2017-2018 Green Valley High School Cheerleader Constitution PURPOSE Being a cheerleader is an honor and special privilege. Cheerleaders exist to promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, and enthusiastic school spirit and are first and foremost representatives of their school. Cheerleaders should exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position and in accordance with the rules as stated in the GVHS Student Code of Conduct. Members of these groups have a fundamental responsibility to play a leadership role in building teamwork and helping the school achieve its goals and objectives. Because of these responsibilities, members of the cheerleading squad will be expected to maintain a higher standard of behavior both on and off campus and academic achievement than that of their peers. OBJECTIVES Cheerleaders are expected to be physically and mentally skilled in learning and remembering cheers. They are also expected to be able to publicly demonstrate a skill level suitable for the team position and the timing necessary for group performance. Off the field, they are to enthusiastically support all athletic teams through advertisement, personal attitude, and attendance at events chosen by the coach and approved by the principal. Membership.. 2 Commitment..3 Tryouts....4 Safety.5 Expectations and Standards.... 6 Duties and Responsibilities... 7 Violations......8 Dismissal from squad..... 9 Attendance...10 Expenses and Fundraising...11 Communication....11 Varsity Letter...12! 1
Membership Section 1: Team Eligibility Three Teams: Junior Varsity, Varsity and Varsity Competition. Junior Varsity members may be freshmen, sophomore, or junior girls/boys. Varsity members may be freshmen, sophomore, junior, or senior girls/boys Varsity competition members must make the Varsity team. Varsity competition member may be freshmen, sophomore, junior, or senior girls/boys. Junior Varsity and Varsity team, including any alternate members, will consist of no more than 40 members. The coach and administration may select a smaller squad. The coaches and campus administration may fill cheerleader openings that occur after the official tryouts. Cheerleaders who move to GVHS after the tryout process(that have been finalized) must tryout. Cheerleaders who move in from another school will be evaluated using the same tryout rubric. Based on skill evaluation, prior coach evaluation, and current vacancies available, campus coaches and administration may determine placement on team. Coaches reserve the right to move cheerleaders from JV to Varsity and from Varsity to JV. Seniors will not be moved to JV at any time. Section 2: Competition Team The coaches will select a Varsity Competition Team the day of tryouts. The team will consist of 12 members on Varsity and alternates from Varsity. Alternates may be given an opportunity to compete in certain competitions and/or divisions, but are not guaranteed any specific performance. The Varsity Competition Team practices will be held outside of normal practice hours, and may include night, morning, and/or weekend practices and obligations. Section 3: Freshman Freshman will be able to tryout for Varsity, however, freshman will be required to cheer and attend all freshman events and games. Section 4: Captains The coach will appoint one to two cheer captains the day of tryouts. The Captain position will be given to the cheerleader(s) who have shown tremendous dedication and leadership over the previous year. Captains must be a returning member with at least 1 year on the GVHS Cheer team.! 2
Section 5: Commissioner The coach will appoint a Varsity Cheer Commissioner that will be over both teams. The Commissioner will be the main contact for both JV and Varsity. They will be responsible for uniform selections( for practice and game),, schedule changes and more. The Commissioner must be a returning member with at least 2 years on the team. Commitment Section 1: Duration Cheer members will serve from the day of selection through the last day of school the following academic year. Section 2: Commitment Expectations Cheerleaders represent Green Valley High School at all times. Cheerleading is a year-round commitment that requires devotion of time and effort. It is an honor that requires commitment, hard work, and dedication. Green Valley High School cheer commitments must come before other obligations such as jobs, driver education, outside cheer teams, etc. Outside commitments will not be considered a reason to miss cheer events. Absences related to outside commitments will receive consequences according to discipline guidelines. Each member will be required to be at cheer practice. Practice activities will consist of, but not be limited to, conditioning, preparation for events, community service, tumbling, jumps, and stunting. Physical conditioning may include, but is not limited to, running, weight training, push-ups, crunches, etc. Coaches may require supplies for cheer practice including, but not limited to, markers, poster board, streamers, tape, etc. With the success of our sports teams, additional supplies may be required. The teams will participate in many community service projects and appearances. Section 3: Camp Each Cheerleader must attend summer camp to remain eligible for the squad. Each cheerleader must attend the mandatory practices two weeks prior to school cheer camp. If any cheerleader misses one or more of these practices he/she will be removed from the squad and an alternate will replace him/her. Please plan your summer vacations accordingly.! 3
Tryouts Section 1: Clinic Each spring a special training session will be held for all interested candidates to teach them the fundamentals of the tryout routines. This Clinic will be a $10 cost. Section 2: Facilitators The coaches will bring in outside professionals to ensure a safe tryout process. 2017 senior cheerleaders will help assist with teaching tryout material at the clinic. Section 3: Former Cheerleaders No present member of Cheerleaders will be carried over automatically to the next year. All present members wishing to be on the GVHS Cheerleading team for the new school year must tryout. All present members must pay any past due fees prior to tryouts in order to be eligible. Section 3: Parent Expectations No videotaping of any portion of the clinics or evaluation by parents or candidates is permitted. Day one of tryouts will be closed to public. The tryout clinic and Day two of tryouts will be open to the public. Section 4: Candidate Expectations All candidates should report to the designated tryout site on time each day of the tryout process. There will be no cell phones allowed in any of the tryout areas. Candidates are asked to leave cell phones at home or in their car. A phone will be available in case of an emergency. Section 5: Requirements During the tryout process, the following are evaluated: Cheer/chant, Fight song, jumps, physical endurance, tumbling (running and standing) and stunting. In addition, individual interviews, grades, behavior, etc. will be taken in consideration. Section 6: Attire Clothing for clinic sessions: shorts, t-shirt, cheer shoes. No clothing that identifies candidates as former cheerleaders is allowed.! 4
Safety Because of the increased athleticism of today s cheerleaders and the complexity of some stunts performed, there is a risk, as in any athletic endeavor, of serious injury. Section 1: Physical Clearance All participants must have a current physical form and athletic packet on file prior to participation. If at any time throughout the season a cheerleader becomes injured and is not able to participate in practices, performances, or conditioning, a doctor must clear them before returning to activity. A formal doctor s note must be provided with specific clearance information and date. Section 2: Stunting/Tumbling Safety All participants must be trained and qualified for proper landing and spotting techniques before they are allowed to stunt and/or tumble. All participants must go through proper stunt and tumbling progressions. No tumbling or building of stunts is permitted unless a cheer coach is present. No horseplay, laughing or general socializing will be permitted during any stunt/practice session. Absolutely no jewelry will be worn during practices, games, or events, including body piercings. Green Valley High School Cheer is not responsible for any medical bills that may occur during the season.! 5
Expectations and Standards Section 1: Conduct A Cheerleader s conduct must be above reproach at all times: both during and after school hours, at school, at home, or in public. Section 2: Grades The Cheerleaders represent Green Valley High School and are expected to reflect honor and credit to their school by their actions and attitudes. All Cheerleaders will remain on a three-week eligibility roster throughout the Football and Basketball Seasons. A Cheerleader must maintain a 2.0 G.P.A. (unweighted on a 4.0 scale), as well as have no F s or U s, to remain eligible for participation. Section 3: Reputation Cheerleaders are expected to show maturity and sound judgment in class and all other activities. Any report of classroom misbehavior will result in the cheerleader being benched at the coach s discretion. Section 4: Respect All members must cooperate with the authority of the administration, coaches, captain, co-captains, and officials to the fullest extent. Any insubordination will result in the cheerleader being removed or benched at the coach s discretion. Section 5: Practice Expectations Cheerleaders must be available for all practices. Cheerleaders are required to practice during the summer prior to summer camp. During football and basketball seasons, practice may be held five days a week. If a cheerleader misses practice for a doctor or dentist appointment, a note must be presented from the doctor/dental office and must be presented to the coach two weeks in advance. Missing practice may result in benched time or removal from a performance. Section 6: Transportation Cheerleaders must provide their own transportation to and from games and practices. In the event that the school provides transportation for an event, cheerleaders are required to travel to and from the event as a team.! 6
Duties and Responsibilities Section 1: Roles A Green Valley High School cheer member takes on the role of a respectful and disciplined athlete who should model appropriate behavior for her/his peers at all times in school, after school, and in the community. This is a very visual position. Along with this position comes a great deal of responsibility; cheerleaders display a good work ethic and a spirit of cooperation with parents, coaches, other cheerleaders, and other students. Each squad member will be held to these high standards in and out of school. Cheer coaches will determine discipline should infractions occur. This expectation begins the day the member becomes part of the Green Valley High School cheer program. Section 2: Ineligibility Cheerleaders who are ineligible may still be required to practice. Any cheerleader who becomes ineligible will not be allowed to perform or travel with the squad for the term of the ineligibility. The coaches will determine if the cheerleader is required to attend an event without participation. Section 3: Attendance Attendance at all games and cheer events are mandatory. This includes but is not limited to practices, fundraising activities, appearances, competitions, and assemblies. Planned absences to a game/event/practice/etc. should be requested via calendar invite at least two weeks in advance. Coaches will determine if it will be excused. Inappropriate notification will result in a violation. Students who are ill should notify the coach as soon as possible. The cheerleader must notice the coach as soon as possible if they will be absent due to illness. All cheer members are required to attend summer camp, summer practices, and any fundraisers or team activities that are set for the teams in the summer. Cheer members not attending these events are subject to dismissal from the squad. Section 4: Physical Demands Cheerleading is an athletic endeavor. Students must possess the following capabilities necessary for performing the essential functions of a cheerleader: Clear diction, vocal strength, rhythm and coordination Physical skills that may involve jumps, balance, agility, and upper/lower body strength! 7
Stamina to endure these physical activities through the duration of games and events Ability to perform routines in both indoor and outdoor settings, in hot and cold weather In order to maintain the physical endurance needed to be a strong cheerleader, the athletes will be expected to complete an 8-minute mile weekly. Failure to meet these requirements will result in benched time. Section 5: Practice The cheer coaches, prior to the last day of school, will determine mandatory summer practices and camp dates and communicate that information to cheerleaders and post it on the cheer website. Practice may be held before and/or after school and when needed on the weekend. All practices are closed to the public. No cell phones are to be used during practice. Participants must attend all practices in order to perform at an event (game, pep rally, assembly, competition, etc.) Members will be held accountable for both excused and unexcused absences, and may be removed from any performance by the coach. Cheerleaders are expected to arrive 15 minutes early to all practices, games & events.. Any tardiness may have disciplinary consequences such violations, additional workouts, and/or removal from a particular performance. Violations/ Benching Coaches may remove cheerleaders from the team due to excessive violations, low grade in a class, or other issues that may arise. Examples: Late to Practice, Wearing the wrong uniform at games/ practices, misbehavior, etc. Section 1: Benching Benched time: The Cheerleader will sit with the coach during the game. The Cheerleader will be required to wear GVHS cheer warm-ups but will not be allowed to wear the uniform. The coach will determine benched time. There will be no socializing, cell phones, ipods, etc. allowed while a cheerleader is benched.! 8
Dismissal from squad Section 1: Suspension/Removal The Coach, with the approval of the Athletic Administrator, may suspend for any length of time, or drop permanently, any member from the cheerleading squad for the following conduct, which occurs at any place or time: A. Engaging in any act or deed that harms the reputation of the school or the squad. B. Violating CCSD, NIAA, and/or GVHS Policies, regulations, and procedures C. Smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages, or using drugs. D. Failing to maintain a 2.0-quarter G.P.A. on an unweighted scale of 4.0. E. Wearing improper attire at school or school-related events. F. Engaging in undesirable behavior as reported by any school official. G. Maintaining an unkempt appearance. H. Using undesirable language or gestures. I. Improper participation at any time: practices, events, functions, etc. J. Disrespecting the Coach, Captain, Co-Captains, or School Staff. K. Participating in unsportsmanlike behavior. L. Failing to perform duties. M. Failing to attend scheduled events, practices, or meetings. N. Any other valid reason not mentioned here, but determined by school officials to be inappropriate behaviors or actions as defined by Clark County School District and/or Green Valley High School policies and regulations. Section 2: Internet Policy Cheerleaders should not have inappropriate photographs, language, or other undesirable objects associated with them on the Internet. Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, Instagram, Finsta, Snapchat, Blogs, etc. are expected to be age appropriate and should positively reflect Green Valley High School and the Cheerleading team. Any post, picture, etc. that harms the reputation of the school and/or squad will result in violations, benching, and possible removal from the squad. This includes pictures of a Cheerleader posted on others websites, profiles, etc. Section 3: Report Card Grades Any Cheerleader earning a quarter GPA of less than 2.0 (unweighted on a 4.0 scale) on a report card will be: Suspended from all performances until the next grading period.! 9
Required to be present in warm-ups at performances even though not performing. If the unweighted G.P.A. still remains below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale remain upon the issuance of the next grading period report card, the cheerleader may be permanently removed from the squad. Section 4: Eligibility Checks Any Cheerleader receiving a D, F, or U in any subject or earning a quarter G.P.A. of less than 2.0 (unweighted on a 4.0 scale) on an eligibility check may be: Benched from all performances, practices and games. Required to be present at performances in warm-ups even though not performing. If the unweighted GPA still remains below 2.0 on a 4.0 scale, or if the F or U remain upon the issuance of the next eligibility check, the cheerleader may be permanently removed from the squad. School Attendance Section 1: Enrollment Cheerleaders must be full time students during the regular school year at Green Valley High School for the entire school year. Section 2: Performances On performance/ game-days, Cheerleaders must be present the entire school day, unless involved in a prearranged school activity. ** Please note: College visitations should not be scheduled to conflict with Cheerleading activities. Excessive absences may result in suspension or removal from the squad. Two (2) absences from football games and/or two (2) absences from basketball games may result in suspension or removal from the squad.! 10
Expenses and Fundraising Section 1: Obligations The cheerleaders will be provided with financial obligations in the tryout information packet. Section 2: Payments Cheer members must be current with their payment schedule. Not being current will result in bench time. In the event that a cheer account is not current, suspension from the team may occur. In that case, the cheer member will still be responsible for the amount owed to the cheer program. Section 3: Fundraising Money may be raised by fundraising projects. Any balance not raised by the group can be raised or donated the cheerleader. All fundraising projects are at the discretion of the coach. Section 4: Refunds If a member is declared ineligible, injured, being disciplined, dismissed or resigns from the team, the member and parent are still responsible for all fees. Refunds will not be issued. Communication Communication is vital for a successful cheer program. Section 1: Coaches Coaches will communicate: Requirements for students and the team Locations, dates, times of practices, games, and events Squad requirements: including special equipment, uniform, squad rules/regulations, travel arrangements, and off-season expectations.! 11
Section 2: Parents Parents should communicate: Concerns regarding son/daughter directly to the coach at an appropriate time and place. Issues appropriate for discussion: Student behavior and Student safety If parent needs to reach a coach after hours (after 7PM) the coach will get back to the parents the following day- unless it s an emergency. Section 3: Expectations Cheerleaders will be expected to communicate schedule changes and concerns regarding violations. If at any time a cheer member or parent feels he/she needs to discuss a problem or complaint, please follow the appropriate channels: Athlete needs to communicate with Coach Coach will meet and communicate unresolved issues with Parent. If meeting does not provide a satisfactory resolution, the coach will then contact the Activities Assistant Principal, Tricia Deley. Varsity Letter Section 1: Varsity Team Eligibility In order for a member of the Varsity cheer team to receive a letter, he/she must: Remain academically eligible Remain in good standing Have no more than two unexcused games or events! 12