2008

WCAA Cowboys Cheerleading Handbook

 

 

 

 

 

ARE YOU READY FOR THE 2008 SEASON?!  IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT YOU READ THIS HANDBOOK CAREFULLY.  ALL RULES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED WITH NO EXCEPTIONS.

 

COWBOYS’ CHEERLEADING IS A COMMITMENT FROM BOTH THE PARTICIPANTS AND PARENTS.  PARTICIPANTS MUST BE ABLE TO ATTEND ALL GAMES AND COMPETITIONS.

 

ALL CHEERLEADERS WILL RECEIVE A PRACTICE T-SHIRT, SHORTS, UNIFORM SHELL, UNIFORM SKIRT, BLOOMERS, SOCKS, SHOES, AND END OF SEASON TROPHY.  CHEERLEADERS WILL KEEP THEIR PRACTICE T-SHIRT, SHORTS, SHOES AND TROPHY.  UNIFORMS WILL BE TURNED IN AT THE END OF THE SEASON.  CHEERLEADERS CAN PURCHASE A VISOR, WATER BOTTLE AND DUFFLE BAG FOR AN ADDITIONAL COST.

 

REGISTRATION FOR RETURNING CHEERLEADERS WILL BEGIN ONLINE ON APRIL 1ST, 2008 AT WWW.WCAAFLA.ORG !!  RETURNING CHEERLEADERS NEED TO SECURE THEIR SPOT BY APRIL 30th, 2008.  ALL SQUADS ARE LIMITED TO 35 CHEERLEADERS.  NEW CHEERLEADERS CAN CONTACT THE CHEER DIRECTOR at DWeth11@aol.com FOR DETAILS ON THEIR SIGN UP DATES.

 

THERE WILL BE NO REFUNDS AFTER MAY 31ST, 2008.  NO EXCEPTIONS!

 

 

 2008 WCAA Cowboys Cheerleading  

 

I would like to welcome all of you to the Cowboys’ team and to the 7TH  season of the WCAA Cowboys!  Below you will find contact information for the Cheerleading Trustee/Director.

 

Cheerleading Trustee:         Dawn Wetherby

                                                Phone:  (813) 991-5079

                                                Email:  cheerleading@wcaafla.org or Dweth11@aol.com

Practices:  Will be held at Wesley Chapel District Park. 

Registration:  Cowboys Cheerleading is a BIG commitment.  Cheerleading must be the first priority.  Cheerleaders that are participating in other activities and who miss practices on a consistent basis can be removed from the team.  Children must successfully complete the entire Football / Cheerleading season to receive a participation Trophy.  All Cheerleaders need to wear their sneakers, socks, shorts (not too short) and shirts (tucked in).  No spaghetti strap tops allowed.  No rolling of shorts allowed.  Cheerleaders must bring something to drink to every practice.  The Concession stand will be open to purchase drinks.  Cheerleaders must arrive 10 minutes before practice time.  Attendance will be monitored.  Cheerleaders that are late or absent without notice will be disciplined accordingly.  Cheerleaders that are consistently absent will not be allowed to stunt and could possibly be asked to leave the team without a refund.  Please contact your head coach if you are going to be absent.

 

Paperwork:  The following is a list of mandatory paperwork required by the league (must be in by August 1st):

COPY OF BIRTH CERTIFICATE

RECENT PHOTO (WALLET SIZE) – NO POLAROIDS OR BASEBALL CARDS.

SIGNED HARD CARD

PHYSICAL COMPLETED AFTER MAY 1, 2008

Measurements:   Measurements will need to be taken of all cheerleaders (preferably in May because we will order by June 1st).  No refunds will be issued after May 31st, 2008.  Measurements are best taken when the cheerleader is wearing a bathing suit.  DATE , PLACE AND TIME TO BE ANNOUNCED.

Games:  Please be on time!  We do travel and some trips may take longer than others.  Please leave your house with ample time to reach the game field one hour before game time.  Also, please bring a big t-shirt to cover uniforms when eating.

Volunteers:  We will have several other volunteer opportunities and I ask that everyone help out as much as possible.  We need Team Moms and Dads.  You will be asked to work in the concession stand.  We will need help with our fundraisers.  We need people with digital cameras to take pictures of the games.  There may be carpooling opportunities for practices and games.  It is likely that each team will have to provide volunteers for the chain crew.  Your help is important to the team’s success.

Rules & Safety:  If this is your and your child’s first exposure to competitive youth athletics, some of our rules may seem to be a bit more strict than what you are accustomed to.  Please understand that it is our intention to provide the best opportunity for the Cowboys to be competitive.  The coaching staff will endeavor to teach your children the fundamentals of cheerleading while preparing them for the physical elements of the game.   All our coaches are certified by Hillsborough County and are CPR/First Aid Certified.  We will attempt to coach in a structured, disciplined environment but we will also try to make it as enjoyable as possible.  The rules are in place to attempt to perform as best we can and do it as safely as possible.  Cheerleading is a precision sport and if your kids are properly prepared, the chances of them getting hurt is diminished. 

Comments & Questions: All coaches will welcome your questions and comments but I ask that you do not stop any of us in the middle of practices or seek us out in the middle of a game.   The best time to speak with your Head Coach is before/after practices.  If the situation is not handled with the coach to your satisfaction, you can contact the Director by phone or e-mail (please see contact information above).   It is very important to address all issues in a timely fashion before they become impossible to handle.

Thank you and let’s get ready for a great season!  Don’t forget to check out our website at www.wcaafla.org. for more information. Go Cowboys!

 

Dawn Wetherby

Cheerleading Director

IMPORTANT COWBOY CHEERLEADING DATES

The 2008 Season runs from July through December.  This includes Playoff games in November and the All Star Game in December.  Please look at the 2008 WCYFC Schedule. 

FOR SAFETY REASONS, IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT THAT ALL CHEERLEADERS ATTEND EVERY PRACTICE AND GAME.   MISSING PRACTICES OR GAMES WILL BE DEALT WITH DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS AND/OR REMOVAL FROM THE TEAM.

July 7, 2008 - Practices Begin – ONE PARENT OF EACH PARTICIPANT MUST COME TO THE PRACTICE FIELDS FOR A PARENT MEETING!!!

 

ALL TEAMS WILL PRACTICE 3 NIGHTS A WEEK THROUGHOUT THE ENTIRE SEASON.  PRACTICES WILL BE ON MONDAY, TUESDAY AND THURSDAY FROM 6:30 – 8:00 P.M.

 

August 9th & August 16th, 2008  -  Preseason Scrimmages

The WCAA Cowboys, will have two pre-season exhibition games.  These exhibitions will give all five divisions an opportunity to gauge the progress of their teams as the beginning of the regular season approaches.  Games will be governed by standard football rules, with the exception of no kickoffs or punting.  August 9th, 2008 Scrimmage will be at our home field against Brandon Bears.  August 19th, 2008 Scrimmage will be at the Brandon Steelers field.

Games 1 – 10  - Regular Season Games

Please see the 2008 WCYFC Schedule for dates.  Flyweight/Mascot Game time is 9:00 a.m., Super Midgets is 10:45 a.m., Midgets is 12:30 p.m., Junior Varsity is 2:15 p.m. and Varsity is 4:15 p.m.

 

November 1st, 2008  -  WCYFC Cheer Off & Other Competitions

The WCYFC Cheer Off is an all-day affair for the cheerleading competition with all the squads in our league.  The Brandon Bears will be hosting this year’s Cheer Off.  The cheerleaders arrive at 8:00 a.m. and will stay until approximately 5:30 p.m.  No one is allowed to leave.  Every cheerleader needs to bring lunch and a large T-Shirt to put on over their uniform to keep it clean.   Head coaches will decide hair and other accessories.

We could be entering a maximum of three (3) other competitions or a minimum of two (2) competitions in October/November 2008 in addition to the WCYFC CHEER OFF. These competitions are held on SUNDAYS and are all day affairs.  Attendance is MANDATORY.

 

Playoff Games, Super Bowl and All Star Game

 

Playoff Games are on Saturday, November 8th and Saturday, November 15th, 2008.  The Super Bowl is on Saturday, November 22nd, 2008.  If the Cowboy Football teams make it to the Playoffs or Super Bowl, the cheerleading squads are required to attend.  The All Star Game is on Saturday, December 6th, 2008.  Eight (8) girls from each squad who qualify will be invited to participate in the All Star Game.

2008 WCAA Cheerleader Rules


 Below are the rules for all Cowboy Cheerleaders.  Parents should also go over these rules with their children to make sure they understand them.

 

  1. Be on time. Cheerleaders should arrive ten minutes early for all practices and one hour before all games.  Cheerleaders that are late or absent will lose cheering time.
  2. Be prepared.  Cheerleaders should make sure that they have all required equipment and that they are wearing it properly before beginning practices.  Proper shoes, socks, shorts, shirt and liquid refreshment.
  3. Show respect and good sportsmanship.  To coaches, teammates, officials, and members of the opposing team.  Cheerleaders must follow all coaches’ instructions without argument or negative comments.  A disruptive player will be asked to leave the practice area.  Cheerleaders will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times.  Cheerleaders will encourage their fellow cheerleaders and disparaging comments will not be tolerated.
  4. Do not talk while a coach is talking.  This is another form of disrespect.  Cheerleaders must pay attention to all coaching instructions.  This includes observing while their teammates are performing drills.  Coaches will provide additional instruction during these times and cheerleaders can learn by example.
  5. No jewelry.  Please remove all watches, earrings, nose rings, bracelets, necklaces and rings AT HOME before participating in practices or games.  Coaches will NOT be responsible for safeguarding jewelry at practices or games.
  6. Play hard.  Cheerleaders should give maximum effort.  Giving up early is not acceptable and can also lead to injury. 
  7. Play hard until the game is over.  No matter the score, cheerleaders should give their best effort until the game is over.  Sideline behavior during games will be monitored and addressed accordingly.
  8. Play as a team.  Cheerleading is a team sport and every player on the field plays an important role.  Be disciplined and get to your positions as quickly as possible.  Show your faith in your teammates by performing your position and not someone else’s.  Help your teammates up and recognize a teammate that has done something good.   Do not disparage a teammate but encourage a player that has made a mistake.  Show leadership by having a positive attitude and by cheering on your teammates.
  9. Be a player, not a coach.  Unless a coach asks you your opinion, do not suggest formations or substitutions.  Perform your position as you have been instructed.
  10. Have fun.  Follow the rules and enjoy the game.  Although some parts of practices will be harder than others, we will still try to do something fun every week.  Those that play the hardest will find they are the ones who are enjoying themselves the most. 

 

These rules are in place to help facilitate practices and help prepare you both mentally and physically for cheerleading.  These rules are designed to help you perform to the best of your ability and to reduce the possibility of injury.  Violation of any of these rules can result in extra laps, push-ups, sit-ups, leg lifts, wind sprints, and even reduced cheering time. 


 

 

  WCAA COWBOYS        

DISCIPLINARY ACTION GUIDELINES

 

Disciplinary actions will be enforced for the following infractions:

 

1.           Late to practices or games without prior notice to coach.

2.           Missing practices or games without prior notice to coach.

3.           Having visitors during practice or talking to friends while on the field during practices or games.

4.           Unacceptable behavior on the sidelines during games.

5.           Improper uniform at practices or games.

6.           Disrespect to other cheerleaders, Head Coach or Assistant Coach.

7.           Unlady-like conduct as determined by coach or cheerleading director.

 

Disciplinary Actions Include:

1.           Sitting on the bench for one quarter.

2.           Sitting on the bench for two quarters.

3.           Sitting on the bench for the entire game.

4.           Not being allowed to participate in Cheerleading Exhibition and/or Competitions.

5.           BEING REMOVED FROM THE TEAM.

 

These guidelines will be strictly enforced and are in accordance with WCYFC Conference rules.

 

ATTENDANCE WILL BE MONITORED.  A PARTICIPANT WHO MISSES PRACTICES WILL BE REPLACED IN STUNTS WITH PARTICIPANTS WHO ATTEND ALL PRACTICES FOR SAFETY REASONS. 


2008 WCAA General Principles for Parents


 Athletes and coaches will not be able to perform at their best if parents do not have a clear understanding of the philosophies of the youth athletic program.  The following is a guideline for parents.  Please sign and return to your coach.

 

  1. Don’t be a coach, be a parent. As a parent your job is to offer encouragement and positive reinforcement. A sure way to dampen your child's enthusiasm is with constant criticism. Understand the daily pressures a child faces. Youth athletics should be an outlet and place for a player to have fun. Encourage your child and allow him or her to have a good time.
  2. Support your coaches.  Parents should support the coaches, as long as they follow proper coaching guidelines. Parents should understand that all coaches are volunteers.  It is inappropriate for a parent to coach a participant who is on the field or contradict a coach’s instructions. Not only does it devalue the coach, it also confuses the participant.  Parents may not tell a coach which position their child should hold on the squad.
  3. Be a good sport.  Remember that your child learns more from your actions than your words. Practice good sportsmanship by being respectful to cheerleaders, parents, officials and coaches on both teams. Parents should not embarrass their child by calling attention to themselves through loud or rude behavior.  Remember that everything you do or say can be heard by children.  Let’s teach them that it is unacceptable to publicly yell, disparage and argue with other adults.  Game & League Officials have the authority to ask unruly spectators to leave the fields.
  4. Be on time.  Cheerleaders that are late or absent to practices will lose playing time in games.  Parents should help their children realize that belonging to a team requires commitment. Regular attendance and being prepared are necessary for the team to function smoothly. Practices begin promptly at 6:30 pm, cheerleaders should arrive by 6:20 pm.
  5. Fundraising.  Registration fees do not cover all of the costs of running a Tackle Cheerleading program.  In order to keep the fees reasonable, each child is asked to participate in fundraising activities.  Please help the team by turning in all fundraising collections by the specified time.
  6. Volunteer.  Parents are required to volunteer a minimum of four (4) whenever possible. This shows the participants the value of being a team player.  There are many volunteer opportunities beyond coaching and Team Parenting.  Ask one of the Team Moms what is needed.

 

I/We have read the 2008 Cowboys Handbook and agree to abide by all conditions, terms and rules.

 

 

 


Parent Name                               Parent Signature                          Date  

 

 

 


Parent Name                               Parent Signature                          Date