Informational Packet - Fruit Cove Baptist Church

Impact Cheerleading
Fruit Cove Baptist Church
Starz
Impact Cheerleading is a Christian cheerleading organization. It is “Christ -Centered
Cheerleading!” Fellowship of Christian Cheerleaders (FCC) is the parent company to
Impact Cheerleading. FCC was founded in 1986 and has over 25 years in cheerleading
ministry. Through camps, clinics, conferences and competitions they minister to over
15,000 students a year. They are endorsed nationally by the Association of Christian
Schools International which represents over 8,000 schools and 2 million students
nationwide.
The founder and president of FCC, Cary Coleman, recognized the importance of reaching
young cheerleaders during their critical foundational years so he developed the Impact
program to reach these young lives. He knew through his 20 years of experience with
cheerleaders that they were much more than sideline decoration, they are athletes! They
are also some of the most gifted and dynamic leaders in your community. For those
reasons he felt that we can no longer turn our backs to this group of athletes and we
cannot afford to lose these potential leaders of tomorrow.
We here at Fruit Cove Baptist Church believe that by partnering with FCC & Impact
Cheerleading we can provide an environment in which these young cheerleaders can
learn and improve their cheer skills, learn healthy competition skills, develop friendships
& grow in their relationship with Christ. Our goal is not only great cheerleading but to
develop and empower our future leaders!
Blessings!
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2015 - 2016
Impact Cheerleading
Fruit Cove Baptist Church
Starz Coaching Staff
Impact Cheer Coordinator/Head Coach –
Melissa Goodman
melissa@fruitcove.com
(904)287-0996 or (904)616-7118
Administrative Coordinator –
Lisa Sheffield
lsheffield@fruitcove.com
(904)287-0996
Coaches – Allie Anderson
Cherilyn Austad
Kayla Farris
Robyn Justice
Brittney Lawrence
Danielle Parker
Amanda Pound
Lauren Ragland
Traci Sheffield
*Additional contact information will be given out later in the season.
All of our Starz coaches have prior cheer experience and/or coaching
experience. They have also been through training courses. All coaches are at
least 18 years of age and have completed a background check. There may be
assistant coaches who are younger.
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2015-2016
Impact Cheerleading
Fruit Cove Baptist Church
Starz
Length of Season:
May 2015 (Pre-Tryout Practices)
Tuesdays from 5:00-7:00 pm (pre-tryout practice times only)
June 2015 - March 2016
1 2-hour practice per week – Tuesday
Top Flight (6th & under)
4:45 – 6:45 pm
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Xtreme (8 & under)
5:15 – 7:15 pm
Force (High School & under) 6:00 – 8:00 pm
Cost for Season:
Camp Fee - $220
fee covers; 2 day camp - cheer, choreography, and stunt camp,
and cost of custom competition music.
Registration Fee - $ 300
fee covers; Competition uniform – skirt, shell & bodyliner,
Impact Music CD, Cinch sack, Instructional DVD,
Impact devotional/game plan booklet,
cost of end of the year banquet & end of season award
Apparel Fee - $ 175
fee covers; team shorts & t-shirts, cheer shoes, hairbows,
and cheer make-up
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Competition Fees – $455
There is an entrance fee per competitor per competition that is due 2 weeks
to 2 months prior to the competition date.
We plan to participate in 4 to 5 competitions in the 2015 – 2016 Season.
These fees are included in your monthly fees.
Below is a breakdown of the estimated fees:
Competition Clinic, FCBC- $25
FCC, Daytona – State - $55
FCC, Orlando (overnight) – National - $120
Cheersport, Atlanta (overnight) – National - $180
FCDA, Daytona Dazzler – Championship - $75
Additional Cost - ????
For some competitions we will need to arrive on Friday evening, so there will be a cost
for the hotel stay. We will do our best to keep this to a minimum but we have to go where
there are competitions being held.
You will need to plan for at least two team required hotel stays for the 2014- 2015
season.
Estimated hotel costs are:
Orlando – Nationals - $170
Atlanta – Nationals - $100 - $150 per night (2 night stay)
Travel expenses to and from competitions will be the responsibility of each cheerleader.
When possible we will take the church buses or charter buses. There may be a small cost
involved for those who wish to ride on charter buses. We will notify you in advance
when this option is available and the cost involved.
At each competition there will be venders selling almost anything you can think of,
related to cheerleading. It will be up to you as a parent which items you purchase, just be
prepared for the asking!
Payment of Fees:
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Camp fee - $220 – due Tuesday, June 2, 2015
Registration, Apparel & Competition fees - $930
o These fees can be paid in monthly payments. There will be 6 payments of
$155 each due on the 2nd Tuesday of each month beginning in July.
Hotel fees – each hotel handles block rooms differently so we
provide that information as we book the rooms.
Travel expenses – most travel to and from the competitions will be the
responsibility of each cheerleader. On occasion we may take the church buses or
charter buses, which may involve a cost.
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Commitment & Practice Policy
Impact Cheerleading requires a dedicated commitment for the entire season. Due
to the nature of competitive cheerleading if one person is not at practice then the
efficiency of practice is compromised.
Impact has to be your first priority!
Practice will be held EVERY TUESDAY starting in May and continuing into March. All
practices are mandatory! There may be extra practices called if needed as we get close
to a competition or if there has been some out of the ordinary situation arise. Please do
not schedule any activity that can not be missed or changed before checking with the
head coach.
We do practice in the summer months.
Once we are in competition season, we will need to do a rotation for practices which
will include some Sunday practices.
This will begin sometime in December through the end of the season.
The schedule will be given when it is finalized.
Practice attire must be worn to each practice. Each cheerleader will receive practice attire
for the season. Only these items should be worn to practice. NO jewelry can be worn
during practices or competitions. Hair should be secured off the face and in a ponytail.
They should wear supportive athletic shoes or cheer shoes if they are a base. If they are a
flyer then they should wear cheer shoes.
The parent must obtain permission from Melissa Goodman if there is a need to miss a
practice or if the child cannot practice fully for any reason.
The parent will need to obtain this permission prior to practice time
one of three ways:
1. Speak with Head Coach (Melissa) in person
2. Speak with Head Coach (Melissa) by phone (287-0996 x6850)
3. Email Head Coach (Melissa) – melissa@fruitcove.com
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The Head Coach (Melissa) is the only person who can
excuse someone from practice.
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In the case of illness the parent must contact the Head Coach (Melissa) to discuss
the absence.
Unless the child is contagious, has a fever or actively vomiting they are expected
to attend practice, so they can watch and be aware of any changes that may occur.
In most cases, injuries are not looked upon as an “excused” absence. Your
Cheerleader should still attend practice in order to watch and learn.
In the case of an injury that may alter the child’s ability to practice, the parent
must discuss the limitations with the Head Coach. If the injury will limit them
from practicing fully for more than one practice, a doctor’s note must be
presented explaining the injury, the limitations and the duration of the limitations.
You will also need a release from the doctor to return to practice. Without a note
the child will be expected to practice fully.
Unscheduled Practices – there are occasional times that a practice needs to be
rescheduled or an additional practice needs to be called. We do our best to keep
these at a minimum but there are times this can be avoided. You are responsible to
do your best to attend each rescheduled practice, no matter the day or time.
After ONE unexcused absence, the Program Coordinator/Head Coach will
discuss the absence with the child and parent. If there is any subsequent
unexcused absences within the season, the child’s place with FCBC Starz may be
compromised.
Competitions/Clinics/Exhibitions/Performances are mandatory.
In competitive cheerleading there are NO bench warmers, so if one person is not there
then the routine can not be performed as choreographed.
Even if the child is sick they will need to compete.
Our season usually consists of 4 to 5 competitions. These competitions are at the
Regional, State and National levels. As soon as the exact dates of these competitions are
published then everyone will be notified. Please do not make any plans close to
competition dates that can not be changed without checking with the Head Coach.
Any unexcused absence from a Competition/Clinic/Exhibition/Performance will forfeit
the child’s place with FCBC Starz (with no refund).
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Cheer Camp is mandatory.
Everyone must be in attendance because during camp is when we choreograph our
routine for the season.
Camp Dates for 2015 – 2016:
Top Flight
July 30-31
Force
Aug 1-2
Xtreme
Aug 29-30
Level 3
Sept 12-13
Attitude & Behavior –
Starz cheerleaders represent Fruit Cove Baptist Church.
All Starz cheerleaders are expected to exhibit a positive attitude during practices and
while at competitions. Negative attitudes will not be tolerated.
The upmost of moral behavior is expected at all times. Starz cheerleaders should refrain
from foul language in person, on the internet, or Facebook, smoking, drinking, use of
drugs, lying or cheating. The cheerleader will be counseled with concern of any
inappropriate behavior that has been brought to the attention of the coaches. There will be
disciplinary actions taken which may include dismissal from the squad.
If the cheerleader is caught participating in any illegal activity this could lead to
immediate dismissal.
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Cheerleader Responsibilities
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A respectful and positive attitude is expected at all times. Competitive
Cheerleading is a “TEAM” sport, not an individual sport. Everyone must work
together for the best outcome.
Positive dialogue and encouragement should be exhibited at ALL times.
Derogatory comments about other girls/coaches/teams will NOT be tolerated.
Treat others as you would want to be treated!
A “can do” or “willing to try” attitude is a must.
Be at ALL practices and competitions. Attendance is mandatory! If one person is
missing the “TEAM” is compromised.
Be at practice on time, prepared, dressed appropriately(hair secured back off of
face and in pony tail, no jewelry, cheer shoes & practice attire) and ready to work
hard giving 100% for the entire practice.
Pay attention during practice. Keep talking and other distractions to a minimum.
Talking, laughing and/or playing around during stunting can be dangerous and
can cause injuries. If the coach(es) are working with another group, the
information is relevant for all.
No Cell Phone use during practices or at competitions during practices, warm ups
or actual competing. (except in the case of an emergency) All phones should be in
a backpack or out of site. If use becomes an issue, they will be collected by the
coach and may be retrieved by the parent at the end of the practice or competition.
Report any injury during practice to the coach(es). The coach(es) will determine
the appropriate treatment/actions needed. If a medical appointment is necessary, it
is the parent’s responsibility to communicate any special instructions to the
coach(es). If the injury requires restrictions during practice then a note from the
physician is required.
If it is negative or inappropriate, Don’t post it! Social media has many positive
aspects to it but it has many negative sides as well. Remember when you are
posting on social media you are representing yourself (first and foremost), your
family and as part of the FCBC Starz you are representing God, this church and
this program. It is important to be aware of the image and reputation you may
present with photos, statuses, comments and videos you post.
During the current season you are not to post any videos of our Starz routines on
any social media or internet. This includes practices or competitions. Once the
season is over you may post if you would like.
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Parent Responsibilities
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Parents are responsible to help and guide their child to uphold their commitment
to the FCBC Starz, by being at all practices, on time to practices and
competitions, dressed in the appropriate clothing, and exhibit appropriate
behavior and positive attitude.
Parents are responsible for making sure their child’s financial account is in good
standing or appropriate arrangements have been made. Delinquent accounts may
result in not receiving items or dismissal from team.
Parents are responsible for transportation for their child to all competitions. If a
parent cannot attend then they need to make arrangements with another family to
take responsibility of their child. *make sure head coach (Melissa) and team
coaches know of the arrangement.
Parents are responsible to supervise their child accordingly and adhere to any
instructions/guidelines set by coaches or competition company.
Parents are to demonstrate good sportsmanship-like conduct and positive attitudes
while observing practices, traveling to & from competitions, during competitions
and throughout the cheer season. We want to model the behaviors we would like
for the our athletes to adhere to now and in the future. If a conflict should arise in
this area, the coaching staff & program leadership will address it.
All Cheerleaders will remain at competitions with their coaches until they are
dismissed by the coaching staff to their parent. Please make sure your child’s
coach knows that you have possession of your child.
Parents are responsible for cost of lodging at any required overnight competitions.
Program Coordinator will secure a team block of rooms and details will be given
at the appropriate time.
Parents are responsible for ALL communications to coaches and program
leadership, i.e. absence from practice, late to practice, illness, injury or conflict.
During the current season you are not to post any videos of our Starz routines on
any social media or internet. This includes practices or competitions. Once the
season is over you may post if you would like.
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DISCIPLINE PROCEDURE
Love is patient, love is kind. I Corinthians 13:4
Keep your hands to yourself. Respect other people’s personal space. Use good listening
skills. Speak at appropriate times. Follow directions as given. Be respectful to
everyone. Use good manners. Clean up your area properly. Come to practice prepared.
Always use a positive way of thinking.
You can do all things through Christ Who strengthens you! Philippians 4:13
In order to ensure the safety of the cheerleaders and the quality of the cheerleading
experience, the following steps will be taken when the rules of conduct are not followed.
1st Offense:
Individual Warning
2nd Offense:
Age appropriate correction, verbal notification to parent by the coach.
3rd Offense:
The cheerleader will be asked to sit out of practice for an age appropriate
amount of time, and meeting with parent, coach, and child.
4th Offense:
Meet with all of the above and church leadership. Possible removal from
program.
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2015 – 2016
Impact Cheerleading / FCBC – Starz
Important Dates
Try-out Practices – May 5, 12, 19, & 26 (Tuesdays, 5:00pm to 7:00pm)
Commitment Day/Team Placement – June 2nd (Tues. 4:30pm - ???)
Regular Practices – Every Tuesday beginning June 9th
Top Flight (6th & under)
Xtreme (8th & under)
Force (High School & under)
4:45 – 6:45 pm
5:15 – 7:15 pm
6:00 – 8:00 pm
Camp Dates – see schedule on page 9. Camp is Mandatory!
Extra Competition Practices – TBD, these will be scheduled as
needed. We could have an extra practice the week of a competition. Please
do not make plans without discussing the schedule with the Head Coach.
End of Season Banquet – March, after our last competition.
Competition Dates:
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November (exact day TBD) - FCBC, Cheer Clinic
December (exact day TBD) - Daytona, State
January 1st – 2nd, 2016 - Orlando, FCC Nationals
February 12th – 14th, 2016 - Atlanta, Cheersport Nationals
February 27, 2016 - Daytona Dazzlers, Daytona
Due to the nature of competitive cheerleading please do not schedule any
activity that can not be missed or changed before checking with Melissa. We
will make every effort to publish the exact dates, times & locations as soon
as we know them. Unfortunately all of these dates are not available at this
time.
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2015 - 2016
Impact Cheerleading
FCBC - Starz
Tryout Procedure
1. Each cheerleader will attend 3 practices where they will learn a cheer,
a dance & stunting skills.
2. They will learn a try-out cheer and dance.
3. They will be asked to do two different jumps and any tumbling that
they already can successfully do on their own without a spotter.
4. They will be divided into groups of three or four to do their try-out
cheer & dance and be scored individually on each of these by the
judges.
5. They will do their jumps and tumbling individually and be scored by
the judges.
6. A small amount of bonus points will be given to a cheerleader if she
was on a Starz squad the previous season.
7. Our Starz coaches will be the judges during try outs.
8. Placement on a squad(s) will be determined by the judges scores as
well as the following factors:
a. Fall 2015 grade level of cheerleader
b. Position and ability during stunting
c. Cheerleader’s attitude
9. Head Coach, Ms. Melissa, has final decision on placement.
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Our goal is not to turn away cheerleaders but we are limited by
practice space & time, coaching staff and what we feel is best for the
squad(s).
*A sample of the judges score sheet will be given out prior to the tryouts.
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Frequently asked questions:
When does the season start and finish?
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Our season begins in May and continues through March. We do practice
during the summer months.
What ages can participate?
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Children in 1st grade through High School are eligible to participate.
Will there be more than one squad?
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That will depend on the number of girls participating. We will more than
likely have three squads but that could change depending on practice space,
coaches and # of participants.
Do you have to be a member of Fruit Cove Baptist to join?
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NO, this is open to anyone who would like to cheer.
Do you have to know how to tumble?
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Tumbling is a huge part of competitive cheerleading. It is not mandatory but is
helpful. It is encouraged that you enroll your child in a tumbling class if
possible.
What if my child has never cheered before?
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We will teach cheerleading, stunting & dance skills and can work with them if
they are willing to put in the extra effort to learn these skills.
What is the financial commitment?
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Competitive cheerleading can be a costly sport. We do our best to keep the
cost within reason. There will be cost for camp, uniforms & shoes,
competition entrance fees, hotel stays & travel expenses.
Does everyone make the squad that wants to cheer?
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That is a tricky question. The answer is most likely yes but if there is a large
number that is interested then cuts may have to be made.
Will there be try-outs?
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Yes, there will be try-outs. We will use this process to determine the best fit
for each squad using the factors of grade, skill level & what is best for overall
squads.
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Will my child learn tumbling skills through Impact?
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No, most of our coaches are not qualified to teach tumbling. If we do have a
qualified coach then they may give some guidance or light spotting but it will
not be a formal lesson. If you would like your child to learn to tumble then
you would need to enroll them in a separate tumbling class at a gym.
How many cheerleaders are on a squad?
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That will depend on several different factors. Ideally we would like to have 15
to 25 per squad but we are not guaranteeing any set number.
Will we cheer any other times than competitions?
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Possibly, each squad may cheer at a minimum of one Upward Flag Football
game and/or one Upward Basketball game. This will help them gain sideline
cheer skills so that they can have a full cheer experience and can learn all
aspects of the sport. This will be determined by the Head Coach as we get into
the season.
As a parent what is my commitment level?
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You will have the responsibility of making sure that your child is fully
committed to the squad. You will need to help them to be organized with their
belongings as well as their time. As the parent you will be responsible for the
financial commitment. Mostly you will need to be supportive of your child,
the coaches, the squad and the program. Your child’s attitude will reflect your
attitude!
What will the cheerleaders wear during practice?
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Cheerleaders will need to wear the practice attire they are given, NO jewelry,
hair up in ponytail secured away from face, proper support athletic shoes.
Until they receive their practice attire they should wear elastic waist shorts
(modest in length) & t-shirt.
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