Jim Ned Cheerleader & Mascot Constitution / 2014-2015 /

Preamble
Students are not obligated to participate as either a cheerleader or mascot. Doing so is a privilege, and as such, sponsors and administrators possess the authority to revoke this privilege, based on the guidelines set forth in this constitution and the Jim Ned CISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct.

Cheerleaders and mascot are expected to abide by the rules and guidelines associated with the privilege, realizing that they are more stringent than those established for the general student body. Violation of the rules will result in corrective and/or disciplinary action. All known facts will be taken into consideration prior to action being taken.

Cheerleaders and mascot are expected to abide by an honor system, self-reporting any mistakes or violations to the cheerleading sponsor.

Program Goal

The purpose of the cheerleading program will be to: demonstrate leadership, demonstrate high morals, promote school spirit, develop good sportsmanship within campus and community, promote school loyalty, and develop good rela-tionships between schools during athletic events.

Jim Ned Cheerleader & Mascot Constitution / 2014-2015

Bobby Easterling, JNCISD Superintendent

325-554-7500

David Hogan, JNHS Principal

325-554-7755

Jay Wise, JNMS Principal

325-554-7870

Approved by JNCISD Board of Trustees March, 2013

Contents

Statement of Intent

Issuance of Guidelines

General Guidelines

Appeal Process

Conclusion

Constitution

Article I – Goal

Article II – Membership

Section I – Length of Commitment

Section II – Expenses and Fund Raising

Section III – Parent Support

Section IV – Tryout Eligibility

Section V – Elections

Section VI – Campus Discipline

Section VII – Quitting and Dismissal

Section VIII – Ability

Article III – Organization

Article IV – Responsibilities

Section I – Attendance

Section II – Summer Activities

Section III – Performance Expectations

Section IV – Eligibility Maintenance

Section V – Conduct

Section VI – Uniforms

Section VII – Practice

Section VIII – Games

Article V – Attendance

Section I – Practices and Activities

Section II – Performances and Games

Section III – Miscellaneous

Article VI – Merits and Demerits

Section I – Issuance

Section II – Merits

Section III – Demerits

Section IV – Consequences

Article VII – Probation

Section I – Scholastic Probation

Section II – Program Probation

Section III – Reasons for Dismissal

Acknowledgment

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Jim Ned Cheerleader & Mascot Constitution / 2014-2015 /

Statement of Intent

Issuance of Guidelines

  1. The cheerleading sponsor must: (1) inform cheerleaders and mascot under her supervision of the guidelines, and (2) administer corrective and/or disciplinary action fairly and in accordance with this constitution and the JNCISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct.
  2. Cheerleaders and mascot, as well as their parent(s)/guardian(s), must be aware that the primary degree of prevention, with regard to violations, is their responsibility. The cheerleading sponsor is bound by this constitution and the JNCISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct.
  3. Cheerleaders and mascot, as well as their parent(s)/guardian(s), will be required to sign a statement indicating that the guidelines in this constitution and the JNCISD Extracurricular Code of Conducthave been reviewed and that their significance is understood prior to involvement.

General Guidelines

The following guidelines are broad in scope and the majority are further delineated in the body of this constitution.

  1. Cheerleaders and mascot are representatives of Jim Ned CISD. As such, each individual is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is above reproach, at a standard higher than the general student body. This includes attendance, regardless of level of participation, at gatherings or establishments where alcoholic beverages are served in the presence of minors (unless accompanied by a parent/guardian). Each individual must be keenly aware of and monitor his/her behavior with regard to language, pictures, and/or videos posted on social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and YouTube. Respect toward students, teachers, administrators, and adults is required on and off campus, regardless of the individual’s affiliation, or non-affiliation, with JNCISD.
  2. A cheerleader or mascot found guilty of unlawful acts by law enforcement agencies will be subject to permanent dismissal from the cheerleading and mascot program.
  3. A cheerleader or mascot found guilty of stealing or willfully destroying JNCISD property, property of a fellow student, or property of another school district is subject to permanent dismissal from the cheerleading and mascot program.
  4. JNCISD policy states that students may not use or have in their possession any tobacco products on school property or at school functions. Cheerleaders and mascot are not allowed to chew, dip, or smoke.
  5. If a cheerleader or mascot must miss a practice, he/she or a parent/guardian must notify the cheerleading sponsor in advance. Failure to do so may result in the cheerleader or mascot being removed from some or all of the upcoming events. If a cheerleader or mascot has an unexcused absence from school, he/she may be removed from some or all of the upcoming events.

Appeal Process

If a cheerleader or mascot is dissatisfied with the corrective or disciplinary decision of the cheerleading sponsor, his/her appeal is to be made to the campus administrator.

Conclusion

JNCISD sponsors and administrators expect nothing but the very best from the Jim NedCheerleaders and Mascot program, specifically the students that are representing our district. Each individual is expected to discern the difference between right and wrong with the direction of their parent(s)/guardian(s) and sponsor. Avoiding, as well as not being the source of, negative peer pressure and following the guidelines and rules prescribed within this constitution and the JNCISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct will be beneficial in developing each individual’s self-respect, respect of others, and respect of community. Individual and team success can result only if students, sponsors, administrators, and the community all strive for excellence.

Constitution

Article I – Goal

The goal of this document is the development of a uniform set of guidelines for the Jim Ned Cheerleaders and Mascot. These guidelines will focus on membership requirements, the proper implementation of tryouts, and performance expectations.

Article II – Membership

Section I – Length of Commitment

This is a one-year commitment, beginning with election and culminating at the end of the following school year, unless dismissed from the program. Each member is expected to give of his/her time to actively participate in required activities throughout the year.

Section II – Expenses and Fund Raising

Each member and his/her parent(s)/guardian(s) will be aware of the responsibilities and expenses associated with the Jim Ned Cheerleader and Mascot program. Cheerleaders will be responsible for the following expenses:

  1. megaphones and cost of lettering,
  2. all camp wear,
  3. bloomers,
  4. tights,
  5. pompons,
  6. socks,
  7. shoes,
  8. accessories (ribbons, etc.), and
  9. partial camp fees.

A down payment of 50 % of the total bill will be required at the time of ordering. Purchases must be paid for before items are released. Approximate cost is $750.00.

Jim Ned CISD pays for and maintains ownership of:

  1. skirts,
  2. sweaters,
  3. shells,
  4. mascot suit,
  5. mascot head,
  6. gloves,
  7. head bands, and
  8. rain ponchos.

Partial camp fees, travel expenses, and decoration expenses will be sourced from the program budget. Each member will participate in all fund-raising activities in order to meet his/her obligations and additional expenses.

Cheerleaders and/or parents must have prior approval from the cheerleading sponsor to purchase any items for cheerleaders.

If a cheerleader is dismissed from the squad, all expenses are non-refundable.

Section III – Parent Support

Each member’s parent(s)/guardian(s) must be willing to support the member in complying with all rules and guidelines of the school and program.

Section IV – Tryout Eligibility

Candidates must meet the following criteria to be eligible for tryouts:

  1. Student and parent(s)/guardian(s) must attend a scheduled orientation meeting and clear any outstanding program balances from the previous year, if applicable.
  2. Return, to the cheerleading coach, a contract signed by the student and a parent/guardian acknowledging the understanding of, and agreement with, the Jim Ned CISD Cheerleading & Mascot Constitution, and giving permission for the student to participate in cheerleading and mascot tryouts.
  3. Be enrolled as a student at Jim Ned Middle School or Jim Ned High School at least 15 days prior to the registration deadline for cheerleader and mascot tryouts and satisfy the UIL residency rules for varsity athletic eligibility.
  4. Be scholastically eligible as determined by UIL guidelines and district policy, and have a sufficient number of credits for high school classification.
  5. Have no course average lower than 70 during the previous semester and the six-week grading period completed prior to the registration deadline for cheerleader and mascot tryouts.
  6. If a candidate has violated the Student Code of Conduct, resulting in in-school suspension (ISS), out-of-school suspension, or Discipline Alternative Education Program (DAEP) placement during the current school year, there will be a campus-level review of the severity of the discipline problem and eligibility for tryouts will be determined by the campus administrator. Any repeated instance of disciplinary misconduct during the current school year which resulted in ISS, out-of-school suspension or DAEP placement will forfeit eligibility to tryout.
  7. Acknowledge that he/she is physically fit to perform as a cheerleader or mascot.
  8. A physical is required to be on file with the cheerleading sponsor and athletic department before tryout clinics begin.
  9. If the candidate has had a recent injury or extensive illness within the last six months, a release is required by the attending physician. It must state that the student will be physically able to participate in tryouts and if elected will be able to fulfill their duties in the upcoming season.
  10. If the candidate was a cheerleader the previous year, return all uniforms and pay all amounts owed, if any, prior to tryouts.
  11. Attend mandatory tryout clinics on the days scheduled prior to tryouts.
  12. Have tryout attire approved by the cheerleading coach prior to the day of tryouts. Cheerleader candidates must wear black or navy shorts (compression shorts may be required to comply with dress code) and a Jim Ned T-shirt void of alteration.
  13. Be present the entire school day on which judging occurs.

Section V – Elections

Tryouts and the election process will adhere to the following guidelines:

  1. Perform a cheer, chant, and dance routine before a panel of three judges from a local university. The judges will rank the candidates on a performance-based rating scale:
  2. Jumps: height, pointed toes, proper arm position.
  3. Cheers, chant, and dance: proper hand position, proper arm angles, correct cheer motions, sharp and dynamic motions, proper timing.
  4. Spirit projection: good voice projection, smiles, enthusiasm, peppiness & motivation.
  5. Overall perception: sparkle, shine, good posture, no distracting mannerisms, potential success.
  6. Candidates will perform a(n):
  7. Entrance when the candidate is introduced.
  8. Group cheer taught at clinic.
  9. Individual cheer taught at clinic.
  10. Dance routine taught at clinic.
  11. Chant taught at clinic.
  12. Exit.
  13. The fourteen cheerleader candidates (and any ties) with the highest total scores will try out before the student body for Varsity.
  14. The eight cheerleader candidates (and any ties) with the highest total scores will try out before the student body for the JV squad.
  15. The twelve cheerleader candidates (and any ties) with the highest total scores will try out before the student body for the Middle School squad.
  16. The three mascot candidates (and any ties) with the highest total scores will try out before the student body.
  17. Only students from the same grade span as the cheerleader candidates will be eligible, student body voters. Current-year 8th through 11th graders will vote for eight Varsity cheerleader candidates, four JV cheerleader candidates, and one mascot candidate.Current 6th and 7th graders will vote for eight MS cheerleader candidates and one mascot candidate.
  18. All students will sign and turn in their ballots to the election officials. Voting will take place immediately after tryouts. Tabulation of all scoring will be under the supervision of school administrators and no member of any candidate’s family will be part of this process.
  19. The cheerleaders and mascots will be chosen based on the following criteria:
  20. Judges evaluation (40%)
  21. School evaluation (40%)
  22. Student body election (20%)
  23. In the event of a tie, the following order of scores will be used to determine the squad member:
  24. School evaluation
  25. Judge evaluation
  26. Student body election
  27. No campaigning from candidate or parents (signs, flyers, handouts, social media, etc.) is allowed during the entire election process, else the candidate will be dismissed.
  28. Alternates
  29. One cheerleader and one mascot alternate will be selected for the squad. The try out scores will determine the alternates.
  30. The candidate with the ninth highest score will be first alternate for cheerleader.
  31. The mascot candidate with the second highest score will be first alternate for mascot.
  32. The alternate may replace any elected cheerleader or mascot who is unable to fulfill their term as a cheerleader or mascot.
  33. The alternate’s name will not be released until needed.
  34. Mascot
  35. Candidates must try out individually in the mascot costume.
  36. Candidates must wear the Indian head properly, from beginning to end of the try out skit.
  37. Mascot skits must be in good taste.
  38. Each candidate will perform one approved skit with a maximum time limit of three minutes before the panel of judges. The judges will rank the candidates on a performance-based rating scale.
  39. Each mascot candidate will perform an approved skit with the following provisions:
  40. Background music is optional. If used, music must be approved by the cheerleading coach.
  41. Three (3) minute maximum time limit.
  42. Use of props is allowed, but requires prior approval and is limited in cost to $10 per candidate.
  43. No campaigning from candidate or parents (signs, flyers, handouts, social media, etc.) is allowed during entire election process, else the candidate will be dismissed.
  44. Cheerleading coach has final discretion regarding appropriateness of try out attire, paraphernalia, and skit.
  45. Any obscene gestures, deliberate acts of unsportsmanlike conduct, or actions in poor taste will result in immediate dismissal from tryouts.

Section VI – Campus Discipline

Students with a single DAEP placement or more than one ISS placement will be dismissed from the program.

Section VII – Quitting and Dismissal

Any member that has quit the program and/or been dismissed is ineligible for membership in the program for one calendar year from the date of quitting or dismissal.

Section VIII – Ability

Members must be able to fully participate in all activities with vigor. No major illnesses, disorders, or injuries that would limit performance will be allowed.

Article III – Organization

The Jim Ned High School Varsity Cheerleading Squad will consist of eight members and one mascot; the JV squad will consist of four members. Cheerleader positions are for one year, beginning with elections through the end of the following school year. Freshmen candidates may try out for the JV squad; sophomore candidates may choose to try out for the JV or Varsity squad. However, if a sophomore candidate chooses to try out for the Varsity squad and does not make the squad, they will not be eligible for election onto the JV squad. Junior and senior candidates may only try out for the Varsity squad.

The Jim Ned Middle School Cheerleading Squad will consist of eight members and one mascot.

Article IV – Responsibilities

Section I – Attendance

Each member must attend class, athletic events, practices, activities, and competitions designated by the cheerleading sponsor. Each member must participate in projects to promote school spirit and assigned fund-raising activities.Cheerleader and mascot duties and responsibilities are as important as any other commitment. Schedules should be arranged to accommodate games, practices, and meetings. For further details, see Article V.

Section II – Summer Activities

All members are required to attend cheerleading camp during the summer. Attendance is required for all practice sessions set for this camp by the cheerleading sponsor.All members must be available for practice/planning sessions two weeks prior to the beginning of school.

Section III – Performance Expectations

Any member that doesn’t meet performance expectations, as determined by the cheerleading sponsor, or has one or more absences from practice, may be excluded from the week’s performances, at the cheerleader sponsor’s discretion.

Section IV – Eligibility Maintenance

Each member is expected to maintain eligibility according to UIL rules.

Section V – Conduct

Members must comply with all rules stated in his/her campus’ student handbook, the Jim Ned CISD Student Code of Conduct, the Jim Ned CISD Extracurricular Code of Conduct, and this constitution.

Cheerleaders and mascot are representatives of Jim Ned CISD. As such, each individual is expected to conduct themselves in a manner that is above reproach, at a standard higher than the general student body. This includes attendance, regardless of level of participation, at gatherings or establishments where alcoholic beverages are served in the presence of minors. Each individual must be keenly aware of and monitor his/her behavior with regard to language, pictures, and/or videos posted on social networking sites, such as Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, and YouTube. Respect toward students, teachers, administrators, and adults is required on and off campus, regardless of the individual’s affiliation, or non-affiliation, with JNCISD.

Cheerleaders must be enthusiastic, exhibiting school spirit.Cheerleaders will cooperate with the cheerleading coach, faculty, and all squad members. Arguing among squad members or with sponsors will not be tolerated.