CHEERLEADER POLICY FOR LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL

Transcription

1 CHEERLEADER POLICY FOR LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL I. Establishment A. There shall be a Varsity Football Cheerleading Squad and a Varsity Basketball Cheerleading Squad at Laurel High School. B. There shall be a Junior Varsity Cheerleading Squad at Laurel High School. C. There shall be a competition cheerleading squad at Laurel High School. II. Responsibilities A. To create and maintain an enthusiastic school spirit that helps unify a diverse student body. B. To exemplify good sportsmanship, loyalty, and school pride. C. To lead the cheering at football games, basketball games, and to perform at such other athletic events, pep rallies, practices, meetings, and other special events as designated by the Cheerleader Sponsor, School Principal, or Superintendent, and as outlined by the Mississippi High School Athletic Association s competitive cheerleading guidelines. D. To represent Laurel High School in a positive manner at all times. E. To remain alcohol and drug free during the sport season and to abide with the Laurel School District s Student Athlete Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy. III. Qualifications A. To be eligible to participate in the selection process for the varsity cheerleader squads, the candidate must be a regular full-time student at Laurel High School for the year he or she will serve and shall be in the 10 th, 11 th, or 12 th grade for the year he or she will serve. B. To be eligible to participate in the selection process for the junior varsity cheerleading squad, the candidate must be a regular full-time student at Laurel High School for the year he or she will serve and shall be in the 9 th grade for the year he or she will serve. 1

2 C. To be eligible to participate in the selection process for the competition cheerleading squad, the student must maintain a 70 or better in all subjects taken the semester before tryouts and must have a C or better citizenship grade in each subject taken the semester before tryouts. D. Eligibility requirements shall be the same as those required by the MHSAA for participation in athletics. E. Academic and citizenship standards shall be maintained; failure to do so will result in the participant s removal from the squad(s). F. Between the date the clinic described in Section V.B.5. begins and prior to the date the Competitive Audition is completed, a candidate shall neither seek nor accept help from any current senior cheerleader in any form, including but not limited to coaching, training or instruction other than at designated practices available to all candidates and if a candidate does, the candidate shall be disqualified from participating in the competitive auditions or shall be dismissed from the squad if disclosure that a violation has occurred after the participant has become a cheerleader. IV. Audition Date and Sign up A. Varsity Cheerleader 1. The Principal of Laurel High School shall set the date and time for the Competitive Audition for varsity cheerleaders. The date shall be set at least three (3) weeks prior to the Competitive Audition. 2. A sign up sheet for the varsity cheerleader Competitive Audition shall be maintained in the office of the Principal of Laurel High School. Any student meeting the qualifications and desiring to participate in the Competitive Audition must sign up at least one (1) week prior to the date set for the Competitive Audition and must indicate the squad(s) in which he/she desires to participate. The Principal of Laurel High School shall verify that each student signing up for varsity cheerleader meets the qualifications and if the student does not meet the qualifications, the student shall not be allowed to participate. The student and the student s parent or guardian shall be notified by the Principal of Laurel High School. 3. Each student signing up to participate in the varsity cheerleader selection process shall be given a copy of the Cheerleader Policy and the student and the student s parent or guardian shall sign a Certificate of Understanding in the form attached hereto as Exhibit A. The signed Certificate of Understanding must be returned to the Principal s office at Laurel High School at least one (1) week prior to the date established for the Competitive 2

3 Audition. If the signed Certificate of Understanding is not returned within the time stated, the student shall not be allowed to participate in the cheerleader selection process. B. Junior Varsity Cheerleader 1. The Principal of Laurel High School, after consultation with the Principal of Jones Middle School, shall set the date and time for the Competitive Audition for junior varsity cheerleaders. The date shall be at least three (3) weeks prior to the Competitive Audition. 2. A sign up sheet for the Junior Varsity Cheerleader Audition shall be maintained in the Principal s office at Jones Middle School. Any student meeting the qualifications and desiring to participate in the Competitive Audition must sign up at least one (1) week prior to the date set for the Competitive Audition. The Principal of Jones Middle School shall verify that all students signing up for junior varsity cheerleader meet the qualifications and if the student does not meet the qualifications, the student shall not be allowed to sign up. If a student has signed up and does not meet the qualifications, the student shall not be allowed to participate. 3. Each student signing up to participate in the junior varsity cheerleader selection process shall be given a copy of the Cheerleader Policy and the student and the student s parent or guardian shall sign a Certificate of Understanding attached hereto as Exhibit A. The signed Certificate of Understanding must be returned to the Principal s office at Jones Middle School at least one (1) week prior to the date established for the Competitive Audition. The Principal of Jones Middle School shall deliver the original of all signed Certificates of Understanding to the Principal of Laurel High School. If the signed Certificate of Understanding is not returned within the time stated, the student shall not be allowed to participate in the cheerleader selection process. V. Selection Process A. The maximum number of cheerleaders shall be as follows: Football 16 Basketball 8 Competition 12 Junior Varsity 10 B. Competitive Audition 1. A competitive audition for varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders shall be conducted at Laurel High School. 3

4 2. A separate competitive audition for competition squad cheerleaders shall be held following the varsity/junior varsity audition. 3. A maximum number of sixteen (16) varsity football, eight (8) varsity basketball, twelve (12) competition squad, and ten (10) junior varsity cheerleaders shall be eligible to be selected from competitive auditions. Only those candidates receiving at least seventy (70) percent of the total available points shall be eligible to be selected for the applicable squad. That number of candidates with the highest total point scores and receiving the seventy (70) percent minimum shall be selected for the applicable squad. 4. The candidates in the Competitive Audition will be judged on their ability to perform cheerleading routines by a panel of four (4) judges, each of whom shall be currently associated or involved with cheerleading activities. Two of the judges shall be black and two of the judges shall be white. The judges shall be selected by the Principal and no judge shall serve two (2) consecutive years. 5. Cheerleaders shall be judged by a point system ranging from one (1), the lowest, to five (5), the highest, in the following skill areas: a. Appearance b. Spirit and enthusiasm c. Voice and projection d. Toe touch e. Herky f. Individual cheering routine (motion technique) g. Group dance (ability, sharpness, showmanship) 6. Competition squad cheerleaders shall meet the following requirements in the competitive audition: a. Seventy (70) percent cut-off score in regular competitive audition. b. Performance of an original 2-minute routine choreographed by the candidate. c. Performance of toe touch, side hurdler/herky. d. Attempt at standing backhand spring with or without a spotter. 7. There shall be a clinic at least three (3) days before the Competitive Audition at which all candidates participating in the Competitive Audition will be instructed in the individual cheering routine and group dance. The individual cheering routine and group dance shall be a routine and dance similar to and reflecting the routines and dances regularly performed by the cheerleading squad at athletic events or pep rallies. Candidates shall be 4

5 placed in a group for the group dance by a blind draw of candidate numbers conducted by the Principal and at least one Assistant Principal and the varsity and junior varsity sponsors at the beginning of the audition. The size of each group shall be determined by the Principal and at least one Assistant Principal and the varsity and junior varsity sponsor before the draw. The size of each group may vary due to the number of candidates participating. Varsity and junior varsity candidates shall not be placed in the same group for the group dance. 8. Each judge shall complete an individual Cheerleader Judging Form, hereto attached as Exhibit B for each cheerleader candidate. The judging forms of each judge shall be placed in an envelope and sealed by the judge and delivered by the judge to the Principal. The sealed envelopes shall be opened by the Principal in the presence of at least one Assistant Principal and the varsity and junior varsity cheerleader sponsors. The Principal and at least one Assistant Principal and the varsity and junior varsity cheerleader sponsors shall tabulate the scores of each judge for each candidate and complete the Tabulation Form attached hereto as Exhibit C. 9. The cheerleader candidates shall not try-out by name but rather shall be assigned a number on the day of the competitive auditions. The judges shall not be furnished the names of cheerleader candidates. 10. In the event of tie scores which would increase the squads to more than the stated maximum numbers, the tie shall be broken as follows: a. The judges shall be informed of those candidates who have tied. b. All candidates, including those who are tied and those who are not tied, shall be recalled to perform the individual cheering routine. c. The individual cheering routine shall be performed in groups, each group being comprised of the same candidates grouped together in the initial group dance. d. The judges shall only judge and rank those candidates who were tied. The judges shall confer and rank those candidates who were tied in order, with the best being ranked first and continuing thereafter, so as to break the tie. The judges shall complete and sign the Tie Breaking Form attached hereto as Exhibit D and shall deliver the form to the Principal. 11. The competitive audition shall be closed to the public and the public shall not be allowed in the building. 5

6 12. The Sponsor, subject to the approval of the Principal, shall specify the appropriate attire for cheerleader candidates for the Competitive Audition. C. Results Results of the competitive auditions shall be reduced to a written alphabetical list of names only and posted at the front entrance of Laurel High School as soon as all points have been tabulated at the conclusion of the auditions. VI. Uniforms and Routines A. All pompoms, duffel bags, and uniforms, exclusive of shoes, socks, hair ribbons and under garments shall be furnished by the Laurel School District by the date designated by the Sponsor. B. Any pompoms, uniforms, or duffel bags furnished by the Laurel School District shall remain the property of the Laurel School District and shall be returned to the Laurel School District at the conclusion of the cheering season. Fees for damaged, lost, or stolen pompoms, duffel bags, or uniforms shall be assessed by the Superintendent against the cheerleader to whom said property was issued and shall be paid by said cheerleader to the Laurel School District. The sponsor shall be responsible for collecting said fees. C. No uniforms, except those purchased by the District, shall be allowed. D. All dances, routines, songs, and cheers performed by the cheerleader squad shall be approved by the Principal. VII. Camps A. The Sponsor, Principal and Superintendent shall at least one (1) week prior to the date set for competitive auditions decide on which summer camp or clinic the varsity, competitive, and junior varsity cheerleader squads shall attend. Attendance by members of the respective cheerleader squads at the summer camps or clinics is mandatory. B. Summer camps or clinics for cheerleader activities selected as provided herein are considered school sponsored activities. C. Clothes, fees and travel expenses for summer camps or clinics are the responsibility of the individual cheerleader. These expenses shall not exceed $ per individual. 6

7 VIII. Travel A. The school district shall provide expenses for transportation to a minimum of five (5) regular season out-of-town football games. At the discretion of the Superintendent, transportation may be furnished to additional out-of-town games. Cheerleaders shall ride in the transportation furnished by the school district to and from all out-of-town games. B. Transportation shall also be provided by the school district to play-off games and end-of-year tournaments. C. Transportation to all home events shall be the responsibility of the individual cheerleader. IX. Sponsor A. There shall be sponsors for the varsity and junior varsity squads. B. The Sponsor shall be a certified employee of the Laurel School District. C. The Sponsor shall be selected by the Principal and approved by the Superintendent. D. The Sponsor is charged with the following responsibilities for the squad to which the Sponsor is assigned. 1. Assure that the cheerleader s budget is adhered to throughout the year and shall handle all administrative duties associated with the cheerleader program. 2. Shall assist the Principal in organizing and conducting the Competitive Audition. 3. Shall serve as the primary authority in all matters relative to cheerleader discipline. 4. Shall serve as day-to-day liaison with the squad. 5. Shall accompany the squad to all athletic events, pep rallies, and other appearances attended by the squad and shall supervise the squad at the same. 6. Shall handle all personal appearance scheduling for the squad with the approval of the Principal. 7

8 7. Shall advise the Principal of all routines, dances, songs, and stunts to be performed and shall obtain the prior approval of the Principal before the same are performed. 8. Shall advise the Principal of all uniforms to be worn and shall obtain the prior approval of the Principal before the same are ordered, purchased, or worn. X. Rules and Regulations All varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders are obligated to abide by the following rules and regulations. A. To furnish at your own expense and by the deadline designated by the Sponsor, all socks, shoes, and other accessories, etc., as directed by the Sponsor. B. To attend all scheduled practices and all other events on time, including those practices held during the summer and not to be absent from any practice or other event except for personal illness or a bonafide emergency. Bonafide emergencies do not include hair or tanning appointments, shopping trips, pleasure trips, parental punishment, church activities, or medical appointments that could have been scheduled at another time. C. To notify the Sponsor prior to being absent from practices, pep rallies, athletic events, or any other activity in which the squad is scheduled to participate. To notify the Sponsor if required to leave early, or if required to arrive late. Notification shall be given by the cheerleader or by the cheerleader s parent or legal guardian. D. To cheerfully accept all duties and responsibilities assigned by the Squad Captain and/or the Sponsor for any activity or event. E. To obey all rules and regulations found in the student handbook and to obey all disciplinary policies, rules and regulations of the Laurel School District. F. To perform at such athletic events, pep rallies, practices, meetings, and other special events as designated by the Sponsor and to arrive at the designated place at the time specified by the Sponsor for each such activity or event. G. To influence the student body s appreciation of good sportsmanship and school loyalty and to personally exemplify those qualities. H. To schedule cheerleading during seventh (7 th ) period of the fall semester. 8

9 I. No jewelry, nail polish or acrylic nails shall be worn when in uniform and fingernails shall be cut to the length as directed by the Sponsor. J. Girl s hair shall be worn up at the event and during the school day of any event at which the squad performs. K. All uniforms shall be kept pressed and shall be altered and/or repaired as directed by the Sponsor. All letters and buttons shall be sewn on, all hems and seams shall be secure, and all halter tops shall be fixed so bra straps are not visible (safety pins shall not be used). L. Any cheerleader receiving five (5) demerits shall immediately be dismissed from the squad for the remainder of the school year. Demerits shall be given as follows: 1. Tardy to practice or any event by ten (10) minutes or less ½ demerit 2. Tardy to practice or any event by more than ten (10) minutes 1 demerit 3. Leaving early from any event ½ demerit 4. Unexcused absence from any event 2 demerits 5. Rude or disrespectful behavior 2 demerits 6. Failure to cooperate with Sponsor, squad or head cheerleader 1 demerit 7. Possession, use or consumption of tobacco, alcohol or drugs or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs at school or at any school activity 5 demerits 8. Fighting 5 demerits 9. Conviction of any criminal act 5 demerits M. Any cheerleader receiving an In-School Suspension shall not participate with the squad during the time of the suspension. Any cheerleader receiving a second suspension, in-school or out-of-school, during the school year shall be dismissed from the squad for the remainder of the school year. N. Violation of any of these rules and regulations may result in such punishment as deemed appropriate by the Sponsor and may include suspension or dismissal from the squad. 9

10 O. Any cheerleader dismissed from the squad shall be allowed to tryout for the squad for the following year provided that said cheerleader has not violated any other school policies or rules during that school year which when coupled with the reason for dismissal would in the opinion of the Sponsor, Principal, and Superintendent warrant their not being allowed to try out. A cheerleader who quits the squad shall not be allowed to try out the following season unless the cheerleader quit because of extenuating circumstances such as illness, injury, academic considerations, financial difficulties, etc., as determined by the sponsor and the Principal. XI. Miscellaneous A. The Superintendent is hereby authorized to develop and implement such other rules and regulations he deems necessary to implement and regulate this Policy. B. Whenever the term Principal is used in this Policy, it shall refer to the Principal of Laurel High School unless otherwise indicated. C. Whenever the term Assistant Principal is used in this Policy, it shall refer to an Assistant Principal of Laurel High School unless otherwise indicated. 10

11 EXHIBIT A CHEERLEADER POLICY CERTIFICATE OF UNDERSTANDING I have received, read and understand the contents of the Laurel School District s Cheerleader Policy for Laurel High School. I acknowledge that by signing this document I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Cheerleader Policy. Date Date Student Signature Parent or Guardian Signature 11

12 EXHIBIT B INDIVIDUAL CHEERLEADER JUDGING FORM Cheerleader Candidate No.: Score each cheerleader candidate in each category from 1 to 5 (5 being the highest). Category Appearance Spirit and enthusiasm Voice and projection Mandatory Jumps a. Toe Touch b. Herky Individual Cheering Routine (Motion Technique) Group Dance (Ability, Sharpness, Showmanship) TOTAL SCORE Judge s Signature 12

13 EXHIBIT C LAUREL CHEERLEADER TABULATION FORM VARSITY/JUNIOR VARSITY (Circle One) Candidate Number Judge No. 1 Judge No. 2 Total Points Judge No. 3 Judge No. 4 Cumulative Total 13

14 EXHIBIT D TIE BREAKING FORM Rank (Add such Additional Ranks as Necessary) Candidate Number First Place Second Place Third Place Fourth Place Fifth Place Judge s Signature Judge s Signature Judge s Signature Judge s Signature 14