Our top priority is creating a safe and supportive, uplifting environment where every athlete can grow, succeed, and most importantly, have fun. The following policies are designed to clearly outline our expectations, responsibilities, and standards for athletes, parents, coaches, and staff. By working together and following these guidelines, we can ensure fairness, safety, and a strong sense of teamwork both on and off the mat. Thank you for being part of our cheer family and for helping us uphold the values that make our program great.
RULES AND REGULATIONS
Athletes must understand and be willing to abide by the rules listed below as well as those told to athletes verbally in their sessions. All individuals under the age of eighteen are required to have a parent sign our waiver, and fill out the acceptance for; all athletes over the age of eighteen must do this themselves.
Classes are to be used as learning and practice time. Running around or interfering in any way with fellow athletes will not be tolerated.
Please dress appropriately in athletic wear and indoor trainers. 'Firecrackers' T-shirts must be worn to every Sunday practice preferably with black shorts (imperative for flyers) or leggings. For competition, trainers must not have split soles. No jewellery of any kind is permitted. Long hair must be tied back. False nails are not advised.
Profanity, vandalism of equipment, fighting and hitting of any kind if completely prohibited.
No chewing gum is permitted in the gym at any point. Athletes should bring water, juice, or isotonic drinks to training only, no fizzy drinks are allowed.
Open cuts or abrasions must be covered with a plaster or athletic tape. Coaches must be notified of such injuries when the athletes enter the hall.
Athletes must arrive at least ten minutes before training begins ensuring a prompt start to their session.
Athletes should only wear supports (wrist, ankle, knee, etc.) for a prolonged period of time if advised to by a doctor, and this should be discussed with the coaches.
For your safety, be aware of your surroundings as participants may be tumbling or stunting around you.
Firecrackers staff, including guest coaches, may restrict skills or equipment for any reason.
If any of these rules are not followed, you will be asked to leave without a refund. Our staff have the right to deny any person from attending classes and reserve the right to ask participants or friends of participants to leave at any time, for any reason.
PURPOSE & ELIGIBILITY
Our purpose is to foster and uphold team spirit in all those we encounter, to model and encourage good sportsmanship, and to promote positive relationships within the community and between teams at events. Our organisational goal is to work collaboratively and in harmony with team management and administration, as well as with other athletic teams and sporting organisations.
All cheerleaders are required to support the program above all other teams, maintain a neat and appropriate presentation, and be medically fit to participate. Participants under the age of eighteen must provide written parental or guardian consent prior to involvement.
Applications are open to individuals of any gender, with a minimum age of three years and no maximum age limit. Selection will be based on demonstrated ability, the approval of the coaching staff, and agreement to comply with all program rules and policies. All candidates will be considered fairly and without discrimination on the grounds of race, creed, colour, sexual orientation, or disability.
ANIT-BULLYING & SAFEGUARDING
Every member of the team has the right to participate in an environment free from intimidation, both within the squad and in the wider community. The team does not tolerate unkind behaviour, actions, or remarks, regardless of intent, and such conduct will be addressed appropriately.
Any action or comment that causes harm or distress will be considered bullying and will be treated as a serious matter. The team is committed to being a listening and supportive environment, and all members share a responsibility to report bullying or inappropriate behaviour. Bullying is a serious issue and will not be ignored.
All members of the coaching team have a duty of care and are required to report any safeguarding concerns to the appropriate social services. Safeguarding is taken seriously and all concerns must be acted upon without delay.
If a safeguarding concern arises and a Safeguarding Concern Form is required, individuals must contact a member of the coaching team, who will provide the appropriate documentation and guidance.
DISCIPLINARY ACTION
It is the policy of the program that disciplinary action will be applied only as a last resort. Every reasonable effort will be made to prevent situations that may lead to disciplinary measures through open discussion, guidance, and positive encouragement.
A cheerleader may be suspended from the program for failure to comply with squad regulations, unexcused absences, excessive absences or persistent tardiness, or failure to cooperate with coaches or directors.
A cheerleader may be dismissed from the program for conduct that has a significantly disruptive impact on the team, behaviour likely to bring the team or organisation into disrepute, or for any other reason deemed necessary by the directors in the best interests of the program.
