RULES AND POLICIES FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS SPIRIT SQUADS
INTRODUCTION
This statement is intended to inform spirit squad members and parents of the various policies regarding squad composition, selection, scholarships, travel, appearances, alcoholic beverages, drugs/drug testing, etc.of the University of Arkansas Spirit Squad program. In all policy and program matters, members of the Spirit Squads shall first be law-abiding citizens and exemplary representatives of the University of Arkansas.
The University of Arkansas Spirit Squad program is a student activity. As a student activity, its first and foremost responsibility to the student is to support and not to compromise the student’s academic career. Secondly, the program should aid in developing the student participant into a responsible, mature and independent adult. Specifically, the program is a means of improving the student’s mental and physical well being. Cheerleading and Pom Squad are activities where the student will be provided leadership training, develop the ability to make decisions, enhance the ability to respond to life’s situations, will contribute to social development and generally will maximize the opportunity for student growth, change and maturity.
The primary purpose of the Spirit Squads is to be a member of the team, which has as its goal the support of intercollegiate athletics and the University of Arkansas. The support is directed into two major areas, as follows: Cheerleading Squads: to lead the cheers; to raise the level of fan support for intercollegiate athletics; to lead in positive local support for the team; to project that support and solicit that support from Razorback fans and to participate in the athletic activity known as cheerleading by performing partner stunts, motions, pyramids, and gymnastics. Pom Squad: to support the cheerleaders as they lead cheers; to raise the level of fan support for intercollegiate athletics; to lead in positive local support for the team; to project that support and solicit that support from Razorback fans and to support the cheerleaders in cheerleading activity and to perform the activity known as dance; to perfect this athletic activity for keeping the crowd attention/direction focused on the field/floor where the intercollegiate activity is taking place, and for entertainment purposes during pre-game, time-outs, halftimes, and other appropriate times and for competitive purposes. Cheerleaders, Pom squad members, and mascots serve as public relations ambassadors of intercollegiate athletics and the University of Arkansas, to uphold, reflect and project the goals and ideals of the University; to appear at University activities, functions and programs, at charitable and public causes and to promote intercollegiate athletics and the University of Arkansas.
To develop and promote school spirit, to increase crowd involvement at athletic contests and pep rallies; to lead cheers.
COMPOSITION OF THE SQUADS
Cheer Red: This squad is composed of 12 regular members, 6 male and 6 female. The
advisor and coach will select one or two alternate couples after tryouts based on the following: consideration to the physical size, general composition of the squad, academic grade point standing, placement in tryouts and needs of the squad. Also, a “mike” person may be a member of this squad; the advisor and coach also select this person. The advisor and coach may name other alternate squad members in accordance with needs for additional members. Six couples will be awarded “Red Squad” scholarships. If selected, the seventh couple will be awarded the “White Squad” scholarship.
Cheer White: This squad is composed of 12 regular members, 6 male and 6 female. The
advisor and coach will select one or two alternate couples based on the same criteria as Cheer Red. Eight couples will be awarded “White Squad” scholarship.
If selected the one or two alternate couples will be awarded a book scholarship for each semester.
In the fall, new members may be named by the advisor and coach based on the squads need for additional members. This program is similar to the “walk-on” opportunity used by most football teams and may include new transfer students or students who were unable to attend the spring tryout.
Pom Red: This squad is composed of 10 regular and two alternate members. The advisor and coach will select two alternate members based on general composition of the squad, academic grade point standing, tryout score and needs of the squad. All 12 members will perform at all home football and men’s basketball games and men’s tennis matches. All twelve members will be awarded scholarships.
Pom White/RBI: The squad is composed of 10 regular members. The advisor and coach will select two alternate members based on the same criteria as Pom Red. This squad of 12 members will act as alternates for Pom Red and will participate as RBI girls who perform short dance routines between innings of Razorback baseball games. The squad will practice with Pom Red on a daily basis during the fall and learn all the dance and spirit material in order to be ready to act as alternates at a moments notice for any game or event. The squad will also perform as a single unit for selected home football games, basketball games, Ladyback basketball games and will combine with Pom Red for a halftime show during one of the men’s basketball games. Twelve squad members will be awarded scholarships.
The advisor and coach may choose additional squad members in the late fall/early spring before the RBI girls begin their season. The baseball season includes 30 home games of approximately 3 ½ hours each and is very time consuming. The additional squad members will serve in an RBI capacity only and help distribute the time commitment of baseball season. This program may include new transfer students or students who were unable to attend the spring tryouts. These new positions will not be awarded scholarships.
Mascots: Big Red and LadyBack Big Red – two persons – male or female
Pork Chop (small child/hog) - one person 5’ and under in height
Sue E. (girl hog)- one person – male or female
Ribby the Razorback (baseball mascot) – one person male or female
BOSS HOG- inflatable mascot – one-person male or female – Strength and height are a prerequisite to good operation of the suit.
Competition Squads: Squad members will vote on competition participation each year
1. Cheer squad: A competition squad of 16 (plus two alternates) will be
selected by the advisor and coach from the members of both cheer squads.
2. Pom squad: A competition squad of 14 (plus 2 alternates) will be selected by the advisor and coach from the members of both pom squads.
Cheerleaders: Cheer Red will cheer for all home and away football games, bowl games, home and post season men’s basketball games, LadyBack gymnastics meets, all pep rallies and charity events/appearances. Cheer White will cheer at all Fayetteville and Little Rock football games, all home and post season Lady Razorback basketball games, selected men’s basketball games, Ladyback volleyball games and pep rallies/appearances. The cheerleader’s main responsibility is to lead the fans and student body in cheers and school spirit.
Pom squads: Pom Red will perform at all Fayetteville and Little Rock football games, all home basketball games, all home men’s tennis matches, selected Lady Razorback basketball games, all pep rallies and charity events/appearances. During the basketball season the squad will prepare and perform 6 – 8 specialty halftime routines in coordination with the “intellibeam and laser light” department. The Pom squad’s primary purpose is to perform at halftimes of men’s basketball games. At home football games, the squad members will assist the cheerleaders in leading chants and cheers. Pom White/RBI will participate as alternates for the Pom I squad during the football and basketball seasons. As a squad they will perform at selected home and Little Rock football games, selected men’s basketball and all home Lady Razorback basketball games and will perform as the RBI girls doing short dance routines on the dugouts between innings of the Razorback baseball games.
Mascots: Big Red (the “Fightin’ Razorback”), LadyBack Big Red, Pork Chop, Sue E., Ribby and BOSS HOG
The role of the mascots is to help promote school spirit by performing mime, dance, skits and other routines at all UA men’s football, basketball, baseball games, pep rallies, all Lady Razorback basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, softball and other public relations events. Big Red is the primary mascot for the University of Arkansas for men’s sports and LadyBack Big Red is the primary mascot for the University of Arkansas women’s sports.. Pork Chop and Sue E. will perform at all home and Little Rock football games, home mens and Ladyback basketball games, events and rallies. Their primary purpose is public relations, meeting and greeting fans, taking pictures, etc. Ribby the Razorback is the official baseball mascot. He performs at all home games of the baseball Razorbacks. He also coordinates with the Pom White/RBI girls in their dugout performance at preselected times during the game. BOSS HOG – the inflatable mascot performs at any and/or all events of Razorback athletics. His only restrictions are ceiling height and high winds. His purpose is public relations, meeting and greeting fans, being available for pictures, etc.
Tryouts will be held in the spring immediately after the basketball team has completed the season. High school seniors will participate in a first round selection by DVD/videotape with those selected coming to Fayetteville (at their own expense) to tryout with the on campus students. A panel of 3 to 4 judges including the squad advisor and coach will make the selection of finalists.
On campus students will have an informational meeting before spring break that will include the dates/times of the clinics that are held the week before tryouts.
Tryouts will consist of a personal interview and a skills demonstration. Two panels of six judges each will be selected for each phase of tryouts. The interview judges will be selected from University and Northwest Arkansas community area. They are asked to evaluate the applicant’s poise, appearance, interpersonal skills, and communication skills. The skills judges will be selected based on their knowledge, experience, and expertise in the areas of cheer and dance. The scores from the high and low judges are dropped and a total of the scores from the middle four judges will be used for the selection of squad members.
The panels will consider the following general areas when selecting each squad:
Cheerleaders:
Ability to lead a crowd
Appearance and poise
Spirit and enthusiasm
Coordination and rhythm
Motions/technique
Partner stunts
Chants
Tumbling
Personal interview
Pom:
Appearance and poise
Spirit and enthusiasm
Coordination and rhythm
Kicks, splits, turns, leaps
Dance technique
Creativity in choreographing dances
Personal interview
Mascots:
Ability to involve crowd
Spirit and enthusiasm
Dance ability
Pantomime
Utilization of the suit
A good understanding of mascots duties
Personal interview
All persons selected into the finals for any squad will be required to go through a personal interview to ascertain how well they will represent our University. Public relations, friendliness, positive attitude, willingness to help others and school spirit and enthusiasm are musts for those who are selected as members of our spirit squads.
All scoring sheets, score sheet descriptions, copies of all forms, procedures, etc. will be posted at every session during the tryouts and the clinic preceding the tryout. All participants are required to read all forms and are urged to ask questions or seek clarification of any part they do not understand. The advisor and coach are always available to help.
The judge’s scores will select the top five males and females for the Cheer Red squad. One or two alternate couples will be selected by the advisor and coach based on the following: general composition of the squad, consideration of physical size, academic grade point standing, tryout score and needs of the squad. These Cheer Red members must be selected from the students who meet the eligibility requirement for Cheer Red. After the selection of the alternates the next five scores for male and female will be used to select the Cheer White squad. These scores are selected from all other applicants including the high school seniors. As with the Cheer Red squad the advisor and coach may select one or two alternate couples based on the same criteria.
The judge’s top ten scores will be used to select the Pom Red squad. Two alternate members will be selected by the advisor based on the following: general composition of the squad, academic grade point standing, tryout score and needs of the squad. These Pom Red members must be selected from the students who meet the eligibility requirements for Pom Red. The next ten scores will be used to select the Pom White/RBI squad. As with Pom Red, two alternate members will be selected by the advisor based on the same criteria as Pom Red. The Pom White squad will be selected from all other applicants including the high school seniors. As indicated in the information under “Composition of the Squads” the advisor and coach may choose additional squad members in the late fall/early spring before the RBI girls begin their season.
In the event of a tie score during any tryout, the student with the highest cumulative GPA will be awarded the position. If they are still tied after GPA, the person with the highest technique score will receive the position.
If a preliminary tryout is required, the current members of Cheer Red and White and Pom Red and White will be awarded a bye to the final tryout. They can go through the prelim if they so choose, but it is not required.
In the event that only one person tries out for a particular mascot position (or a limited number tryout for the cheer/pom squad), applicants will not be put on the squad just to fill places. Prior to the actual tryout those students will be informed of the minimum score they must attain to make the squad. The advisor and coach will then readvertise and hold an additional tryout at a later date (or hold individual auditions) to fill the remaining places on the squads.
All applicants must be in good health and capable of performing all skills of cheerleading and dance safely. Each member must have and document a physical examination before participating in the pre-camp workweek each summer.
Tryouts for Cheer Red, Pom Red, Big Red, BOSS HOG, Pork Chop and Sue E. will be open to all second semester freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors enrolled in and taking classes at the University of Arkansas that meet the qualifications for membership. These mascots cheer for Razorback football, basketball, Ladyback basketball, volleyball and gymnastics and the time and travel commitments are too great for a freshman. Therefore, high school seniors are not eligible for Cheer Red, Pom Red, Big Red , Ladyback Big Red and BOSS HOG, Sue E. or Pork Chop.
Tryouts for Cheer White, Pom White/RBI, are open to all students eligible for the squads above, transfer students, and high school seniors (who are invited to tryouts by the squad advisor and coach or selected from the video tape tryout). High School seniors interested in participating in the video tryout should check the cheerleader website www.razorbackspiritsquads.net or the athletic department website www.hogwired.com and/or contact Jean Nail at 479-575-6534 or jnail@uark.edu to receive tryout information.
1. Students must be enrolled as full-time students at the University of Arkansas
Freshmen may not try out until they have completed one semester. They must
pass 12 hours of credit for their one semester of attendance. A transfer
student must have completed an average of 12 hours for every semester enrolled.
2. High school seniors may tryout for the Cheer White and Pom White squads in the spring of their senior year for participation their freshman year. The preliminary tryouts will be by video/DVD with finalists invited to Fayettteville (at their own expense) to tryout with the on-campus students. Any student that has been accepted to the University of Arkansas will be eligible for these tryouts.
3. Eligibility subsequent to the first academic year in residence or after the student has been a member of the squad for one year shall be based upon:
a. Satisfactory completion prior to departure for cheerleading camp an accumulative total of semester hours that is equivalent to the completion of an average of at least 12 semester hours during each of the previous terms of enrollment, or
b. Satisfactory completion of 24 semester hours of academic credit since the beginning of the student’s last year as a member of the squad. For purposes of this provision a student shall meet the “satisfactory completion” requirements by maintaining a grade point average that places the student in good academic standing as established by the University of Arkansas Fayetteville.
4. Failure to maintain all qualifications will result in dismissal from the squad:
a. All decisions to dismiss a squad member shall be based on failure to comply with squad qualifications and regulations and shall be made by the squad advisor with approval of the Athletic Director or his representative.
b. A member that is dismissed or leaves the squad can tryout again, only with permission of the advisor and coach. This permission being granted after due consideration of the reason for leaving or being dismissed from the squad. This permission will be decided on an individual basis.
All spirit squad members shall be subject to the following regulations:
1. The Athletic Department will pay for all normal upkeep (e.g. broken zippers, etc.) However, squad members are expected to keep the uniforms clean and ready to wear at all functions. Lost uniforms or uniform articles are to be replaced immediately by the members at their own expense (this will be the replacement cost of the uniform/article).
2. All members will be sized within two weeks of tryouts and uniforms altered to fit each member. Any alterations after this will be at the members expense
Failure to maintain all regulations above or other verbal directions shall result in either suspension or dismissal from the squad.
1. All decisions to dismiss a squad member shall be based on failure to comply with squad qualification and regulations and shall be made by the advisor with approval of the Athletic Director or designated representative.
2. Squad alternates (or in the case of dismissal or someone removing themselves from the squad) will be chosen by the Advisor with due consideration to the following: general composition of the squad, general needs of the squad, academic grade point standing, the alternates general size and tryout score.
1. Squad advisor will file written and oral report.
2. Squad member can present his/her case to Athletic Director or his representative.
Squad members are required to travel on the official transportation (bus, plane) unless arrangements are made well in advance of the travel date. Members are not allowed to drive themselves to games/events with the exception of Little Rock/Hot Springs football and basketball games. Students who live in the Little Rock area and plan to go home for the weekend may be excused. When traveling on the official transportation all expenses are paid. Students who travel on their own are not funded and we assume no responsibility for them until they reach the game/event site. Students are urged to discuss their travel with their parents and be sure they are in agreement with the method of travel chosen. Students may also travel to games with their parents should the opportunity arise, however, this must also be arranged well in advance of the travel date and no funding is provided.
There will be many basketball games in Fayetteville over the Christmas holidays and Cheer Red, Cheer White, Pom Red, Pom White and all mascots are required to perform at these games. The only excused absence is illness or unsafe weather conditions. Be assured that if a student cannot travel safely he/she is excused. The student is required to call and inform the advisor or coach of the situation. For the Christmas holiday games students will be given mileage and per diem from their homes to/from Fayetteville.
As representatives of the University of Arkansas, the Athletic Department and the Spirit Squads those traveling must exhibit exemplary behavior. Behavior, which is loud, boisterous, rude, unrestrained, rough, rowdy, offensive, harsh or discordant, unruly, etc., shall subject the student to serious disciplinary measures.
In summary, spirit squad members are expected to be good citizens and, therefore, carefully and faithfully abide by University rules and regulations and the laws and ordinances of the city or state in which they live or travel.
INJURIES/ILLNESSES
Any illness or injury shall be reported to the squad trainer and the advisor or coach immediately.
Any injury suffered during practices, games, or other official functions will be treated by the athletic trainer and/or doctor. Expenses for such treatment shall be paid by the squad member’s personal insurance up to the amount of the applicable insurance policy and the athletic department will pay the costs over that amount. All squad members must provide proof of personal insurance before participating in spirit squad activities. If a squad member does not have personal insurance he/she must provide a letter from his/her parents assuming responsibility for any medical costs incurred.
If an injury or illness incapacitates a squad member, he/she shall not be permitted to practice and cheer for a period of time as determined by the University of Arkansas trainer or a doctor. Generally, another member shall replace an injured/ill member of the squad until he/she is fully recovered. Return to participation at games or practices may be determined by a University of Arkansas trainer or a doctor and provided in writing and placed in the student’s file.
If a doctor recommends that a squad member no longer cheer/dance, due to injury or a health problem, the squad member shall be removed from the squad. If chronic illness or injury causes a squad member to miss games or practices repeatedly, the squad member may be removed from the squad by the advisor.
The University of Arkansas spirit squad program is committed to promoting and fostering healthy lifestyles and eating habits for squad members. Conduct which opposes this philosophy and/or conduct which poses unacceptable risk and disregard for the health, safety and welfare of participants are violative of this policy and will result in appropriate counseling and/or disciplinary action up to and including dismissal from the squad.
Spirit squad members at the University of Arkansas must be excellent athletes. Cheer/dance involves some aspects of several athletic activities, e.g. rotation and tumbling of gymnastics, stamina of basketball, strength of bodybuilding or football, balance and movement of dance, etc.
A primary activity of the University of Arkansas cheerleaders is the partner stunt (double stunt). Pyramids are partner stunts combined vertically (in levels, not to exceed two-and-a-half human heights) and horizontally (side-by-side partner stunts). The nature of these activities demands certain general physical requirements of the cheerleader. The male squad member must have sufficient strength to base pyramids and to life, hold, throw and catch females safely. Female squad members must be of appropriate size and weight such that they can be lifted, held, thrown and caught safely.
Education is the key to promotion of healthy lifestyles and preventing eating disorders. University of Arkansas spirit squad advisor, coaches, trainers, and squad members will receive written materials and oral instruction on healthy eating
know what treatment options are available and to be familiar with University of Arkansas policy and procedures for handling eating disorders.
As stated earlier, spirit squad members are expected, first, to be law-abiding citizens. This expectation is foremost when it comes to alcoholic beverages. Spirit Squad members are reminded that, as highly visible members of the University community, their actions and behavior are under constant observation. ABSOLUTELY while in uniform, but also while not in uniform, cheerleaders, pom squad member and mascots are known, subject to scrutiny, and can easily be the object of criticism for their behavior or actions, in particular, for indulging or for over- indulging in alcoholic beverages. All spirit squad members shall adhere to the following rules:
1. Spirit squad members shall not possess or drink alcoholic beverages on any
transportation provided by the University of Arkansas.
2. Members shall not consume alcoholic beverages before or during a game or a practice.
3. Members shall not offer to procure an alcoholic beverage for a member who is under 21.
4. Spirit Squad members who violate these rules shall be subject to serious disciplinary measures up to and including immediate dismissal from the squad.
The athletic department is committed to providing a safe and healthy environment for the spirit squads. Thus, conduct which involves the unlawful possession, use, dispensation, or distribution of controlled substances by a student while participating in our spirit squad program shall result in termination from the University of Arkansas Spirit Squad Program. Similarly, the unlawful possession, use, dispensation, distribution or manufacture of controlled substances by a spirit squad member at any other time shall result in appropriate discipline, up to and including termination from the Spirit Squad program; any sanction for such a violation outside of participation in the spirit squad program shall be with consideration to the potential embarrassment or bad reflection on the spirit squad program, the athletic department and the University.
Like UA athletes, members of the spirit squads are subject to random drug testing. Urine analysis testing is used; urine samples are taken by Student Health Center. Positive drug tests result in dismissal from the squad.
Cheer Red, Pom Red, Cheer White, Pom White/RBI and all six mascots will receive use of all required books for the fall and spring semesters. This award is valued at approximately $400 per semester. In addition, the following will be paid toward the student's tuition.
Cheer Red, Pom Red and the Mascots (5):
1st year on squad $ 550 per fall and spring semesters
2nd year on squad $ 750 per fall and spring semesters
3rd year on squad $ 950 per fall and spring semesters
Participation after the third year on the squad receives the same as third year members.
Cheer White will receive $500 for the fall and spring semesters
Pom White/RBI will receive $500 and books for the fall semester and
$500 and books for the spring semester
There are 6 – 10 additional scholarships that are awarded on specific criteria. They vary in amount from $150 to $1000 per semester. Contact the squad advisor for more information.
Any student transferring to the UA from another institution of higher education (that is selected for our Cheer Red, Pom Red squad or mascots) that has participated on their former varsity cheer or dance squad for one full year will enter our scholarship program at the first year level ($550 and books for the fall and spring semesters). Any student who has completed two years or more on a varsity squad will enter at the second year level ($750 and books for the fall and spring semesters). The University of Arkansas reserves the right to contact the applicant's previous advisor to confirm the years of participation at the varsity level.
A captain and co-captain for each squad will be selected by a vote of squad members several weeks after tryouts. A student may only serve as captain or co-captain for one year and will have the following responsibilities:.
1. Serve as coordinator between the squad and advisor and/or coach.
2. Serve as squad spokesperson for all radio, TV, and print interviews.
3. Run organized practices in the absence of the sponsor. The cheer squad cannot stunt or tumble without the supervision of squad sponsor or coach – however, the squad can work on motions, voices, etc. at practices run by captains only.
4. Lead the squad during games and pep rallies.
5. Make decisions for the squad when they are unable to take vote on various issues.
The advisor of the spirit squads shall be appointed by the Athletic Director or the Athletic Director’s representative. The advisor, with the approval of the Athletic Director, will select the coach.
The advisor and/or coach will call all practice sessions.
The advisor shall serve in the supervisory capacity over the group including the following areas:
1. Budget
2. Travel arrangements
3. Planning all pep rallies and public relations events with the approval of the Athletic Director or his representative.
4. Coordinate with bands, booster clubs, alumni organizations and coaches.
5. All other business related functions.
6. Supervise all practices, summer camp, games, travel, etc.
7. The advisor will be responsible for the tryout clinics held during the school year.
8. The advisor and/or coach will travel with the squads when participating in an athletic department event.
9. The advisor and coach must pass the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors Safety Certification Test and be a participating member of A.A.C.C.A.
Revised January 2008