Spirit Squad Handbook/Constitution Expectations MEMBERSHIP AND REQUIREMENTS: Designation of Squads: (tentative) Cheer Squad: (freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors) Fall: Cheer/Support* varsity home & away football, home varsity soccer, & select away soccer games, support other fall sports Winter: Cheer/Support all varsity girls & boys basketball & Wrestling Support Swimming and Diving Spring: Support* all Spring varsity athletic events and may attend designated events Pom Squad: (freshman, sophomores, juniors, & seniors) Fall: Cheer/Support* cheer/dance sidelines of varsity home & away football, support other fall sports Perform half time home football games Band Festivals 3 Saturdays in the Fall Parades TBA-KU Band Day, Festivals Winter: Cheer/Support all varsity girls & boys basketball & Wrestling Pack the House performance, Half time performances, participating/planning Spring: Support* all Spring varsity athletic events and may attend designated events *Support means signs, locker notes, treat bags etc. Additional Responsibilities: There may be some varsity events or school functions of which the sole purpose is to encourage school spirit that all spirit squad members may be required to attend or participate. They will be given ample notice concerning these events and functions. Work and non-school related activities are not a valid excuse to miss these events. Examples: Pack the House/Late Night Homecoming - week long activities Red & Black Week Spirit Week Marching Band Competitions/concerts Pep Assemblies (rallies)--during school and evenings All Sports Banquets Cheer/attend post season competitions for any qualifying sports Community activities Festivals for cheer and dance Pom Squad Band Festivals in the Fall,
Cheer/pom squads may apply to perform at half-time of the boys or girls state basketball tournaments. Cheer/pom squads will help with middle school tryouts in the Spring. Cheer/pom seniors will help with high school tryouts in the Spring. Fundraising: Spirit squad members and parents will be asked to participate in fundraising activities as needed. In the past, fundraising activities have not defrayed the cost of items listed in this handbook. The parent group may choose to use fundraising for this purpose. The Spirit Squad does not receive funds from the district for operating costs, it is imperative that all members raise money to support the Spirit Squad. Listed below are examples of items that we have needed money for in the past: Choreography - TBD Music for performances, senior gifts, banquet supplies - $500.00 + Expenses squad to attend state wrestling in Wichita (hotel rooms) Treats for teams/athletes - does not come out of cheerleader's pocket Electronic equipment Private coaching (choreography for new stunts/routines) Competition Costs - $2,500 both squads Spirit items Costumes for Performances Tentative Fundraisers/Dates Monday, April 5, 2016-Fundraiser/Cookie Dough Parent and Squad Member Meeting @ 7:00- Turnn in April 19. Little Lion Clinic During Football season- TBA Dance Clinic during basketball season TBA (Pom) Middle School Clinic TBA-August ELECTION & SQUAD REQUIREMENTS: All squads member are encouraged to enroll in weights during the school year, they are strongly encouraged to enroll for both semesters Grades: 1. Members' grades must meet the standards of the KSHSAA. A squad member must pass 5 subjects the previous semester & be enrolled in 5 subjects to participate. 2. Coaches may require grade checks during the year. Eligibility: 1. All participants must have completed the appropriate forms to participate in the clinics and tryout to become a member of the cheerleader squad.
2. Each student must have a completed physical examination form on file before the clinics. (If you have competed in any sports the past year, you may already have a physical on file at that school). 3. New physicals dated and signed by a doctor after May 1 of the current year are REQUIRED for all current members of the spirit squads and for new squad members along with all other required athletic department forms. The five (5) new copies of the required athletic forms for 2014-2015 must be on file in the athletic office before the first class date. 4. Lawrence High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, sex, or religion. RESPONSIBILITIES AND RULES: See Constitution Game Attendance: Required for all activities. (Valid excuses include, but are not held to, serious illness or injury). If a student has a conflict because of a school related activity, he/she should work it out in at least 48 hours in advance with the coach. Work and non-related school activities are not considered a valid excuse in ANY situation! (Dance/All-star cheer classes/competitions)- Please communicate and be willing to compromise and we will too. Although participating in another sport and cheerleading/pom are extremely difficult, a pom/cheerleader/yell leader/mascot who chooses to do so must work with both his/her cheer/pom coach and the other sport's coach of the sport in which they are participating. It is not fair to other teammates and squad members to have a member missing from their squad or team during an event or practice. If a game is missed because of illness, the coaches must be notified BEFORE the event as soon as possible! A note from the parent must follow. School Attendance: Students must attend school 3 hours, the day of the event. (Practice and games) Practice Attendance: Practice is required for all poms/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots. (Valid excuses include, but are not held to, serious illness or injury). Attendance Conflicts: If a pom/cheerleader/yell leader/mascot has a conflict because of school related activities, serious illness, or injury, they must notify the coach as soon as possible before the practice. If a pom/cheerleader/yell leader/mascot misses a practice because of a school related activity, they must notify the coach at least 48 hours in advance. No Texting to report absence! If you are missing practice, have parent call. Calling does not mean absences are excused. Unexcused absences = work, outside cheer/dance, non-school related activities, etc. All tardies and unexcused absences will be dealt with by individual coaches.
Time missed will be time made up! 3 unexcused absences will result in dismissal from squad WORK & NON-SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES ARE NOT A VALID EXCUSE! It s an extreme hardship for a team to have one member missing. Summer Attendance: Practices and summer camp are required. If a squad member misses practices before attending camp, the coaching staff will determine if that squad member will participate in the Home Routine the first night of camp. This year squad members will attend the LHS weight program during scheduled pom/cheer practices. Most of our preparations for the entire year will be completed and discussed during the summer practices. (Practices and Camps will be the month of June, July is off, Pom will have Band Camp in August, Cheers will come back the week before school starts) Tentative Spring/Summer Schedule: (see attached calendar) Pom/Cheer Camp- Sheraton Hotel KC MO June 20-21 Summer Workout Schedule: In order for the pom/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots squad members to perform at a competitive level, and to prevent injury; they must choose to build their endurance and strength during the summer. This summer the girls will attend the LHS weight program during practice time, they will be done with practice by 9:45 a.m Cheer Squad: see Constitution for Demerit System Pom Squad- Consequences for Absences and Tardies: Tardies and unexcused absences will not be tolerated. Each squad s coaches will set consequences for these infractions. A policy of Three Strikes you re Out will be enforced. Examples of Infractions/Strikes listed below: 1. Unexcused absence from game = 1 strike and consequence determined by the appropriate coach. 2. Unexcused absence from practice = 1 strike and consequence determined by the appropriate coach. 3. An unexcused absence from school = 1 strike and consequence determined by the appropriate coach 4. Other infractions will be dealt with when appropriate by the coaching staff. 5. Consequences for Code of Conduct violations may counted as a strike and/or may be determined by the school administration. 6. Strikes: 1st Strike - parents will be notified (in person or by telephone) 2nd Strike - conference with parents, student, coaches, and an administrator to discuss member's violations and solution. 3rd Strike pom/cheerleader/yell leader/mascot will be dropped from the squad and parents will be notified prior to dismissal. Additional consequences for tardies, unexcused absences, etc. will be determined at the coaches discretion Personal Conduct and Attitude:
All squad members are representatives of Lawrence High School. The coach and the administration will take appropriate disciplinary action should a pom/cheerleader/yell leader/mascot exhibit undesirable behavior that should occur during the time period that the individual is a member of the squad, in or out of school or at any school sponsored activity. Undesirable behavior is defined as any behavior that is inappropriate, brings discredit to, and/or causes embarrassment to other squad members, coaches, administration, or Lawrence High School. Failure to uphold these rules will result in a conference/disciplinary action with the coaches, athletic director, and other designated parties. Spirit Squad Members Performance Requirements: 1. Pom/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots will need to be present at least 60 minutes prior to the start of an event, or be there by the time set by the coach. This means stretched out and ready to perform. 2. Pom/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots must be dressed in required performance attire and have hair pulled back at arrival time. 3. Pom/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots will meet at the appointed place 15 minutes before the time of departure for away games. 4. No jewelry is to be worn. (KSHSAA rules). Absolutely no pierced jewelry can be worn during events or practices. (Absolutely no belly button rings, earrings, nose rings, tongue, etc.) 5. 5. On the day of the event, each squad member will wear the designated/approved uniform to school. 6. Hair must be pulled back and off the shoulders when tumbling or building according to KSHSAA rules. Any body piercing that is visible when wearing a uniform will be covered with material provided by the coaching staff 7. No gum allowed during performances or practices. 8. Tattoos will be covered with makeup or bandages if they show outside the given uniform or costume 9. Refer to rules concerning tardies and absences. Squad members are not allowed to leave the track or courts during half time unless it is an emergency. We need to support the band and anyone who may be performing at this time. Pom/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots need to keep their attention on the event they are performing at. There will be not be unnecessary conversations with fans in the stands or with squad members. Practice Requirements: Tentative for 2016-2017 1. Tentative Pom (pom members will enroll in Band as an elective-they will receive a grade for this class)
Monday Friday 7 th hour 2:05-4:00 Tuesday-6:00-8:30 pm Wednesday 6:30 am- 8:30 am Designated Sundays each month 2nd Semester Monday 3:15-5:15pm Tuesday 6:30-9:00 pm Wednesday 6:30 am- 8:30 am Some Sundays 2. Tentative Cheer Monday and Wednesdays 5:00-7:00, some Sundays Posters and signs may need to be done outside of practice time. Cheer practice attire includes: shorts, T-shirt, & athletic shoes. Hair must be pulled back and no jewelry or gum. Pom- Appropriate dance attire, dance shoes, hair pulled back and no jewelry or gum. Refer to rules concerning tardies and absences. Coaches must be present at all practices. Financial Obligations: (please read payment plan options) Participants/parents will be responsible for providing accessories as listed below: (Cost is approximate and may be less depending on the squad and parents' willingness to fund raise)
Lawrence High School Cheer/Pom Squad Constitution 1. It shall be the purpose of the LHS Cheer/Pom Team Members: To promote and uphold school spirit To represent LHS to the highest degree To set an example of good behavior at all times, whether in uniform or not, in class, at games and at all school functions, if or if not performing. To entertain the public at half times of home football and basketball games, at pep assemblies, and any other function requested and agreed upon to perform. To work cooperatively with other spirit organizations. 2. Personal Conduct and Attitude: All squad members are representatives of Lawrence High School and will act as leaders of the school. Negative attitudes and disrespectful behavior will result have consequences and possibly a demerit. Members will only practice when coach or director is present. NO coach-no practice. NO use of the small gym without coach or sponsor present. The coach and the administration will take appropriate disciplinary action should a pom/cheerleader/yell leader/mascot exhibit undesirable behavior that should occur during the time period that the individual is a member of the squad, in or out of school or at any school sponsored activity. Undesirable behavior is defined as any behavior that is inappropriate, brings discredit to, and/or causes embarrassment to other squad members, coaches, administration, or Lawrence High School. Failure to uphold these rules will result in a conference/disciplinary action with the coaches, athletic director, and other designated parties. 3. Spirit Squad Members Game/Performance Requirements: Cheerleaders/pom/yell-leaders will need to be present at least 60 minutes prior to the start of an event, or be there by the time set by the coach. This means stretched out and ready to perform. Cheerleaders/pom/yell-leaders must be dressed in required performance attire and have hair pulled back at arrival time. Cheerleaders/pom/yell-leaders must will meet at the appointed place 15 minutes before the time of departure for away games. No jewelry is to be worn during events or practices. (KSHSAA rules) **Zero tolerance for belly button rings, earrings, nose rings, tongue, etc at practices, games, or events; failure to comply cheerleader will be benched On the day of the event, each squad member will wear the designated/approved uniform or outfit to school.
Hair must be pulled back and off the shoulders when tumbling or stunting. (KSHSAA rules)-pom hair may vary for performances. No gum allowed during practices, games, or performances. No cell phones allowed during practices, games, or performances; emergency situations will be determined at coach s discretion. Tattoos will be covered with makeup or bandages if they show outside the given uniform We need to support the band and anyone who may be performing at this time. There will be not any unnecessary conversations with fans in the stands or with squad members. Squad members are not allowed to leave the track or courts during half time unless it is an emergency. 4. Rules and Consequences for Attendance Cheer/pom squad members are required to be prepared and on time to all practices, games, and performances as set by the sponsor or a demerit will be given. Members will be prepared for practice and performances. Members may not leave practice/game early without prior approval permission. If a member has an injury; they are still expected to attend practices. A parent note or doctor note will be required before a cheerleader is allowed to resume practice after an injury.! Demerits system (cheer team) **Demerits will be kept by coach and director Unexcused absences/tardies from practice will result in demerits or other disciplinary action. Examples: work, unexcused tardies at school, unprepared for practice or game (missing gear), hair appointments, ALARMS not going off, not knowing call time, or other appointments on required days. Additional consequences for tardies, unexcused absences, etc. will be determined at the coaches discretion If you are attending a school sponsored event, you will be excused only if the sponsor is notified. Illnesses and family emergencies are excused absences only if the sponsor is notified by parent or guardian. Missing a scheduled practice, performance, or fundraiser will result in a demerit or being benched. Consequences for Code of Conduct violations will as a strike and/or may be determined by the school administration.! Benched for a game: o If a cheerleader accumulates 5 demerits, they will be benched for the next performance. o If a cheerleader is benched they are still expected to be at practices and performances. o If a cheerleader falls below KSHSAA guidelines for participation in high school athletics.
! Dismissal from team: o If cheerleader member is removed from the team, or voluntarily quits, the member will not be allowed to try-out again for one year. o Upon accumulating 8 demerits the dancer will be removed from the team.
All parents/guardians and cheerleaders will be required to read the LHS Handbook and the Squad Constitution and sign the following and return it to the sponsor at first practice. Lawrence High School Cheer/Pom Squad Constitution Spirit Squad Member Name: Cell number Parent(s) Name: Cell number Email: Parent/Guardian: I/We, the parent(s) of the above named, have read the Cheer /PomTeam constitution and handbook and understand all the requirements and consequences of improper actions. I/We understand the sponsor has the final say in my/our daughter s/son s remaining on the team. We also realize this is a team effort and that we may be called upon to help throughout the year. Parent Name Parent signature Date Cheerleader/Pom: As a member of the LHS cheer/pom team for the school year of 2015-2016, I have fully read the constitution and handbook and understand what is expected of me to remain a member in good standing. I will keep myself knowledgeable and informed of all rules and realize the consequences of poor behavior or inappropriate actions may be severe. I will do all I can to uphold the honor and the tradition of the Lawrence High School Cheer Team, and respect my team members, my director, my school, and all persons associated with school spirit at all times. I understand that my teammates are depending on me. Cheerleader/Pom Name Cheerleader/Pom signature Date