Policies

This page summarises the policies every Delco Storm family agrees to. The full handbook is the complete document, and it governs.

Attendance & commitment

By joining a team you are committing to the full season — every practice, competition and event.

• Every practice is mandatory. Storm practices take priority over other extracurricular activities, and vacations are not excused once the season begins.
• Three unexcused absences are permitted between September and January. After the third, a meeting with the directors is required.
• All February practices are mandatory. Absences must be documented with a doctor’s note.
• No absences during competition week. If a practice is missed that week, the coach reserves the right to use a replacement for the competition.

Reporting an absence

At least two hours before the start time:

1. Email the directors with the specific reason for the absence, late arrival or early dismissal.
2. Mark the attendance status in TeamSnap with a note.

Please don’t message coaches directly about absences. A “No Call/No Show” is grounds for immediate dismissal from the team.

Practice standards

• No jewelry of any kind during practice — no exceptions, including earrings. Please do not get your child’s ears pierced during the cheer season.
• No cell phones during practices or competition award ceremonies.
• Athletes give coaches their undivided attention, for the safety of the whole team.
• Practices may be added or adjusted through the season as competitions approach.

Injury & conditioning

Cheerleading carries real physical risk, and Delco Storm is not liable for injuries sustained during sanctioned activities.

• Injured athletes are still expected to attend practice in a modified capacity unless a physician directs otherwise.
• A formal physician’s release is required before returning to stunting, tumbling or conditioning.
• Strength and flexibility conditioning is mandatory for all athletes.

Conduct

• Zero tolerance for bullying in any form, including cyberbullying. Report it to a parent and the directors immediately.
• Zero tolerance for negative discourse about coaches, staff, athletes or other parents.
• Parents must remain reachable by phone during practices and competitions.
• Please don’t approach coaches or directors during practices or competitions — email to schedule a call or a meeting instead.
• Nobody contacts judges or event producers — not parents, relatives or athletes. All inquiries go through the directors.
• Athletes stay at competitions to support the other Storm teams and attend awards.
• Athletes represent Delco Storm online as well as in person.

Discipline

1. First offense — a formal written warning to the athlete and parent.
2. Second offense — a mandatory meeting with the directors, athlete and parents, plus a second written warning signed by all parties.
3. Third offense — suspension from the team or other performance-based consequences.

The directors may escalate immediately, up to permanent dismissal, based on the severity of the violation.

Personal property

Delco Storm is not responsible for lost or stolen items, including electronics and jewelry. Leave valuables at home, and label all apparel and gear with your athlete’s initials.