La Costa Canyon High School Competitive Cheerleading Constitution

Transcription

1 La Costa Canyon High School Competitive Cheerleading Constitution Article I: Name and Purpose Section 1: Name These groups shall be known as the La Costa Canyon High School freshman, junior varsity (JV), and varsity cheerleaders. Section 2: Purpose This group shall support the goals and objectives of La Costa Canyon High School. Academic, citizenship, and behavioral performance by the members will be expected to motivate the entire school community. Membership shall encourage individual and group initiative, achievement, and service. These goals will be met by such qualities and activities as: A. Performing during games, halftimes, assemblies, and at other athletic events or school and community functions as appropriate. B. Develop character, good citizenship, good sportsmanship, and positive leadership skills. C. Promote the school community by participating in activities. D. Support and uphold the rules, policies, and traditions of La Costa Canyon High School and the cheerleaders. E. Maintain personal standards and performance consistent with the purpose and goals of this organization. F. Work while learning from and collaborating with other groups and organizations of La Costa Canyon High School. G. Attend all football and basketball games and any other required school and/or athletic events. H. Compete in all designated team cheer competitions. I. Uphold the rules and regulations of the California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) and the National Federation of High Schools (NFHS). Article II: Membership Section 1: Eligibility This organization will consist of a number of members set by the advisor/coach(es) at the time of auditions. These members must satisfactorily pass all requirements and continue to maintain eligibility. A. Cheerleaders must maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher throughout the terms of service. 1. Grades are checked for eligibility in November, January, and March 2. Probation will result for any quarter GPA below 2.0. B. Cheerleaders must be full-time students at La Costa Canyon High School (see CIF requirements). C. Cheerleaders must not have auditioned for any other school s cheerleading squad prior to trying out at La Costa Canyon High School. D. If an opening occurs prior to the summer cheer camp, an alternate may be selected from the unpublished list established by the judges at the time of try-outs. If openings arise prior to the start of the competitive season, alternates and/or additions may be selected based on an additional try-out for the position. E. Members may be freshman, sophomores, juniors, or seniors. 1. Seniors must have/display the skills and attitude necessary to make the varsity squad or they will not be accepted on to the team, regardless of previous years participation/placement 2. Sophomores and juniors may earn a position on either the JV or varsity squads. 3. Freshmen are eligible to make the freshmen, JV, or varsity squads. F. Members may be male or female. Section 2: Try-outs

2 Try-outs to select the team for the following year shall be conducted during the third or fourth quarter, when so designated by the coach(es), after a meeting has been held for prospective members and parents to explain requirements for membership. A. Try-outs are closed and shall be conducted by the coach(es) with the assistance of the current senior cheerleaders (at the coaches discretion). B. The coach(es) shall select the judges for try-outs or may make the team selections themselves. C. Auditions will consist of teacher recommendations, packet completion, an interview, and the clinics/try-out. D. Judges, evaluators, and coaches will make the final decisions on team selection which is to remain uncontested by students, parents, and/or administrators. E. Following auditions, new members are required to accept or decline their position in a timely manner, attend all rehearsals, attend parents orientation meetings, summer practices, summer camp, all summer and other fundraisers, and any other activity designated by the coach(es). F. Former members desiring another year of participation must try-out and are not guaranteed a return position, nor are they favored above new applicants. Former members should not expect an automatic returning opportunity just because of their hopeful repeat status. Promotion to a higher level (freshman to JV, JV to varsity) or maintaining a previously-attained team is also not a guarantee. Each candidate will have an equal, unbiased opportunity to audition if all eligibility requirements are met. Article III: Grading System Section 1: Absences A. Any member who is unable to attend a designated practice or performance must call the coach PRIOR to the practice or performance. The coach may excuse the member for any of the following: 1. Extreme personal illness--doctor s note may be required upon coaches request. 2. Death in the family 3. Wedding in the immediate family 4. Pre-arranged family vacation coach must be notified 1 month in advance of the vacation to receive approval and excusal. 5. Work is NEVER an excuse! *These absences will be considered EXCUSED ABSENCES and are still expected to be made up for the class grade. B. If a member does not call or give the coach(es) notice PRIOR to the absence, it will be considered an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE. C. If a member is absent within 5 practice days prior to a performance, he/she will be taken out regardless of whether the absence was excused or unexcused. D. Absences from class impact the grade (due to missed participation points per PE policy) E. Absences and tardies from practices/outside of class functions such as football games impact an athlete s eligibility and count toward the overall tardy/absence count allowed for membership. F. All cheerleaders are required to attend all competitions, football and basketball games, and any other assigned function. Tardies and/or absences (for eligibility) will be recorded at each. Section 2: Tardies A. All members must be prepared and willing to participate at designated times. B. Members who are not present at the time designated for roll call will be marked tardy. C. Members not present within 30 minutes of designated starting time will receive an unexcused absence (reference SDUHSD attendance policy). D. Any member who accrues 5 tardies or more in a 10-week period will be put on probation for a 30- day period. There will be no exceptions. E. Tardies will be given for each rule broken during class, practice, at games or at any event that the team is required to attend.

3 F. A tardy will be given on game days for each piece of uniform that the member is not wearing or not wearing correctly. Wearing jewelry during practice or while in uniform at any time will also result in a tardy for each infraction. Nail polish at any performance will incur a tardy as well. ACRYLIC NAILS are never allowed and are a violation of the NFHS spirit and safety rules. G. A tardy will be given for any reason deemed necessary by the coach(es). Section 3: Grade Calculation A. Each team member will begin each semester with an A. B. Absences and tardies, as well as participation and completed assignments, will be used to calculate grades for the cheerleaders each semester. C. Excused absences and tardies can be made up. 1. Excused absences must be made up with two extra credit opportunities. 2. Tardies must be made up with one extra credit opportunity. 3. One hour equals one tardy make-up. Two hours equals one excused absence make-up. D. Unexcused absences CANNOT be made up. They will automatically go against a member s grade. E. No more than 3 excused absences and 3 tardies can be made up each term. After 3 of each, the absences and/or tardies will automatically go against a member s grade. Make-up opportunities are only given on request and are only to preserve a member s grade. This does not change the number of tardies or absences for eligibility/probationary purposes. F. Cheerleaders will also be given in-class and outside of class assignments which need to be completed and submitted on time. Late work will not be accepted. Article IV: Rules and Regulations Section 1: Probation A. Probationary periods will be for a 30-day period, no matter the infraction and will begin the day the probationary contract is sent home by the coaches. B. A member may only incur one probationary period at any point during the duration of the year s membership. If a probationary period is necessary for any reason and the member has already served one probationary period, at any time during the year, the second infraction will result in immediate dismissal. No exceptions. C. During a probationary period, the member is required to attend and participate in every class, Practice, and meeting, but is not allowed to wear the day uniform or perform in any capacity. D. A member may be put on probation under any one of the following circumstances: 1. 2 unexcused absences in any marking period (roughly a 10-week period) 2. 5 tardies in any marking period (roughly a 10-week period) 3. Violation of any Rules of Conduct 4. An attitude that is considered detrimental to the organization or the team 5. Receiving any GPA lower that Failure to follow the constitution in its entirety 7. Any text message, , or post made on social media that is deemed inappropriate in any way by the coaches. This includes bullying in any form. 8. Any other reason deemed necessary by the coach(es) E. For any probationary period that resulted from problems with grades or citizenship, a 2.0 GPA must be attained by the next progress report, or the member will be dismissed. Section 2: Dismissal A. A member can only be on probation once during their term of service. A second infringement (even if it is while the participant is on probation) that would result in probation will instead result in dismissal from the team. B. Any time a member is referred to an administrator for disciplinary reasons, the penalty may be

4 dismissal from the team depending on the seriousness of the referral. This decision is at the discretion of the coach(es). C. If a member refuses to perform with the team, she will automatically be dismissed from the team. D. Failure to comply with the constitution may result in dismissal from the team. E. If a member is dismissed from the team, that member is still responsible for all fees owed. No refunds are given no exceptions. F. If a member is dismissed from the team, that member forgoes the privilege of wearing any purchased team gear (other than privately) for the remainder of the school year. G. If a member is removed from the team for any reason (whether quitting or being dismissed), he/she may no longer participate in any capacity indicative of the LCC cheer team (including but not limited to wearing the uniform, attending the banquet, participating in the Year-end Showcase, etc.) Section 3: Decisions Concerning the Group A. New rules or major changes shall be by coach appointment or by being discussed and voted on by the cheerleaders as a team. The majority rule will apply. The coach(es) always have the final say. B. The coach(es), along with the officers, will have final authority over all decisions and actions including over majority rule. The coach(es) will coordinate with the officers when the situation warrants. C. All members are expected to consult with the coach(es) and/or officers before taking any problem to the principal. If working within the team and with the coach(es) is not successful, then a consultation with the athletic director or principal is appropriate. This rule applies to all parents as well. Section 4: Travel and Outside Activities A. When the team travels to perform, all girls must travel to and from that destination in the designated vehicle. B. A member is only excused from riding with the team if a parent or guardian is present to take the member with them. Members are only allowed to leave with their own parent or guardian based on prior coach approval and will be conducted on a case-by-case basis. C. All Rules of Conduct will be enforced while the team is traveling and at any activity in which the team is required to attend. Section 5: Rules of Conduct A. All standards of La Costa Canyon High School policies must be upheld at all times, on and off school property. B. No drinking, smoking, vaping, attending parties or clubs where alcohol or drugs are present or used, cutting class, dishonesty, disregard of any regulations in the constitution, or immoral or unlawful conduct is allowed. C. Be a lady or a gentleman at all times; cultivate modesty. D. Commendable conduct in the halls, classroom, and outside of school will be exhibited at all times. E. No visible body markings (i.e. tattoos, belly rings, tongue rings, etc.) F. Unhealthy dieting, use of laxatives, or improper behavior with respect to nutrition and weight loss is strictly prohibited. Immediate dismissal may result. G. Appropriate behavior while cheering and while wearing team uniforms in public is mandatory. Display enthusiasm at games and always be a good sport while attending games. H. Exhibit loyalty to La Costa Canyon High School, the cheerleaders, and the coach(es) at all times. I. Proper uniform will be worn on game days and to all sports events or extracurricular activities when assigned. 1. Use uniforms only when advised to do so. 2. Only members are allowed to wear uniforms or any other piece of clothing purchased for team use.

5 3. Each member is responsible for the care, upkeep, and condition of his/her own uniform. 4. If any piece of the uniform is lost or damaged, the member to which it belongs will be responsible for replacing it at his or her own expense. J. Acrylic nails are not allowed at ANY TIME. This is an NFHS rule and members will not be allowed to participate with them on. Tardies will be given for each day the nails are present. K. No gum, food, or drinks are allowed during practice, performances, or games (except acceptable water/sports drink for hydration). Tardies will be given for any infractions. L. Jewelry is not allowed during practice, games, or performances. Tardies will be given. M. Cell phones are not permitted during games, practices, fundraisers, or performances. If a member must have their phone available (for emergency purposes), it should neither be visible nor audible during team time. Permission should be given from the coach prior to the situation. Tardies will be given. N. Inappropriate or vulgar language or gestures is unacceptable and will not be tolerated. Tardies will be given for noncompliance with this rule. O. Social media websites including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, and any other public or online networking cites are not allowed to be used in relation to the La Costa Canyon cheerleading program, the coaches, or members unless it is STRICTLY for the purpose of advertising upcoming events, positive encouragement toward the team, school, or coaches, or other sporting teams of La Costa Canyon High School. Reflecting on past accomplishments is an acceptable use of social media. Vague, catty, potentially misunderstood or misconstrued posts (including subtweeting) that may, in any way, reflect opinions, behaviors, or situations that are unfavorable, inappropriate, or issue-causing for the team are strictly prohibited. Noncompliance to this rule will result in disciplinary action and may result in probationary action. Article V: Practices, and Performing Section 1: Games and Performances The following rules shall govern all games and performances: A. Cheerleaders are required to attend all football and basketball games and any other games designated by the coach(es). B. Cheerleaders are required to perform at all designated halftimes and assemblies. C. Team members who are not performing or cheering are required to be present in their day uniform. D. Cheerleaders should be at the appointed place at the appointed time or he/she will receive a tardy. E. Cheerleaders shall be dressed in proper attire for games and performances. Failure to do so will result in tardies being given. F. Cheerleaders will not talk, chew gum, eat food, have cell phones on, use headphones, or do any other distracting things during practices, games, or performances. This also applies to those not actively cheering on the floor. G. Acrylic nails and jewelry will not be worn at any practices, games, or performances and are in strict violation of the NFHS rules. Tardies will be given for noncompliance. H. Nail polish, other than clear, is not allowed for any performance and will result in tardies. Toe nail polish is acceptable. I. Cheerleaders are required to epitomize sportsmanship. No taunting cheers will be tolerated, even if the student body is participating. J. Strict discipline will be followed at all times as well as all Rules of Conduct. K. Cheerleaders will audition for each performance opportunity. Decisions are final and left to the coaches discretion. If removed from a performance for any reason (including but not limited to missed practices, lack of individual preparation, injuries, disciplinary action), the student is not automatically placed back into the routine in which they ve been taken out of once the situation is remedied. Coaches will decide on a case-by-case basis and consider what is best for the team as a whole. Parents do not have any influence on the decisions being made, and no consideration will be given for requests to be in the front. All decisions for this topic are made exclusively for what is best for the team first, the individual second.

6 L. Cheerleaders will wear the assigned uniform for the entirety of the game, day, function, or competition. This includes arriving dressed as assigned, and remaining in the uniform until the coach otherwise dictates. This includes but is not limited to jewelry, hair, shoes, warm-up gear, make-up (when assigned) etc. These decisions will be determined by the coaches and/or captains and are not up for debate or variation. Tardies will be given for noncompliance. Section 2: Practices The following rules will govern all practices: A. All cheerleaders will be in attendance to all practices unless excused by the coach(es). See attendance rules and expectations. B. During all practices, members are to wear the designated practice outfit. Noncompliance will result in tardies. On practice days where no assigned outfit has been provided, acceptable gym/cheer clothes are required. Members are not to wear school or street clothes. Athletic shoes must be worn at all times. C. If there is a disagreement or problem, it will be settled by the coach(es), involved parties, or by the group in private and not in the eyes of the public or other students. D. During all practices, the coach(es) will be in charge. Strict attention and adherence will be given to them at all times. Whatever decisions they make will be final. E. When members are learning cheers or dances, the teacher will be respected. F. Cheerleaders will not talk, chew gum, eat food, or do any other distracting things during practices. No visiting with girlfriends or boyfriends during practice. Girlfriends or boyfriends are not allowed at practice. G. Work is not an excuse for missing or being late to any practice or performance. H. No jewelry or acrylic nails will be worn during classes or practices. The member will not be allowed to participate while wearing either. Tardies will be given. I. No cell phones will be used during practices unless specifically requested by the coach(es). J. All cheerleaders are required to attend the mandatory practices in the summer. Notification PRIOR to try-outs is required for summer practice excusal. Article VI: Organization Section 1: Elections A. Officers will be selected by the coach(es) and judges based on the audition scores and/or additional interviews. This may not be the only consideration for officer selection. Leadership skills, loyalty, teacher recommendation, and grades may all influence the selection of officers. B. Some leadership offices may be determined by election. If that is the case, majority vote will rule with the final decision being made by the coach(es). C. The officers of this organization will include some if not all of the following: 1. Varsity Captain 2. Two (2) Varsity Co-captains 3. Junior Varsity Captain 4. Junior Varsity Co-captain 5. Freshman Captain 6. Freshman Co-captain D. Other officers such as Historian, Secretary, Choreographer, Routine Captain, Big Brother/Big Sister, etc. may be added at the discretion of the coach(es) and based on need. E. Failure to fulfill duties as an officer, failure to comply with team rules, and participation in behavior unbecoming to an officer can result in termination of that individual s service. Probation at any point for an officer may result in an automatic loss of the officer/captain position, no matter the infraction causing the probation. In such a situation, there will be an election by the entire team

7 to fill the vacancy of the officer OR delegation by the coach(es) may fill the vacancy, or the position may remain empty for the remainder of the year.