PURPOSE
The purpose of the Sumter County Youth Cheerleading Program is to provide a wholesome recreational activity for girls ages 5-12 that will help them to build self esteem and teach them the basic fundamentals of cheering. The program is designed for the following purpose:
To help participants learn the basic skills of cheerleading. As they progress to the higher age divisions, their skills should improve to the point that the program acts as a feeder system to the middle school level.
To help participants develop self discipline and build positive attributes such as teamwork, respect for authority and good sportsmanship.
To teach the benefits of positive attitudes, and lifting the spirits of players and fans.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
The Sumter County Parks and Recreation Department is the governing authority for the Sumter County Youth Cheerleading Program. The rules defined here will govern the local program.
COACHING REQUIREMENTSU
A cheer coach should be a person of high moral character and a respected member of the community. All cheer coaches must pass a criminal background check.
A cheer coach should have the basic knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of cheerleading.
A cheer coach should never conduct themselves in any manner other than exemplary and never use profanity, alcohol or tobacco during any cheer activity.
A cheer coach must never incite participants or parents by criticizing game officials, department staff or a judge.
A cheer coach should try to the best of their ability to keep all cheerleaders interested and participating by establishing fun and informative practices, allowing everyone on the squad to be involved in the activity and by showing genuine concern for each member of the squad.
LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
The age divisions for cheerleading are: 6 and Under, 8 and Under, 12 and Under. The age control date is September 1st of the current year.
It is required that all squads cheer at each of their respective football team's events.
All uniforms will be purchased through the Sumter County Parks and Recreation Department. No team may alter the uniform in any way.
Practice sessions should never last more than 90 minutes. The SCPRD does not allow any teams to practice on Wednesday evenings. All practices must be complete no later than 7:30 p.m. A team may practice up to three times per week in the pre-season, but may not practice more than twice once the schedule of games has begun.
All participants must be registered through the SCPRD and the waiver form on the bottom of the registration form must have been signed by the parent or guardian.
Any coach who allows an illegal participant will be suspended for the remainder of the season.
Any coach who behaves in a manner in conflict with the coaching requirements or purpose as outlined in this document or that does not promote a positive atmosphere for the program will be suspended for a period of no less than one year.
Teams will be assigned by the cheer coordinator. The only trades allowed after team assignments will be to correct any office error to place a sibling on a squad to cheer for their other sibling, or where two sisters living in the same household were mistakenly placed on separate squads. There will be no consideration given because of transportation issues, carpools, cousins, etc.
All cheers must be positive in nature. No profane or questionable language may be used in any cheer.
Dance moves should be in good taste and never be suggestive in any way, shape or form.
Any disputes or concerns should be directed to the SCPRD's cheer coordinator.
A cheer competition will be held at the end of the football season. All cheer squads are asked to participate in this competition.
