TISD JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL CHEER CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I: PURPOSE AND EXPECTATIONS SECTION I: PURPOSE The primary purpose of this organization is: To promote and uphold school spirit throughout the year To encourage good sportsmanship among the student body To improve relations between schools during all athletic events To emphasize physical fitness To build character To encourage student responsibility and independence in following rules SECTION II: EXPECTATIONS A. Cheerleaders are responsible for behaving above and beyond the normal school rules. B. The cheerleading program has an extremely high set of standards. C. Cheerleading is a privilege, not a right. D. Parents and cheerleaders are to recognize cheerleading rules at all times. E. All teachers will be given lists of members and will be asked to contact the coach if problems arise so that the consequences may be administered. F. Cheerleaders should strive to work towards independence, a positive attitude, dedication, and role modeling at all times. G. Cheerleaders are considered role models in and out of school. Therefore, appropriate behavior is expected on and off school grounds. ARTICLE II: TRYOUT QUALIFICATIONS SECTION I: GRADE REQUIREMENTS To be eligible to try out for Cheerleader, a candidate must: Be currently academically eligible per UIL guidelines. Meet all extra-curricular eligibility rules as stated in the Tomball ISD Junior High Handbook and the Texas Educational Code. SECTION II: CONDUCT RESPONSIBILITIES To be eligible to try out for Cheerleader, a candidate must: Not have been placed in Tomball Alternative Educational Center or expelled from school during the current school year. Not have any OSS placements. Not have more than one placement in ISS (dress code exception). Not have been previously removed from any Tomball ISD Junior High Cheerleading Team because of demerits, grades, or conduct. Not have resigned from the cheerleading squad for any reason other than an illness or disability. No more than one N in conduct No U s in conduct 1
SECTION III: TRYOUT CANDIDATES In addition to grade and conduct requirements, candidates for Cheerleader must meet the following additional criteria: A. Meet enrollment requirements: A candidate must have been enrolled in Tomball Independent School District prior to the tryout sign up deadline. B. Proof of physical fitness: Each candidate must present a physician s medical history and physical examination form as well as a physical waiver form signed by a parent/guardian prior to participation in clinic and tryout. Any current cheerleader trying out for a team who is physically injured at the time of tryouts, with medical documentation, should consult with the coach and the designated administrator. All physical forms must current and up to date. C. Proper financial support: Each candidate/parent must understand that cheerleading is a year-round expense. An estimated expense list will be given at the beginning of the year but does not reflect exact costs. Approximate costs are $600- $1000/year. D. Parental consent: Each candidate must complete and return a Cheerleader Tryout Application. E. Fulfill cheerleading obligation: Students are encouraged to be well rounded and to participate in other activities. Students and parents should communicate with all sponsors about potential conflicts and these conflicts will be resolved with the combined input of student, parent, cheer sponsor and campus administration. ARTICLE III: TRYOUT PROCESS A. A minimum of two professional judges who are not employees of TISD and who are not familiar with any of the candidates will screen all candidates on their cheerleading skills including but not limited to motions, jumps, tumbling, spirit, dance, and coed stunting for males. All females will perform an identical tryout cheer and dance. All males will perform the male counterpart to the same cheer, but they may substitute coed stunting specified by the coach for the dance. All candidates may individually enhance their routine with tumbling skills approved during the cheer clinic. The tryout material will be taught en masse to candidates at the tryout clinic. Tryout scores will be calculated by an official tabulator. Judges scores will count 100%. B. Break-Point System Explanation The size of each squad will be determined through the use of a break-point system. At the completion of the tryouts, the natural break in scoring will be mutually agreed upon by the campus administrator and squad sponsor. This will be the official break point for determining the final squad size. 2
ARTICLE IV: PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS A. The season will begin at Summer Camp and conclude after the last basketball game in the Spring Semester. B. Any cheerleader who resigns from the cheerleading squad during the school year (exception being illness or disability) or is dismissed for academic or disciplinary reasons will not receive Cheerleader honors or awards, nor will he/she be allowed to attend the banquet or end of the year cheer squad activities. Additionally, any cheerleader who resigns or is removed from the team will not be allowed to tryout the following year. C. All absences from cheerleading practice are unexcused except for the following: Personal illness or accident cheerleader must contact coach regarding his/her absence prior to practice and must bring a note from a doctor the following practice to avoid demerits. Death in the family provide note from parent. Pre-approved tutoring by coach with a note from teacher verifying attendance in after school tutoring. School sponsored field trips/activities in which the cheerleader will be absent from a practice can be excused by the coach. A note or documentation from the supervising teacher/sponsor is required. These activities are excused at the discretion of the coach with at least two weeks advanced notice. D. All Cheerleaders should have a competent understanding of sports rules. E. If a cheerleader cannot participate in practices or performances due to an injury, he or she will need to have a doctor s note excusing the student from participating. A doctor s release will be needed to return to practice. A cheerleader will not be able to perform if he or she has missed the practice prior to the performance due to an injury. ARTICLE V: CAPTAINS/CO-CAPTAINS SECTION I: SELECTION Coaches will select the captain based on appropriate criteria. All decisions are final. Receiving the title of captain is a privilege and not a right. Inadequate performance of captain s duties or any other sub-standard behavior may result in the loss of the captain s position. These decisions are made by the coaches only and are final. SECTION II: DUTIES Cheerleaders will serve as captain or co-captain for a time frame determined by the coach. The captains or co-captains must be able to call cheers, prepare routines, and work as an interim between the coach and the squad. Duties are assigned at the discretion of the coach. Other duties will be assigned by the coach as needed. ARTICLE VI: GROOMING AND APPEARANCE A. NO JEWELRY OF ANY KIND is allowed at any practice or performance. B. Gum chewing is not allowed at practices, games, or while in uniform. 3
C. Fingernails must not extend beyond the fingertips at any practice or performance. This includes fake nails. Colored nail polish is not allowed while in uniform. D. Uniform must be clean and neatly pressed at all times. Shoes must be clean and polished at all times. E. Uniform must be worn completely at all times, no unzipped/buttoned tops or skirts or untied shoes. F. A cheerleader may not remove any part of his/her uniform in public. G. Cheerleaders must be dressed alike whenever they are representing the school at games, special events, etc. Cheerleaders are not allowed in uniform unless a sponsor is present. H. Females must wear sports bras under the uniform top, but if they are visible at the back of the neck area, they must match the color of the uniform area. Females must wear bloomers under practice shorts. Regular bra straps showing will result in one demerit per occurrence. I. Females will wear natural looking makeup for games and performances at coach s discretion. J. All hairstyles must be neat and secured away from the face with a bow while in cheer uniform or shirts. Hair should not need attention during any performances. The style will be determined by the sponsors prior to all events. K. The cheerleader is responsible for replacing any part of the uniform that is lost or damaged. L. Only approved practice uniforms may be worn to practice. Do not add to the uniform or wear other clothing other than what s been approved. ARTICLE VII: PRACTICES SUMMER, CAMP, YEAR-ROUND A. Summer camp and camp practices are mandatory for all cheerleaders. No exceptions. The coach will select the camp and dates. B. Missed practice or game at anytime during the summer or academic year, will result in nonparticipation during performances and/or demerits. All decisions made by the coaches are final. Special emergency situations may be exceptions to this rule as determined by cheer coach and campus administration. C. Cheerleaders are expected to follow rules at summer camp. Any infractions will result in demerits for the offending cheerleader. ARTICLE VIII: GAMES & PERFORMANCES A. Cheerleaders will cheer for any and all activities as determined by the coach. Cheerleaders will meet at the designated time and place given by the coach. Cheerleaders must be in attendance for the entire event except in the case of an emergency. B. Each cheerleader may bring water bottles with water and the designated bag, which must contain his/her poms and other personal items (including purses). C. Cheerleaders must remain in front of the stands as designated by the coach. D. While performing, there is no socializing with fellow cheerleaders, family, or friends. 4
E. After an event, cheerleaders may leave ONLY with their parent/guardian. Parents/guardians must sign their cheerleader out at all events; this must be done or demerits will be issued. If a parent or guardian is planning on having a designated adult sign out their child, he or she must notify the coach prior to the event. ARTICLE IX: UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS A. The coach will designate the purchasing and issuing of the uniforms. The cheerleader will be responsible for any alterations and the cost of these alterations. Alterations may only be made if they are reversible. Any alterations must be approved by the coach. B. Cheerleading uniforms, including jackets, are to be worn only when approved by the coach. C. Cheerleading uniforms, including jackets, are not to be worn by anyone other than the cheerleader. ARTICLE X: DEMERITS AND MERITS SECTION I: DEMERITS SOME EXAMPLES Demerit consequences: 5 demerits= benched 1 game (must show up for game) 7 demerits= Probation benched 2 games (must show up for game) 10 demerits= DISMISSAL FROM SQUAD Offense Demerits 1. Unexcused absence from game or mandatory event 5 2. Disrespect towards coach or other teacher/administrator 3 3. Unlady-like/ungentleman-like conduct 1 4. Unexcused absence from practice 3 5. Failure to contact before missing a practice 1 6. PDA while in uniform or at cheerleading function (includes kissing of any kind, 1 sitting on laps, groping, etc., can be reported by any employee of TISD. 7. Tardiness to after school activities (includes practice), no exceptions 1 8. Wrong uniform or designated practice clothes 1 -jewelry (during game or practice) 1 -dirty, not pressed attire 1 -chewing gum/eating in practice or performance 1 -wearing/removal of any part of uniform without permission 1 -hair/makeup not worn correctly (following coaches guidelines) 1 -nails too long (showing past finger tips) or colored polish 1 9. Talking while performing at a function 1 10. Not showing spirit during games 1 11. Failure to pay fees in a timely manner as determined by coach 1 12. Leaving belongings behind after any cheerleading function/practice 1 13. Detention (after school or Saturday) 5 14. Lunch Detention 1 15. Disrespect/gossiping towards another student 1 16. Using cell phones during a game or practice (text/call, or other) 1 17. Receiving a referral from a teacher that does not result in detention 1 18. Cell phone or other electronic device taken up by teacher 1 5
SECTION II: WORKING OFF DEMERITS All decisions made by the coaches are final. Demerits can be worked off only by earning merits. Merits may only be earned AFTER demerits are assigned. One merit will get rid of one demerit. Cheerleaders must take advantage of merit opportunities when offered. Special opportunities will not be given when a cheerleader is in demerit trouble. Demerits/Merits will be updated at practices and on game days. SECTION III: MERITS A. Merits can be earned by going above and beyond. Coaches will award certain merits to be earned. Merits may only be earned AFTER demerits are assigned. The list of merits earned will be given out regularly. These will be the only merits earned during that particular six weeks. B. Merits: (Examples of merits assigned by coaches) All A s on report card (per six weeks) 2 A s and B s on report card (per six weeks) 1 CHEERLEADER MUST BRING REPORT CARD TO COACHES Assisting coach, captain, or teachers (assigned by coach) 1 Creating posters or spirit signs for the school 1 Creating a leadership lesson for the squad 1 Displaying positive decision making 1 Being caught going above and beyond 1 Writing a leadership paper (assigned by coach) up to 5 pgs. (1 merit per handwritten page) 1 Community Service (pre-approved through the sponsor) 1 ARTICLE XII: PROBATION AND REMOVAL FROM THE TEAM SECTION I: ELIGIBILITY TO PERFORM A. Any cheerleader having any combination of 10 demerits will be dismissed from the team immediately, no exceptions. B. Cheerleaders on probation (2 Weeks) for any reason except academic ineligibility, will not be allowed to perform, but will be required to dress in uniform and attend all performances. In addition, cheerleaders on this type of probation will be required to attend and participate in all practices. Probation can be given at the discretion of the coach. C. Before a Cheerleader is placed on probation, a meeting will be held with the cheerleader and parents to discuss the status of the cheerleader. D. Before a Cheerleader is removed from the squad, a meeting will be held with the cheerleader, parents and campus administrator to discuss the status of the cheerleader. E. Any cheerleader accumulating a large number of demerits may be put on probation at the coach s discretion and may be required to do extra assignments during their probationary period. F. Any cheerleader not maintaining passing grades will automatically become academically ineligible and put on probation for a period determined by UIL eligibility rules. During this probation, the cheerleader 6
will not be allowed to wear any cheerleading uniform to any school function or to school, will not be able to attend any event or game as a cheerleader, but will be required to attend and participate in all practices. UIL guidelines for eligibility apply. SECTION II: REASONS FOR PROBATION A cheerleader will be put on probation for: receiving an accumulation of seven demerits ineligibility as defined by UIL cheating conduct unbecoming of a cheerleader as determined by the coach and/or administration on or off campus ISS assignment SECTION III: REMOVAL FROM THE TEAM A cheerleader may be immediately removed from the team for: Any accumulation of 10 demerits Placement in TAEC or AEP. OSS placements. Failure to meet eligibility requirements for 2 consecutive grading periods Failure for the first entire semester in any class Fighting on campus Hazing on or off campus Conduct unbecoming of a cheerleader in or out of school as determined by the coach and/or administration Serious or persistent misbehavior ARTICLE XIII: PARENTAL CONCERNS A. If a parent is in question of a rule or procedure, it is the parent s responsibility to refer to the constitutional rules before conferencing with the coach. B. Parents are welcome to discuss rules and procedures with the coach after making an appointment with the coach, but should expect all decisions to be consistent with the constitution. C. In order to receive maximum cooperation and consideration, parents are encouraged to follow the chain of command with concerns by urging their cheerleader to come to the coach first with concerns. The following process will be followed:: 1. Conference between cheerleader and coach 2. Conference between parent and coach 3. Conference with parent, member, coach, and cheerleading administrator ARTICLE XIV: BANQUET OR END OF THE YEAR SOCIAL EVENTS Members may not attend the banquet / social events for the cheer squad if: they have been dismissed from the team at any point during the year they are currently on probation they have an outstanding balance with the cheerleading program 7
ARTICLE XV: MODIFICATION TO THE CONSTITUTION This constitution will be reviewed annually and revisions made as necessary. Revisions will be made by Tomball ISD Administrators. 8
Acceptance of the Constitution Parents and Cheerleaders, After thoroughly reading the TISD High School Cheerleader Constitution and determining that the student and parent fully understands the responsibilities attached to selection as a high school cheerleader, please sign the following statement. Return this signed page to the campus cheer coach. I have read the Tomball ISD Junior High Cheerleader Constitution and the TISD Student Code of Conduct. I have a complete understanding of the responsibilities of the position. If selected, I pledge to fully abide by the rules and regulations outlined in this constitution. I understand that failure to abide by these policies may result in temporary suspension or permanent dismissal from the team. Candidate Printed Name Date Candidate Signature Date Parent / Guardian Signature Date 9
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