Updated 1/2016
Florence High School Cheerleader Constitution
Our Cheerleading mission is to be an athletic program dedicated to growing, learning, cooperating, and being responsible. Florence High School Cheerleaders have the privilege of promoting interest spirit, enthusiasm, and participation in school activities. As cheerleaders you must work as a team to promote and uphold school spirit and represent Florence High School to the highest degree. Cheerleading is a yearlong commitment to excellence, and as your coach I expect nothing less than your personal best.
Purpose
It shall be the purpose of Florence High School Cheerleaders to promote and uphold team spirit, develop good sportsmanship by example, and to support good relations in the community and between teams and squads during events.
Eligibility
- A cheerleader candidate must support their school/squad above all other teams.
- Each member is required to submit a statement from a family physician stating that he/she is physically able to participate in cheerleading.
- It is mandatory that each girl/boy have school or private insurance that cover accidents.
- A release form must be filled out and submitted to the coach.
- Cheerleaders will be expected to stay in top physical condition.
Academic Responsibilities: (According to the MHSAA guidelines.) High School
1. Pass 3 Courses, Earning at least 3 credits (at mid year)
2. The average of those 3 credits must be a "C" or above.
3. Beginning with students entering 9th grade in 2008-09 and thereafter: 9th and 10thgraders, pass a minimum of 6 credits. (end of year)
4. The average of those 6 credits must be a “C” or above.
5. 11th and 12th graders in 2009-10 and thereafter must pass a minimum of 3 credits (mid semester) and the average of those credits must be a "C" or above.
Jr. High/Middle School
- Must be promoted.
- Must have passed any 4 basic courses
- The average of those 4 courses must be a “C” or above. 4. The same rules apply at mid semester. *The coach will monitor grades. Should a cheerleader fail to meet the academic requirements, parents will be notified and the cheerleader will be benched from practices and games until that grade is brought up.
Tryouts
- Tryouts are held each spring. There will be a $40.00 nonrefundable fee for tryouts.
- All persons trying out for cheerleader must read, evaluate, and sign the application and policy. These documents must be notarized.
- Each participant will be judged on the following:
• Tumbling (Varsity)
• Eye contact and facial expressions
• Voice
• Motions (precision and form)
• Sharpness
• Timing and rhythm
• Jumps
• Spirit and enthusiasm
4. Each participant will be judged on one specific cheer, tumbling, a pompom routine, and a jump series. All tryout material will be taught in afternoon sessions the week of tryouts. Participants must be present at all teaching sessions or they will not be allowed to tryout.
5. All male participants will be judged on one specific cheer, one specific sideline chant, tumbling, and one partner stunt.
6. Mascot candidates will be judged on a 1.5-minute skit.
7. The coach will evaluate all candidates during clinic. Evaluations are worth 30 points. The following will be assessed: punctuality, attitude, and effort.
8. Teachers will also evaluate the candidates. Evaluations are worth 30 points. An average of the scores will be taken.
9. The candidate’s overall GPA will also be part of the score. The GPA will be on a 20-point scale.
10. Maximum possible score is 310 points.
11. Three impartial UCA, NCA, MHSAA, or Varsity approved judges will be acquired for tryouts.
12. Two administrative designees will tabulate the results.
13. ALL JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL.
14. Tryouts will be closed to the public and parents.
15. Each participant is required to wear school colors. The shorts must be black (no color) with a plain white t-shirt. Black or white bow is optional.
16. If a selected panel of officials deems that the cheer candidate has had prior exposure to tryout material and that it was obtained in an intentionally deceitful manner she shall be automatically disqualified.
Appearance
- Cheerleaders should look their best at all times, especially when in uniform.
- Hair, body, uniforms, and shoes must be kept neat and clean.
- Hair should be pulled back in a ponytail so that it is off the face and shoulders.
- NO jewelry, including but not limited to, necklaces, rings of any kind (ear, finger, belly button, nose, toe, etc.) or bracelets will be allowed at practice, pep rallies, games or competitions.
5. NO visible tattoos.
6. No color nail polish or fake nails. Nails need to be trimmed at all times.
7. The varsity captain will decide which uniform will be worn to school and games. The coach for varsity must approve this. Squad members must wear the specified uniform to all events. Failure to do so will result in demerits.
8. Cheerleaders are to wear uniforms ONLY at scheduled cheerleading events. Uniforms need to be clean!
9. No one except the cheerleader should be in possession of cheerleading equipment.
10. During cold weather, jackets or sweaters must be uniformed. All cheerleaders will be dressed exactly the same, including hair.
11. Any rain gear worn must also be uniformed.
12. Pompoms are the cheerleader's responsibility. Pompoms must be brought to EVERY team meeting (practice, event, etc.)
Attitude and Behavior
A cheerleader is responsible for his/her actions both in and out of uniform.
1. One must be respectful to all members of the squad, school staff, and school property. Defacement of school property, either home or host school, will be dealt with severely.
2. Cheerleaders are role models at school and should behave accordingly. Cheerleaders shall not violate school rules. Additionally, cheerleaders shall not be involved in ANY type of affection with the opposite sex while on campus or on any cheerleading event.
3. No smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages, use of drugs, or any other misbehavior that would reflect poorly on the rest of the squad or school will be allowed. Any of the aforementioned behaviors will result in automatic dismissal from the squad.
4. Deliberate insubordination or rudeness to coach, principal, or any other faculty member will be dealt with severely.
5. Arguing or fighting among squad members will result in disciplinary action. You must work as an entire unit.
6. Inappropriate texting, “Facebooking”, or Tweeting is not tolerated. This form of slander can be hurtful to other squad members and will result in disciplinary action.
Responsibilities of Cheerleaders:
1. A cheerleader's first responsibility is to his/her academic program; the educational process should not be compromised by participation in cheerleading.
2. A cheerleader should uphold, reflect and project the goals and ideals of their school and community.
Games
1. Attendance at all football games is required unless a prearranged excused absence has been given.
2. Cheerleaders will be scheduled to attend certain basketball games.
3. Keep the sidelines flowing AT ALL TIMES.
4. Pay attention to the game.
5. Any cheerleader suspended from a game or pep rally must be present at all practices and must sit in uniform with the coach during the game and/or pep rally.
6. Cheerleaders are not to sit with the student body or girlfriends/boyfriends during game breaks.
7. Cheerleaders are to cheer during the ENTIRE game. A brief break will be taken during halftime.
8. Cheerleaders are not to talk to fans during the game. Talking to fans during the game will result in dismissal from the remainder for the game. Two dismissals will result in dismissal from the squad.
9. Any squad member who removes himself/herself from the squad at any time or any squad member removed by a parent/guardian will not be allowed to return to the squad.
10. In the event or torrential rain cheerleaders will not perform during game.
11. Cheerleaders must arrive at the game completely dressed in proper attire. There should be NO grooming during the game.
12. Follow captains/coaches instructions at all times.
Pep Rallies
1. Pep rallies are an important part of cheerleading responsibilities. All cheerleaders must be present unless a prearranged excused absence has been given.
2. Be in position when the crowd begins to arrive. No talking or dancing on an individual basis. If the band is playing, do the appropriate routine.
3. Varsity cheerleaders will be assigned duties following the pep rallies. Those cheerleaders are responsible for getting signs to the bus, the coach's car, or football field. They are also responsible for getting them off the bus following the game.
4. No varsity cheerleader will be allowed to leave on Friday afternoon until all signs are in place and all instructions for the night have been given.
Practice
1. Practices will be arranged by coach/captain and shall be held as needed.
2. Practices start promptly, and tardiness is unacceptable. Each cheerleader is to be warming up for practice atleast5minutespriortothepracticetime.Practicetimeis practicetime;therefore,youmustleavea10- minute window after practice to roll mats, etc. No one will be allowed to leave early for any reason unless cleared by the coaches in advance with a written notice.
3. Cheerleaders should wear proper attire. Proper attire would be gym shorts, t-shirt/tank, cheer shoes, and NO jewelry. Failure to be in the proper attire will result in conditioning.
3. It is extremely important that a cheer squad has everyone at practices to guarantee effective and safe cheering.
4. Practices are a requirement for each cheerleader. I expect you to be at every practice.
5. If you are at school, you will be at practice.
6. No one will be allowed to leave practice early for any reason unless cleared by the coach in advance with a written or verbal notice.
7. Excused Practice: 1. Excused school absence
2. Written or verbal notification in advance approved by the coach 3. 3 excused practices = 1 demerit
8.UnexcusedPractice: 1.Doctor/dentistsappointments
2. Hair/nail appointments
3. Work
4. Other sports
5. 1 unexcused practice = 1 demerit
9. Unexcused practices will result in disciplinary action, and may include sitting out of a game or assembly.
10. Each cheerleader will be allowed two excused practices during the month of June and July for family vacations and camps. These absences will not count toward the demerit system.
11. Teamwork and dedication truly apply to cheerleading.
Transportation
1. All varsity squad members must travel to away games on school provided transportation or through pre- approved arrangements with the Cheerleader coach and Principal. In situations where the school does not provide transportation, the squad member must get arrangements approved by their parents and the cheer coach and Principal.
2. Tardiness to the bus will result in not cheering that night and a conference with parents.
3. Cheerleaders must be signed out by a parent in order to not ride the bus home. Without a parent sign out, the cheerleader will be required to ride the bus.
Camp
1. Each participant selected for the cheerleading squad is REQUIRED to attend summer camp. The coach will choose the camp agency, location, and camp dates. The individual cheerleader furnishes all cheerleader uniforms for summer camp. Squad members may be excused from camp only for extreme family emergencies. Excuses will be at the discretion of the coach. Parents must contact the coach personally before any excuse will be given.
2. Each cheerleader must have school insurance, personal insurance, or purchase camp provided insurance that will cover accidents. A release form must be filled out and turned in prior to camp.
Competition
- All squad members will be REQUIRED to compete in any competitions that are agreed upon and equipment/uniforms are purchased.
- Any cheerleaders that miss practice for any reason 2 weeks prior to competition may be removed from the mat for that competition.
Captain
1. The varsity captain will be selected from the senior participants who have cheered at Florence High School for at least one year.
2. The captain will be selected on a forty-point scale. The highest scoring candidate in tryouts will receive ten points; the candidate receiving the highest score from teacher evaluations will receive ten points; the candidate will go through an interview with the coach and an administrator and be asked questions based on assessment of participation, leadership, attitude, and overall contentiousness and can receive up to ten points; and the candidate will plan a pep rally following criteria set by the coach and can receive up to 10 points. The candidate receiving the most points will be named captain. If there is no returning senior to the squad, the juniors will be eligible for captain based on the aforementioned assessment.
3. The captain should set an example to the rest of the squad by following the rules and regulations.
4. Conduct, plan, and organize all practices, pep rallies, and cheering sessions and present to the coach an outline of the pep rally no later than 2:30 each Monday.
5. Keep coach informed of all needs, problems (actual and potential), and occurrences squad.
6. Confer with the coach concerning needed changes in routines and schedules.
7. Check all decisions with the coach before informing the squad.
8. Conduct money-making projects, which have been previously approved.
9. Keep records pertaining to squad information.
10. Support the coach 100%.
Co-Captain
- The varsity co-captain will be selected from the senior and junior participants who have cheered the previous year at Florence High School.
- Theco-captain will be selected on a forty-point scale. The highest scoring candidate in tryouts will receive ten points; the candidate receiving the highest score from teacher evaluations will receive ten points; the candidate will go through an interview with the coach and an administrator and be asked questions based on assessment of participation, leadership, attitude, and overall contentiousness and can receive up to ten points; and the candidate will plan a pep rally following criteria set by the coach and can receive up to 10 points. The candidate receiving the most points will be named co-captain.
- The co-captain should set an example to the rest of the squad by following the rules and regulations.
- Conduct, plan, and organize all practices, pep rallies, and cheering sessions and present to the coach an outline of the pep rally no later than 1:30 each Monday.
- Keep coach informed of all needs, problems (actual and potential), and occurrences pertaining to the squad.
- Confer with the coach concerning needed changes in routines and schedules.
- Check all decisions with the coach before informing the squad.
- Conduct money-making projects, which have been previously approved.
- Keep records.
- Support the captain and coach 100%.
Disciplinary and Probation
A cheerleader can be put on probation when a total of four (4) demerits have been received. Probation constitutes immediate suspension from the squad for the next major cheerleading activity. After six (6) demerits, the cheerleader will be suspended from a complete week of activities. A parent conference will also be held. After eight (8) demerits, the severity of the discipline will be left to the coach and principal.
Demerits will be given for the following:
•2- Disrespect to the coach or captain
•1- Disrespect to the any member of the team, faculty, staff, school property, etc.
•1- Disobedience (A reminder that school rules apply at all times)
•2- Pouting, complaining, or showing dislike for any cheerleading activity
•2- Misbehavior on trips
•0.5- Tardiness to practice, games, or planned activity (0-5 minutes)
•1- Tardiness to practice, games, or planned activity (5+ minutes)
•1- Not having proper uniform or equipment
•1- Unexcused absence
•Permanent Dismissal Any of the following could result in permanent dismissal from the cheerleading squad for that year or disciplinary action. 1. Not attending summer camp. 2. Consistent excused or unexcused absences/tardies from classes, practices, games, and planned activities. 3. Receiving discipline from the office (office referrals, etc.) 4. The cheerleader or cheerleader’s parents show consistent lack of cooperation or teamwork with the squad and/or coach. 5. Conduct during or outside of school (including summer camp), which could reflect discredit upon the cheerleading program, squad, coach, or school. 6. Pregnancy. 7. Missing a game.
**If a cheerleader chooses to quit during the season for any reason, he/she will not be allowed to participate in other extracurricular activities for the remainder of the season. Parent/Guardian Expectations
- Be supportive and reinforce the lessons taught by coaching staff.
- Attend all parent information meetings.
- Be positive!! Parents should not use any derogative language or slander any member of the squad, other parents, or the coach. This includes, but not limited to, speech, texting, and any online form of communication.
- Communication between parents and coaches is necessary part of a strong program. I make a pledge to communicate all information to your family as soon as possible.
Financial Commitment
- Each cheerleader is responsible for purchasing uniforms and equipment. This will include:
• Pompoms
• Tights
• Socks
• Camp clothes
• Uniforms(2)
• Monogramming or cheerleader lettering
• Shoes
• Bag
• Anything else deemed necessary by coach.
2. The approximate expense will be $1400.00.
3. At the coach and principal's discretion, squad members will be required to attend stunting and tumbling classes. This additional fee will be the responsibility of the cheerleader.
4. Parents will be required to sign a form before tryouts stating that they will assume all cheerleading related expenses should their child be selected as a cheerleader.
Chain of Command
If you have a concern, the following steps MUST be taken:
1. Contact your child's coach.
2. A phone conference or meeting can be arranged. Once the coach has been contacted, our staff will do our best to facilitate a prompt, effective resolution.
***The coaching staff should be the first contact you make when a concern arises!