Parkway Central Dance Team 2009-2010 Philosophy / Purpose The purpose for this organization shall be to promote and maintain school spirit and sportsmanship; to provide entertainment whenever necessary in cooperation with the school and civic activities; and to develop character, leadership and individual responsibilities while maintaining moral standards. Good personal conduct is not limited to the field, court, & sidelines. Members will strive to project an image of high standards, morals, and goals for others to follow at all times. Priorities A dance team member s first responsibility is to her academic program. The educational process should not be compromised by participation on the Dance Team. The primary function of PCH s Dance Team is to support interscholastic athletics. A Dance Team member has the responsibility to uphold, reflect, and project the goals and ideals of their school community as reflected in athletic guidelines for student activities. A Dance Team member has the responsibility to put forth and athletic and dedicated effort at all times. Eligibility for Membership 1. For each semester, Dance Team members must maintain appropriate grades (at least a 2.5 GPA), credits, and citizenship (no I s or U s). Not fulfilling these requirements first semester means ineligibility for second semester. 2. All Dance Team members must have a physical. If you are injured during the summer or regular season and you have received medical attention, which results in restricted activity, you must have a written physician s excuse. To be reinstated, you must provide written authorization from the same physician. NO EXCEPTIONS!! 3. It is expected that Dance Team members will attend all after school practices, pep rallies, scheduled games, competitions, fundraisers, and any extra practices or events called by your coach (unless pre-approved by the coach). 4. ALL DANCE TEAM MEMBERS MUST MAINTAIN A COOPERATIVE AND POSITIVE ATTITUDE. 5. The attendance policy of the Parkway School District requires a student to be present in ALL classes on the day of an activity (official game or competition) in order to be eligible to participate. Weekend participation requires a full day of attendance on the school day prior to an event. The only exceptions to this rule are verified medical appointments that have been cleared by the Athletic Director s office & the attendance office PRIOR to leaving campus. 6. Any member who takes part in a spring sport or activity must do so with the full understanding that their first obligation is to the Dance Team. Also, all parties involved must approve a practice schedule with the coach in advance. 7. Members are expected to remain on the squad one full year unless dismissed by the coach. First year s membership entitles member to a Letter at the end of the year banquet. Subsequent years are marked by bars.
8. Members must be willing to attend competitions. *Only 80% of the varsity squad will compete. 9. Each girl should exhibit these personal qualifications: A. must be honest, dependable, unselfish, courteous, and punctual B. must willingly display school spirit C. must show good sportsmanship D. must maintain a positive attitude E. must exhibit high moral standards 10. Member will be benched A. for performances while on probation B. for having not paid expenses by due dates C. for receiving less than satisfactory conduct grades D. for being disrespectful to coach, team leaders, or other officers Demerits-demerits are the means by which the coach determines which members are not upholding their obligations to the squad. A total of 15 points bay be accumulated before a member is dismissed from the squad. The demerit system is detailed in it s entirety on page 5 & 6. Any member dismissed will not be allowed to tryout the next year. Attendance 1. Regular attendance and participation at school and practice is expected. 2. Dance Team members are required to be present at all assigned games and other designated events. 3. EXCUSED ABSENCES: Illness: if you miss any of the day s classes you are not allowed to attend practice and must find time to learn what was missed before the next practice. Call Coach O Leary @ school (314)415-5953 if absent during a school day. *If a Dance Team member knows ahead of time that she will be missing school part of the day for any reason, they must also clear with the school s athletic office to be eligible to participate in a practice, game or other dance team related activity. Make-up tests or other after school activities that interfere with practice: You are to schedule make-up tests on days other than practice days. If the ONLY time a teacher will give a make-up test is during practice, you need to have a written note signed by the teacher stating that this is the only time a make-up will be given. All other after school meetings or activities must be approved by the coach PRIOR to the meeting or activity. College Visits: College visits should be scheduled when there is not a game or scheduled practice. SENIORS will be allowed ONE excused absence due to a college visit. You must notify the coach two weeks in advance IN WRITING (signed by a parent) if you are planning a college visit whether a game or practice is scheduled or not, in case a schedule change is made. Family Obligations: must be discussed with the coach in advance and will be determined on a case by case evaluation. Any member who had more than three absences, either excused or unexcused, is considered to be on probation until the coach can evaluate the situation. Chronic absences may result in dismissal: if chronic absences become disruptive to the team, the coach may choose to dismiss a Dance Team member from the team for not adhering to the expected guidelines and commitment.
Uniforms Other excused absences will be dealt with at the discretion of the coach. It is imperative that the coach be notified as soon as possible when absence is imminent. Remember, we are a team and each member is needed to make the team work. Any unexcused absence will result in the dance team member sitting out of the following game. Tardiness will not be tolerated or accepted and will be handled through disciplinary action as discussed in the demerit system. All members must take part in all fund raising events. Unless fund raiser is stated to be optional. Summer Vacations: must not interfere with camp, practices prior to camp, or practices prior to the start of the season. Thanks to all parents for your support and understanding of this matter! 1. Members will wear the appropriate uniform at all games. It is the responsibility of the member to find out which uniform is to be worn. Members will wear precisely what the team leader or coach specifies for school and the game. 2. Whenever in uniform, she will not wear excessive jewelry. A member may wear jewelry to school, but anytime she is performing (sidelines included), earrings (including belly piercing), bracelets, rings, necklaces, watches, etc. will NOT be worn. This is for the dancer s protection and the protection of other members of the team (MHSSA rule). 3. Dancers must come to practice in appropriate attire that meets school dress code standards. No jewelry, eating, or gum chewing is allowed while practicing. Routines 1. Routines are approx. 1 ½ to 2 min. in length for games, 2 to 2 ½ min. for competition. 2. Each member at the JV level is required to create at least one routine (individually or with a partner), have music spliced and burned on a CD, with members assigned in formations before season begins. 3. Suggestions: incorporate technical skills, levels (floor work), and at least 4 formation changes with natural flow. Officers 1. Team Leaders A. shall be the leaders and role models of the squad B. will lead warm ups & practice in a timely manner C. must attend camp D. determine camp outfits and uniforms to be worn for each event E. shall create and teach or assist in teaching routines F. see that all members are present at games and activities G. be a constant example of good character H. help evaluate members ability to accept constructive criticism, their performance skills, and members effort and cooperation I. shall be expected to give extra time necessary for completing the responsibilities associated with the squad J. will help with all fund raising activities
K. shall be in charge of recording all music onto a CD and writing introductions for performances L. will perfect all routines M. will take charge of sound equipment N. is notified by coach & begins phone chain O. have all decisions approved by the coach 2. Fund Raising Chairman & Fund Raising Committees A. take charge of organizing fund raising events, with the approval of the coach B. keep accurate record of each member s participation in fund raising events so that money benefits participants C. turn all money, and records of member s participation into the coach for deposit into squad s school account to be used as decided by fund raising chair, committee, and approved by the coach 3. Spirit Leader A. in charge of organizing and encouraging parent attendance & activities B. orders flowers for homecoming and senior nights C. organizes banquet committee to be in charge of decorations, food, set up / clean up, and making video 4. Coach A. will be responsible for advising and disciplining the squad B. sign for all purchase orders C. supervise practices and performances at games, competitions, or community activities D. give demerits when necessary E. remove members from the squad when they have failed to meet the requirements of the organization F. check conduct grades prior to each semester by collecting copy of report cards, and bench students not meeting requirements G. work closely with team leaders, squad, secretary / treasurer, fund raising chairman, and committee H. order all uniforms and supplies I. evaluate & perfect routines based on music, moves, etc. J. give constructive criticism and evaluate each member of the squad before a performance (members must be at performance level in order to perform) K. has the final decision on all subjects concerning the squad Demerits demerits are the means by which the coach determines which members are not upholding their obligations to the squad. A total of 15 points bay be accumulated before a member is dismissed from the squad. Any member dismissed will not be allowed to tryout the next year. Demerit points will be given for the following: 1. Attendance and Tardies An unexcused absence from a performance (-8 points) An unexcused absence from a practice (-5 points) Vacation / college visit if in conflict with a scheduled performance (-6 points) *Seniors see details
Vacation / college visit if in conflict with a scheduled practice (-5 points) *Seniors see details Tardy (practice, competition, games, etc.) 1-15 minutes (-1 point and -1 point for each additional 15 minutes late) Leaving any event (practice, performance, fund raiser, etc.) before it s completion (-3 points) 2. Uniforms Not wearing uniform when required, to school or performance (-3 points) Parts of the uniform missing (including poms / props), uniform worn inappropriately, or being untidy in uniform at practice or performance (-2 points) 3. Conduct Obscene language to coach or officers (-3-7 points) Disrespectful to officers, members, or coach (-3-7 points for the 1 st offense, benching or possible dismissal for 2 nd offense) Talking or being disruptive during practice (warning 1 st time, second time and each subsequent time -2 points) Failure to obey command of an officer or coach (-2 points) Attracting undesirable attention or behaving in an undignified way, this includes displays of affection, rudeness, etc. (-1-3 points) Unsportsmanlike conduct, in or out of school (-1 point) Chewing gum at practice or while performing (-1 point) Suspension out of school (-6 points for 1 st offense, -8 points for 2 nd offense in addition to any consequences set by Athletic/Activities Director) Any incidents involving alcohol, tobacco, illegal substances or any illegal activity will be handled by the rules and policies set by the Athletic Director Must follow all rules and policies set by Athletic Director Rules, policies, and penalties are explained in the guidelines for student activities. Probation 1. When a member is placed on probation, her parents will be contacted by the coach. 2. Members are required to come to practice and to all functions, in uniform while on probation. 3. Members will remain on probation until her behavior or attitude improves as determined by the coach. 4. Members will be placed on probation after accumulating 5 demerits. Members will be informed of all demerits given. Parents will be contacted when their daughter has received 5 demerits. The member will be benched for 1 performance when they receive 7-9 points. The member will be benched for 2 more performances when they receive 10-14 points. The member will be dismissed from the squad when she accumulates 15 points.