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Spirit Squad Mission and policies
Mission
Through competitions, performances, and volunteer activities the
Central Methodist University Spirit Squad serves as ambassadors for CMU.
The Spirit Squad will strive to elevate their level of performance by
conducting disciplined rehearsals, organizing challenging work-outs, and
perfecting technical skills. The Spirit Squad will also raise the
standard by which NAIA cheer/dance teams are evaluated by supporting
fellow teammates, maintaining professional conduct, and elevating
personal character.
Teammates
Members of the Spirit Squad have varied backgrounds which we will use to
the team’s advantage. Some members have been trained in dance, some have
competed on cheerleading squads, some have strong foundations from
collegiate athletics, and other members have little or no formal
training. Every individual on the CMU Spirit Squad is important and a
vital piece of our puzzle; we will rely on the contributions of each
member’s gifts and talents in order to make each other the very best we
can be.
Choreography
Currently, members of the Spirit Squad choreograph our halftime
performances and sideline routines. Everyone is encouraged to help with
the choreography and suggest material. This is a great way to utilize
your talents and gain leadership experience. However, final choreography
will be at the coach’s discretion. Any material or music deemed
inappropriate will be cut and changed.
Halftime performances average 1 ½ -2 minutes, whereas sideline routines
average 30-60 seconds. Professional choreographers will be hired for
competition routines. Routines will be taught and drilled at each
rehearsal. However, specific movements, leaps, and turns must be
perfected on your own time. If you are unsure of the routine, contact
another team member for help. They are your support system!
Costs
Cheerleading - (women only)
approximately $350 (includes uniform*, shoes (2 pairs), warm-ups, midriff tops
(2), bloomers, camp shirt, shorts and a bag). $150 is due at first summer meeting,
and the rest can be paid in full, applied to student account, or paid in $50 payments every month until balance is $0**.
Dance - approximately $100-$150 (includes black dance shoes, warm-ups,
camp shirt, black pants and a bag). If dancers already own black shoes they do not
need to purchase an additional pair and dance cost will be adjusted less the amount of
the shoes. $50 will be due at first summer meeting, and the rest can be paid in full,
applied to student account, or paid in $50 payments every month until balance is
$0**.
Mascot/Cheer Men - to be determined based on participation.
* Uniform can be sold back to school at close
of school year.
** Fundraising options are also available if
needed to help pay down balance.
Outside Activities
Members are encouraged to participate in other on-campus and off-campus
activities. However, these activities will not adversely affect our
rehearsals or performances. Once or twice a season is fine. Once or
twice a month is not acceptable. This includes Greek life and/or other
social organizations. Members may belong to a sorority/social
organization, but absolutely no member will be excused from rehearsal or
performances during pledge week.
If you have personal and/or university related conflicts with our
schedule, they must be brought to a coach’s attention immediately. If
conflicts are not addressed early, it will be difficult to be granted an
excused absence.
Performances
Performances are scheduled throughout the year (September to May). Each
member is required to attend the performances unless excused by a coach.
Each member is expected to conduct themselves in a professional and
mature manner at all rehearsals, performances, and appearances. We will
travel as a team. Members are required to remain together unless excused
by a coach.
Information relevant to the team’s performance and/or travel attire will
be determined at the rehearsal preceding the performance. Come to
performances and travel departures fully dressed (in uniform or other
predetermined attire) and wear your performance make-up. You will be
given time to freshen-up before the performance.
Do not leave the performance area without informing a coach or captain.
Everyone must stay together. Do not carry a large amount of cash or
valuables when traveling. Do not chew gum, smoke, or use profanity. No
jewelry may be worn at performances.
Uniforms and Appearance
Uniforms are to be worn only at performances. They should be hand washed
in cool water and placed flat to dry. If your uniform is deliberately
damaged you will be charged the full purchase price.
You hair must be worn in a style that allows you to cheer/dance
comfortably, shows your face, and is approved by the coach and team.
Each team will have the opportunity to choose how they would like to
wear their hair as to unify a team look. On rare occasions we will
request that you slick back or change your hair to fit with the
routine’s theme.
Instructions will be given concerning makeup before each appearance.
Makeup may need to be applied slightly heavier than street makeup.
Foundation, blush, mascara, and lipstick must be applied in a style that
accentuates and is appropriate for the routine’s theme.
Each member is responsible for bringing their uniform and accessories to
each performance.
Conduct
All members are required to conduct themselves in a courteous and
professional manner. Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. This
includes but is not limited to: chewing gum during
rehearsals/performances, smoking, and using profanity. The coaches have
the right to and will discipline any member for actions deemed
detrimental to the team. Use your very best manners with everyone you
come in contact. [Yes, Sir, No Ma’am, Please, Thank You, etc.]
You will not embarrass the past, current, or future students, staff, and
faculty of Central Methodist University. CMU has a 150 year old history
and reputation of excellence. Do not compromise that reputation with
poor behavior! You are representing Central at all times!! Please
remember that performances are only a small reflection of the Spirit
Squad. The manner in which you conduct yourself is a larger reflection
of the Spirit Squad’s maturity, commitment, and character. If you cannot
uphold the ideals which are stated here, you will be asked to resign
your position on the Spirit Squad.
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