4.3.1 Class checks will be conducted at random by the administrator, coach and/or director. Squad members who are not in class during these checks will be subject to disciplinary action. If a squad member randomly misses class he/she will be subject to disciplinary action, placed on probation or dismissed from the program.
4.3.2 All cheerleaders are required to turn in a copy of current class schedules to a coach or administrator before the first day of class each semester. If your schedule changes, you must turn in a finalized copy of your schedule.
4.3.3 Interim academic standing checks will be conducted at random by the administrator, coach and/or director. Squad members will have 5 days to report their current academic standing and attendance in each course signed off by their professor(s). All cheerleaders are required to submit their midterm grades for the Fall and Spring semesters to the Spirit Program email.
4.4 Assumption of all ancillary expenses – Texas State Athletics provides all cheerleaders with a uniform, shoes, and camp attire. Texas State also supplies the entire mascot costume. In addition, the program provides partial payment for travel to national competitions and away games. Cheerleaders and mascots are responsible for all additional expenses incurred during membership. The program conducts several fundraising activities throughout the year to cover these expenses. Members are required to pay for these expenses either out of pocket or through participation in the fundraising activities.
4.5 Individual Fundraising – Donations restricted to the Texas State Spirit Program supplements operating budgets, host individual banquets, travel to competitions and purchases championships rings for teams’ winning honors.
4.5.1 Each cheerleader and mascot is required to solicit donations to the Texas State Spirit Program totaling $550. This is conducted through the development of the Sideline Society, the official supporters of the Texas State Spirit Program. Those donating to the program will become members of the Sideline Society.
4.5.2 Donations must be turned into the spirit program director by the first day classes August 27, 2018. You will not be allowed to cheer at the first football game if you have not completed your fundraising by this date. **Cheerleaders that have their money turned in by July 7th (Summer Practice Session 1) will receive Adidas TXST Cheer sweatshirt.
4.6 Physical Examination & Liability Release – All Cheerleaders and mascots are considered non-scholarship competitive athletes at Texas State and in the NCAA. All NCAA athletes are required to have a physical examination and complete all liability forms in order to participate and compete at Texas State. All forms must be current and on file at with the athletic training office before the first practice of the year. Failure to have these forms on file will result in dismissal from participation until all forms are turned in.
4.7 24-hour primary insurance coverage – As a non-scholarship athlete at Texas State all cheerleaders and mascots must be covered with primary insurance through a third party carrier. Members must turn their carrier’s information along with a current copy of their insurance card in order to participate in the program. If the participant’s insurance is dropped, reduced or changed during the course of the year it is the responsibility of the participant to provide those changes to the coach or program director.
4.7.1 Insurance must cover athletic-related injuries. (The student health insurance available for purchase from the student health center does not cover athletically related injuries). If a non-scholarship athlete, cheerleader or mascot does not have health/medical insurance at the time of injury, he or she will not be covered by the Department of Athletics. The group health policy offered by the university’s Student Health Center does not satisfy this requirement because it specifically excludes intercollegiate athletics.
4.7.2 The Department of Athletics will not be responsible for medical expenses beyond 104 weeks from the date of a covered injury or illness.
4.7.3 Texas State Athletic covers secondary insurance for all non-scholarship athletes. In the event of an injury during official practices, competition, or athletic event cheerleaders and mascots must first consult a Texas State Athletic trainer before any treatment is rendered. Cheerleaders and mascots should not immediately go to the hospital for an injury. Failure to consult an athletic trainer before going to the hospital or making a claim on insurance can void any secondary coverage by Texas State Athletics.
4.7.4 Athletic trainers must complete an incident report and refer you to a local medical professional before medical services can be rendered. In the event an athletic trainer can not be located contact the head coach, program director or trainer assigned to the program on the way to the hospital.
4.7.5 The associate athletic trainer:
Amanda Martinez
Associate Athletic Trainer
am1913@txstate.edu
(512) 293-3749
(512) 245-2901 Office
4.8 Quitting procedures – If at any time during the year, you find yourself unable to continue with the Spirit Program, you must schedule a meeting with the coaches, administrators, and veteran team leaders. As soon as this occurs, you are required to turn in your uniform within 7 days of officially quitting. If you stop coming to practice and do not formally resign and turn in your uniform, you will have a hold placed on your Texas State account until you fulfill these requirements. If enrolled in PFW the highest grade possible will be a C. If you have received any scholarship or financial assistance, you will be required to pay it back in full. Should you voluntarily leave the Spirit Program you will NOT be eligible to tryout again for one calendar year.
GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS
5.1 Cheerleaders and mascots shall not consume alcoholic beverages or smoke while in uniform and/or Texas State attire. Cheerleaders shall never consume alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs before athletic events or appearances. (See Section XIV. Alcoholic Beverages)
5.2 Without special permission of the coach and/or administrator, cheerleaders and/or mascots, while in uniform or Texas State Spirit program apparel including t-shirts, shall not go into any place where alcoholic beverages are served. (Exceptions would be events such as an official appearance at Texas State Athletics or Alumni events.)
5.3 Summer Camp - Each member of the program shall attend the UCA collegiate cheerleading summer camp held at Texas State University. Every member of the spirit program shall attend. (July 12, 2018 –July 15, 2018 @ The University of Texas Austin)
5.3.1 Note: Be aware that summer practices in July will conflict with classes if you select to take summer school. We recommend that you do not register for summer session II as your commitment to practice and school would suffer greatly.
5.4 Housing – If you are an incoming freshman, transfer or returning vet that must stay in the residence halls, you must request to be assigned to one of the following dorms. Cheerleaders often have to stay in San Marcos for appearances and/or games during breaks when the school is closed. By staying in one of these dorms you will not have to move during these times. Break housing is in the following halls: Angelina Hall, Arnold Hall, Falls Hall, Sayers Hall, San Marcos Hall, and Bobcat Village.
5.5 Fall Two-A-Days - Before the start of the fall semester cheerleaders and mascots will report to campus early for Fall Two-A-Day practices. These practices will be used to prepare for the upcoming semester and sports season. Each cheerleader will be assigned to stay in a residence hall during this time unless you currently have residence in the City of San Marcos. Fall Two-A-Days will start (August 13th). This is the day you must report to San Marcos for school and practices.
5.6 All-Girl Squad members must also attend two-a-days during the holiday break in December to prepare for national competition. Winter 2-a-days will begin December 16th-21st, December 28th- January 15th, January 18-20, 2018 – Competition)
5.7 COED squad members and mascot team are required to be available over winter break to cover basketball games from the end of the semester to the beginning of Spring 2019 semester; specific dates will be announced once the 2018-2019 basketball schedules are released.
5.8 Mandatory practices – The success of the program comes from hours of practice. Cheerleaders and mascots must attend all practices as scheduled by the head coach. Cheerleader practices are held Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30 am – 10 am and Sundays 5PM-8PM in Jowers Gym 102 or other designated place (View monthly calendar provided by the coach for schedules and/or changes.). Additional practices may be scheduled throughout the year as deemed necessary by the head coach.
5.8.1 Behavior, which is loud, boisterous, rude, unrestrained, rough, rowdy, offensively harsh or discordant, unruly, etc., shall subject a cheerleader/mascot to discipline
5.8.2 Cheerleaders/Mascots must not be tardy or absent from practice. Cheerleaders/mascots must request to be absent by completing a form and submitting to one of the coaches or head captain before practice.
5.8.3 Notify advisor, coach, or veteran leader(s) as soon as possible if he/she finds it impossible to attend practice or knows he/she is going to be tardy.
5.8.4 Should a member miss a mandatory practice or event he/she is required to make it up the FOLLOWING Wednesday at 5:30AM
5.8.5 Cheerleaders/Mascot must never consume alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs before practices, events, or appearances.
5.9 Physical Conditioning – Cheerleaders and mascots are required to maintain and participate in physical strength and conditioning workouts throughout the year. We will have mandatory team workouts 2-3 times a week in the Fall semester. All cheerleaders and mascots must maintain an acceptable physical condition to remain in the program. In order to support our athletes to the best of our ability, we may conduct monthly fitness test to ensure that we are assisting our athletes maintain a safe and healthy weight.
5.10 Captains - A captain or captains may be selected by the coaches and administrators of the program. In the case in which the mascot is elected captain, a game captain will also be elected.
5.11 Tickets – As a member of the Spirit Program each cheerleader and mascot shall receive up to 4 tickets for all home football games and 2 tickets for home volleyball and basketball games.
5.12 Other rules concerning cheerleaders may be communicated verbally or in written form by the coach and/or advisor. Violation of these additional rules may result in disciplinary action. (See Section VII)
ACTIVITY events/game PROCEDURES
Texas State Cheerleaders and mascots attend and participate in several events through out the year as representatives or ambassadors of the university. The following are procedures for Bobcat Athletic games or other activities.
6.1 Texas State Athletic Events – Cheerleaders and mascots must attend all Texas State athletic events including all home football, volleyball, men’s & women’s basketball games, required scrimmages, and/or special scheduled games or activities. A schedule of events will be given to each cheerleader and mascot at the beginning of every month designating which squad will attend a particular game or event. The entire squad will attend their designated game or event.
6.1.1 Arrival Times
· Football Games – Both squads should anticipate various game-day obligations not to begin before 9AM (Translation: the entire day will be dedicated to game-day activities). Designated dressing rooms will be assigned to each squad and mascot to store personal items.
· Basketball Games – The designated squad and mascot for a men or women’s basketball must arrive at Strahan Coliseum 45 minutes prior to tip-off. Cheerleaders will meet in Jowers Gym 102 to stretch/warm-up for the game. Mascots will meet in the designated dressing at Strahan Coliseum.
· Volleyball Games – The designated squad and mascot for a volleyball match must arrive at Strahan Coliseum 45 minutes prior to the start of the game. Cheerleaders will meet in Jowers Gym 102 to stretch/warm-up for the match. Mascots will meet in the designated dressing at Strahan Coliseum.
6.1.2 Uniform Attire
All cheerleaders and mascots must adhere uniform to style guidelines mandated by coaches (see separate Uniform and Styling Policy)
6.2 Other Mandatory Activities – Texas State Cheerleaders and mascots are routinely asked to appear at various athletic and university events through out the year including, but not limited to: Bobcat Bonanza, University convocation, corporate sponsor appearances, etc. In addition, each cheerleader is also asked to participate in community services events that the department hosts through out the year.
6.2.1 Each Spirit Program member is required to do a combination of community/ athletic / university appearances during the year. Failure to complete assigned appearances could result in community service, probation, dismissal from competitive competition, or removal from the program, and will render member’s ineligible for scholarships and financial assistance.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION & DISMISSAL
7.1 No excuses will be accepted for being late to practices, not doing required skills at game, etc.
7.2 Violations of any policies shall subject the squad member to discipline. The administrator with consultation and advice of the coach always levies final discipline. In most cases, veteran leader(s) will be advised/consulted with in relation to a squad member’s discipline.
7.3 A serious violation of these rules or repeated violations shall result in one being suspended from the squad. Less serious violations shall result in one’s loss of the opportunity to travel to away games, or to purchase football or basketball tickets to games. A squad member may be suspended from cheering one or more games due to violations of these rules.
7.4 These rules and regulations found in this document are subject to addition and change when found necessary and beneficial. The advisor makes final acceptance of all rules.
7.5 Cheerleaders and mascots must meet and maintain all of the requirements listed in this document. Failure to comply with any of the requirements for maintaining membership will result in disciplinary action and/or dismissal from the Texas State Cheer program. The action taken by the coaching staff and program director will be determined on a case-by-case basis and can range from community service to dismissal from the program. The following rules will result in disciplinary action and/or dismissal.
7.5.1 Conduct Unbecoming – Conduct unbecoming of a Texas State representative (cheerleader/mascot) will not be accepted. This includes:
· Smoking in uniform
· Excessive body piercing
· Extreme disrespect or rudeness to the coach, program director, or teammates
· Scholastic probation that occurs twice in one year
· Physical Altercations
· Gambling in Uniform
· Being in the possession of or under the influence of alcohol at a Texas State function
· Being in the possession of or under the influence of illegal drugs at any time (i.e. steroids, marijuana)
· Failure to meet financial obligations
· Missing more than three (3) practices/activities during the year for un-excused absences
· Missing more than two (2) games or events during the year for un-excused absences
7.7 Please note that changes may be made to disciplinary action throughout the season at the discretion of current coaching staff and administration. If changes are made, the entire team will be notified.
EQUIPMENT
8.1 Each squad/mascot member is responsible for all of the clothing, uniforms, and equipment assigned to him/her. Care must be taken to insure such clothing, uniforms, and equipment is in a clean and presentable condition. Each squad member shall safeguard his/her clothing, uniforms, and equipment and shall be, therefore, personally liable for its replacement for loss or damage, excluding normal wear and tear.
8.2 The athletics department provides each cheerleader and mascot with all necessary items for participation in the program. It is the responsibility of each cheerleader and mascot to maintain these items as they are the property of Texas State University-San Marcos. In the event that any of the following items are lost, stolen or damaged, the cheerleader or mascot will reimburse the program the full cost of replacing those items. Failure to replace the item may result in academic probation or holds placed on your university record.
8.3 All Cheerleaders and mascot members MUST wash their uniforms/Suits after every game and/or appearance. Failure to do so will result in immediate dismissal from a game and will count as an unexcused absence.
8.4 Each cheerleader/mascot will receive:
Women:
Complete uniform including tops and bottoms
Camp wear including shorts/spandex/sports bra
Athletic Shoes
3 Texas State Spirit Program T-Shirts
Backpack
Poms
Men:
Complete uniform including tops and bottoms
Camp wear including shorts/spandex/under shirt
Athletic shoes
3 Texas State Spirit Program T-Shirts
Backpack
Megaphone
Each mascot:
1 Boko the Bobcat costume (to be shared and cared for by all mascots)
Camp wear including shorts/spandex/
ADIDAS Polo
ADIDAS khaki shorts
Athletic Shoes
3 Texas State Spirit Program T-Shirts
Appearance shirt
Backpack
8.5 Any under garments worn by cheerleaders or mascots are their responsibility. Each program member must properly take care of their garments including proper washing/dry cleaning, proper storage and care of the garments. Program members will be responsible for the cost of damages to any garments provided by the program. They must replace if items are lost or damaged.
SAFETY
11.1 The Texas State has adopted the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA) guidelines. All squad members shall be thoroughly familiar with and shall carefully abide by the AACCA guidelines. Cheerleaders/Mascots are aware of failure to abide by the AACCA guidelines and may result in immediate and serious discipline to include possible dismissal from the squad.
DEPARTMENT STATUS, BENEFITS & PRIVILEGES
Texas State Cheerleaders and mascots are considered NCAA non-scholarship athletes at Texas State University. This means all cheerleaders and mascots must uphold the same academic and competitive standards as a scholarship athlete without compensation for service to the program. All non-scholarship athletes do receive benefits such as access to athletic trainers, secondary insurance coverage, and early registration privileges.
12.1 Cheerleaders and Mascots have the following privileges at Texas State:
Access to athletic training facilities and treatment
Access to early registration for classes
Secondary insurance coverage
Complimentary tickets to home football and basketball games
Weight Room (team workouts)
Programming to help develop your skills for future opportunities—relating to Nutrition, Media Relations, Resume Development, etc.
Travel to select away Sun Belt and non-conference football games, in addition to any playoff games. We also travel to potential non-conference men’s basketball game, in addition to any post-season for men’s and women’s basketball games.
Performing in front of a crowd of thousands demonstrating your support of Bobcat Pride.
INVOLVEMENT AT FUNCTIONS/EVENTS/APPEARANCES
In addition to football and basketball games, practices and pep rallies, cheerleaders attend a number of public relations and/or charitable events each year. Generally, cheerleaders do not make business or commercial appearances. Spirit Program members who appear at business or commercial events as individuals, not as Texas State cheerleaders, are required to notify and seek approval of the administrator and/or coach. Similarly, mascots make numerous public relations/charitable appearances each year. Mascots do not make business or commercial appearances.
13.1 The Cheer Coach or Administrator shall approve all appearances by the cheerleaders and/or the mascot in advance. Appearances shall be at places and events, which are considered in good taste.
13.2 Cheerleaders and mascots are required to do several appearances throughout the year at the request of the coach and/or director. These appearances shall not be paid and are part of the requirements for being part of the program.
13.3 The cheerleaders shall appear only at events/activities, which will reflect positively on them as individuals, and as representatives of the Department of Athletics and the University.
13.4 With due consideration to the size of the event, priority for appearances shall be in the following order: Texas State Athletics events/activities, Texas State University events, other Texas State events and activities, charitable events/activities, and public relations events/activities.
13.5 Program members shall not make appearances at political events/activities. In committing to an appearance for the program, the advisor and/or coach shall give first consideration to the student’s academic career and, in particular, attendance at classes. Other considerations to be weighed include (a) number of activities in that week, (b) the function or contribution of the cheerleaders at the event/activity, (c) the nature of the event/activity, (d) cost and/or travel expenses and distance to the event/activity, and (e) other valid considerations.
LIABILITY INFORMATION
All Texas State Cheerleaders and mascots are required to complete liability information prior to the first day of practice. All of the forms below must be on file with the athletic training staff at Texas State before the first official practicing starting in June. IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A COMPLETED FOLDER YOU WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PRACTICE OR COMPETE -- NO EXCEPTIONS!
Texas State General Information Sheet
Waiver of liability (completed at tryouts)
Pre-participation Physical Evaluation (including primary insurance information)
Texas State Consent Form
Drug Testing Consent Form
Current medical insurance on record
16.1 Spirit program members can complete their physical with their own physician at home and send/bring it with them, or they may use the team physician to get a physical. (Note: physicals can also be done at the Texas State Student Health Center on campus.) Veterans: you must have your physical completed by a Texas State Athletic Trainer. We will coordinate this with the trainers for you.
16.2 The following forms must be on file in the program director’s office prior to the first day of practice.
Individual Member Profile & Photo
Information Sheet (completed at tryouts)
Tryout Application (completed at tryouts)
Signed Policies and Procedures Statement of Commitment
Website Consent Form
Physical exam signed by your physician
This information is important to your status with the program. The information is used for the Texas State website and to maintain your status with the university. This information is also used for academic purposes such as early registration. It is your responsibility to inform the coach or program director if the information provided changes.
Coaches, Captains, and Administrators Contact Information
Spirit Program Office
601 University Drive
San Marcos, TX 78666
Phone: (512) 245-6759
Fax: (512) 245-8387
spiritprogram@txstate.edu
TxStateBobcats.com/SpiritProgram
Jocelyn Stephens
Spirit Program Coordinator and Head Coach
Office: 512-245-6759
Cell: 609-412-8610
Email: j.stephens@txstate.edu
Jaylan Davis
Asst. Coach
Email: j_d587@txstate.edu
L.S. McClain
Asst. Coach
Cell: 325-829-9951
Bryan Miller
Assistant Athletic Director of Marketing & Promotions
Phone: 512-245-2114
Email: bryanmiller@txstate.edu
