Lufkin ISD Cheerleading Constitution 2016 2017
THE CONSTITUTION OF CHEERLEADING FOR LUFKIN ISD Introduction I. Purpose page 2 II. Membership & Eligibility page 2 III. Tryout Guidelines page 2 IV. Head Cheerleader Selection page 3 V. Participation Requirements page 3 VI. Academic Eligibility page 4 VII. Attendance page 4 VIII. Uniforms & Appearance page 5 IX. Financial Responsibilities page 6 X. General Conduct page 6 XI. Probation & Loss of Membership page 7 XII. Travel page 9 XIII. Cheer Managers page 9 XIV. Cheer Assistants page 10 XV. Mascots page 11 Revised 2/16 1
CONSTITUTION OF THE LUFKIN ISD CHEERLEADERS Each member of the Lufkin ISD Cheerleading Program must adhere to the following articles. It must be understood that as a member of this program, the student becomes a representative of Lufkin ISD, and each cheerleader must maintain high moral and ethical standards. PURPOSE The purpose of the Lufkin ISD Cheerleaders is to create and promote loyal school spirit, encourage quality performance and high academic standards. Through the development of school spirit, cheer technique, leadership, and sportsmanship in each cheerleader, the LISD cheerleaders will encourage their student body and their community through the promotion of athletic events and activities. All Lufkin ISD cheerleaders and mascots must abide by the rules and regulations set forth in this constitution. MEMBERSHIP AND TRYOUT ELIGIBILITY 1. The Lufkin ISD Cheerleaders will consist of 4 squads: a. Varsity squad will be up to, but not exceed 24 members plus 2 mascots. b. Junior Varsity will be up to, but not exceed 16 members. c. Freshman squad will be up to, but not exceed 20 members. d. LMS squad will be up to, but not exceed 24 members plus 2 mascots. 2. To be eligible for candidacy, all students must be currently enrolled as Lufkin ISD students before participating in any tryout activities. 3. All candidates and their parent/guardian must attend, and sign in, at one of the mandatory tryout orientation meetings. Failure to attend will result in the candidate s loss of ability to tryout. 4. Each person who wishes to try out for a cheerleader squad must return a completed application packet to the Activities Director/Principal by the designated deadline. 5. Each candidate must have a 70 or above in ALL classes during the 9 week grading period prior to tryouts. The progress report is not the determining factor for illegibility for tryouts. a. Candidates with three or more disciplinary referrals will be ineligible for tryouts. b. Ineligible students will be notified. 6. Candidates must attend all scheduled cheer clinic dates prior to tryouts. TRYOUT GUIDELINES 1. Candidacy for selection will be open to all eligible students who meet the requirements. a. Grade requirements for each squad are as follows: i. Current Juniors Varsity Squad ii. Current Sophomores Junior Varsity or Varsity Squad iii. Current Freshman Junior Varsity Squad iv. Current Eighth Graders Freshman Squad v. Current Seventh Graders LMS Squad 2. Tryouts will consist of performing designated skills in front of judges and coaches. 3. Tryouts will be held once a year. Revised 2/16 2
4. The format for the tryouts will be decided by the administration and coaches, and will be held in a fair manner allowing each candidate to show their best abilities and potential. 5. The candidates who receive the highest cumulative score from all three judges will be selected. HEAD CHEERLEADER SELECTION Selection 1. Returning senior Varsity cheerleaders are eligible for selection. a. The candidates will receive a packet of information to be completed. Questions will be answered and scored by an outside person or administrator. b. Candidates will be interviewed and scored by the coach and activities director. c. The tryout score from the judges will be reviewed and added to the selection score sheet. 2. Co Captains may be named at the discretion of the coaches with administrative advisement. 3. The Junior Varsity and Freshman squads will not have a head cheerleader. The coaches will assign roles as needed to develop leadership qualities. 4. In the event the head cheerleader is unable to perform her duties an assigned group leader will do so. The head cheerleader may be removed from this position at the discretion of the coach with administrative advisement. PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS 1. Cheerleaders must participate in all activities in which the cheer program is involved, pending eligibility status. 2. The competition squad participation will be mandatory when a competition is selected. There are local, area, and national competitions. The decision to participate will be based on the makeup of the squads, the ability level of the squad, and the coach s discretion. 3. All tryout skills are expected to be consistently executed during the cheer season. 4. Duties of each squad: Varsity a. Varsity football games b. Varsity boys basketball games c. Designated home volleyball, girls basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer games d. Designated home cross country, track, golf, tennis and swim meets e. All playoff games for any sport with administrative advisement Junior Varsity a. Home JV and Varsity football games b. Home JV boys basketball games c. Designated home volleyball, girls basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer games Freshman a. Home Freshman and Varsity football games b. Home Freshman boys basketball games Revised 2/16 3
LMS a. Home 8th grade football games b. Home 8th grade basketball games All squads will participate in the following : a. NCA summer cheer camp b. Designated competitions c. Special events (pep rallies, playoff games, community service, etc.) d. Volunteer opportunities e. Other opportunities at the coach's discretion 5. The coaches may bench a cheerleader at anytime they deem necessary for safety and/or disciplinary reasons. 6. Coaches reserve the right to evaluate any situation and apply appropriate action. ACADEMIC ELIGIBILITY 1. The Lufkin ISD Cheerleading Program follows the State UIL eligibility rules for no pass no play. A student who receives a grade below a 70 in any class at the end of the first 6 weeks grading period, or any 9 week grading period is ineligible to participate in a cheer activity or event. An ineligible student will only be able to practice until eligible. The student regains eligibility after any three week evaluation period when the principal and teachers determine that he or she has earned a passing grade in all classes. ATTENDANCE All cheerleaders will attend ALL practices, athletic events, competitions, and special activities unless pre approved by the coaches. Squad calendars will be given on a monthly basis. The schedule of games the squads attend will be given out at the beginning of each sports season. 1. The following absences will result in probation for one performance event chosen at the coach s discretion: a. one unexcused absence from a game or event b. two unexcused absences from practice 2. Excused Absences: The status of an absence or tardy will be determined by the coaches. Cheerleaders must limit their number of excused absences, as performance privileges may be revoked for excessive absences. Absences or tardies from any cheerleading activity or event should only be excused for the circumstances listed below. a. Personal illness or accident b. Death in the family c. College related activities for seniors with advanced approval from the coach d. Special school activities with advanced approval from the coach 3. Unexcused Absences: Absences for reasons other than those listed above, will be unexcused. Work, doctor/dental appointments, non school activities (competitive cheer) must not interfere with practices or performances and will be considered unexcused. 4. Unexpected Absence Procedures: In the unexpected event of an illness, accident, or death in the family, a parent must contact the coach prior to class/practice. A parent note and/ or doctor s note Revised 2/16 4
must be submitted to the coach upon the cheerleader s return to school or practice. Two consecutive absences will require a doctor s note. An absence from a performance due to illness will require a doctor s note. 5. Expected Absence Procedures: At least two weeks prior to an event and/or practice, squad members must submit a written request for an expected absence. 6. Excused academic absences do not necessarily equate to an excused cheer absence. 7. Cheerleaders are expected to attend school all day in order to maintain eligibility for participation in an organizational activity with coach s discretion. 8. Cheerleaders who suffer injuries or illness must consult a doctor or trainer within 24 hours. If an injury or illness hinders or limits a cheerleader s performance and/or practice capabilities, that cheerleader will be required to provide doctor s note outlining the specific limitations. Injured cheerleaders are still expected to attend all events and practices in accordance with their doctor s notes. A cheerleader with a concussion must follow the LISD concussion policy until the cheerleader is cleared to participate under the standards set forth by the LISD concussion policy. UNIFORMS AND APPEARANCE 1. Cheerleaders are responsible for purchasing uniforms, shoes, camp/workout clothing and other necessary clothing and accessories as required. All personal items must be labeled with the athlete s name. If a uniform piece is lost or damaged, the cheerleader is responsible for ordering and paying for a replacement. 2. Any uniform pieces purchased by the school district or booster club must be returned in good condition at the end of the season with deadline to be determined by the coach. They should be clean and repaired, ready for someone else to wear. Replacement cost will be determined based on the actual cost of the uniform piece and will be charged for any damaged or unreturned school owned uniform. Failure to return all items in good condition may result in ineligibility to tryout and/or attend banquet. 3. Uniforms will only be worn at scheduled events. The use of any part of the Lufkin cheerleading uniforms, clothing and supplies, other than at scheduled events, must be approved by the coach. 4. All cheerleader clothing, uniforms, jackets, etc. are to be worn by current Lufkin cheerleaders only. Cheerleaders may not loan out any Lufkin cheerleading apparel to any non cheerleaders except for events approved by the coaches. Students who have been dismissed or voluntarily removed from the squad may not wear cheerleading apparel in public, under any circumstances. 5. Cheerleaders should look their best at all times, especially when in uniform, and must wear the correct uniform or designated outfit as it is meant to be worn. For safety reasons, jewelry of any kind will not be worn anytime while cheering. 6. Hair and nails must be worn in a natural color that does not bring attention. Hair must be secured in a ponytail with a forward facing bow unless given permission otherwise by the coaches. 7. Coaches reserve the right to evaluate any situation and apply appropriate action. Revised 2/16 5
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Each cheerleader must assume financial responsibility. Scholarships are available for up to 50% of uniform expenses only, for those who qualify pending approval. A limited amount of scholarship money is available and not all scholarships are approved. Applications are available from the Activities Director, Patricia White and are due Monday, April 4, 2016. 2. Upon selection, a non refundable, 50% payment is due by Thursday, April 14, 2016. The balance will be due by Thursday, May 5, 2016. The amounts designated for each squad may vary because of cost of uniforms, practice clothes, and accessories. Any cheerleader with an unpaid balance after May 26, 2016 will be dismissed. 3. Cheer camp will cost $399 of which LISD pays $100. This amount cannot be included in the scholarship total. This balance will be due by Tuesday, May 24, 2016. 4. All fees must be paid with cash or a money order. NO PERSONAL or BUSINESS CHECKS! 5. Competitions: Fundraising will be done to help defray the cost of registration, transportation, uniforms, lodging, meals, additional coaching, and any other miscellaneous expenses. 6. The school district provides a letter jacket for Varsity cheerleaders unless a jacket has already been purchased for that student by the school (academic or other organization). 7. All cheerleaders are required to participate in fundraising activities. The activity director must approve all fund raising efforts prior to scheduling the event. The booster club will have fundraisers to aid in the cost of cheer events such as banquet and as needed by the cheer program. Lack of participation will affect the funds that are available to each individual and/or squad. GENERAL CONDUCT 1. All rules as stated in the current Lufkin ISD Student Handbook that apply at school will apply at official practices, scheduled events, and other group activities. 2. Cheerleaders shall conduct themselves as ladies/gentlemen at all times. Open affection displayed toward boy/girl friends will not be tolerated. 3. ALL social media sites, cell phones conversations and texting will be under scrutiny if it interferes with or brings disrespect to the program, at any time. Any circumstances that are deemed unacceptable or harmful may be grounds for dismissal from the squad. 4. All cheers and chants shall be positive and performed in a sportsmanlike manner. 5. Cheerleaders will make every attempt to ignore or dissuade negative responses at events and not become involved in such action themselves. 6. Should a cheerleader become pregnant, she will be designated inactive status. This means the cheerleader will still attend class and practices, but will not perform in any cheer activity. 7. Coaches reserve the right to evaluate any situation and apply appropriate action. Revised 2/16 6
PROBATION AND LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP 1. Probation and/or loss of membership is decided with administrative advisement. 2. Probation : Probation shall be defined as not participating in any performance, while still attending all activities, appearances, and practices. Cheerleaders placed on probation must still practice each day, yet may not wear any performance uniform at cheerleader functions. Cheerleaders placed on probation due to academic ineligibility under the UIL grading policy will not be allowed to travel to out of town events. Infractions causing member probation include, but are not limited to the following: a. 10 demerits parental contact and probation from one performance event b. 20 demerits meeting with Mrs. White and 2 week probation c. 30 demerits dismissal from the squad d. Failure to maintain eligibility under the UIL grading policy e. Any behavior deemed unbecoming by the Coach/Activities Director/Principal. 3. Loss of Membership: Dismissal shall be defined as no participation in any cheerleader activity for the remainder of the year. A dismissed member must turn in all cheer items, if warranted, and shall have his/her schedule changed immediately. All cheerleader dismissals will be done with administrative advisement. Infractions that may cause a member to be dismissed include, but are not limited to: a. Violation of the alcohol, drug, tobacco and fighting policies b. Excessive absences, excused or unexcused c. Behavior deemed unbecoming by the coach, activities director, and principal d. Social network postings that show lack of responsible behavior e. An accumulation of 30 demerits f. Being sent to alternative school g. Change of enrollment in district/campus h. An unpaid balance of cheer expenses after May 26, 2016 i. Any unlawful infraction including, but not limited to the following: Being ticketed for public intoxication/dwi Drug related convictions Arrest, felony, vandalism, etc. Grade Deductions Each cheerleader will receive one participation grade per week. Points may be deducted per day for the following: Failure to wear correct practice attire 20 Each day of the week will equal 20 points. Wearing jewelry during practice 10 Lack of effort/poor attitude during practice 10 Late for roll call during practice 10 Any infraction not specifically mentioned 5 to 20 Revised 2/16 7
Demerits The list shows infractions and possible number of demerits to be issued. Demerits will be issued at the discretion of the coach, and will be assigned per offense. Repeated infractions may be assigned more demerits than listed. Attendance Unexcused absence from a game or event 10 Unexcused absence from a practice 5 Excused absence without timely communication 5 Leaving game, practice, or event early without pre approval 5 Any infraction not specifically mentioned 5 to 30 Appearance Not in appropriate/assigned clothing for event or in school *incorrect uniform will require a bench until corrected 3 Hair worn other than specified without coach s approval 3 Unapproved nail polish, or nails that are too long 3 Wearing jewelry at games 3 Unapproved hair color (non natural) Benched until corrected Any infraction not specifically mentioned 5 to 30 Behavior Disrespectful behavior towards coaches, teachers, administrators, other cheerleaders (verbal or nonverbal) 5 to 30 Inappropriate social network postings 5 to 30 Being placed in ISS 10 Poor sideline display (sulking, not saying cheers, not using proper motions, not in proper position) 3 Lack of knowledge of cheer, chants, or sideline dances 3 Using cell phone at practice or an event without permission 3 Late to an event or coming back from a break 3 Any infraction not specifically mentioned 5 to 30 Revised 2/16 8
Merits 1. Throughout the year, merits may be given out at the discretion of the coaches. 2. Please note that not all demerits may be worked off. Demerits assigned for disrespectful behavior may not be canceled out by merits. 3. Cheerleaders can earn merits for coach approved activities including, but are not limited to: a. Volunteer hours outside of LISD cheer opportunities b. Attending additional LISD sporting events not required c. Duties above/beyond normal requirements of a cheerleader d. Earning Cheerleader of the Week TRAVEL 1. On out of town trips, the LISD Administration Policy will be followed. All participants will ride the bus to the scheduled event unless preapproved by the coach. Cheerleaders will be permitted to ride home from out of town trips with parents or other adults, with notification by email or written note prior to the event. Managers and Honor Guards must ride home to unload the bus. 2. Prior to the out of town game, parental notification of a cheerleader not riding home on the bus must be submitted to the coach. Parental notification is required. If a cheerleader fails to inform the coach, they will be required to ride the bus. This excludes Cheer Managers and Honor Guards. 3. Only Varsity cheerleaders and managers travel to out of town football games. JV and Freshman cheer travel to Varsity football playoff games. 4. Varsity cheerleaders travel to out of town basketball games. Managers may travel if they are available to travel and have teacher/parent permission via e mail or written notification. CHEER MANAGER SELECTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES Selection 1. Manager applicants must be a current sophomore or junior at LHS. 2. Each candidate must meet U.I.L. scholastic requirements in order to participate. 3. Any candidate with three or more disciplinary referrals will be ineligible for selection. 4. Candidates must complete an application and turn it in by the stated deadline. 5. Cheer manager applicants will have an interview with the LHS Cheer Coaches and the Director of Student Activities. 6. Selection is made by the LHS Cheer Coaches and the Director of Student Activities. Responsibilities 1. Managers must maintain UIL academic eligibility to participate. Revised 2/16 9
2. It is understood that the applicant will conduct himself/herself at all times in a manner becoming of a representative of Lufkin High School. All rules, as stated in the current LISD Student Handbook that apply at school, will apply at all scheduled events. 3. Managers are required to attend all Varsity football games, pep rallies and any other game or function that may occur, with the understanding that the managers will assist the coach in any capacity that is requested. 4. All managers are required to ride the bus back to Lufkin from away games to help unload all the equipment. 5. A manager may be dismissed from their position due to poor conduct, attitude, grades, excessive absences, or violation of the LISD Student Handbook policies. 6. Coaches reserve the right to evaluate any situation and apply the appropriate action. CHEER ASSISTANT SELECTION AND RESPONSIBILITIES Selection 1. LHS cheer assistant applicants must be a currently enrolled sophomore or junior at LHS. LMS cheer assistant applicants must be a currently enrolled 7th grade student at LMS. 2. Each candidate must meet U.I.L. scholastic requirements in order to participate. 3. Any candidate with three or more disciplinary referrals will be ineligible for selection. 4. Candidates must complete an application and turn it in by the stated deadline. 5. Selection shall be the decision of the coach. Responsibilities 1. Cheer assistants will be placed in cheer class to assist the coach. 2. Assistant responsibilities include but are not limited to the following: a. any paperwork requested by the coaches b. keeping up with music, equipments lists, roll sheets, etc. c. keeping the cheer room and closets clean and organized 3. Assistants are required to attend all football games, pep rallies and any other games or functions that may occur, with the understanding that the they will assist the coach in any capacity that is requested. 4. An assistant may be released from their position due to poor conduct, attitude, grades, excessive absences, or violation of the Lufkin ISD student handbook policies. Revised 2/16 10
MASCOT SELECTION Selection 1. Mascot applicants must be a current freshman, sophomore, or junior for LHS mascot, or a current 7th grade student for LMS mascot. 2. Each candidate must meet UIL scholastic requirements in order to tryout. 3. Any candidate with three or more disciplinary referrals will be ineligible for tryouts. 4. Candidates must complete an application and turn it in by the stated deadline. 5. Tryouts will consist of an interview with selected judges, and performing a skit in front of judges and coaches. 6. The candidates who receive the highest cumulative score from all three judges will be selected. Responsibilities 1. Attend all scheduled appearances as designated by the coach. These events include, but are not limited to: a. All Varsity home and away football games b. Pep rallies c. Pink Panthers Cheer Clinic d. Other special events 2. All mascots must attend NCA summer camp with their respective squads. 3. Mascots are responsible for keeping the mascot uniform in good condition. 4. While in costume, mascots should interact positively with the crowd, especially small children. 5. All selected mascots must abide by all rules, applicable financial obligations, and responsibilities. ADDENDUM This document is used as a guideline by administration. They can, at any time, deviate from the stated consequences listed to deal with a situation that may occur. Please keep this document if you are selected to be a cheerleader. You will need to refer to this constitution at a later date. The information in this document has been approved by the administration and cheerleaders are expected to adhere to all items covered by this document. The coaches will refer to situations in cheer that are directly addressed in this constitution. If you have any questions, please contact the coach. Revised 2/16 11
Revised 2/16 12