The season for Jr. Mustangs Cheerleading lasts from approximately June 1^st through November 15^th. It is customary to have two (2) practices each week during the summer and one Friday after school practice during the school year. Detailed practice schedules will be handed out at the Parent Meeting.  Although summer practices are in most cases non-mandatory, each cheerleader is required to participate in 15 full practices before the first game and/or pre-season performance in mid-August.  

Furthermore, applicants who have regular Friday afternoon and/or Saturday morning or afternoon commitments from mid August through November (i.e. volleyball, soccer, music lessons, etc.) should not apply as this is when all games will take place. Other activities cannot be considered when scheduling practices as practice times are based on the availability of coaches and facilities.

Basic cheerleading skills are taught beginning in the 5th/6th grade program and are intended to be the foundation for further skill building during the 7th and 8th grade seasons. Any and all stunts, jumps or tumbling taught and used will be based on skill progression techniques and safety guidelines sanctioned by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) and the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA). Cheerleaders with prior cheer, gymnastics or tumbling training may be allowed to use their individual skills in a manner approved by the Head Coach.

• All cheerleaders will cheer at home and away games. Cheerleaders will participate in half-time performances at all home games and away games where permitted and where deemed appropriate by the Head Coach.
• Cheerleaders are responsible for arranging their own transportation to home and away games, camps, etc.
• Cheerleaders are expected to attend all practices, meetings and games. Injured or "benched" cheerleaders are expected to attend all practices and games in the appropriate uniform.
• The Head Coach reserves the right to "bench" a cheerleader with one (1) unexcused absence from practice during the week. That cheerleader will be required to attend in uniform. *
• Practice times and locations are at the Head Coach's discretion. Only the Head Coach can cancel practice. One excused absence from a game or other event is allowable with a note from a parent. Further absences (whether excused or unexcused) will be reviewed and dealt with on an individual basis by the coaches.
• Unexcused absences will result in disciplinary action that could include removal from the squad.
• Cheerleaders are required to attend a minimum of 15 pre-season practices in order to cheer at the first game or attend any other special events that may be scheduled.
• Cheerleaders who miss learning new material at camp(s) and/or practices will be required to learn that new material as soon as possible after the missed practice. Squad practice time will not be used to cover missed elements for individual cheerleaders. Cheerleaders must then demonstrate to the Head Coach that they have mastered the cheer, skill or place in formation before they will be allowed to perform at games.

*A complete list of attendance rules will be provided at the Parent Meeting

Cheerleaders are expected to cooperate with the coaching staff, implement suggestions, and work to resolve issues. The Coaches and the team members should be treated with the same regard as teachers and classmates. Should a conflict arise, every attempt will be made to counsel the cheerleader and/or contact the parent. The Head Coach reserves the right to remove from the squad cheerleaders who are in violation of the rules and/or appropriate behavior guidelines.

As an ambassador of your school and the Jr. Mustangs Football and Cheerleading programs, cheerleaders are expected to be good role models both during and outside of Jr. Mustang activities. A cheerleader may be benched for one or more games for actions witnessed by any member of the Jr. Mustangs coaching staff that include, but are not limited to:

• Actions unbecoming to a Jr. Mustangs Cheerleader
• Disruptions, including excessive talking or disrespecting coaches during practices and/or games
• Being out of uniform and/or missing required uniform pieces or accessories
• Unexcused absence from a Friday practice or any game
• Violations of the social networking agreement or any other portion of the Cheerleader Code of Conduct

If a cheerleader is benched repeatedly for similar behaviors, it may result in removal from the team. The Head Coach reserves the right to bench girls (when and where) they feel it is appropriate; it may not always fall on the next game date.