GV Athletics and Activities

To be eligible to try out, each athlete must meet the following MSHSAA (Missouri State High  School Activities Association) requirements. 

• Physical: Must be dated within 2 years of the final day of tryouts! EXPIRED PHYSICALS MAKE YOU IMMEDIATELY INELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE. 
• Insurance: All student athletes must have basic athletic insurance coverage. 
• 3.5 earned credits the previous semester (cannot have 2 F’s) 
• Be enrolled in and regularly attend courses that offer a minimum of 3.5 units of credit and  have earned a minimum of 3.5 credits the preceding semester of attendance.  A beginning 9th grade student who has failed more than one subject the previous semester will not be eligible. 
• Citizenship- outstanding character. Not eligible while under suspension, or probation 

MSHAA manual By-Law 212.0: Each individual school has the authority to set  more restrictive citizenship standards and shall have the authority to judge  students under those standards. 

In addition to evaluated skills, the participant  will also be evaluated on personal conduct and  responsibility. 

• 90% school day attendance for the previous school year 
• ISS or OSS - provide reasons and resolutions 
• Excessive tardiness - provide reasons and resolutions  
• A cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher 
• Teacher evaluations from 4 current core courses + SOAR/EAGLE TIME teacher (total of 5) 
• Sponsor interview/evaluations for all current 8-11 grade students wishing to be considered  for Varsity.  
  • Candidates must meet minimum skill requirements for Varsity and/or be invited by coaching staff to  participate in the interview process. 

GVMS Squad will consist of members in good academic/behavior standing. Cheerleaders will participate in the fall and winter sports seasons. Cheerleaders will be required to attend summer camp, all scheduled cheer practices, assigned football/basketball games, participate in GVHS Homecoming activities (float building, game), and a few other special events, including at least 1 service-oriented event each year, a minimum of 2 assigned concessions shifts, as well as purchase necessary items for participation. (See Cost Estimate sheet)  

 
GVHS Junior Varsity Squad will consist of up to 16 members. Cheerleaders will participate  in the fall and winter sports season. Cheerleaders will be expected to attend summer camp, all scheduled cheer practices, assigned football and basketball games, including some C-team & Varsity level games and events, including approximately 2 service-oriented events  each year and a minimum of 3 assigned concessions shifts. Junior varsity will be expected to attend Upward training twice a week as a team and run a mile throughout the summer. Through the school year miles will be expected twice a week completed before practice with distance and time on record. 

GVHS Varsity Squad will consist of up to 25 members. Cheerleaders/Yell Leaders will participate in the fall and winter sports seasons. Cheerleaders will be expected to attend summer camp and 1-2 stunting clinics, all scheduled cheer practices, tumbling session at least 1 time per week May-January, 100% of assigned games, and several other events, including approximately 2 service-oriented events each year and a minimum of 3 assigned concessions shifts. SELECT Members of this squad may be chosen to compete in the MCCA Gameday Championship or the UCA National Championship. Competition squads will be chosen by coaches, based on skill, commitment,  and number needed (all other members will become alternates). Members may be divided into more than one competition squad. Coaches reserve the right to make changes to the competition roster at any point leading up to State competition, in order to ensure the best possible outcome for squads. Varsity will be expected to attend Upward training twice a week as a team and run a mile throughout the summer. Through the school year miles will be expected twice a week completed before practice with distance and time on record. 

STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS:

SELECT Members of the GVHS Varsity squad may compete  at MCCA Regional competition, and if qualified, MCCA State Competition. These events are  scheduled during the FALL sports seasons for the 2025-26 school year. 

GAMEDAY CHAMPIONSHIPS:

SELECT Members of VARSITY,  JUNIOR VARSITY & MIDDLE SCHOOL  squads may compete in the MCCA Gameday Championships. This event is scheduled to be held during the WINTER sports season for the 2025-26 school year. 

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS:

[IF APPROVED] will consist of up to 20 members and 2  alternates. Members will be selected from the current Varsity sideline squad by the coaching staff. Selection will be based on skills, attitude & work ethic necessary to ensure the teams greatest potential for success. Members will be required to attend all scheduled practices leading up to competition, which is typically held in late January or early February.  Members will be responsible for additional financial obligations which may include registration fees, travel expenses, etc. 

SKILL EVALUATION: 
Each female candidate will be evaluated on dance, cheer and motions, which will be available prior to tryouts online, and reviewed at the tryout clinics. Each male candidate will be evaluated on strength/stunting potential and motions, which will be taught at the tryout clinics. Athletes will also be evaluated on spirit & jumps. If an applicant is able to perform tumbling skills without a spotter, a mat will be provided for him/her to execute skills for evaluation. 

TEACHER EVALUATION: 
All candidates will be required to have 5 teacher evaluations turned in prior to tryouts. This will factor into your final evaluation scores.  

COACH INTERVIEWS: 
All Varsity candidates will be required to participate in a brief interview session during the tryout process. This will factor into your final evaluation scores. 

SKILL EXPECTATIONS: 

• Each member of Varsity should be able to show quality tumbling, stunting, and jump technique. They should be showing improvement to be a well rounded cheerleader.
• Each member of Jr. Varsity should be working towards gaining tumbling, stunting, and jump technique.  
• Each member of all teams should be able to complete cheers, chants and dance motions with memorization. Voice projection and spirit are required for all squads. The coaching staff reserves the right to allow an athlete to be part of a squad if their specific skills are needed,  even if they do not possess the minimum requirements for that specific squad. 

It is imperative that if selected every member is present for all scheduled practices, camps,  workshops, games and competitions. THE ONLY EXCEPTIONS ARE: family emergency,  mandatory academic event, or severe Illness (with doctor’s note). Pre-planned events must  be excused by coaches at least 2 weeks prior to miss (and added to google form on website). Cheerleading is a team sport and ALL members must be present for a successful season. All cheerleaders must be present in  attendance for a full school day (see GVHS Activities Handbook) in order to participate in practices and/or games/events. Demerits/punishment will be assessed to any athlete who fails to attend any event without excuse and prior notification to coaching staff.  

Cell phone use, including bluetooth accessories, is not permitted at any practice, game or  event, unless approved by a coach. 
 

Each athlete must adhere to the safety guidelines set forth by MSHSAA/NFHS/USA CHEER.  

• Hair must be pulled up and away from the face in a ponytail (hair length permitting) at all  events. 
• No jewelry of any kind may be worn to practice or event.  
• No food or gum may be consumed while practicing, sideline cheering, or competing.  
• Nails must be natural, polish free and at or below fingertip level.
• Failure to abide by these rules will result in disciplinary action. 

In order to allow each athlete academic success, teams may be divided for games. All cheerleaders will attend assigned HOME football and/or basketball games. GVHS Varsity cheerleaders may travel to all away football games and select basketball games and/or tournaments.  
GVHS JV cheerleaders may travel to assigned away football and basketball games. GVHS 9th grade cheerleaders on all squads may attend select 9th grade football and basketball games. GVMS (7/8th grade) cheerleaders will attend assigned middle school football & basketball games, as well as select high school games and spirit events.  

Cheerleaders will cheer the entire game and support the band and all other activities at halftime.  

AWAY GAMES: 
Student participants will be expected to ride the school bus both to and from  activities. Students who miss the bus to a practice or scheduled event will not  be allowed to participate. Students may ride home from an activity with their parent with the Head Coach/Sponsor’s approval and under an unusual, unavoidable circumstance.  

The head coach will make the final determination in all transportation decisions. 

BASKETBALL SEASON: 
Basketball Season will be optional only for those participating in another school activity or an outside activity that is enhancing and improving their cheerleading skills (all star cheerleading, competition dance, etc.)  Failure to attend a game will result in 2 demerits + benched next game. 
 

Each cheerleader selected to perform in a competition or pep-assembly will learn the routine and be required to attend all practices leading up to that event. The coach reserves the right to withdraw any cheerleader from her position in these events if character, skill or attendance becomes an issue.  

Cheerleaders may participate in other school-related activities, but must understand their  commitment to school cheerleading comes first, as they have been selected for a TEAM sport.  Participation in spring sports is encouraged, however, summer, fall and winter activities need to be chosen with this time commitment in mind. Coaches from each sport must sign a dual participation agreement for an athlete to participate in more than one activity during the same season. 

It is understood that some cheerleaders may have a job. It is the athlete’s responsibility to schedule their job around practices, games and events. Work is not considered an excused absence. 

Each athlete must maintain a 90% school day attendance record and not have excessive tardies or disciplinary referrals to remain on the squad. Any instance of ISS, OSS will result in disciplinary action. Character must be above reproach in and out of uniform. Respect to all coaches, teammates, staff, students and fans, is imperative. No eye rolling or gestures, profanity, tobacco, fighting, illegal drugs, alcohol, or participation in illegal activity on or off campus. This may result in dismissal from the squad. See GV Activities Handbook for specific consequences. This may include, but is not limited to computer activity (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok), as well as cell phone conversation or texting. Your character reflects on this program, the school, and the entire community. Each athlete must be willing to set a higher standard of conduct for him/herself. 

MSHSAA By-law 212.0 defines creditable citizenship as: 

1. Students who adhere to school guidelines regarding chemical use and possession. 
2. Students who do not attend parties where minors are in possession or use alcohol  and/or possess or use non-prescription drugs.
3. Students who are in good standing with the judicial and legal system 
4. Students who are not under school suspension as a result of disciplinary  consequences. 
5. Students who choose not to be present where illegal activities are occurring.  
6. A student shall not be considered eligible while under suspension or who has been  found guilty of a violation of these standards.  
7. Again, each school has the right to hold their athletes to a higher standard. 

Uniform is defined as any piece of clothing or accessory designated by the coaching staff, to be worn at a specific time or event. No pajama pants, flip flops or unapproved t-shirts, etc.  representing GV or any related event may be worn as a group (defined by more than one athlete in the program). Jeans are only to be worn with designated spirit wear when instructed by coaching staff and must not have holes, rips or tears in them. All members must be in designated attire at all events. Letterman’s jackets, sweatpants/hoodies will NOT replace sideline warm-up. Sideline warm-up, poms & bows are considered to be essential uniform pieces and therefore must be with you at all assigned events. Uniform pieces may not be worn, by non-team members, for any reason without prior approval by coaching staff.  Themed clothing may be worn as a group if the coach designates dates and approves design. TATTOOS may not be visible while in uniform or practice wear during the school day, game time, performance or competition. HAIR must be groomed in a way which does not draw attention to any individual.  

Academic eligibility will be checked on a semester basis. Grade checks will also be conducted on a monthly basis. Any cheerleader with D or F level assessments listed in powerschool will be required to document participation in ‘helps’ provided by academic departments until grades are improved to the C level. If you are struggling in any subject, please be proactive with the coaching staff so proper steps may be taken to work with the teacher toward academic progress, and maintaining eligibility. 

GV Cheerleaders will be required to participate in 2 to 3 service events per year as  communicated by the coaching staff. 

Games, pep-rallies, spirit week festivities, regional, state competition and gameday  competitions, as well as service projects, concessions shifts, parades, team bonding events, and fundraising activities are all mandatory events unless excused by coaching staff.  

All high school athletes will be required to have GroupMe as a lot of communication from coaches as well as captains will be happening through the app. This would include things about call times, practice wear, uniform, and any updates that may be needed. 

The role of a GV parent or guardian is to support the program, coaches and athletes. This includes, but is not limited to fundraising, sign making, locker decorations, event decorating, working concessions, and team bonding. A parent/guardian must also reinforce accountability and promote positive behavior. Please do not use cheer practices, games or events as a form of punishment for your student athlete. All practices are closed and not open to parents, friends or family of cheerleaders, allowing  coaches to limit distractions and make efficient use of practice times. Parents may not contact  coaches during practice, games or events, as the coach’s focus needs to be on the athletes. If any parent needs to contact a coach with questions or concerns, please email. If an emergency arises, please contact via phone.  

1. The athlete must address issues to coach not during practice or game time.  
2. If unresolved, parents and athletes must address issues with coaching staff at prearranged time.  
3. If any issue remains unresolved after completing the first two steps, the parent, athlete and coaches will address issues with GVHS Activities Director at an arranged time.
4. At no time should any parent or athlete contact the Activities Director, or other administrator, without first attempting steps 1-3. 

• 95% attendance at all assigned activities, practices and games throughout competition/ football/basketball seasons, including yell leaders. 
• Active participation in at least 75% of community service, sideline, performance, and competitive events. 
• Must attend summer camp. 
• Must earn less than 10 demerits throughout the seasons. 
• No unexcused absence from a game/performance. 
• No excused or unexcused absence from a competition. 
• Two or less excused absence from a game or required activity. 

All lettering decisions are the responsibility of the cheer coaches and are at their discretion. 

MERITS:  

Based on the 5A’s of Excellence (Academics-Attendance-Attitude-Ability-Accountability) 
Merit options can be disused with coaches.
Maintaining above a 3.5 GPA each quarter

DEMERTIS

• BENCHED for a game or event is defined as sitting, in correct uniform, next to the coach, for the entire event.  
• Each time 5 demerits are accumulated; cheerleaders will be benched for next event unless merits are earned.
• If 12 demerits are accumulated, cheerleader will be dismissed from the squad unless merits are earned. Demerits are cumulative throughout the summer/fall/winter seasons.

A warning will be given after the first offense, after that immediate consequences may result in demerits as well as running miles before/after practices. This is to help prevent demerits building up. 

*We will follow school policy on excused vs unexcused absences.