Alvin Independent School District High School Cheerleading Guidelines

Transcription

1 Alvin Independent School District High School Cheerleading Guidelines 1

2 Alvin Independent School District Cheerleading District Guidelines High School Purpose The purpose of senior high varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders is to promote school spirit and a positive school climate by participating at athletic events and extra-curricular activities as deemed appropriate by the campus administration and Cheerleading Instructor. Cheerleaders are expected to be positive role models, serving as high school ambassadors at school, in the district and community. The guidelines set forth are designed to ensure equality of all members related to issues pertaining to cheerleading. We encourage cheerleaders to participate in other school activities, however, those activities must not conflict with their cheer obligations. The coach, sponsor or administrator reserves the right to make accommodations based on extenuating circumstances. Additional guidelines/constitutions can be created and published by each campus. These guidelines will take place for an entire cheer season, tryout selection until the end of the following school year. 2

3 1. Qualifications A. Scholastic Squad members must maintain a 70 in all classes to participate in the program. B. Attendance Squad members must meet the AISD Board Policy for attendance. C. Character Squad members must have exceptional citizenship and exceptional conduct in all areas of school activities. Squad members must have a wholesome attitude towards school, teachers, administrators, and peers. D. Health Squad members must be in good health and be able to participate in all activities. Candidates must submit a statement from a physician prior to try-outs (exact date specified by the campus), which indicates that the candidate is capable of performing all the essential functions of a cheerleader. The physician is to document examination on the Alvin ISD Physical Examination forms. E. Cheerleading year The year for new members begins once they have been selected for a squad. Current or returning members that are selected for a squad will have a year round commitment. 2. Try-outs A. Eligibility a. Candidates that have been academically ineligible according to the UIL No Pass No Play standard for the nine week grading period prior to tryouts may be placed on academic probation from the cheer program the following school year. Academic probation could consist of, but is not limited to: mandatory weekly tutorials, weekly grade checks, or sitting out of cheer events. Students that do not maintain passing grades may be subject to further probation or removal from the cheer program. b. Candidates who has received more than one N (Needs Improvement) or any U (Unsatisfactory) in conduct for any nine-week grading period during the current year prior to tryouts will not be allowed to try-out. c. Candidates must not have been assigned OSS or alternative school placement during the present school year and/or No ISS placement for more than ten days. d. Candidates must be officially enrolled in the Alvin Independent School District during the semester of try-outs. e. Candidates, if a returning cheerleader, must not have voluntarily forfeited his\her cheerleading position in the previous school year or not more than twice while attending any AISD schools. f. Candidates, if a returning cheerleader, will not be eligible for tryouts if he\she was removed from any AISD cheer squad. B. Tryout Process a. Tryouts will be held in the spring semester of each school year. b. Tryouts will begin with a mandatory parent/candidate meeting A parent or legal guardian must attend the mandatory informational meeting conducted by the coaches/sponsors in order to receive the tryout packet. Candidates and parents must fill out, complete and sign all information in the packet by the designated deadline before the student is allowed to participate in the tryout process. 3

4 The tryout packet will consist of (ex: application, physical examination, teacher evaluations, assistant principal evaluations, cheer coach evaluation, copy of report card, judges score sheet, etc.). c. Tryout Clinic- All candidates must attend the clinic held after school. Only 1 excused absence is permitted. Candidates with a medical excuse should consult the sponsor and the school administration if they are physically disabled at the time of tryouts. Time lost to practice at the clinic, due to an absence, cannot be used as grounds for appealing the final squad selection. d. Tryouts will be closed to everyone except judges, principals, principal s designees, cheerleader sponsors, and helpers designated by the cheer sponsors. e. The tryouts may be filmed and kept by the cheerleader sponsor. A parent may view their student s section of the tape with written request to the principal. Tapes and score sheets will be kept until the end of the school year following tryouts. At the end of the school year score sheets and any tapes from tryouts will be destroyed. f. Candidates must adhere to the required dress for try-outs, which is published in advance and specified by the campus. C. Selection Process A panel of a minimum of three (3) impartial judges will be secured for the actual tryout day. a. The weight of each category will be consistent for high school cheerleading try-outs and may be adjusted yearly. The cheer coaches will determine the weight of the categories prior to the try-out information being distributed. Each campus specifies which activities a candidate performs before the judges and communicates this to candidates during the clinic. Activities can include: group cheer, individual cheer, jumps, dance and chants D. Tabulation of Results a. Each judge will score each candidates performance using a numeric scale (1-10, for example). The judge must initial any change to a rating or sum of ratings. b. All three (3) judges scores will be added up to determine the final score for each candidate. c. Candidate total scores which include: teacher evaluations, assistant principal evaluations, coach/clinic evaluations and judge s scores are ranked in numerical order. d. In the event of tie, an established tie-breaker procedure will be implemented. (In case of a tie, the first choice will be determined by classification of the student.) 4

5 e. Up to sixteen (16) candidates eligible for varsity with the highest rankings maybe named the new varsity cheerleaders. Up to sixteen (16) candidates eligible for junior varsity with the highest rankings maybe named the new junior varsity cheerleaders. f. With approval by the principal, each campus will establish the manner in which selected candidates are informed, and the results are announced. g. Decision of the campus principal is final in all try-out results. h. Appeals for any component of the cheerleading try-out process must take place at the campus level. E. Squad Size and Special Positions a. Varsity Squad - may consist of seniors, juniors, and sophomores. The maximum number of cheerleaders on a varsity cheerleading squad will be sixteen (16). b. Junior Varsity Squad - may consist of juniors, sophomores and freshman. The maximum number of cheerleaders on a junior varsity squad will be sixteen (16). c. Alternates Alternates are not named. If a vacancy in a cheerleading squad occurs two or more weeks prior to the first day of the school year, the vacancy will be filled by naming the student with the next highest composite score, assuming that student still meets the qualifications and desire to make the necessary commitments. At the time a vacancy is filled, uniform and accessories will be ordered at parents expense. d. Mascots It is a campus decision to select a mascot. If a mascot is to be selected, the campus will establish the selection procedures and publish information related to selection procedure and job description for the school mascot. A school may select up to two students to serve as mascots; the mascot duties may be shared by students or both may be in costume acting as mascots at the same time. e. Head Cheerleader/Captain - The varsity captain will be a returning varsity letterman and the selection process for this position will be determined by the sponsor prior to tryouts. The JV captain will be determined by the coach/sponsor at a later time after the tryouts. Each campus should publish the information in campus constitution, which delineates the selection process and duties of the head cheerleader/captain. f. Competition Squad - sponsors will determine if they will have a competition squad for that school year. The sponsor will select members of this squad and decide all aspects of competition. g. All squad members must be enrolled in the class assigned for cheerleaders the entire school year and will follow the class guidelines that are set forth by the cheer sponsor. 3. Membership A. Squad Expectations a. All squad members are expected to arrive at all events by the time that is specified by the sponsor. If there is a question to the time, the cheerleader needs to contact the captain of their squad. Once they have 5

6 arrived at an event or function they must sit in the designated area as a group under the direction of the captain\head cheerleader or cheer sponsor. b. All squad members will attend athletic events, practices, activities and competitions designated by the sponsors. After being elected a cheerleader, students who participate in conflicting UIL activities need to coordinate ahead of time with both coaches when conflict in scheduling arise. Failure to do so may result in consequences. c. Summer Cheer camp is Mandatory for all squad members. Failure to attend and participate may result in removal from the squad. Camp dates will be communicated by the cheer sponsor at the time of try-outs. d. All squad members are accountable for uniforms assigned by the school or purchased on their own. This includes cleaning them, repairing them, and having them ready to wear at all times. e. Squad members must fulfill all other duties assigned to them by the sponsor. f. When resolving conflict all parents and squad members must follow the chain of command: Squad member to sponsors Parent to sponsors Parent to campus administrator g. Each squad is eligible to have a manager(s) and mascot. Each must adhere to all rules, regulations, and demerits required by all cheerleaders that are outlined in this constitution. If a mascot(s) are selected, the campus will establish the selection procedures and publish information related to selection procedure and job description for school mascot. A campus may have up to two students serve as mascot. h. Cheerleaders are to follow all NCA, UCA, ACA, other professional cheerleading associations, camp rules, or other local ground rules at establishments where the squads are performing, practicing, or attending other events designated by the cheer sponsor. i. Cheerleaders are expected to leave all areas used by the team clean and returned the way in which it was found. All food, trash, supplies need to be put up before practices, performances, camps, or other events designated by the cheer sponsors have concluded. B. Disqualification from Squad a. Benching and Suspension Ineligible squad members must attend events (with the exception of UIL ineligible members). A squad member who has a C- or below in any class will be required to attend tutorials in that class. Squad members must maintain appropriate grades and credits as outlined in the student handbook and UIL guidelines in order to be eligible for the squad. If at any point during an event, the sponsor decides that a squad member is not practicing sound judgment, is not behaving in 6

7 accordance to the Cheerleader Constitution, is behaving in an unsafe manner, being disrespectful, or not following direction from the sponsors; the sponsors reserve the right to bench the squad member for the remainder of the event and until such a time a conference can be scheduled between the sponsor, squad member and a parent/guardian. A squad member receiving a disciplinary referral for any of the following will be subject to ineligibility for 1 game: insubordination, vulgarities, truancy, cheating and/or fighting. C. Dismissal a. A total of three (3) N s in conduct and any U in conduct will result in immediate dismissal from the cheer squad. b. If a student is ineligible for (2) consecutive grading periods (9 weeks) in the same course or in different courses during the school year, the student will be removed from the cheerleading squad for the remainder of the school year. c. If a cheerleader/mascot/manager is dismissed from the squad, that individual will not be allowed to try out for the squad the following school year. d. Voluntarily Quit - Candidates selected to be a member of the cheerleading squad are expected to make a commitment to the activity for the full cheerleading year. Any cheerleader who voluntarily quits the squad before the end of the cheerleading year will not be allowed to try out for the next year. This includes removal from the cheer class and losing all rights and privileges of a cheerleader for that school year. Anyone who wishes to quit the cheer squad must submit it in writing with a parent\guardian signature to the cheer sponsor. e. Behavior unbecoming a student leader student representing themselves, or their organization, in an unfavorable, questionable or illegal manner will be subject to the disciplinary actions determined by appropriate school officials and/or organization sponsors/directors/coaches, including suspension or dismissal from the organization. This includes unfavorable, questionable, or illegal actions conveyed through electronic media (i.e. websites, personal homepages, blogs, text messages, chat rooms, or similar websites/files accessible through a server or internet) or using electronic communication devices in such a way as to bring discredit, dishonor, or disgrace on their organization or members of any other school organization including themselves (i.e. camera phones, digital photos, electronic descriptions) f. An accumulation of 20 demerits will result in dismissal from the squad. Demerits will carry over into the next semester but not into a new season. g. A captain/co-captain may be dismissed from their leadership position if they violate the extra-curricular code of conduct and/or AISD cheer guidelines. 7

8 D. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT a. Stay informed of the rules, regulations, and procedures that are applicable to the organization. b. Will support their cheerleader in complying with all the rules and regulations of this organization. Parents must sign the constitution in agreement to abide by its contents. c. Provide transportation, as needed, to ensure that the student arrives on time for practices, performances, and all scheduled events. d. Pick up students on time after practice and events. e. Attend all required parent meetings. f. Cooperate with school administrators and cheer sponsors in establishing and maintaining a quality organization. g. Follow the chain of command listed when addressing any concerns or issues. h. Insure fulfillment of all financial responsibilities required of the students as a member of the squad. Any financial concerns should be addressed with the campus cheer sponsor and/or campus administrator. i. It is important to the achievement of our goals that staff and parents work cooperatively. When attending cheer functions, games and performances, please remain in the designated spectator area unless approval is given by the cheer sponsor or campus administrator. j. Sign up to participate in fundraising and bonding events coordinated by cheer sponsor 4. EXPENSES A. Any and all uniforms, shirts, wind suits, etc. that are required by the sponsors will be at the expense of the individual squad member. An estimated list of expenses is presented before try-outs during the parent meeting. Uniform cost/accessory cost shall not exceed $1, B. Uniforms and accessories that the school provides will be property of the school. The squad member must pay for any damage or loss of these items. C. Uniform and Camp fees must be paid in full by the deadline specified. Deposit will be due the day of uniform fitting and ordering. If deposit and balances are not paid on time a member may be removed from the squad. All balances will be paid off prior to the last day of school. Payment arrangements may be made with the approval of cheer sponsor. D. All cheerleaders and their parents are entirely responsible for any and all expenses required for membership. This includes but is not limited to uniforms, practice clothes, camp fees, cheer clinics/workshops, etc. E. Competition squad members and parents are entirely responsible for any and all expenses required for competition. This includes but is not limited to choreographers, individual contest fees, transportation, etc. F. Names or initials must be written on the inside of every individual piece of cheer attire. G. Each member is asked to participate in all fundraising efforts. H. Competition members are given a fundraising quota in which they are required to meet, by December, to fulfill their financial obligations to the competition team. 8

9 I. Any money fundraised by a cheerleader or parent may not be dispersed to any individual at any time. Funds may not be used for individual benefit. J. Letter Jacket- Full Payment will be due at the time the order is placed for varsity members only. Students must meet the approved letter jacket requirements K. Unless arrangements have been made with the sponsors, students who have not paid for travel in full may not participate in the trip. Unpaid fundraising amounts will result in students not performing at the sponsor s discretion. 5. EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS A. Members will be issued ponchos, poms, etc. throughout the year. The user assumes 100% liability for the care of any materials issued. If an item is lost, misplaced, stolen, or damaged, the member will be responsible for the cost of replacing the item. B. Any items provided by AISD belong to the district. C. All uniforms, practice clothes, shoes, poms, etc. must be kept neat, clean, and in good condition at all times. D. Any additional items provided by the sponsor not belonging to the cheerleader must be hung up after each performance E. Uniforms are never to be worn without sponsor s permission. F. The uniform, practice wear, athletic attire, etc. may not be loaned to anyone at any time. G. Proper Dress listed below will be required a. No gum chewing allowed when cheering or practicing. b. All body piercings and jewelry are REMOVED not covered up. c. All visible tattoos are properly covered at all times. d. Shoes must be clean and in good condition at all times. e. No public display of affection f. Will not wear heavy make-up g. All hair secured as designated by the coach. Hair must be able to be neatly secured in a high ponytail for most performances. h. Will not wear ANY color on nails excluding French manicure or white. i. Will keep nails trimmed per sponsor s directive. j. Will wear cheer shoes to all performances and games. The cheerleader will wear the appropriate footwear based upon where the practice is held. Cheer or athletic shoes must be worn on hard surfaces, socks may be worn on specialized tumbling surfaces; this will be at the discretion of the coach/sponsor. k. Will wear proper undergarments including spankies; no undergarments shall be showing (i.e., no bra straps, slips, etc.). H. If a cheerleader shows up to an event not in proper cheer attire or mandatory dress he/she will automatically receive demerits. If the attire cannot be corrected he/she will sit out of the performance/game for the day. 6. LETTER JACKET REQUIREMENTS A. Members that complete an entire cheer season on the varsity squad are eligible for a letterman. 9

10 B. JV cheerleaders are not eligible for a letterman and their time on JV does not count in the lettering process. C. Cheerleaders who qualify for a letterman jacket will measure in the spring. D. Members will receive a letter by actively participating in ALL assigned activities and following all expectations listed in the Constitution. E. Any upperclassman (junior) that is not on Varsity, participates in 2 or more competitions on the competition squad their JV year, and makes the varsity squad their senior year will be eligible for lettering. F. Any cheerleader who has received repeated disciplinary action will not be eligible to letter. Any cheerleader who is ineligible due to grades will not letter. 7. ATTENDANCE A. All members are required to be enrolled in the designated cheer class period. B. All practices and events (performances, fundraisers, bonding, etc.) are MANDATORY unless otherwise stated no matter the TIME FRAME given C. Sponsor called practices are necessary and mandatory. Work will not be an excuse not to attend. D. Attendance to all assigned activities is expected. Failure to attend practices and/or events can result in disciplinary action. a. Excused/Unexcused absences Examples of excused absences a. Illness or accident. b. Funeral or death in the immediate family c. School functions that are approved in advance by the coach/sponsor. d. Practice for other school functions does not take priority over scheduled events. Examples of unexcused absences a. Work b. All Star Cheer Practice c. Anything not listed under excused E. Each squad member may not accumulate more than 5 excused absences for the entire year. Absences in excess of 5 excused for the year may be grounds for probation and/or dismissal from the squad. Medical excuses from parents will be good for no more than two days. If there is a reason for a longer period of inactivity, a doctor s note will be necessary. For long illnesses such as flu, excused absences from school will suffice. F. In order to receive an excused absence from an activity, a member must present a written note from a parent\guardian to the sponsor prior to the absent. In certain emergency cases a note can be provided after the absence to still be considered excused. G. Any unexcused absences will result in demerits. H. When a member is absent it is THEIR duty to find out what was missed and be prepared when they return to practice. I. If a member does not keep up with the changes in choreography, cleaning, and formations then the member is subject to removal from the performance. J. Members must travel to and from an activity on transportation provided and approved by Alvin ISD/Alvin HS. 10

11 a. In the case of extenuating circumstances a transportation form may be presented to the sponsor to allow the student to ride home with a parent from an event. b. The form must be turned into the coach\sponsor as soon as possible stating the member s name, date of the event, and signature of the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must sign the form upon departure with their cheerleader. Please see sponsor for this form. K. Practice a. Practice is required during the summer as well as during the school year. b. All practices are closed to the cheerleaders, mascots, managers, and the coach/sponsor. No parents, friends, or other family members are allowed to attend practice. c. Medical excuses from parents will be good for no more than two days. If there is a reason for a longer period of inactivity, a doctor s note will be necessary. Also, the appropriate clearance from a doctor or trainer may be needed prior to returning to activity. d. A cheerleader who does not participate in the cheerleading class and/or practice will not be allowed to participate in the performance/event to be held that evening or the following days unless the absence was approved by the coach/sponsor. However, the cheerleader must attend the event in uniform and sit with the sponsor. The appropriate number of demerits will be issued as set by the constitution. Nonparticipation includes absences, early dismissals, and sitting out. Also, if a cheerleader misses several practices prior to a major performance he or she may not have a performance spot. This will be the decision of the sponsor. e. All cheerleaders are expected to dress out for every practice including the cheer class. Proper practice dress instructions will be given by the sponsor at the beginning of the season. Hair should always be up and away from the face, NO jewelry, and cheer shoes or shoes that have been approved by the sponsor must be worn at all times. If the cheerleader does not dress out then the cheerleader will receive applicable demerits. If it cannot be immediately corrected then the cheerleader will sit out for that practice and could be ineligible to perform at the next game or event. L. Competition Season a. No more than 2 absences will be allowed. b. Upon the 2nd absence an alternate may fill the spot and keep the spot during the duration of competition season c. Once a cheerleader is removed their spot is forfeited. d. If a cheerleader is removed from a competition routine due to injury, she may be added back after clearance from a physician and/or trainer. e. During the week of Competition, if a cheerleader misses a practice their placement in the routine is up to the sponsor depending on what events took place during the practice missed regardless if it is an excused or unexcused absence. f. For JV: If needed, all JV members will be given the opportunity to try-out for the competition squad. Upon making the competition squad you will 11

12 adhere to all rules and regulations outlined for competition members in the constitution. 8. RULES AND REGULATIONS A. Summer a. Every Cheerleader is required to take organized cheer classes during the summer. The amount of hours will be set by the director. Failure to complete these hours will results in demerits and the Cheerleader will not be eligible to perform until all hours are completed. B. Camps a. Summer camp is required for all high school cheerleaders and mascots under the direction of a sponsor. Failure to attend camp and participate in the summer camp activities MAY result in removal from the squad. b. Any group attending a cheerleading camp is representing its school and must act accordingly. c. Everyone must attend classes, competition, and meal assignments as a group and be on time. No one will be able to skip classes or meals. d. Transportation to and from camp will be per the sponsor s directive. e. All luggage will be limited to two bags and the cheerleader must be able to carry\roll the bag(s) on their own and in one trip to and from the bus. C. Performances a. Rules and schedules for events will be distributed by the coach. b. In order to participate in a cheerleading event, a student must be present at school for classes for at least half a school day on the day of the event. Additional requirements for attendance at school or practice prior to participation may be specified by the campus. c. While performing there should be no socializing with spectators or fellow cheerleaders. D. Social Media a. Students and Parents are expected to abide by the following: To protect the privacy of AISD students and faculty, students may not, under any circumstances, create digital video recordings of AISD community members either on campus or at off-campus AISD events for online publication or distribution unless you have the consent of those in the school administration for on campus items as well as consent of those in the digital recording. Students and Parents may not use social media sites to publish disparaging or harassing remarks about AISD community members, fellow teammates, the coaching staff, faculty, staff, school administrators and athletic or academic contest rivals. Students and Parents who choose to post editorial content to websites or other forms of online media content to websites or other forms of online media must ensure that their submission does not reflect poorly upon the school. 12

13 9. CODE OF CONDUCT for STUDENTS INVOLVED IN EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES All students are expected to adhere to the Alvin ISD Student Code of Conduct. However, higher standards are expected of students representing the district in extracurricular activities. Students and parents will receive a copy of the Extracurricular Code of Conduct and will be asked to sign a written contract agreeing to adhere to the guidelines established to consistently govern all students who participate in extracurricular activities within the district. 10. DEMERIT SYSTEM The purpose of demerits is to make sure that all cheerleaders, mascots, and managers are accountable for their actions and are acting in a manner that is best for the overall squad. The sponsors will assign and track demerits for an entire season. If a squad member has a question about a demerit, she must set up a conference with the sponsor within 2 school days of receiving the demerit to discuss the demerit given. Demerits include, but are not limited to the following: A. 15 DEMERITS (if the offense did not lead to dismissal from the squad): a. ISS placement (for any reasons other than dress code or tardies), ADAPT, or Suspension from school b. Misrepresentation of team as stated in AISD Cheer Guidelines and/or Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct c. Discovered being truant from class or school B. 12 DEMERITS a. Insubordination and/or disrespect to any coach, AISD employee, administrator, faculty or staff member C. 10 DEMERITS a. ISS placement (for dress code or tardies) b. Insubordination and/or disrespect to any team member. Includes slandering or being disrespectful to a fellow cheerleader c. Misuse of internet, and/or social webpage. This includes but not limited to inappropriate content, language, or pictures, sexual content, and illegal substances, or paraphernalia D. 7 DEMERITS a. Breaking any rule in the AISD student code of conduct handbook (dress code, tardiness, office referral, etc.) b. Stunting without direct approval/coach supervision c. Unsportsmanlike conduct at performances, games, pep rallies, and other school functions E. 5 DEMERITS a. Unexcused absence from a performance or mandatory function b. Inappropriate actions while cheering (combing hair, talking to spectators, etc.) c. Public display of affection (kissing, hugging, holding hands, etc.), with non-cheerleaders in or out of uniform 13

14 d. Not completing summer cheer hours. F. 3 DEMERITS a. Turning in money, forms, etc. past the stated deadline b. Returning late after any break c. Unexcused absence from practice d. Leaving an event early or arriving to an event late e. Failure to know materials (cheers, chants, dances) f. Being picked up late from a game or other event (10 minutes after announced ending time) g. Allowing a non-squad member to wear team attire G. 2 DEMERITS a. Wearing nail polish other than white or French manicure while performing at an event b. Inappropriate hair according to sponsor s direction c. Wearing jewelry during practice or at a performance (belly ring, cartilage, etc.) d. Visible tattoos or passion marks while in team attire e. Not in complete dress at the time of arrival designated by sponsor f. Chewing gum during a performance g. Failure to wear correct attire to a performance (if it can be corrected) h. Excessive talking during practice or performance i. Late for practice or meeting H. Physical conditioning may be used in lieu of demerits for minor infractions, determined by sponsor. 11. PROBATION A. Definition A member shall not be able to perform in any performance or represent the organization in any fashion (ex. Wearing attire to school) but must be in attendance at ALL scheduled practices, performances and activities in proper attire assigned by the sponsor. The sponsor will determine the length of the probationary period. All rules and regulations still apply at all times. B. The sponsor along with administrator approval may place a member on probation at any time for any infraction of the Alvin ISD Cheer Guidelines, Constitution, and/or AISD Student Code of Conduct or as deemed necessary. C. Grade/Conduct Probation: a. During this time, the cheerleader will not be allowed to participate in any performance opportunity or represent the cheer squad. However, they must still be at all practice and activities and in proper attire assigned by the sponsor. b. A student who receives a grade below 70 in any class at the end of any UIL grading period (other than an identified advanced class) may not participate in extracurricular activities for three school weeks and will be placed on probation. The sponsor will assign the student study hall and 14

15 weekly tutorials while on probation. The member must participate in practice, but may not perform with the team or attend any performances/games. The student regains eligibility after the seven calendar day waiting period has ended following a grading or the three school weeks evaluation period when the principal and teachers determine that he or she has earned a passing grade(70 or above) in all classes, other than those that are advanced. c. Students receiving 2 ECO s will result in probation for one week. d. Students who receive more than 2 referrals a semester will result in probation for two weeks each time 2 referrals are accumulated. e. A student on probation will be replaced in all routine(s) at the sponsor s discretion and may or may not regain a spot in the routine(s) once the probation period has ended. D. Demerit Probation: a. During this time, the cheerleader will not be allowed to participate in any performance opportunity or represent the cheer squad. However, they must still be at all practice and activities and in proper attire assigned by the sponsor. b. Once the 5th demerit is received by a captain/co-captain or 10th demerit is received by a non-captain, the member will be placed on demerit probation for a set time of two weeks or at the sponsor s discretion. Any demerits received during or after the probationary period will result in an extension in the probationary period of one week per demerit received. c. Once the 10th demerit is received by a captain/co-captain, the member will be demoted from their position. It is up to the sponsor if that position will be filled d. A member will be suspended from the cheer squad or be placed on probation according to the guidelines of the demerit/merit system. A student s probation, for any reason, will begin with the first performance following the member s violation. 12. MERIT SYSTEMS A. The purpose of merits is to promote positive behavior from all cheerleaders, mascots, and managers. The sponsors will assign and track merits for an entire season. Merits will carry over into the next semester but not into a new season. If a squad member has a question about a merit, she must set up a conference with the sponsor within 2 school days. a. 5 merits will eliminate 1 demerit. Merits may only eliminate demerits if received prior to the demerit. Each member can remove up to 10 demerits a year. b. Merits are considered a privilege and it is not required of the sponsor to award them. c. Merits will only be awarded and approved if necessary documentation is turned within 1 week of the event. Do not assume merits are being awarded. d. Merits can be awarded for the following: 15

16 20- "A" Honor Roll (if report card provided by squad member within 5 business days) 15- "A/B" Honor Roll (if report card provided by squad member within 5 business days) 10- Community Service Project (for every 4 hours of service) 10- Attending outside tumbling/cheer class (at least 4 hours a month) 5- Extra activities not required (painting, basketball playoff game, junior varsity games, etc.) 5- Parent attending a Booster Club Meeting (only 1 parent per family) 2- Assisting a fellow cheerleader with homework or tutorials 2- Assisting a fellow cheerleader with cheer material (outside of time allotted for learning/practicing material) 13. AMENDMENTS A. Sponsors and/or administrators reserve the right to amend this constitution at any time. All parents and cheerleaders will be notified of changes immediately and these changes will be enforced two weeks after notification. 16

17 ALVIN ISD HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING GUIDELINES I have read the AISD Cheerleading Guidelines and I understand the rules it includes. I will adhere to the guidelines and help support the cheerleading program, squad and coach by following the rules and ensuring that my child follows them. I agree that I will comply with the financial and time commitment as stated in the campus constitution and try-out packet. Parent Signature Date I have read the AISD Cheerleading Guidelines and I understand the rules of being on the squad. I will adhere to the Constitution and help support the cheerleading program, squad and coach by following these rules. Student Signature Date 17