(PLEASE EXCUSE FORMATTING ERRORS)
2013-2014 Marshall High School Cheerleading Constitution
A. A cheerleader is a STUDENT-Athlete, a school leader, and a role model to the other students academically and in school spirit and support.
B. Membership- Varsity: up to 20 members, JV: up to 15 members, Freshman: up to 12 members, Mascots: up to 2 positions
C. Required attendance at the following: all practices, meetings, cheer camp, all games/events, cheer class (exceptions for spring semester sports), and school 10am-3:25pm on practice/game days or any day the week of a pep rally. The coaches must be notified by telephone no later than 7:30 a.m. on game day if illness or emergency occurs. It is the coaches' duty to approve or disapprove any and all excuses. A doctor's note will be required for any absences from games, pep rallies, or competitions.
D. Financial Responsibility- Estimates: Cheer camp $300, Uniforms/camp clothing etc. $1500, uniform users fee if using MHS uniforms $50 (nonrefundable), mascot uniform users fee $100 (nonrefundable). Uniform users fee refunds are at the discretion of the coaches.
E. Practice- specific practice clothing should be worn including cheer shoes only, no jewelry, hair in pony tail, no cell phone use, physical limitations must be accompanied by a note from a doctor, coaches must be notified no later than 12pm if a cheerleader will miss practice that day.
F. Transportation- Cheerleaders must travel to and from all away games and other events by the mode of transportation determined by the coaches or school administration.
G. Appearance- Fingernail polish will not be worn while in uniform. Nails must be kept short while cheering. Hair must be natural colors only (blonde, brown, black, or natural looking red) pulled away from the face in a ponytail with bangs out of the face! No tattoos showing while in uniform. No piercings with jewelry in them other than ears while in uniform (i.e. during school or for pictures).
H. Fund-raising- Fund-raising activities will be held to help with expenses (i.e. uniforms, banquet, wind suits, etc.) if the coach and the parents deem necessary. If a cheerleader does not participate in the fund-raising activities, she will be responsible for all of her own expenses and could face other discipline consequences. New 9th and 10th grade cheerleaders must sell items for the Booster Club at all Varsity home games until released by the Booster Club members or coach.
I. Competitions- MHS Varsity Squad will participate in competitions throughout the year at the discretion of the coach(es), competitions are required events, missing a competition merits removal from the squad.
J. Academic Requirements- exemplary conduct in the classroom, and maintaining an average of at least 70 throughout the year in all classes. Any time the coach is contacted by a teacher regarding a cheerleader/mascots’ misbehavior= at least 1 demerit.
K. Squad Regulations-
a. Cheerleaders will not be allowed to chew gum, eat food, or drink while cheering. Cheerleaders must participate in all cheers.
b. The coaches will execute discipline for any rules broken. The coaches will be the liaison between the cheerleaders and the administration.
c. Working is never an acceptable excuse for missing any cheerleading event. No early dismissals to work will be allowed.
d. 100% commitment to the squad is essential, especially during football season. School-related extracurricular activity conflicts should be discussed with the coach in advance.
e. Cheerleaders must abide by all other rules determined by the coaches. Any problems or questions should be discussed immediately with the coach, who may ask for the assistance of the principal and/or athletic director.
f. Cheerleaders are to behave in a respectful manner to all students, teachers, principals, and others. Disorderly conduct will result in consultation with the coach(es) and principal, which may lead to disciplinary action, suspension, and/or dismissal from the squad.
g. Cheerleaders are to attend games in order to lead cheers, not to visit with friend or dates! Visiting with the crowd or taking posed pictures during game time will result in disciplinary action (except during half time).
h. Any cheerleader found with alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products will be dismissed permanently from the squad.
i. Any cheerleader who acquires a total of twelve (12) or more demerits or four (4) or more red marks within a school year will be permanently removed from the squad.
j. All cheerleaders must have a physical on file at the school dated after May 3, 2013. The physicals must be turned in by June 3, 2013.
L. Awards- Varsity Cheerleaders must cheer the entire season to be eligible for a letter (jacket). A pin may be given to all cheerleaders who have previously been awarded a letter and have completed a full year as a member of the cheerleading squad. At the end of the cheerleading season, the members of the squad will vote on recipients for the following awards: Most Improved, Most Valuable in Stunts, Best Jumps, Best Motions, Most Spirited, Best Leadership, Best Tumbler, and Cheerleader of the Year. The coaches will tally the votes and chose if there is a tie.
M. Tryout Requirements-
To be eligible to tryout, candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. A dated and signed consent form from parents and cheerleader stating their understanding of all costs, requirements, and expectations of the organization.
2. A copy of the most recent report card, must be academically eligible
3. Must attend all practices (unless for other UIL event & notice given)
4. Must not have been dismissed while on an MHS cheerleading squad
5. Must not have more than 1 disciplinary referral from MHS
To be eligible to try out for a leadership position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. Varsity only- Must have been a member of the MHS Varsity Squad for at least 1 year
2. Must complete the Leadership packet and turn in to head coach on the tryout day
3. All requirements listed above apply as well
Discipline System for Marshall High School Cheerleaders
The following discipline system will be used at Marshall High School for the cheerleading squad. The sponsor will assign offenses as necessary. Offenses are accumulated during the entire season.
For minor offenses, squad laps may be assigned instead of individual demerits.
Three demerits are equal to one red mark. Each red mark will result in suspension from the next game. However, the cheerleader must still attend the game. She must arrive on time and must sit with the sponsor and / or an administrator. She may not dress in uniform for this occasion. The same rules in regards to tardiness and absenteeism apply.
Accumulation of four red marks or suspension from three games due to disciplinary action will result in permanent removal from the squad. If a cheerleader is suspended or expelled from school, she will be permanently removed from the squad.
All consequences must be cleared in order to tryout the following year.
**All decisions and disciplinary actions are at the complete discretion of the coach(es).
Classification of Offenses
Demerits
· Late for ride to game
· Unnecessary conversation or activity with crowd or other cheerleaders while cheering (this includes but may not be limited to goofing off while cheering with other cheerleaders, grooming while cheering, taking pictures while cheering, and practicing a cheer or chant right before it is called on the sideline during a game or event).
· Chewing gum/ eating/ drinking while at practice or game (except during half time or specified water breaks).
· Late for game after half time (must be back by four minutes before game begins)
· Jewelry worn while at cheerleading function (practice, game, pep rally, etc.)
· Fingernail polish worn or long nails (in practice or performance, this is a safety issue and compliance is mandatory. The only acceptable form of polish or nail is neutral colors, French manicure/white tips, and short natural or fake nails.
· Late notification to coaches regarding absences or tardiness
· No hair restraint worn
· Late for practice
· Left practice early
· Improper attire at game (wrong or incomplete uniform, no hair bow or ribbon, wrong bloomers, etc.)
· Not participating during cheers, chants, dance, or stunts at practice, game, or pep rally
· Participating halfway or with a bad attitude. All cheers, chants, dances, etc. must be performed to the best of your ability each and every time they are done with a smile on your face. Each cheerleader must spirit and do a jump or tumble after each cheer or chant.
· All cheerleaders must stand still and quiet at attention, facing the field anytime a player is injured. All cheerleaders must cheer for the player (regardless of team) when he or she ‘gets up’ or recovers from an injury.
· Any communication from a teacher that a cheerleader has a bad attitude is sleeping in class, talking too much in class, and or not completing assignments in any class.
· Using cell phones during cheer class, practice, or a game without coaches’ approval
· Misuse of any social media site or ap causing any kind of poor representation of MHS Cheer
Red marks
· No show at practice OR unexcused practice absence (coaches' decision)
· Lying
· Unexcused absence from game
· No notification to sponsor for absences or tardiness
· Poor sportsmanship at game or practice
· Arguing/ talking back/showing disrespect towards coaches or administrators
· No show at game (**Additional two game suspension will accompany this)
· In School Suspension (One day in ISS = 1 game suspension, 2 days of ISS = 2 game suspension,**3 or more days of ISS, or placement at DAEP = removal from squad)
Consequences- One of the following must be completed for each demerit received
· 25 back handsprings or back tucks
· 50 toe touches
· Running 1 mile
Grades- Cheerleaders will follow the UIL No Pass No Play regulations for grades less than a 70 for any grading period. The 2nd time within a cheer season/school year that a cheerleader/mascot is ineligible she will be dismissed from the school. If dismissed for grades, a cheerleader may tryout again the following year.
Probation- 9 demerits or 3 red marks, the cheerleader may not perform for one month but must attend in uniform.
Dismissal- 12 demerits or 4 red marks, a cheerleader who is dismissed from the squad may never tryout again.
Resignations- A cheerleader who wishes to resign for medical reasons or because she is leaving the school district must submit a letter of resignation and a doctor’s note or proof of school change to the head coach. A cheerleader who resigns for medical or school change reasons may try out again. *All other resignations must accompany a letter to the head coach and the cheerleader may not tryout again.
2013-2014 Marshall High School Cheerleading Constitution
A. A cheerleader is a STUDENT-Athlete, a school leader, and a role model to the other students academically and in school spirit and support.
B. Membership- Varsity: up to 20 members, JV: up to 15 members, Freshman: up to 12 members, Mascots: up to 2 positions
C. Required attendance at the following: all practices, meetings, cheer camp, all games/events, cheer class (exceptions for spring semester sports), and school 10am-3:25pm on practice/game days or any day the week of a pep rally. The coaches must be notified by telephone no later than 7:30 a.m. on game day if illness or emergency occurs. It is the coaches' duty to approve or disapprove any and all excuses. A doctor's note will be required for any absences from games, pep rallies, or competitions.
D. Financial Responsibility- Estimates: Cheer camp $300, Uniforms/camp clothing etc. $1500, uniform users fee if using MHS uniforms $50 (nonrefundable), mascot uniform users fee $100 (nonrefundable). Uniform users fee refunds are at the discretion of the coaches.
E. Practice- specific practice clothing should be worn including cheer shoes only, no jewelry, hair in pony tail, no cell phone use, physical limitations must be accompanied by a note from a doctor, coaches must be notified no later than 12pm if a cheerleader will miss practice that day.
F. Transportation- Cheerleaders must travel to and from all away games and other events by the mode of transportation determined by the coaches or school administration.
G. Appearance- Fingernail polish will not be worn while in uniform. Nails must be kept short while cheering. Hair must be natural colors only (blonde, brown, black, or natural looking red) pulled away from the face in a ponytail with bangs out of the face! No tattoos showing while in uniform. No piercings with jewelry in them other than ears while in uniform (i.e. during school or for pictures).
H. Fund-raising- Fund-raising activities will be held to help with expenses (i.e. uniforms, banquet, wind suits, etc.) if the coach and the parents deem necessary. If a cheerleader does not participate in the fund-raising activities, she will be responsible for all of her own expenses and could face other discipline consequences. New 9th and 10th grade cheerleaders must sell items for the Booster Club at all Varsity home games until released by the Booster Club members or coach.
I. Competitions- MHS Varsity Squad will participate in competitions throughout the year at the discretion of the coach(es), competitions are required events, missing a competition merits removal from the squad.
J. Academic Requirements- exemplary conduct in the classroom, and maintaining an average of at least 70 throughout the year in all classes. Any time the coach is contacted by a teacher regarding a cheerleader/mascots’ misbehavior= at least 1 demerit.
K. Squad Regulations-
a. Cheerleaders will not be allowed to chew gum, eat food, or drink while cheering. Cheerleaders must participate in all cheers.
b. The coaches will execute discipline for any rules broken. The coaches will be the liaison between the cheerleaders and the administration.
c. Working is never an acceptable excuse for missing any cheerleading event. No early dismissals to work will be allowed.
d. 100% commitment to the squad is essential, especially during football season. School-related extracurricular activity conflicts should be discussed with the coach in advance.
e. Cheerleaders must abide by all other rules determined by the coaches. Any problems or questions should be discussed immediately with the coach, who may ask for the assistance of the principal and/or athletic director.
f. Cheerleaders are to behave in a respectful manner to all students, teachers, principals, and others. Disorderly conduct will result in consultation with the coach(es) and principal, which may lead to disciplinary action, suspension, and/or dismissal from the squad.
g. Cheerleaders are to attend games in order to lead cheers, not to visit with friend or dates! Visiting with the crowd or taking posed pictures during game time will result in disciplinary action (except during half time).
h. Any cheerleader found with alcohol, drugs, or tobacco products will be dismissed permanently from the squad.
i. Any cheerleader who acquires a total of twelve (12) or more demerits or four (4) or more red marks within a school year will be permanently removed from the squad.
j. All cheerleaders must have a physical on file at the school dated after May 3, 2013. The physicals must be turned in by June 3, 2013.
L. Awards- Varsity Cheerleaders must cheer the entire season to be eligible for a letter (jacket). A pin may be given to all cheerleaders who have previously been awarded a letter and have completed a full year as a member of the cheerleading squad. At the end of the cheerleading season, the members of the squad will vote on recipients for the following awards: Most Improved, Most Valuable in Stunts, Best Jumps, Best Motions, Most Spirited, Best Leadership, Best Tumbler, and Cheerleader of the Year. The coaches will tally the votes and chose if there is a tie.
M. Tryout Requirements-
To be eligible to tryout, candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. A dated and signed consent form from parents and cheerleader stating their understanding of all costs, requirements, and expectations of the organization.
2. A copy of the most recent report card, must be academically eligible
3. Must attend all practices (unless for other UIL event & notice given)
4. Must not have been dismissed while on an MHS cheerleading squad
5. Must not have more than 1 disciplinary referral from MHS
To be eligible to try out for a leadership position, candidates must meet the following criteria:
1. Varsity only- Must have been a member of the MHS Varsity Squad for at least 1 year
2. Must complete the Leadership packet and turn in to head coach on the tryout day
3. All requirements listed above apply as well
Discipline System for Marshall High School Cheerleaders
The following discipline system will be used at Marshall High School for the cheerleading squad. The sponsor will assign offenses as necessary. Offenses are accumulated during the entire season.
For minor offenses, squad laps may be assigned instead of individual demerits.
Three demerits are equal to one red mark. Each red mark will result in suspension from the next game. However, the cheerleader must still attend the game. She must arrive on time and must sit with the sponsor and / or an administrator. She may not dress in uniform for this occasion. The same rules in regards to tardiness and absenteeism apply.
Accumulation of four red marks or suspension from three games due to disciplinary action will result in permanent removal from the squad. If a cheerleader is suspended or expelled from school, she will be permanently removed from the squad.
All consequences must be cleared in order to tryout the following year.
**All decisions and disciplinary actions are at the complete discretion of the coach(es).
Classification of Offenses
Demerits
· Late for ride to game
· Unnecessary conversation or activity with crowd or other cheerleaders while cheering (this includes but may not be limited to goofing off while cheering with other cheerleaders, grooming while cheering, taking pictures while cheering, and practicing a cheer or chant right before it is called on the sideline during a game or event).
· Chewing gum/ eating/ drinking while at practice or game (except during half time or specified water breaks).
· Late for game after half time (must be back by four minutes before game begins)
· Jewelry worn while at cheerleading function (practice, game, pep rally, etc.)
· Fingernail polish worn or long nails (in practice or performance, this is a safety issue and compliance is mandatory. The only acceptable form of polish or nail is neutral colors, French manicure/white tips, and short natural or fake nails.
· Late notification to coaches regarding absences or tardiness
· No hair restraint worn
· Late for practice
· Left practice early
· Improper attire at game (wrong or incomplete uniform, no hair bow or ribbon, wrong bloomers, etc.)
· Not participating during cheers, chants, dance, or stunts at practice, game, or pep rally
· Participating halfway or with a bad attitude. All cheers, chants, dances, etc. must be performed to the best of your ability each and every time they are done with a smile on your face. Each cheerleader must spirit and do a jump or tumble after each cheer or chant.
· All cheerleaders must stand still and quiet at attention, facing the field anytime a player is injured. All cheerleaders must cheer for the player (regardless of team) when he or she ‘gets up’ or recovers from an injury.
· Any communication from a teacher that a cheerleader has a bad attitude is sleeping in class, talking too much in class, and or not completing assignments in any class.
· Using cell phones during cheer class, practice, or a game without coaches’ approval
· Misuse of any social media site or ap causing any kind of poor representation of MHS Cheer
Red marks
· No show at practice OR unexcused practice absence (coaches' decision)
· Lying
· Unexcused absence from game
· No notification to sponsor for absences or tardiness
· Poor sportsmanship at game or practice
· Arguing/ talking back/showing disrespect towards coaches or administrators
· No show at game (**Additional two game suspension will accompany this)
· In School Suspension (One day in ISS = 1 game suspension, 2 days of ISS = 2 game suspension,**3 or more days of ISS, or placement at DAEP = removal from squad)
Consequences- One of the following must be completed for each demerit received
· 25 back handsprings or back tucks
· 50 toe touches
· Running 1 mile
Grades- Cheerleaders will follow the UIL No Pass No Play regulations for grades less than a 70 for any grading period. The 2nd time within a cheer season/school year that a cheerleader/mascot is ineligible she will be dismissed from the school. If dismissed for grades, a cheerleader may tryout again the following year.
Probation- 9 demerits or 3 red marks, the cheerleader may not perform for one month but must attend in uniform.
Dismissal- 12 demerits or 4 red marks, a cheerleader who is dismissed from the squad may never tryout again.
Resignations- A cheerleader who wishes to resign for medical reasons or because she is leaving the school district must submit a letter of resignation and a doctor’s note or proof of school change to the head coach. A cheerleader who resigns for medical or school change reasons may try out again. *All other resignations must accompany a letter to the head coach and the cheerleader may not tryout again.