Elmore County High School

ElmoreCountyHigh School

Majorette and Color Guard Constitution

2007-2008

Philosophy:

As a member of Elmore County High School Majorette and Color Guard you represent ECHS and the ElmoreCountySchool District in everything you do, especially when in uniform. This commitment begins the day you make it onto Majorette and Color Guard and concludes June of the following school year. Throughout your commitment it is extremely important that you conduct yourself in a polite and respectful manner. You will be looked at as a leader within the school. Your actions and behavior will reflect directly upon ElmoreCountyHigh School and Majorette and Color Guard so it is critical that you participate on the Majorette and Color Guard teams with pride and honor.

Purpose:

1. To support Elmore County High School and the marching band.

2. To promote and uphold school spirit.

3. To serve the school and community through active participation.

4. To develop leadership qualities.

5. To develop self-discipline and citizenship.

6. To perform at football games, competitions, and special events with pride, excellence, and a positive attitude.

7. To assist at school and community activities when requested.

8. To uphold high moral and ethical standards.

Eligibility:

1. Majorette and Color Guard must be in grades nine through twelve.

2. Each candidate must have and maintain no lower than a 60 average in each subject for a nine-week period and an overall average of 70 for the semester before auditions.

3. Each candidate must give the sponsor a signed parental consent form no later than the first day of audition clinic.

4. Each candidate and parent must read and sign a rule agreement and must abide by all the rules.

5. A Majorette or Color Guard who has been expelled from the team or has quit the squad will no longer be eligible to audition for any team.

6. All candidates must be coverage by medical insurance. ECHS and its representatives, and ECHS Band Boosters and their representatives will not be held accountable for any medical cost incurred during practice, travel, or performance.

7. All candidates must pay a $10 dollar audition fee prior to the audition. This fee helps cover audition costs, which may include but are not limited to: judge’s fee, music, equipment needs, and props.

8. All candidates selected for Majorette or Color Guard will pay an annual band fee, which will include but may not be limited to, band camp expenses, travel fees, equipment rental, and other expenses necessary to operate the band.

9. All candidates who are members of the Majorette or Color Guard during the current school year must have paid all of their band fees and dues for the current year before being allowed to audition.

Selection Procedures:

1. Sponsors/Band Director will set dates for audition clinics and auditions.

2. Judges will have 100 points each for audition scoring. Competent judges from outside Elmore County will be chosen who will be fair, impartial, and will choose candidates without regard to race, religion, sex, or national origin.

3. Sponsors/Band Director will have points, which will be given for attendance, timeliness, hard work and dedication to task ability and performance.

4. Prior to audition day, the Sponsor/Band Director will announce a range for the number of Majorette and Color Guard to be chosen. The candidates with highest overall scores will be chosen.

5. School personnel will compile the scores.

6. The score sheets will be held for one year after auditions. Candidates and or their parents/guardian will not be allowed to see anyone’s score sheets but their own.

7. Practices will be closed to the public. Audition day may be attended for a fee. This fee will help offset audition costs.

8. Announcement of new team members will be done in letterform or by verbal announcement.

9. Clinic participation is mandatory. Missed clinic days must be approved AHEAD of the actual missed day.

10. The Majorette and Color Guard team size will be limited to a predetermined number. This is to ensure that Majorette and Color Guard are composed of only the best possible candidates. The predetermined number is a limit and may not necessarily be the actual number accepted onto the Majorette and Color Guard. A natural break in points will be used in determining which scores will be accepted on the team.

Responsibility:

1. To perform at ALL football games, pep rallies, home basketball games, and any other school events and/or competitions in which the Sponsors/Band Director deems necessary.

2. To represent ElmoreCountyHigh School, the band, and student body in a positive manner.

Transportation:

1. Transportation will be via ElmoreCounty buses or charter transportation.

2. If a special need of transportation is required the vehicle must have a sponsor approved licensed driver. Vehicle must have working seat belts and current insurance coverage.

Rules and Regulations:

1. Each member must strive to cooperate with all members on the team, the advisors and any coaches (camp, clinic, choreography, etc.). A good attitude is just as important, if not more important than any experience or expertise. A continuous negative attitude will result in disciplinary action.

2. Each Majorette and Color Guard must purchase 24-hour school insurance if they do not have other medical insurance coverage.

3. Members must be present at each practice and performance. The only absence excused is documented illness of the member, or a death in the immediate family. The member or parent/guardian must contact the sponsor before missing any practice or performance.

4. Even if an absence is excused the Sponsor will have complete discretion in allowing or not allowing the member to perform.

5. The cost of participation will be stated prior to auditions. Opportunities for fund raising will be given as an option.

6. Anything purchased through Majorette, Color Guard, or Band fund, or Band Booster fund will be property of the team AND band. Certain items at the band director’s discretion may remain in member's position.

7. Each member must maintain at least a 70 overall average for each nine weeks grading period. Any member failing to do so will be on academic probation for the following nine weeks. A failure to retain a 70 overall average will result in ineligibility for the team.

8. Routines, line up, positions, music, etc... will be the Sponsor’s/Band Director’s decision.

9. Inappropriate and/or vulgar or profane language will not be tolerated at any time. Use of such language will result in disciplinary action.

10. Members will not chew gum, wear unauthorized colors of nail polish, or wear any jewelry at any performance or activity. Members will not wear jewelry at practice to ensure safety. Failure to comply will result in disciplinary action.

11. Warnings are not required before enforcing rules. Each member's signature on the contract acknowledges an awareness and understanding of all policies contained herein. Failure to comply with these policies will result in the appropriate disciplinary action as determined by the coaches, band director, sponsor and advisor.

12. Captains and Co-captains must attend the monthly band booster meetings.

Uniforms, Accessories, and Appearance:

1. Each member of the Majorette and Color Guard is required to purchase all necessary uniforms, coordinating clothing, and accessories. Any member failing to be fitted for uniforms or order uniforms will be dismissed from the team.

2. The Sponsor/Band Director in conjunction with the Elmore County High School Dress Code will determine uniform standards and designs.

3. Uniforms are to be cleaned and neatly pressed before any activity, performance, game, or competition. There will be NO substitution of any part of the uniform with unauthorized apparel without permission from the Sponsor/Band Director. Uniforms are to be worn only for designated school activities and/or representation. Each member musthave alluniform items with them at all performancesand activities.

4. Hair must be pulled off of the face, in a ponytail or variation thereof, on performance days, during games, competitions, and other designated activities. The Sponsor/Band Director will determine compliance. The Sponsor/Band Director will determine hair accessories for each game and/or activity and team prior to said game and/or activity.

5.All Majorette and Color Guard will pay an equipment rental fee.

6. Under no circumstances will a member in uniform act in an embarrassing and/or easily misconstrued manner. Such behavior includes, but is not limited to, excessive public displays of affection. Such actions are determined inappropriate by the advisor will result in disciplinary action. While in uniform, members of Elmore County High School Majorette and Color Guard must display pride for not only the school but also for him/herself.

7. No jewelry or unauthorized colors of nail polish are to be worn while in uniform.

8. All lost/stolen Majorette and Color Guard items must be purchased by member immediately.

Conduct:

Although it is expected that all team members will be positive representatives of ElmoreCountyHigh School, any discipline or other problems that may arise will be handled by the sponsor/band director/principal. Serious infractions could result in suspension or dismal from the team. The following is a list of possible infractions:

1. Unexcused absentees from practices or performances.

2. Display of poor sportsmanship.

3. Unpaid debts to the team.

4. Failure to come prepared to perform or practice including bringing required items.

5. Failure to execute duties assigned by sponsor and/or band director.

6. Failure to be on time to all assigned activities.

7. Violation of the school system’s policy regarding drinking, smoking, drugs, or other substance abuse.

8. Failure to follow rules within the classroom, the school handbook, and the ElmoreCounty High School code of conduct.

9. A pattern of lesser infractions, which have a negative affect on the team, including but not limited to, an uncooperative attitude.

10. Being disrespectful to other team members.

11. Cheating.

12. School suspension including ATS.

Captains and Co-captains are expected to conduct themselves in a respectable manner, have high moral standards, and be a role model at all times. They will be expected to comply with all band rules and strive to keep unity and respect within the team at all times.

Performances and Activities:

1. Members must be in their assigned places, both in the stands and on the field, at the designated time.

2. Any member that arrives late to any scheduled game will face disciplinary action.

3. Any member that forgets a piece or part of their uniform will face disciplinary action.

4. Break-time is time for members to take care of personal necessities. Members must be back in their assigned positions at the designated time. If late, said member will face disciplinary action.

5. Members must have permission from the band director and be accompanied by approved band chaperone to leave immediate area of the group.

6. Members must not engage in conversation with each other or spectators during a game, performance, or activity. Excessive conversation will result in disciplinary action, which can include but is not limited to sitting out or suspension.

7. Members required to attend activities off campus must ride the bus or other designated transportation both to and from the activity. Should an alternate arrangement be necessary, written notification is required two days prior to the activity so that the advisor may obtain clearance from a school administrator.

8. Members who miss a scheduled activity must notify the Band Director prior to non-attendance and follow up with a parent/legal guardian note regarding the absence. If a member is absent from school on the day of any activity, for any reason, said member would not be allowed to participate in any extracurricular activity including performances. If an absence is due to an illness, the illness must be reported to the Band Director prior to the activity for an absence to be excused. Medical appointments, including doctor and dentist visits are not an excuse to miss any activity, performance or practice.

9. Members must not eat, drink, or chew gum while performing or participating in any activity unless given specific permission from the Band Director to do so.

10. Majorette and Color Guard will be required to perform at all football games, home basketball games, parades, and other events deemed necessary by the Band Director. Schedules of games will be given to team members at the beginning of the season.

The Sponsor/Band Director will determine consequences for infractions. Students and parents/guardians must abide by these consequences, understanding that they will be imparted for the good of the entire team.

Practice:

1. Members are required to attend all scheduled practices. Practice is referred to as class time and after school practice. At times, emergency practice may be needed to remedy any problems. All members are expected to attend so as to meet the needs of the team.

2. Any member that arrives late to any scheduled practice will face disciplinary action. It is expected that when practice begins, you have already begun stretching. Arriving early to practice will ensure quality and consistency amongst all members.

3. Medical appointments, including doctor and dentist visits, are not an excuse to miss any practice. If ill, a member or a relative must notify the sponsor/band director prior to practice so as not to incur any disciplinary action.

4. Unexcused absences will result in non-participation in any activity for the week of the absence(s).

5. It is the responsibility of Majorette and Color Guard members to remain focused and attentive during practice. Members are expected to use their time wisely and to be cooperative and productive.

6. All jewelry must be removed before practice begins to ensure the safety of all members.

7. All scheduled practices will be on the Majorette and Color Guard calendars, which will be issued one month prior to all events.

8. The Sponsor/Band Director will determine summer practices. The schedule for summer will be issued to all new members at the mandatory parent/student meeting following auditions.

Disciplinary Action:

ElmoreCounty Majorette and Color guard Demerit System

Members will be able to work off 5 demerits only once. Options for working of demerits include running, cleaning up field, cleaning out auxiliary room, doing chores for Mr. V. or sponsor, etc.

• 10 demerits = one week suspension from team and will not be able to perform in that weeks performance. Member will attend practices and will attend performance in full uniform and will stand in stands and on sidelines.
• 15 demerits = two week suspension from team two performances.
• 15+ demerits = dismissal from team

Captains and Co. Captains who receive a total of 10 demerits after working off 5 or have a suspension from school will lose their position.

Any member who receives a total of 10 demerits after working off 5 will not be able to try out for a leadership position the following year.

Failing Grades – Member will not be able to perform if they have a failing grade in any subject until proof of passing is given to the band director or sponsor. (Grades are to be checked bi-weekly.)

Member Name ______Date ______

Offense ______# of demerits given ______

Signature of Member ______

Signature of Sponsor ______

Signature of Capt. / Co. Capt. ______

Signature of Band Director ______

**must be signed by parent and returned the next school day (one demerit will be given for everyday not returned)

Signature of Parent ______

You must sign and return this portion of the constitution no later than one week from being selected to Majorette or Color Guard. By signing and returning this you agree to abide by all the rules and regulations stated in this constitution. Also you understand the disciplinary actions to follow if a rule is broken.

______Parent/Guardian Signature Student Signature

______

Date Date

I/We ______of ______

Parent/guardian Student

Understand that there is a potential for accidents to happen during practices, travel, and performances. I/We ______authorize any designated representative of the ElmoreCountyHigh School and/or the ECHS Band Boosters to seek medical assistance if deemed necessary. I/We______will not hold ElmoreCountyHigh School and/or ECHS Band Boosters or any of their representatives accountable for any medical costs incurred during practices, travel, or performances that may occur as a result of illness or accident.

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