J.B. Pennington High School

J.B. Pennington High School

Cheerleading Constitution

2018-2019

J.B. Pennington High School

Cheerleading Constitution

Purpose

The purpose of the J.B. Pennington High School cheerleader shall be: to promote and uphold school spirit, to develop a sense of good sportsmanship among students, and to promote loyalty by leadership and example.

Selection of Cheerleader

Students who wish to tryout for cheerleader or mascot will be given a letter and a copy of the constitution for their parent or guardian to read, sign, and return with the nonrefundable-required fee of $30.00. The letter will explain requirements and procedures for cheerleader and mascot election. The candidate and a parent/guardian must attend a mandatory meeting prior to clinic/tryouts to be eligible to try out. A candidate’s grades will be checked by the coach to determine eligibility for tryouts. A student must be passing in attendance for first semester.

Eligibility for Tryouts

Good standing with school
Any cheerleader who has not paid for their expenses from the current school year will not be allowed to try out unless these expenses are paid prior to tryouts.
The ability to try out can be denied by the cheer coach and/or administration if poor attitude, poor sportsmanship, or vulgar language is displayed at any time.
Any candidate who has been assigned to Alternative School for any reason during the preceding semester will be ineligible to try out.
Any candidate who has committed any offense during the current school year that would fall under automatic dismissal from the cheerleading squad will be ineligible to try out for the following year
Grade level for tryouts
Junior Squad – a present member of the 6th ,7th, or 8th grade
Varsity Squad – a present member of the 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
Mascot – a present member of the 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, or 11th grade
*NOTE:
All present 8th graders maytryout for varsity cheerleader. If the candidate’s score falls within the predetermined number of positions chosen for the varsity squad, the candidate will be a Varsity cheerleader. If the candidate’s score does not fall within that range but falls in the range for the junior squad’s predetermined number of positions, the candidate can choose to cheer on the junior squad. Candidates must complete a form prior to tryouts designating their intentions of whether they are only trying out for varsity or if they want to cheer for jr. high if that is where their score falls. This form must be completed and turned in by the designated due date. Once this form is turned in, your choice cannot be changed

In order to try out, a student must have attained in the preceding semester:

Varsity

A student must have passed at least six new full Carnegie units, with a minimum composite average of 70 in those six units. The four core curriculum courses: English, mathematics, social studies, and science, must be included in those passed.

Junior High

- AN 8TH grade student or below must have passed at least 5 new subjects AND have an overall numerical average of 70 or higher in those five subjects and must have been promoted to the next grade.

*Note: Only one unit in physical education per year may be counted.

To be eligible students in grades 8-11 must be carrying at least six new units of work. Students in grades 6-7 must be carrying at least five units of work. A new unit or subject is one that has not been previously passed.

CLARIFICATION-

First semester averages must be checked for eligibility for tryouts.
The yearly average will determine continuing status as a cheerleader.

A requirement of the Alabama High School Athletic Association:

Each student trying out for cheerleader must have a physical form from a physician prior to clinic and tryouts and a written permission/insurance verification form from parent/guardian.

Candidates will be judged on physical performance by a panel of judges from outside the school and county. Teachers of candidate’s first semester subjects that are used to determine eligibility will complete a Blount County School’s Teacher Evaluation Form. The highest and lowest evaluations per each cheerleader candidate will not be counted. The remaining evaluations will be averaged to account for twenty-five percent of each cheerleader candidate’s total tryout score. There will also be a coach’s evaluation based on the candidate’s performance during the week of clinic.

A pre-determined number of varsity and junior cheerleaders will be chosen on the basis of final scores. This number may be changed if there is a large gap in the scores. In the case of a tie or a final scoring within a one-point variation, the candidates meeting these criteria plus the ones in the candidate’s group will be called back for re-judging. However, the judges will only score the identified candidates. None of the candidates will know which candidates were re-judged. A pre-determined group cheer and dance, learned during clinic, will be used for final scoring.

Tryouts will be closed to everyone except the cheer coach(es), administration, judges, two persons designated to tally scores, and graduating cheerleaders.

III. Try -Out Practice of Candidates

Candidates will practice according to a schedule set by the coach before they are judged.
Tryouts will be held the next school day following a clinic. Each candidate must attend each day of the clinic, or obtain a doctor’s excuse for any day missed. Failure to attend, without a doctor’s excuse, will result in inability to try out.
Candidates who have games for other sports will be excused but will need to put in the effort to make it to practice and learn the material.
Candidates must furnish their own transportation to and from practice.
All candidates must be at school half a day to be able to attend clinic or tryouts.
A schedule of the clinic will be provided

IV. Attitudes (all of the following includes attitude at school, outside of school, and on all social media)

Each cheerleader must maintain a desirable attitude and spirit of cooperation in all classes and with all teachers and faculty as well as their squadmates.
Each cheerleader must be willing to control, to the best of his/her ability, any unsportsmanlike conduct at any athletic event or school function.
Each cheerleader must display a good attitude toward other cheerleaders during games and/or competitions.
Each cheerleader must be able to accept constructive criticism from the coach, squad members, faculty, and staff.
Each cheerleader should show exceptional moral character, maturity, good judgment, and leadership.
A cheerleader must refrain from use of tobacco, drugs and/or alcohol as well as other inappropriate behavior.

V. Uniforms & Appearance

Uniforms are the property of the school. Each cheerleader will pay a $40 rental fee for use of uniform(s) for the year. They will be designated and altered to each cheerleader following tryouts, however will be cleaned and stored at PHS. Uniforms can be signed out, with authorization from the cheer coach, for events such as pictures or other special events deemed appropriate. All uniforms/camp attire will be bought, made, or planned with the approval of the coach.
Campwear and other items purchased by the individual cheerleaders can be taken home.

All alterations on uniforms should be made before the squad goes to camp by the seamstress hired by the squad. You may not acquire your own seamstress.
Uniforms must be clean, pressed, and ready to wear at all times.
A cheerleader must wear the correct uniform to each event. If a cheerleader wears the wrong uniform to an event, he/she does not cheer at that event and will sit with the coach.
When in uniform, the cheerleader must be in complete uniform. (No jeans with cheer tops, basic hoodies or sweatshirts with skirts etc). When we are at an event or traveling to an event, we will be uniform.
A cheerleader must not wear any part of the uniform, including cheer shoes, outside of cheerleading. Cheerleaders must not allow anyone to borrow or wear any part of their cheer clothing including uniforms, shoes, bows, camp wear, etc.
All expenses for merchandise must be paid before receiving any merchandise.
The complete balance on your cheer account must be paid in full prior to the last day of school in May in order to receive camp attire and merchandise ordered. If there is an issue with payment, a payment plan must be set up and approved by the cheer coach. If the balance is still unpaid when school starts in the fall, the cheerleader will not be allowed to participate in any cheer activities until balance is paid in full. The cheerleader will still be required to attend all practices and functions and will participate in all fundraisers.
All uniforms must be turned in at the conclusion of basketball season. Cheerleaders will be expected to have their uniforms clean and in good condition upon returning them at the end of the season. Those cheerleaders returning a damaged uniform will incur the cost to replace or repair the uniform. *Cost for replacement can be over $100 per piece depending on the uniform.*
Any cheerleader who has not turned in their uniforms from the current school year will not be allowed to try out unless these uniforms are turned in prior to tryouts.

*Safety Guidelines Regarding appearance per National Federation of State High School Associations (a full copy of these can be seen upon request):

A cheerleader shall not wear any jewelry while in uniform or at practice. Exceptions are religious medals without a chain if taped and worn under the uniform and a medical-alert medal that is taped and may be visible.
Cheerleaders with long hair must have it put up completely at all events and practices. If hair touches shoulders it must be completely pulled up, if hair is shorter, the front must be pulled back out of the cheerleaders face. High ponytails and braids are appropriate, low ponytails are not. Long bangs must be pinned back. Certain events will require identical hairstyles, this will be at the coach’s discretion.
Nails must be trimmed near the end of the fingers to prevent possible injury to you or others. No acrylic nails or nail polish may be worn unless it is clear nail polish.
No glitter of any kind will be worn at any kind of performance as a cheerleader.
Apparel and accessories must be appropriate for the activity involved. Hair devices and accessories must be secured.
When standing at attention, apparel must cover midriff.

VI. Summer Camp, Competitions, Performances, and Practices

Cheerleaders will be required to attend camp during the summer, failure to attend camp will result in dismissal from the squad.
Practices will be held regularly as planned by the coach, a monthly calendar will be given out with all known practices and games listed.
Practices must be attended by each cheerleader. Tardiness or unexcused absences from practice, games, or events will result in accumulation of demerits as set forth in the attached demerit system.
Cheerleaders shall enter any competitions deemed appropriate by coach or principal.
A cheerleader must stay the entire length of a practice session.
Out-of-school competition squads and sports teams will be second to the school squad. The school squad comes first!

Games, Pep Rallies, Trips, and Athletic Events

Cheerleaders shall perform at all pep rallies and games, both home and away, that are deemed appropriate by the coach and principal. A calendar will be given for each month with the details of the event. An attempt is made to be as accurate as possible, however if changes are necessary, the cheerleader is EXPECTED to adjust accordingly.
We will use the Remind app to communicate via text and the BAND app to keep a calendar as well as send out updates and reminds for various events.
During basketball season, the squad may be divided to provide cheerleaders for all teams.
Cheerleaders must ride to games or events as a squad with a coach or other transportation as arranged by the coach.
Each cheerleader must be dressed in complete uniform and ready to cheer no less than one-half hour before each game. (This includes having already eaten, hair and makeup fixed, etc) This will allow the time for required warm-ups before the game.
At home games or upon returning from away games, each cheerleader must sign out and be released to leave by the cheer coach. If a parent is present at an away game or event and signs a release form, the cheerleader will be released into the supervision of the parent.
A cheerleader will not be allowed to leave his or her position during a game or event without permission from the coach.
Cheerleaders will not be allowed to bring food or drink on the field, court, or in the stands during a cheering session. An exception will be made for bottled water for consumption during appropriate times.
Cheerleaders will not be allowed to carry on personal conversations with spectators or other cheerleaders during a cheering session.
All cheerleaders must be in position and ready to cheer one minutebefore the event begins. They must also be back to their position one minute before half time ends.
Cheerleaders will not be allowed to cheer if they are absent from school, or if he/she checks out before 11:30 a.m. or checks in after 11:30 a.m. the day of an event.

IX. Excused Absences and Tardies

It is of the utmost importance that the athlete or parent notifies the coach before scheduled practice or game. If this is not done, it will be considered as an unexcused absence. Participation in a job, parties, family vacation (except as approved during the summer), and participation in out of school activities (ex. All-Star cheerleading) are NOT considered excusable absences. (Emergency cases as decided by the coach are exceptions.)

Excused absences and tardies are as follows:

Illness – verified by parent or doctor’s note or parent phone call.
Death or severe illness in the family or close friend – verified by student notifying the coach in advance of absence; parent note or phone call.
Academic school related activities – verified by student notifying coach in advance; teacher in charge providing a note or phone call.

Cheerleaders are required to be at all performances and games, unless prior approval has been given by the coach in extreme circumstances. Approval forms must be filled out at least 2 weeks in advance for planned absences and will not be considered excused unless approved by the cheer coach.

Cheerleaders are expected to schedule routine doctor’s visit around the cheer schedule.
All cheerleaders need to prepare for the chance that a game/event could be rained out and rescheduled the next available day. Please keep your schedule flexible as you will be required to attend the make up game just as the players on those teams are.
Cheerleaders are only allowed 3 parent notes per semester, after that doctor’s excuses are required. After 6 absences, a meeting will be set up with the parent and cheerleader to discuss further participation.
All notes must be turned in the next day the student is at school/has contact with the cheer coach.

X. Rules, Regulations, and Responsibilities

Cheerleaders must abide by all parts of the constitution. Dismissal from the squad will result for any reason agreed upon by the administration and the cheerleader coach in which a cheerleader’s attitude, appearance, behavior, or condition reflect adversely on the image of the school.
All cheerleaders must have school insurance or some type of accident policy.
Any moneymaking projects will be decided by the coach and the principal. Each cheerleader is expected to participate and do his/her share in contributing to the cheerleading account as this buys the uniforms worn by the cheerleader.
Each cheerleader must participate in the selling of ads for the football program as a fundraiser.
Cheerleaders will sell football programs at all home football games.

XI. Captain and/or Co-Captain

In order to be considered for the position or captain or co-captain, the cheerleader must have been a member of their current squad the previous year.
Anyone wishing to be captain or co-captain must read and sign the captain code of conduct form.
Captain and co-captain will be determined by:
Secret ballot.
Tie will be broken by the coach.

Will be selected by the coach

A captain’s responsibilities will include, but not be limited to: informing all cheerleaders of game and practice times and any other information given to them by the coach, leading cheers and sideline chants, being in charge of planning pep rallies, leading practices, and making sure all squad members are following cheerleading rules and guidelines during games.

*If a captain or co-captain accumulates more than 10 demerits, they will be removed as captain and replaced by someone of the coaches choosing*

XII. Elected Cheerleader Continuing Eligibility

To be eligible for cheerleader activities, a cheerleader must have passed during the preceding year in attendance.

Grades will be checked at the issuance of each progress report and report card. If grades are below a 70 on a progress report or report card, the cheerleader must attend tutoring sessions. Failure to do so may result in demerits. Suspension or dismissal will be given as per the demerit schedule page.

Grades will be checked again at the end of the school year. Failure to meet the following academic requirements will: (1) require successful summer school attendance for a maximum of two credits with reevaluation at the conclusion of summer school, or (2) immediate dismissal from the cheerleading squad.

Those entering the 10th, 11th, and 12th grades- at least six new half Carnegie units with a score of 60 or higher in each of those six new units AND have a minimum composite numerical average of 70 in those six units. The four core curriculum courses (math, English, science, social studies) must be included in those passed. Any student who accumulates more than four courses per year may earn less than the four core courses during the next school year and be eligible as long as that student remains on track for graduation with his/her class.
Those entering the 7th, 8th, and 9th grades – at least a passing score of 60 or higher in each of six new subjects AND have a minimum composite numerical average of 70 in those six subjects. Seventh and eighth grade students must be carrying five new subjects.

Note: (1.) Only one unit in Physical Education per year may be counted.