Skyline High School Spirit Line Constitution and Bylaws

Skyline High School Spirit Line Constitution and Bylaws 2013-2014 Candidate Name School Grade

Article I: Membership Spiritline Purpose The purpose of the spiritline will be to promote greater school spirit, develop a sense of sportsmanship among students, build better relationships with other schools during athletic and social events, and represent Skyline High School in a favorable way to the community. Selection Process General Requirements A. Passing all classes at each quarter grading period B. Enrolled as a full-time student. Selection Process and General Requirements 1. Spiritline will consist of no more than 100 qualified students. Selection will be a 2-part process consisting of Part 1) application, grades, teacher evaluations, clinic attendance and Part 2) cheerleading and dance skills. Elements of Part 1 will be evaluated using a point system. Part 2 will be evaluated by judges also using points. These judges will come from both within the school and from outside sources such as professional cheer and pom instructors, and sponsors or former sponsors of spiritlines, cheer, and/or pom squads. Part 1 and Part 2 are of equal value in the selection process. 2. A first selection (if needed due to overwhelming numbers of applicants) is based on the application form and accompanying teacher evaluations. The final selection is based on cheerleading/dance physical skills combined with the scores from the application and teacher evaluations. 3. Spiritline members must have the following items to be eligible to participate in spiritline activities: a. Parent permission b. Application form along with constitution agreement signature c. Proof of insurance -- some type of insurance is required (if student has no insurance, then school insurance is required) d. Physical exam form -- evidence of good health (see #8) 4. Candidates must be in eighth, ninth, tenth or eleventh grade prior to tryouts. 5. All candidates must remain in good standing with grades and discipline at Skyline High School. 6. All candidates must be approved by the administration. 7. All applicants must have all debts to SHS paid prior to being eligible to tryout. 8. All elected cheerleaders must have an updated physician s physical on file with the cheerleading coach. This is an AIA requirement. Your physical for the 2013-2014 year must be dated on or after March 1, 2013. Skyline Cheer Constitution 2013-2014 2

9. Students must be eligible to tryout and maintain at least a 2.5 GPA per quarter to cheer and perform. Students must maintain the eligibility standards established by the board of education, the AIA, and Skyline High School. Squad members must be full time students and pass all classes and maintain a 2.5 GPA each nine weeks to remain on the Spirit Line, as well as keep an A in cheer. Exceptions to full time status are available only for graduating seniors who have or are fulfilling graduation requirements and are on target to graduate in the spring of their senior year. Article II: Grading Policy 1. Letter grades will be given for your participation at practice and games, wearing the correct clothing, cooperation with the team, and for service to the squad and school (decorating halls/lockers, etc., painting signs, and participating in team fundraisers, community service events, and committee work.) 2. Certain class periods (or parts of class periods) will be dedicated to strength, fitness, and technique improvement. These types of activities can be made up at the discretion of the coach. However, no points can be made up for absences or tardiness that occur during performances, choreography teaching or formation setting time. Students absent on formation setting days may be removed from a routine or placed differently at the discretion of the coach. 3. Individual grading policies will be distributed by the coach at the beginning of each school year. (i.e. syllabus) Article III: Absences 1. Please call the coaches voicemail (472-9619), cell phone or text in the morning of any day practice will be missed, before practice start time. (Emergency situations will be taken into consideration.) This includes summer and weekend practices, as well as during the school year. Failure to call the coach will result in benching. The absence must still be excused through the attendance office in the proper manner. Excused absences can be made up by running the make up mile which will be offered two times a month to members. 2. The Skyline attendance policy will be enforced in regards to tardies, absences, and the audit process. A spirit line member on attendance probation or audit for any class may be suspended or dismissed from the squad. 3. A member s spirit activity will take priority over other activities, including sports events, except if she is involved in the Divisional or State competition. If there are conflicts, they must be worked out with the coach prior to the start of the season. Work or other outside activities are not to take priority over spirit activities at any time. 4. An unexcused absence from practice or performance will result in benching. (these points may not be made up) 5. Absences from any class need to be excused through the attendance office the day of the absence. Unexcused absences will result in benching from a performance. Please call in the same day, it will then show as excused on the coach s printout the next day. Skyline Cheer Constitution 2013-2014 3

6. Excessive absence or tardies from practices or other classes may result in a bench or a dismissal, at the discretion of the coach. 7. Two tardies and/or absences in a week will result in a benching from the next performance or activity. 8. For summer: there is a 2-miss rule for summer practices. These practices are mandatory Students may be excused for family vacations as long as no more than 2 practices are missed during the summer. The more we accomplish during the summer, the better off we are during the school year. 9. Members must provide their own transportation to and from spiritline activities and leave campus at least 15 minutes after practice is finished. 10. There are no make-ups for games, performances, or choreography training. 11. Please avoid scheduling appointments during practice time. Missing practice affects the entire squad. Article IV: Practices/Games/Performances 1. Spiritline members must attend all games, performances, competitions, and practices ON TIME! All practices are mandatory! Members will be given a calendar of events. (There will also be a calendar on the website) Please note that the calendar is subject to change. The coaches will do their best to give at least 24 hours notice to changes. You will be expected to accommodate any changes. 2. Members must attend the summer camp it is mandatory. 3. Dress a. Team members must adhere to the school dress code. You are a role model. b. A member must be dressed in the required practice outfit. c. No jewelry of any kind will be worn at practice or performance. (This includes earrings, belly button rings, tongue rings, nose rings, watches, necklaces, etc.) For safety reasons, this is an NFHSA/AIA rule there are NO exceptions. You may not tape over jewelry; it must be removed at every practice or performance. d. Hair must be put up and off the face and neck. Following the guidelines from your individual coach. e. Nails are to be kept short. For safety reasons, this is an NFHSA/AIA rule there are NO exceptions. f. Extreme hair color is prohibited. g. Hygiene is an important part of cheer as we are very close to one another. You will be spoken to if this is an issue. Please shower on a regular basis. h. ABSOLUTELY no slippers, pj s or anything of that nature anytime you are wearing anything to do with SHS cheer. On game days, you may wear your cheer shoes or spirit flip-flops which must be a SHS color or black. NO black tennis shoes or anything else is acceptable. Skyline Cheer Constitution 2013-2014 4

4. Uniforms a. Uniforms are the property of SHS. Maintenance of uniforms is the responsibility of the individual member, who will bear all costs for cleaning and/or replacement. No permanent alteration may be made. Uniforms are to be stored neatly on hangers (not just thrown in the locker.) b. Members must bring complete uniform for games and performances. i. All parts of uniforms are to be clean and pressed. ii. Team shoes, socks, top, skirt, hair bows, briefs, etc. must be worn. iii. No jewelry, hard clips, long nails, or glitter may be worn with uniform. iv. Spiritline members must pay for their own briefs, shoes, socks and spirit attire. c. Uniforms are to be worn for performances or school activities only. d. Students will be responsible for cleaning school-issued uniforms at the end of the season. 5. Travel (Varsity) a. Members are to come dressed, ready for performance. b. BE ON TIME! The designated time for arrival is the time activities will begin or the bus will leave. Plan ahead for your own personal needs. If you miss the bus to an away event, you will not perform and no points will be earned. c. The squad will enter the game as a group. Nothing will be taken into the track area except for the necessary items (cheer bag, poms, etc.) 6. Conduct a. Remember safety first. Adhere to all NFHSA/AIA safety guidelines during all practices and performances. During stunting there is to be no talking or laughing. There is no stunting allowed outside the presence of the coach. b. Regular checks of attendance, grades, and school behavior will be made. If a grade check shows poor grades, or the coach and a classroom teacher feel that better efforts should be make in an academic area, a mandatory lunchtime study hall may be instituted. Remember you are a role model. c. No public displays of affection, especially while in uniform. This includes anywhere on school grounds, during games, assemblies, or other performances. 7. Behavior a. Because of a spiritline member's leadership roll at school, it is imperative that behavior on and off campus is always above reproach. Remember, these students represent our school at all times as spiritline member. b. Academic responsibilities come first!! No pass, no participation! c. Spiritline members must be able to withstand stress and criticism. They must be able to deliver criticism in a positive manner. d. Spiritline members must be models of good sportsmanship at all times. e. All spiritline members must follow the code of conduct in Skyline's student handbook at all times. f. Any inappropriate TEXTS, FACEBOOK, IM, or TWITTER, which is mean, negative or not deemed appropriate by the coach will result in an immediate consequence. WE WILL NOT TOLERATE BULLYING, MEAN GIRLS OR ANYTHING THAT EFFECTS OUR TEAM. YOU WILL BE HELD RESPONSIBLE FOR WHAT YOU WRITE OR SAY. Skyline Cheer Constitution 2013-2014 5

Article V: Benching 1. Benching is dismissing a member of the team for a specific time. The coach may bench a member for any (but not limited to) the following: a. Failing any class at quarter grade. Student will be benched until the grade has been raised at progress report time. If student fails two or more grading periods, they will be dismissed from the squad. In accordance with AIA eligibility rules cheer squads must also adhere to the no pass no play policy set up by Mesa Public Schools. b. Infraction of any guideline previously mentioned, not abiding, by the rules and regulations or not fulfilling assignments given by the coach. c. Insubordination, disobedience, or disrespect: negative/poor attitude (rolling eyes, pouting, inappropriate comments), profanity, etc. d. Routine to be performed is not mastered. e. Missing practices or performances without an excuse/coaches approval. f. Unexcused or excessive absences and/or tardies (2 absences and/or tardies in one week) g. Not attending practice and/or 4 classes the day of the performance/game. h. Breaking any school policies Being sent to ALC. i. A failing report in any class at any time during a semester. j. Stunting without a coach present. k. Other situations that may arise, at the coach s discretion (i.e. academic discrepancies, disrespect toward anyone, etc.) l. Not abiding by the social media contract 2. Benched members must attend all practices/games and provide service to the squad. 3. Benched members wear uniforms for a game and assembly. 4. Benched members must sit at a place designated by the coach. Your purpose is to help your teammates and to aide the coach. 5. All game rules apply to benched members. 6. If a benched member does not abide by the requirements of benching, she may be benched for a longer period of time or dismissed from the squad. 7. Excessive benches (3 times) will result in permanent dismissal from the squad. Skyline Cheer Constitution 2013-2014 6

Article VI: Dismissal 1. A member may be dismissed from the team at the discretion of the coach and/or administration for such actions deemed inappropriate for students who have been elected leaders of the school. Such actions include, but are not limited to: 1) drug use, 2) alcohol use, 3) profanity, 4) ditching, 5) smoking, 6) theft, 7) medical situation that preclude performing in group (i.e. pregnancy), 8) breaking school rules, 9) not abiding by the social media contract 10) other behavior that would reflect badly on the rest of the squad or student body (i.e. being arrested). (District guidelines will be enforced 20% suspension, dismissal for second infraction of any kind will be enforced.) 2. Other reason for dismissal include (but are not limited to): a. Insubordination b. Excessive absences or tardies from practice and/or performances. c. Excessive benching (3 times = dismissal). d. Failure to pass ALL classes each nine weeks or a failing semester grade. e. Not meeting AIA eligibility and policies. f. Poor attitude, i.e. inappropriate/disrespectful comments g. Suspension (in-school or otherwise) 3. A dismissed member: a. Must return her uniform and all spirit line property. Any property damaged or not returned must be replaced by the member b. May not receive credit for the course. c. Does not letter d. Is not eligible for any end-of-the-year awards. e. Will not participate in any further activities with the team. f. Will not receive any refund of money. Article VII: Other Activities 1. Attendance at all activities will be as representatives of the school 2. Dress up for all Spirit Days and remain on campus for spirit week activities, sport pep assemblies, spirit Fridays-Green and Gold, and other events accepted by the coaches/captains. 3. Team members are expected to fundraise both for total group expenses and for individual expenses. Expenses will be determined by the coaches. The coaches determine fair assessments for each member. 4. Competition teams will be determined by those able to perform the desired skills. Select J.V. members may be pulled up to compete with Varsity if deemed necessary by the coaching staff. 5. REMEMBER you are in a leadership position and are expected to maintain high standards of behavior and appearance in all that you are involved in on and off campus. Skyline Cheer Constitution 2013-2014 7

Candidate Name School Grade Article VIII: Requirements and Duties Each parent and cheerleader must initial each statement in this article. 1. All squad members will be governed by AIA, state, and school eligibility rules involving grades. However, two grading periods (9 weeks) involving a failing grade will result in dismissal from the squad. 2. Cheerleaders who are inattentive, disrespectful, vulgar, disobedient, or do not follow the rules and regulations for SHS at school functions will not be allowed to participate. After due process by the sponsor, the cheerleader may be removed from the squad. 3. During the time a squad member is declared ineligible, s/he may not cheer during the designated function. She will dress in uniform, and she will be required to attend the event and sit next to the coaches for the entire function. Failure to follow this rule will result in dismissal from the squad. 4. Cheerleaders will be expected to participate in all fundraising activities required by the sponsor. Each cheerleader will be responsible for fulfilling her quota of fundraising projects. In the event that a cheerleader does not participate in the fund-raiser (sponsor approval required), she may choose a buyout option for her portion. 5. Each cheerleader must be able to give her time to any cheerleading activity throughout the year. During high performance times, CHEERLEADING MUST COME FIRST! 6. Cheerleaders must be able to attend all practices, performances, and required activities assigned by the coach. 7. Each cheerleader will take part in any planned meetings during the summer for the purpose of practice, camp, or any meeting deemed necessary for the squad. 8. If the sponsor and administration approve a cheer competition, each chosen cheerleader will participate. Extra practices will be held and all-star practicing, work and other non-emergency events will not be excused! 9. An absence will ONLY be excused for the following reasons: personal illness or accident, funeral or death in the family, or family emergencies. The sponsor will determine whether the absence falls into any of the preceding categories. Parent Signature: Date: Candidate Signature: Date: These guidelines are based on policies and procedures of the MPS district and are designed to create a pleasant, rewarding opportunity for all team members. Not every situation can be predetermined, but the coaches are committed to handle each situation as it arises in the fairest, most consistent manner possible. Due to the level of commitment with spiritline; it is important that we communicate. If you have any questions or concerns, please email clunderwood@mpsaz.org (Cathy Underwood) Skyline Cheer Constitution 2013-2014 8