1 PBMS Cheer Pacetti Bay Middle School Cheerleading Team Constitution 2016-2017 Introduction Cheerleaders at Pacetti Bay Middle School are chosen to perform and uphold school spirit and sportsmanship and to encourage better relationships between schools. The PBMS Wildcat Cheer Team will enable students to develop technical skills of cheerleading while building team skills, relationships, and having fun! Purpose The purpose of the PBMS Cheerleading Team is: 1. To promote and uphold school spirit. 2. To develop a sense of good sportsmanship among the students. 3. To support positive relationships between schools during athletic events. 4. To entertain audiences at PBMS ball games and rallies. Eligibility Requirements To be eligible for cheerleading tryouts the student must: 1. Be a current student at PBMS or a 5 th grade student attending PBMS for the 2016-2017 school year. 2. Maintain a grade of a C or higher in all classes 3. Have a copy of a recent sports physical or a physical waiver completed before the first cheerleading practice. 4. Attend all tryout clinics and tryouts. 5. Have turned into the coach the signed application release form, current physical or physical waiver, and 2 teacher recommendations. Choosing Our Team 1. There will be one team that will cheer all home girls basketball, boys basketball, and volleyball games. 2. Two clinics will be held before tryouts. 3. Parents must understand all by-laws and agree to the financial responsibility and sign permission slip before the child is allowed to try out. 4. Tryouts will consist of cheers, dancing, gymnastics, lifts, and jumps. 5. There will be no set number of cheerleading members chosen. The number of cheer team members will be based on judge s scores, recommendations, and evaluations. 6. Returning candidates must tryout each year. 7. The judges decisions are final. 8. If your child is chosen as a member of the PBMS Cheer Team, an updated sports physical must be completed before the first team practice (summer camp).
2 PBMS Cheer Cheerleader Obligations/Expectations 1. You must be willing to abide by the rules and follow directions. 2. You must enjoy learning and performing in front of a crowd. 3. You must be cooperative and respectful to the coach, all teammates, all faculty, fellow students and opponents at all times. 4. You must demonstrate responsibility and dependability at all times. Cheer activities are very time consuming and must be given top priority. 5. You must be willing to participate fully in all activities. 6. You must understand that any decision made by the coach is in the best interest of the team and individual cheerleader. 7. If the coach feels the cheerleader is not giving 100% or is responding to suggestions in a disrespectful manner, consequences may be given. 8. Any makeup work with teachers after school must be communicated to the coach by the teacher with a note or by email. It is the student s responsibility to inform the coach if students must stay after school for makeup work. Parent Obligations/Participation 1. Parents must be aware of all practice times (a calendar is given each month). 2. Parents must drop off or pick up their cheerleader ON TIME at each practice or ballgame or make arrangements for them to be picked up ON TIME 3. Parents must ensure all payments and forms are returned to the coach on time. 4. Parents can encourage their cheerleader to practice at home. It is the parents responsibility if a cheerleader is struggling with any part of a routine to get or ask for extra lessons for their child. 5. Give deserved praise and encouragement. 6. Follow-up with your cheerleader to make sure she knows her part as a member of the team. 7. Encourage a positive outlook concerning team members, routines, practices and coaches. 8. Promote positive discussion instead of negative gossip or blaming of others. 9. Parents must follow and encourage their cheerleader to follow all of the rules and guidelines set forth in the PBMS Cheerleading Team Constitution. 10. Parents are encouraged to attend all performances and CHEER ON THE TEAM! 11. Parents are urged to attend all parent meetings. If unable to attend, it is the parent s responsibility to obtain meeting information. 12. Parents may be asked to chaperone or volunteer to help with special events. 13. Parents are considered adult members of this team! Your support is INVALUABLE! 14. If there is a problem or concern, below are the steps you will need to follow: o First read through the constitution to see if your questions are answered within. o Please do not approach the coach before or during practice or a ballgame. If you need to discuss an issue, please wait until after the practice or ballgame or do the following: 1. Call the coach at school to discuss the issue or 2. Send an email to the coach regarding the issue.
3 PBMS Cheer Coach Obligations 1. The coach will be responsible for the daily activities. The coach makes decisions based on what is best for the team not what is best for one individual cheerleader. 2. The coach will be responsible for building team unity while establishing a positive relationship among the team as a whole. 3. The coach will be responsible for record keeping of financial responsibilities of parents and making sure all bookkeeping guidelines are followed. 4. The coach will be responsible for administering disciplinary procedures at the coach s discretion. Uniforms and Appearance 1. Purchase/fundraising of the uniform and/or team clothing is the responsibility of the individual cheerleader. If a uniform is damaged or lost a new uniform must be purchased. 2. Shoes and uniform are NOT to be worn anywhere besides cheer events. 3. Hair must be clean and neatly groomed at all times. Girls must wear their hair in a ponytail for games. 4. Care of uniforms must be excellent at all times. They should be cleaned and pressed before every performance. 5. If the coach feels at any time that a cheerleader s appearance is unacceptable, she could be benched. 6. Cheerleaders should not allow friends to wear their uniform or warm ups. These items are privileges only to be worn by cheerleading members. 7. Personal items are the responsibility of the cheerleader. Do not bring anything valuable to practices or games. The coaches and staff at PBMS are not responsible for lost or stolen items. 8. Fingernails, including artificial nails, must be kept at a length that is appropriate for safe participation. Appropriate length means the nails are not visible beyond the fingertips when viewed from the palm side of the hands. Fingers may be painted during game season, but colors should not be outrageous. 9. Jewelry of any kind is prohibited. Medical ID tags and religious pieces are the only exception and can be taped to the skin under the uniform. 10. Public displays of affection are never considered appropriate, especially in uniform. 11. All cheerleading pictures from games or other cheer events can be publicized on our school website or in the school article or yearbook. Costs 1. All items will need to be purchased by the individual cheerleader. These items include, but are not limited to: shoes, bloomers, bodysuit, socks, practice clothes and other accessories. 2. While every effort will be made to keep cost at a minimum, there are still costs associated with being a member of the Wildcat Cheerleading Team. 3. Please do not let the cost of being a member of the cheer team be a reason to not tryout.
4 PBMS Cheer 4. Any cheerleader that leaves the team, despite the reason, is required to pay what is owed for all fees. Should a cheerleader decide to leave the team at any time, there will be no refunds issued. Season The Wildcat Cheerleading Team will be active year round. Please note that this level of commitment will conflict with most sports seasons. It may also conflict with band, drama, and choral activities. It is expected that cheerleaders place this as their first extracurricular commitment. If you have conflicts that arise, please speak with the coach to see if other compromises can be arranged. Please make all times for other practices or conflicts known to the coach. Attendance 1. All absences from practices or games need to come to the coach at least 24 hours prior to the event, if possible. Excused absences include: illness that is contagious, death in the family, mandatory academic events, and religious events. Unexcused absences include: work, illness that is not contagious, injury, social activities such as birthday parties, transportation issues, being grounded, and excessive homework. 2. Cheerleaders will conform to the Pacetti Bay Middle School requirements with regard to attendance. If a member is not in school the day of an event, the member will not be allowed to perform. 3. A cheerleader or parent must contact the coach PRIOR to missing if he/she is going to be absent from a cheer team activity including practice. NO EXCEPTIONS! In other words, a cheerleader cannot decide to not show up. 4. A cheerleader must attend/participate fully in the last practice prior to a ballgame or performance or he/she may be removed from the performance. 5. Excessive absences, tardies, or check-outs will also result in consequences and possible suspension or dismissal from the team. 6. Missing ½ of a practice will be considered a full absence unless cleared with the coach. 7. If a cheerleader is injured or not feeling well, he/she MUST attend the scheduled events and watch. 8. All cheerleaders are expected to practice whether or not they will be performing, unless otherwise discussed and approved by the coach ahead of time. 9. If there is no school due to inclement weather on a scheduled practice day, practice will be cancelled. Code of Conduct Cheerleaders must be role models of exemplary student behavior. They are representatives of the entire PBMS community and can expect that their actions and appearance will be noticed both in and out of the cheerleading arena. As ambassadors of PBMS, cheerleaders are expected to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner in and out of uniform at all times. They are expected to cooperate with other squad members, coaches and game officials. Lack of respect, verbal or non-verbal, will result in disciplinary action. 3. Cheerleaders are required to abide by all school policies, safety regulations, athletic training rules and cheerleading regulations. 4. Talking during lifts could result in a serious injury. Excessive talking or laughing during lifts is grounds for removal from practice and possible dismissal from the squad.
5 PBMS Cheer 5. Horseplay, excessive talking and/or laughing will not be tolerated while cheering at an event. 6. Cheerleaders are not allowed to leave events until the end unless the coach grants permission. 7. Using or being in the presence of alcohol, tobacco or any other illegal drug, on or off campus, will not be tolerated and is grounds for dismissal. 8. Cheerleaders will not use profane language, especially while in uniform, at practice, or while representing PBMS. 9. Cheerleaders should not discuss confidential matters of cheerleading with anyone outside the team. 10. For the safety of all team members, no lifts or tumbling will be allowed without the presence of an attentive coach. Disciplinary action will occur if members choose not to comply. 11. Chewing gum is prohibited at all practices and games. Snacks are prohibited at practices unless there is a medical reason. A doctor s note will be needed. OFFENSE CONSEQUENCE Unexcused absence from practice/meeting Excessive tardiness to practice/game Unprepared for practice/game Unexcused absence from game Foul language; arguing among squad members; laziness during practice or games Suspension from school Defiance/disrespect to the coach D or F on an interim report F on a report card 2 demerits 1 demerit; extra conditioning 1 demerit 5 demerits 2 demerits 5 demerits; meeting with coach and parent; could result in removal from the squad or suspension from games or activities 5 demerits (If defiance is repetitive and the cheerleader refuses to obey the rules, she will be immediately removed from the squad.) 2 week suspension from the squad; if grade is not raised to a C within the two week period, the cheerleader will not be permitted to cheer until the next interim report/report card period. Dismissal from the squad 10 demerits received Immediate dismissal from the squad.
6 PBMS Cheer Practices/Ballgames/Other Performances 1. A cheerleader is personally responsible for knowing practice schedules. Calendars will be given to each member at the beginning of each sport season. 2. Practices will be held two days per week. One of these will be a conditioning and technique practice of gymnastics skills and lifts. Additional practices may be requested by the coach when necessary. Cheerleaders will be given prior notice to any additional practices. 3. Practices may be substituted by game performances on home game nights during sporting event season. 4. Cheerleaders will wear the same clothing to practice which will be determined at a later date. Athletic shoes should be worn to each practice. Cheerleaders may face consequences if not prepared for practice. 5. All observable jewelry is to be removed during all practices and all performances for safety and appropriate appearance. 6. Hair must be pulled back out of the face at all times. 7. Cell phones are to be put away during all practices and games. 8. A cheerleader must be dressed and ready to begin practice at the designated time. 9. Practices must be taken seriously, with each cheerleader giving 100% of their effort all the time. Good attitudes, honesty, dedication and positive feedback are the key. If a cheerleader is not following directions or showing a good attitude, they may be disciplined at coach s or choreographer s discretion, for example but not limited to; running, sitting out of practice or performance, call parent, etc. 10. Practices are closed unless otherwise noted. Parents will be notified of what time practice will conclude so that they may pick up their cheerleader. 11. Anyone not knowing a particular routine to the standards of the coach or choreographer will not be allowed to perform that routine. 12. The PBMS Wildcat Cheerleading Team will cheer during each athletic home game event. All cheerleaders are expected to participate on the scheduled night. 13. Cheerleaders shall sit together during events as specified by coach prior to each event. 14. A cheerleader must be in COMPLETE uniform to perform. 15. Cheerleaders must demonstrate accurate memory of the routine and ability to execute the routine with minimal mistakes for performances. Transportation 1. Transportation is not provided by PBMS or coaches and is the parent s responsibility for all activities. 2. Parents are required to sign a release form when taking a cheerleader home from an athletic event where transportation has been provided by the school. This is a St. Johns County School Board policy. Conditioning Requirements All cheerleading team members will be expected to complete conditioning requirements, set forth by the coach, through the entire season to the fullest extent. Conditioning will consist of
7 PBMS Cheer frequent running, sit ups, push-ups, stretching as well as other forms of strength and flexibility training. Medical Situations 1. All attempts will be made to avoid any possible injuries to team members, however, the school nor its employees accept any financial responsibility should an injury occur. 2. Cheerleaders who have indicated a need for special protective equipment and/or special medicine for illnesses/allergies MUST HAVE THE APPROPRIATE ITEM WITH THEM AT ALL TIMES! In the event of special medicine, a duplicate prescription must be kept in the office in case of emergencies and it will be renewed on an annual basis to coincide with the next physical. 3. Any changes, of a medical nature, to the cheerleader s health should be reported to the coach IMMEDIATELY! 4. Any change in the cheerleader s insurance information should be reported to the coach immediately. 5. Any cheerleader who repeatedly requests to sit out of any practice or performance will be required to seek medical treatment for the problem. A note from the physician, specifying the problem and certifying that the cheerleader is allowed to resume activity will be required before the cheerleader can continue to practice/perform. Suspensions and/or Dismissals 1. A cheerleader will be dismissed is she continues to fail to follow the rules of this Constitution. 2. A cheerleader will be dismissed from the team if she shows signs of chronic health problems or chronic injury that repeatedly limits cheer activities. 3. If chosen as a member of the Wildcat Cheerleading Team, you are indeed that a member; therefore when making decisions concerning your behavior, it is the team that is and should always be thought of, not the individual. 4. The coach cannot foresee every problem that may arise during the school year. Therefore, the coach and the administration will resolve any problems not covered in these rules and guidelines and will determine when a cheerleader will be disciplined, suspended or dismissed. 5. The coach will have the final decision on any problems that may arise. 6. All parents are to encourage their cheerleader to follow all rules at all times. 7. If at any time the parent of a cheerleader becomes uncooperative or continuously questions the coach, the coach can take action or dismiss the cheerleader. 8. Cheerleaders who quit or are dismissed before the end of the season may not attend the end-of-season banquet.
8 PBMS Cheer Pacetti Bay Middle School Cheerleading Team Constitution Acceptance Candidate Release: I (applicant name), have read all rules and regulations that govern the Pacetti Bay Middle School Wildcat Cheerleading Team. As a representative of my school, I understand and agree to abide by all the rules and regulations as a cheerleader for the 2016-2017 school year. I also 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 action may be severe. I will do all I can to uphold the honor of the Cheerleading Team, and respect my team members, my coach, my school, and all persons associated with school spirit at all times. Signature of Applicant: Date: Parental Release: I, the undersigned, have read and fully understand the rules and regulations which will govern my son/daughter to represent Pacetti Bay Middle School as a cheerleader for 2016-2017. I further understand that this is an extracurricular activity and that attendance at all practices, games, and special functions is a requirement of the elected cheerleader. I understand all the requirements and consequences of improper actions. I understand the coach has the final decision in my son/daughter remaining on the team. I also realize this is a team effort and that I may be called upon to help in some ways throughout the year which are within my capacity to help, and will make every effort to do my share of assisting on behalf of my son/daughter. I hereby give consent to my son/daughter,, to be a part of the 2016-2017 cheerleading team at Pacetti Bay Middle School and recognize his/her responsibilities and requirements as a leader of his/her school. I understand that my son/daughter will be required to pay for clothing and cheer items. Further, I understand that in the event of an accident or injury, my personal insurance must cover my son/daughter. I give my permission for my child to receive medical attention in the event that I cannot be present or reached for any reason. I further understand that all decisions made regarding my child are at the coach s discretion. Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian: Date: