Humble Independent School District ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ CHEERLEADER AND MASCOT HANDBOOK MIDDLE SCHOOL HIGH SCHOOL ~~~~~~~~~~~~~ January 2015
Humble ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disabilities in providing educational services, activities, and programs, including vocational programs in accordance with the Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title XI of the Educational Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the American With Disabilities Act. Each parent and cheerleader candidate will be provided a current copy of the Humble ISD Cheerleader/Mascot Handbook. An electronic copy of the current handbook will be accessible on the Humble ISD district website and a copy will be filed with each Campus Principal, each campus Cheerleader Coach, and the Humble Independent Central Administration Office. 2/3/2015 2
Table of Contents Topic Page # Preamble... 2 Article I Purpose... 4 Article II Membership... 4 Article III Expectations... 4 Section A School Leadership... 4 Section B Physical Functions... 4 Article IV Requirements... 4 Section A Participation... 5 Section B- Competition... 5 Section C Academic... 5 Article V Qualifications... 5 Section A Parent Meeting... 5 Section B Candidate Approval... 5 Article VI Tryouts... 5 Section A Required forms... 5 Section B Clinic... 6 Section C Guidelines... 6 Article VII Procedures... 6 Section A Jurisdiction... 6 Section B Consequences for Misconduct... 6 Article VIII Responsibilities of Cheerleaders... 6 Section A Leadership Roles... 7 Section B Performance Uniforms... 7 Section C Personal Presentation... 7 Article IX Supplemental Information... 7 Section A Financial Expectations... 7 Section B Summer Camp... 7 Section C Transportation... 7 Section D Awards... 7 Article X Parent, School and Coach Communication... 7 Section A Communication to Parent... 7 Section B Communication to Coach... 8 Section C Appropriate Communication between parent, School and Coach... 8 Principal Evaluation Form... 9 Humble ISD Athletic Policies / Code of conduct - Attached 2/3/2015 3
ARTICLE I PURPOSE The purpose of cheerleading is to create, promote and uphold school spirit and a positive school environment by participating at athletic events and extracurricular activities as deemed appropriate by the campus administration and sponsor. Participation in the regular curriculum is a right afforded to each student, while participation in the extracurricular program is a privilege that carries additional expectations for acceptable conduct. ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP Squad membership will exist from tryout date to the last day of the subsequent school year. A high school campus may have four separate cheerleading squads. Selections may include the following squads: Freshman, Sophomore, JV, and Varsity. Middle Schools will have one team for 7 th grade and one team for 8 th grade. Tryouts for the freshman squad are open to students currently enrolled in the 8th grade. Tryouts for the sophomore squad are open to students currently enrolled in 9th grade. Tryouts for the Junior Varsity Squad will be open to students currently enrolled in 9th and 10th grade. In the event there is no freshman squad, current 8 th graders would be allowed to tryout. Tryouts for the varsity squad may be open to students currently enrolled in the 9th, 10th and 11th grade. NOTE: 11 th graders who were on the varsity squad during the current school year AND are in good academic and behavior standing WILL NOT have to try out for their senior year. This DOES NOT guarantee a position on an extra competition squad if that high school chooses to field one. Each HS will determine the number of squads they field. High schools will have a minimum of 8 cheerleaders on each squad. Tryouts for the 7 th grade squad are open to students currently enrolled in 6 th grade. Tryouts for the 8 th grade squad are open to students currently enrolled in 7 th grade. Middles school squads will have a minimum of 12 cheerleaders. The School Mascot will promote school spirit at athletic events by assuming the identity of the school mascot. There may be tryouts for this position based off the number of students interested. ARTICLE III EXPECTATIONS Cheerleaders must enjoy learning and performing cheers, chants, and dances. Cheerleaders must promote and maintain relationships with faculty, administration and student body. In addition, they must work cooperatively with the drill team, band, athletic teams, and all school organizations. Section A School Leadership 1. Cheerleaders will abide by rules and follow directions given by school authorities. 2. Cheerleaders will demonstrate determination, hard work, strength, dedication, and self discipline. 3. Cheerleaders will strive to cooperate and be a part of a cohesive unit. 4. Cheerleaders will strive to improve themselves and others through positive interaction and accountability. 5. Cheerleaders will exhibit loyalty to the squad and demonstrate leadership, honor, and integrity. 6. Cheerleaders will demonstrate good sportsmanship and promote school spirit which will be defined by a generosity and genuine concern for others. Section B Physical Functions Cheerleaders must be capable of performing the essential functions for a cheerleader. Functions as listed below: 1. Cheerleaders will demonstrate clear diction, vocal strength, rhythm and coordination. 2. Cheerleaders will perform physical moves that may involve jumps, balance, agility and upper body strength. 3. Cheerleaders will exhibit stamina in physical activities that involve physical endurance and fitness and they will be able to perform routines in both indoor and outdoor settings. ARTICLE IV REQUIREMENTS Section A Participation The cheerleading activity class credit may serve as a physical education substitute for the state high school graduation plan. The cheerleading class may consist of selected TEKS-based curriculum. The cheerleading class time will allow for rehearsal of routines and planning for future performances. 2/3/2015 4
Cheerleaders must attend all scheduled before and after-school practices and performances. Cheerleaders absent from a practice or performance will be subject to discipline, unless extenuating circumstances exist. Extenuating circumstances shall require formal documentation be presented to the coach. Cheerleaders are required to attend all summer practices beginning the first Monday in August. Failure to attend practices after this date will result in discipline consequences. Cheerleaders may be prohibited from activity and may be allowed an excused absence with a doctor s restriction in a written statement submitted to the head coach or campus coordinator at the middle school level. All high school documentation should be submitted to the athletic trainer.. Section B Competition 1. Competition teams will be composed from members of the cheerleading program. 2. Selection of the competition team members will be at the discretion of the head coach. 3. Participation in competition should cause minimal loss of instruction time. 4. A squad may also attend nationals if they receive an invitation 5. Self-funding will be required for competitions other than those provided by the UIL. 6. Any overnight trip request must be approved in advance by the building principal and approved by central administration. 7. MS competitions may not result in loss of school time and must be in the local area. No overnight competitions will be allowed at the middle school level. Section C Academic 1. Any cheerleader that receives a grade below 70 at the end of a grading period may not participate in extracurricular activities for the allotted time set by the Humble ISD Eligibility Schedule. 2. Any cheerleader that becomes ineligible will not be allowed to perform, travel with the squad, or wear his/her uniform for any reason for the term of ineligibility. 3. Any cheerleader that has been ineligible for more than two consecutive grading periods during the current school year, or a total of 3 grading periods throughout the current year, may be dismissed from the squad for the remainder of the year subject to the athletic council. ARTICLE V QUALIFICATIONS Each candidate must be enrolled in and attend school at a Humble ISD campus to be eligible for tryouts. Students who move or transfer to a school after tryouts MAY be added to the squad pending the head coach s discretion if they meet the following criteria: 1. Were selected as a cheerleader at their previous school and provide written documentation. 2. Good standing academically and behaviorally at their previous and current school. 3. Previous schools status will not determine squad placement. The head coach will determine squad placement Section A Parent Meeting All candidates and their parent/guardian(s) are encouraged to attend the cheerleader orientation meeting and all scheduled parent meetings throughout the year. Section B Candidate Approval Cheerleader candidates will be limited to those students approved using the following criteria: 1. Candidates who have been academically ineligible for two or more grading periods during the current school year are subject for approval by the athletic council. 2. Any current cheerleader who has resigned or been removed from the squad will not be allowed to tryout unless approved by the athletic council. ARTICLE VI TRYOUTS Each campus will coordinate, administer, and interpret all aspects of the cheerleading tryouts for each school. Dates will be announced in January for the parent night, clinic, and tryouts. Section A Required Forms All candidates must fill out and submit the required forms in the cheer handbook and give to the appropriate campus personnel before the designated deadline. Middle school coaches/sponsors are responsible for getting these forms together and submitting them to the appropriate high school by the designated date. Required forms are as follows: 1. Parent/Guardian permission form 2/3/2015 5
2. Humble ISD physical form and UIL forms 3. Principal Evaluation 4. Cheerleader / Parent signature authorization form from the Humble ISD Athlete Code of Conduct. In addition to these forms, the packet will include the rubric to be used at tryouts. It will identify the specific skills with their point value used to determine scores. Section B Clinic 1. A campus tryout clinic will be conducted during the week of cheerleader tryout. The format of the clinic is established at each campus and will be distributed in writing to all candidates. 2. Attendance at the campus clinic is highly recommended to each candidate for the preparation of tryouts. 3. The tryout clinic will include each campus specific instruction for the routines and skills to be evaluated by judges during the selections process. 4. Any candidate not present at a clinic session is responsible for learning any missed material on his/her own time from other candidates rather than from clinic leaders or the campus coaches. 5. Spectators are not permitted to watch or videotape clinic practice or tryouts. Section C Guidelines 1. All candidates must be physically present before the judges and able to compete in order to be eligible. 2. Random numbers will be used to identify candidates during tryouts and to declare squad selections. 3. The coaches will be allowed in the warm-up and holding areas prior to and during the tryout. However, they will not be allowed in the actual tryout session nor in the judging and tallying of scores. 4. Electronic recordings will not be permitted for tryout purposes unless approved by cheer coach with a confirmed documented injury. 5. The cheer administrator for each campus will review, tally and certify each candidate s tryout scores. 6. Cheer candidates will be prohibited from using any type of communication device during the designated campus tryout hours. In the event of an emergency situation, staff will be responsible for establishing communication with the parent. 7. The tryout will be closed to the public. Parents will be allowed in designated areas only. ARTICLE VII PROCEDURES Section A - Jurisdiction 1. Cheerleader removal or dismissal will be determined by the athletic council. 2. Cheerleader performances shall be in accordance with the National Federation HS Spirit Handbook and American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors. (AACCA) 3. Any conflict between two or more school activities or events will be resolved between the campus program directors and a final resolution will be determined by the appropriate campus administrator. Section B Consequences for Misconduct 1. Suspension or probation will remove the cheerleader from participation in performances and special events for a determined length of time. 2. Dismissal or removal will eliminate membership and he/she will forfeit all privileges of the program. 3. Resignation will be a choice made by the individual member that he/she no longer desires to participate for the duration of the school year. 4. Any member dismissed, removed or resigned of his/her position in the cheerleader program must complete all financial obligations for non-returnable/non-refundable merchandise, and turn in all school-owned uniforms. ARTICLE VIII RESPONSIBILITIES OF CHEERLEADERS Being a member of the HISD cheer program is an honor, a responsibility and a privilege. Due to the level of the visibility of campus cheerleaders, it is imperative that squad members set a good example for peers. Section A - Leadership Roles A campus may or may not choose to select leadership positions. If squad leader(s) or captain(s) are chosen, they will work closely with the coaches for the duration of their membership. 1. A squad captain will be required to commit time for additional responsibilities of the cheerleading program and they will be expected to be a positive role model, serving as a community ambassador of the program. 2/3/2015 6
2. A squad captain will demonstrate her/his leadership by setting an appropriate example for peer groups and other squad members, assist the coaches with preparations for performances, assist with communication between cheerleading squad members and communication with coaches. 3. Final determination of leadership roles will be the discretion of the head coach. Section C Performance Uniforms 1. Uniforms will be worn only when instructed by the Head Coach. 2. Uniforms will be worn by squad members only. 3. Cheerleaders will be responsible for any missing or damaged uniform pieces and he/she will be expected to pay reimbursement or replacement costs. 4. Cheerleaders must ensure the uniform is clean and in good condition before each performance. Section D Personal Presentation Cheerleaders will follow all presentation guidelines as directed by AACCA. ARTICLE IX SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION Parents or guardians must purchase or rent parts of the necessary uniform and provide money for other costs involved in being a member. Section A Financial Expectations Expenses for each campus will be distributed at the parent meeting prior to tryouts. 1. Each candidate is responsible for purchasing their practice clothes, shoes, camp, etc. 2. Students must be in good financial standing before tryouts. 3. Funds will not be used to purchase gifts of any type for cheerleaders or other cheerleading squads. Section B- Summer Camps Summer camps are required for all squad members and payment is due on or before the designated due date. Extenuating circumstances that would cause the absence from camp will be handled on a case by case basis. Family vacations or other camps would not constitute an extenuating circumstance. Section C Transportation 1. Travel to games not on campus will be provided by district transportation as determined by the Head Coach. At no time shall coaches allow their cheerleaders to meet them at their destination. 2. Cheerleaders will abide by all school transportation rules, procedures and safety guidelines. Section D Awards Cheerleaders are eligible for lettering as a varsity squad member. Measurements will be made in the spring following tryouts. ARTICLE X PARENT, SCHOOL AND COACH COMMUNICATION Parents have the right to know and understand the expectations placed on them and their children. Coaches have the right to know if parents have a concern. A parent should discuss concerns with the coach at the appropriate time and place. All comments and or concerns must be validated with a contact name and phone number. Section A - Communication of the Parent Communication coaches should expect from parents: 1. Concerns regarding a son/daughter expressed directly to the coach at the appropriate time and place. 2. Specific concerns with regard to the coach s philosophy and/or expectations. 3. Notification of any schedule conflicts to the coach. 4. Issues appropriate for discussion with the coach and/or school administrator is encouraged: Mental and physical treatment of a student. Improvements on which a cheerleader/mascot may need to focus. Student behavior. Student safety. 5. Issues not appropriate for discussion with a coach: Squad selection of cheers, chants, stunts or elements of a performance. Any situation that deals with other student cheerleaders or squad members Section B Communication of the Coach Written communication parents should expect from their student s coach: 2/3/2015 7
1. Requirements the coach has for his/her student and the squad. 2. Locations and times of practices and performances. 3. Squad requirements of fees, accessories, uniforms, squad rules, travel arrangements and off- season expectations. 4. Procedures in the event his/her student becomes injured during a performance or practice. Section C Appropriate Communication Between Parent, School and Coach There are situations that may require a conference to promote resolution to the issue. If a parent has a concern to discuss with the coach, the following procedure should be followed: 1. Call the coach to set up an appointment. 2. Outline and define objectives for a meeting and stick to discussing facts only. 3. Do not confront the coach before, during or after a practice or performance. Meetings of this nature do not promote resolution of the situation, but often escalate it. 4. Do not attempt to enter the cheerleader athletic class without prior written permission from the Campus Principal or his/her designee. Parents and guardians are restricted to campus visits under the guidelines for campus visitors in HISD. 5. If the meeting with the coach did not provide a satisfactory resolution, a parent or guardian should call the campus coordinator to set up a meeting with the coach. 6. If the meeting with the campus coordinator does not provide satisfactory resolution, the Athletic Director for Humble ISD should be contacted. 2/3/2015 8
PRINCIPAL EVALUATION FORM Cheerleader Candidate Student ID # Current Grade level GENERAL BEHAVIOR Please circle the number of the descriptor which best describes the candidate: 10 Has not been sent to office for disciplinary reasons 9 Has been counseled once in office for disciplinary reasons 8 Has received one D-Hall assignment for tardies or disciplinary reasons 7 Has received two D-Hall assignments for tardies or for disciplinary reasons 6 Has been counseled more than once in office for disciplinary reasons 5 Has had more than two D-Hall assignments for tardies 4 Has received one Saturday class assignment for any reason 3 Has received more than one Saturday class assignment for any reason 2 Has been assigned to ISS/OSS once this year 1 Has been assigned to ISS/OSS two or more times this year 0 Has been assigned to long-term this year HOUSE PRINCIPAL S SIGNATURE TOTAL POINTS EARNRED Please return completed form to campus cheer coach or sponsor: **This form is to be given to the school cheer sponsor or coach NOT THE STUDENT before deadline ** PRINCIPAL COMMENTS ABOUT STUDENT (OPTIONAL): 2/3/2015 9