New Braunfels JR Cougars Youth Football and Cheer

The focus of the JR Cougars Cheer Program is designed as an instructional introduction to sideline cheer. We offer a safe and productive environment for your child to learn the fundamentals of cheer as well as the importance of teamwork. Participants will have an opportunity to learn basic motions, chants, jumps, make new friends all while developing discipline and leadership skills while having team spirit.

Our cheerleaders will each get a uniform that consist of  a shell (top), skirt, bloomers, bow, socks, shoes, liner, undergarment, and pom poms. Parents will provide practice attire and shoes.   

Behavior expectations

· Cheerleaders will give their best effort at all times and accept assignments and decisions cheerfully.

· Cheerleaders are expected to wear their hair off of their faces at all times

· Cheerleaders are REQUIRED to practice in a cheer gym shoes NOT flip-flops

· Cheerleaders will not swear or use abusive language at any time during practices or games.

· Cheerleaders will not belittle or laugh at others because of experience, inability, or mistakes.

· Cheerleaders will not show off, brag, or become obnoxious.

· Cheerleaders /Coaches will use self-discipline and understand other’s feelings and attitudes.

· Cheerleaders will work together as a team to actively promote sportsmanship.

· Cheerleaders will not argue with one another or dispute decisions.

Remember treat others how you would want to be treated!!! And all will be well.

If there is a behavior problem:

· Your coach will bring it to the attention of the Team Manager who will try to work things out. Team Managers can then take the issue to Cheer Director or an assistant.

· First occurrence – You will be asked to sit out for 30 minutes from practice.

· Second occurrence – You will be asked to leave practice for the day; this is an unexcused absence, also causing you to sit out 1 quarter of the following game.

· Third occurrence – You will sit out 1st half of game. 

·  If behavior problems continue, you may be dismissed from the squad.

Attendance is mandatory = for Practices and Games

· If you are not able to attend a practice, you need to call a Team Manager before practice starts – this is an excused absence.

· If you have more than one commitment for the fall season and are expecting to miss too many practices and games – please re-think your commitment.

· For each practice that is unexcused, you will sit out 1 quarter of the following game.

· After three unexcused absences – you will be asked to leave the team and NO refunds will be issued.

BE ON TIME for both practices and games

· You must provide your own transportation to and from games and practices; you are responsible for any car-pool arrangements.

· You must be at games at least 30 min. prior to start of game.

· It is very important that you be at practices on time as well (5:50 pm sharp).

· It is important that you be picked up on time as well – Team Managers will not leave until all girls are picked up. 

PARENTS WILL BE MADE AWARE OF ANY OF THESE OCCURRENCES IN WRITING OR VERBALLY

Your coach requires your total attention – time is too valuable to waste.

No eating or chewing gum during the game (including half-time) or practices.

Stay in your lines during games; no wandering off to talk with friends, etc. If you need to leave for any reason, speak with your coach and team manager.

Only Cheerleaders, Coaches, Team Managers and the Cheer Board Members should be on the field during practices.  All other family members and spectators should remain in the bleachers.  (This is strictly for safety purposes)

Cheer Registration payments must be made on time since uniforms must be paid in full before ordered. Any late uniform orders will incur extra shipping charges at the expense of the athlete or no uniform at all if it is not possible to order late from the vendor.

When our football teams make it to the playoffs and State Championships, the corresponding cheer squad will be required to attend. 

Conditioning:

Athletes will be required to run, do calisthenics and practice basic jumps etc. Because this is a rigorous and challenging activity for some, you may find that your athlete is tired, possibly a little grumpy, and easily agitated. As your child becomes more fit and gains confidence, his/her attitude will improve. Continue to show support and enthusiasm to your child during this phase.

Please wear cool loose clothing (gym shorts and t-shirt) and cleats. Cheer should wear athletic shoes. Remember to drink plenty of water well before practice begins and avoid sugary drinks and greasy foods prior to practice.

Equipment Care:

All athletes are responsible for keeping their equipment clean and in good condition. Practice and game uniforms should be washed or dry cleaned at least once a week. Please follow cleaning requirements attached to the cheer uniform. Cheer shoes must be cleaned before each game. Cheer shoes WILL ONLY be worn at games and competition. Pom-poms should be kept clean and stored in a dry area.

Squads are broken down in the competition:

• Mascot
• Novice
• Intermediate
• Advanced

Each of these is further broken down by Large squad and Small squad. In addition to squad size, each of these is broken down by the age brackets above and a ”Mixed" bracket can be added.

Single and Tandem competitions are also available.

Don't forget, We are always looking for Cheer Moms as well as Cheer Coaches.