LSU Spirit Squad Guidelines and Policies

Our Mission

To support all LSU athletic teams by attending and building  crowd enthusiasm at events while promoting the traditions  of LSU. 

Our Vision

To be the best spirit program in the nation.

Our Values

Teamwork
Integrity
Growth
Excellence
Respect
Support

The LSU Spirit Squad is a highly visible, enthusiastic, and talented group of students with a primary purpose to support Intercollegiate Athletics and serve as ambassadors for LSU. The LSU Spirit Program is composed of our Cheerleading Squad, Tiger Girls, and our costumed mascot, Mike the Tiger.

The Cheerleading Squad performs at LSU sporting events including football, volleyball, men’s and women’s basketball, and gymnastics. The Tiger Girls perform at LSU sporting events including football, men’s and women’s basketball, and select gymnastics meets and baseball games. Mike the Tiger attends many athletic and University related events throughout the fall, winter and spring, and summer seasons. All three programs represent LSU and Intercollegiate Athletics at various alumni, civic and charitable events throughout the year.

Failure to adhere to the rules and guidelines outlined in this handbook may result in dismissal from the activity and/or squad.

Spirit Squad members must:

1. Serve as ambassadors and official representatives of LSU, the student body, faculty and staff, and alumni by upholding and projecting the values and ideals of the University. It is a privilege to be an LSU Spirit Squad member.
2. Build crowd enthusiasm, support, and spirit by leading cheers, dances, skills, and vocalizing positive support for the athletic teams at all games, pep rallies, and special events.
3. Uphold the LSU Tradition of character, tradition, integrity, and spirit in and out of uniform.
4. Appear at LSU functions, promotional events, and scheduled public appearances to promote the University and Intercollegiate Athletics. Serving as a member of the LSU spirit squad is a major time commitment.
5. Abide by all rules and guidelines set by the athletics department and spirit squad.
6. Keep personal relationships private. Dating a spirit squad member should be discreet and remain professional at all times.
7. Be able to work with and respect coaching styles and decisions.
8. Commit to hard work without discrimination between members. Partners and groups will be assigned by the Spirit Coaches.
9. Refrain from use of profanity at a game, practice, or appearance.

1. Full time status is considered 12 or more semester hours. Dropping below full-time status during a term, makes the individual ineligible to represent LSU in any event (athletic or community). Failure to maintain full-time status will result in removal from practice and competitive activities.
2. Notify the head coach PRIOR to dropping ANY class. It is recommended that students carry a minimum of 15 hours each semester.
3. Spirit Squad members must pass a minimum of 24 hours each academic year. The academic year includes the fall, spring, intersession, and summer terms. Failed classes do not receive credit. Enrolling in 24 hours does not mean 24 hours of class credit is earned. Repeated classes will only count one time in the calculation of the 24 hours earned.
4. Please check with the head coach and academic counselor prior to registering for any online course. It is the student’s responsibility to make certain the course will count towards athletic academic requirements.
5. Spirit Squad members must maintain a 2.0 LSU CUM grade point average to remain on the spirit squads team roster. The 2.0 LSU overall GPA is evaluated each semester.
6. Spirit Squad members on scholarship must maintain a 2.3 GPA to maintain scholarship allowance.
7. Spirit squad members must maintain a minimum of a 2.3 LSU CUM GPA and full time status to travel during the season. This includes, but is not limited to, away games and nationals competition.
8. Freshmen, transfer students, or squad members with below a 2.5 LSU CUM GPA must attend 6 hours of study hall per week.
9. NOTE For Transfer STUDENTS: Transferred grades are not considered in the required GPA. Only LSU CUM is considered
10. Students first entering in fall term (transfer and freshman) must pass at least 6 hours of academic credit in fall term. GPA will not be considered until the conclusion of the first year of enrollment. After the first year of enrollment, student must pass 24 hours (repeated coursework will only count one time) and achieve a cumulative LSU GPA of 2.0
11. Students first entering in spring term must pass at least 6 hours of academic credit in spring term. Students must earn a minimum of 12 hours prior to the following fall term and must have the 2.0 cumulative LSU GPA.

The Athletics Compliance office checks grades and enrollment status throughout the academic year. Participation in practice and athletic events will be prohibited if the requirements listed above are not met.

All spirit squad members are able to participate in NIL opportunities. Per the state legislation, it is impermissible to engage in deals in the categories of alcohol, tobacco, gambling or banned substances. Additionally, you must receive written permission from the NIL office to use any LSU marks, uniforms or facilities in conjunction with an NIL opportunity. If you have any questions, please contact Taylor Jacobs with Athletics Administration (tjacobs@lsu.edu) prior to signing any NIL agreement. Any NIL events, promotions, or social media posts that interfere with LSU Spirit Squad guidelines, expectations, or scheduled events and responsibilities may not be approved by LSU Spirit coaching staff even if they have been approved by the NIL office.

Travel rosters are determined by the Spirit coaching staff. Rosters will be determined based on current and future events scheduled. Considerations for travel include, but are not limited to, grades, attitude, promotional points, skills, travel team needs, and injuries. Seniority may not serve as a factor in creating travel rosters.

While traveling, Spirit Squad members must adhere to the following expectations:

1. All guidelines set by the athletics staff member on all trips must be followed. This includes, but is not limited to, pre and post-game activities, curfews, and room assignments.
2. Travel to and from events must occur in transportation provided by the University, unless a travel release is signed by the parent or guardian and granted by the athletics department prior to departure.
3. Spirit Squad members are prohibited from using any form of nicotine, alcohol or drugs while in travel status, regardless of age. Athletes may be subject to an alcohol or drug test by the trainer prior to, during, or following travel if drug or alcohol use is suspected.
4. Spirit Squad members remain in the room in which you are assigned.
5. Spirit Squad members must maintain a minimum of a 2.3 LSU CUM GPA and full-time status to be eligible to travel.

1. Athletes must be well groomed at all times. This includes males being clean shaven with no facial hair present while in uniform.
2. Jewelry and body piercings are prohibited, with the exception of one traditional piercing.
3. Hair color must be a natural hair color and well maintained and styled.
4. Nails must be kept short and, if painted, must be painted light pink, tan, or French manicure.
5. Tattoos must not be visible.

1. Spirit Squad members are required to pass a physical examination prior to the beginning of the spirit squad season.
2. All squad members must participate in strength training two to three times per week at the designated time under the supervision of an LSU Athletics Strength and Conditioning Coach to ensure a high level of physical fitness is maintained.
3. Team members must submit to weigh-ins and body fat testing conducted by LSU Athletic Performance dieticians or strength and conditioning personnel to ensure the safety and health of all squad members. Nutritional counseling is available to all squad members. If deemed necessary, an athlete may be required to see the nutritionist and/or sport psychologist.
4. Athletes must be healthy enough to participate in all spirit activities. If there is an injury or health concern, squad members are expected to work with the strength and conditioning staff, athletic trainers, coaching staff, and dieticians to safely resume play.

1. Squad members must properly care for all equipment and uniforms at all times. Equipment and uniforms must be returned in the condition in which they were issued. Please ensure they are washed prior to return.
2. Any item that is lost or damaged should be reported immediately. Failure to return items or returning them damaged, outside of normal wear and tear, will result in squad members being charged through the university billing system.
3. Squad members must be in full uniform when participating in University or Athletic events. This includes tops, bottoms, shoes, socks, jewelry, props, hair styled, and makeup done.
4. Squad members are prohibited from wearing team issued uniforms or representing LSU without permission from the athletics department. This includes, but is not limited to, advertisements, competitions, promotions, photography and video sessions, and birthday parties.
5. Team issued uniforms may not be loaned to anyone for any reason.

The season starts with acceptance of a position at tryouts through the last game of the year, which is generally two to three weeks prior to the next year’s tryout. Therefore, a full year commitment is required. The LSU Spirit Squad must be the priority over other non-academic activities.

Squad members must:

1. Attend all scheduled games, practices, promotions, workout sessions, and rehabilitation sessions. Excused absences will only be granted for the following reasons:
   • Class conflict that is documented as mandatory or unexcused by the university. YOU WILL NOT be excused or permitted to leave early to study for tests, meet for research projects, study groups, or scheduled tests/exams that can be taken at a different time.
   • Injury or illness. You must see a trainer prior to practice and communicate with the coach to be excused from practice. Upon examination, medical recommendations must be followed. You will be required to attend practice, games, or events even if you are unable to participate, except under special circumstances.
   • Death in the family.
2. Be on time to all spirit squad functions. Tardiness to any spirit squad event will result in disciplinary action by your spirit coach.
3. Not switch games with another team member, in which you are scheduled for without permission from your spirit coach.
4. Not schedule work, vacation, family functions, non-academic or social events that conflict with practices or games.
5. Prioritize their requirements as a squad member and may not attend any function or event that conflicts with their ability to do so.

Participation on any other All-Star cheerleading, dance, or mascot team is considered a conflict of interest and is prohibited. Exceptions may be made for official TEAM USA Participation.

All spirit squad members are to refrain from posting information including photographs and text and from join “groups” that do not promote positive behavior. All posts made on social media should represent the individual, their families, and LSU in a positive manner.

Inappropriate posts include any post, story, reel, etc.:
•  That contains explicit language. Saying, dancing to, or having explicit music in the background of a post is not permitted.
• Where athletes are not fully clothed. Bathing suits and athletic attire are permitted but must be covering all main areas of the body and not considered questionable as an ambassador of LSU Spirit.
• That contain the presence or image of alcohol drugs. This includes a logo, actual drink, or image.

1. All Spirit Squad members must submit proof of insurance to athletic training staff and maintain it throughout the year.
2. Report physical injuries to the LSU Training Room and communicate with the coach. If deemed necessary, the athletic trainer will make an appointment for the squad member to see the appropriate doctor.
3. Report mental health concerns to the athletic trainer. When appropriate, the athletic trainer may suggest counseling services or other mental health resources available. Counseling resources are available for student athletes.
4. Expenses will only be covered by LSU if the training room refers a squad member to the infirmary, an off- campus medical care unit, or medical specialist. If a squad member does not have a referral, they will be financially responsible for any bills incurred. This includes, but is not limited to, visits to the emergency room.
5. The Athletics Department will only pay for medical expenses for athletically related injuries that occur as a direct result of LSU spirit squad participation. If outside services are needed, the athlete’s insurance will become the primary source of payment. LSU will serve as the secondary source of payment and cover what the insurance company does not cover.
6. The University does not accept financial responsibility for injuries that occurred prior to enrolling at LSU.
7. Notify the athletic trainer if taking any form of prescription medication during pre-season physicals. Coaching staff may be informed if needed to maintain athlete safety.
8. See a team physician to acquire necessary prescriptions. Prescriptions can be filled by the team pharmacist in the stadium training room. The pharmacy will not fill prescriptions for drugs used to treat ADD, ADHS, or similar diagnoses.
9. An appropriate return to play protocol will be determined by the Athletic Training Team.

1. Follow the cheerleading safety guidelines as set by the spirit coaches and USASF certified coaches and staff.
2. Practice under the supervision of the coach who is USASF certified.
3. Follow the provided coaching on a progression system where skills are mastered prior to advancing to the next level of difficulty.
4. Practice and perform in an appropriate environment using mats and spotters, in full practice or game uniform, when necessary while taking temperature and humidity into account.
5. Provide the athletic trainer and spirit coach with the name and number of who to contact in case of emergency.

Scholarships are awarded at the discretion of the team coach. They are granted for the academic season and vary from year to year. To be eligible for a stipend you must maintain a 2.3 LSU CUM GPA and must remain in good standing with the Spirit Squad.

*SUBJECT TO CHANGE AT ANYTIME

While our squad responsibility lies with cheering or dancing at our various athletic events, the Spirit Squad will have the opportunity to compete in UCA/UDA College Nationals. Only those selected by the spirit coaching staff to compete will travel as part of the competition squad.

Non-competition squad members will be assigned to home games while the competition team is traveling to compete. In certain circumstances, the ability to compete will be determined by athletics administration.

To be eligible to compete, a squad member must have a 2.3 cumulative LSU GPA, be in good academic and behavioral standing, and have at least 7 promotional hours at the end of the fall semester.

Mascots:
• Are expected to participate for the entire year
• Must maintain an LSU CUM 2.5 GPA
• Must remain in “good standing” throughout the year
• Are required to obtain 30 hours of volunteer/promotions per year
• Must be available for football and basketball postseason travel
• Must be available to work all scheduled athletic games

Tiger Girls:
• Are expected to participate for the entire year
• Must maintain an LSU CUM 2.5 GPA
• Must remain in “good standing” throughout the year
• Are required to obtain 14 hours of volunteer/promotions per year
• Must be available for basketball postseason travel

Cheerleaders:
• Are expected to participate for the entire year
• Must maintain an LSU CUM 2.5 GPA
• Must remain in “good standing” throughout the year
• Are required to obtain 14 hours of volunteer/promotions per year
• Must be available for football and basketball postseason travel