Victoria West High School Cheerleader Handbook / 2017-2018 /

VictoriaWest High School

Cheerleading Handbook

2017-2018

This handbook becomes effective immediately for the tryout process in the Spring of 2017 and remains in effect for successful candidates throughout their tenure as 2017-2018Cheerleaders, Managers, Mascots, and Sign Crew.

Section / Title / Page
I. / CHEERLEADER, MASCOT, AND MANAGER CONSTITUTION / 2
II. /

COMPOSITION OF THE SQUAD

/ 2
III. / SELECTION PROCESS / 3
IV. / LEADERSHIP / 5
V. / DUTIES / 6
VI. / FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES / 8
VII. / COMPETITION / 9
VIII. / PRACTICE / 9
IX. / UNIFORMS / 10
X. / CHEERLEADER DISCIPLINE POLICY / 11
XI. / CUMULATIVE 20 POINT DEMERIT SYSTEM / 12
XII. / CLARIFICATIONS/DEFINITIONS / 14
XIII. / GRADING POLICY / 16
XIV. / MISCELLANEOUS / 16
XV. / GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES / 17
XVI. / DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE DIRECTOR/COACHES / 18

The Victoria West High School Cheerleaders, Managers, Mascots, and Sign Crew are and will be recognized as an independent group and will abide by this constitution.

Amendments may be added to this constitution as needed with the approval of the director and principal.

I.CHEERLEADER, MASCOT, AND MANAGER CONSTITUTION

A.PURPOSE

The purpose of cheerleading is:

1.To promote and uphold school spirit.

2.To support and encourage all school teams.

3.To develop a sense of good sportsmanship among students.

4.To improve the student morale.

5.To build better relationships between competing schools.

6.To be ambassadors to the community.

7.To establish the high personal ideals and good character expected of a high school Cheerleader in order to be a role model for peers and younger children in the Victoria Independent School District.

B.OBJECTIVES

1.To demonstrate responsible leadership.

2.To promote the type of sportsmanship that will help students acquire the basic attributes of good citizenship.

3.To develop a wholesome school spirit.

4.To develop loyalty to your school and team regardless of theoutcome.

5.To promote a cooperative spirit among the student body, the faculty, administration, and other spirit organizations.

6.To help the school achieve the objectives of its interscholastic athletic activities.

7.To promote competitions in which the school and squads participate.

II.COMPOSITION OF THE SQUAD—Victoria West High School

  1. Competition Cheerleaders may be male or female numbered anywhere from 8 – 12 from grade levels 9 – 12.
  1. This number will be determined based on the number of applicants and the point spread determined by the tryout judges.
  2. Teacher evaluations will be included in calculating tryout scores.
  3. Competition eligibility shall be limited to girls and boys exhibiting the ability to land a standing flip-flop and a round-off flip flop series by camp.
  4. Alternates will be chosen based on the number of candidates and the point break as well.
  1. Game-Time Cheerleaders may be numbered anywhere from 6 – 20 from grade levels 9 – 12.
  1. This number will be determined based on the number of applicants and the point spread determined by the tryout judges.
  2. Teacher evaluations will be included in calculating tryout scores.
  1. At the discretion of the director, the Game-Time squad may be divided into two separate squads, depending on the number of applicants and point spread.

D.Mascots will be selected by a method outlined later in this document.

  1. The director may appoint Managers and Sign Crew. Some knowledge of cheerleading is preferred.
  1. SELECTION PROCESS
  1. QUALIFICATIONS
  1. Candidates must maintain the set grade average and abide by all rules and regulations set by the director and principal.
  2. Candidates must meet and maintain TEA/UIL Side by Side academic eligibility standards (“No Pass, No Play”).
  3. Candidates must be on credit schedule to meet graduation requirements and must have an overall 80 average through the third nine weeks grading reports of the school year in which the tryout occurs. An “incomplete” is equivalent to a failing grade.
  4. Candidates may not have more than two (2) disciplinary referrals for the current school year leading to placement in ISS and/or been suspended from school during the current year.
  5. Candidates must be in compliance with compulsory attendance laws, attending at least 90% of the days class is offered or complete a recovery plan approved by the principal for attendance between 75% and 90% of the class days offered. (See the VISD Student Handbook.)
  6. Candidates must acquire evaluations from each of their teachers.
  7. Clinics and tryouts shall be held during a window of time that would include the last three weeks of the third nine weeks and the first three weeks of the fourth nine weeks of the school year. Sign-ups and meetings may start before then, but the actual clinics and tryouts will be held during the designated window described above.
  8. Candidates must sign up for tryouts during a time period designated by the director, and at least one guardian must receive and sign for tryout packets at a mandatory organizational meeting called by the director or at an individually set meeting.
  9. A training clinic will be conducted at a time determined by the director. Applicants will be required to attend all sessions of the workshop held approximately two (2) weeks immediately prior to tryouts. Applicants will be allowed one (1) excused absence during the workshop. This must be approved in advance by the director.
  10. All Cheerleaders must attend Summer practice and Summer Camp. Managers,Mascots, and Sign Crew will be expected to perform certain organizational duties during summer practices.
  11. A Cheerleader who resigns from ANY squad after registration will be ineligible to try out for the next school year.
  12. A Cheerleader, Manager, Mascot, or Sign Crew who has been permanently dismissed from the squad will be ineligible to try out for the next school year.
  13. All applicants must be in excellent health and capable of participation in stunting and gymnastics without the burden of ongoing or recurring injuries or illness. If the injury results in inability to perform duties for more than six (6) weeks, the cheerleader will be removed to an alternate position. After nine (9) weeks, the cheerleader will be removed at semester.
  14. Successful candidates must submit to physical examination by a medical doctor. A physical examination is required of all members or athletes regardless of classification. The District reserves the right to require a new physical examination when deemed necessary.
  15. A current Cheerleader, Manager, or Mascot must clear all prior financial obligations before he or she can try out for the next year.
  16. Participation in fundraising activities for an extracurricular activity does not guarantee selection for the team or extracurricular activity. An assignment to acheerleader or athletics class does not ensure final selection onto any team.
  17. Further qualifications involving tryout procedures, standards of conduct, participation, and uniforms may be required by the coach.
  1. METHOD OF SELECTION
  1. On an announced day, all qualified Cheerleadercandidates will appear before a tryoutpanel with the following rules:
  1. The Varsity sanctioned tryouts will take place at an approved Victoria ISD facility and are closed to the public. Coaches, support staff, and administrators may attend.
  2. A preliminary tryout will be held in front of the student body before the Varsity sanctioned tryout.
  3. All Cheerleaders will be selected by three impartial judges sanctioned by Varsity. Acquiring judges will be the responsibility of the director.
  4. All candidates will appear before the judges in the designated uniform. Candidates who are current Cheerleaders will not be recognized in any fashion as current Cheerleaders.
  5. Cheerleader candidates will perform in a specified sequence consisting ofitems listed on the tryout scoresheet, including an interview by the panel.
  6. Results will be released after the completion of tryouts on a date determined by the director.
  1. Mascot selection will take place after finalization of Cheerleader tryouts.
  2. Tryouts will be held at an approved Victoria ISD facility.
  3. Mascot candidates will perform a maximum of a two-minute routine consisting of skits, mime, pantomime, and dance. No routine may be more than one-half dance. All routines must be within school standards.
  4. A preliminary tryout may be held in front of the student body before the Varsity sanctioned tryout.
  5. Cheerleader candidates may provide video for judges’ evaluation if they are unable to perform all required activities due to recent injury.
  6. The candidate must provide a physician’s letter explaining the specific injury and restrictions prior to beginning the tryout and complete all aspects of the program not restricted by the injury and identified in the physician’s letter.
  7. The video must have beencreated within the past six(6) weeks.
  8. The video must reflect performance on a surface compatible with the one used for tryouts. For example, a spring floor would not be acceptable.
  9. Cheerleader candidates may provide video for judges’ evaluation if they currently reside outside of Victoria and surrounding area.
  10. The candidate must apply and complete all appropriate paperwork in time for the video to be reviewed by judges on the same tryout date as all other candidates.
  11. The candidate must attend a tryout clinic during a window of time comparable to local candidates.
  12. A tryout packet will be provided to all candidates. The packet will include clinic information, teacher evaluation forms, a sample scoresheet with detailed tryout sequenceinformation, and the cheerleading handbook. The director may present other pertinent information in this packet.
  13. If a Cheerleader is lost to a squad for any reason, the vacancy may be filled at the director’s discretion. Alternates will fill the position as needed and will be expected to continue to perform other duties associated with their original cheerleader assignment.
  14. Cheerleaders who perform higher level skills at tryouts (i.e. back tuck, flip-flop tuck, and full) will be expected to maintain and perform those skills throughout the school year at games, events, and competitions. Cheerleaders who do not maintain these skills are subject to demotion.
  1. LEADERSHIP
  1. Leadership is the capacity to guide or direct operations, activity, or performance, especially by going in advance.
  1. Cheerleaders, Managers, Mascots, and Sign Crew must exhibit good taste in appearance and social behavior at school AND away from school. Good conduct, attitude, and respect should be exercised at all times.
  2. As leaders, Cheerleaders, Managers, Mascots, and Sign Creware expected to model exemplar behavior, school spirit, sportsmanship, and positive leadership at all times.
  1. Captains
  1. All Captains are selected to support the director and the goals of the organization. Insubordination will result in loss of officer eligibility.
  2. Captains will assist the director in the implementation of day-to-day activities. The decisions of the director are final and will be enforced by the officers under the supervision of the director.
  3. Officersmust be current members withat least one (1) full year of experience on the VWHS Varsity/CompetitionSquad or two (2) full years of experience in VWHS Cheerleading.
  4. There will be two (2) Co-Captains depending on the size of the squad and qualifications of the applicants.
  5. Officer candidates will be interviewed by the judges and director. Administrators may participate if present.
  6. In the event there is no eligible candidate, eligibility will be open to current members having at least one (1) full year of experience.
  7. In the event more than twoofficers are needed, additional candidates may be selected.
  1. Additional candidates must have prior cheerleading experience.
  2. Preference will be given to returning VWHS Cheerleaders.
  3. Additional Officer candidates will not be announcedimmediately following tryouts.
  1. Captains will be appointed prior to the first day of school using the following information:
  1. Judges’ Scores
  2. Interview
  3. Director/Coaches’ Evaluations
  1. The director has full authority to assign SeniorCheerleaders to assist whenever necessary.
  1. DUTIES OF CHEERLEADERS, MANAGERS, MASCOTS, AND SIGN CREW
  1. All
  1. Be on time and present for all activities. Total commitment to the squad is expected. Cheerleaders may be excused if the reason is approved in advance by the director.
  2. Practice times will be determined by the director.
  3. Practice is mandatory. Missing practice without prior approval will result in additional conditioning and possibly suspension from activities.
  4. Chronic absenteeism will result in suspension and eventually removal from the program.
  5. Support athletic teams and other organizations during ALL seasons.
  6. Participation as an athlete in another sport is permitted only as long as he or she continues to fulfill cheerleading duties. Prior notification of any events will be imperative.
  7. If a Cheerleader, Manager, Mascot, or Sign Crew is employed, he or she must be able to negotiate with the boss to attend all scheduled cheerleading activities.
  1. Failure to fulfill all duties will result in suspension and/or removal.
  1. AllCheerleaders, Sign Crew, Managers, and Mascots will be expected to attend and performat all Varsity home district games, which occur twice a week.
  2. Playoffs cannot be scheduled with certainty until immediately following a win. All Cheerleaders, Sign Crew, Managers, and Mascots are expected to attend assigned Playoff games. During playoffs, plan to continue performing twice each week as is done in District play.
  3. Cheerleaders must maintain and improve all gymnastics and other skills demonstrated at tryouts.
  1. Enrollment in a gymnastics facility is recommended to maintain the strength and conditioning necessary to successfully maintain your skills.
  2. Group gymnastics classes will be available once weekly.
  1. All Cheerleaders
  1. Varsity Cheerleaders will cheer as follows:
  1. At designated Varsity (11/12)and Sub-Varsity (9/10) football games.
  2. At designated Varsity home district games (volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball.)
  3. At designated pep rallies, meets, and other events as determined by the director.
  4. At designated playoff games.
  5. At designated fundraisers and community service projects.
  1. Attending all assigned events is mandatory.
  2. Junior and Senior Cheerleaders will attend assigned Sub-Varsity games to monitor and support their team or aid with concessions.
  3. Freshman and Sophomore Cheerleaders will be expected to attend Varsity football games.
  4. Freshman and Sophomore Cheerleaders will assist with setting up equipment on the sidelines.
  5. Freshman and Sophomore Cheerleaders will assist with promoting and selling spirit items.
  6. Freshman and Sophomore Cheerleaders will cheer in the absence of Juniors and Seniors when greeting visitors.
  7. The squad will be split for various events.
  1. Game-Time Cheerleaders
  1. Game-Time Cheerleaders will consist of all cheerleaders who are not active competitors at the time of the assigned event.
  2. During competition season, Game-Time Cheerleaders will perform the spirit duties as outlined in Section V.B. above.
  3. Game-Time cheerleaders will serve as alternates for competition and be responsible for choreography and practice.
  1. Mascots
  1. Mascots will perform as follows:
  1. At designated Varsity football games.
  2. At designated Varsity home district games (i.e. volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball.)
  3. At designated pep rallies, meets, and other events as determined by the director.
  4. At designated playoff games.
  5. At designated fundraisers and community service projects.
  1. Attending all assigned events is mandatory.
  2. The mascot’s role is to entertain and encourage audience participation.
  3. Mascots should be familiar with cheers and sideline material to help lead the crowd.
  4. Mascots will assist with promoting and selling spirit items.
  5. Mascots will remain in full costume while in front of an audience.
  6. Mascots will aid in equipment set up and tear down as well as running flags.
  7. Mascots will assist with classroom duties.
  8. Mascots will organize and prepare spirit items to be dispersed at pep rallies, games, and events.
  9. Mascots will set up mats and equipment as required for class.
  10. Mascots will prepare performance material such as skits in order to promote school spirit at events.
  1. Managers and Sign Crew
  1. Managers and Sign Crew will assist as follows:
  1. At designated Varsity football games.
  2. At designated Varsity home district games (i.e. volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball, softball.)
  3. At designated pep rallies, meets, and other events as determined by the director.
  4. At designated playoff games.
  5. At designated fundraisers and community service projects.
  1. Attending all assigned events is mandatory.
  2. All Managers and Sign Crew will be expected to attend Varsity football games.
  3. Managers and Sign Crew will assist with setting up and operating equipment on the sidelines including sound equipment, signs, megaphones, cheer lists, and drinks.
  4. Sub-Varsity Managers will assist with promoting and selling spirit items.
  5. Managers will oversee the Sub-Varsity Cheerleaders as they cheer in the absence of the Varsity squad when greeting the visiting team.
  6. Managers and Sign Crew will assist with classroom duties.
  7. Managers will record attendance to be submitted before the deadline.
  8. Managers will report merits/demerits as determined by the coach and Captains with the approval of the director.
  9. Managers and Sign Crew will organize and prepare spirit items to be dispersed at pep rallies, games, and events.
  10. Managers and Sign Crew will set up mats and equipment as required for class.
  11. Managers and Sign Crew will perform certain communication and clerical duties, including, but not limited to typing notes, making copies, delivering/retrieving paperwork and information pertinent to the proper functioning of the organization.
  1. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

GOAL: Cheerleading shall be accessible for all applicants.

A.FUNDING

A plan will be prepared annually by administration to provide a budget to fund the activities of cheerleading groups. Individual campus needs will be addressed within this activity.

  1. DISTRICT FUNDING WILL INCLUDE:
  1. Two (2) school-issued uniforms (Shell, Skirt, and Bodysuit)
  2. Award jackets and letters
  3. Supplies (paint, paper, tape etc.)
  4. Basic first aid supplies and safety equipment
  5. Basic Transportation
  6. Employee Travel
  1. INDIVIDUAL FUNDING MIGHT INCLUDE:
  1. Camp Expenses
  2. Practice Clothes
  3. Uniform Accessories (Bows, Briefs, Sports Bras, etc. to be kept by student)
  4. Shoes
  5. Pompoms
  6. Backpack
  7. “Game Day” Apparel
  8. Gym Rentals
  9. Choreography
  10. Competition Fees/Expenses
  11. Fund Raising
  1. Fund raising is an integral part of meeting the financial needs of the cheerleading program.
  2. Fund raisers may be facilitated by the director solely or in conjunction with the booster club.
  3. Cheerleaders, Sign Crew, Managers, and Mascots will be required to participate in fund raisers in order to support the activities of the team.
  4. Costs for individual expenses and competitions may be offset by fund raising activities.
  5. Payments
  6. A payment schedule will be established to ensure that all payments are received in a timely manner to meet the deadlines of vendors.
  7. Cheerleaders, Sign Crew, Managers, and Mascots who owe fees will be excluded from performances until fees are paid.
  8. If a Cheerleader misses gymnastics or training paid by the booster club, the cheerleader must attend a make-up session, or the pro-rated amount must be reimbursed to the booster club.
  1. COMPETITION
  2. Competition is an expectation of Victoria West High School Cheerleading.
  3. Competitionsmay include camp routines, Regional Competition, State Competition, National Competition, and any other competitions the director chooses to attend.
  4. EXPENSES
  5. Costs for individual expenses and National Competition may be offset by fund raising activities.
  6. Examples of individual expenses that might be incurred as a member of the Victoria United Competition Squad include choreography, uniforms, accessories, gym rental, clinics, and practice meals.