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GENTRY HIGH SCHOOL
CHEERLEADER CONSTITUTION
MASCOT: PIONEERS
PREAMBLE:
We
the cheerleaders of Gentry High School, dedicate ourselves to maintain
enthusiasm, leadership and school spirit at all times; especially at athletic
events.
ARTICLE
1- PURPOSE
1. Students shall
realize that a cheerleader's first purpose is to initiate school and community
spirit and to boost our athletic teams to victory.
2. Cheerleaders shall
develop a sense of good sportsman-like conduct among the students and adults.
3. Cheerleaders shall
promote unification of the crowd's involvement during athletic events.
4.
Cheerleaders shall strive to build better relationships between
schools.
5. Cheerleaders shall
strive to uphold the highest personal, as well as, cheerleading standards.
ARTICLE
2- MEMBERSHIP
The
membership of the senior high cheerleaders organization shall be cheerleaders elected from the senior, junior, and sophomore classes for the
school year. Members must
be enrolled in the cheerleading class the year of the membership. It will
include aerobics, weights, tumbling (where applicable), stunts, cheers,
routines and basic skills. The
number of members chosen will be decided on by the coach with the approval of
the principal/AD. The
junior high squad will consist of 8-12 cheerleaders elected from the 8th
and 9th grades. If
there is a huge point difference in scores, that could also determine how many
members are chosen. With new ACCA
rules/regulations, the Athletic Director has given the coach the authority to
choose the squad if they choose. The
coach may judge all of or part of the tryouts.
If judges are chosen, they will be qualified judges from out-of-town.
All members will cheer for both football and basketball season.
Anyone who quits during the year will not be allowed to try out the
following year.
ARTICLE
3- TRYOUTS
(Section
1)
Tryouts will be held after basketball season in the spring semester for
the following school year. Cheerleaders
must cheer for football and basketball season.
Members who play basketball will cheer for the basketball games that
they do not play in. (jr. high only) They
are expected to cheer for the entire game following the game they played in
unless the coach has kept them in the locker room longer than expected.
This may mean that someone needs to get a coke for you.
If this is not abused the sponsor will work around extreme situations.
(Section 2)
Eligibility of cheerleading candidates:
A.
The candidates must have at least a "c" (2.00) cumulative
grade point average. Eligibility will be checked by the counselor.
B.
Candidates will go through a teacher evaluation which will be added
into their tryout score. Candidates
must also pass the teacher evaluation with a minimum of 85% or they will not
be eligible for a captain or co-captain position.
The coach has the right to determine whether or not the squad will have
captains.
C.
If the candidates have had more than 1 day of in-school suspension in
the current year, the sponsor with the approval of an administrator may deny
eligibility to try out. Reasons for the suspension will be looked at carefully.
If a candidate serves out-of-school suspension at any time during the
current year, they will not be allowed to try out.
D.
A
parental permission form must be signed and returned to the sponsor before the
first tryout practice.
E.
Candidates must be willing to attend a summer cheerleader camp,
practices and activities. Cheerleaders should be willing to schedule their jobs around
summer camp. Cheerleaders must be
willing to pay the cost for attending camp.
Parents should be informed in advance of personal expenses.
When personal items are ordered, they may be asked to be pre-paid. Fundraising activities will be available to reduce the cost
of cheerleading expenses. Squad
fundraisers will be mandatory for everyone to participate in.
Parental involvement may be necessary/mandatory at times for certain
events.
F.
To be eligible to try out for the following year, students should be
currently enrolled in Gentry Schools at the time of the tryout sessions.
If an individual from outside the Gentry School District wants to try
out for the following year, they must follow all other guidelines such as
attending practice sessions, meetings, etc. and must also meet teacher and
grade requirements. The
individual must also show reasonable effort that they will be attending the
Gentry School District for the following year by either being enrolled, buying
property, etc.
(Section
3) Judges
The
coach will determine Judges for tryouts.
The athletic director will be notified of who the judges are.
The coach may choose to pick their own squad if they choose.
If they choose to use other judges, they will be 1) qualified 2) from
out of town. The local
coach/sponsor may also serve as 1 of judges.
(Section 4)
Instructors
The
present cheerleaders who will not be trying out or previous cheerleaders will
serve as instructors for tryouts. Cheerleaders
from another school could also be contacted to serve as instructors.
(Section 5)
Procedure for tryouts:
A.
A meeting for all interested students will be held to explain the
constitution and other information concerning cheerleading.
B.
There will be at least 2 pre-tryout practice sessions.
Unless of an emergency, each person should attend all of these to be
prepared for tryouts. If an
individual can not attend a practice, they must first get prior approval from
the coach.
C.
Each prospective cheerleader will perform 1 group chant, 1 group dance,
1 individual cheer, and will do a spirit poster (Sr. High Only) to be used the
following school year. Each
participant will also go through an interview with the judges prior to
performing. (Senior High Only) An
impromptu cheer or dance may be taught if needed to determine winners.
D.
Basis for selection:
1.
Judges rating scale form. (Performance, interview, and poster
evaluation)
2.
Teachers evaluation forms
3.
The top candidates, with the most points will be chosen.
All scores are final and will not be released.
**Tie
Breaker: Should a tie occur for
the last spot on the squad, the following will be looked at
1)
sponsor/coach will break the tie 2)
teacher evaluations will be used 3)
if a tie still remains then the GPA will determine the winner.
E.
Order of the squads for tryouts shall be determined by drawing numbers.
Number one will go first. The
participants will be divided into groups of 2 or 3 people unless there is an
odd person.
ARTICLE
4- REQUIRED BEHAVIOR FOR CHOSEN CHEERLEADERS.
(Section
1)
After a cheerleader has been chosen, they shall:
A.
Present a written physical examination report before the first fall
game. (The school provides free
physical examinations in August.)
B.
Present a signed copy of the demerit system.
C.
Be willing to take a drug test prior to, during, or after their season.
(This is policy Gentry Schools. The
test will be provided by the school system.
Additional testing would fall under the rules/guidelines of the Drug
Policy. Cheerleaders can be
randomly tested throughout the year.
(Section 2)
All Gentry cheerleaders shall cheer at pep assemblies, and games.
The football squad will cheer approximately 11 times on consecutive
Friday nights (Sr. High) and 9 times on Thursday nights (Jr. High) and the
basketball squads will cheer approximately 30 nights during the season.
During tournaments, this may require 2-5 nights a week.
Because of the high number of basketball games, each cheerleader is
allowed 3 nights off during BASKETBALL season if arranged with the coach ahead
of time. This also includes
sicknesses except for extenuating circumstances.
The coach will determine the number of members allowed off each night.
There should always be a maximum of 6 cheerleaders unless emergencies or
sicknesses occur. Cheerleaders may not take their free night on Coronation or
during special games. Cheerleaders
may not give their free nights to another squad member.
If they do not use the free nights, then they lose them. (Cheerleaders are encouraged to be at all games, however, the
sponsor and/or coach has the authority to request that a member stay home from
a game due to stress, exhaustion, etc.)
(Section 3)
Each cheerleader must be present 15 to 30 minutes before the start of a
home game unless notified by the coach. The
time will be decided on by the Coach.
(Section 4)
If a cheerleader is absent from a scheduled practice before a game,
they may not be allowed to cheer at the next ball game or other consequences
may occur. The coach must be contacted in advance regardless
of the reason for absence, in order for the absence to be excused.
(Section
5)
Cheerleaders are to be at the school for away games at the time set by
the sponsor.
(Section
6) Procedure for
transportation.
Transportation
will be provided by the school. The
cheerleader is expected to use this transportation both to and from the game.
If, necessary, you must make arrangements with the coach to ride with
your parents. You will
only be released to your parents. Coaches
will have a written permission form, which must be signed by parents in
presence of the coach. Parents
may sign for their child to ride with another adult.
Should your parents not be there but they want you to come home with
someone else, the parent must send a note or speak with the coach and then the
adult taking the child must sign for the student at the ball game stating they
are taking them home. It is the
parent’s/adult’s responsibility to sign out with the coach before leaving
the game.
(Section 7)
Pep bus- if the squad wants a pep bus, they must:
A.
Have it approved by the coach, who in turn will check with the
principal/athletic director.
B.
An announcement will be made to students if the bus is going to stop.
If possible, information will also be given about where it will stop.
ARTICLE
5- PRACTICE SESSIONS
(Section
1)
All cheerleaders are required to attend cheering practices.
Jobs are secondary- you make a commitment to cheer and you will be
expected to attend classes and practices.
Practices will begin immediately after tryouts.
(Section
2)
Extra practices may be called by the sponsor.
Practices
will be held in the summer. There
will be at least 1 two-hour practice each week.
Extra practices could be called by the coach if necessary, or practices
could be canceled if necessary. (Sr. High will average 2-3 days a week but
will take a few weeks off) A
schedule will be given at the beginning of the summer.
(Section
3)
Absences from cheerleading
a.
If a cheerleader has an unexcused absence from summer practice, they
will be unable to cheer at the first football game, or could receive other
punishment. The only excused absence is being on vacation, an approved
trip such as governor’s school, sickness or a death in the family, etc.
b.
If for any reason a cheerleader cannot attend a scheduled practice or
meeting, they must first notify the coach in advance.
c.
The
coach must be notified in advance of all absences from practices or
ball games. The coach must also
speak to a parent. An unexcused
absence from a ball game results in 8 demerits, which will result in a warning
and a conference with the sponsor and parents if needed.
The following are the only excused absences:
Excused Absences
1.
Illness
2.
Death in the family
3.
Serious illness in the family
4.
Injury (Sprained ankle, pulled muscle, broken bones)
5.
Family emergency
6.
Extenuating circumstances
In
the summer if there is a family vacation planed, church camp, etc... These
activities are excused but you must notify the sponsor in advance.
If
a cheerleader is absent from school on a game day they will not be allowed to
cheer that night. (Doctor and Dental appointments, etc. are exceptions but you
must notify the coach in advance) By
AAA Rules, you must be at school ½ day to participate that night.
The
following are examples of unexcused absences:
1.
Work, jobs, baby-sitting, etc. are not excused.
2.
Dates, birthday parties, plans with friends.
The
reason for this harshness on absences is because cheerleaders make a
commitment to be in attendance to support their school and they are expected
to honor that commitment. Season
schedules for both football and basketball are published and available before
each season begins. For this
reason cheerleaders should be well aware when they are committed to cheer and
then possible personal conflicts can be worked out in advance.
An
unexcused absence from a ball game results in 8 demerits.
These
restrictions may appear severe; however, when selected as a cheerleader the
student has been made aware of all the requirements and restrictions and it is
essential that they be followed and enforced.
In
the case of emergency or unforeseen circumstances in which the cheerleader
must be absent the sponsor must be notified.
(Section
4)
Each squad member shall keep their parents informed of the practice
schedule.
(Section
5)
Uniforms for practice will include loose fitting shorts, T-shirts, and
soft sole shoes. Improper dress
can result in points being deducted and possible letter grade reduction for
senior high members enrolled in the cheerleading class.
Failure to meet deadlines and turn in proper assignments can also
result in a deduction of letter grades. Example:
making late basketballs or footballs, or scrapbooks.
**No jewelry may be worn during practice time or any games or
performances. This is a AAA rule.
NO Body piercings. Cheerleaders MUST remove any body jewelry they have or they
will not be allowed to participate. This
is for the safety of the cheerleader and other cheerleaders.
ARTICLE
6- CHEERLEADER CAPTAIN AND
CO-CAPTAIN
(Section
1)
The Captain and Co-Captain shall be elected by secret ballot by the
cheerleaders and by the sponsor/coach. The
captain should be a senior with at least one year experience from the jr. or
sr. high cheerleading squad. The
co-captain can be in 12th, 11th, or 10th grade, but must also have a year of
experience at either the jr. or sr. high level.
If there are no seniors eligible for captain, then preference will be
given to Jr's, and then sophomores with the 1-year of experience.
The same is true for jr. high. The
captain should be a 9th grader with at least one year of experience while the
co-captain may be from the 8th, or 9th grade.
Captains can be removed or reassigned at any time by the sponsor/coach.
If no one has a year of experience, then the captain positions are open
to anyone.
(Section 2)
Captain’s duties
a.
One captain shall serve for the entire year of football and basketball
season.
b.
The captain is the highest in command of the squad members, and must
use mature judgment in making all decisions. (They must have the
sponsor’s/coaches approval.)
c.
To take charge of leading cheers at practices
d. To keep cheers going
at games.
e. To talk with the
coach/sponsor about any conduct, complaints, uncooperative cheerleaders, or
squad problems.
f. To assist with
the list of cheers and chants for pep assemblies.
g.
To announce to squad members the uniform to wear to school and to the
game on game day. The uniform
must be approved by the sponsor/coach.
(Section
3)
Co-Captain duties:
a.
To assist the captain in all of their duties.
b.
To take the captain's place if they are absent.
c.
To work closely with the captain and the coach/sponsor.
ARTICLE
7- UNIFORMS
(Section 1)
The official uniform shall be decided upon by the squad members and the
sponsor/coach when a new one is needed.
(Section 2)
Uniforms are the responsibility of the individual cheerleader. However, the school will help with the initial cost if
possible. This will include
uniforms that can be passed down. (Not personalized items)
Fundraising opportunities will be provided to reduce your cost.
(Section 3)
New uniforms will be purchased when needed.
Each cheerleader should plan to pay for extra things such as shoes,
socks, tights, gloves, bodysuits, jackets, warm ups and camp.
(Section 4)
Anything not covered by fundraisers should be paid for by the parents.
Anything purchased by the school should be returned at the end of the
year. Anything that the
cheerleaders purchase is theirs to keep at the end of the year.
Uniforms purchased through fundraisers are school property.
If a uniform is damaged or misplaced, the student must pay the
replacement cost.
ARTICLE
8- CONDUCT AND RESPONSIBILITY
(Section 1)
Grade Responsibility
Classroom
work is first at Gentry High School. Cheerleading shall take precedence over
all other activities for its members. Other
activities cannot interfere with practices, games, or any activity concerning
cheerleading.
(Section 2)
The cheerleaders of Gentry High School shall be subject to the rules of
conduct stated in the student handbook. To
break any rule could result in dismissal from the squad.
(Section
3)
Demerits
Smoking,
drinking alcoholic beverages,
or
use of illegal drugs
Suspension with possible Expulsion
Unexcused
absence from a ball game
8
Unexcused
absence from a practice
5
Missing
the bus or van for a game
5
Use
of profanity or vulgar language
while
in uniform
5
Disrespectful
to school staff, sponsor or
another
squad member.
5
Display
of poor sportsmanship
5
Late
to home game, practice or from half time
1
Eating
or chewing gum during game
1
Excessive
talking during game or practice
1
Wearing incorrect uniform
1
When 1-5 demerits have been accumulated it will
result in a warning and a conference with the sponsor/coach on how the
problems might be solved. Once a
cheerleader has 10 demerits, the parents will be notified.
When 20 demerits have been given it will result in automatic dismissal
from the squad. Dismissal means
the cheerleader will not be able to try out for the squad again.
The
coach/sponsor has the authority to bench or suspend a cheerleader for
any action. (Bad attitude, attendance problems, improper uniforms,
etc.) If a cheerleader is
suspended, the parents will be notified by phone and/or letter.
(Section
4)
Pep Assemblies
The
principal will work with the cheerleaders in scheduling pep assemblies.
If possible, notification should be one week in advance of a desired
pep assembly.
(Section
5)
Grades
Cheerleaders
must maintain a "C" average, and acquire no semester grade of an
"F", or an automatic 9-week suspension will occur.
If grades begin to drop a cheerleader can be asked to sit out until
they raise the grade to satisfactory.
(Section
6)
Conduct
Due
to the cost of cheerleading and the training involved, one may not quit. To do
so will result in 1-year suspension from trying out again.
This also applies to 9th graders moving up to senior high.
If they quit during their 9th grade year, they will not be eligible to
tryout for the senior high squad the following year.
Once you get into the rigorous summer schedule and/or 1st
ball-game, that constitutes the start of that year.
Quitting after that requires you to sit out the next full year.
The coach/sponsor shall have the power to
suspend, bench, or drop permanently any cheerleader who fails to follow any
squad rules, or rules in the student handbook.
(Section 7)
The squad may have fund raising projects. Each cheerleader must do
their share in making the fundraiser a success.
Parents may be asked to participate.
At the senior high level, parent involvement is really urgent for
projects such as the U of A program sales.
(Section 8)
Cheerleading funds will pay for supplies used to promote school spirit,
with coach/sponsor's approval. Anything
outside of materials purchased will be up to the individual cheerleaders.
ARTICLE
9- CONSTITUTION REVISION
This
constitution may be revised or changed as the need arises with the approval of
the coach/sponsor. They also
reserve the right to form a committee for major constitution changes.
This
constitution has been reviewed by the Gentry School Board previously and was
noted that it was not necessary for board approval any more.
Gentry
Schools has an athletic handbook in place (effective 2004-05 school year).
However, the athletic director still expects this constitution and set
of rules to stay in place. The school athletic handbook is not replacing this!
Constitution
Submitted 1964-65 School Term
Last
Major Revision – April 13, 2004