Holy Ghost School SPIRIT TEAM HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 Holy Ghost School SPIRIT TEAM HANDBOOK

2 A note from the sponsors: Your child has been selected to be a member of the Holy Ghost Spirit Team for the upcoming school year. On the following pages you will find the requirements, guidelines, and policies for the members. Members are chosen on a one-year basis. Each year, all members must try out for the following year. During the summer, all members must attend training camp. At the summer camp, the girls will learn new dances, cheers, chants, proper stunt building, safe spotting techniques, and dance techniques. Please understand that cheerleading and dancing are truly rewarding sports. They offer wonderful opportunities for all who participate. The Spirit Team members are respected by their fellow classmates as well as by our community. They represent Holy Ghost School during games, and communitysponsored events. As representatives of our school, the guidelines and policies will be upheld by the Spirit Team members, their parents, and their sponsors.

3 1.0 ELIGIBILITY GRADES: Students must meet the academic requirements of a 2.0 grade point average in the six major promotional subjects (Religion, Math, Language Arts, Reading, Science, and Social Studies) and should not have an F in any of the previous subjects. The nine weeks report card issued prior to tryouts, will be the instrument used to determine eligibility. If a new student has been accepted to Holy Ghost and registration is paid, she will be eligible to tryout. The academic requirements will be the same as above. Once a student makes the team, continued eligibility will be based on maintaining a 2.0 GPA in the six major subjects. If a Spirit Team member falls below a 2.0 GPA at the time a progress report is issued, the member will be placed on probation. Probation: The probationary period will begin when a member s GPA falls below a 2.0. During a probationary period, the Spirit Team member must continue to attend and participate in all practices. She will not be allowed to cheer/dance at any games, pep rallies, or competitions. If at any time on a report card, a member s GPA falls below a 2.0, she will be removed from the squad.

4 CONDUCT: Students must also maintain a C or above in conduct to be eligible to tryout and remain on the Spirit Team once selected. The nine weeks report card issued prior to tryouts will be the instrument used to determine eligibility. Once a student makes the team, continued eligibility will be based on maintaining a C in conduct. Probation: If a Spirit Team member receives a D in conduct at any time during a nine weeks period due to infractions, the Spirit Team member will be put on probation for two weeks. Probation is defined as a suspension from participating in all games for two weeks. However, during that two-week period, the member must attend all practices and dress out in uniform for the games without participating in the games/performances. At the end of the two week period, if the member has not received another infraction, she will be allowed to remain on the team. If not, she will be removed from the team. If at any time a Spirit Team member receives a D in conduct due to detentions and/or suspensions, the member will be removed from the team. If a member receives at F in conduct at any time during the nine weeks, she will be removed from the team.

5 2.0 TRYOUTS Tryouts will be held in late February or March. Tryouts are held after school in the Holy Ghost School gym. There will be a mandatory parent meeting approximately 2 weeks prior to tryouts. Students will need a school picture and a $25.00 non-refundable fee turned in by the first day of tryout practice. A signed permission slip and consent form are due to the sponsors by the first day of tryout practice. These must be filled out in their entirety. Students will not be allowed to participate in tryout activities if all paperwork and money has not been received. Tryouts are determined by faculty screening and scores from judges. Judging criteria will be discussed at the parent meeting. Girls who have been a Spirit Team member every year (5-7 grades) will be a member of the respective squad for 8 th grade, provided they have met the eligibility requirements. These girls will attend the tryout practice sessions and learn the routines and go through the tryout process for critiquing purposes only. Each team will have captains. Captains must be in the 8 th grade. If there are no 8 th grader representatives on the squad, 7 th graders will be eligible for interviews. Captains must have been a member of the Spirit Team the preceding year to tryout/interview. The selection process for captains will include scores from teacher evaluations, rubric of policies/procedures from previous year, and an interview score. Attendance at school, practices, games, and performances will be looked at as well. These scores will be totaled and determine captain selection. No student will be allowed to try out for any extracurricular activity if the student s financial account is more than 30 days past due.

6 3.0 CONDUCT Spirit Team members are representatives of Holy Ghost School and are expected to uphold a code of moral conduct in accordance with school policies. Violation of this code of conduct may result in dismissal from the squad at the sponsors or the administration s discretion. Although the rules set forth in our handbook address the frequent rule violations of students today, the school reserves the right to vary the discipline procedures depending on individual circumstances. The school also has the right to pass judgment on behaviors, not specified in our handbook, which are clear violations of the values on which we are established as a Catholic Christian school. The Spirit Team is a service organization. We are not a competition squad. Our goal is to promote school spirit through our cheers and performances while maintaining Christian values. 4.0 PRACTICE Once the new Spirit Team is in place, practices will be twice a week beginning in April or early May in preparation of summer camp. Practices will continue each week during the months of April, May, and June. Camp will take place in June. Camp is mandatory. Dates for camp will be given to each member so they can plan accordingly. The Spirit Team usually practices on Tuesdays of each week from 2:40-4:30. The times may change as the year progresses. Once the girls enter the gym, they should change into their practice uniform and eat a snack immediately. Practice will begin no later than 2:50. Practices are closed and are mandatory. Members must give the sponsors notice before a practice is missed. (This will not mean that the absence is excused from a demerit.) If a member misses a practice due to extenuating circumstances, a written note must be presented to the sponsors upon return. A student who misses two consecutive practices may not perform at the following game or special event. The sponsors are responsible for supervision at practices. No team will be left unsupervised. The sponsor is responsible for dismissing the team.

7 5.0 PERFORMANCES All members will cheer or dance at home football games. During a game, there will be absolutely no eating or drinking, unless allowed by sponsors during an off time. Members will perform at girls /boys home basketball games. During a game, there will be absolutely no eating or drinking, unless allowed by sponsors during an off time. Attendance at games is so important. It sends a negative message when members leave games early. If you leave a game or event early, a demerit(s) is issued. Leaving due to extenuating circumstances will be decided by the sponsors. Please refer to the back of the handbook for more information about demerits. All members must arrive at an athletic event 15 minutes prior to the event. The sponsors are responsible for supervision before the start of the game and during the game. No team will be left unsupervised. The sponsors are responsible for dismissing the team. Any member leaving the gym, stadium, or event area without prior permission from the sponsor will be immediately dismissed from the squad. We ask that you please be on time to pick up your child or children. 6.0 POLICIES AND PROCEDURES Attendance at all scheduled games and practices is mandatory. All members must be in good health. Practices will include a combination of conditioning through strength training, aerobic exercise, and skills, such as cheers, chants, dances, jumps, tumbling, partner stunts, and pyramids. All members are required to have a physical and submit a copy of that physical to the sponsor to insure that all health concerns are addressed. A full day or half day absence from school will render a student ineligible for any Spirit Team practice, scheduled game, or any other event that day unless a medical excuse is provided or in case of bereavement. A student entering school between 7:35 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. is considered tardy, not absent. Members must wear complete uniforms (including socks, shoes, and hair ribbons) at every game/practice.

8 Any members who have not been picked up after practice will be taken to Aftercare. Parents are responsible for Aftercare fees. Minimal make-up is permitted for game performances. If a sponsor feels that a member has too much make-up on, she will be asked to remove it. At no time is nail polish allowed. Jewelry is not to be worn, unless approved by the sponsors, such as stud earrings for dance. Members must follow the instructions of the sponsors. Members and parents must be considerate of team members, other parents, and sponsors. Members should always show good sportsmanship to the other team members and fans at all games, events, or competitions. Any member who resigns from the Spirit Team will be ineligible to try out for the following year, unless there are extenuating circumstances such as health or moving. Any member removed from the Spirit Team for any reason will not be eligible for a refund of any fees and will be ineligible to participate in any awards program or be pictured with that team in the yearbook. Any member removed from the squad because of demerits will be ineligible to tryout for the squad in the future. Members are responsible for certain expenses. For instance, if a member drops out after deposits are made but before balances are due, it is the responsibility of the member, not the school, to pay the remaining balances. No student will be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activity if the student s financial account is more than 30 days past due. These accounts include but are not limited to, tuition, fees, Aftercare, cafeteria, B-Quest, and band. The student will not be able to participate in a game or attend practice until the financial account becomes current. As always, the family is encouraged to contact the school administration and/or pastor to make financial arrangements should difficulties arise in paying on time. Cell phones will be permitted at practices but they: Must be turned off Must be left in bags Must not be used for picture taking Must only be used under the direction of a sponsor

9 Must only be used for calling home in case of emergency or a ride home **THIS RULE IS STRICTLY ENFORCED. 7.0 MERIT/DEMERIT SYSTEM The Spirit Team has a system that will be used to monitor each member s participation in all aspects of the Team. Merits and demerits will be issued by sponsors only. The sponsors will keep track of each individual girl s count. When a member has done something extra to contribute to the squad, she will be issued a merit. A merit will erase a demerit. If a guideline for the team is broken, a demerit will be issued. When a member receives her 5th demerit, a notice will be sent home for a parent signature. The member will not be allowed to participate in a scheduled event or practice until this form is returned. If a member receives 8 demerits, she will be placed on probation. She will not be allowed to participate in one scheduled event. She will, however, have to attend the event, in uniform. If a Spirit Team member receives 10 demerits, she will be removed from the squad. **Merits will be limited to no more than 6 per member, per year** The merit/demerit system is outlined below: Merits can be earned for the following: Throws that are used for school performances or events Attendance at certain optional games or events, as determined by the sponsors The sponsors are not limited to these guidelines. When teamwork and cooperation is apparent, a merit may be issued.

10 Demerits will be issued for: Class C Violations (as documented in Section 8.0 of the Parent/Student Handbook) A member suspended from school as a result of a Class C violation will receive 4 demerits for a one-day suspension with an additional demerit added for each additional suspension day. Participation in practices and games will not be allowed during this time. Class B Violations (as documented in Section 8.0 of the Parent/Student Handbook) A member suspended from school as a result of a Class B Violation will receive 3 demerits for a one-day suspension with an additional demerit added for each additional suspension day. Participation in practices and games will not be allowed during this time. Detentions A member who receives a detention will receive 2 demerits. Major Uniform Violation A member who fails to dress out completely for pep rallies, games, or special events will receive 1 1/2 demerits. Minor Uniform Violation A member who fails to dress out at practices (shorts, shirt, shoes) will receive 1 demerit. Incorrect socks or bow = ½ demerit. Missing a scheduled practice 1 demerit (Dr. note/participation in another Holy Ghost event will excuse the absence from a demerit.) Missing a scheduled game 1 demerits per game (Dr. note/participation in another Holy Ghost event will excuse the missed game from a demerit.) Late for practice (no more than 15 min.) ½ demerit Late for game/scheduled event (no more than 15 min.) 1/2 demerit Leaving practice early (no more than 30 min.) ½ demerit Leaving a game early (after halftime) 1/2 demerit Not staying to clean 1 demerit No poms at practice 1/2 demerit No poms at game/competition/event 1 demerit Excessive make-up at game 1 demerit Eating/drinking during practice/performances 1 demerit Chewing gum 1 demerit Returning paperwork/deposits in late 1 demerit Disrespect shown to other members (includes teasing, gossiping, etc.) 2-4 demerits Disrespect shown to sponsors/coaches - (includes talking back, inappropriate facial expressions, bad attitude) 2-4 demerits Failure to follow procedures (at practices and games) 1 demerit Cell phones Any member who uses a cell phone, other than for the purposes outlined above in Policies/Procedures will receive 2 demerits

11 SPIRIT TEAM PARENT/MEMBER/SPONSOR AGREEMENT NAME I/We, the parent(s) of the above named, have read the Spirit Team rules and guidelines and understand all the requirements and consequences of improper actions. We understand the sponsor has final say in my/our daughter s remaining on the Team. We also realize this is a team effort and that we may be called upon to help in some ways throughout the year which are within capacity to help, and we will make every effort to do our share of assisting on behalf of our daughter. Parent signature Date As member of the Spirit Team, I have fully read the rules and guidelines and understand what is expected of me to remain a member in good standing. I will keep myself knowledgeable and informed of all rules, and realize the consequences of poor behavior or inappropriate actions may be severe. I will do all I can to uphold the honor and tradition of the Spirit Team, and respect my team members, my school, and all persons associated with school spirit, at all times. Student signature Date As sponsor of the Spirit Team, I pledge to treat all members as fairly as possible, to be reasonable in practice expectations, and to always keep in mind that academics and family need to be highly considered within the framework of my expectations. Sponsor signature Date