheer tests throughout the season to ensure they are keeping up with squad expectations of performance eligibility. Failure of any cheer test will result in short-term probation. Cheer tests consist of all of our sideline cheers and dances. Squad members will be evaluated on their knowledge of material (motion accuracy, minimal mistakes, correct words) and performance readiness (sharpness, confidence, personality, showmanship). Each cheer/dance is done 3 times through, unless otherwise noted. If a squad member cannot meet the evaluation requirements in those 3 attempts, it will be considered a failure of that skill. 

     

    State Tournaments: While at state tournaments, squad members are expected to remain with the team and coaches the entirety of the trip or event. Special circumstances may be considered at the discretion of the Head Coach. 

     

    Competitions: All HHS Cheer Squad members are part of our competition team either as a performer or as an alternate. All practices leading up to competition are mandatory. Excessive absences from competition practices will result in being moved from performer to alternate status. Alternates are expected to attend all practices so they know the routine and are able to step in at any moment. While at competitions, squad members are expected to remain with the team and coaches the entirety of the trip or event. Special circumstances may be considered at the discretion of the Head Coach. 

     

    Cell Phones: Cell phones must be silenced at any scheduled practice, game or event. Squad 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 HHS cheer squad. 

     

    Uniforms/Equipment: All uniforms will be handed out at the beginning of the season. Uniforms are the property of Hellgate High School and must be turned in at the end of the year in the same shape with the exception of normal wear and tear. No alterations are to be made on any uniform without explicit consent and direction from the Head Coach. Uniforms turned in with excessive damage, stains or alterations will result in a fine placed on the athlete’s school account to pay for a replacement. Failure to return uniforms at the end of the year will result in a fine placed on the athlete’s school account to pay for a replacement. Uniforms must be washed at home according to the tag instructions. 

     

    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, off of the shoulders and out of the face. Nails must not be longer than your fingertips. For example, if you hold your palm up you shouldn’t see your nails. These rules are for all squad members safety and there will be no exceptions. 

     

    Social Media: Hellgate Knights Cheerleaders have a Facebook and Instagram page where information, pictures and videos are all posted. It is recommended that you Like/Follow the page to keep up to date (@hellgatecheer). 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 Hellgate High School and any information you put on these sites can be accessible to anyone. 

     

    Lettering Requirements: Be on Varsity. Be a positive influence on your team. Have no probations throughout the school year, including from school. Maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher. Follow Hellgate High School’s Code of Conduct. Follow the Hellgate Cheerleading Program’s Rules & Policies. 

     

    Additional Side Notes:

    • No physical contact with significant others while in uniform or at practice. 

    • 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 squad member at all times. 

    • 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 squad member will cheer in every game. Each cheerleader must EARN the privilege to cheer through attendance, attitude, practice and performance eligibility. 

    • All group fundraisers are mandatory for each athlete to participate in. If an athlete chooses not to participate in a group fundraiser, there will be a $50 fee to make up for any missed fundraising donations. All individual fundraisers are optional. An athlete can choose to simply purchase or pay for anything an individual fundraiser is used for. 

    • Never, under any circumstances, should any HHS squad members stunt without the coach present. Doing so will result in immediate dismissal from the team.