HHS
Varsity
Poms
Winter Season: Expectations and Regulations
Expectations and Regulations
Hampshire High School Varsity Poms
ACADEMICS
The HHS Poms program expects academic to be each participant’s first priority. HHS Pom members are expected to follow the HHS rules for eligibility set forth by District 300 and the IHSA, these rules can be found in the Athletic Code of Conduct.
ATTENDANCE
Attendance at all practices, games, competition, fundraisers and community events are mandatory.
The rule is simple- 1, 2, 3 = OUT. A participant who misses three (3) times during the school year may be dismissed from the squad for the remainder of the season. (Work is not an excused absence and please try not to schedule appointments during practices, games and competitions.)
Excessive absences, sitting out for any reason (other than medical-with a note), or missing more than two games in a season could result in removal from the program.
If a dancer is absent from the practice before a game they will be required to sit out a portion of that game.
If a participant is absent from school on a practice or game day, she may not participate in any event. In the case of extended illness, a parent/guardian must contact the coach. It is the responsibility of each girl to report directly to her coach any illness or injury that would result in a missed game or practice. You must e-mail the coach to let them know you are sick.
Schedules will be given out at the beginning of the season. However, dancers will need to be flexible due to the need to add or change practices due to facilities, games, weather, competitions, pep assemblies etc.
Any personal commitments, such as, vacations, doctors’ appointments, work, or participating in a club sport during the season are not considered an excuse for missing practice. Dancing at games is the same as competing in a competition. You cannot miss. Excuses such as a family dinner, party, or going skiing will not work. If you miss a game, you will have to sit the next game, even if that next game is senior night or pack the place.
*****If you want to be a part of the Poms Competition team, please note that there will be some practices during Winter Break. You will be expected to be at those practices. These breaks fall right in the middle of competition season and it is important that you are at practice preparing.*****
ATTIRE:
AT ALL PRACTICES AND GAMES:
NO JEWELRY: including watches, necklaces, rings, earrings, and other pierced items. NFHS Spirit rule 2 section 3.1 states, “A participant is wearing (a) watch; (b) post earrings covered by tape; (c) a religious medal on a chain; (d) a navel ring: (e) fish line or a spacer through a piercing; (g) a dermal piercing with or without the jewelry adornment removed. RULING: ALL ARE ILLEGAL”
NO GILTTER: including lotions, make-up etc. containing glitter
NO NAIL POLISH: Nails should be trimmed to an athletic length (no acrylics or other fake nails: Even if there is a school dance, they will be expected to be off by practice/games/competitions. This is to prevent injury.
NO GUM: gum is not allowed during practice or games.
NO CELL PHIONES AND NO TEXTING DURING PRACTICE, AND OR GAMES.
…and any additional IHSA mandated rules
PRACTICES
Practices are closed. Parents cannot be at practice.
Proper attire for practice is: T-shirt, tank top (dance style, no lace or camis), yoga pants, or shorts. Girls must have their hair pulled up and out of their face.
Running shoes and jazz shoes need to be brought to every practice.
All participants are expected to be in practice attire and ready to begin at the designated practice time. If a dancer is late due to an academic reason they need to bring a pass from their teacher.
GAMES
Proper uniform for all games is: WHIPS performance top and black long sleeve crop top, black yoga pants, black jazz shoes (must wear no socks or black socks). Please be discreet with undergarments worn. NO jewelry of any kind can be worn. No gum is allowed.
ATTITUDE
In order to achieve maximum success as a team, each individual must demonstrate a good work ethic and be willing to work for the good of the team. Respect for other squad members and coaching staff is imperative. The same is asked of parents towards other kids on the team, coaching staff and other parents. Negative behavior may result in suspension from participation in one or more games or dismissal from the squad.
Parent participation is appreciated. Decisions about coaching and program management are solely the responsibility of the coaching staff. We ask that the parents support and adhere to the decisions made by the coaching staff. If you have a concern please contact the head coach.
ATHLETICS
Poms is a demanding activity and requires the same physical training and dedication as any other sport. HHS dancers are expected to maintain physical fitness through full participation in all warm-up and conditioning activities.
Like other sports, the possibility of injury is present in dance. Any injury occurring during practice or game is to be reported to the coach and/or athletic trainer immediately. Parent(s)/guardian(s) will be contacted.
COMMUNICATION
If a dancer is sick or absent for any reason, they must contact their coach via email by 1:00pm. Letting the coach know an hour before the game or practice is not acceptable.
All correspondences and emails to dancers, parents and third parties will come from the coaching staff.
Any dancers involved in another school activity must inform the Head Coach.
All parent concerns should be directed to the Head Coach.
EXPECTATIONS
Dancers need to have a current physical to participate.Dancers must turn in all required forms and pay athletic fees. During games all team members are required to sit together when not performing.
TEAM SIZE
Varsity will consist of the top scorers from the fall tryout. A spot on the competition team is not guaranteed based on previous time on HHS Poms. All tryout scores are the property of Hampshire High School and District 300 and will not be shared with the public.
*Please tear off and submit the form below:
I acknowledge the expectations and regulations of the Hampshire High School Varsity Poms program as set forth by coaching staff, athletic director, and the IHSA.
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Dancer’s Name Date
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Dancer’s Signature
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Parent’s Name Date
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Parent’s Signature