CYPRESS CREEK HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING AND MASCOT HANDBOOK

Transcription

1 CYPRESS CREEK HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING AND MASCOT HANDBOOK I. STANDARDS Certain standards are necessary for the integrity of any organization. Each member of a cheerleading squad must be a leader within the school and set a good example at all times. Members of the squad are expected to have and maintain character that is above reproach. Personal appearance and habits of which there can be no criticism are required because cheerleaders are constantly representing the school before the public. A. CONDUCT 1. Cheerleaders are school representatives and should act accordingly, meeting all requirements of the CFISD Code of Conduct. 2. A cheerleader s primary responsibility is to encourage appropriate crowd response and sportsmanship. Each cheerleader is expected to view his/her position as one of support for the athletic events. 3. While cheering, there will be no socializing with spectators and an absolute minimal amount of socializing with fellow cheerleaders. In between chants and cheers, cheerleaders will stand in chant lines with hands behind their backs and watch the game until the next chant is called. Additionally, during school hours and cheer events, there will no public displays of affection; i.e. hand holding, kissing, etc. B. DRESS CODE/STANDARDS OF GROOMING 1. Students participating in school-related activities may have a more restrictive dress or grooming code imposed. 2. Uniforms should be worn only at cheerleading events and during designated school days. When uniforms are worn at school, they will be worn with black pants or warm up pants that are approved by the coach. The coach will also approve any sweatshirts and/or jackets that will be acceptable. AT NO TIME MAY UNIFORMS BE LOANED OUT TO ANYONE NOT ON THE CY-CREEK CHEERLEADING SQUAD. 3. It is the cheerleader s responsibility to maintain the proper fit of his or her uniform. Any alterations must be done at the expense of the cheerleader. 4. The cheerleader must replace any part of the uniform that is damaged or lost. Additionally, there is a non-refundable Uniform Rental Fee per year. 5. Fingernails must be short and natural (no artificial nails are permitted), and only clear, natural nail polish is permissible. 6. Make-up may be worn during performances and will be applied neatly and tastefully as determined by the coach. 7. All jewelry must be removed and hair must be pulled back in a ponytail for all practices and performances. 1 Page

2 8. Cheerleaders must wear the assigned practice uniform consisting of a specific t-shirt, shorts, socks, and athletic cheer shoes. During games, cheerleaders will wear the assigned uniform, bloomers, all-white no-show socks, sports bra, and bow. Coaches will notify cheerleaders of any specific practice/game clothing requirements. 9. Cheerleaders will be issued school-owned equipment and uniform items which must be signed for acknowledging receipt. Once signed for, cheerleaders are financially responsible for the loss, maintenance and upkeep of all assigned items. All issued uniforms and school-owned items must be turned in or paid for if damaged/lost before the cheerleader can receive a tryout number for the following year. II. RESPONSIBILITIES A. EXPENSES 1. Cheerleaders must be prepared to meet the cost of cheerleading. If a squad member quits or is dismissed from the squad, he/she is still responsible for all expenses incurred. THERE WILL BE ABSOLUTELY NO REFUNDS OF ANY PAYMENTS, PARTIAL OR OTHERWISE, IF A CHEERLEADER IS REMOVED FROM THE TEAM EITHER BY QUITTING OR DISMISSAL DUE TO DISCIPLINE AND/OR DEMERITS. Furthermore, no portion of the spring uniform order that has been placed prior to removal will be given to a cheerleader once removed. 2. Cheerleaders MUST make the first payment (half of the total cost) IN FULL by April 3 rd, 2018 in order to size for uniforms. Failure to pay first installment in its entirety by the due date will result in removal from the team. Final payment is due May 1 st, 2018, however payment arrangements for second half may be worked out with families at the discretion of the coaches. Uniform, equipment and ordered items will not be issued until account is paid in full and/or established payment plan is in good standing. Failure to adhere to established payment plan will result in immediate removal from the team. 3. Enrollment in a stunting class with the squad is required. The cost will be approximately $40.00 per month. 4. Participation in squad fundraisers is encouraged and expected. B. ATTENDANCE These guidelines apply to all scheduled squad activities, including practices (7 th period cheer class, as well as, extra practices scheduled by the coach), games, pep rallies, and any other event designated as mandatory by coaches. 1. Notification of Absence a. If a cheerleader is absent for an activity/practice the coach must be notified prior to the event. Notification must be done at least 1 day prior to report time either by (1) a phone call to the coach s cell phone and/or house; (2) A written note from parent(s). We respectfully ask that all calls made to the coach s home or cell phone occur between the hours of 7am and 8pm. All absences are subject to the guidelines detailed below. 2. Excused absences (when prior notice is given) a. Personal illness with a doctor s note. These absences will be considered as not participating due to medical reasons. Coaches may require a doctor s release to 2 Page

3 participate if the cheerleader presents or coaches suspect a condition that could result in injury to either the cheerleader or another member of the team. b. Death in the family c. Approved school field trips (includes college visits WITH a dated and signed acknowledgement form from the college). d. Tutorials on designated tutorial days. If a cheerleader is absent due to a tutorial, he/she must provide a note from the appropriate teacher the following day. 3. Unexcused Absences Any unexcused absence (as described below) will result in benching at the next UIL event. All decisions are at the discretion of the coach with the mindset that leaving during 7 th period for any reason that is not excused (outlined above) is unacceptable. a. Minor illnesses Unless under a doctor s care, a cheerleader is expected and required to attend and participate in all events, even if the cheerleader is not able to participate to the full extent (exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis). b. Work A cheerleader may hold a part-time job, but it must not interfere with any scheduled events, practices, performances, or other mandatory activities. c. Doctor Appointments Appointments may not be scheduled during a practice or performance (exceptions will be considered on a case by case basis). All practices and performances are scheduled well in advance and dates and times are given to cheerleaders. THE 7th PERIOD CLASS TIME IS CONSIDERED A PRACTICE SESSION. d. D-hall Students are given a window of time in which to serve a school D-hall. It is the cheerleader s responsibility to ensure that no practice and/or activity is missed. e. Events with any other activity that is neither school nor cheerleading related. f. Family Activities such as birthdays or family trips. g. Cotillion or social events. h. All-Star Cheerleading responsibilities/competitions/practices. i. Any absence that is not communicated to the coach at least 1 day before the absence occurs. Emergencies that prevent communication during that time frame will be considered by the coach on a case by case basis. 4. Game Attendance a. Game schedules will be determined by the coaches and will include regular and postseason games. b. Cheerleaders will cheer and/or attend both fall and spring sporting events such as, but not limited to, football, volleyball, wrestling, basketball, baseball, etc c. Varsity cheerleaders have the responsibility to cheer at any post-season games that Cypress Creek athletes qualify for. The post-season schedule is not predictable and will therefore be issued as warranted and as timely as possible for planning purposes. At the coaches discretion, Junior Varsity may have the responsibility to cheer at one or more Varsity Games and/or post-season games. d. Transportation When the school provides bus or van transportation, all cheerleaders must ride the bus/van both to and from the activity. *Permission to leave with a PARENT at the conclusion of an activity may be granted if written notification is given to the coach at least one day in advance. *There are no excused absences for summer camp. If a cheerleader does not attend any portion of camp, he/she will be dismissed from the squad. 3 Page

4 III. CHEERLEADING OFFICERS The primary responsibility of any cheerleading officer is to serve as a liaison between the coach and the squad. The purpose of the positions is to communicate the directives of the coach and to serve as role models for other squad members. The cheerleading officers must also serve as an example for squad members in every aspect and responsibility of serving as a cheerleader. In return, the other members should remember that the officers should be respected at all times. The position of an officer is an honor, and the honor can be removed if the coach and the administration deem it necessary. A. SELECTION 1. The decision whether or not to select and appoint Captain(s) and Officer(s) will rest solely with the coaches. 2. The following will be considered when electing the officer(s): leadership, responsibility, overall attitude, and ability to fulfill all required duties. 3. The varsity captain(s) must have served as a cheerleader for one year on either the Junior Varsity or Varsity squad. 4. The Junior Varsity captain(s) will be selected at the discretion of the Junior Varsity Coach. B. REMOVAL 1. A cheerleader officer will be removed from the position if he/she accumulates ten or more demerits. 2. A cheerleader officer may be removed for infractions that the coach and administration agree compromise the position and the effectiveness of the office. 3. In any case of ineligibility per UIL rules. C. DUTIES OF CHEERLEADER OFFICERS/CAPTAINS 1. Communicate and enforce any directives from the coach to the squad. 2. Serve as a role model to all squad members at all times. 3. Teach cheers and chants to new members. 4. Notify squad members concerning the proper equipment and uniform for each activity. 5. Ensure that all practices begin on time. 6. Report inappropriate conduct or conflicts to the coaches. 7. Additional duties as assigned by coaches. IV. COMPETITION A. A competition squad may be formed, at the discretion of the coach, from the current Junior Varsity and Varsity squads. B. The school s coaches will select the members of the competition squad. C. The coaches will deem the number of cheerleaders chosen for the competition squad. D. The coaches will decide when and where the squad will compete. E. Membership on the competition squad will require additional mandatory practices and events. F. Membership on the competition squad will require additional personal expenses. 4 4 Page

5 V. TRY-OUTS A. Tryout eligibility is determined by the requirements outlined in the CFISD Cheerleading handbook. B. Prospective cheerleaders need to fully understand that selection to either the Varsity or Junior Varsity squad is dependent upon the overall combined score from the try-out performance and teacher recommendations. The Varsity Squad will consist of Juniors and Seniors only with a maximum of 20 members. The JV squad will consist of Juniors and Sophomores with a maximum of 14. If a cheerleader chooses to quit either squad or is removed for disciplinary reasons after the uniform fitting, the initial payment WILL NOT BE REFUNDED. VI. DISCIPLINE A. DEFINITIONS 1. Benching cheerleader must attend all scheduled activities dressed in the appropriate uniform, and sit with the coach without socializing with his/her peers for the entire event/activity. A cheerleader may be benched whenever his/her behavior causes the coach to deem it necessary. 2. Probation cheerleader will be benched for all scheduled activities but must attend and participate in all practices in full uniform. An accumulation of ten demerits will result in a two-week probation. 3. Dismissal removal from the squad for the remainder of the year. An accumulation of fifteen demerits will result in dismissal from the squad. Members who are dismissed from the squad are still responsible for all expenses incurred and may be deemed ineligible to try out the following year *Any members who are dismissed or who choose to quit will not be permitted to participate in any squad event or activity for the remainder of the cheerleading term. Additionally, they may not be invited guests of any team member at any official event such as fundraisers, luncheons or annual banquet. B. DEMERITS It is impossible for every possible infraction to be anticipated and addressed in this document; therefore, let it be understood that the coaches have the right and may exercise the responsibility of benching, placing squad members on probation or giving demerits. 1. The demerit system is a guideline for the behavior and conduct of a cheerleader. 2. Demerits will be recorded in writing and will be available for review by cheerleaders and their parents. Once a cheerleader has reached ten demerits, written notification will be made. 3. Demerit system: 10 Demerits Disrespectful behavior towards coaches, parents, and/or CFISD staff/faculty/administration (failure to follow instructions, talking back, arguing, etc.) An unexcused absence from any cheerleading activity (being more than 20 minutes late to a scheduled event constitutes an unexcused absence) Leaving a cheerleading event without permission Non-participation at any cheerleading practice or game Poor sportsmanship or attitude toward another team member or opponent 5 Page

6 5 Demerits Late (>1 minute; <20) for a scheduled practice, event or game Failure to have proper uniform/accessories or equipment for a scheduled event or game Unkempt appearance; i.e. messy hair, uniform, make-up, hickies, artificial nails/polish, piercings, jewelry, etc soiled or dirty uniform Failure to participate in spirit days 3 Demerits Unnecessary conversation with crowd or squad Failure to turn in money or materials on time (3 demerits per day) C. MERITS 1. At the coaches discretion, cheerleaders may earn merits for exemplary service. 2. Merits may also be offered by the coaches for activities related to the community, school or cheerleading program for exceptional behavior and/or activity. These opportunities, however, will be few. 3. A maximum of five merits will be considered against earned demerits. 4. In addition to outstanding performance and behavior, cheerleaders must earn ten merits for volunteer service (school or outside activities) for qualification of a letter jacket. All merit opportunities will be set by the coaches and are non-disputable. **NOTE: Merits used to offset Demerits, WILL NOT be counted towards the earning of the letter jacket. D. AUTOMATIC DISMISSAL 1. At any time during a cheerleader s participation in cheerleading, the demerit system may be waived and a cheerleader may be dismissed from the squad for flagrant insubordination, defiance of authority, non-participation, criminal mischief, hazing, bullying, discrimination, any activity deemed illegal (underage drinking, drugs, etc ) or failure to cooperate. 2. Accumulating fifteen demerits. 3. Medical or physical condition prohibiting safe performance and/or complete participation. 4. Grade ineligibility of more than six weeks (does not have to be cumulative). On the first day of the 7 th week of ineligibility, removal from the cheerleading team will occur. E. MANDATORY CHEERLEADING CLASS 1. Cheerleaders are required to enroll in Cheerleading Class for the entire year (optional for Seniors only in the Spring). 2. Cheerleaders are required to be in the proper practice uniform every day with hair up in a ponytail and all jewelry removed. Violations of dress in any form (i.e. any previously assigned practice wear or materials including but not limited to bows, shorts, shoes, socks, sports bra, poms, megaphone, practice shirt) will result in a FIVE POINT DEDUCTION FROM THE SIX WEEKS GRADE PER DAY. Additionally, two or more dress code violations in a week will result in automatic benching for the following event (pep rally, game, etc ) Demerits will accumulate for tardiness and/or unexcused absences. 6 Page