Tison Middle School
Cheer Program Constitution
Respect Obligation Opportunity
Positive Reasons In Delivering Excellence
Weatherford ISD does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, or disability in providing educational services, activities, and programs, including athletic programs in accordance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended; Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Table of Contents
Preamble
Article I—Mission Statement
Article II—Candidate Eligibility
Article III—Candidate Membership and Expectations
Candidate Expectations
Article IV—Expectations for Members.
Article V—Standards for Member Removal.
TISON MIDDLE SCHOOL
CHEER PROGRAM CONSTITUTION
This Weatherford ISD Cheer Program Constitution outlines standards of eligibility and procedure for all Weatherford ISD Cheerleader candidates and standards of conduct and behavior to which all Tison Middle School Cheer Program members are expected to adhere as representatives of their student body and of the Tison Middle School. Acceptance of a candidate to the Tison Middle School Cheer Program or removal therefrom, shall be in accordance with this Constitution on the basis of ability, skill, presentation, or any other basis set forth, but shall not be on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, or disability.
Preamble
The following articles have been developed with the advice and consent of the campus cheer sponsors for the purpose of communicating the standards of eligibility and procedure which all candidates must meet to be eligible for tryouts and for the purpose of articulating the standards of conduct and behavior to which all Tison Middle School Cheer Program members are expected to adhere as a condition of participation in cheerleading activities. Participation in extracurricular activities, including cheerleading activities, is a privilege, not a right, and student participants will be held to higher standards than students who choose not to participate in extracurricular activities. Failure to comply with the standards of conduct and behavior outlined in this Cheerleader Constitution may subject the member to disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the squad, in addition to any consequences imposed in accordance with the Weatherford ISD Student Code of Conduct and the Weatherford ISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct.
This document may be amended at any time and does not limit a sponsor’s ability to make decisions pertaining to his or her program, consistent with the guidelines set forth herein. The campus administrator or designee will make the final determination regarding a candidate’s eligibility for try-outs.If a child, parent and/or guardian has any questions or concerns, they are to respect the following chain of command for this campus:
TMS Squad ↦ TMS Coach ↦ Athletic Director
Article I: Mission Statement
1.1The purpose of the Tison Middle School Cheer Program shall be to promote and encourage team spirit, to foster good fellowship and sportsmanship by example, and to exhibit enthusiasm and loyalty to team and school. Members shall lead by example; shall exemplify exemplary qualities of character; and shall uphold the highest standards in their service to the school and the community as representatives of their student body and of the Weatherford ISD.
Article II: Candidate Eligibility
2.1A cheerleader candidate must be a resident of the Weatherford ISD and currently enrolled in a Weatherford ISD school. However, candidates who are enrolled in a Weatherford ISD school under an approved interdistrict (i.e. out-of-district) transfer will be eligible for tryouts if they meet all other eligibility requirements. Candidates may be male or female.
2.2A cheerleader candidate must not have been academically ineligible, as defined by No Pass No Play rules, for two or more six weeks during the current school year and must be passing all courses with a grade of 70 or above during the 4th six-week grading period to be eligible. However, for purposes of academic eligibility for tryouts, a student will be allowed one waiver per year in an advanced class, as identified by the State Board of Education or by local District policy. A student with disabilities must be meeting the standards in his or her IEP at the time of tryouts for purposes of academic eligibility for try-outs.
2.3A cheerleader candidate who has resigned or been removed from his or her squad may not try-out the following year.
2.4All candidates must demonstrate exemplary attendance, behavior, and citizenship habits. Candidates must have had at least a 90% attendance rate for the current school year and must not have been suspended (excluding in-school suspension), assigned to D.A.E.P., or expelled at any time during the current school year to be eligible for tryouts. The campus principal or designee will make the final determination regarding a candidate’s eligibility for tryouts.
2.5All candidates must be in good financial standing with the Weatherford ISD. Candidates who have outstanding balances, including but not limited to fines for lost or damaged textbooks, library fees, late fees, or other extracurricular fees, will not be eligible for tryouts.
2.6All candidates must be medically fit to participate in cheerleading activities, as certified by a medical doctor. Physicals must be completed annually and kept on file at the school. It is the duty of the candidate to supply the coaches with an up-to-date copy of their physical form prior to tryouts.
2.7Candidates must complete all requirements for tryout prior to tryouts, including but not limited to timely submission of application, timely submission of all required forms, and attendance of all required meetings, practice sessions or clinics. Any candidate failing to complete all tryout requirements who is otherwise eligible for tryouts will not be allowed to try-out, absent extenuating circumstances as determined by the sponsor.
2.8All candidates and their parent or guardian must attend the mandatory orientation meeting(s) for their program in order to be eligible for tryouts. However, if unable to attend, a parent or guardian, with prior written approval from the sponsor, may designate another responsible adult as a proxy to attend the meeting in his or her place. Failure of the parent/guardian, or proxy to attend the mandatory orientation meeting(s) will result in the candidate being ineligible for tryouts.
2.9 Candidates that participate in both TMS All Stars Dance Team and the TMS Cheer Program at the same time will not be eligible to apply for a captain position.
2.10 Candidates wishing to apply for captain must meet (2.1 through 2.9) requirements.
Article III:Candidate Membership & Expectations
Candidate Selection Process
3.1A Membership in the Tison Middle School Cheer Program begins the date of tryouts until the last day of school the following school year. New members to the cheer squad are required to attend all after school practices and events after new squad rosters are released.
3.2A Number of students on the squad is subject to change based upon drastic drop-off rates or gaps between the resulting high, middle, and low tryout scores, provided that any such change in numbers shall be approved by the sponsor, athletic director, and campus administrator.
3.3A Membership may be terminated at any time for failure to comply with the standards of conduct and procedure outlined herein.
3.4A The TMS Cheer Squad shall be comprised of 8th grade members and the squad shall consist of twelve members. Of these members, two co-captain cheerleaders shall be named according to sponsor recommendation and by popular vote of the squad. There will be one Mascot assigned to the TMS Squad. The TMS Squad will cheer at only home events.
3.5 Candidates will be selected through a tryout process. There will be a minimum of three judges. The only people allowed in the tryout room are the judges, candidates performing, and an administrator. Coaches, other candidates, and walk-on cheerleaders are not permitted. Judges will inform the coaches of the scores ranked in order of highest to lowest.
*Final decisions regarding captain cheerleaders for all squads will be made by the sponsor(s). a The decision can also be made to not have captains.
Candidate Expectations
3.1BCandidates should understand that acceptance into the Tison Middle School Cheer Program is a privilege. Cheer members represent to the community and the public; not only themselves, but also their student body at Tison Middle School and should uphold the highest standards.
3.2B Candidates should exemplify exemplary qualities of character. Candidates should be responsible, honest, reliable, dependable, cooperative, dedicated, respectful, and loyal. Candidates should also be enthusiastic, self-disciplined, willing to learn, willing to work and prepared to practice to improve their performance and the performance of the squad.
3.3B Candidates who are accepted for membership should understand that the schedule of a cheerleader will require a large time commitment and that members will be expected to put cheer above participation in all other organizations or other non-academic activities. In the event that a cheerleader chooses to play an in-season sport, he/she will be expected to attend all practices, but will be excused from in-season sporting events/activities.
3.4B Cheerleaders must be enrolled in and attend Cheer Club until the conclusion of tryouts at the end of the current year.
Article IV—Expectations for Members
4.1Members shall be on time and prepared for all cheerleading activities. Members should be dressed in the required uniform prior to the start of the activity. Any alterations of the uniform MUST be cleared through the coach BEFORE any alterations take place. Members that alter the uniform without authorization will NOT be allowed to wear the uniform to school or events, and will not be able to attend cheering functions. Those students may be required to purchase another uniform.
4.2 Members shall be neatly presented in appearance, with hair neatly groomed and pulled back from face.
4.3Members shall attend and perform all required duties at all practices, games, events, or functions, including any required camp or competition. Members who miss a required practice or fail to perform a required duty (including leaving early due to parent’s schedule) may not be allowed to perform at the next game, event, or function.
4.4 Members shall maintain their eligibility status under No Pass, No Play Rules. Members must maintain a grade of 70 or above in all classes, other than an identified honors or advanced class, to be eligible to participate (one time waiver for Pre-AP and AP Courses each school year). Members with disabilities must meet the standards in their IEP to be eligible to participate.
4.5Students who have been removed and those who voluntarily quit will lose all privileges associated with cheerleading membership, including attending cheerleading only events, using cheerleading facilities, and wearing all cheerleader paraphernalia.
4.6Members shall remain academically eligible throughout the school year. Members who become ineligible 2 six weeks will be subject to review, and disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the squad, may be taken.
4.7 Members may be subjected to weekly grade checks. All classes in which the student is not making an 80 or above may be subject to tutoring. If the cheerleader must attend tutoring on a practice day, the cheerleader must inform the coach ahead of time, bring a note to practice from the teacher and must arrive at practice no later than 4:30 pm.
4.8 Members shall maintain at least a 90% attendance throughout the school year.
4.9Members may be required to log a number of volunteer hours each grading period, as determined by the sponsor(s).
4.10 Members shall comply with all TEA-UIL Side by Side Guidelines for Cheerleading.
4.11Members will not be allowed to wear ANY jewelry while in uniform (during practice or at games). Members will not be allowed to wear a clear spacer in place of any piercing(s).
4.12Members must be enrolled in Cheer Club for the entire duration of the cheer season in order to participate as a cheerleader.
4.13 Members shall comply with all rules and regulations outlined below:
4.13 (a) Demerit System:
Foul language 1 demerit
Disrespect 1 demerit
Insubordination 1 demerit
Failure to follow a directive 1 demerit
Unexcused practice absence 1 demerit
Unexcused event absence 1 demerit
Wearing uniform to unauthorized event 1 demerit
Any discipline from administration 1 demerit
Any display of poor sportsmanship 1 demerit
Any display of conduct unbecoming of a cheerleader 2 demerits
4.13 (b) Demerit Consequences:
2 demerits Parent meeting/contact
3 demerits Suspension from single/pep rally game
4 demerits Suspension from two games/pep rallies
5 demerits Removal from squad
4.13 (c) Each demerit received will be written up and signed by the coach, cheerleader, and a copy will be sent home to the parent(s).
4.13 (d) Cheerleaders may serve detention for a total of 3 hours to forgive 1 demerit. This option is available ONE TIME ONLY, and detentions may not interfere with practice or any other cheer-related obligations.
4.13 (e) Merits may be earned at the coach’s discretion for acts of kindness, unselfishness, or acts that benefit others and not themselves. Merits can offset demerits with a three to one ratio. (For each 3 merits earned it would offset one demerit.)
Article V—Extra-Curricular Activities Code of Conduct
5.1Due to the high level of visibility of campus cheerleaders, members are expected to demonstrate leadership, honor, and integrity both in and out of uniform. Because acceptance into the Tison Middle School Cheer Program is a privilege, not a right, its members will be held to higher standards than those imposed on the general student body. Members may incur disciplinary consequences for behavior that does not constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, and may also incur disciplinary consequences from both the appropriate administrator and his or her sponsor for conduct that does constitute a violation of the Student Code of Conduct.
5.2 Members must comply with all standards of conduct outlined below, in addition to the standards of conduct and behavior outlined in the Weatherford ISD Student Code of Conduct. Members will be subject to the standards of conduct outlined herein at all times-regardless of when or where the conduct occurs, whether on or off school property and whether or not school is in session. Failure to comply with the standards of conduct may result in disciplinary action against the member, up to and including removal from the squad. Suspension from activities may be issued based on ISS visits or AP referrals.
5.3 EXTRACURRICULAR EXCUSED ABSENCE DEFINED
1. Personal illness/accident
2. Funeral of death of family/friend
3. Participation in another school activity
4.An absence that has the approval/notification from sponsor. (A minimum of 24 hour prior approval/notification is required.)
*Excused absences must be documented with parent note, phone call or email to the coach within 24 hours of the absence. Failure to comply will result in the absence being classified as UNEXCUSED.*
5.4 CONSEQUENCE - UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM PRACTICE
1.First unexcused absence will result in a warning. (Additional punishment or suspension from an individual activity can be imposed by the sponsor).
2.Second unexcused absence will result in additional punishment or suspension from as individual activity. Parents will be notified of the absence and reminded of the consequences of the third unexcused absence.
3. Third unexcused absence will result in dismissal from extracurricular activities.
5.5 CONSEQUENCE-UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM PERFORMANCE
May result in immediate dismissal from extracurricular activities.
5.6 TOBACCO PRODUCTS, ALCOHOL, ILLEGAL DRUGS
Due to health and safety consideration, use of tobacco products, drinking of alcoholic beverages, or use and/or possession of illegal drugs will not be allowed any time. Any WISD administrator, faculty member, or law enforcement officer shall report such violations to the appropriate sponsor or coach and school principal.
5.7 CONSEQUENCES-TOBACCO PRODUCTS, ALCOHOL, or ILLEGAL DRUGS
1. The first violation of the above statement will result in:
A. TOBACCO PRODUCTS
1) First violation will result in:
a) Suspension from performance for the equivalent of 10% of the regularly scheduled events.
EX. 10 Football games – Suspension – 1 game and any Events associated with that week.
Note: The cheerleader will continue to practice
b) Appropriate disciplinary measures determined by the coaches with approval from Administration.
c) Parent conference scheduled as soon as possible to review action taken and discuss referral for counseling.
B. ALCOHOL
1) The first violation will result in:
a) Suspension from performance for the equivalent of 20% of the regular scheduled events.
b)Appropriate disciplinary measure determined by the coaches with approval from Administration.
c) Parent conference scheduled as soon as possible to review action taken and discuss referral for counseling.
d) Documented counseling before returning.
C. ILLEGAL DRUGS
1) The first violation will result in:
a) Suspension from competition for the equivalent of 30% of the regularly scheduled events.
b) Appropriate disciplinary measures determined by the coaches with approval from administration.
c) Parent conference scheduled as soon as possible to review action taken discuss referral for counseling.
d) Drug testing (at parent’s expense) before student returns to activity.
e) Documented counseling before returning.
2) A second violation, occurring any time during a student’s secondary (grades 7-12) school career, will result in dismissal from all extracurricular activities for the contracted year.
5.8Members shall not engage in inappropriate behavior, including but not limited to inappropriate sexual contact, fighting, public intoxication, possession or consumption of tobacco products, possession or consumption of alcohol or illegal drugs, or other criminal activity excluding minor traffic offenses.
5.9Members shall not engage in behavior that warrants suspension from school, removal to DAEP, or expulsion from school. Members who have been suspended from school, removed to DAEP, or expelled from school shall be removed from the squad for the remainder of the year.