To provide guidelines on participation in games, competitions and other events for Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) cheerleading squads.
A. When considering participation in cheerleader competitions, the following guidelines must be followed:
1. Competitions by and between squads of PGCPS (i.e., internal competitions) shall be permitted. The guidelines set forth in the Prince George’s County Handbook for Cheerleader Sponsors (available at: https://www.pgcps.org/athletics/cards/Athletics-Handbooks/) and the National Federation of High School Cheerleaders Spirit Rule Book will be followed.
2. A cheerleading squad may participate in invitational competitions external to PGCPS only if the competition or event has medical personnel in attendance for the warm-up and duration of the event. Additionally, the squad’s sponsor must be in attendance throughout the competition. The prohibition against acrobatic stunts does not apply in these events.
B. When considering cheerleader participation at games or other events, the following guidelines must be followed:
1. Cheerleading squads may cheer at varsity and junior varsity football away games, and all home games during the regular season. Any exception to this procedure must be approved by the home and away principals. Cheerleaders may cheer at all county championship events and Maryland Public Secondary Schools Athletic Association (MPSSAA) playoff contests.
2. All gymnastics or acrobatics during routine cheering at home games will remain totally at the principal’s discretion. The guidelines from the National Federation of High School Cheerleaders Spirit Rule Book will be followed.
3. It is the principal’s responsibility to ensure that all of the training and practice sessions associated with gymnastics or acrobatics are done under the supervision of a qualified sponsor who has attended the Care and Prevention of Athletic Injury course offered to coaches,
A. It shall be the primary responsibility of the school principal to ensure that qualified coaches are hired.
B. Training certifications for cheerleading staff will be maintained by the Athletic Director at the school for a minimum of five years.
C. The Athletic Director shall review and monitor cheerleading events, games, and other events for compliance with this procedure.
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These procedures will be reviewed by the Chief of School Support and Leadership and be updated as needed.
This Administrative Procedure cancels and supersedes Administrative Procedure 6123, dated September 2, 2008
July 31, 2019
Administrative Procedure 6123 - Guidelines for Activities Involving Cheerleading Squads.pdf
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