MJHS Cheerleading Constitution

Transcription

1 MJHS Cheerleading Constitution A Magnolia Junior High School Cheerleader will conduct him/herself in such a manner as to be a credit to the organization and to Magnolia Junior High School at all times. She will know and abide by the Magnolia Junior High School Cheerleader Constitution which establishes eligibility and tryout requirements. Cheerleaders will uphold the tradition of excellence of Magnolia Junior High School, and will do everything in their power to promote cheerleading activities and interest. Cheerleaders will at all times be courteous, courageous, truthful, considerate, just, loyal, sincere, and respectful. A Magnolia Junior High School Cheerleader must be above reproach at all times. All rules and regulations apply equally to cheerleaders and mascots. Any reference to cheerleaders will also be deemed to include mascots. MEMBERSHIP The size of the squads will be determined through the use of a "natural break point" system. At the completion of tryouts, the "natural break" in scoring will be mutually agreed upon by the campus administrator and squad coach(s). This will be the official ''break point" for determining the final squad size. 1. The size of the squad determined by the natural break. 2. Any current 6 th or 7 th grader may try out for the position of the Mascot. 3. Candidates for Cheerleader and/or Mascot must meet eligibility requirements stated in the MJH Cheer tryout packet TRYOUT CLINIC The MJHS Cheerleading Constitution establishes the eligibility requirements and procedures for tryouts. Magnolia Junior High School Cheerleader scoring will be completed by judges. To be eligible to try-out for Cheerleader/Mascot, the candidate must: - All cheerleader/mascot candidates must be enrolled at.magnolia Junior High or Magnolia 6th grade during the tryout process. - All cheerleader candidates who have previously been team members must be in good standing. All fees, forms, uniforms and other property must be cleared before the try-out date.

2 - All cheerleader/mascot candidates must attend an informational mandatory meeting with a parent or legal guardian prior to the audition process. All candidates must have parental consent and waivers on file to try-out. - Cheerleader/Mascot candidates must attend all days of the tryout cheer clinic. - Cheerleaders/Mascot candidates must have at least a 2.0 Semester average on a 4.0 scale only. - Cheerleader/Mascot candidates must have no U's in conduct and no more than 1 N for any grading period up to the tryout date. - Cheerleader/Mascot candidates must have appropriate attendance as determined by the appropriate principal and have no loss of credit for nonattendance. - Cheerleader/Mascot candidates must be approved by the administration. - Cheerleader/Mascot candidates must turn in all required forms/paperwork by the due date. (NO EXCEPTIONS) - Cheerleader/Mascot candidates must be able to attend summer camp and summer practice on the designated dates. - Cheerleader candidates will perform a cheer/chant and dance routine of required elements taught during the try-out clinic. Mascot candidates will perform a skit and will be judged on overall performance, creativity, crowd appeal, etc. - The decision of the judges is final. You will be deemed ineligible to tryout if any of the following have occurred during the year preceding tryouts: *Current school year being defined as August to May - No more than 2 after school d-halls. - No more than one referral to ISS, including dress code violations. - Any act that result in suspension, expulsion, etc. - Any assignments to DAEP Loss of credit due to non-attendance to any class. - Cheerleader/Mascot candidates must not have received more than one failing grade during the grading periods prior to tryouts. (This shall be defined as the first, second or third nine weeks.) - Cheerleaders/Mascots that are removed from the squad will not be eligible to tryout the following year. A cheerleader/mascot who chooses to quit the squad or who has not fulfilled her financial obligations for the previous year man not tryout the following year. There are no exceptions to these rules. OBLIGATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Obligations 1. The cheerleaders/mascot will help promote spirit and appropriate behavior at all athletic events and cheerleading activities. 2. There will be no eating or drinking in uniform without permission from the coach during

3 any event as long as the cheerleader/mascot is under the direction of the coach. 3. Members must be in attendance for the entire event in order to receive credit for the activity. 4. Permission to leave the group will be given only for extreme emergencies such as illness/injury. All personal business should be taken care of at a time that is not scheduled for practice or a scheduled event or function. 5. Community Service Academic Responsibilities 1. Each cheerleader/mascot is required to maintain good grades. Grades will be monitored by the head-coach. Should there be a failing grade in any subject at the end of each 3week progress report period, parents will be notified by the head coach and the cheerleader will be benched (ineligible) from practices and games until the next grading period if it is brought above passing. The cheerleader/mascot would be required to attend tutorials in that subject area. 2. Each cheerleader must also be in school for 50% of his/her daily classes including 3rd period to participate in any cheerleading activities that day. The half day starts/ends at 11:25 am. ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES/TARDIES Attendance 1. All cheerleading activities are mandatory. Cheerleaders and Mascots are expected to be on time always. In case of an emergency or illness, the parent must contact the coach by on the day of the emergency BEFORE the scheduled practice, performance, meeting or game. If not notified prior to the scheduled event, then the absence will remain unexcused. 2. In the event of a benching or injury, the cheerleader will still be required to attend all games, practices and functions in warm-ups or jeans and cheer shirt authorized by squad coach. A benched or injured cheerleader is expected to sit with the coach in the stands, not with his/her peers or parent. 3. There will be NO overlapping in doctor office visits or social events, etc. If these cannot be worked around cheerleading responsibilities then the cheerleader will be required to make a choice. Please discuss all extenuating circumstances with the coach. Prior approval must be obtained by the coach; otherwise it will be considered an unexcused absence. ABSENCES EXCUSED ABSENCES a. Personal illness: Note from doctor/parent describing illness and onset of illness is required (Routine appointments such as, but not limited to, orthodontist, dental, etc. must be scheduled at times which do not conflict with cheer activities.)

4 CAMP b. Death in the family c. Required school activity -Coach must be notified prior to the activity. UNEXCUSED ABSENCES a. One unexcused absence allowed with 2 week notice. b. Should be used for doctor appointments (Appointments may not be scheduled during any practice, event, or activity. Practices and performances are scheduled in advance and cheerleaders are given as much notice a possible.), family reunions, weddings, family birthday, etc. c. Requires a parent note, , phone call to coach 2 weeks in advance. d. Please remember the COMMITMENT you made to this program. 1. This "freebie" is not to be used for: Parties Concerts Sporting events Any recreational event e. 2 unexcused absences = Sit out full game & meeting with coach and parents and possible dismissal. f. 3 unexcused absences = Automatic dismissal from the team. TARDINESS a. Less than 15 minutes late to practice, game, event = 20 sets and sit out a quarter of next game. b. 15 to 30 minutes late = 20 sets + 1demerit and sit out 2 quarters of next game. c. 30 to 60 minutes late = 3 demerits and benched next performance. PARENTS (not cheerleader) must call/ in to their squad coach all illness, lateness and absences. Illnesses must be called in at least 1hour prior to practice/arrival time. The captain or co-captain cheerleader is not an option for receiving messages. 1. Summer camp is MANDATORY. All team members are required to attend summer camp. Any member who is unable to attend camp will be dismissed from the squad. Vacations, summer school, and work should be planned so as not to conflict with summer practices or summer camp. 2. All school and camp rules will be in effect while in attendance at the camp. This includes the trip to and from camp. 4. The date and location will be determined by the coaches and announced in the spring semester.

5 5. Practice for camp will be held prior to the scheduled date of camp. All members are required to attend these practices. 6. Cheerleaders are required to travel to and from camp with the squad. There are no exceptions. 7. Cheerleaders/mascots will remain with the squad at all times. While parents are invited to some events, they are asked to remember that their student is not at liberty to socialize until the event concludes and cheerleaders have been dismissed by the coach. 8. No cell phones or electronic devices will be allowed at camp. Refer to # 9 for consequences. 9. Boyfriends and girlfriends of cheerleaders are not allowed at camp. Disciplinary action will be taken if this occurs and could result in the cheerleader/mascot being removed from the squad. 10. Cheerleader rules will be followed and enforced. Any member who violates the MJH Cheerleader Constitution, camp rules, and/or school rules while at camp will be sent home immediately at the parents' expense and will be dismissed from the cheerleading squad. APPEARANCE AND UNIFORM During any practice and/or scheduled event, the school dress code will be in effect governing appropriate apparel. Uniform is defined as any item of clothing that identifies the wearer as a MJHS cheerleader/mascot. 1. For safety reason, during practices and performances, hair must be pulled up in a high ponytail and worn neatly (no fly-aways) as designated by the coach or as specified by the coach. 2. Also for safety reasons, no jewelry is to be worn during practices and performances. This includes: necklaces, earrings or any body piercings, bracelets or anklets. 3. Nails may be painted with clear nail polish or French manicured (white) but absolutely NO false (acrylic, solar, gel, etc.) nails are to be worn at ANY time during the summer practices, summer camp or football//basketball seasons. (*This time is defined as August to April.) Special circumstances may apply for dances, etc. and will be determined by the coach. 4. For safety reasons, all nails must be cut to a length so that the nail is not visible when the cheerleader holds up her hands from the palm side. 5. Make-up is to be worn during performances and will be applied neatly and tastefully as designated. 6. Each member is responsible for the care, cleaning, of his/her uniforms or school owned. Any school owned uniform that is damaged or not returned at the end of the cheerleading year shall be paid for by the member to whom the uniform was issued. Cheerleader's footwear, practice uniforms and other items designated by the coach must be purchased by the members. Mascots are responsible for the care, cleaning and the return of all uniforms, suits and props given to them by the

6 coaches/school. 7. Cheerleaders must wear the designated parts of the uniform while performing. Unauthorized articles of clothing such as pajamas, sweatshirts or pants will not be acceptable. 8. The uniform must not be worn in public places other than a specified performance area. 9. The uniform must be kept clean and in good repair including footwear, megaphones, and pom-poms. 10. A Magnolia Junior High Cheerleader/Mascot will be subject to sets/demerits should he/she wear the district uniform off campus other than transporting to and from a school-sponsored event. 11. Cheerleader/Mascot is to be in full uniform representing Magnolia Junior High School from the designated arrival time until dismissed by the coach. At no time will a cheerleader/mascot appear in public in a partial uniform or partially clad in uniform. 12. Any unauthorized loaning of a uniform or any part of a uniform by a cheerleader will result in disciplinary action being taken. GAMES 1. Home Games - The squad will perform at all designated home games. 2. Under no circumstances is any cheerleader to leave any game without coach approval 3. Cheerleaders and Mascots will remain at school on game days and warm up at least 30 minutes before the game. PHYSICALS All MJHS cheerleaders/mascots are required to have a current physical (less than one year old) by the start of tryout practice and copies of the medical emergency release forms are to be given directly to the cheer coach by the start of the season. A cheerleader/mascot candidate will not be allowed to attend a tryout practice without a physical on file. If a current cheerleader s/mascot s physical be over a year old, a new physical will need to be obtained. The cheerleader/mascot will be benched until the cheer coordinator has the new copied physical. Practices l. A tentative calendar will be given to each cheerleader by the coach, which will list the practices and game times. A coach may call extra practices at any time. Cheerleaders are expected to attend all practices. 2. Cheerleader captains must bring their cheer calendar, notebook/binder and a pen to EVERY practice. 3. Each cheerleader is to be on time. Cheerleaders must wear a designated t-shirt or tank top, shorts, socks and gym shoes to practice. Hair must be tied back, no gum and ALL jewelry removed.

7 4. Attention must be given to the coaches and captain(s) at all times during practice. 5. Missing planning practices for Pep Rallies, performances, etc. will result in a cheerleader being benched for all or part of that pep/rally performance. If a cheerleader is absent from a practice within a week of an event/performance they will be benched for all or part of the next event/performance as well. 6. Cheerleaders missing two or more practices within a week, for any reason, will not cheer at any scheduled events/activities for that week/ the following week (including games). 7. Cheerleaders must participate in all summer practices. "Summer school" activities are not excused (See excused absences). Summer practices will be held in July prior to attendance at summer camp and may be held again in August prior to the beginning of school. A tentative schedule will be given. 8. Cheerleaders are expected to be on time and properly attired for any before/after school practice when practices starts (must be dressed, stretched, bathroom needs addressed, etc.). EXPENSES Cheerleaders and Mascots should be prepared to meet the cost of cheerleading. The estimated cost was and will be provided in the annual cheerleading and mascot tryout packet each year. Camp must be paid for in full by the first day of fitting, which is determined by the coach each year. This day is normally a week or two after the election of the cheerleaders/mascots. Payment plans may be set up at the coach's discretion. Failure to meet financial obligations could result in demerits, benching, and or dismissal of a squad member. If a squad member is dismissed from the squad, for any reason, she is still responsible for all the expenses incurred. 1. Cheerleaders will need to purchase at least the following items: a. 1-2 uniforms, team warm-up suit, shoes, t-shirts, cheer bag, bows, etc. b. 3-4 camp outfits c. Cheerleading camp d. Low profile white socks 2. Mascots a. 3-4 camp outfits b. shoes, team warm-up, t-shirts c. Cheerleading camp d. Low profile white socks GRADES Cheerleaders/Mascots with a failing grade at the end of a nine week grading period will be placed on probation from events for the next three week period. Any cheerleader/mascot that becomes ineligible according to UIL at any time will also be placed on probation for the following three week period. Participation at all practices is still required. Probation and/or failure does not have to be in/for the same class or consecutive reporting period.

8 CONDUCT Discipline and Conduct: Probation, suspension and dismissal: Issues concerning discipline and/or conduct may be handled through the utilization of either or disciplinary referral and/or through demerits at the discretion of the coach. Definitions - Benching shall be defined as not being able to participate in the event/performance, but the cheerleader must attend all practices, attend the activity, dress in the appropriate uniform, and sit with the coach without socializing with his/her peers and parents. - Probation shall be defined as not being able to perform in any performances of the squad but must attend and participate in all practices. - Suspension shall be defined as not being able to perform in any performances of the squad or attend any practices. - Dismissal shall be defined as no participation of any activity of the squad for the remainder of the year. A dismissed member must turn in all school owned uniforms and any other issued item. - Election shall be defined as immediately following try-outs. Once you have made the squad. Probation Violating probation for grades or conduct shall be defined as receiving another failing grade or failure to improve conduct. Any cheerleader/mascot placed on probation twice at any time during the year for ANY reason will be dismissed from the squad. Periods do not have to be consecutive or for the same offense. A cheerleader may be placed on probation for anything the coach or administration deems necessary in addition to the following: 1. Failing grades 2. Conduct 3. Failure to meet UIL eligibility requirements 4. Multiple demerits Dismissal Cheerleaders will be dismissed from the squad for the remainder of the year with no probation for the following: 1. Violation of MIBS Constitution alcohol and drug policy (including misuse of nonprescription drugs). 2. Violation of MIBS Constitution tobacco policy. 3. Violation of MIBS Constitution fight policy. 4. Any referral to ISS for any reason, including dress code violation. 5. Any act that result in suspension, expulsion, etc. 6. Truancy.

9 7. Violation of the law. 8. Chronic failure to perform duties and participate in cheer team as a whole. 9. Conduct or behavior in violation of school district policies. 10. Display of conduct or behavior that harms the reputation of the cheer team, the junior high, or Magnolia ISD. 11. Refusal to perform or participate in cheer team activities. 12. Receiving 15 demerits within a school year. 13. If a Magnolia Junior High Cheerleader is in uniform off campus and found by a Magnolia ISD employee in violation of MJHS constitution he/she will be immediately dismissed from the squad. 14. Any inappropriate act unbecoming of a cheerleader/mascot on or off campus including internet websites, cell phones or harassment. Classroom Conduct A cheerleader/mascots with an "N" in conduct will be placed on probation for the next three week period. A cheerleader/mascot who receives a "U in conduct during the terms of membership will be permanently dismissed from the squad. Sets and Demerits The following system serves as a guideline for the behavior and conduct expected of a cheerleader. At any time during a cheerleader's/mascot's participation in class, practice or any scheduled event, the demerit system may be waived and a cheerleader/mascot may be dismissed from the squad for any reason deemed necessary including insubordination, non-participation or failure to cooperate by the coach. CD=Coach's Discretion. Sets and /or demerits will be given for the following: 5 sets of 20 = 1 demerit. When a cheerleader accumulates fifteen (15) demerits, she will be dismissed from the squad. The cheerleader/mascot will perform the sets at the coach's discretion (this could be before/after a practice/game). * Special circumstances (merits) may occur when a cheerleader/mascot may be able to work off some demerits for minor offenses. This is solely at the responsibility of the cheerleader to discuss any opportunities with the coach. These will be at the coach's discretion. Merits/Demerits THE OBJECTIVE OF GIVING DEMERITS/SETS ARE: To set expectations To teach one's responsibility to a group To help individuals realize consequences of their actions To help create a unified group

10 Demerits/sets count begins immediately following election and will continue to accrue during the time a student is a cheerleader for that school year. They will be calculated as accumulated, merits/sets may be given to any member at ANY time. A record of each member's demerits is kept by the sponsor/coach. Parents will be contacted per demerit(s) given and cheerleaders/mascots will sign off demerits given. If a cheerleader receives 15 demerits, he/she will be dismissed from the squad. THE CHEERLEADING YEAR IS DEFINED AS APRIL TO APRIL. Should a cheerleader choose to QUIT the squad at any time, written consent from the parent/guardian will be required, all uniforms/school items are to be turned in, and all financial responsibilities are to be met PRIOR to the removal of the student from Cheerleading. The cheerleader/mascot will not be eligible to try-out the following year (including High School Tryouts}. *see attached Merits/Demerits Guide for more information Sets- a physical consequence that is performed in five steps, which result in only a single set. 1. Begin in a standing position. 2. Drop into a squat position with your hands on the floor in front of you. 3. Kick your feet back, while simultaneously lowering yourself into a pushup. 4. Immediately return your feet to the squat position, while simultaneously pushing up with your arms. 5. Leap up as high as possible from the squat position with your arms overhead (you may also clap your hands above your head at the peak of your jump). Constructive Criticism Cheerleaders/mascots must be able to accept constructive criticism. It is given to help improve the individual athlete and the team as a whole. Negative attitudes towards suggestions from coaches and teammates are not appropriate AND WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. Coach's Discretion All MJHS Cheerleading/Mascot rules will be interpreted and carried out by MJHS cheer coaches and athletic staff, under the guidance of the MIBS Assistant Principal and Principal. Interpretation of these rules is at the strict discretion of MIBS coaching staff. * Special circumstances (merits) may occur when a cheerleader may be able to work off some demerits for minor offenses. These will be determined by the coach. Examples of minor offenses include: demerits from sets, not dressing out or forgetting clothes/shoes. PDA, bad attitudes, disrespect towards the coach or a teacher are not considered a minor offense.

11 SAFETY RULES/GUIDELINES 1. A coach must be present to supervise during all stunting activities. Coaches must approve all new stunts. There is to be no talking, laughing or screaming during the building and execution of stunts to protect the safety of our athletes. 2. Any one performing an unauthorized stunt will be placed on a 2 week suspension. 3. MIBS Cheerleaders will be required to participate in warm up, conditioning and weight training activities to maintain strength and flexibility and prevent injury. 4. MIB Cheerleaders and Mascots must adhere and follow AACCA safety rules for stunting and tumbling and may be required to take a safety exam. CAPTAIN SELECTION AND DUTIES Selection of Captain and Co-Captains: 1. The Captain and Co-Captains may be selected by a combination of judges, squad members, and/or coach's scores. 2. The Captain must have previously been a MJHS Cheerleader. 3. The Co-Captains (one for each grade level) can be any cheerleader on the squad. 4. A cheer captain/co-captain must maintain a conduct rating of Satisfactory or above. They may not have received any "N's" or U's for the current school year prior to being chosen captain. Duties of the Captain and Co-Captain(s) cheerleader The Captain and Co-Captain provide the leadership for cheerleaders and are responsible for the training and management of the squad. 1. The Captain and Co-Captain(s) are responsible for: a. Maintaining a record of all cheer, spirit days and any other related documents. b. Notifying squad members concerning the proper equipment and uniforms for each activity. c. Starting practices on time. d. Reporting inappropriate conduct of conflicts to the coaches. e. Planning and advising all practices and performances with the coach. f. Inspecting all cheerleaders for conformity before all practices or performances. 2. The Captain and Co-Captain(s) have full authority and control of the actual performance and/or any other time as designated by the coach. They are responsible for maintaining the continuity and success of all performances. 3. In the event a Captain or Co-Captain(s) vacates her position during the school year, it will be at the discretion of the coaches and administration to move up the

12 next eligible candidate from the cheer squad. 4. All Captain and Co-Captain(s) must be able to give the extra time and effort for all team activities and events. 5. All Captain and Co-Captain(s) must maintain a positive attitude toward team members and the coaches, and must demonstrate leadership for the organization. Leadership The Captain and Co-Captain(s) positions are very important offices. At all times these students must realize the responsibility and authority of the offices, but not abuse their power. They are not all-power officers that can override the sponsor(s) or the best interest of the squad; they are to serve as leaders and guiding influences and as such, must be above approach at all times and represent the sponsor(s), the administration, MJHS and the Magnolia Junior High tradition to the very best of their ability. ** Being a Captain or Co-Captain(s) is a great honor, but the honor can be removed if the Coach and the administration deem it is necessary. Character Qualifications 1. Attitude must be enthusiastic and positive. 2. The member must be willing to accept constructive criticism in a gracious manner. 3. The member must be reliable and dependable. 4. The member must accept responsibility for a loaned uniform, fundraising items, and all other articles belonging to the team. 5. The member must be courteous and respectful of fellow team members, cheer coaches, faculty members, and other adults involved in the organization. 6. The member's reputation must be above reproach. All members must accept responsibility for their actions. All team members must abide by all rules and regulations as outlined in the Magnolia ISD Student Handbook and those pertaining to the respective school. PARENT PARTICIPATION Positive parental involvement is appreciated throughout the cheer competition program. Parents play an integral role in supporting and encouraging their cheer member and the cheer coach. A. Parents are encouraged to work in a positive manner with the MJHS Cheerleading Coach to promote and improve the educational and ethical welfare of the MJHS Cheer Squad. B. Parents are encouraged to set up an appointment to discuss concerns both positive and negative which directly impact their child or the overall program with

13 the coach. Parents must follow the proper protocol for addressing concerns at the next level. MJHS Cheer Protocol: Squad Coach, Assistant Principal, Principal. C. Parents shall adhere to the Magnolia Junior High Parent Code of Conduct. SPECIAL SITUATIONS AND AMENDMENTS If at any time the administration feels the need to alter any part of MJHS constitution for the good of the organization, he/she may do so without prior notice or discussion. The coach and administration will deal with any special situation that may arise and is not specifically addressed in this constitution on an individual bases. Any changes to the Constitution may be made to affect the current/following years' team and may occur before try-outs. Any changes to the Constitution are at the discretion of the coach and the school administration. Effective Date These Rules and regulations become effective on the date of tryouts and shall govern the election of the MJHS cheerleaders/mascots and any future elections unless amendments are made.

14 MJH Cheer Merits/Sets Guidelines Conduct Infraction Violation of the MJHS Code of Conduct, including dress code, while on any MISD campus at any event or in a non-school setting where observed and/or recognized by others as a cheerleader. Poor or dangerous conduct at a game Not assisting in cleaning up after any class, practice, event Unexcused absence from a practice without prior notice Not participating at an event/practice Mascots not wearing approved apparel during entire event /contact from a teacher concerning behavior Late to any practice or event (30/60 minutes). See tardiness section. Not picked up within 15 minutes of an event/practice Note: longer than 15 minutes will result in additional demerits, possible removal from squad. Leaving practice/games without permission from coach Disrespectful behavior towards a teacher/adult at any time Public display of affection while at school/unbecoming acts (PDA, etc.) Unexcused absence from a scheduled event without prior notice Showing disrespect or poor attitude to a coach Any disciplinary referral or assignment to detention Demerits CD 3 demerits 3 demerits 5 demerits 3 demerits 3 demerits 5 demerits 3 demerits and benched from performance Removal of items from the cheer room that do not belong to the person taking the items Any disciplinary offense not specified above *CD-Coach s discretion **Note- This is intended to guide behavior and is not a completely comprehensive list of infractions/consequences. Ultimately, behavior and discipline will be at the coach s discretion Conduct Infractions Subject to Sets/Demerits Not Listed Above 5 demerits 5 demerits 5 demerits 5 demerits 8 demerits and automatic bench ½ game 8 demerits and automatic bench ½ game 8 demerits and automatic bench 1 game CD Chewing gum; Long and/or fake nails; wearing jewelry; improper hair; lack of attention (standing) at a performance; unnecessary talking during event; late to practice/event (under 15 min.); Not dresses out for practice/games; cell phone use without permission; disrespect to another cheerleader; leaving early without permission; failure to comply with captain/co-captain

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