The rules and procedures outlined in this constitution are in effect from the time a student is selected as a cheerleader or mascot through the end of the following school year. Philosophy Being a cheerleader or mascot is an honor and special privilege. Cheerleaders and mascots exist to promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, and whole-hearted school spirit. Cheerleaders and mascots are first and foremost representatives of Huffman Middle School. Cheerleaders and mascots should exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position in accordance with the rules stated in the HISD Student Code of Conduct. Cheerleaders and mascots have a fundamental responsibility to play a leadership role in building teamwork and helping the school achieve its goals and objectives. Due to these responsibilities, cheerleaders and mascots will be expected to maintain a higher standard of behavior both on and off campus, as well as a higher academic achievement than their peers. 1
Expectations Cheerleaders/Mascots hold an important position in this school. The spirit and unity of the school depends upon the actions and enthusiasm of each cheerleader. 1. Cheerleaders/mascots shall promote and uphold school spirit and pride. 2. Cheerleaders/mascots shall develop a sense of good sportsmanship- like conduct among the student body and spectators. 3. Cheerleaders/mascots shall promote unification of the spectators involvement during athletic events. 4. Cheerleaders/masots shall strive to uphold the highest personal regard as well as cheerleading standards. 5. Cheerleaders/mascots shall promote positive relationships between classes and schools. 6. Cheerleaders/mascots shall strive to uphold the highest personal integrity and attitude. 7. Cheerleaders/mascots must demonstrate responsible leadership at all times. 8. Cheerleaders/mascots must smile at all games, pep rallies, and cheer functions. 9. Cheerleaders/mascots are expected to observe and respect the rules and standards of Huffman Middle School because they occupy a unique position of leadership in the school. 10. Cheerleaders/mascots are to always show pride in the school. 11. Cheerleaders/mascots are to always have good sportsmanship. 12. Cheerleaders/mascots must display a cooperative attitude at all practices and at all performances. 13. Cheerleaders/mascots must always be courteous and show proper respect for fellow members of the group. 14. Cheerleaders/mascots must always show enthusiasm. 15. Cheerleaders/mascots conduct in the classroom must be of a high caliber. 2
Regulations 1. The HMS Cheerleader/Mascot Constitution will be used to govern cheerleaders/mascots. Elected cheerleaders/mascots will be expected to follow all rules and regulations. 2. Grades will be checked at the end of each nine weeks grading period. Cheerleaders/mascots must maintain an overall average of 70 and not have failed any subject for the nine weeks period. The Texas No Pass No Play rule will be in effect. 3. All cheerleaders/mascot must be picked up from cheer events (practice, games, etc.) within fifteen (15) minutes of the end of the event. 4. A cheerleader/mascot may be placed on probation at the discretion of the coach(es) at any time it is felt that the cheerleaders /mascots behavior is unbecoming to the position. 5. The coach(es) are responsible for monitoring the conduct of the cheerleader/mascot squad. The coach(es) must approve all yells and activities relating to the cheer squad. 6. Cheerleaders/mascots are reminded that they represent HMS at all times both on and off campus. 7. Good attendance and behavior is mandatory. 8. Uniforms are symbols of Huffman Middle School pride and should only be worn by cheerleaders/mascots during school-approved functions. Cheerleaders/mascots are not allowed to loan HMS cheerleader/mascot apparel to anyone. This includes, but is not limited to: uniforms, spirit shirts, camp clothes, jackets, etc. The cheerleader/mascot is responsible for its care, condition, and upholding the integrity it symbolizes. 9. Equipment and uniforms damaged or lost must be replaced in full cost by the cheerleader. 10. It should be noted that cheerleaders/mascots are selected for the entire school year and will be asked to support all athletic teams throughout the year. 11. Summer cheerleader camp will be mandatory for all elected cheerleaders/mascots. 12. Cheer class is mandatory throughout the school year- Coaches will work with other teachers to meet student needs in other elective classes. 3
Cheerleader / Mascot Try-Outs Eligibility to try-out: 1. At the time of tryouts, each candidate must have a grade of 70 or higher, in every class. Each candidate must have a 70 for first semester averages in all classes. 2. All candidates must have been enrolled in Huffman ISD by February 8, 2016 3. Applicants must also meet UIL eligibility requirements for participation. Academics are a priority. 4. Candidates will not only be evaluated on their academics, but also on their attendance and discipline reports in order to determine try-out qualifications. 5. Try-outs are open to both boys and girls. 6. The tryout packet must be turned in by the set deadline. All candidates and parents must sign appropriate forms in order for the candidate s packet to be accepted and to attend clinic and tryouts. 7. All packets are due to the Cheer Coach by Friday, February 26 th by 3:30pm. Late entries will not be accepted under any circumstance. General Information: Order of try-out placement will be determined by a random drawing on the 1st day of tryouts. Candidates will be judged according the number selected. During the try-outs, candidates will not be allowed to build or perform stunts. Tryouts before the judges will be held on March 11 th, beginning at 3:30 pm. The Middle School gym will be opened at 2:54 pm. We will begin stretching at that time. Candidates are not allowed to leave school early the day of try-outs. Try-outs in the competition gym will be closed to parents and spectators. Parents and spectators may wait in the middle school gym during the try out process. The judging will be conducted by 3 judges & will be held in the competition gym. The judges will be from an outside cheerleading organization and not HMS staff. 4
Try-outs and Judging (Cheerleader): Current outgoing 8 th grade cheerleaders will teach a cheer and a dance during the four days of mandatory practice before tryouts. A video of the tryout dance and cheer will be posted the Friday before the week of tryouts. Candidates may bring a CD or $5 to receive a copy of the music for the tryout dance. During tryouts, cheerleading candidates will be required to perform the cheer they were taught, two jumps (a toe touch and a jump of their choice), and the dance they were taught. Candidates will try-out individually (cheer and 2 jumps) and in groups of three (dance). Mock tryouts will be held on the 4 th day of the tryout week. Candidates will perform in front of the outgoing 8 th grade cheerleaders in the same method as they will during official tryouts. Outgoing 8 th grade cheerleaders will provide feedback to each candidate on their performances. The judges scores, which count 70% for the individual cheer and jumps and 30% for the group dance will be tabulated to determine the top candidates from each grade level. Try-out and Judging (Mascot): Candidates will be judged based upon categories as indicated on the scoring form in the tryout packet. Candidates will be in full costume for tryouts. A full costume will be provided for each candidate. The candidate must demonstrate creativity, originality, character definition, animation, and delivery to judges. Mascot candidates will be required to perform once dance and a skit of their own creation choosing from a selection of props and music. The mascot candidate may use his or her own music. Music must be ready and approved by the time of mock tryouts. Each candidate may have 1 student assistant for tryouts. Each mascot tryouts should be 2-3 minutes long. 5
Practice Clinic Dates: All practices are mandatory any absences or more than one tardy will disqualify a candidate. If a candidate is absent from school then they are not allowed to attend the practice for that day. Practices will be held in the Middle School Gym according to the schedule listed below: Practice Clinic March 7-9 3:15 5:15 pm Mock Tryouts March 10 3:15 5:15 pm The official tryouts will be held in the Competition gym at the time listed below: Official Tryouts March 11 3:30? During the practice time all candidates will learn one dance and one cheer. ALL PRACTICE AND TRYOUTS ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC! ONLY CHEER CANDIDATES WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE GYM. Dress: All candidates are to adhere to the dress code for both practices and try-outs: Practice: Shorts Fitted shirt Tennis/cheer shoes Sports bras and spankies must be covered Tryouts: Solid white shirt Solid black shorts (not spankies) Solid white sports bra Solid white socks Solid white tennis shoes or cheer shoes Hair must be pulled away from the face with a solid red bow NO pom-poms, signs, glitter, competition make-up or other items that would distinguish one candidate from another can be used. 6
Results: The top 12 7 th grade cheer candidates and the top 12 8 th grade cheer candidates will be selected based on their overall scores from the try out process. There will be ONE 7 th grade mascot selected and ONE 8 th grade mascot selected based on their overall scores from the tryout process. *If all candidates are from one grade level, only one mascot will be selected. Captain / Co-Captain Selections: There will be 1 captain and 1 co-captain per grade level. The captains and co-captains will be cheerleaders. The 7 th grade captain and co-captain positions are open to any 7 th grade cheerleader who applies. The 8 th grade captain and co-captain positions are ONLY open to candidates who were members of the Huffman Middle School cheerleading squad as a 7 th grader. The candidate must have been a cheerleader for their entire 7 th grade year. The 8 th grade captain and co-captain are responsible for teaching all new squad members HMS cheers and chants, football etiquette, basketball etiquette, pep rally etiquette, etc. As a result, a full year of experience is required. The captains and co-captains will be chosen by a combination of the scores of the judges at tryouts and the cheerleaders captain application packet. Captain and Co-Captain Responsibilities: Include but are not limited to: Being responsible for all practices in absences of the cheer coach Being flexible in making decisions but able to step in with a firm decision when needed Accepting the idea of not being able to please everyone and be able to withstand the pressure of decision making situations when there are people unhappy with decisions made Knowing and being able to call cheers at appropriate times Being fully committed the entire year to all aspects of being a captain or co-captain 7
Uniforms and Appearance The cheer coach will approve and have last say on all uniform, clothing, and equipment selections Uniform selection will be done by the end of March 1. Cheerleaders/mascots must assume the cost of all uniforms. Failure to do so will result in dismissal from the squad. 2. Selection of uniforms will be made by the end of March. 3. Items ordered will not be handed out to any team member until the full account balance is paid to the school. 4. The uniforms MUST always be clean and neat. 5. The cheerleading uniform will always consist of: HMS cheerleading shell HMS cheerleading skirt specified spanx specified sports bra white no show socks white cheer shoes Other items may be added to this list at any time by the cheer coach. 6. Cheerleaders/mascots will wear designated uniforms to pep rallies and games. 7. No jewelry of any kind is allowed. 8. Make-up must be kept natural and clean. No glitter of any kind. 9. No artificial nails are to be worn. 10. Nail polish or shellac may be nude, clear, or French with white tips only. 11. Pink socks, a pink bow, pink nails, and pink lipstick are allowed in October when HMS cheer honors Breast Cancer Awareness month. Specific pink socks and a specific pink bow will be purchased by each cheerleader. The cheer coach will let the squad know which socks and bow to purchase. 8
Pep Rallies / Games 1. All cheerleaders/mascots shall perform at all required activities. 2. Be aware that participation in other activities might conflict with cheerleader/mascot responsibilities. It is the responsibility of each cheerleader/mascot to make sure that such conflicts are worked out ahead of time. 3. If a cheerleader or mascot is absent more than two times in a week, they will not perform at any even happening that same week. Attendance and practice is crucial to making the squad look good at games and pep rallies. 4. An unexcused absence from a game / pep rally will result in: 1 st Offense One week suspension from squad 2 nd Offense Disciplinary measure as determined by the cheer coach. 3 rd Offense Automatic dismissal from the squad. Please note it is the cheerleader/mascots responsibility to notify the cheer coach directly with 24 hours prior notice of any upcoming absence. An absence will be considered unexcused if this etiquette is not followed. There will be an exception if sudden illness or family emergencies occur. In these situations a phone call/email from a parent to the cheer coach is required. 5. Students placed in ISS will be expected to continue practicing, but may not participate in an athletic event until the day they are released from ISS. a. They may participate after 2:45pm on the day they are released if the coach chooses to allow them to do so. b. Placement in ISS will result in discipline work at the coaches discretion. c. All discipline work must be completed before a cheerleader/mascot can regain their eligibility to play. 6. All cheerleaders/mascots must be at school at least half a day (7:20am 11:30am or 11:30am 2:50pm) on the day of a game in order to participate that day/night. 7. At the coaches discretion, all cheerleaders/mascots will stay after school for all football games to prepare throw-away s, signs, practice cheers/stunts, or work on school work. 8. Cheerleaders/ mascots should be dressed and ready to cheer at the designated time. 9. Coaches will recognize the entire squad s particular ability level and limit the squad s activities accordingly. Cheerleaders/mascots will follow the limits set by the coach. 9
Pep Rallies/Games continued 10. Cheerleaders are to follow the set up agenda for games/ pep rallies. (Only cheers and chants that we have practiced and perfected will be used). 11. Do not do cheers or stunts that have not been APPROVED by the cheer coach. 12. Cheerleaders/mascots will choose skills for performance that have been perfected in practice. Games, pep rallies, etc. are not the place to practice cheers or stunts. 13. If a team member is absent for two or more days in a week where new material is learned, they will not be allowed to perform the new material, but will still be required to attend and participate at the game or event. 14. When performing, include material that is entertaining and safe. Do not attempt stunts that are above your abilities. Know your limits and look good. 15. Enjoy what you are doing. Smile and be enthusiastic. 16. Once a formation is set up for a cheer, it stays the same each time that cheer is done. 17. Look at the coach(es) to see if any added directions are being given. Example: hurt player on the field, we are about to make a touchdown, we are on offense/defense, spread out a line, to smile etc. 18. There will be no leaving an event early, without approval by the coach(es). 19. A cheerleader or mascot who fails one subject in a nine week period will: 1 st failure during any nine weeks: be placed on probation for 3 weeks. Probation means the cheerleader or mascot cannot perform at games/ pep-rallies, but still must be in attendance. They must attend and participate in all practices. At the end of the 3 week period, when grades come out, the student must be passing all courses in order to cheer again. 2 nd failure during any nine weeks: Dismissal from the squad. 10
Demerits Demerits will be given by the coach(es) in increments of 1, 2, or 3. Accumulation of 5 or more demerits: Accumulation of 10 or more demerits: Accumulation of 15 or more demerits: one week off squad three weeks off squad removal from the squad 1 Demerit: Not wearing required dress on spirit days (game days, pep rally days, etc)* Arriving late to any practice, game, or other HMS cheer function* Not wearing ALL required items that make up the HMS cheerleading uniform* Failure to preform to maximum abilities Failure to participate in sign-making or clean up* Loaning HMS cheerleading/mascot apparel to someone not on the cheerleading squad* 2 Demerits: Consistent talking to other squad members when in squad formation at a game, pep rally, and other functions. Breaking formation to talk to friends/family during performances. Poor attitude (as determined by cheer coach) in cheer or from teacher reports Not participating while at football game, basketball game, pep rally, etc. Lying to the cheer coach or captains/co-captains 3 Demerits: Disrespecting other members of the HMS cheer squad at any time Insubordination to the cheer coach Receiving detention for a reason other than tardies Discipline from an HMS staff member (if further action is taken the worse of the two offenses will receive demerits) *denotes demerits that can be canceled out by merits It is impossible to cover every situation that may arise during the school year in this constitution. Additional demerits or benching will also be assigned at the coaches discretion for any other disciplinary problems within cheerleading or within school. 11
Merits: Merits are given, at the coach s discretion, for conduct above and beyond the expectations of a cheerleader. Certain demerits (those denoted with an asterisk) may be canceled out by acquiring 5 merits for every 1 demerit earned. Merits may be awarded in the following ways: 1 A/B honor roll or above for a nine week period 1 perfect attendance at all cheer practices and performances for a nine week period 1-5 the sponsor may assign merits for volunteering and community service 1-5 the sponsor may assign merits for conditioning (1 merit for every 5 sprints in the gym) Note: Merits may only cancel out a demerit once. If a demerit(s) is issued a second time for a repeat offense, the demerit(s) cannot be canceled out. Social websites: Social websites have been an issue in the past for several schools and in several organizations. We as a school district or as sponsors cannot say whether you should or should not have a social website. However, if a social site is used inappropriately by a current cheerleader/mascot it is at the sponsors discretion to handle the situation how they feel appropriate. The Huffman Middle School cheerleaders & mascot(s) are expected to handle social pages with respect to their peers as well as their team mates. There will not be any negative comments posted regarding students or teachers in our school or on our squad, as cheerleaders are to set positive examples for other students. Posts regarding tests or other school work will also not be permitted, as it will be considered cheating. Inappropriate pictures of yourself or others are also not tolerated. Any of the above will result will result in AT LEAST 1 week dismissal from the squad or the next school event. 12
Removal from the Squad Removal from the Huffman Middle School cheerleading squad will occur if any of the following situations arise: In School 1. Failing 2 times (same subject or different subject/same 9 weeks or different) 2. Having 3 unexcused absences from HMS cheer events (i.e. games, pep rallies, etc.) 3. Accumulation of 15 demerits 4. Failure to pay costs required by HMS cheer by the set date 5. Habitual social media issues 6. Any other inappropriate actions that are ground for removal as determined by Administration. Outside of school 1. Any act which constitutes a felony or is punishable as a Class A or B misdemeanor as defined by the provisions of the Texas Penal Code relating to felonies and misdemeanors. 2. Selling, giving, or delivering to another person marijuana, controlled substances, dangerous controlled substances, or dangerous drugs in violation of the Health and Safety Code. 3. The unlawful possession or use of marijuana, other controlled substances, or dangerous drug (as defined by the Health and Safety Code). 4. Aggressive, disruptive action or group demonstration that substantially disrupts or materially interferes with school activities. 5. Possession or use of alcohol. 6. Fighting or assault which constitutes a felony. All major offenses and certain minor offenses result in assignment to AEP, out of school suspension, JJAEP, or expulsion. These behaviors include, but are not limited to, infractions stated within the Discipline Management Plan/ Student Handbook and any criminal law of the state of Texas on campus. Any student removed from the Huffman Middle School cheerleading squad for any reason will not be allowed to tryout the following year. There will be no reimbursement of costs. 13