Thanks for a great 2016 Fall season Cougar Fans!

Check back for Fall 2017 registration info

March 1, 2017

 We have a great new opportunity for cheerleaders 5-18 years old. We are offering Cheer Skills & Drills Competition prep classes on Tuesday’s from 6:30-7:45pm. 4 classes for $25 & 10 classes for $50! Cheerleaders will be divided by levels.

Those heading to or in High School, this will be an amazing chance for you to practice and prep for try outs!

Limited spaces, so if you’re interested sign up today! Go here for more info and to sign up http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4caaaa2cabfc1-cheer

Fallston Cheerleading By Laws/Rules & Regulations

Fallston Recreation Council 

Fallston Cougars Cheerleading Program By-Laws

Article 1. Identification 

1. The name shall be- Fallston Cougars Cheerleading Program, hereafter referred to as the FCCP.
2. The council area shall include the “in area” map outlines per the Fallston Recreation Council.

Article 2. Purpose 

1. It shall be the purpose of the FCCP to foster good relations in the community and to promote the ideas of good sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, responsibility and self-discipline, which are among the traits needed by young athletes to face the future with positive aspirations and confidence. By providing these opportunities through the sport of cheerleading, we will work towards common goals on the sidelines as well as the competitive mat and encourage a bright future for our young athletes. The organizational goal is to work in harmony with the team management and administration, other athletic teams and sporting organizations.
2. The FCCP governs the administration of Fallston Cougars Cheerleading. Policies will be coordinated with those of the Fallston Recreation Council.
3. This is a non-profit organization. All monies raised through the program will be used for the improvement of the program as a whole. Money not spent will remain in the FCCP general fund.

Article 3. Membership 

1. Membership in this organization shall be open to everyone in the council area.
2. Membership may be obtained by any in-area person attending any general membership meeting and membership affords the opportunity to speak on council issues.
3. Voting privileges are granted to those members who attend 3/4 of the most current twelve general membership meetings. New member voting privileges begin at attendance of the 3rd meeting.
4. Credit for attendance at an FCCP meeting is attained by signing the attendance roster and remaining present during the majority of the FCCP business meeting. The presiding officer of the meeting before adjournment makes the determination on credited attendance.

Article 4. Governing Body 

The FCCP General board members will consist of the executive board, head coaches, and one assistant coach per team. The executive board shall consist of a chairperson, vice chair(s), secretary, treasurer, and board member at large. The Board members shall serve a one year term, at which time he/she must then be re-nominated and voted in again. The membership shall consist of additional assistant coaches, committee members, and any other volunteers and interested parties. All FCCP board memberships are kept in good standing and remain active by fulfilling all duties assigned by the executive board and adhering to monthly meeting requirements.

Section 1. 

Chairperson

He/She shall preside at all meetings and shall be notified of and have full supervision of the league affairs. He/She will select the date and time of regular monthly meetings and call special meetings as deems necessary and notify board of such. He/She shall sign or counter- sign all contracts or other instruments authorized by the governing board. He/She shall appoint the Vice Chair and necessary committees and liaisons as well as delegate duties as required. He/She shall vote in the event of a tie in all matters concerning FCCP. The Chairperson will ensure all coaches and board members are trained properly for the position they hold and that they follow the rules implemented by the FCCP. He/She shall be responsible to oversee and audit all books and financial matters. He/She can contract an independent organization to conduct an audit of the financial records. He/She serves on the Executive Board. Section 2.

Section 2.

Vice-Chair

He/She shall preside in all matters concerning the FCCP in the absence of the Chairperson and fulfill duties as assigned by the Chairperson each season. He/She serves on the Executive Board.

Section 3.

Secretary

He/She maintains an accurate up to date mailing list for the board, and performs other duties as are incidental to this office and/or assigned, including administrative records. He/She shall maintain meeting minutes and distribute copies of minutes to all board members within 7 days of each meeting. He/She serves on the Executive Board.

Section 4.

Treasurer

He/She shall be the fiscal and monetary officer of the FCCP. The Treasurer shall have charge of all funds of the program and place the same in such bank or banks as may be approved by the Fallston Rec Council. He/She shall be required to render an accurate account of all monies when the FCCP Executive Board calls upon him/her to do so. He/She shall submit a written final report at each meeting. He/She shall collect record & deposit all monies according to our program’s procedure, which will be defined at the beginning of each season.
Checks will only be issued by the Treasurer and only by the Chairperson in his/her absence. He/She shall perform all other duties as assigned by the Chairperson. He/She serves on the Executive Board.

Section 5.

Committee Chairs

He/she will head a committee that the chairperson deems necessary to facilitate the program. He/she shall execute any other duties assigned and/or delegate as necessary and obtain all volunteers to ensure proper processes. He/She shall report to the chairperson with timely and regular updates on status & position of events and responsibilities.

Section 6.

General Board
The General board shall consist of all executive board members, head coaches and one assistant coach per team. All members shall be aware of the guidelines within the FRC By-Laws, FCCP By-Laws, and any Rules associated with the competition guidelines we follow.

Section 7.

Membership
The general membership shall consist of additional assistant coaches, committee members, and any other in-area volunteers and interested parties. All members shall be aware of the guidelines within the FRC By-Laws, FCCP By-Laws, and any Rules associated with the competition guidelines we follow.

Section 8.

Active Member
An active member is any person who has attended at least 3/4 of meetings held in a rolling 12- month Period, *Good standing is defined as all duties are completed as assigned and while in attendance at FCCP registered competitions the member agrees to stay with the assigned team to offer assistance and security as needed and/or directed.

Section 9.

Member Discounts
Board Members who are in *good standing are eligible to receive a discount as decided by the Chairperson and Treasurer based on the available budget but not to exceed 50% off the Cheerleader fee for a maximum of 2 children per person, and 4 children per team. Eligibility to receive discounts on program attire and paid admittance to FCCP registered competitions will be decided by Chairperson and Treasurer. Executive board members are not included in the allowance per team; however they are also allowed benefits for a maximum of 2 children each.

Each Head Coach is also permitted to appoint up to a maximum of (5) for additional “coaching staff” members in a capacity of Assistant Coach and/or Junior Coach. These additional coaching staff members may receive program attire and free admittance to FCCP registered competitions, as decided upon by the Chairperson and Treasurer

The executive board reserves the right to review any board member in question that has been given a “financial discount” and vote as to if they are in “good standing” with the program. If the result is that they are not in “good standing” that board member will then be required to pay any and all discounted amounts back to the program, in full within 30 days and/or may lose the right to participate in the program.

Section 10.

Vacancy
In the event, any board member has to vacate his/her position during the season, the FCCP Executive Board and active members will nominate and elect someone to fill the vacant position, by a simple majority vote. That person will resume all responsibilities pertaining to the position immediately after they are voted in.

Section 11.

Impeachment
Impeachment must be requested at an official board meeting and voted on by at least 2 members of the executive board and three (3) active members. Upon impeachment of a board member, the FCCP Executive Board and active members will nominate and elect someone to fill the vacant position, by a simple majority vote. That person will resume all responsibilities pertaining to the position immediately after they are voted in.

Article 5.  Voting 

Only active members shall vote on all matters that pertain to the FCCP. The following positions must be nominated and voted in: Chairperson/Vice Chair, Secretary, Treasurer, and Head Coaches. Those voted in position shall serve a one year term, at which time in order to maintain office, he/she must then be re- nominated and voted in again.

Article 6. Nominations and Election of Board

Elections for fall and extended season are to be held after registration of the current season and once teams placements are determined. Nominations may be done at a meeting or through email within a week after placements. Voting will be complete no more than 2 weeks after placements. All active members are eligible to vote.

Those in the running for Chairperson and each Head coach must submit their running mate to the board at the time of nomination (i.e. Vice Chair & Assistant Coach). Placement will be by a majority vote at which point any new placements will receive all documents regarding the FCCP. All new positions will begin immediately following voting.

Article 7. By-Law Amendments

Section 1. All amendments to these by-laws shall be proposed in writing and signed by at least two officers and three active members in good standing. This should be submitted at a general meeting.

Section 2. Any by-law proposed amendment presented must be tabled for at least 10 days until it is voted on, unless the chairperson calls a special meeting. Any counter amendments must be presented within those 10 days. All amendments shall be adopted upon a majority vote of the active General Board attending that meeting. A minimum of two (2) executive board members and three (3) active members must be present to vote.

Section 3. Amendments voted in become effective immediately after notification to all FCCP active members.

Article 8. General Business and Activities

Executive Board Members do not hold voting rights except during Executive meetings or when a quorum is needed. Each team must have an active member to represent the team and will be allotted one (1) vote per team. Active team member must be in attendance of the meeting in order to vote.

Article 9. Meetings 

Section 1.

1. The Chairperson can call a special meeting. Any members who want to request a meeting should contact the Chairperson to do so.

1. Members wishing to discuss a subject not on the agenda must contact the chairperson to request time on the agenda.

Section 2.

Official business shall be conducted only in the presence of a quorum, which shall consist of at least two of the executive board and three active members.

Section 3. 

Meetings will be held as needed to keep everyone informed.

Article 10. Coaches 

Section 1.

Head Coaches – Must be at least 21 years old. Head Coach positions require nomination. Term begins immediately following voting.

1. Once a Head Coach has accepted a team, he/she must complete FRC Background check information, and a FCCP Board Member Contract.
2. A Head Coach cannot apply for another team without a majority vote by the active members at that meeting.
3. The Head Coach has the responsibility of choosing his/her assistants.

1. At least ONE assistant coach proposal must be submitted to the Board at the time of nomination.
2. In the event the coaching staff is not determined in time for the voting process you have until June 1st of the current year to submit said staff in writing to the Chairperson, for approval by the Executive board.
3. The head coach may bring to the executive board of the FCCP any assistant coach that he/she feels is a deterrent to his/her team, for disciplinary action or dismissal.
4. Each team shall have no more than five coaching staff members (i.e. assistant coaches and junior coaches combined) plus one (1) head coach.
5. The head coach cannot expel or dismiss an Asst. Coach, Junior Coach or an athlete from his/her team without first following proper disciplinary action and speaking with the Chairperson. The FCCP Chairperson and Coach, with help of the Board as needed will discuss the problem, and make a decision regarding disciplinary action(s), if any, to be taken.
6. The Head Coach accepts joint accountability for all duties as outlined by the FCCP for the success of the team.

Section 2.

Assistant Coaches – Must be at least 18 years old.

1. The head coach has the responsibility of choosing his/her assistants.
2. Once an Assistant coach has accepted a team, he/she must fill out FRC Background check information and an FCCP Board member Contract.
3.   The Assistant coach accepts joint accountability for all duties as outlined by the FCCP for the success of the team.

Section 3.

Junior Coaches – May be ages 13-17 years old

1. Junior Coaches are governed by the Chairperson.
2. Junior Coaches may apply by requesting an application from the Chairperson. Once a Junior Coach has been accepted, he/she must fill out any forms required by the FRC and FCCP.
3. Junior Coaches can make a request of which team or coach they would like to work with. It is at the discretion of the Chairperson as to assign each Junior Coach where he/she is needed.

Section 4.

Disciplinary action for Coaches

1. A Coach, Assistant Coach or Junior Coach brought up on charges, by a violation of FCCP requirements, can have disciplinary action taken against him/her.
2. Chairperson will collect relative information from all parties involved.
3. Chairperson shall call a special meeting with the Executive board to review the situation.
4. The volunteer involved will be given the opportunity to address the Executive Board if they so choose at a designated time by the Chairperson.
5. A decision regarding disciplinary action will be made by a majority vote of the Executive board.

Article 11. Fall Season 

Section 1. 

Eligibility

1. A candidate must be medically and safely able to participate as required for the team they are placed on, based on program evaluations conducted.
2. A candidate may be male or female and within the age specified based on available teams.
3. In-area and returning registrants are given priority. New, out of area candidates are taken on a first come first serve, space available basis.
4. All balances must be paid in full from prior seasons. All balances during the season must be paid by expected due date.

Section 2.

Attendance Policy:

1. Safety is our number one concern and in order to keep the athletes safe they must be in attendance regularly to safely learn the routine. Attendance is also a critical component for a successful team.
2. August practices are essential in learning the routine. August attendance will be handled on a case by case basis addressed by the coach (and program director as needed). Coaches need to be informed of all vacations or planned absences in August at least 2 weeks prior to absence.
3. After the 1st day of school cheerleaders are allowed 2 absences for the season. Anything after 2 absences will be a demerit (see demerit sequence). Sitting/not participating the entire practice earns a 1⁄2 absence.
4. Lateness also disrupts the cheer practice. TARDY is considered: arriving 5 minutes or more late and/or leaving 10 minutes or more early. Being tardy four times will count as an absence. Advance notice is required and appreciated when arriving late or leaving early.
5. If you are absent for more than 2 consecutive practices due to injury you must provide a physician note upon return in order to participate. Eligibility to compete after returning from injury will be determined by the Coaching staff on a case by case basis.

Section 3.

Teams

1. The FCCP will consist of teams that are consistent with the age groups and guidelines of the competition company’s requirements. Teams may be added or removed yearly by the FCCP depending on cheerleader interest and available coaching staff.
2. FCCP teams are co-ed. The regular team will consist of a maximum of 30 cheerleaders. Additional members (up to 6 per team) may be admitted and allowed to fill regular team positions as vacancies occur, or temporary positions in the event a regular cheerleader is unable to perform his/her cheerleading duties.
3. Evaluations will be held prior to team placement. The Chairperson, Vice Chair and head coaches will review and agree upon the best possible placement of all children enrolled in FCCP, with the intention of placing the greatest number of children that registered.
4. Crossovers, athletes that participate on more than one team within our program, may be required at times. The coaching staff along with the Chairperson will choose the best candidate for this position as the need arises. Parent consent will be required before a crossover can be issued to a team. Coaches on the original team as well as the crossover team are expected to cooperate and communicate with each other, the athlete and the athlete’s parent to make sure the arrangement is successful for both teams. The athlete’s best interest should be monitored and considered, over the team’s success. A crossover’s priority is always their original team.
5. Cheerleaders are expected to give 100% dedication to the FCCP team they are assigned. If they plan to participate on another team during the same season, they must notify and get permission from the Chairperson and Head coach prior to the start of our season. Their Coach has authority to choose not to accept a team member based on participation on another team if they feel it will jeopardize their commitment.
6. If a competing position is not available on the team that best fits the cheerleaders skill level and age, an alternate position may be offered. Cheerleaders may accept or decline this position within 24 hours of it being offered. Alternate cheerleaders are a crucial part of our team; they are expected to be a part of the team by:
   1. Attending all practices and games.
   2. Learning all cheers for the season.
   3. Learn/have general idea and knowledge of the competition routine.
   4. PRACTICE – Though most practice is spent working on our competition routine, it is important that alternates continue stretching to increase flexibility, practice motions, jumps, tumbling and body positions (flyers).
   5. Alternates may be called up temporarily in the event of illness or injury of a competing cheerleader.
   6. Alternates may secure a permanent position on the team if a spot opens up.
   7. Historically we use alternates every season for at least one competition. Most times, more.

Section 4.

Practice, Competitions, & Events

1. Schedule to be set by the FCCP board. As far, as is practical this will be dependent upon the availability of the facilities. All schedules are subject to change; refer to the calendar as directed by the team’s head coach.
2. The FCCP Board will decide to enter a competition, by simple majority vote. Non-attendance to a competition must be pre-approved by the team’s head coach and the FCCP Chairperson within 48 hours of competition schedule being announced.
3. The FCCP Board Members will have a chance to vote on participation in other events or opportunities proposed to the FCCP. Cheerleaders will be encouraged to participate in these added events to show support. Events can include but not limited to; community events, charity events, Team/Program outings, special occasions, etc.
4. It’s a coaches right to pull a cheerleader from competition at any time they feel the child is not able to safely compete.

Section 5. Football Games

1. Each team will cheer at all of their team’s scheduled Fallston Cougars Football games.
2. Each cheerleader will be required to cheer at up to 2 play off and/or championship games.
3. Games can be scheduled starting the end of August through end of November.
4. During inclement weather it will be up to the chairperson and head coach to decide whether to cheer. If inclement weather conditions occur rapidly during a game, the team coaches will discuss whether to continue to cheer for that game. Teams should be notified within an hour of their arrival time if the game is canceled.
5. An unlimited amount of cheerleaders may cheer on any squad at football games as long as space and safety are monitored.
6. Games the day before a competition may be cheered for. For games that begin at 6pm, those cheerleaders may leave at halftime. Any game scheduled to start after 7pm do not have to be cheered for, unless otherwise determined.
7. All participants shall wear a full cheerleading uniform at all games and events. An alternate uniform may be worn as long as the girls are wearing team colors.
8. The exhibition teams do not need to cheer for a full football game. How long those teams will cheer at a game will be determined by their coaches.
9. Cheerleading is not responsible for attending a game when a football game has a change without at least 48 hours notice. However cheering at a rescheduled game is strongly encouraged, but not mandatory. Cheerleaders will not need to cheer at games scheduled on Sundays or those in which cheerleaders must pay to attend.
10. Coaches will keep a Football Game Attendance sheet. These forms are to record game notations such as weather conditions, field conditions, game conditions, opposing cheerleaders present, incidents, etc.
11. If there are opposing cheerleaders, he HOME team’s cheer representative (coach or team parent) should greet and welcome the away team’s cheer representative at the opposing team’s side, usually before the end of the first quarter of the game.
12. Location-All cheerleaders and coaches should be located behind the 25-yard line on their appropriate side, AND at least one foot away from the out of bounds line. This is done to keep the cheerleaders from colliding with the football players crossing the sidelines into out of bounds.
13. Yard markers and “the Chain gang”-They are not in your way, you are in theirs. This is a football game. Do not move the Yard markers. This will cause potential problems for your football team from the officials. Move out of the way for the “Chain gang”. They have a very important job of marking the downs and yardage needed by a football team so they can keep control of the football to make a touchdown.
14. Sideline Spirit rising is reflective of the traditional and primary role of cheerleaders. This requires cheerleaders to concentrate on communicating with the crowd to solicit their active participation in cheers and chants.
15. Attention- It is up to the cheerleading coaches to ensure their cheerleader’s attention is toward the action taking place in the game at all times. Maintaining constant vigilance to the development of the game play not only helps to reduce potential hazards but it also assists the cheerleaders in selecting the appropriate cheer or chant for the particular game situation.
16. Safety-There are external factors beyond the control of the cheerleaders that may represent potential safety hazards. Be aware of your surroundings. Yard markers, ice chests, tables, benches, megaphones, wires, chains, wandering children, etc.
17. In the event of a down (injured) football player, the cheerleading squad will kneel down on one knee until the situation is resolved. If the player has a serious injury the coaches may remove the cheerleaders from the field and return when/if game resumes.
18. Stunts and Pyramids-Can only be performed during the game, when the football players are at the opposite end of the playing field and at half time. Coaches should only let the cheerleader’s stunt if the conditions are acceptable.
19. Cheering
    1. Each squad will take turns calling cheers
    2. No team should cheer while the other is cheering
    3. No team shall mock (poke fun at) the opposing team.
    4. If there are no opposing cheerleaders, the cheerleaders may cheer to their crowd and occasionally to the football players, as long as all safety requirements are met.
    5. Break Time- A team break can be taken after the half time performance. Don’t forget the cheerleader’s job is to cheer at the football game not just perform at half time. Cheerleaders must return from their break by the start of the 4th quarter and must stay for the duration of the game.
    6. Half-time performance- Cheerleaders should perform a routine of some kind. Coaches (away and home) will discuss half-time procedures on a game-by-game basis.
       1. Stunts and Pyramids- Stunts, Pyramids and Tumbling are allowed provided that: There are enough spotters & weather conditions have not made the performing surface slippery or dangerous.
       2. If the performing area is not satisfactory the squads will modify their routines for cheers, chants and
          dance only.
       3. Performance time is kept below 3 minutes.
       4. You may not practice any routine, stunt or dance sequence during a game.

Section 6.

Uniforms & Practice Gear

1. Uniforms will be provided to each team member with a signed uniform contract, and a deposit check – amount to be decided on by the Chairperson and Treasurer. Check will be returned or cashed depending on return condition of uniform.
2. Entire uniform must be worn as intended during the duration of Cheerleading activities, such as but not limited to, competitions and football games. Uniforms will only be worn for games and events as designated by the FCCP board.
3. Only official team athletic suits/warm up suits may be worn over the uniform. Official athletic suits are required on all teams except for Cubs.
4. Practice uniforms will consist of cotton shorts and a cotton t shirt.

Section 7.

Appearance

1. Wearing any jewelry is prohibited during participation. All earrings, silicone bracelets, hair ties, belly button rings, spacers, tongue studs, upper ear cartilage rings, safety pins, corsages, friendship bracelets, spirit pins, etc. are considered jewelry and must be removed. Jewelry cannot be taped over; and fishing line, etc. cannot be put through the pierced holes.
2. Uniforms must be kept clean and worn as intended at all times.
3. Glitter makeup or decoration is NOT permitted, only natural make up/cover up is permitted during participation in Cheerleading activities.
4. Fingernails, including acrylic nails, need to be cut. If you can see the nails while looking at the palm of the hand, the nails should be cut. Nail polish, if worn must be clear.
5. No hairpieces are allowed. Hair must be pulled back away from face and shoulders for practice, not needing attention while performing. Each coach will decide the team’s hairstyle for competition.

Section 8.

Conduct

1. Team members are expected to maintain and uphold the reputation of the FCCP through their own conduct and team spirit.
2. Team members are expected to be sportsmanlike, courteous and respectable.
3. All cheers and chants shall be of a positive and sportsmanlike manner.
4. Team members will make every attempt to ignore or dissuade negative situations, actions and/or conversations and not become involved in such action themselves.
5. The FCCP will follow the Harford County Public Schools policies on Bullying and Social Networking, further info may be obtained upon request.

Section 9.

Fund Raising Activities

1. Fundraising activities and required participation may be approved by the FCCP by simple majority vote.

Section 10.

Disciplinary Action

1. It shall be FCCP policy that disciplinary action will only be invoked in a fair and
   equitable manner. Demerits will be given for all violations to our bylaws, rules
   and regulations, board member contract, cheerleader contract and parent contract.
2. A cheerleader and/or parent/guardian may receive a demerit, be suspended from
   events, or expelled from the program for the following reasons:
3. Excessive absences or tardiness.
4. Failure to cooperate and/or disrespectfulness.
5. Irreconcilable disruptive behavior and influence on the team.
6. Any inappropriate conduct, unsportsmanlike activity and/or negative representation, either in person, in writing or via modern technology (i.e. cell phones, social networking sites, email etc.) likely to bring the FCCP reputation into disrepute (such as use of offensive language, unsportsmanlike commentary, inappropriate pictures, use of alcohol or drugs, etc.).
7. Failure to abide by team rules and regulations and as otherwise deemed necessary by the FCCP Board.
8. Demerits will be issued in written format.
9. First Demerit = Verbal warning. Parent/legal guardian receives documentation outlining the infraction, as needed.
10. Second Demerit = Cheerleader and/or Parent receive written documentation
    outlining the infraction and defines if any action is taken.
11. Third Demerit = Cheerleader and/or Parent receive written documentation
    outlining the infraction and loses the right to compete at the designated
    (by coach) competition.
12. Fourth Demerit = Cheerleader and/or Parent receive written documentation
    outlining the infraction and the subject is expelled from the program for remainder of the season and the following season, or longer as noted in documentation.
13. The Chairperson of the FCCP will be made aware of all Demerits prior to issuance.

Article 12. Competitive Only Season (Formerly “Extended Season”)

Section 1.

Eligibility:

1. A candidate must be medically and safely able to participate as required for the team they are placed on according to evaluations prior to team placement.
2. Previous cheerleading experience requirements may be issued at the time of registration.
3. A candidate may be male or female and a within the age specified based on available teams. Anyone age five and under will be taken into consideration by FCCP officers review.
4. All balances must be paid in full from prior seasons. All balances during the season must be paid by expected due date(s).
5. The entire regular team will cheer at all competitions during the January – May Competitive Season. Alternates are not guaranteed to compete.

Section 2.

Attendance Requirements

1. Absences: All team members are required to attend all practices.
2. If you are absent for more than 2 consecutive practices due to injury you must provide a physician note upon return in order to participate.
3. Competitive Season participants are permitted only 3 total absences during the season, with the requirement that the coach is given notice at least 14 days prior to the absence.
4. For sickness, notice must be given at least 2 hours prior to the absence.
5. All absences after the 3 allotted or that do not adhere to the requirements will warrant a demerit. It is strongly encouraged that you reserve your 3 allowed absences for illness.
6. Lateness also disrupts the cheer practice. TARDY is considered: arriving 5
   minutes or more late and/or leaving 10 minutes or more early. Being tardy four times will count as an absence. Advance notice is required and appreciated when arriving late or leaving early.

Section 3.

Financial Responsibilities

1. Dues: The fees for competition fees, practice facilities and any additional items/parties/etc. will be required, a payment plan may be available.
2. Transportation: Each team member will be responsible for supplying his or her own transportation to each event. During an overnight travel event, each member must be accompanied by an adult if under the age of 18 and are responsible for making their own arrangements. As a courtesy, FCCP will try to block rooms for your purchase at any given hotel to have the entire team stay together. This is not mandatory but is encouraged.
3. Uniform: Various pieces of the official competition uniform will need to be purchased. Explanation below under Section VIII.

Section 4.

Teams

1. The FCCP will consist of teams that are consistent with the age groups and guidelines of the competition company’s requirements. Teams may be added or removed yearly by the FCCP depending on cheerleader interest and available coaching staff.
2. FCCP teams are co-ed. The regular team will consist of a maximum of 36 cheerleaders. Additional members, alternates (up to 3 per team) may be admitted and allowed to fill regular team positions as vacancies occur, or temporary positions in the event a regular cheerleader is unable to perform his/her cheerleading duties.
3. Evaluations will be held prior to team placement. The Chairperson, along with the other board members interested in participating in the Competitive Season will review and agree upon the best possible placement of all children enrolled in FCCP, with the intention of placing the greatest number of children that registered.
4. Crossovers, athletes that participate on more than one team within our program, may be required at times. The coaching staff along with the Chairperson will choose the best candidate for this position as the need arises. Parent consent will be required before a crossover can be issued to a team. Coaches on the original team as well as the crossover team are expected to cooperate and communicate with each other, the athlete and the athlete’s parent to make sure the arrangement is successful for both teams. The athlete’s best interest should be monitored and considered, over the team’s success. A crossover’s priority is always their original team.
5. Cheerleaders are expected to give 100% dedication to the FCCP team they are assigned. If they plan to participate on another team during the same season, they must notify and get permission from the Chairperson and Head coach prior to the start of our season. Their Coach has authority to choose not to accept a team member based on participation on another team if they feel it will jeopardize their commitment.
6. If a competing position is not available on the team that best fits the cheerleaders skill level and age, an alternate position may be offered. Cheerleaders may accept or decline this position within 24 hours of it being offered. Alternate cheerleaders are a crucial part of our team; they are expected to be a part of the team by:
   1. Attending all practices.
   2. Learn/have general idea and knowledge of the competition routine.
   3. PRACTICE – Though most practice is spent working on our competition routine, it is important that alternates continue stretching to increase flexibility, practice motions, jumps, tumbling and body positions (flyers).
   4. Alternates may be called up temporarily in the event of illness or injury of a competing cheerleader.
   5. Alternates may secure a permanent position on the team if a spot opens up.
   6. Historically we use alternates every season for at least one competition. Most times, more.

Section 5.

Practice, Competitions, & Events

1. Practice to be set as is practical, dependent upon the availability of space and actual number of teams.
2. The Chairperson will prepare the Competitive season competition schedule. The schedule will be voted on by the Competitive season coaching staff. Non-attendance to a competition must be pre-approved by the team’s head coach and the FCCP Chairperson within 48 hours of competition schedule being announced.
3. The FCCP Board Members will have a chance to vote on participation in other events or opportunities proposed to the FCCP. Cheerleaders will be encouraged to participate in these added events to show support. Events can include but not limited to; community events, charity events, Team/Program outings, special occasions, etc.
4. It’s a coaches right to pull a cheerleader from competition at any time they feel the child is not able to safely compete.

Section 6.

Uniforms & Practice Gear

1. Uniforms will be provided to each team member with a signed uniform contract, and a deposit check – amount to be decided on by the Chairperson and Treasurer. Check will be returned or cashed depending on return condition of uniform.
2. Entire uniform must be worn as intended during the duration of Cheerleading activities, such as but not limited to, competitions. Uniforms will only be worn for events as designated by the FCCP board.
3. Only official team athletic suits/warm up suits may be worn over the uniform. Official athletic suits are required on all teams except for Cubs.
4. Practice uniforms will consist of cotton shorts and a cotton t shirt.

Section 7. 

Appearance

1. Wearing any jewelry is prohibited during participation. All earrings, silicone bracelets, hair ties, belly button rings, spacers, tongue studs, upper ear cartilage rings, safety pins, corsages, friendship bracelets, spirit pins, etc. are considered jewelry and must be removed. Jewelry cannot be taped over; and fishing line, etc. cannot be put through the pierced holes.
2. Uniforms must be kept clean and worn as intended at all times.
3. Glitter makeup or decoration is NOT permitted, only natural make up/cover up and team authorized make up is permitted during participation in Cheerleading activities.
4. Fingernails, including acrylic nails, need to be cut. If you can see the nails while looking at the palm of the hand, the nails should be cut. Nail polish, if worn must be clear.

Section 8.

Conduct

1. Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of team or team identification must always conduct themselves in a manner becoming to a Fallston Cougar member.
2. Team members are expected to maintain and uphold the reputation of the FCCP through their own conduct and team spirit.
3. Team members are expected to be sportsmanlike, courteous and respectable
4. All cheers and chants shall be of a positive and sportsmanlike manner.
5. Team members will make every attempt to ignore or dissuade negative situations, actions and/or conversations and not become involved in such action themselves.
6. The FCCP will follow the Harford County Public Schools policy on Bullying and Social networking, further info may be obtained upon request.

Section 9.

Fund Raising Activities

1. Fundraising activities and required participation may be approved by the FCCP by simple majority vote

Section 10.

Disciplinary Action

It shall be FCCP policy that disciplinary action will only be invoked in a fair and
equitable manner. Demerits will be given for all violations to our bylaws, rules
and regulations, board member contract, cheerleader contract and parent contract.

2. A cheerleader and/or parent/guardian may receive a demerit, be suspended from
   events, or expelled from the FCCP for the following reasons:
3. Excessive absences or tardiness.
4. Failure to cooperate and/or disrespectfulness.
5. Irreconcilable disruptive behavior and influence on the team.
6. Any inappropriate conduct, unsportsmanlike activity and/or negative representation, either in person, in writing or via modern technology (i.e. cell phones, social networking sites, email etc.) likely to bring the FCCP reputation into disrepute (such as use of offensive language, unsportsmanlike commentary, inappropriate pictures, use of alcohol or drugs, etc.).
7. Failure to abide by team rules and regulations and as otherwise deemed necessary by the FCCP board.
8. Demerits will be issued in written format.
9. First Demerit = Verbal warning. Parent/legal guardian receives documentation outlining the infraction, as needed.
10. Second Demerit = Cheerleader and/or Parent receive written documentation
    outlining the infraction and loses the right to compete at the designated
    (by coach) competition.
11. Third Demerit = Cheerleader and/or Parent receive written documentation
    outlining the infraction and the subject is expelled from the program for remainder of the season and the following season, or longer as noted in documentation.
12. The Chairperson of the FCCP will be made aware of all Demerits prior to issuance.

Article 13. Beneficiary of Organization Funds

In the event of the dissolution of the FCCP, the Fallston Recreation Council shall receive all the program’s equities.

Coming Soon…