Southside High School Cheerleader Constitution

Transcription

1 Being a part of the SHS Cheerleading Squad is a privilege that you, as an athlete, must earn through dedication, desire, and discipline. You will have the opportunity to participate in leadership development activities, community events, and be a role model to other students. Your conduct in class, in the community, and at school functions, as well as your performance, should be of a caliber which sets a positive example to other students and people around you. You will need to read this constitution and sign in the appropriate places. Your parent will also have to agree and sign. By signing this Constitution you agree to all that is written below. If you do not abide by the rules and regulations set forth in this Constitution you may be removed from the squad. I. Purpose It shall be the purpose of this organization to promote and uphold school spirit, to develop sense of good sportsmanship among students, to support athletic programs, and to develop better relationships in the community and between competing schools during athletic events. The organizations goal is to work in harmony with the administration, faculty, band, athletic teams, and all other school organizations. II. III. Eligibility Requirements A. Before a student can become a candidate for cheerleader, he/she must meet the following conditions: High School students, 10 th 11 th, 12 th, to be eligible during any school year must have passed during the preceding year in attendance at least six new full Carnegie units or subjects with a minimum composite numerical average of 70 in those six units or subjects. Four core courses Math, English, Science, and Social Studies must be passed in the six courses. A new unit or subject is one that has not been previously passed. Middle school students must pass five Carnegie units with a composite score of 70 to be eligible for cheerleading. Only one unit of physical education per year may be counted. (Section 9, Academic Rule in Alabama High School Athletic Association Handbook, is hereby incorporated herein by reference.) Be enrolled and on a regular attendance during the term/semester during cheerleader selection. Must agree to observe all applicable rules of good citizenship and conduct during his/her tenure as a cheerleader. B. Each candidate must turn in an AHSAA Physical Form completed by a physician, stating the candidate has passed a physical examination and is able to participate. C. Each candidate must carry school accident insurance or present a waiver signed by parent/guardian stating that they have adequate insurance and a copy of that card must be provided for emergencies. D. Each candidate must provide a copy of his/her own original birth certificate. E. A candidate is NOT eligible to try out if he/she has quit, been removed from the squad in a previous year, or has failed to complete a full season of events for any reason (except a serious documented medical excuse). F. All previous cheerleader debts must be paid in full before the first day of clinic. If a balance has not been settled, the candidate will not be allowed to try out for the upcoming squad. G. All Etowah County Handbook Rules and The AHSAA Spirit Rules Handbook guidelines will be followed. Try Outs A. Try outs will be held annually during the second semester of the school year and will consist of candidates entering grade 9 through grade 12. B. The try out process will consist of participation in a pre-try out clinic (Mon-Thur) and try outs (Friday) in front of a panel of three judges. Attendance for clinic is mandatory for the first three days (Mon-Wed). The fourth day will be shorter than the other days and will be for extra help. Exceptions to this will be for school sanctioned events only for other school sports. C. Clinic is closed to all individuals except SHS cheer coaches, those teaching the clinic, and SHS administrators. Candidates are to arrive on time and leave on time. D. The Clinic fee will be $30.00 and is due on the first day of clinic. This fee is non-refundable. The fee goes to pay for clinic instructors and judges. If you pay then decide you do not want to try out, you will not get a refund.

2 E. The try outs before the judges will be open to the public with an admission fee of $3.00 per person. The judges are independent professional judges from Spirit Events Inc. We do not know the judges individually. All skills will be scored on the basis of the level of perfected execution. Each candidate will be able to receive a copy of the score sheet during clinic at their request. Candidates are to wear solid black shorts, solid white t-shirts (no markings other than brand symbols), and ankle socks. No clothing indicating prior cheerleading experience will be allowed. F. No part of the try out process may be filmed or photographed. This includes cameras, video cameras, and cell phone cameras, or any other recording device. G. Small children are discouraged from attending. Silence is required because any noise is disruptive and could distract the candidates. All spectators will be asked to remain seated during try outs. Money will not be refunded to those asked to leave. H. After and only after the Judges have been seated, the candidates will draw numbers for the numerical try out order. After try outs the candidates and all spectators must leave the school grounds. Results will be posted on the school website. The Coaches/Coach will determine the number of squad members based upon the final scores of all candidates. I. Candidates become part of the squad after try outs. Their responsibilities, commitment, and term are for a one year period, beginning and ending with the try out date. IV. Membership and Attendance Requirements A. Cheerleaders are expected to cheer at all athletic events as designated by the Coaches/coach. Membership for cheerleading includes football games, basketball games, competitions, special sport events (pep rallies, parades, etc.), practices, and fund raising activities. B. Attendance is Mandatory. Cheerleaders should not miss any game, practice, or activity except in case of an emergency. A parent/guardian must call the Coaches for any absence to be excused. Calls to the captain or co-captain will not be excused. A call to the Coaches/Coach is REQUIRED for any absence. C. Unexcused absences are detrimental to the entire program and will NOT be tolerated. (See Demerits) D. Absences due to work schedules are unexcused. Jobs must work around the cheer schedule. E. Absences due to other sport practices are unexcused during the months of June through November, unless approved ahead f time. This is our busiest time of year planning pep rallies, making spirit signs, and practicing for games. It is essential and mandatory that all squad members are present at practices. F. Varsity Cheerleaders will perform at all Varsity Football Games and Home Varsity Basketball Games. They will also perform at local away basketball games selected by the Coaches, unless a bus is provided for away basketball games. G. Junior Varsity Cheerleaders will perform at all Home Junior Varsity Football Games and at all Home Junior Varsity Basketball Games. They will also perform at local away games selected by the Coaches. H. Cheerleaders will be required to attend a Summer Camp. No attendance results in dismissal from squad. The week of practice before Camp is very important and is also MANDATORY. Please do not schedule family vacations the week before or the week of Camp. You must attend. V. Financial Responsibility A. Parents are responsible for ALL costs of the try out fee, clothing items, camp, and competition as set by the Coaches. This may include, but is not limited to, uniforms, poms, socks, tights, warm-ups, pep rally uniforms, camp clothes, hair bows, gloves, headgear, etc. B. The Cheerleading Uniform is the property of Southside High School. Each cheerleader must rent the uniform for the year. They are responsible for the upkeep of the uniform and all cheerleading items. The uniform should be kept in good condition and be presentable at all times. If an item is lost or damaged it is the cheerleader s responsibility to replace that item at replacement cost. The uniform rental fee will be determined by the type and cost of uniform (if new) and the Coaches. C. All purchases to be used during cheer activities will be approved by the coach regardless of the method of payment. All items must be worn in the manner in which they were designed to be worn.

3 D. If a cheerleader is removed from OR chooses to quit the squad at any time, they are still responsible for payment of all items ordered, or expenses incurred. VI. VII. VIII. Uniforms and Appearances A. Cheerleaders should look their best, physically, at all times. Maintaining strength, endurance, flexibility, etc. will keep a cheerleader s performances at peak condition. A member must be physically able to participate in all aspects of training. B. When Cheerleaders are on the field, court, competing, or acting as a squad, they will be in complete uniform. This means same shoes, socks, sweaters, shirts, jackets, pants, etc. C. Uniforms will be determined for each game or event by the Coaches, not the Captains. A calendar of events will be given out and have the designated uniform to be worn for that event. Cheerleaders should come to events in uniform and ready to begin. Cheerleading briefs/spandex must be worn under clothing at all practices and performances. D. If the appropriate uniform or uniform components (correct poms) are not worn at event time they will sit out of the event and receive 2 demerits. (See Demerits) E. No part of the uniform will be worn outside designated functions and no one other than the cheerleader paying to rent the uniform. F. All uniforms and shoes must be kept clean and neat at all times in order that they may be worn at a moment s notice. Uniforms are machine washable bus should hang to dry. It is up to the individual to check the monthly calendar on what uniform to wear and where to be at what time. G. No addition to the uniform may be worn while cheering or dancing unless the entire squad has on identical items and they have been cleared by the Coaches. H. Hair must be up in a pony tail at all times Hairstyles should not require attention during performances and everyone should have their hair the same. No excessive make-up and no extreme hair color, no glitter, and body art is unacceptable. Arrival at functions/performances without the correct accessories and/or grooming will result in a demerit. (See Demerits) I. Fingernails should be kept short and unpainted for games and performances (AHSAA RULE). Selection of Captains/Co-Captains Captians/Co-Captains will be selected by the Coaches. It is up to the Coaches to decide to have this selection. The selection will not be based on scores at try outs. They will be based on the individual s example they set for themselves, character toward others, and ability to lead and help the squad. Captains and Co-Captains Duties A. Follow all rules and regulations set forth by the Etowah County Board of Education, Southside High School, and this Constitution. Failure to do so will result in dismissal. B. Always be willing to do more than their share C. Work in harmony with squad members D. Be early for all practices and events and start on time and be prepared to stay late if necessary. E. Lead all practices and help Coaches carry out meeting instructions. F. Select Cheers and Chants to be used at games and pep rallies. G. Be responsible for greeting visiting team cheerleaders BEFORE the start of the game. H. Coordinate painting and hanging of signs. I. Do not try to solve any disagreements without bringing the problem to the attention of the Coaches. This is not your responsibility. Please make the Coaches aware. IX. Practice Schedule A. During the last two months of school, the practice schedule will be determined by the Coaches. A copy of the spring/summer schedule will be given to each member of the squad along with a monthly calendar that will have upcoming events and practice times.

4 B. A cheerleader must be in attendance at school for one-half day in order to cheer that day or night. C. Only the coach has the authority to excuse a cheerleader from practice. Excuses will be granted only in case of illness or emergencies. ALL routine dental, doctor, and other appointments must be made around scheduled practices. These are not considered emergencies and will not be considered excused absences. D. No cell phone is to be heard or out during Practice. E. You must come to practice already dressed and start stretching. X. Conduct During Athletic Events A. Cheerleaders must appear spirited, smiling, and show enthusiasm throughout the entire athletic event or activity. B. Talking to fans should be kept to a minimum. C. There should be no excessive talking among squad members during cheer events. You are there to cheer not socialize. D. There will be no eating during the athletic event or during practice sessions. A snack may be eaten during half time of football games or between basketball games. A good meal should be eaten before the event or practice sessions. All members should keep bottled water with them during all games and practices to promote proper hydration. E. Cheerleaders are not to leave the cheering area without the Coaches permission. Do not leave the cheering area to practice. Cheerleaders must cheer during the entire game. F. Stunting is prohibited during any live ball. If a ball is on the court, field, playing area, etc, stunting is not allowed. G. Use the restrooms before the event starts, halftime, or after the game (unless emergencies). H. Each squad is expected to bolster crowd spirit when the other squad is performing. Sitting together as a group and motivation of other students and fans is strongly encouraged. I. Cheerleaders in uniform should not have any physical contact with friends or boyfriends/girlfriends. J. Cell phones, Purses, bags, etc should be put up and out of the way. XI. XII. Miscellaneous Any item or situation not mentioned in this set of rules that causes a problem for the squad will be dealt with on an individual basis by the coach in conjunction with the school administration. Rules may be added if necessary to correct those problems. All possible problems cannot be covered in this document. Therefore, it may be necessary to deal with situations not covered in the document as they occur. All situations will be handled and dealt with in compliance with school and board policies. Disciplinary actions for any of the behaviors/infractions will range from temporary to permanent dismissal from the squad. All conferences must be scheduled in advance with the coach/coaches. SHS will follow guidelines set up by the AHSAA. This constitution follows current guidelines but may be revised as AHSAA guidelines are changed. Discipline Demerits A. Demerits will be used for disciplinary action for all cheerleaders. The time period that demerits may be given begins the first day after school is dismissed for the summer (following try outs) and continues until the last day of the following school year. No warnings will be given unless noted below. *5 Demerits = Benched for 5 school days and 1 major sporting event *10 Demerits = Benched for 10 school days and 2 major sporting events *More than 10 = Permanent Suspension Class III Violation Immediate Dismissal Referral to Alternative School Immediate Dismissal Referral to In School Suspension 5 Rudeness or General disrespect to Authority 5

5 Cheating 5 Leaving Unexcused during a game or event 5 Unexcused Absence from Game 5 Refusing to Participate 5 Unexcused Absence from Practice 3 Altering Uniforms without Permission 3 Not Wearing Correct Uniform 1 Late to Game/Practice (Warning 1 st time) 1 Late Returning from Half Time/Between Games (Warning 1 st time) 1 Chewing Gum at Practice/Game (Warning 1 st time) 1 Wearing Nail Polish or Nails too long to Game (Warning 1 st time) 1 XIII. Dismissal By being a part of the cheer squad, you are accepting the fact that your actions are more prominent than those not associated with such an activity/sport. Because of this, exemplary behavior is mandatory at all times including all school functions and anywhere in the community, where you are recognized as a representative of Southside High School. Before dismissal, a panel composed of school administration member, cheerleading Coach, cheerleader, and parent/guardian of the cheerleader will meet to discuss demerits and dismissal. A. Dismissal will result as follows: Total of more than 10 demerits Any Class III Code of Conduct Violation Referral to Alternative School Repeated Insubordination toward the Coaches, Captain, Co-Captain, or any other school personnel Participating in any violent behavior, including physical violence and/or any type of harassment or bullying. Not Attending Summer Camp Failure to compete in competitions will result in dismissal from the squad and will result in ineligibility to try out for the following year Underage Alcohol Consumption, drug use, use of tobacco products, steroids, or any other controlled substance. Conviction of a felony or any other criminal activity will be considered as grounds for dismissal Pictures of a squad member participating in any inappropriate behaviors including pictures found on any internet site, cell phone, or in print. This includes but not limited to pictures which depict the member having possession of or in the presence of alcohol, illegal drugs, or tobacco products, wearing revealing attire such as lingerie, nude, or partially nude, or pictures which depict the member performing or acting out anything of a sexual nature. Such pictures are grounds for immediate dismissal. Any school related problems that require the cheerleader to be dismissed according to the Etowah County Board Policy XIV. Transportation A. If the squad is going to use school transportation (bus), then you must be at the designated place on time and at the designated pick up place on time to leave. The Coaches have the right to require you to use the school transportation. The only way you are allowed to leave by any other means than the school transportation is if you PARENT/GUARDIAN signs you out. No Exceptions.

6 B. Permission may be given to squad members to utilize transportation for the return trips other than that transportation provided by the school system (bus). The following guidelines apply to all circumstances when squad members Travel Via Private Vehicles: Private vehicles shall not be used to transport students to or from any activity in which the student is participating except in the following circumstances: The private vehicle is being operated by a parent/guardian of a student participant and all other student participants who are passengers in the vehicle have obtained written permission (See Transportation Release Form) from their parent/guardian to be transported by the operator of such private vehicles. The operator of the private vehicle must have a valid driver s license and liability insurance coverage insuring the vehicle being used to transport student participants. The operator of all such private vehicles shall assume liability for student participants who are passengers in his/her vehicle, including responsibility for their safety and well-being. C. In the event that the cheerleaders will not be traveling on school buses, the above guidelines shall apply for transportation via private vehicle for any cheerleader sanctioned event. D. A transportation release form signed by the parent/guardian must be on file with the Coaches BEFORE the cheerleader may travel and participate at any away athletic or cheerleading event.

7 This is to certify that I have read and agree to follow the policies and guidelines set forth in this Constitution. Southside High School Cheerleaders will follow guidelines set forth by the Alabama High School Athletic Association. This constitution meets current AHSAA guidelines but is subject to change with new guidelines set forth by the AHSAA ( This Constitution has been revised for the school year and supersedes any previous editions. Name of Cheerleader (Print) Signature of Cheerleader and Date Signed Signature of Parent/Guardian and Date Signed