Smithville High School

Smithville High School

Cheerleading/Mascot Constitution

2013-2014

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Smithville High School

Cheerleading/Mascot Constitution

2013-2014

Purpose:

The purpose of cheerleading is to promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, wholesome and enthusiastic school spirit, and improve and maintain community/school relations. Being a cheerleader is an honor and special privilege. Cheerleaders must be dedicated, responsible and reliable. Cheerleaders should exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position and in accordance with the rules as stated in the SISD Student Code of Conduct. Due to 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.

Selection:

The candidates will be scored by a panel of two or more judges, residing outside and not connected with the school district. The election of cheerleaders/mascots will be conducted under the supervision of the school administration.

Varsity –

The top ten (10) candidates with the highest scores from the incoming 10th, 11th, or 12th grades will be chosen to the varsity squad. In the event that all 10 Varsity positions are not filled by upperclassman, the squad position could be filled with the highest sub varsity score. (In the event of a tie, another spot would be added.)

Junior Varsity –

The next six-ten (6-10) candidates with the highest scores from the incoming 9th, 10th, or 11th grades will be chosen to the junior varsity squad. Incoming 12th grades students will not be members of the junior varsity squad. The squad will have a minimum of 6 members and a maximum of 10 members. All members must meet the score requirements.

Varsity Mascot -

The mascot will be selected from the incoming 10th, 11th or 12th grade.

JV Mascot -

The mascot will be selected from the incoming 9th, 10th, or 11th grade.

Males-

There may be up to 4 Varsity positions added for incoming 10th, 11th or 12th grade. There may be up to 2 JV positions added for incoming 9th grade.

Captain/Co-Captain –

The head cheerleader(s) will be selected by the captain selection panel after tryouts. To be chosen as Varsity Captain or Varsity Co-Captain, one must have been a member of a Varsity squad previously. If there are no members that were on a Varsity squad the previously, then all members are eligible for Captain and Co-Captain. Any member wishing to be a candidate for Captain or Co-Captain must complete the Captain Application process. The sponsor will distribute this information. The sponsor(s) will select the JV Captain(s).

Team Tryout Procedures:

· Try out date will be determined by the High School Principal and Cheerleading Sponsors. The date for 2013-2014 is April 15, 2013.

· Tryouts are closed to the general public. Tryouts are evaluated and judged by qualified judges and the judge’s decision is final.

· Candidate evaluations will include the following:

o 40% administrative score sheet

o 60% judges score sheet

§ Crowd appeal

§ Projection and Motions

§ Jumps (toe touch and two additional jumps)

§ Cheer

§ Gymnastic skills

§ Dance Routine (Males- Individual stunt will replace dance routine)

· All candidates must be enrolled at either Smithville High School or Smithville Jr. High.

· All candidates must be academically eligible (passing all classes) at the time of tryouts.

· All candidates must have a minimum score of 65 to receive a place on either squad.

· Mascots will be required to participate in a prepared skit and possible impromptu skit and a series of questions.

· The sponsors will select a mandatory cheer and dance to be used by all candidates during tryouts. A toe touch jump is required and the candidates will choose two additional jumps to perform.

· Candidates and their parents/guardians must sign a statement agreeing that, if selected, they will abide by all the rules and regulations set forth in the cheer constitution and will accept ALL financial responsibility. A deposit of $200.00 must be made by Tuesday, April 9, 2013 in order for applicant to tryout. If the applicant does not make the squad the deposit will be returned.

· All required tryout paperwork (and captain applications) must me turned in by given deadlines in order to be eligible for tryouts. Late entries will not be accepted under any circumstances.

· If a cheerleader/mascot chooses to drop or is removed from being a cheerleader/mascot 2 weeks prior to summer cheerleading camp, the sponsor reserves the right, but is not required, to fill the position with the person who was the next highest on the judges’ list in the original try out. If a vacancy arises after this time, the position will not be filled.

Expectations of SISD High School Cheerleaders:

**Once selected as a Smithville I.S.D. Cheerleader/Mascot all of the following duties and requirements must be met.

· Members must be enrolled at Smithville High School

· Members are school representatives and should act accordingly. They should meet all requirements of the SISD Code of Conduct, SHS Student Handbook and cheer constitution.

· A cheerleader is considered a leader at all times. Drug, tobacco and alcohol use and infractions of school rules are not acceptable for any member of a high school cheerleading squad.

· Cheerleaders shall treat every appearance (game, pep rally, competition, etc.) as a performance. Inability or refusal to perform certain routine tasks such as required jumps, tumbling, or stunts, or repeated instances of memory mistakes during routines may result in the cheerleader being removed from that specific performance.

· Have all required forms (insurance information & physicals) turned in by the first new member practice.

· A cheerleader must have her hair styled in such a way that it is off her face. It must look neat and clean. If it isn't short enough to remain off her face at all times, it must be fastened back during games and practices.

· Work with sponsors, principals, faculty and student body to increase school spirit through pep rallies, sign painting, appearances and various other activities as assigned.

· Varsity will cheer at all Varsity football games, district-home and post season basketball games, and any other designated events and help/participate at Cheer Booster Club events.

· Junior Varsity will cheer at all JV home football games, sell programs at Varsity football games, cheer district-home basketball games, and any other designated events and help/participate at Cheer Booster Club events.

· All cheerleaders are encouraged to attend summer cheerleading camp. The squad members are responsible for paying their own camp fees and tuition.

· A cheerleader must not allow outside activities to interfere with cheerleading duties. Academic competition(s) in which the cheerleader is participating, however, take precedence over cheerleading activities.

· Set a good example of moral conduct and behavior at school and away from school during the entire year.

· Cheerleaders must attend one half day of school on the day of, or the day prior to a cheerleading event in order to participate in that event.

· Cheerleaders/Mascots are required to participate in community events such as parades, fundraisers, appearances and various other activities.

· If a problem arises, contact cheerleading sponsors for a parent conference. If not resolved, parent, sponsors and administration will meet.

Expectations – Grades

· Pass all courses with a 70 or above each six weeks.

· A cheerleader failing a course will be ineligible to cheer for in accordance with UIL eligibility guidelines (http://www.uil.utexas.edu/policy/side_by_side.html). During the period of ineligibility the member will dress out and participate in all practices, but may not participate in any pep rallies, games, or other performances. The member may not travel with the team to such functions.

· If a student is ineligible due to failing grades for two six week grading periods in the same school year, he or she will be removed from the squad. The six week grading periods do not need to be consecutive.

· Grades given to the “cheer class” will be reflected by but not limited to attendance and punctuality to practice and games, correct uniforms/practice clothes, infractions and excessive consequences.

Expectations - Uniforms

· Cheerleaders are responsible for purchasing and maintaining all necessary workout clothes, uniforms, and accessories as required. All personal items should be labeled with the cheerleader’s name.

· When in uniform at school or in public, the proper cheerleading shoes, socks, hair and other accessories shall be worn at all times.

· It is the discretion of the sponsor to determine the proper fit of the uniform.

· Uniforms must be clean, neat and in good repair at all times.

· Uniforms or any parts of uniforms, including shoes, are to be worn only at cheerleading practices, pep rallies, games or designated functions unless approved by the sponsor. This includes any part of the cheerleading uniform such as warm ups, etc.

· No jewelry of any kind is allowed while cheering or practicing.

· The sponsor must approve any article of clothing worn with the uniform. All cheerleaders must wear the additions. This includes socks, crops, pants, etc.

· Cheerleaders will not lend out uniforms, sweats, letter jacket, etc. to someone who is not a cheerleader.

Expectations – Attendance

· Any cheerleader unable to perform because of an illness or injury shall appear at the event in full uniform and sit in a designated area, unless the illness or injury warrants non-attendance as determined by the sponsor. If an injury or illness hinders or limits a cheerleader’s performance capabilities, that cheerleader is required to present a doctor’s note outlining performance limitations or releasing the cheerleader to perform again.

· All members are required to attend all practices unless unforeseen or unusual circumstances arise which prevent the cheerleader/mascot from being able to be present. Absence from any cheerleader/mascot activity is unexcused except in the following circumstances:

o Personal illness or accident

o Illness, death, or funeral in the immediate family

o Special school activities that are approved in advance by the sponsor

o Mandatory court appearance

o Religious holiday

· Types of Practices

o Summer practices- will be scheduled in advance (unless additional practices are needed). All cheerleaders/mascot must be at practice. Once the summer practice dates have been presented, any absence after is unexcused (scheduling vacation, summer Blinn classes, personal driver’s education, etc.).

o Daily before or after school Practices- All cheerleaders/mascot must be at the practices.

o Jobs, family vacations, driver's education, club sports & activities and competitive cheerleading are not excused absences from practice.

· Be on time to any and all cheerleading/mascot practices. To be on time, you must be stretched and ready to begin by the beginning of practice time. Do not leave practice until dismissed by the sponsor.

A cheerleader/mascot ,who misses any practice is missing valuable time spent on learning, reviewing and polishing routines. Most of cheerleading cannot be done without the complete squad. Cheerleading is a team sport. When one member is missing, the practice is not as valuable or productive, and at times cannot be held. Therefore, it is strongly urged that all appointments be scheduled at a time that does not conflict with the practice times.

Expectations - Practices

· All practices are mandatory for all members.

· Occasional night and/or weekend practices may be necessary. Every effort will be made by the sponsor to give at least one week prior notice of such practices.

· Soft drinks, jewelry, gum, or food are not allowed at practices.

· Team members may not leave practice without thoroughly cleaning up the practice area including mats, ice bags, clothing, etc.

· Practices may not be held without the sponsor’s knowledge or without the sponsor’s supervision. Cheerleaders may not stunt or tumble without a sponsor present.

· Due to the strenuous nature of the activity, cheerleaders shall dress out daily and will participate in a conditioning program that includes such activities as running, aerobics, weight lifting, stamina jumps, tumbling, stunting, etc. Any braces or supports shall be worn to all practices. If at any time a cheerleader loses the ability to perform a skill, he or she may be removed from the activity until the skill is regained.

· Monthly calendars will be provided to keep cheerleaders and parents informed of tentative scheduled events and practice ahead of time.

· Must be on time and in appropriate clothing. Cheerleading shoes are REQUIRED.

· Practices will take place throughout the school year for each sport cheerleaders are required to attend.

· If you do not know the material learned in practice, you will not perform for the event.

Expectations- Games

· Those that can tumble, and feel up to it, may do so at any time other than while cheering. Everyone who can tumble must do so at least once while the band is playing.

· After each cheer and chant each member must do at least one good jump.

· All members are to be in the line formation on the track when not doing a cheer / chant.

· Do not “clump” together and talk while on the track.

· Lead yells at ALL designated sporting events.

· No jewelry will be worn during games or practices.

· Cheerleaders will not talk to fans on sidelines or on cell phones during games.

· There will be no food or drink during the game (water is allowed). Cheerleaders are required to eat before game, halftime, or after games.

· All personal needs must be taken care of during half time. This includes restroom, family business, etc. Cheerleaders need to be back on the field when the clock reads two minutes prior to the end of half time. Failure to be back at given time will result in being benched 3rd quarter. Failure to be on time at prior to game will result in being benched 1st quarter.

· Every member will wear the COMPLETE uniform for each game, pep rally and any other scheduled event.

· All cheerleaders should NOT under any circumstances leave the group without telling a sponsor.

· All cheerleaders are responsible for assigned duties before and after each game. These include transporting equipment, hanging sidelines signs, selling programs and any other duties when asked. They will NOT be allowed to leave until these duties are completed.

· Have a positive attitude and show respect to cheerleading sponsors and other members of the squad by listening with consideration and displaying a willingness to follow instructions.

· All cheerleaders/mascot must ride to and from all away events on school provided transportation. Cheerleaders/mascots are allowed to ride home with a parent one (1) time per sport. A parent must fill out permission request and return 24 hours in advance, for the student to ride home with a parent. There will be an electronic version available. Only in extreme emergencies will a student be allowed to ride home with their parent.