Manvel High School Cheerleading Constitution

Manvel High School Cheerleading Constitution 1

Purpose The purpose of senior high varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders is to promote school spirit and a positive school climate by participating at athletic events and extra-curricular activities as deemed appropriate by the campus administration and Cheerleading Instructor. Cheerleaders are expected to be positive role models, serving as high school ambassadors at school, in the district and community. The guidelines set forth are designed to ensure equality of all members related to issues pertaining to cheerleading. The coach, sponsor or administrator reserves the right to make accommodations based on extenuating circumstances. These guidelines will take place for an entire cheer season, April to April. SECTION I. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT A. Stay informed of the rules, regulations, and procedures that are applicable to the organization. B. Will support their cheerleader in complying with all the rules and regulations of this organization. Parents must sign the constitution in agreement to abide by its contents. C. Provide transportation, as needed, to ensure that the student arrives on time for practices, performances, and all scheduled events. D. Pick up students on time after practice and events. E. Attend all required parent meetings. F. Cooperate with school administrators and cheer sponsors in establishing and maintaining a quality organization. G. Follow the chain of command listed in the district guidelines when addressing any concerns or issues. H. Insure fulfillment of all financial responsibilities required of the students as a member of the squad. Any financial concerns should be addressed with the campus cheer sponsor and/or campus administrator. I. It is important to the achievement of our goals that staff and parents work cooperatively. When attending cheer functions, games and performances, please remain in the designated spectator area unless approval is given by the cheer sponsor or campus administrator. J. Sign up to participate in fundraising and bonding events coordinated by cheer sponsor SECTION II. EXPENSES AND FUNDRAISING A. All cheerleaders and their parents are entirely responsible for any and all expenses required for membership. This includes but is not limited to practice clothes, camp fees, cheer clinics/workshops, etc. B. Competition squad members and parents are entirely responsible for any and all expenses required for competition. This includes but is not limited to choreographers, individual contest fees, transportation, etc. C. Names or initials must be written on the inside of every individual piece of cheer attire. D. Each member is asked to participate in all fundraising efforts. 2

E. Competition members are given a fundraising quota in which they are required to meet, by December, to fulfill their financial obligations to the competition team. F. Any money fundraised by a cheerleader or parent may not be dispersed to any individual at any time. Funds may not be used for individual benefit. G. Lil Sis/Big Sis and other gifts will cost each girl approx. $75.00 yearly H. Letter Jacket- Full Payment will be due at the time the order is placed for varsity members only. Students must meet the approved letter jacket requirements (Section III) I. Unless arrangements have been made with the sponsors, students who have not paid for travel in full may not participate in the trip. Unpaid fundraising amounts will result in students not performing at the sponsor s discretion. SECTION III. LETTER JACKETS A. Letter Jacket Requirements 1. Members that complete two years of membership on the varsity squad are eligible for a letterman. (One complete year includes football season, basketball season, and competition season) 2. JV cheerleaders are not eligible for a letterman and their time on JV does not count in the lettering process. 3. Cheerleaders who qualify for a letterman jacket will measure in the spring. 4. Members will receive a letter by actively participating in ALL assigned activities and following all expectations listed in the Constitution. 5. Any upperclassman (junior) that is not on Varsity, participates in 2 or more competitions on the competition squad their JV year, and makes the varsity squad their senior year will be eligible for lettering. 6. Any cheerleader who has received repeated disciplinary action will not be eligible to letter. Any cheerleader who is ineligible due to grades will not letter. SECTION IV. FORMATIONS AND ATTIRE A. All formations, attire, music, etc. are to be set at the discretion of the sponsor and all decisions are final. a. All spots will be decided based on several factors such as technical, ability, height, stunting position, etc. SECTION V. EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS A. Members will be issued ponchos, poms, etc. throughout the year. The user assumes 100% liability for the care of any materials issued. If an item is lost, misplaced, stolen, or damaged, the member will be responsible for the cost of replacing the item. B. Any items provided by AISD belong to the district. C. All uniforms, practice clothes, shoes, poms, etc. must be kept neat, clean, and in good condition at all times. D. Any additional items provided by the sponsor not belonging to the cheerleader must be hung up after each performance E. Uniforms are never to be worn without sponsor s permission. F. The uniform, practice wear, athletic attire, etc. may not be loaned to anyone at any time. 3

G. Proper Dress listed below will be required a. No gum chewing allowed when cheering or practicing. b. All body piercings and jewelry are REMOVED not covered up. c. All visible tattoos are properly covered at all times. d. Shoes must be clean and in good condition at all times. e. No public display of affection f. Will not wear heavy make-up g. All hair secured as designated by the coach. Hair must be able to be neatly secured in a high ponytail for most performances. h. Will not wear ANY color on nails including French manicure i. Will keep nails trimmed per sponsor s directive. j. Will wear cheer shoes to all performances and games. The cheerleader will wear the appropriate footwear based upon where the practice is held. Cheer or athletic shoes must be worn on hard surfaces, socks may be worn on specialized tumbling surfaces; this will be at the discretion of the coach/sponsor. k. Will wear proper undergarments including spankies; no undergarments shall be showing (i.e., no bra straps, slips, etc.). H. If a cheerleader shows up to an event not in proper cheer attire or mandatory dress he/she will automatically receive demerits. If the attire cannot be corrected he/she will sit out of the performance/game for the day.. SECTION VI. ATTENDANCE A. All members are required to be enrolled in the designated cheer class period. B. All practices and events (performances, fundraisers, bonding, etc.) are MANDATORY unless otherwise stated. C. Sponsor called practices are necessary and mandatory. Work will not be an excuse not to attend. D. Attendance to all assigned activities is expected. Failure to attend practices and/or events can result in disciplinary action. a. Excused/Unexcused absences i. Examples of excused absences 1. Illness or accident. 2. Funeral or death in the immediate family 3. School functions that are approved in advance by the coach/sponsor. Practice for other school functions does not take priority over scheduled events. ii. Examples of unexcused absences 1. Work 2. All Star Cheer Practice 3. Anything not listed under excused b. Each squad member may not accumulate more than 5 excused absences for the entire year. Absences in excess of 5 excused for the year may be grounds for probation and/or dismissal from the squad. Medical excuses from parents will be good for no more than two days. If there is a reason for a longer period of inactivity, a doctor s note will be necessary. For long illnesses such as flu, excused absences from school will suffice. 4

c. In order to receive an excused absence from an activity, a member must present a written note from a parent\guardian to the sponsor prior to the absent. In certain emergency cases a note can be provided after the absence to still be considered excused. d. Each cheerleader will be allotted 2 unexcused absences for the year before demerits are given. E. When a member is absent it is THEIR duty to find out what was missed and be prepared when they return to practice. F. If a member does not keep up with the changes in choreography, cleaning, and formations then the member is subject to removal from the performance. G. Members must travel to and from an activity on transportation provided and approved by Alvin ISD/Manvel HS. a. In the case of extenuating circumstances a transportation form may be presented to the sponsor to allow the student to ride home with a parent from an event. b. The form must be turned into the coach\sponsor as soon as possible stating the member s name, date of the event, and signature of the parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must sign the form upon departure with their cheerleader. c. Please see sponsor for this form. H. Practice a. Practice is required during the summer as well as during the school year. b. All practices are closed to the cheerleaders, mascots, managers, and the coach/sponsor. No parents, friends, or other family members are allowed to attend practice. c. Medical excuses from parents will be good for no more than two days. If there is a reason for a longer period of inactivity, a doctor s note will be necessary. Also, the appropriate clearance from a doctor or trainer may be needed prior to returning to activity. d. A cheerleader who does not participate in the cheerleading class and/or practice will not be allowed to participate in the performance/event to be held that evening or the following day unless the absence was approved by the coach/sponsor. However, the cheerleader must attend the event in uniform and sit with the sponsor. The appropriate number of demerits will be issued as set by the constitution. Nonparticipation includes absences, early dismissals, and sitting out. Also, if a cheer leader misses several practices prior to a major performance he or she may not have a performance spot. This will be the decision of the sponsor. e. All cheerleaders are expected to dress out for every practice including the cheer class. Proper practice dress instructions will be given by the sponsor at the beginning of the season. Hair should always be up and away from the face, NO jewelry, and cheer shoes or shoes that have been approved by the sponsor must be worn at all times. If the cheerleader does not dress out then the cheerleader will receive applicable demerits. If it cannot be immediately corrected then the cheerleader will sit out for that practice and could be ineligible to perform at the next game or event. I. Competition Season 1. No more than 2 UNEXCUSED or EXCUSED absences will be allowed. a. Upon the 2 nd absence an alternate may fill the spot and keep the spot during the duration of competition season b. Once a cheerleader is removed their spot is forfeited. 5

i. If a cheerleader is removed from a competition routine due to injury, she may be added back after clearance from a physician and/or trainer. 2. During the week of Competition, if a cheerleader misses a practice their placement in the routine is up to the sponsor depending on what events took place during the practice missed regardless if it is an excused or unexcused absence. 3. For JV: If needed, all JV members will be given the opportunity to try-out for the competition squad. Upon making the competition squad you will adhere to all rules and regulations outlined for competition members in the constitution. SECTION VII. RULES AND REGULATIONS A. Rules for Summer Camps 1. Summer camp is required for all high school cheerleaders and mascots under the direction of a sponsor. Failure to attend camp and participate in the summer camp activities will result in removal from the squad. 2. Any group attending a cheerleading camp is representing its school and must act accordingly. 3. Everyone must attend classes, competition, and meal assignments as a group and be on time. No one will be able to skip classes or meals. 4. Transportation to and from camp will be per the sponsor s directive. 5. All luggage will be limited to two bags and the cheerleader must be able to carry\roll the bag(s) on their own and in one trip to and from the bus. B. Performances 1. Rules and schedules for events will be distributed by the coach. 2. In order to participate in a cheerleading event, a student must be present at school for classes for at least half a school day on the day of the event. Additional requirements for attendance at school or practice prior to participation may be specified by the campus. 3. While performing there should be no socializing with spectators or fellow cheerleaders. SECTION VIII. PROBATION AND DISMISSAL A. PROBATION i. Definition A member shall not be able to perform in any performance or represent the organization in any fashion (ex. Wearing attire to school) but must be in attendance at ALL scheduled practices, performances and activities in proper attire assigned by the sponsor. The sponsor will determine the length of the probationary period. All rules and regulations still apply at all times. ii. The sponsor along with administrator approval may place a member on probation at any time for any infraction of the Alvin ISD Cheer Guidelines, Constitution, and/or AISD Student Code of Conduct or as deemed necessary. b. Grade/Conduct Probation: i. During this time, the cheerleader will not be allowed to participate in any performance opportunity or represent the cheer squad. 6

However, they must still be at all practice and activities and in proper attire assigned by the sponsor. ii. A student who receives a grade below 70 in any class at the end of any UIL grading period (other than an identified advanced class) may not participate in extracurricular activities for three school weeks and will be placed on probation. The sponsor will assign the student study hall and weekly tutorials while on probation. The member must participate in practice, but may not perform with the team or attend any performances/games. The student regains eligibility after the seven calendar day waiting period has ended following a grading or the three school weeks evaluation period when the principal and teachers determine that he or she has earned a passing grade(70 or above) in all classes, other than those that are advanced. iii. Students receiving 2 ECO s will result in probation for one week. iv. Students who receive more than 2 referrals a semester will result in probation for two weeks each time 2 referrals are accumulated. v. A student on probation will be replaced in all routine(s) at the sponsor s discretion and may or may not regain a spot in the routine(s) once the probation period has ended. c. Demerit Probation: i. During this time, the cheerleader will not be allowed to participate in any performance opportunity or represent the cheer squad. However, they must still be at all practice and activities and in proper attire assigned by the sponsor. ii. Once the 5 th demerit is received by a captain/co-captain or 10th demerit is received by a non-captain, the member will be placed on demerit probation for a set time of two weeks or at the sponsor s discretion. Any demerits received during or after the probationary period will result in an extension in the probationary period of one week per demerit received. iii. Once the 10 th demerit is received by a captain/co-captain, the member will be demoted from their position. It is up to the sponsor if that position will be filled iv. A member will be suspended from the cheer squad or be placed on probation according to the guidelines of the demerit/merit system. A student s probation, for any reason, will begin with the first performance following the member s violation. B. DISMISSAL i. An accumulation of 20 demerits during a semester will result in dismissal from the squad. Demerits will carry over into the next semester but not into a new season. ii. A captain/co-captain may be dismissed from their leadership position if they violate the extra-curricular code of conduct and/or AISD cheer guidelines. SECTION IX. DEMERIT SYSTEM The purpose of demerits is to make sure that all cheerleaders, mascots, and managers are accountable for their actions and are acting in a manner that is best for the overall squad. The sponsors will assign and track demerits for an entire season. 7

If a squad member has a question about a demerit, she must set up a conference with the sponsor within 2 school days of receiving the demerit to discuss the demerit given. Demerits include, but are not limited to the following: A. 15 DEMERITS (if the offense did not lead to dismissal from the squad): 1. ISS placement (for any reasons other than dress code or tardies), ADAPT, or Suspension from school 2. Misrepresentation of team as stated in AISD Cheer Guidelines and/or Extra-Curricular Code of Conduct 3. Discovered being truant from class or school B. 12 DEMERITS 1. Insubordination and/or disrespect to any coach, AISD employee, administrator, faculty or staff member C. 10 DEMERITS 1. ISS placement (for dress code or tardies) 2. Insubordination and/or disrespect to any team member. Includes slandering or being disrespectful to a fellow cheerleader 3. Misuse of internet, email and/or social webpage. This includes but not limited to inappropriate content, language, or pictures, sexual content, and illegal substances, or paraphernalia D. 7 DEMERITS 1. Breaking any rule in the AISD student code of conduct handbook (dress code, tardiness, office referral, etc.) 2. Stunting without direct approval/coach supervision 3. Unsportsmanlike conduct at performances, games, pep rallies, and other school functions E. 5 DEMERITS 1. Unexcused absence from a performance or mandatory function 2. Inappropriate actions while cheering (combing hair, talking to spectators, etc.) 3. Public display of affection (kissing, hugging, holding hands, etc.), with non-cheerleaders in or out of uniform F. 3 DEMERITS 1. Turning in money, forms, etc. past the stated deadline 2. Returning late after any break 3. Unexcused absence from practice 4. Leaving an event early or arriving to an event late 5. Failure to know materials (cheers, chants, dances) 8

6. Being picked up late from a game or other event (10 minutes after announced ending time) 7. Allowing a non-squad member to wear team attire G. 2 DEMERITS 1. Wearing nail polish while performing at an event 2. Inappropriate hair according to sponsor s direction 3. Wearing jewelry during practice or at a performance (belly ring, cartilage, etc.) 4. Visible tattoos or passion marks while in team attire 5. Not in complete dress at the time of arrival designated by sponsor 6. Chewing gum during a performance 7. Failure to wear correct attire to a performance (if it can be corrected) 8. Excessive talking during practice or performance 9. Late for practice or meeting H. Physical conditioning may be used in lieu of demerits for minor infractions, determined by sponsor SECTION X. MERIT SYSTEM The purpose of merits is to promote positive behavior from all cheerleaders, mascots, and managers. The sponsors will assign and track merits for an entire season. Merits will carry over into the next semester but not into a new season. If a squad member has a question about a merit, she must set up a conference with the sponsor within 2 school days. A. 5 merits will eliminate 1 demerit. Merits may only eliminate demerits if received prior to the demerit. Each member can remove up to 10 demerits a year. B. Merits are considered a privilege and it is not required of the sponsor to award them. C. Merits will only be awarded and approved if necessary documentation is turned within 1 week of the event. Do not assume merits are being awarded. D. Merits can be awarded for the following: 20 "A" Honor Roll (if report card provided by squad member within 5 business days) 15 "A/B" Honor Roll (if report card provided by squad member within 5 business days) 10 Community Service Project (per event) 10 Attending outside tumbling/cheer class (at least 4 hours a month) 5 Extra activities not required (painting, basketball playoff game, junior varsity games, etc.) 2 Assisting a fellow cheerleader with homework or tutorials 2 Assisting a fellow cheerleader with cheer material (outside of time allotted for learning/practicing material) SECTION XI. AMENDMENTS Sponsors and/or administrators reserve the right to amend this constitution at any time. All parents and cheerleaders will be notified of changes immediately and these changes will be enforced two weeks after notification. 9

MANVEL HIGH SCHOOL CHEER CONSTITUTION AGREEMENT FORM I have read the Manvel High School Cheerleading Constitution and I understand the rules it include. I will adhere to the Constitution and help support the cheerleading program, squad and coach by following the rules and ensuring that my child follows them. I agree that I will comply with the financial and time commitment as stated in the Constitution. Parent Signature Date I have read the Manvel High School Cheerleading Constitution and I understand the rules of being on the squad. I will adhere to the Constitution and help support the cheerleading program, squad and coach by following these rules. Student Signature Date 10