CHEERLEADER POLICY FOR LAUREL MIDDLE SCHOOL

CHEERLEADER POLICY FOR LAUREL MIDDLE SCHOOL I. Establishment There will be a 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade combined cheerleading squad at Laurel Middle School. II. Responsibility 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, except that cheerleaders shall not be required to perform at any regular season out-of-town basketball games. D. To represent Laurel Middle School in a positive manner at all times during the football and basketball sport seasons and at all other times when performing as a cheerleader of Laurel Middle School. E. To remain alcohol and drug free during the football and basketball sport season and to abide by the Laurel School District s Student Alcohol and Drug Testing Policy. III. Qualifications A. To be eligible to participate in the selection process for the Laurel Middle School 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade cheerleader squad, the candidates must be a regular full-time student at Laurel Middle School for the year he or she will serve and shall be in the 6 th, 7 th or 8 th grade for the year he or she will serve. B. Eligibility requirements shall be the same as those required by the MHSAA for participation in athletics. C. Once selected, each cheerleader must maintain a passing grade in each subject and a citizenship grade of no lower than satisfactory S for each semester of the school year. 1

D. Failure to maintain the academic and citizenship standard will result in a student being removed from the cheerleader squad. E. 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 any 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 discovered after becoming a cheerleader. IV. Audition Date and Sign-Up A. The Principal of Laurel Middle School shall set the date and time for the Competitive Audition. The date shall be set at least three (3) weeks prior to the Competitive Audition. B. A sign-up sheet for 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade Competitive Audition shall be maintained in the office of the Principal of Laurel Middle School. Any student meeting the qualification 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 Laurel Middle School shall verify that all students signing up for Laurel Middle School 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade cheerleader meet 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 who does not meet the qualifications, the student s name shall be removed from the sign-up sheet by striking through it and the student and the student s parent or guardian shall be notified by the Principal of Laurel Middle School. C. Each student signing up to participate in the Laurel Middle School 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade 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 Middle School at least one (1) week prior to the date established for the Competitive Audition. If the signed Certificate of Understanding is not returned within the time stated, the student shall not be allowed to participate in the selection process. 2

V. Selection Process A. A total of ten (10) 6 th grade cheerleaders, ten (10) 7 th grade cheerleaders and ten (10) 8 th grade cheerleaders shall be selected through the Competitive Audition process. B. Competitive Audition 1. The Competitive Audition for Laurel Middle School 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade cheerleaders shall be conducted at Laurel Middle School in the Gymnasium. 2. A total of ten (10) 6 th grade, ten (10) 7 th grade, and ten (10) 8 th grade cheerleaders will be eligible to be selected from competitive auditions. 3. The candidates in the Competitive Audition will audition separately by grade and 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 them shall be white. The judges shall be selected by the Principal and no judge shall serve two (2) consecutive years. 4. 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) 5. 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 they will be required to perform. 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 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 Sponsor 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 Sponsor before the draw. The size of each group may vary due to the number of candidates participating. Sixth (6 th ), seventh (7 th ) and eighth (8 th ) grade candidates shall not be placed in the same group for the Group Dance. 3

6. Each judge shall complete an Individual Cheerleader Judging Form in the form attached hereto 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 Cheerleader Sponsor. The Principal and at least one Assistant Principal and the Cheerleader Sponsor shall tabulate the scores of each judge for each candidate and complete the Tabulation Form attached hereto as Exhibit C. 7. The cheerleader candidates shall not try-out by name but rather shall be assigned a number on the day of the competitive auditions. Sixth (6 th ) grade candidates shall be numbered consecutively beginning with 6-1, seventh (7 th ) grade candidates shall be numbered consecutively beginning with 7-1 and eighth (8 th ) grade candidates shall be numbered consecutively beginning with 8-1. The judges shall not be furnished the name of a cheerleader candidate. 8. In the event of tie scores which would increase the Laurel Middle School 6 th, 7 th and 8 th grade squad to more than thirty (30) total members, ten (10) 6 th, grade, ten (10) 7 th grade and ten (10) 8 th grade cheerleaders, 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, according to grade the tie occurs in, 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 among themselves 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. e. Such number as required of those candidates with the highest ranking shall be placed on the cheerleader squad so as to have a cheerleader squad of ten (10) sixth, ten (10) seventh (7 th ), and ten (10) eighth (8 th ) grade cheerleaders at Laurel Middle School. 4

9. The Competitive Audition shall be closed to the public and the public shall not be allowed in the building. 10. The Sponsor, subject to the approval of the Principal, shall specify the attire 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 the Laurel Middle School Gymnasium 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 stunts 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 Laurel Middle School 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade cheerleader squad shall attend. Attendance by members of the respective cheerleader squad at the summer camp or clinic selected 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 costs shall not exceed $300.00 per individual. 5

VIII. A. The school district shall provide expenses for transportation to all 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 outof-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 a Sponsor for the Laurel Middle School 6 th, 7 th, and 8 th grade cheerleader squad. 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 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 the cheerleader program. 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. 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. 6

X. Rules and Regulations All Laurel Middle School sixth (6 th ), seventh (7 th ), and eighth (8 th ) grade 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 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 events except for personal illness or a bona fide emergency. Bona fide 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. 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. I. Girl s hair shall be worn up at the event and during the school day of any event at which the squad performs. J. 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 secured, all halter tops shall be fixed so bra straps are not visible (safety pins shall not be used). 7

K. 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 Refer to Policy JCDACA (Student Activity Alcohol & Drug Testing Policy). 8. Fighting 5 demerits. 9. Conviction of any criminal act 5 demerits. L. Any cheerleader receiving an in-school or out-of-school suspension shall not participate with the squad during the time of 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. M. 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. N. Any cheerleader dismissed from the squad shall be allowed to try-out 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 from the squad would, in the opinion of the Sponsor, Principal, and Superintendent, warrant their not being allowed to try-out. 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 Middle School unless otherwise indicated. C. Whenever the term assistant principal is used in this policy, it shall refer to an assistant principal of Laurel Middle School unless otherwise indicated. 8

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 Middle School. I acknowledge that by signing this document I agree to abide by the terms and conditions of the Cheerleader Policy. Date _ Student Signature Date _ Parent or Guardian Signature 9

EXHIBIT B INDIVIDUAL CHEERLEADER JUDGING FORM Cheerleader Candidate #: Score each cheerleader candidate in each category from 1 to 5 (with 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 10

EXHIBIT C LAUREL MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEERLEADER TABULATION FORM 6 TH GRADE/ 7 TH GRADE / 8 TH GRADE (Circle One) Candidate Number 6 th Candidate Number 7 th Candidate Number 8 th Grade Grade Grade 6-1 7-1 8-1 6-2 7-2 8-2 6-3 7-3 8-3 6-4 7-4 8-4 6-5 7-5 8-5 6-6 7-6 8-6 6-7 7-7 8-7 6-8 7-8 8-8 6-9 7-9 8-9 6-10 7-10 8-10 6-11 7-11 8-11 6-12 7-12 8-12 6-13 7-13 8-13 6-14 7-14 8-14 6-15 7-15 8-15 6-16 7-16 8-16 6-17 7-17 8-17 6-18 7-18 8-18 6-19 7-19 8-19 6-20 7-20 8-20 6-21 7-21 8-21 6-22 7-22 8-22 6-23 7-23 8-23 6-24 7-24 8-24 6-25 7-25 8-25 6-26 7-26 8-26 6-27 7-27 8-27 6-28 7-28 8-28 6-29 7-29 8-29 6-30 7-30 8-30 Judge No. 1 Total Points Judge No. 2 Judge No. 3 Judge No. 4 Cumulative Total 11

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 12