2. Cheerleading Constitution
I. Philosophy
_____ High school cheerleading is an important and intricate part of the
high school and community culture. Our community and school
appreciates the cheerleader’s leadership and performance, pep rallies,
games, half times, and other spirit events. It is our goal to create and
maintain a championship and leadership guided cheerleading squad with
positive well rounded cheerleaders by fostering a teamwork, goal oriented
squad that promotes positive school spirit, ethical conduct, accountability,
fair play, good sportsmanship, school unity, and support for fellow
athletes while maintaining a high level of respect for themselves, their
community, and their school. Tradition is our responsibility!
II. Cheerleader Mission Statement
_____ We believe in our team and ourselves. We believe we have what it
takes to succeed. We are committed to supporting one another and our
coaches. We may not always agree, but we will concentrate on our goals
and work out our differences respectfully. We are committed to
maintaining the utmost respect for our community, our school, our
coaches, our teammates, and ourselves. We will have no regrets, we will
succeed.
III. Purpose
_____ The purpose of the SHS Hawks cheerleading squad is to foster and
uphold positive school spirit and to support our fellow athletes throughout
their seasons. Cheerleaders at Skyview High School are expected to
represent SHS in a positive manner at all times. Cheerleaders should also
set the example of good behavior at all times, at games, at school
3. functions, whether performing or not, in or out of uniforms, as well as off
school grounds. The program should also benefit the participants by
building self-esteem, developing cheerleading skills, and teaching life
skills of communication and cooperation. Each participant has a personal
responsibility to promote friendship and teamwork among all team
members regardless of cheerleading level or grade in school. Participants
are also expected to promote positive friendship and positive
sportsmanship with all high schools we compete against, perform against,
or attend any other function with.
IV. General Responsibilities
_____ Throughout the year, cheerleaders will be responsible for summer
practices, summer camp, before and/or after school practices, Saturday
practice, football, basketball, competitions, fundraisers, community
service events, and any other designated events as determined by coaches.
Attendance is required at every mandatory event and will be calculated.
Calendars will be handed out throughout the season to inform students and
parents of upcoming events. Cheerleaders have a personal responsibility
to uphold and maintain positive reputations, attitudes, and school spirit at
all times.
V. Conduct and General Rules
_____ Every attempt will be made to discipline fairly and equally, and to
make consequences of athletes correct to any actions known ahead of
time. When infractions occur, coaches will first work with the athletes
first to correct inappropriate behavior. If these attempts are unsuccessful,
parents will be notified. Also, parents will be notified immediately if an
infraction is deemed serious. Severity of, or repeated offenses may dictate
harsher action. After conducting a meeting with the athlete and parent, if
problems are not resolved, administration may then get involved.
_____ Promoting good sportsmanship by way of example is required at
all times.
4. _____ You are expected to be on time to all events, competitions, games,
practice, etc.
_____ On time means being in uniform, dressed and ready to go five
minutes prior to your scheduled time.
_____ Public displays of affection (P.D.A.) are never considered
appropriate. No P.D.A. in uniform, respectful P.D.A. out of uniform.
_____ Representing the school, community, and the squad in a positive
manner is required at all times. This includes on and off school grounds
and in or out of uniform.
_____ Being in uniform is a privilege not a right and you are required to
have good taste when in uniform.
_____ The highest respect will be held for all visitors, coaches, parents,
fellow athletes, teammates, and district employees.
_____ The SHS dress code must be followed at all times.
_____ By being part of a spirit team, you are accepting the fact that your
actions are more prominent than those not associated with such an
activity. Because of this, exemplary behavior is mandatory at all times,
anywhere in the community and at all school functions where you are
recognized as a representative of Skyview High School .
_____ Cheerleaders must display proper behavior in class, including
being on time, not skipping, and not cheating.
_____ Cheerleaders must respect facilities, locker rooms, practice areas,
etc. These areas must be left in a clean and tidy manner. In addition,
cheerleaders must respect the personal property of the other cheerleaders
and people at SHS.
_____ Each case of discipline will be judged individually. The coach,
with the assistance of the administration if deemed necessary, has the final
decisions in any discipline situation.
_____ Cheerleaders will be held accountable for any inappropriate text
message or picture messages that they distribute to others. Cheerleaders
should use their best judgment when texting or sending picture mail. If
you would not want your coach or parents to see it, you should not send it.
_____ If a cheerleader or parent of a cheerleader communicates to a
coach that the cheerleader is quitting, this cannot be reversed. We will not
5. take back a cheerleader who has quit the team. In addition, quitting may
affect the cheerleader’s ability to make the team in following years.
_____ Cheerleaders are expected to communicate in a positive manner
with all squad members, coaches, and district employees, as well as guests
and parents.
_____ Defiance of authority or refusal to obey orders will not be
tolerated, this means reasonable request or instruction.
_____ Personal issues are to be left at the door. Cheerleading can be a
dangerous activity and requires 110% of attention at all times.
_____ Positive attitudes are required at all times.
_____ Cheerleaders have a personal responsibility to promote friendship
among all team members regardless of cheerleading level or grade in
school.
_____ Speaking poorly about any other squad member as well as any
other SHS athlete or student will not be tolerated.
_____ Fingernails are not to be any longer than the tip of your finger.
_____ Being an SHS cheerleader is a privilege not a right.
_____ Absolutely no jewelry at any time, it is a danger to all participants.
No exceptions.
_____ Cheerleaders are required to attend all squad fundraisers.
_____ Constructive criticism must be presented in a positive manner.
_____ Cell phones are not permitted to be on during practice, games,
performances, fundraisers or any other scheduled event.
_____ New piercings and or tattoos are strictly prohibited during the
season.
_____ When wearing any attire associated with cheerleading, tattoos must
be covered.
_____ You must be dressed down and ready to go at the start of practice.
_____ Cheerleaders are expected to maintain a positive attitude and
behavior at all times.
_____ Any equipment not covered by fundraising funds at the end of the
year will become an out of pocket expense.
_____ Cheerleaders are required to turn in every piece of the uniform(s)
that have been issued to them by the end of the season. If the uniform is
6. not turned in, cheerleader will be charged full price for the equipment or
uniforms, transcripts and diplomas will be held until fees are paid in full.
_____ All cheerleaders must know all the cheers and routines for the
game (if not the cheerleader may be benched until cheers are learned)
_____ No socializing with other cheerleaders, friends, parents, spectators,
etc. while the game is in progress.
_____ It is expected that all cheerleaders will have knowledge of the
routine and will keep up their skills at all times so that even if they are not
in the competition routine at that time, they would be able to easily replace
an injured teammate at any time.
____If coaches are working harder than you in workouts or fundraisers,
there is a problem and consequences will ensue.
VI. Academic Eligibility
_____ The academic eligibility rules for Skyview High School will be
followed.
_____ If an athlete becomes ineligible, she is required to practice with the
team but cannot dress out in uniform for the games, competitions, or
events during the period of ineligibility.
_____ All member must have a current physical and signed contract on
file with the coach before practices begin.
_____ Eligibility must be maintained on a weekly basis and will be
checked every Monday morning.
_____ If you are ineligible at the end of the school year, regardless if you
have made the next season’s team, you will be automatically dismissed
from the team.
_____ If you are ineligible at the end of any semester, you are
automatically dismissed from the team.
VII. Absence Policy
_____ Cheerleading is a team sport and one person being absent greatly
affect the entire team. Absences should be avoided when possible.
7. _____ If you miss a practice, excused or unexcused within three practices
of any scheduled event or competition, you will be unable to perform and
expected to be in attendance and dressed out at that event or competition.
_____ If you are injured, you are expected to be in attendance at all
games, events, competitions, and/or practices.
_____ If you miss any practice within a practice prior to any game, you
will be unable to stunt at that game.
_____ If you miss warm ups prior to any game, you will be unable to
stunt and may be pulled from the game.
_____ Absences due to work schedules, outside activities (including other
sports), obtaining a driver’s license, taking driving classes, etc. are
UNEXCUSED.
_____ Absences due to family outings are generally UNEXCUSED;
however, consideration may be given to extraordinary circumstances that
are approved by the coach well in advance of the event. The coach will
determine what is considered reasonable notice for an absence due to a
family event. As a point of references, two weeks is the minimum
advance notice.
_____ Any absences, excused or unexcused, may have an impact on
whether or not a cheerleader will compete at any given competition. It is
imperative that all cheerleaders attend practice in order for the team to be
successful.
_____ Routine doctor appointments should not be scheduled during
scheduled spirit activities.
_____ Absence due to illness, funeral, or emergency will be generally
EXCUSED if coach is notified prior to the missed practice/event.
Notification of either talking directly with coach or leaving a message on
coach’s cell phone PRIOR to the absences is required.
_____ If an illness causes more than two absences, a doctor’s note must
be presented for the absences to be excused.
_____ The reason for any absence must be provided to the coach. It is
not sufficient to just say that you will not be at an event. You must
provide a reason!
_____ A parent does not have the ability to “excuse” a cheerleader from
8. any event. Only the coach has the authority to decides what absences are
excused or unexcused.
_____ A student must be in attendance a full day of school in order to
participate in any event, game, or competition.
What is an excused absence?
Family emergencies, school function with 24 hour notice minimum,
doctor’s appointments with a doctor’s note, family vacation time with a
two week notice.
What is an unexcused absence?
Any absence that does not follow the above excused absences- regardless
of the reason or excuse. Parent phone calls, text messages or emails will
not be accepted as an excused absence.
Injuries- If you are injured, you must have a doctor’s note describing
injury and when you are allowed to participate again. Regardless of the
injury, you will be expected to be suited up and in attendance at all games
and practices.
Unexcused absence penalties are broken down per football/basketball
season as follows:
Late breakdown-regardless of the reason you are late, the following
penalties will be assigned
1-5 minutes late = 2 extra laps
5-15 minutes = 2 extra laps + 50 burpies
3 tardies=1 unexcused = Sidelined- half game (in uniform)
4 + tardies = 2 extra laps + 50 burpies & quarter of
the following game
1 unexcused absences = Sidelined- half game (in uniform)
2 unexcused absences = Sidelined-whole game (in uniform)
unexcused absences after 2 = 2 whole games
Additional Penalties
9. changing out of designated game day uniform at school = sidelined ¼
game
Attitude
1st
offense = one-on-one conversation/warning
2nd
offense = 4 laps
3rd
offense = sidelined ¼ game
4th
offense = Parent/cheerleader/coaches conference
It is not acceptable to text or call a coach 5 minutes before practice
starts to inform them you are going to be late or not attending. This will
be counted as an unexcused absence or tardy regardless of the situation.
Please communicate ahead of time. If you are late or absent for medical
purposes, please have a written doctors note.
VIII. School Attendance
_____ The competition, game, and practice schedule for a SHS
cheerleader is very hectic and time consuming. Athletes must be able to
effectively manage their schedules while maintaining good grades and
attendance at school. Student athletes are held to a higher standard and it
is not acceptable for athletes to miss school the day of a game or the day
after a game due to the stress of competition or performing or being tired.
All athletes that are absent from school (for any length of times) during
the period surrounding a game must provide the coach with a doctor’s note
stating why they were absent.
IX. Practices & Stunting
_____ Safety is our number one priority.
_____ Cheerleaders are required to arrive at all events five minutes prior
to the scheduled time.
_____ Hair must be out of the eyes and secured in a ponytail if shoulder
10. length or below.
_____ All stunts will be progressively warmed up.
_____ There will be no talking during stunting or while any stunt is off
the ground.
_____ All stunts must be under the supervision of an SHS coach.
_____ Stunting outside of practice is strictly prohibited.
_____ Safe stunting will be practiced at all times.
_____ Unsafe stunting may result in being removed from stunting.
_____ Only stunts that have been approved by coaches, and progressively
warmed up under a coaches supervision may be performed.
_____ Placement of stunt groups, performances, competitions, and cheer
lines is a decision of the coach. At any time leading up to a performance,
if a team member does not have the routine clean enough for performance
or does not have the tumbling or stunting skills required, they may be
removed from the routine.
_____ All team members are expected to progress in their skills.
_____ Lack of progression or inability to keep up with overall progression
may result in not being able to stunt.
_____ If you have missed one or more practices, the coach reserves the
right to pull you from the next performance or cheer line.
_____ All stunt positions are determined by coaches.
X. Uniforms
_____ “In uniform” consists of being in cheer uniform, cheer warm-ups
or any assigned cheer outfit.
_____ Uniforms must be cleaned and neat. Team athletic shoes must be
clean.
_____ When “in uniform”, all cheerleaders must have the same uniform
look.
_____ When wearing the cheer uniform, you must wear cheer shoes (NO
flip flops, Uggs, etc.)
_____ No gum chewing or eating during practices, performances, or
11. games.
_____ Cheerleaders will not loan out any piece of their uniform to
anyone. Warm-ups, sweatshirts, practice clothes, etc. are considered to be
part of your cheer wardrobe and should not be worn by anyone other than
yourself.
_____ NO P.D.A in uniform, respectful P.D.A out of uniform.
_____ Hair must be pulled into a full ponytail for all games, and
practices.
_____ No jewelry in uniform.
XII. Transportation
_____ Transportation to games, camp, and practice is the responsibility
for the individual, unless bussing is stated otherwise.
XIII. Discipline Policy
_____ The discipline policy consists of three strikes you are out.
1. _____ Minor Infractions – i.e. wearing the wrong
outfit, chewing gum or eating during practice, jewelry, not
wearing assigned outfit to school, uniform/dress code violations,
etc. will result in extra conditioning. Example punishment might
be running laps after practice, doing pushups after practice,
excessive issues will result with a Letter of Reprimand.
2. _____ Major Infractions – such as unexcused absences,
public display of affections, disrespect, postings to public internet
sites such as Facebook/Twitter/Instagram, sending inappropriate
text/picture messages, cheating, etc. will result in a Letter of
Reprimand.
3. _____ Grade Issues – Ongoing grade issues or regularly
showing up on the ineligibility report will result in a Letter of
Reprimand.
4. _____ The first Letter of Reprimand results in a
12. warning, the 2nd
results in two benchings, the timing of the
benching will be at the coach’s discretion. The 3rd
Letter of
Reprimand results in automatic dismissal from the team.
5. _____ Letters of Reprimand are final and will not be
negotiated.
XIV. Automatic Dismissal Guideline
_____ Possession or use of alcohol, drugs, or any illegal or abuse of any
legal substance is strictly prohibited on or off school grounds, use or
possession of any of the above will result automatic dismissal from the
team.
_____ Failure to leave any social function where the above listed items
are present is strictly prohibited, and will result in automatic dismissal
from the team.
_____ Any illegal act will result in automatic dismissal from the team.
_____ Any suspension from school will result in automatic dismissal
from the team.
_____ Endangering any person’s health, threatening any person, and/or
physical fighting on or off school grounds will result in automatic
dismissal from the team.
_____ Any expulsion from school will result in automatic dismissal from
the team.
_____ If automatic dismissal occurs at any time, the cheerleader is
responsible for any outstanding debt and must return all uniforms and
equipment.
_____ Automatic dismissal may reflect on tryouts the following year.
XV. Letter of Reprimand
_____ Letters of Reprimand are the official way of documenting
violations of this contract. Notification of a Letter of Reprimand may be
given in the form of a verbal conversation, an email, or written letter. The
Formal Letter of Reprimand will note the infraction and the consequences
13. related to that infraction and will be given to the cheerleader as soon as
possible after the infraction has occurred. At any time, a cheerleader may
contact the coach to get information regarding how many Letters of
Reprimand they have received and any consequences. It is always a goal
for coaches to work directly with athletes on any discipline problems we
are experiencing, therefore, parents may not receive notification that an
athlete has received a Letter of Reprimand; it is the responsibility of the
athlete to relay this information.
XVI. Program Finances
_____ Uniforms are fundraised for and are property of the school’s
cheerleading program. Once distributed to team members, they are to be
kept in good condition and clean at all times.
_____ Uniforms may not be altered without advanced approval by a
coach.
_____ Camp fees, gymnastics fees, personal clothing items, etc. are the
responsibility of the member.
_____ Fundraising opportunities are available; however it is the
individual’s responsibility to pay all expenses. Any unused fundraising
money at the end of the season will become all squad money for the
following school year. No reimbursement checks will be issued.
_____ Payments are expected to be made on time. If payments are not
received, your items will not be ordered and/or distributed and this will
most likely delay your participation on the team.
_____ Cheerleading has an expected expense of roughly $1000.00 per
cheerleader for a full season.
XVII. Final Thoughts
14. _____ Being a Skyview High School cheerleader is a privilege not a right.
_____ Anything not covered in this constitution that may arise as a
problem in the future is subject to an addition or change. The additions or
change will be handled at the discretion of the coaches and will be
approved by the activities director.
Student & Parent Contract
15. I, ______________________________ and my parent (s)
_______________________________ have read, understood, and are
willing to abide by the 2014-2015 Skyview High School Cheerleading
Constitution. I understand that the failure to do so may result in dismissal
from the team. I understand that the coaches have final say over all
concerns and matter dealing with the SHS cheerleading program. I also
understand that the failure to sign and turn in this constitution prior to July
29th
, 2014 will result in dismissal from this team.
__________________________________________________________
Student/Cheerleader Name
___________________________________________________________
Student/Cheerleader Signature
_______________________________________
Date
___________________________________________________________
Parent (s) Name
___________________________________________________________
_Parent (s) Signature
_______________________________________
Date
