Alamo Heights High School Spirit Organization Cheer and Dance Constitution ALAMO HEIGHTS INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT 2015-2016 SCHOOL YEAR The spirit organization will be composed of students from Alamo Heights High School and will be under the supervision of the administrators, cheer coach/dance director and outside consultants as directed by the administration of the school. All activities of the organization will be coordinated through the administration. The purpose of this organization shall be to promote school spirit and give full support to all school activities. This spirit organization will also encourage scholarship and good conduct and develop leadership and self-initiative among its members. The following rules will govern the conduct of each member in this organization. It is understood that each member is responsible for upholding and seeing that others uphold these standards at all times. The cheer coach/dance director shall decide any items that are not covered by this constitution. The AH administration, on an individual basis, may consider any exceptions to this constitution. ARTICLE I. GOAL The goal of this document is to develop a set of uniform guidelines for the spirit organization of AHISD. These guidelines will focus on the proper implementation of tryouts, membership requirements, and performance expectations of the various organizations. ARTICLE II. Section III. Section IV. MEMBERSHIP Each member will give of his/her time to participate in required activities throughout the year. The individual should not hold a job that will interfere with these activities. Each member will participate in all assigned fundraising activities to meet his/her financial obligation. The members and their parents shall be aware of the responsibilities and expenses of the individual groups stated in the tryout packet distributed to all perspective members. The parents must be willing to support the member in complying with all rules and regulations of the school and the organization.
Section V. Section VI. Section VII. In order for a student to be eligible to try out for Dance/Drill team, or Cheerleader, the student and/or parent must attend a scheduled orientation meeting. Students who for whatever reason has been dismissed from a spirit organization on two (2) separate occasions are ineligible for membership. Students who quit dance, and/or cheer will be ineligible to tryout the following year, based on the director s discretion. ARTICLE III. ORGANIZATION Dance Team Dance Team membership is open to ninth through twelfth grade students. Students will specialize in stylized jazz, kick, pom, hiphop, modern, clog, and marching routines. To become a member, the student must participate in a tryout procedure and follow rules and regulations set forth by the Constitution. See Spurs Expectations Section IV. Cheerleaders A. Freshman squad membership is open to ninth grade students. To become a freshman cheerleader, the student must participate in a tryout procedure and follow rules and regulations set forth by the home school. Uniform expenses and fundraising obligations will be determined at the home school. B. Junior Varsity membership is open to tenth and eleventh grade students. To become a Junior Varsity cheerleader, the student must participate in a tryout procedure and follow the rules and regulations set forth by the home school. C. Varsity cheerleaders will consist of eleventh and twelfth grade students who must participate in a tryout procedure and follow rules and regulations set forth by the director. D. Competition tryouts may be held separately from squad tryouts. Requirements for competition squads will be determined by the director.
ARTICLE IV. Section III. Section IV. RESPONSIBILITIES All members will attend athletic events, practices, activities, and competitions designated by the director. Members must participate in projects to promote school spirit and assigned fundraising activities. Any member who does not meet performance expectations during practice in-class or after school, or who has one or more absences from practice, may be excluded from participation in that week's performance. All members are expected to maintain eligibility. Grades will be reviewed each nine weeks. Receiving one or more "F's" in a nineweek period will result in scholastic probation for three weeks. Receiving an "F" in any two nine-week grading periods may result in dismissal from the spirit group. Summer Camps/Competitions A. Members will be required to attend a summer camp with the team at their expense. B. The director / coaches will decide on camp dates and times. C. All director / coaches will be present at camp. D. Captains / Officers will be required to attend a summer / leadership camp in addition to the team camp at their expense. E. The cheer and dance team will participate in competitions each year with location to be decided by the director/coach. Tryouts, either formal or informal, will be held for all competition routines. Placement on the team does not guarantee a spot in a competition routine. Dance Team will travel every other year out of state on a performance trip approved by the School Board.
Section V. Uniforms and Appearance A. Administration and/or coaches must approve all uniforms. This includes formal uniforms and practice uniforms the members will wear while representing the school at competitions, camps, etc. B. Each member is responsible for the purchase all uniforms. Members will replace any school uniforms that are damaged while in their possession. C. Members will not be allowed to wear any jewelry during any function unless it has been designated as part of the uniform for that event. D. Members will not be allowed to chew gum in uniform. E. Members will not be allowed to have tattoos/body piercings F. Uniforms may only be worn to school on days when there is an event, or special dates advised by the director/coach. G. Members will wear the required make-up and hairstyle to practice/events as designated by the director/coach. H. Inspection of uniforms, make-up, hair, and shoes will be held before any performance or appearance. Standards will be set by the director/coach. If a team member quits or is dismissed from the team, they will not be allowed to wear the official uniform identifying them as an Alamo Heights Cheerleader or Spur. I. Any member who quits the team or is suspended from the team will be financially responsible for any uniform items previously ordered for her. In addition, no refunds will be given to any monies invested in the team. ARTICLE VI. ATTENDANCE A. Attendance at all Spirit Group activities is required. B. If a member is unable to attend a required practice or function, a valid, written excuse must be presented to the cheer coach/director beforehand. C. Excused absences include personal illness, funeral or death in the family, special school activities, which are approved in advance by the director, religious holidays, and weddings in the immediate family. Extenuating circumstances will be determined by the directors. Out-of-town family trips, retreats, and work will not be excused (Unscheduled playoff games included). D. Unexcused absences will result in demerits as listed at the end of this constitution. 10 demerits will result in dismissal
from the team. E. If a member is absent from school/practice on the day of an event, they will not be allowed to perform at that event unless otherwise determined by the director. F. In order to receive an excused absence from practice, a member must present a written note from the physician to the director. The note must include the member's name, date, reason of absence, and parent and/or guardian signature and phone number. 1. In case of illness, a parent/guardian must notify the director by email prior to the practice or performance, and the member, upon returning, must present a written note with the information stated above. 2. An unexcused absence is automatically given if a note is not presented to the director. This may affect the student's standing or membership in the organization. G. When a member is absent, it is his/her responsibility to call a fellow member to find out what was missed and what is required upon his/her return (proper uniforms, meeting deadlines, etc.) H. Any member who misses one practice will forfeit performing in the next scheduled performance. J. Any member who misses assigned games will be subject to performance penalties. Performances/Games A. All members shall attend all varsity football, assigned basketball, soccer, volleyball, baseball games, and all other designated events. Competition beyond the district level will necessitate further participation (playoffs). B. An unexcused absence from a performance/game will result in performance penalties, demerits and/or probation. C. To excuse an absence from a game, the member will be required to attend the scheduled game prior to the absence. D. Only in cases of extenuating circumstances will a student be allowed to leave a game or function with his/her parents/guardians. The following procedure must be followed: 1. A note must be presented to the director. It must state the member's name, date of the game, name and signature of the parent/guardian, and phone number. The reason for the request must be outlined in the written statement. 2. Parents must personally take responsibility for the member by meeting the director in the stands at the
end of the game. If the adult who is to take the member does not follow this procedure, the member must return on the bus with the group. 3. Any exceptions to this procedure must be approved by the director and an administrator. Section III. Class Attendance A. A student must present an admittance slip to the director following an absence. B. When a member is absent, it is his/her responsibility to call another member to find out what he/she is required to do the day he/she returns. Section IV. Tardies A. Members must be at designated functions at specified times. Tardies will result in Mules/Mule Kicks B. Class tardies will be handled according to school policy. ARTICLE VII. MERITS/DEMERITS- SEE DANCE/CHEER PACKETS FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION All merits and demerits received by the student will be approved by the director and will be in effect for one school year. A student may not cancel demerits. Merits do not erase demerits. Merits will, however, erase Mules/Mule Kicks. The ratio is three merits for one Mule/Mule Kick. Merits 3 Straight A report card 1 Special assignments by the director (See Dance/Cheer Merit List) 3 Perfect attendance record for six weeks Section III. Demerits Students may accumulate demerits at any time following membership selection. Demerits are issued for improper conduct. Demerits will not affect the grade but will affect active status in the organization. All demerits issued must have director approval, and will be in effect for one school year.
A. Attendance and Tardies 1 Unexpected absence from game or activity 1 Unexcused absence from practice or meetings 1 Tardy to practice, games, roll call, trips, etc. B. Uniform 1 Failure to wear proper uniform when required 1 Failure to remain in uniform C. Insubordination/Non-compliance 2 Failure to follow instructions given by any officer, Director or school district staff member 2 Unsportsmanlike or inappropriate conduct 2 Leaving an assigned area without permission 2 Public display of affection 2 Disrespect directed toward the director or any adult 2 Unexcused absence from a required practice and/or event. 2 Inappropriate wearing of the spirit uniform D. Serious Offenses 10 Assignment to Robbins 5 Suspension from school 5 In school suspension Section IV. CONSEQUENCES A. A member accumulating 5 or more demerits in a semester will be placed on spirit group probation. B. A member accumulating 10 or more demerits will be dismissed from the organization and may be denied future participation. ARTICLE VIII. PROBATION Scholastic Probation Receiving one or more "F's" in any nine-week grading period will constitute scholastic probation. This probationary period will coincide with state law. "No pass, no play". The student must be
passing all classes as indicated on the progress report. The member will participate in practices but will not be allowed to perform, will not wear the uniform and will not travel with the team (Students are advised to utilize this time to focus on their academics). This type of probation will affect the student's membership in a spirit group. Receiving an "F" in any two nineweek grading periods may result in dismissal from the spirit group. Spirit Group Probation When a member is placed on spirit group probation, the member and her parents will be notified to attend a meeting with the director and an administrator to discuss the consequences for violation of the standards of conduct set out in the Spirit Group Constitution, as well as receiving 5 demerits. A. The length of spirit group probation is 10-15 consecutive school days, depending on the infraction. Weekends are included in the probationary period but are not part of the 15-day probation. B. A student must within the fifteen-day probation period complete an assignment as specified by the director, and the administration. C. A member violating this probationary status will be dismissed from the organization. D. When on spirit group probation, the member will not be able to participate actively in the group (perform or serve as an officer) but must attend all practices, group functions and be expected to wear team warm up. E. Violation of the AHISD 24hr Code of Conduct may result in additional consequences. See attached carboncopy district form. Section III. Reasons for Dismissal: A. Violations as outlined in the Constitution and the 24hr Code of Conduct. B. A member being placed on Spirit Group Probation, for the second time, will be dismissed from the spirit group. C. A member accumulating 10 demerits will be dismissed from the spirit group.
D. Notwithstanding the above, each sponsor(s) has the discretion to increase the length of suspension outline above, or permanently remove a student from participation, when the student s misconduct involves weapons, drugs, alcohol, hazing, moral misconduct or threats to the safety of students or teachers and/or in the discretion of the sponsor(s), the student s continued participation in the activity would be detrimental in representing the activity, school, or community. If a student is suspended or withdrawn from participation, the student and parent/guardian will be notified as soon as reasonably practicable. ARTICLE IX. TRYOUTS Procedures A. Each candidate trying out for a position on Drill Team, Dance Team and Cheerleader will tryout in front of a panel of impartial judges. B. All candidates will be required to attend a mandatory tryout meeting scheduled by the sponsor. At that time, the candidate will receive a "tryout packet" outlining projected costs, tentative schedules, and a copy of pertinent parts of the Constitution. C. To establish eligibility for tryouts, a candidate must: 1. Submit a tryout application 2. Submit proof of insurance or sign a waiver 3. Be a member in good financial standing D. A candidate is expected to attend the tryout workshop and a mock tryout. If a candidate misses any of the tryout session, he/she is automatically withdrawn from tryouts, unless candidate has prior approval for absence from the director. E. Privately paid instruction for candidates, by current members, is prohibited during the workshop period. F. Membership is for the current year only. All members of an organization must re-establish their membership through audition. G. Candidates must clear all financial obligations prior to tryout workshop. H. Officers (Spurs) 1. Officers will be selected during the spring semester prior to the year they will serve as
officers of the team. The number of officers will be determined by the panel of judges, depending on the team needs for the following year. 2. An officer candidate must be a current 2 nd year member of the Alamo Heights Spur s dance team at the time of tryouts. 3. Tryouts will consist of a notebook / questionnaire, choreographing / performing a solo routine in front of a panel of qualified judges and the director, interviews, teacher evaluation, and team member evaluations 4. The candidates with the overall highest scores will be selected as officers, and their rank will reflect their scores I. Captains/Co-Captains and Officers (Cheer) 1. Captains and officers will be selected during the spring semester prior to the year they will serve as officers of the team. 2. A Captain candidate must be a current member of the Alamo Heights Cheerleading program at the time of tryouts, and will be seniors (juniors optional) at the time of the following school year. 3. An Officer candidate must be a current member of the Alamo Heights Cheerleading program at the time of tryouts. 4. Captain Tryouts will consist of teaching material, creating/performing a cheer and/or chant in front of a panel of qualified judges and the director, interviews, teacher evaluations, and team member evaluations. 5. The candidates with the overall highest scores will be selected as captains/co-captains. 6. Other officer positions will be determined by the director. Scoring Procedures Judges' scores: There will be three judges. Points will be awarded according to the tryout score sheet. Campus staff will tabulate judges' scores. Scores will be sorted by descending order. The administrator and director will determine the membership of the team based on a large break in the scoring array. Determination will be made based on tryout numbers, rather than candidate names.
Section III. Performance Auditions A. Each member will audition for each routine. All candidates are required to audition. B. Those members who fail to receive an adequate score (to be determined by the individual director) will be pulled from that particular performance. C. Those who have mastered the necessary skills will perform for that event. Those who do not master the required skills will remain alternates, but could have an opportunity to become a replacement for a member who may have become injured. This will be determined by the director. D. While student officers may be used to assist the director with auditions, under no circumstance will they have the responsibility of determining who will or will not perform. E. All members (including alternates) will continue to rehearse each routine daily. No one will be allowed to sit out of practice except for medical reasons. ALAMO HEIGHTS SPIRIT ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTION AGREEMENT: I have read the ALAMO HEIGHTS SPIRIT ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTION and understand all rules. I realize the consequences if any rules are broken. I understand the merit and demerit system. I will uphold and abide by the guidelines set forth in the constitution for the entire school year effective immediately. Student s name: Student s signature: Parent s signature: Date: