FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL
INDIANETTES DANCE TEAM
2012-2013 CONSTITUTION
Dance Team Coach: Mrs. Cynthia Sellars
I. PURPOSE
Indianettes Dance Team Members are an auditioned group of dancers that make a full yearcommitment to the organization. As a team member they must be aware that they are first andforemost representatives of Fort Osage High School and therefore must adhere to the followingrequirements:
A. Perform at the Varsity home football games and Varsity home basketball games
B. Support the spirit of Fort Osage
C. Support all athletic teams by attendance and/or performances
D. Represent Fort Osage High School out in the community through performances and danceshowcases.
E. Perform in competitions at the local, state, regional, and national level.
F. Have good fellowship with members of the corps.
G. Develop a sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and dedication to oneself and the school.
II. TRYOUTS
A. All candidates will tryout and be judged by the same panel of judges.
B. Practice clinics and tryouts are mandatory in order to become an Indianettes Dance Team Member.
C. False information provided during tryouts may result in dismissal from the team if selected.
D. Selection takes place during the spring semester.
E. Any former member that was dismissed or quit the dance team during the previous year may not tryout.
F. Requirements
1. Maintain at least a 2.5 Cumulative Grade Point Average.
2. Have no discipline referrals.
3. Outstanding personality and positive attitude as reflected through teacher recommendations.
4. Have no serious referral problems, especially of the insubordinate nature (seriousness and number of referrals will affect the candidate’s membership and validity.)
5. Have no serious health problems that would prohibit the member from participating to her fullest potential (every Indianette must submit a physical form in order to participate.)
6. Must be able to meet financial obligations on time. (*Any dancer with outstandingobligations to ANY activity or group at Fort Osage High School will not be eligible to tryout.)
7. Agree to adopt a conditioning program as agreed upon between the member and coach.
8. Attend all scheduled practices, dance camps, performances, competitions, and fundraisers.
9. Understand and agree that all Indianettes functions take priority over any other extracurricularactivities and/or part-time jobs.
10. Be able to accept constructive criticism in an effort to reach her full potential.
III. PRACTICES
A. Procedures
1. Practice starts at the designated time at Cler-Mont Elementary. Indianettes should arrive topractice at least five minutes early to ensure that they are properly prepared.
2. Proper attire must be worn as instructed by the coach.
3. Hair back and secured. (Hair must stay this way the entire practice).
4. NO JEWELRY. (This includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, ankle bracelets, bellybutton rings, watches, etc.)
5. Appropriate behavior and attitude: be positive.
6. Follow directions and respect the rights of others.
7. Dancers are to follow the instructions of the coach and the captain without questions orcomments.
8. No talking during practice: active listening is always required.
9. Do not bring friends, boyfriends, family members, etc. to practice.
10. NO PHONE USE during practice. Phones must be turned off or silent.
11. Attend all practices. (The coach should be notified in writing with a parentsignature before a team member misses a practice.)
12. Water must be brought to every practice. (Sports drinks and healthy snacks may be broughtin addition to water.)
13. A sensible diet must be maintained. Indianettes must come to practice prepared to work andtherefore should eat beforehand. No time will be allotted for skipped meals.
14. No gum or candy during practice.
15. Weekly evaluations will take place to ensure that all Indianettes are prepared for upcomingperformances. Corrections from these evaluations will be given to dancers so they mayimprove for future evaluations.
16. Dancers may be named as an alternate for a performance if they are not fully prepared toexecute the routine appropriately. Alternates are required to attend all practices with theteam and dance FULL OUT the entire practice.
17. Progress reports are to be turned in each week.
18. Any and all items that are due (Progress Reports, Forms, Money, etc.) must be turned inat the beginning of class/practice. All payments may only bein the form of cash or money order, NO PERSONAL CHECKS. Money is required to be inan envelope with the Indianettes’s name, the date, the amount of money being turned in, andthe purpose of the money (fundraiser, payment, etc.). Receipts for money turned in will begiven back at next practice day.
B. Unexcused Practices/Performances
1. A calendar of practices and performances is given out throughout the year.
2. All dates on the calendar are MANDATORY and failure to attend will result in demerits beinggiven.
3. In order for items on the following list to be excused, a notification in writing with a parentsignature must be received 24 hours prior to the missed event. Once 24 hours have passedall Indianettes are expected to attend the functions that have been noted on the calendar andfailure to do so will result in an Unexcused Absence.
a. Any Appointments (dentist, doctor, etc.)
b. Tests the next day
c. Exam/Class work Make Ups
d. Injury or illness
4. Parent Punishment – Indianette parents should find an alternative method for punishingtheir dancer. Missing any required activity will result in demerits being given even if it isdue to a consequence handed down for something done at home. The team is a 100%commitment.
C. Dismissal from practice
1. Inappropriate behavior.
2. Failure to follow instructions.
3. Actions or manners that undermine the progress of practice.
4. Repeated offenses after being warned.
5. Negative attitudes that affect the team.
IV. PERFORMANCES
A. Procedures
1. Be on time! Five minutes early is considered “on time”.
2. Dressed in FULLuniform
3. Items required for the performance will be checked by the coach or captain. Failure to haveappropriate items will result in demerits being given.
4. No fingernail polish or jewelry. Fingernails must look natural; no polish other than clear willbe approved.
5. Make-up is mandatory and must look natural.
6. Hair must be styled as required for performance. Coach and/or captain will assign hairstyle.
7. Indianettes are required to attend all performances.
8. Follow instructions.
9. No talking in lines, in the stands, etc.
10. No gum during performance.
11. NO PHONE USE during the game. Phones must be turned off or silent.
12. No acknowledgement of anyone other than the coach (No waving, etc.)
13. Stay in formation and assigned areas.
14. Maintain a professional attitude for the entire time at the performance.
15. Permission required from the coach before leaving a performance early.
16. Dancers are required to travel to and from any “away” performances with the team.
17. Dancers may not leave the team to sit with family/friends until dismissed by the coach.
B. Eligibility
1. Dancers will participate in a weekly evaluation.
2. If any practices are missed the week of a performance, or after theevaluation, the dancer is not eligible to perform.
3. A progress report must be filled out weekly and turned in.
4. Dancers must attend school the day of a performance.
C. Benchings: Benchings are given for infractions of the rules and result in a dancer becomingineligible to perform in the next performance. The following examples will result in abenching:
1. Negative reactions or attitude toward the coach’s or captain’s instructions or comments – benched for performance.
2. Miss a performance – benched for the following performance.
3. An F on a weekly progress report – benched for performance.
4. Receiving a discipline referral the week of a performance – benched for performance.
5. Inappropriate behavior during the previous performance – benched for the following performance.
6. Wearing the wrong outfit to the performance – benched for that performance.
7. Missing school the day of a performance – benched for that performance.
8. Accumulation of 10 demerits.
Ineligible dancers are still required to attend practices and performances even ifbenched for that performance. They must dance FULL OUT at practice.Dancers that are benched will attend the performance they are missing in full uniform and showsupport for their team members. The coach may choose not to remove a dancer from aperformance with less than a week’s notification for the best interest of the team. The dancer willbe removed from the following performance.
D. Probation
1. Any drastic change in appearance such as: unhealthy weight loss/gain, unnatural andextreme hair, sloppy or unhealthy hygiene.
2. G.P.A. drops below a 2.5 or receiving an F in any core class.
3. Receiving two discipline referrals.
4. Unexcused absence from a competition or dance showcase.
5. Accumulation of 20 demerits.
Probationary dancers will not perform with the team, but will be required toattend practices and performances (will not dress in uniform for performances).A probationary period will last no less than one month, and no longer than one grading period.At the end of the probationary period, the Indianette must show evidence ofimprovement either in grades or in conduct to be reinstated to the team.
E. Dismissal
1. Not showing evidence of improvement in grades or behavior after one probationary period.
2. Receiving below a 2.5 for two consecutive grading periods.
3. Receiving a discipline referral considered to be of high offense, according toFort OsageHigh School code (fighting, possession of drugs or weapons).
4. Any Indianette under the influence of tobacco, drugs, or alcohol at any time in any place.
5. Accumulating 30 demerits or more.
V. SUMMER REQUIREMENTS
A. New Member Meetings
1. New Member and Parent Meeting, May 9th@ 6:00PM at Cler-Mont Elementary
2. New Member Meeting, May 11th @ 3:30pm at Cler-Mont Elementary
3. Attendance at these meetings is MANDATORY.
B. Summer Practice
2. Summer practice will be June 25-29, and July 6. Times to be determined.
3. Attendance at summer practice is MANDATORY.
C. Dance Camp
1. Attendance at Dance Camp is MANDATORY.
2. Place: Tan-Tar-A Resort
3. Dates: July 8th-11th
4. Cost: Approx $350.00 – Includes dorm room, meals, instruction, and much more!
5. Spending money optional (for Camp Store items)
6. No dancer will be allowed to drive to camp.
7. Any dancer failing to comply with the Indianettes Constitution will be sent home.
8. A non-refundable deposit will be due by June 1st
VI. PRACTICE WEAR AND UNIFORMS
A. Practice Wear
1. All team members must have the required shoes and clothing.
2. Practice clothes must be replaced if lost or damaged.
3. Jewelry may not be worn at practice.
4. No Public Displays of Affection (PDA) allowed in practice clothing. This includes hand holding, kissing,hugging, etc.
B. Performance Uniforms
1. Items that are purchased for the Indianettes Dance Team must be paid in full by the final payment date as listed on the payment sheet.
2.The cost of uniforms will be offset with fundraising money.
3. Dancers are responsible for maintenance and the replacement cost if damaged.
4. Uniforms are to be worn only with the team and only with the coach’s approval.
5. Correct accessories must be worn with every uniform.
6. Appropriate behavior is required while in uniform.
7. No PDA allowed while in uniform.
8. Performance accessories and shoes must be in good condition.
9. Indianettes warm-up gear or Fort Osage outerwear are the only items allowed to be worn over uniforms.
VII. DEMERIT SYSTEM
A. Purpose
1. To ensure that all Indianettes are following rules and procedures as outlined in the Constitution.
2. To outline consequences for anyone not following these rules and procedures.
B. Procedures
1. Practice/Games: All practices and games are MANDATORY. Indianettes is a team commitment and dancers are expected to be at every practice and every game. Practice time is when new dance routines are taught, and friendships are formed. Information is also passed out during practices. Excused absences include doctor or dentist appointments, illness or injury, death in the family, and church or school functions. The coach needs to be notified, in writing, 24 hours prior to practice or a game in order to be excused.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM PRACTICE: 2 DEMERITS
UNEXCUSED ABSENCE FROM GAME: 4 DEMERITS
2. Tardiness: You are considered tardy if you arrive at practice or a game more than 5 minutes late. Indianettes SHOULD arrive at practice 5 minutes early, and at a game 30 minutes early. If a dancer misses the pre-game practice, she may not be able to participate in the half-time routine. This not only affects you, but also the girls on the team. Indianettes should also be picked up on time from practice or a game. This includes leaving early, or being picked up more than 5 minutes late.
TARDY BY MORE THAN 5 MINUTES: 2 DEMERITS
LEAVING EARLY: 2 DEMERITS
PICKED UP LATE BY MORE THAN 5 MINUTES: 2 DEMERITS
3. Dress Code: Appropriate attire for practice and games is required from all dancers. Full uniforms are MANDATORY at all games. This includes top, bottoms(bloomers, if needed, with skirt), no-show socks, shoes, and poms/props. Hair must be styled according to the coach or captain’s instructions. NO JEWELRY of any type may be worn during practice or games. Makeup and nails must look natural.
NOT IN COMPLETE UNIFORM AT GAME: 2 DEMERITS
NAIL POLISH: 1 DEMERIT
JEWELRY: 1 DEMERIT
INAPPROPRIATE PRACTICE ATTIRE: 1 DEMERIT
4. Conduct/Attitude: Dancers are expected to exercise good sportsmanship at ALL times. Indianettes will be respectful to ALL coaches, team members, and opposing team dance teams and cheerleaders. Profanity will not be tolerated. Use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs will result in immediate dismissal from the dance team. Use discretion in public displays of affection (PDA). No excessive talking with friends, members of the team, or members of the crowd during the game. Dancers are expected to have appropriate behavior at ALL times. Eating, drinking(except water bottles), or chewing gum is not allowed at practice or games. Phone use is not allowed at practice or games, and must be turned off or silent.
NOT PAYING ATTENTION AT PRACTICE OR GAME: 2 DEMERITS
BEING DISRESPECTFUL TO COACH OR CAPTAIN: 4 DEMERITS
BEING DISRESPECTFUL TO TEAM MEMBER: 2 DEMERITS
PROFANITY: 4 DEMERITS
INAPPROPRIATE BEHAVIOR/PDA: 4 DEMERITS
EATING/DRINKING/CHEWING GUM: 2 DEMERITS
PHONE USE: 2 DEMERITS
5. Accumulation of demerits: Too many demerits will result in a dancer being suspended from participation during a game as follows(see Performances section for more specific info)…
a. 10 DEMERITS – BENCHED
b. 20 DEMERITS – PROBATION
c. 30 DEMERITS – DISMISSAL
VIII. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
A. Finances
1. Indianettes Dancers must adhere to the payment schedule for all monies that must becollected.
2. Any financial problems that a dancer encounters that will hinder them from making apayment on time must be made known to the coach ASAP. The day money is due is notthe time to speak with the coach about these problems. If the coach is made aware of thesituation in writing (i.e. email/letter signed by the parent) then an alternative payment planmay be arranged.
3. Dancers are responsible for paying for their uniforms, shoes, accessories, and camp costs. Fees may be offset through fundraising.
4. NO REFUNDS will be given if a dancer is removed from or quits the team. If uniforms havebeen ordered prior to the dancer’s absence they are still responsible for those payments.
B. Fundraising
1. Fundraisers will be scheduled throughout the year.
2. Fundraising money is used to purchase the majority of the items needed by the Indianettes.
3. Fundraisers will have a minimum amount that must be raised. Anything that iscollected over that amount is transferred into each girl’s individual account and may be used forpurchasing or offsetting the cost of uniforms, trip expenses, etc.
4. Fundraisers Ideas:
a. Car Washes
b. Dance Team Invitational
c. Little Indianette Clinic
IX. AWARDS
A. Recognition will be given to members who rendered services to the team of an outstandingnature. Awards will be presented at a awards banquet in the spring. Trophies may beawarded for the following, but not limited to:
1. Most Improved Dancer
2. 110% Award
3. Best All Around Indianette
4. Coach’s Award
X. HONOR CODE OF CONDUCT
A. All Indianettes agree to follow these rules of conduct:
1. Respect your parents and teachers and coach.
2. Always speak respectfully to and about your teammates.
3. Never dishonor your teammates by dishonoring yourself.
4. Follow the rules of the Fort Osage High School handbook.
5. Stay true to your morals and values that have been established by your parents.
6. No smoking, drinking, or drugs in or out of uniform.
7. Speak the truth.
B. Indianettes that are in violation of the Honor Code may be benched, given demerits, orremoved from the team for their dishonorable actions.
The rules that are outlined in the Fort Osage Indianettes Dance Team Constitutionabove are to be followed in the 2012-2013 school year. The coach reserves the right to adapt or changethe above rules as they see fit for the betterment of the team.
Mrs. Cynthia Sellars
Indianettes Dance Team Coach
FORT OSAGE HIGH SCHOOL
INDIANETTES DANCE TEAM
2012-2013 CONSTITUTION AGREEMENT
Indianette’s Name:______
I/We the parent(s) of the above-named have read the Indianettes Dance TeamConstitution and understand all the requirements and consequences of improper actions. I/We understand the coach has final say in my/our daughter’s participation with the team.I/We also realize this is a team effort and that we may be called upon to help throughout theyear. I/We will make every effort to do my/our share of assisting on the behalf of ourdaughter.
Signed ______
Date ______
As a member of the Indianettes Dance and Drill Team for the school year of 2012-2013, Ihave fully read the Constitution and understand all that is expected of me to remain amember in good standing. I will keep myself knowledgeable and informed of all rules, andrealize the consequences of poor behavior or inappropriate actions may be severe. I will doall I can to uphold the honor and tradition of the Indianettes Dance Team, and willrespect my team members, my school, and all persons associated with school spirit at alltimes.
Signed ______
Date ______