• North Montgomery High School

  • Cheerleading

  • 2026 Season Handbook

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  • All communication will be through SportsYou!
    northmontgomeryhscheerleading@gmail.com

    Coach Hendershot (765) 918-2384

  • Thank you for being interested in NMHS Cheer! This handbook outlines all expectations, requirements, & policies for the upcoming season. Athletes and parents are responsible for reading & understanding this handbook. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to Coach Hendershot. I am here to support your cheer journey!

  • Communication:

    • All communication will be done via SportsYou.
    • All athletes & at least one parent must join the group.
    • Coaches operate under an open-door policy which welcomes respectful, scheduled conversation about concerns.
    • In case of emergencies, the parent(s) listed in your signed agreement will be contacted.
  • Parent Involvement:

    • Parent involvement is highly encouraged. If you have any ideas, please reach out!
    • Concessions: Each sports team is required to work concessions events and requires all athlete participation.
    • Coaches will reach out to parents for volunteer help to supervise! Dates will be listed on the schedule.
  • Academic Requirements:

    • Athletes must maintain good academic standing at all times!
    • Random grade checks will be conducted.
    • Per school policy, athletes must be passing at least 5 classes at mid-terms and finals to remain eligible.
  • Physical Health:

    • A current-year sports physical must be on file.
    • Take care of your body: Fuel properly, rest, and stay hydrated.
    • Water and/or a sports drink are the only liquids allowed during practice and games. NO POP ALLOWED!
    • Participation in cheer involves physical activity that includes, but is not limited to: stunting, tumbling, jumping,
      dancing, and conditioning. These activities carry inherent risks of physical injury.
    • In the event of an injury:
      • Athletes must be evaluated by the Athletic Trainer or a licensed doctor.
      • A doctor's note must be submitted to the school—parent notes are not accepted.
      • Unless excused by the doctor, injured athletes are expected to attend all events.
  • Athlete Expectations:

    • Be coachable, reliable, and maintain a positive attitude!
    • NO BCDE ALLOWED-
      • No Blaming
      • No Complaining
      • No Being Defensive
      • No Excuses
    • Communicate openly and respectfully with teammates & coaches.
    • There will be zero toleration for talking back and disrespectful dialogue between coaches or teammates.
    • Support your team with encouragement & positivity.
    • Set personal goals and maintain a growth mindset.
    • Full attendance, commitment, & active participation are required.
    • You are a representation of North Montgomery and the cheer program.
      • No inappropriate social media, illegal activities, drama during cheer, any physical disagreements,
        disrespect to teammates or coaches, or bad/negative attitudes.
  • Varsity & JV Team Placement:

    • Team placements are made at the start of the season but may change at the coaches' discretion.
    • All athletes are eligible for (regardless of current team placement): JV Certification OR Varsity Letter
  • Transportation Policy:

    • Athletes/parents must arrange transportation to and from practices and events.
    • For away games:
      • Athletes must ride the team bus to and from the event.
      • Athletes may ride home with their parents only, and only with prior coach approval.
  • Attendance Policy:

  • You are an essential part of this team. Attendance is mandatory!
  • General Expectations:

    • Arrive 10-15 minutes early, dressed and ready to go.
    • If practice starts at 6 then we start practice right at 6. You must be stretched, dressed, and ready to go.
    • Stay for the entire duration of scheduled events.
    • Provide advance notice for any expected tardiness or absences. For absences, two weeks in advance, if possible. Schedules are given at the start of the season; plan accordingly!
    • Additional events may be added as the season goes on. You will be notified via SportsYou! This includes cancellations.
    • If you do not go to school because you are sick then you may not attend/participate in any events that day.
  • Excused Absences:

    • Doctor's note (sent to coaches within 48 hours)
    • Stayed home sick from school (parents must report to be considered excused)
    • Sent home by school nurse (nurse must notify coaches)
    • Vacations during school breaks (with 2-week prior notice)
    • Family emergencies (with documentation)
    • Other coach-approved obligations
  • Unexcused Absences:

    • Running late
    • Lack of transportation
    • Menstrual discomfort or tiredness
    • Social events (birthdays, parties, etc.)
    • Work conflicts
    • Unapproved vacations
  • If you exceed more than 3 unexcused absences you may be placed on attendance probation. The athlete and their guardian must sign the probation sheet. If another unexcused absence happens after being placed on probation then the athlete may be removed from the team.

  • Multi-Sport / Extra-Curricular Athletes:

    • Notify coaches of conflicts at least 2 weeks in advance (preferably at season start).
    • Athletes may still cheer during the week if absent due to another school sport.
    • If you do not know gameday material, you will be benched for routines.
    • If your stunting performance is deemed unsafe during warmups, you may be held out of stunting for that event.
  • Practice Rules:

    • Practice is closed to the public.
    • No stunting without coach permission.
    • No phones are allowed during practice. Must be placed in your bag.
    • No food, gum or candy during practice. Water & sports drinks only. Absolutely no pop allowed!
    • Multi-sport athletes who are going to practice back to back, may eat a snack before starting—just let coaches know.
  • Practice Attire:

    • Dress in attire according to the schedule. SportsYou and a physical copy will be handed out on what to wear to practices. All athletes will be matching to all events.
    • Fingernails must be fingertip length.
    • No jewelry of any kind (watches, hair ties on wrist, etc.).
    • Any piercings may be covered with a bandaid for practice only. Please be sure to cover any piercing before practice starts.
    • Hair needs to be pulled back away from the face and preferably off your shoulders.
    • Sports bras are the only top undergarment allowed.
    • Tall socks
    • Cheer shoes
  • Game Rules:

    • No stunting without coach permission.
    • No phones are allowed during the game. Please place your phone in your bag. If you need to use your phone, please communicate with the coaches.
    • No eating in uniform. If you need to eat before cheering, wear a cover shirt to protect your uniform.
    • Only water or sports drinks are permitted in uniform.
    • Absolutely NO POP OR ENERGY DRINKS ALLOWED!
    • Be in your designated sideline positions on time and stay focused.
    • Athletes must know all gameday material or risk being benched.
    • No participation in unsportsmanlike conduct or chants.
  • Game Attire:

    • Complete uniform or warmup (must cover midriff).
    • Sports bra (black, grey, or white only).
    • Navy briefs (minimal logos).
    • Navy or white bodyliner (must be clean).
    • Cheer shoes & plain white crew socks.
    • Approved hair style with bow (no flyaways).
    • Natural makeup (no bold colors).
    • Fingernails must be fingertip length.
    • Any nail color is allowed but needs to be done and clean. No chips in nail polish or missing nails.
    • No jewelry of any kind (watches, hair ties on wrist, etc.).
    • All jewelry must be completely taken out. Covering bandaids are not allowed but you may replace the piercing with clear jewelry.
    • All visible tattoos must be covered.
    • All hair colors must be natural. If deemed unnatural by any coach you will be benched if not corrected.
  • Uniforms & Gear:

    • Athletes are responsible for purchasing and maintaining their own personal gear.
    • School-owned items and equipment must be returned clean & undamaged.
    • Lost/damaged items = athlete is financially responsible.
  • Penalty Guide (at coaches' discretion):

  • Academically Ineligible = Benched from games
    Poor Attitude / Behavior = Benched during practice/game, may result to removal
    Attire Issue = Benched until corrected
    Tardiness = Extra warmup laps
    Excused Absence = Benched for part/full game
    Unexcused Absence = Benched for part/full game
    No Call, No Show = Removal from team
    3+ Unexcused Absences = Removal from team
  • Prohibited Behavior:

    • No Drama Policy:
      • Disrespect toward coaches, staff, guardians, teammates, or policies.
      • Gossip, name-calling, bullying/harassment, physical disagreement or exclusion of others.
      • Inappropriate, sexual in nature, or offensive content posted to any social media platform. This includes posts that create conflict, embarrass a teammate, or damage the reputation of the team.
      • Spreading negativity.
      • Profanity, vulgar behavior, or public displays of affection (PDA) while in school/cheer attire.
    • Parent Conduct:
      • Parents are expected to model positive behavior and avoid drama among other parents/athletes.
      • Concerns should be brought privately to coaches — not discussed in the stands or on social media.
  • Immediate removal may result.

  • Quitting / Removal Policy:

    • All school-issued items must be returned to the front office or to coaches.
    • Any outstanding balances must be paid.
    • Athletes who quit or are removed from the team will be ineligible for the following season but may try out in future seasons.
  • NMHS Cheerleading Tryout Application

  • Completed application needs to be turned into Coach Hendershot by April 20th in order to complete tryouts. If you have any questions, please email northmontgomeryhscheerleading@gmail.com.

  • DOB:*
     - -
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Format: (000) 000-0000.
  • Grade (26/27 school year)*
  • Select the position(s) you are most comfortable with.
  • Depending on the amount of athletes per season there may also be camp and other fees that will be accrued. We will do as much fundraising as possible but please note that you will receive an invoice for all attire. Some items are optional and some are required. All prices below are an estimate.

  • Mandatory equipment needed:

    • Team Tank (White) = $10
    • Team Tank (Navy) = $10
    • Team T-shirt = $13
    • Team Crew-Neck = $18
    • Athletic Skirt (White) = $18
    • Athletic Shorts (White) = $12
    • Athletic Shorts (Navy) = $12
    • Athletic Shorts (Black) = $12
    • Poms = $30
    • Uniform = $95
    • Bows(4) = $20
    • Cheer Shoes = $55
    • Bodysuit (Navy) = $20
    • Bodysuit (White) = $20
    • Bodysuit (Orange) = $20
    • Socks ; Per Pair (White) = $5
  • Optional equipment:

    • Bookbag = $65
    • Matching Cheer Sweatsuit = $45
    • Sideline Jacket = $25
    • North Blanket = $35
  • NMHS Cheerleading Agreement

  • Complete this agreement and return it on April 20th at 6PM in order to complete tryouts.

  • We have read and understand the NMHS Cheerleading Handbook for the season. We agree to follow all team expectations, policies, and procedures outlined in the document. We acknowledge that participation in cheerleading involves physical activity that includes, but is not limited to: stunting, tumbling, jumping, dancing, and conditioning. These activities carry inherent risks of physical injury, including but not limited to: sprains, strains, fractures, dislocations, concussions, and other serious injuries. We acknowledge and accept these risks and agree that the athlete participates voluntarily with full understanding of the potential for injury. We acknowledge that failure to comply with the guidelines may result in disciplinary action, including potential removal from the team.

    Guardian/Athlete Waiver & Agreement

    (Guardian) My child has my permission to be a cheerleader at North Montgomery High School. I understand that my child must abide by all program expectations listed in the NMHS Cheerleading and NMHS Student/Athlete handbook, as well, be present for all practices and games. I understand that any violation may lead to temporary or permanent suspension from the team. I have read the Guardian Code of Conduct and understand that any violation may lead to my child being temporarily or permanently suspended. I understand the financial obligation this sport requires, and will plan to fulfill the payment by the due date given on my future invoice. I understand that if payment is not met, my child will be suspended from play until completed. I understand by the very nature of the activity, cheerleading carries a risk of physical injury. No matter how careful the participant and coach are, how many spotters are used, or what landing surface is used, the risk cannot be eliminated. I understand these risks and will not hold North Montgomery High School and any of its personnel responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time. (Athlete) I am interested in being a cheerleader at North Montgomery High School. I understand the risks stated above. If elected, I promise to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the coaches and North Montgomery High School. I promise to cooperate and follow the instructions of the coaches. Any violation may lead to temporary or permanent suspension.

  • By providing my information and signature below, I agree with the statement above.

  • Date:*
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