SEASON 27 SSCC Policies and Procedures Contract

  • Welcome

    to the SSCC Policies/Procedures/Parent and Athlete Participation/Commitment to the SSCC Program. The requirements, expectations, rules and regulations for being a part of the Stafford Sparklers Cheerleading Organization are clearly outlined and stated throughout this entire contract are to be signed by the cheerleader and their parent/guardian. By signing, there is the understanding that the requirements, expectations and rules and regulations are understood and agree to as being part of the cheerleading program.

  • The SSCC Organization's Mission is to create an environment where a child can learn the fundamentals of competitive cheer, develop and build strong self-esteem and a positive attitude by combining hard work, dedication, appreciation, sportsmanship and enjoyment of the sport to achieve success. The secret is not to focus solely on producing "exceptional athletes", but rather to produce "well rounded individuals" who participate in athletics.  With safety in mind, levels of achievement are expected within the Stafford Sparklers Organization.  

     

    This sport requires 100% commitment from both the child/children and parent(s).  Recreation Star Cheerleading is a TEAM sport, if 1 child is not present, it affects the whole team.

  • Welcome to SSCC Policies/Procedures/Participation/Commitment Contract

  • Format: (000) 000-0000.

  • FUNDRAISING

    To enable the organization to continue to provide training and competitive opportunities to it's members, it is important and mandatory for all of SSCC members/families to be actively involved in ALL of the fundraising campaigns in their current cheer season, otherwise your child will be unable to participate in the SSCC Program.

    Anticipated FUNdraisers for the season are (however they may change upon availability):

    *** PARTICIPATE IN our Gift Auction and Progressive 50/50 - each family will be required to help sell a required amount of tickets to the event, donate a $50 value item to raffle, purchase or sale of required amount of Progressive 50/50 tickets, donate 2 lottery scratch off tickets of any denomination and a donation to team basket all due no later than 2 weeks prior to event.

    ***PARTICIPATE IN and Promote in our Fall Mum Sale which begins beginning of season

    ***PARTICIPATE IN and Promote our Applebee's Flapjack Fundraiser (the cheerleader's favorite)

    ***PARTICIPATE and Promote in our Football Pool Fundraiser

    ***PARTICIPATE and Promote our Easter Fundraiser

     

  • * Initial here that you have read and understood fundraising responsibility.

  • We also provide a Showcase (exhibition) to showcase our amazing athletes and all the hard work that they have put in through practice prior to our comp season beginning. If you would like to help volunteer for this event, please check appropriate box below It is mandatory for the athletes (small admission fee for families) to attend and participate. The date will be in January usually 2nd weekend, once confirmed will post*

  • PRACTICING AND COMPETITION

    ALL PRACTICES ARE MANDATORY.  

    Youth Team practices 2/3 times per week

    Junior /Senior Teams practice 3 times per week 

    Tumbling is included in practice schedule as one of the days until December and sometimes extends into January for our Mini to Senior teams. 

    Youth Team will take part in approximately 5-7 competitions including our annual showcase. If opportunity arises we may be able to participate in a few more.

    Junior/Senior Elite Teams will take part in approximately 6-8 competitions including annual showcase.  If opportunity arises, we may be able to participate in a few more. 

    Practices are closed

    Practices, Extra Practices, Competitions and Showcases are MANDATORY AND REQUIRED for ALL TEAMS AND ATHLETES

    Competition season generally runs from mid January until April/May.  We try to get our competition schedule by December 1st the latest to hand out to families so they can plan their weekends during those months.

    National competitions may require additional fundraising.  

  • * Initial here that you have read and understood practice and competition responsibility.

  • All athletes are required to wear black leggings or black compression shorts, cheer sneakers and a SSCC practice shirt while practicing.
    A full water bottle is required to bring to practice.
    Hair must be in secured ponytail with a cheer bow for practice, clinics, showcases and competitions.
    No jewelry of any kind during practices, clinics, or competitions.
    Sneakers will be available for purchase, and they will be sized for in mid-September /October due to growth spurts.
    Additional practice wear and other clothing items will be available for sale in the fall

  • * Initial here that you have read and understood SSCC Dress Code.

  • IMPORTANT

    SSCC follows set scoring rubrics and rules provided by The Open Championships and United/Varsity and other individual event producers. There may be athletes on any team that tumble at a different level than their teammates. We do our very best to provide a team for every athlete who enters our doors and appropriately place athletes at the best level for them. However, there is more that goes into placing teams together than just tumbling skills. Stunting, pyramids, basket tosses, jumps, dance, performance, motions, age, mentality, attitude, dedication, work ethic, and maturity are all factors that play into making our final decision. Every athlete has a role and a purpose. Please trust the staff’s decisions as they are made with the team’s best interest in mind.

    SSCC reserves the right to change a team’s division and level at any time throughout the season. The CEO/ President of SSCC and Directors have complete discretion when deciding the end of the year events regardless of bid status. Paid bids will be allocated to the athletes who take the floor at the final event regardless of your participation when the bid was earned. Paid bid allocation is solely for the number of athletes on the floor for the final event. It does not include injured athletes. Athletes are expected to fulfill the contractual season by attending all end of the year events.

  • UNIFORMS

    Each cheerleader will be issued a rental SSCC competition uniform that will need to be properly cared for, with care instructions, and returned at the end of season.  You will be financially responsible for any damage or loss occured to uniform. A Uniform Security deposit of $250 is required in December 2026 (check - if returned an additional $40 fee, money order or cash)is required to receive SSCC cheerleader uniform.  The security deposit will be held in a SSCC account until end of season and will be returned to issuer when the cheerleader uniform is returned in the condition it was received.  

    All other items issued to your child are yours to keep. (practice and competition bows, practice wear, competition socks, competition briefs if applicable to the uniform)

     UNIFORMS NEED TO BE WASHED INSIDE OUT, DO NOT USE FABRIC SOFTENER AND ONLY AIR DRY

  • * Initial here that you have read and understood SSCC Uniform policy.

  • Priority Requirements:
    Please keep in mind, that competition cheer is a TEAM sport and requires entire team effort. It is unlike any other sport. We do not substitute members. Being present is very important, if one athlete is missing, it makes it extremely difficult to practice as a team and makes it hard for that practice to take place. The entire stunt group or pyramid that the athlete is in will be unable to practice at all. Punctual attendance is mandatory at all practices, clinics, competitions, as well as fundraisers and special events. All tardy's or absences (excused or unexcused) will be recorded.
    THERE ARE NO EXCUSED ABSENCES FOR MISSING A COMPETITION, the athlete will be removed from the cheer team.
     * Please initial here that you have read and understand the attendance policy.

  • We realize many athletes are involved in a variety of activities; however, we cannot make exceptions for schedule conflicts. SSCC MUST TAKE PRIORITY OVER ALL OTHER sports teams, extra-curricular activities, and jobs from August through early May. You must work your schedule around ours.
    Athletes will not be allowed to miss practice, clinics, showcases, or competitions for homework, classwork or projects that time has not been slotted for unless it is after school assistance. Please budget your time wisely. Missing a practice prior to a competition or event may result in the individual being replaced or moved in that event. The coach will make the decision regarding the performance.
    An absence is NEVER excused due to another activity, work schedule or another sport commitment.
    SSCC athletes are expected to consider SSCC a top priority with 100% commitment and attendance.
    A single miss affects the entire team and impacts those who have committed to be at all practices and competitions.
    If our policy is violated, the athlete may be removed from the program. * Please initial here that you have read and understand.

  • ABSENTEEISM/TARDINESS
    ALL CHEERLEADERS MUST ATTEND ALL PRACTICES ON TIME effective immediately
    TARDINESS/LEAVING EARLY 
    Tardiness or Leaving Early 3 times is considered 1 UNEXCUSED absence.
    A cheerleader must be at practice on time. The importance of warm up and stretching the cheerleader must do to protect the safety of his/her body prior to engaging in any cheer activities is a must. A cheerleader can get easily injured if not properly stretched prior.
    EXCUSED ABSENSES - EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY
    *Proof of Sickness with a doctor's note provided.
    *Death in the Family
    *Proof of Religious Obligation with ample time of prior notice given to SSCC Board (Only 5 Religious Obligations will be excused unless other arrangements have been approved by SSCC Board of Directors)
    *Proof of School Obligation provided in regard to grade towards education, honor society or student council with teacher/school administration signature.
    *Proof of After School assistance for school grades.

    (If your child has a school function that reflects in a grade, or if they have a doctor's appointment that will affect their practice attendance, you must submit an absence request form at least 2 weeks in advance of the school event. Absence request form link can be found on the website, www.staffordsparklers.com, under forms. A request does not ensure approval, your team parent will reach out to you regarding approval or denial after submission has been reviewed. If an absence request form is not filled out and the athlete misses a practice, or if the request form is submitted and denied and the athlete misses practice, they will be subject to removal from the team and program.)

    Multiple missed practices, even if it is excused will jeopardize an athlete's position in the routine and or spot on the team.
    Anytime an athlete misses a practice, regularly scheduled or extra, clinic, competition or other SSCC cheer event without a phone call prior to any of the previous, it will be marked as an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE and possible removal from the team and program.
    Anytime an athlete misses a practice, regularly scheduled or extra, clinic, competition or other SSCC cheer event, for any reason other than the excused absence reason, will be marked as an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE. 


    Fall to Spring, all practices and extra practices are mandatory. No missed practices, including vacations not submitted to SSCC Board with approval.

    ****If your child is injured, he or she will be expected and required to attend the practice, clinic, competition or other SSCC Cheer event while safely sitting out, with the coaches, so he/she can be in the know of the routine along with the team.  

    ****Withholding your child from practice or competitions can NEVER be used as a form of punishment, as it will then punish the entire team. It will be marked as an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE.

    If an athlete leaves or is removed from the program, they will be charged and required to pay a $300 fee due to choreography changes and revisions that will now need additional practice hours for staff and team. Any unpaid balance left on the account by the end of season will be reported to the collection agency.

    If an athlete suffers an injury during the SSCC Cheer season and is unable to participate, they are still required to come to practice. There will be no refunds.
    Upon quit or dismissal of SSCC organization or team, all properties of SSCC uniform, supply, equipment, etc. must be returned to SSCC President or Treasurer within 7 business days or cheerleaders' family will be charged and required to pay additional fees of said SSCC possessions cost. Please initial here that you have read and understand.
    *

  • CONDUCT/DISCIPLINE

    Athletes are expected to behave in a professional manner 100% of the time.  Sparkler Cheerleaders will be held to the highest standard regarding sportsmanship, respect and courtesy.  Disrespectful behavior toward staff, fellow teammates or opposing teams will result in disciplinary action.  Proper appearance is required whenever Sparklers are in the practice or performing area and or are traveling as teammates.  No inappropriate language or attire will be tolerated.  We exercise a NON BULLYING POLICY.  Bullying consists of intentionally hurting someone either physically, mentally or emotionally.  There are NO EXCEPTIONS

    The following is a list of behaviors that will result in DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS:

    Failure to follow instructions by staff members and coaches

    Not being prepared for practice, competition:  examples are long nails (nails extending past fingertip), jewelry, watches, hair down, not wearing practice wear to practice.

    Inappropriate behavior toward staff, coaches or teammates

    Members must not use foul language at practice, clinics, showcase, competitions or any SSCC related events

    Failure to follow safety guidelines

    Repeated tardiness or absences (see absenteeism/tardiness section)

    Failure to assist in setting up/break down of mats and cheer equipment

    Bullying to any staff members, coaches, fellow team mates (cheerleaders), etc., whether in person, via phone or social media.

    Bullying or exhibiting improper behavior at practice, competitions, clinics, or any other sanctioned event that we participate in.

    Smoking, vaping, or drug use, including alchohol

    CELL PHONES ARE TO BE TURNED OFF DURING PRACTICE.  If you need to reach your child during practice, please contact team parent through our team group chat

    GOSSIP or BULLYING about or towards any other SSCC team will not be tolerated.   We are one big family and should respect each other.  Any negative attitudes or behavior should be left at the gym door.  If you have a problem with a fellow team member, please speak to a coach, respectfully and on an individual level, to notify them of the issue(s).  If you have an organization issue, please contact Laura, respectfully and on an individual level, to notify her of the issue(s).  Any issues do not need to be made public to the entire team.  Sportsmanship is key in a successful thriving organization.  Negativity of any kind should not be posted on Social Media by an athlete or parent(a negative post about SSCC, another program, or child of SSCC is grounds for immediated dismissal).

     All routines, choreography, stunt positions, tumble positions, and teams are subject to change at any point.  There is no "spot" in a routine.  Please remember that cheerleading is a TEAM sport that requires the undivided attention of all squad members.  Therefore, at practices, games, competitions or any other events, team members must be focused on the task at hand and we always do what is best for the team NOT the individual. 

  • 1st Offense - Disciplinary Action for Conduct/Discipline: Verbal Warning
    2nd Offense -Disciplinary Action for Conduct/Discipline: Written Warning signed by parent, coach, board member, athlete
    3rd Offense -Disciplinary Action for Conduct/Discipline: Full removal from the team (no refund of any kind, all monies to SSCC Program will be forfeited)
    Please write in initials here that you understand above:* (add initial here)

  • * Initial here that you have read and understood SSCC Conduct and Discipline policy.

  • All SSCC Stafford Sparklers Competition Cheer logos and Organization name(s) are protected by copyright laws.  DO NOT duplicate our logo, colors with team names, or any other SSCC type clothing.  SSCC must approve all designs bearing the Stafford Sparklers, SSCC name and logo.  Anything created without approval will be acceptable and cannot be worn or sold independently.  Anyone that attempts to sell or give away items with SSCC logos or likeness will be in violation of our policy.  

    All routines/choreography including music, cheers, dances, stunts, transitions and tumbling should be highly protected and shall not be shown or discussed with others.  SSCC choreography should never be videoed or copied without consent from the CEO/President of SSCC.  This also includes all portions of music selections and editing.  NO VIDEOS of routines, choreography or tryout material should be uploaded to any online site such as YOUTUBE, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook until the season ends as it can give the competition the advantage.

    Parents/Guardians, relatives, friends and cheerleaders are never allowed to speak, text or email competition producers or officials for any reason.

    ***SSCC Policies and Procedures may be updated without notice.

  • * Initial here that you have read and understood all the above.

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