LAKOTA TOMAHAWKS CHEERLEADING
RULES, REGULATIONS Rev. Jan. 08
Age Groups
1st Grade
2nd Grade
3rd Grade
4th Grade
5th Grade
6th Grade
* A Cheerleader may move up or down two (2) grade levels to cheer with or for a sibling. This rule is for siblings only and any cheerleader requesting to move will need to provide a copy of their birth certificate with their registration. There are no exceptions.
* Cheerleaders returning from the previous year will have priority over new girls coming into the program.
* Mascots are considered children entering Kindergarten. Mascots may cheer at any age level. Mascot positions will go first to any participating siblings and are limited to two mascots per squad. More than two mascots per squad must be approved by the Cheerleading Committee. Mascots will be required to follow routines at the discretion of the head coach and it is recommended by the committee that mascots not participate in mounting and have limited participation in halftime routines.
* Placement of the cheerleading squads with the football teams is at the discretion of the Cheerleading Board.
* It is mandatory that parents help with field duties during their team’s field day and other days that their team is assigned to maintain the field.
* Parents are required to participate in league fundraisers.
Waiting List
* After the initial quotas for squads are filled, all additional registrants will be placed on a waiting list. If a position becomes available, it will be filled on a first come, first served basis for that age group as to what time of day noted on the registration prior to ordering uniforms.
* A registration fee will be charged only to those placed on a squad.
Uniforms
* The cheerleading organization will provide a skirt, vest, warm ups, shoes, turtleneck, briefs, bag and poms. Hair accessories, rain poncho and cold weather wear are not included in the registration fees but must be approved by the Cheerleading Committee and will be decided on with each squad.
* No changes or additions will be made to the uniform without the approval of the Cheerleading Committee.
* All cheerleaders must be dressed alike to perform at the games or any other function that requires them to be in uniform.
* Cheerleaders are not permitted to eat or drink in uniform before or during games or cheerleading functions. (Water is the only exception.)
Practice Times & Locations
* The squads Head Coach will decide when and where practices will be held.
* All practices must be held on one of the Lakota school’s property and the appropriate paperwork and insurance documentation on file at each individual school.
* All practices must be held after regular business hours, usually between the hours of 6:00pm - 9:00pm, or weekends unless all parents approve of a different schedule.
* There will be a limit of 2-3 practice per week during the summer and 1-2 practices per week plus games, during school weeks, unless agreed upon by all parents.
Cheerleader Responsibilities
* Cheerleaders are expected to represent Lakota Tomahawks and the community in a positive way, in all aspects of dress, attitude and actions.
* A cheerleader must notify her coach if she is not attending a game or practice at least three (3) hours before the scheduled event.
Failure to notify your coach of an absence is considered un-excused.
* Tardiness is defined as arriving at practice or a game after the specified time or leaving before the end of a practice or game.
* Three (3) absences or tardiness, or one (1) unexcused absence will result in the cheerleader being “benched” for the first half of the next scheduled game. Four (4) absences or tardiness will require being “benched” for an entire game.
* The cheerleader subject to disciplinary action must attend the game to support her team. Failure to comply could result in dismissal from the program.
* Cheerleaders must be at the games 30 minutes prior to game start time or as specified by the cheerleading coach in clean, full uniform.
* Away games are not optional for cheerleaders.
* Cheerleaders are to stay with their coach and squad during games.
* No profanity will be tolerated from any cheerleader.
Coaches
* Head Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their assistants, cheerleaders and their parents during any organized event.
* There will be one Head Coach per squad. Assistants will be chosen at the discretion of the Head Coach.
* All coaches will be approved by the Tomahawk Cheerleading Board and must abide by the rules set forth.
* Placement within a formation or a routine is the Head Coach’s decision.
Miscellaneous
* No tumbling is allowed with the exception of cartwheels, round-offs, front and back walkovers. Mounting will be limited to “thigh-level” mounts only.
* No make-up, nail polish, body glitter, tattoos, metal hair barrettes, hoop/dangle earrings or jewelry is permitted at practice, games or cheerleading functions. Only stud type earrings will be allowed and they need to coordinate with the Lakota colors.
* No gum or food will be permitted during games or practices.
* Hair must be pulled back away from the face at all times.
* Only gym shoes will be permitted at practice, no sandals, etc. Shoes provided with uniforms must be worn at games and cheerleading functions.
* For practice wear shorts, leggings, or sweats. Absolutely no dresses, skirts, tight jeans, or short/cropped tops allowed.
* No pets will be allowed at any practice or game fields.
* Coolers and snacks will not be permitted at any of the games. After-game drinks must be purchased at the host field.
* Anyone found guilty of any misconduct, unsportsmanlike behavior will be subject to expulsion from the program without refund.
Refunds
The Lakota Tomahawks has a NO REFUND POLICY with the following exceptions:
1. Players that move and are ineligible prior to uniform handout.
2. Players that are declared unable to participate due to medical reasons prior to uniform handouts.
For any of these exceptions we must receive a formal request with necessary proof in writing to 5754 Balsam Dr., Liberty Township, OH 45044. Refund checks will be issued on the first day of September.
General Provisions
* No physical confrontation is permitted with another squad member, coach, parent, family member, official, opposing team, and family members at any time including practice, games or any team function. Physical confrontation will be dealt with immediately.
* No Alcoholic beverages will be allowed within 1000 yards of practice or games.
* No pets are allowed at practice or games.
* Participation in all fund-raisers is required.
* Parents are responsible for providing transportation to and from practice, games and team functions. Parents are to ensure that their cheerleaders will be on time and will also be picked up on time and make sure child is in the care of her coach before being dropped off. Parental involvement may be necessary should problems or concerns arise.
* A Lakota School District Emergency Medical Authorization Form must be completed before any cheerleader can participate in any practice, game or team function.
* The Cheerleading Board may change the eligibility and squad size as required for the betterment of the program, subject to the approval of the Executive Board of the Lakota Tomahawks Youth Football Association.
* Any coach or cheerleader complaint shall be taken up with the Cheerleading Head Coach for that team and all effort should be made to solve the problem. If a satisfactory solution is not reached, the complaint must be submitted in writing to Tomahawk Executive Board, 7140 Willowood Drive, Cincinnati, Ohio 45241
