Lynn Lucas Middle School Cheerleader/Mascot Constitution 2014-2015 Document Objective: To provide the rules and guidelines that will insure the success and safety of our organization. All team members are to follow the rules and guidelines of both the constitution and the district codes of conduct for student organizations. Failure to follow the rules outlined within the document will result in the appropriate consequences as listed within. Article I: NAME The name of this organization shall be as follows: Lynn Lucas Middle School Cheerkats Article II: PURPOSE The purpose of the Lynn Lucas Middle School Cheerleaders will be to represent the students, citizens, and community of Willis. They will also: 1. Participate in school activities by acting as a spirit and entertainment organization. 2. Develop competitive cheerleading skills for competition. 3. Show good sportsmanship. 4. Build school spirit, pride and loyalty. 5. Encourage high morals and values among its members. 6. Develop the ability to work as a group toward achieving various goals. 7. Function as a school leaders and role models. ArticleIII: SPONSORSHIP The Cheerleaders shall be under the direction of a sponsor/coach and assistant coach appointed by the school principal. Article IV: Eligibility for Try-outs Section 1: Eligibility is determined by the student s grade level for the school year following election. Section 2: Only currently enrolled Willis School District students are eligible to be elected and must attend the try-out meeting. Section 3: The cheerleader candidate must be in good academic standing (passing all classes with a 70) for the six-week marking period which ended prior to election or a progress report for the 1 st 3 weeks of the next grade period with all passing grades. The candidate may not have any more than 2 office referrals in order to participate in the official try-out practice week. Section 4: In order to remain on the squad, the cheerleader must maintain full scholastic and disciplinary eligibility. If a student has more than 2 discipline referrals they will not be able to try-out for cheerleader.
Section 5: The training clinic: a. Will take place one week prior to the try out date b. Will be after school, within practice time limits c. Will be closed to family and friends d. All forms must be turned in prior to the start of the clinic e. No video cameras will be allowed during the clinic Section 6: In the event a cheerleader quits the squad, is removed for disciplinary reasons, or is removed due to demerit penalties, the cheerleader/mascot must wait one cheerleading/mascot calendar year (Tryout to Tryout) before he/she may try out again for guidelines for discipline and try-out eligibility. Article V: Membership In order for a student to become a Cheerleader, the student must: 1. Attend the try-out clinic in its entirety 2. Attend summer camp in its entirety 3. Attend ALL scheduled practices 4. Attend the team tumbling gym 5. Be willing to serve in any capacity on the cheerleading squad upon request. 6. All money due for camp, clothes, supplies, etc., will be paid in full before a cheerleader can cheer at any activity unless other arrangements are made and approved by the sponsor(s) and principal. 7. Parents and Cheerkats WILL participate in ALL fundraisers including concessions. If the cheerleader does not meet the fundraiser amount, she will have to pay the difference. If the parent/cheerkat fails to show up, they will receive demerits. 8. Attend all meetings, practices, and performances and must be able to provide their own transportation to and from these events. If a performance is missed, the cheerleader will be suspended from the next activity. 9. In the event that a Cheerleader has a serious illness or is hospitalized for an extended period of time, she will be eligible to return as a member of the team upon returning to school providing that she meets all UIL regulations regarding eligibility and has been cleared to practice/perform by the attending physician. She will resume any office she previously held for the remainder of the year, provided that the director sees fit. She will be eligible for any tryout in the spring, provided that the director sees fit. 10. Membership on the cheerleading squads is as follows: a. 6 th grade team - are contest team only (fall tryouts) b. 7 th grade team - football and contest team c. 8 th grade team - football and contest team d. In the event there are not enough students trying out to fill the grade level specifications, the total number of positions will be filled with students from the other grade level based on their try-out scores.
e. If spots open on the team during contest season and a formal tryout is held, a 6 th grade student may try out for the contest cheer. Article VI: Election An impartial panel of judges will select cheerleaders. Each candidate will be judged by performance of prepared routines, showmanship, and poise. The decision of the judges will be final. Section 1: Tryouts for the 2014-2015 school year, and all following years, will take place during the spring semester. Section 2: The number of elected members on each squad will be determined by the natural point break, and is as follows: A. 7 th grade team-not to exceed 12, 7 th grade members B. 8 th grade team- not to exceed 12, 8 th grade members C. One mascot/competition alternate -7 th or 8 th grade D. Any hopeful who did not make the team may be selected as a manager with the possibility of becoming an alternate. Limit of 2-7 th or 8 th grade. Section 3: The election results, when confirmed by administration, are final. Section 4: Election for the cheerleading team will consist of skills (dance and cheer skills). The female cheerleading candidate will be required to perform one cheer and three jumps as an individual. During the individual routine, the candidate is offered the opportunity to perform any tumbling skills she possesses (tumbling is not required). After the individual routine, the candidate will perform a chant and dance with a group of 3 candidates. In order to try out for the team, the candidate must be present. Videotapes for the purpose of election are not allowed. Section 5: For males trying out for the cheerleading squad, the dance will be replaced by three (3) stunts in front of the judges. This may include partner stunts or group stunts. The partner and/or stunt group will be provided for the candidate. The candidate will perform one cheer, 3 jumps, and one chant as an individual. In order to try out for the team, the candidate must be present. Videotapes for the purpose of election or not allowed. Section 6: Cheerleading scores are based on a raw score and are as follows: Cheerleader Scale a. Required Cheer 20 points Technique, Timing, Voice b. Jump # 1 10 points Toe Touch c. Jump # 2 10 points Chosen by candidate d. Jump #3 5 points Chosen by candidate e. Spirit Techniques/Tumbling 10 points - Difficulty, Execution f. Dance 15 points Technique, Memory, Form g. Required Chant 15 points Technique, Timing, Voice h. Overall Impression 20 points Appearance, Potential, etc
Section 7: In the event that a cheerleader moves or is dismissed from the squad prior to August 1 st of the next school year, the vacancy will be filled based on the next top score. Article VII: Uniforms Section 1: Section 2: Section 3: School issued materials: a. Each cheerleader/mascot is responsible for the care and professional cleaning of the uniforms and equipment, which is school property. b. The uniform must be professionally cleaned and the equipment must be in good repair, and returned to school, prior to the beginning of the official try out practice week for the election of the cheerleaders for the following year. c. A cheerleader may not try out until all uniforms and equipment are returned. While wearing the uniform: a. No jewelry (studs in ears only, no tongue, facial piercing, or belly-button rings) b. Hair must be pulled back, away from face with proper ribbons c. No gum chewing while cheering or practicing d. No displays of affection in uniform (hand holding, hugging, kissing, etc.) e. No long fingernails. They must be natural fingernails-no fake nails f. The entire uniform (skirt, top, socks, shoes, bloomers, midriff, leggings and ribbons) must be worn when so designated and not to be changed without permission from the sponsor. g. For no reason may anyone other than cheerleaders be allowed to wear any part of the uniform. h. The uniform may not be worn as a costume or any place not designated by the sponsor. i. Should any squad member choose to not adhere to these standards, they will not be allowed to cheer until they are in accordance with the uniform guidelines. j. Cheerleaders will not roll the top or bottom of the Cheerkat uniform, including practice clothing, at any time. Two (2) demerits will be given each time a sponsor, teacher, or administrator observes this activity. k. No part of the uniform will be worn without approval from the sponsor. Competition Uniforms a. Competition uniforms will be the cheerleader s responsibility. Fundraisers may also be available to help offset the cost of uniforms and competition.
Article VIII Responsibilities and Duties Section 1: Upon being elected, cheerleaders/mascots are to be in full attendance at scheduled practices, games, and events. Section 2: Cheerleaders/mascots are to be present, at the assigned time, prior to performing. Eligibility for all performances is based on attendance of practice prior to that performance. In addition, if the performance is scheduled on a school day, the cheerleader must be in attendance the entire day. If a cheerleader leaves due to illness or truancy throughout the day, they will not be permitted to participate in the scheduled event. Section 3: To offset the cost of participation, the squad members will be required to participate in fund raising events approved by the sponsor and the principal and a yearly sponsorship requirement of $250 per Cheerkat. If the cheerleader does not meet the required fundraiser or sponsorship amount, she will have to pay the difference. Section 4: Doctor and dental appointments, etc. shall be arranged at times that DO NOT conflict with scheduled practices, performances, or events. Demerits will be assigned if scheduled practices, performances, or events are missed without prior approval from the sponsor. Informing the coach the day of an absence or appointment does not qualify as prior. If the cheerleader attends an appointment during the school day, it is expected that she will return to school following the appointment and will be present for any practice or event scheduled on that day. Section 5: It is the cheerleader s/mascot's responsibility, throughout the year, to notify his/her sponsor and coaches of conflicting schedules prior to practices and activities as a result of participation in other school groups. Section 6: Parents and family members will NOT be allowed at practices without prior approval from the sponsor. Section 7: The cheerleaders will be assigned to committees (by invitation and tryout only): leadership, spirit, and prop. This is to help with the function of the team as a whole. All Cheerkats must attend scheduled committee meetings. Leadership (captains): Helps with team building activities, community involvement, teaching cheers, and leading the team as a whole. Spirit: Helps with the planning of social activities, motivational gifts on game days, keeping up the calendar in the cheer room and birthdays. Prop: Helps make and keep props organized, decorating lockers, making posters for game days, and holding the break away during football season. Section 8: Cheerleader of the Week a. Will be chosen by the sponsor based on overall spirit, helpfulness, merits/demerits, and ability to work with others.
b. Not every cheerleader will receive this honor and some may receive it more then once. Section 9: Pep rallies: Cheerleaders, mascot, and the sponsor will plan all pep rallies in advance after notification by an administrator. All members are to be in full uniform and to participate in pep rally according to the directions of the sponsor. Section 10: Personal Responsibility: a. Cheerleaders/mascots are responsible for notifying their parents of all activities. Each month, the cheerleaders/mascot will receive a calendar of scheduled events and practices. Each cheerleader/mascot will be expected to attend all events and practices. In the event of any activity/practice not being on the calendar, the cheerleaders/mascot will receive at least 2 days notice and then be expected to attend the activity/practice. This situation may occur due to unperceived circumstances by the sponsor. b. If a cheerleader/mascot needs to leave any event early due to an emergency, she/he must have consent of the sponsor and parent contact giving his/her consent. c. Cheerleaders/mascots are responsible for turning in all forms, money, etc. on time. Failure to do so will result in demerits and will result in being unable to cheer until all obligations are met. Section 11: Games and School Functions: a. Cheerleaders/mascot will attend all assigned home games and school functions. b. Cheerleaders/mascot will not attend away games. Section 12: Section 13: Conduct during assigned games, events, and activities: a. Cheerleaders/mascots are to be at the stadium or gym for practice, games, or scheduled events the time set by the sponsor. b. The manner of presentation and choice of yells will be planned in advance. This includes style and techniques to be used throughout the year. c. Individual cheerleaders may not take part in the following: 1. Conspicuous actions that draw the crowd s attention to any individual cheerleader. 2. Anything which would reflect negatively on the school and group. d. All policies of the school will be upheld. e. Cell phones may only be used AFTER performances and practices. Clinics, practices, and activities: a. Each cheerleader/mascot will attend a summer camp designated by the sponsor. If there is any conflict in schedule, it will be resolved as the importance of the camp to the group as a whole is the prime consideration. Not attending camp will result in dismissal from the squad. During the camp,
the girls will learn the importance and techniques of proper safety and stunting. b. Clinic expenses are the responsibility of the cheerleader/mascot. c. The sponsor will designate the clinic date and any additional practices. d. On special occasions Saturday practices may be called. You will be given at least 2 days notice when possible. e. The sponsor will designate summer practices which are mandatory. f. The team will be required to attend a team tumbling/stunting class at a designated tumbling gym at a designated time. This provides the opportunity to safely receive tumbling/stunting instruction in a safe environment (including a fully matted floor) in preparation for the stunting and tumbling during the football games and contest season. Section 14: Competition: a. All cheerleaders will be required to attend any/all competition practices, including Saturdays. b. All cheerleaders will be required to attend the competition regardless of performance status. c. Non-attendance will result in being placed on suspension for one week or from the next activity. d. If spots open on the team during contest season and a formal tryout is held, a 6 th grade, 7 th grade, or 8 th grade student may try out for the contest cheer team. Article IX Insurance/Physical Section 1: All cheerleaders/mascots are required to have a medical insurance policy, or their parents must sign a waiver. Section 2: Any candidate seeking election as a cheerleader/mascot must submit a physical prior to the tryout practice week. Article X Transportation Cheerleaders/Mascots are to adhere to all transportation guidelines defined by the district and the state. Section 1: All cheerleaders/mascots are required to ride to and from activities with the scheduled transportation, when provided. Conflicts such as participation in other school events will be handled on an individual basis with transportation being arranged by parent/guardian. Parents/guardians are to be prompt when picking up cheerleaders after activities, events, and practices.
Section 2: When traveling to and from school designated events cheerleaders/mascots will travel in appropriate attire as outlined by the student code of conduct or in appropriate uniform as specified by the sponsor. Section 3: Any member picked up more than 15 minutes after any Cheerkat activity (practice, performances, etc.) is dismissed will not perform in the next performance. Only a verifiable emergency will be excused. The Director has final say on whether or not it is excused. Article XI Discipline Section 1: Conduct: A. Cheerleaders/mascots shall conduct themselves properly at all times, because they are official representatives of our school. B. Cheerleaders/mascots are role models and should set an example of good behavior for their fellow students. C. Therefore, they are expected to show maturity and sound judgment at school, at school activities, and within the community. D. A cheerleader/mascot must cooperate with the head cheerleader, sponsor, game officials, and fellow members of the team. E. Exemplary classroom behavior is expected. Infractions will result in demerits or other consequences as deemed appropriate by the sponsor or administration. LOSS OF MEMBERSHIP Fails to maintain the requirements for membership If a girl becomes pregnant during her term of membership, she will lose membership. Receives 15 demerits. Missing 3 practices in a row without a doctor s excuse. Violate the standard code of conduct for extra-curricular clubs and activities as outlined by the code or violating Senate Bill 1 regarding conduct. 3 Behavior referrals A parent violates the parent code of conduct Merit/Demerit System I. PURPOSE To maintain discipline and equity for the team and to establish expectations that will allow the year to be successful. II. GUIDELINES
1. The sponsors can give demerits. Demerits are accompanied by completing conditioning (toe touches, jumps, crunches, etc.) Cheerkats may clear a demerit by earning merits (5 will clear 1 demerit) by (cleaning up the practice area or locker room, attending merit earning functions etc.). The sponsors will communicate with team members and parents about demerits (as they occur) and merits (as necessary). 2. If a member receives three (3) demerits in one week time period, she will not be able to perform at the next event. This will be at the discretion of the sponsor during the weeks of contests. 3. If a member receives five (5) demerits, she will not be able to perform at the next event and will be on a probationary status 4. If a member receives seven (7) demerits, she will be on a non-performance (probationary) status and will be suspended from the team for a period of one (1) week. 5. If a member receives ten (10) demerits, she will be suspended from the team for a period of three (3) weeks. 6. If a member receives fifteen (15) demerits, she will be removed from the team. III. A MEMBER WILL RECEIVE ONE DEMERIT IF SHE: 1. Disobeys a request made by the sponsors, teachers, and/or principal. 2. Chews gum or has food or drinks without permission during practices or games. 3. Wears the wrong uniform to practice, class, performances, and social functions. This includes if the uniform is incomplete. (Ex. Not wearing correct ribbons, socks, uniform, shoes and/or not having it with them including: poms, sister gift, etc.) 4. Talks socially without permission (this includes cell phone calls) during practices or games. 5. Is not courteous and quiet during practice or on the field. 6. Is not respectful to all members of the cheerleading squad and the Sponsor. 7. Uses inappropriate language. 8. Does not attend practice and absence is unexcused. 9. Does not have hair secured off neck and out of face (during practice and/or games). 10. Has on jewelry during practice, games, or any other cheerleading function. (Only a single pair of small stud earrings is allowed.) 11. Uses the sponsors name or the organization as an excuse to enter a class tardy, to be excused from class, to obtain a hall pass, etc. 12. Receives an unexcused absence from school. 13. Is tardy to class, practice, games performances or functions. 14. Displays public affection (including school parking lots) or at any cheerleading function/event. 15. Does not have her shoes and uniform clean. 16. Is not dressed out properly for practice (t-shirt, shorts, bow, and/or cheerleading shoes that are part of the uniform). 17. Leaves cheering area or game without permission during practice or game. 18. Does not wear the proper undergarments during practice or game. 19. Has any visible signs ( hickeys ) of affection. 20. Lends her uniform or parts of uniform to others.
21. Has teacher complaints. 22. Is disrespectful over social media. ** Please note that a member will NOT perform if there are any visible signs of affection, even if these signs are covered with make-up or band-aids. *** Please note that a member will make up 2 hours of conditioning for any excused absence. Conditioning will be determined by the sponsor. ****Please note that demerits are kept on file for one calendar year. They are not erased but worked off and kept record of as a consequence for the action that earned the demerit. A. Demerits will accumulate and carry these additional consequences: 1. 5 demerits suspended from a performance / 1 week probation 2. 7 demerits suspension for one week 3. 10 demerits suspension for three weeks 4. 15 demerits dismissal from squad B. Probation is defined as: 1. Cheerleader/Mascot will attend and participate in practice. 2. Cheerleader/Mascot will dress out. 3. Cheerleader/Mascot s behavior and/or academics will be monitored throughout the probationary period. C. Suspension is defined as: 1. Cheerleader/Mascot will not attend practice. 2. Cheerleader/Mascot will not attend scheduled activities and will not dress out at such activities. D. Parents will be notified of all probation, suspension, and dismissal decisions. E. Merits and demerits will be on record for one cheerleading calendar year. In the event a situation is not covered by the constitution, the sponsor and/or principal will make the final decision. The sponsor and the building principal have final say in any interpretation of this constitution. Addition or subtraction to this constitution may be made at any time with the approval of the principal. If any changes are made, members will be given written notice immediately.