USC Gamecocks Cheerleaders

• University of South Carolina

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• South Carolina cheerleaders

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• Carolina\u0026#39;s cheerleaders help

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• South Carolina cheerleaders

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• Cheerleaders attended the

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• ut

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• Cheerleading Camp, University

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• University of South Carolina

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• University of South Carolina

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• on South Carolina on ESPN

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• cheerleaders

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• SOUTH CAROLINA

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• South Carolina Cheerleaders

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• SC State Cheerleaders

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• South Carolina Cheerleaders

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• South Carolina cheerleaders

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• University Of South Carolina Cheerleading

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• University of South Carolina

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• The other USC Cheerleaders

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• of South Carolina

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• those student cheerleaders

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• Carolina cheerleaders

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• USC Enthusiastic Cheerleaders

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• South Carolina Cheerleaders on

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• University of Minnesota.

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• the Carolina Cheerleaders

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• South Carolina Cheerleaders on

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• South Carolina Cheerleaders

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OVERVIEW:
The University of South Carolina Spirit Program is a part of the Athletic Department and its members are
referred to as student-athletes. As a student-athlete, the primary focus of our program will be on academics
prior to athletics to find a balance between becoming a strong student as well as athlete. Being a part of the
University of South Carolina’s Spirit Program will provide the athlete with many rewarding life-lessons
that will enhance their experience as a college student at the University of South Carolina. These lessons
include enhancing leadership abilities, communication, confidence, time management, and responsibility.
There is a great responsibility of members of the University of South Carolina’s Spirit Program in that the
cheerleaders and mascot are ambassadors to the University and represent the school, city, state and nation.
Members will uphold the values of the Spirit Program and the University of South Carolina at all times.
Once members are chosen, they will be required to read and agree to the University Of South Carolina
Spirit Program Statement Of Agreement. This can be found on Page 5-6 of this document.
The primary focus of the University of South Carolina’s Spirit Program is to support all of our athletic
teams and events. This focus is accomplished by being visible spirit representation at sporting events and
community functions in order to raise fan support and enthusiasm. The Spirit Program continues to
promote goodness in the community by showing support at various charitable events and promoting
education throughout South Carolina’s schools.
STRUCTURE:
The University of South Carolina’s cheerleading program has two squads, Co-ed and All-girl. Both squads
cheer for home football. The co-ed team also cheers for men’s basketball, assists with home volleyball
matches, and primarily travels to away football games. The All-Girl team also cheers for women’s
basketball, volleyball, and assists with away football games and men’s basketball when needed. Both
teams have the option to compete with 20 members on each team chosen by the coaches.
The All-girl team is comprised of no more than 28 members. Approximately 20 members are chosen
during spring tryouts. The Co-ed team is comprised of no more than 13 couples. Approximately 10
couples are chosen during spring tryouts. The remaining positions are filled during the fall tryouts. All are
chosen on a point scale score sheet by coaches and outside judges.
The University of South Carolina’s mascot program is comprised of 3 students. The mascot (Cocky) is a
visible spirit representation at all football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, baseball, and softball
games and at any requested swimming/diving, equestrian matches, or any other sporting event. In addition
to the athletic support, Cocky is also visible throughout the community at requested events upon
availability. Any open positions are filled during a separate spring tryout.
The University of South Carolina’s Spirit Program is budgeted in the Athletic Department. A Head
Cheerleading Coach and an Assistant Cheerleading Coach lead the Spirit Program. The Head Cheerleading
Coach also acts as the Spirit Coordinator, which includes mascot responsibilities. The Head Cheerleading
Coach reports to the Director of Marketing for Athletics and ultimately an Assistant Athletic Director for
budgeting purposes and all other concerns.
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Although the activities that the cheerleaders engage in comprise that of a sport, the Spirit Program is not a
governed NCAA sport, and is not under the same rules and regulations in many ways as governed sports.
There are set rules and regulations for the Cheerleading Program, however, under AACCA (American
Association of Cheerleading Coaches & Administrators) Safety Guidelines, which are mandated by the
NCAA and SEC. The University of South Carolina strictly follows the AACCA guidelines. The
Cheerleading Program is provided a certified trainer that is present at every practice and most events. A
Cheerleading Coach is always present with the cheerleaders when practicing and performing skills in order
to ensure AACCA Safety Guidelines are upheld. AACCA Safety Guidelines can be found on the AACCA
website at www.aacca.org.