SOUTHWEST JUNIOR HIGH

 

 

 

SPIRIT SQUAD CONSTITUTION

PHILOSOPHY / PURPOSE

Being a cheerleader or on the dance team is an honor and special privilege.  Spirit groups exist to promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, and wholesome and enthusiastic school spirit and are first and foremost representatives of their school.  Cheer/Dance members should exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position and in accordance with the rules as stated in Student Code of Conduct.  Members of these groups have a fundamental responsibility to play a leadership role in building teamwork and helping the school achieve its goals and objectives.  Because of these responsibilities, members of the Cheer/Dance teams will be expected to maintain a higher standard of behavior both on and off campus and academic achievement.

 

RESPONSIBLILITIES / OBLIGATIONS

If selected to the SWJH cheer or dance squad, there will be certain responsibilities and obligations that your student must assume in order to qualify and remain a member in good standing.  They are:

·      Attend on time all scheduled practices during the summer and through the school year.  Calendars will be given out on a monthly basis.

·      Attend all 8th and 9th grade football games, all HOME basketball games, and selected basketball tournaments, and selected HOME volleyball games through-out the year and to actively participate in performing and cheering at all these events.

·      Purchase the needed items for each group which is outlined below, in a timely manner.

·      Fully participate in all fund raising projects.

·      SWJH cheer and dance squads will compete at local, conference, and regional competitions.  All members of the squads are required to participate fully in these competitions, and they are expected to give 100% dedication to a successful team experience.  The time commitment to these competitions is great.  There will be extra practices above and beyond our normal commitment to sporting and school events.  Practice over the summer breaks, before and after school and on weekends will be required.

**Classroom work is a priority at SWJH but, Spirit Squad commitments override all other activities such as church (Sundays and Wednesday evenings will be respected), camps, family functions, extracurricular cheer/dance instruction, vacations, etc.  Many girls will be trying out for a chance to represent SWJH on these teams.  It is imperative that members are totally committed to the responsibilities and duties that come with the privilege of being a SWJH spirit squad member.  Advance notice will be given for all required events and practices to avoid scheduling conflicts.


OBJECTIVES

Cheer/Dance members are expected to be physically and mentally skilled in learning and remembering cheers and dance.  They are also expected to be able to publicly demonstrate a skill level suitable for the team position and the timing necessary for group performance.  Off the field, they are to enthusiastically support all athletic teams through advertisement, personal attitude, and attendance at events chosen by the coach and approved by the principal.

 

LENGTH OF TERM

Cheer/Dance year:  The rules and procedures outlined in this constitution are in effect from the time the student is selected to the SWJH Cheer/Dance Squad until the end of the following school year.

 

ELIGIBILITY – TRY OUT

A student is eligible to try out for the Cheer/Dance squads if all of the following requirements are met:

·      At the time of the try out, the student must live in the SWJH attendance area or have approved transfer on file in the principals’ office.

·      Students entering the 9th grade must have at least a 2.0 GPA for the preceding semester, or  passed at least 4 core classes and 1 elective in order to try out (AAA 5.19)

·      Eligibility for any student suspended/expelled from school or is currently dismissed from another spirit squad is subject to Principle/Coach review.

·      Students currently attending private schools who meet all of the conditions above may tryout.

 

TRY OUT GUIDELINES

Each coach will be responsible for the preparation and distribution of the packet of information to be made available to all candidates.  This information will include specific try out dates, times, attire, and procedures.  This information must be approved by the building principal and the Activities Director prior to distribution. Candidates and parents must sign all required forms before the student is allowed to participate in the try out process.

 

SWJH Cheer/Dance members shall be selected by a scoring method that assigns points by a panel of judges.  The point total will be used along with student’s squad preference card to determine squad membership.

 

SQUAD MAKEUP

The squads will consist of 14-20 students per squad based on candidate score and preference.

 

TRY-OUT SCHEDULE

March 9-March 12                   4:15 – 6:15

March 13                                 4:15 Try-outs

 

Candidates may try out for both spirit squads or for one specific team.  Candidates trying out for both squads will fill out a preference card to indicate which team they would prefer to join.

 

v     Flowers and gifts may not be delivered to the campus during the week of try-outs.

v     Flowers and gifts will not be allowed in the building on Friday, March 13.

v     Parents will not be allowed in the school building after 4:15 on March 13.

v     Hair must be up and out of face in a ponytail or pulled out of eyes during practice and try-outs.  (no whispies)

v     No jewelry may be worn during try-outs or the week of practice (AAA).

 

The following are required for all clinic and try-out participants:

·      Completed doctor’s physical – received no later than March 9. Students who do not turn in a physical will not be able to participate in any physical activities until a physical is turned in.

·      All consent forms signed and returned by the first day of try-outs.

 

CLOTHES FOR TRY-OUTS

Navy or Black shorts

Plain White T-shirt

Black, Navy or White Hair Ribbon

Athletic shoes

 

·      No candidate will be allowed to participate in try-out practices or try-outs wearing any part of a retired or current Cheerleader or Dance Team uniform or other team outfits. (including: cheerleading/dance shoes, sweats, t-shirts or team bags etc.)

 

JUDGES--Every attempt will be made to hire judges who have not worked with students in the Springdale area.  However, with the hundreds of camps in the region, attended by thousands of cheerleaders and dancers and taught by hundreds of instructors, it may be possible at some time that a member of the judging panel may have had some contact with a candidate who is trying out.

 

Judges with outstanding credentials and references will be hired for all try-outs.  They will be instructed to judge the candidates based only on the mastery of the skills that they see demonstrated during the try-outs. SWJH cheer/dance coaches will not serve as a judge for spirit squad try-outs, but will observe the try-outs.

 

TRY-OUTS -- Panel try-outs will be closed to everyone except judges, principals, principals’ designees, the athletic director, cheer/dance coaches and exiting 9th grader from the cheerleading and dance squad from the previous year.  There will be no students, parents, or other existing cheerleaders in the try out room/area, nor will they be involved in the collection or tabulation of scores.

 

Any deviation by the candidates from the try out requirements may result in the disqualification of the candidate.

ESTIMATED COST

Cheer

Item

Estimated Cost

Summer Camp

$285.00

Stunt Camp

$50.00

Camp Total

$335.00

Shoes ($80.00 x 2 pair)

$160.00

Camp/Work out Clothes

$90.00

Bag

$35.00

Briefs (2 Pair)

$30.00

Poms

$45.00

Hair Ribbons

$15.00

Sweat Suit

$100.00

Uniform Repair Fee

$25.00

Under Armor

$25.00

Total

$525.00

Dance

Item

Estimated Cost

Summer Camp

$250.00

Camp Total

$250.00

Shoes

$150.00

Camp/Work out Clothes

$90.00

Bag

$35.00

Dance Pants

$40.00

Briefs (2 Pair)

$30.00

Poms

$45.00

Hair Ribbons

$15.00

Sweat Suit

$100.00

Uniform Repair Fee

$25.00

Under Armor

$25.00

Total

$555.00

These prices are an estimation to give an idea of the cost to expect.  It is imperative that these items be paid for as soon as possible so that the items can be shipped.   Delays in shipping can result in not having the necessary items at the beginning of the school year.  A payment schedule is available. There are several other items needed for each team that will be covered by mandatory team fundraising.  

GENERAL CONDUCT RULES

Cheer/Dance members are expected to behave in a manner that is becoming to the individual, as well as to the organization they represent.  They should be aware that in or out of uniform they are representatives of the Cheer and Dance squads at Southwest Junior High School and should act accordingly. Students may face dismissal for negative behavior while at school, in uniform, while serving as a squad member, or while being a representative of the squad.

 

Proper manners should be used at all times to address adults.  Mutual respect and politeness toward members within the squad are basic elements that contribute to the total success of the squad.

 

 

 

 

Any squad member given out of school suspension for any reason will be subject to the following actions:

 

·        First offense- Benched for next event, Principal/Coach Review, placed on probation for duration of school year.

·        Second offense – Removal from squad.

 

Students assigned to ISS may not participate in performances during the school days, wear the squad uniform, or practice with the squad while in ISS or while suspended plus one calendar school day.  If the student misses the last practice before a performance it will be considered an unexcused absence and will not perform.

 

Students given out of school suspension may not perform, wear the squad uniform, or practice with the squad while suspended.

 

Any member failing to abide by published school rules relating to conduct, use of drugs, alcoholic beverages, or other illegal activities will be subject to review by the coach and principal.  Dismissal from the group may result from that review.

 

Any member who is expelled from school will be removed from the Cheer/Dance squad for the remainder of the school year. 

 

Any member placed in ALE will be removed from the Cheer/Dance squad.

 

Cheer/Dance members are subject to periodic drug testing according to school district board policy.

 

Our goal is to be fair and consistent with the rules and consequences.  If problems arise that are not addressed in the constitution, the coach and an administrator will decide how to appropriately handle the situation.

 

CONDUCT EXPECTATIONS AND CONSEQUENCES

A.  PRACTICE

CONSEQUENCES

1.  Cheer/Dance members must wear appropriate workout clothing when practice begins

 2 pt. deduction

2.  Hair must be up and bangs secure.

 2 pt. deduction

3. No jewelry.

 2 pt. deduction

4. No chewing gum

 2 pt. deduction

5. No cursing/arguing with anyone.

 5 pt. deduction

6. Cheer/Dance members will have required items (forms, signs, etc.) at the beginning of practice

 2 pt. deduction

7. Cheer/Dance must be on time to all in/out of school practice.

 2 pt. deduction

8. Cheer/Dance members will not leave practice or the practice area without permission.

 2 pt. deduction

9. Cheer/Dance members will attend all in/out of school practices.  Any absence must be cleared by the coach prior to the practice.  Excused: Illness/doctor permit, death in the family. Unexcused:  Work/vacation, appointments, All-stars practices, ISS, non-emergency doctor appointments (such as orthodontist, dental appointments, eye, etc.), family functions, etc.

Excused w/out prior noticed: benched a ½ game.  Exception: death in the family.  Unexcused:  Benched 1 game

10. Cheer/Dance members cannot miss the last practice before a game.

Benched 1 game

11. Cheer/Dance members will attend all summer practices.

Benched ½ game per miss.

 

 

 

B.  GAMES/PEP-RALLIES/ALL  CHEER/DANCE ATIVITIES

CONSEQUENCES

1. Cheer/Dance members must be in correct/complete uniform at school on game/pep-rally days.  Only designated sweats/sweater may be worn with uniform or spirit attire.

3 pt. deduction

2. Cheer/Dance members will be in correct/complete uniform 30 minutes prior to game or pep-rally.

3 pt. deduction

3. Hair will be up and secure as per coach

2 pt. deduction

4. No jewelry during performances, games or pep-rallies

2 pt. deduction

5. No chewing gum.

2 pt. deduction

6. No cursing/arguing

5 pt. deduction

7. No colored nail polish. (clear only)

3 pt. deduction

8. Cheer/Dance members will have required items upon arrival.

2 pt. deduction

9. Cheer/Dance members will maintain proper sideline behavior at all times.

·      No excessive talking among Cheer/Dance squads

·      No talking to people in the crowd.

·      Pay attention to the game/pep-rally.

·      Cheer and spirit, jump and tumble the entire game or pep-rally

·      Only one person out of formation at a time for drinks.

·      No taunting the other team, fans, or spirit squads.

·      Cheer/Dance members will show respect during the National anthem and both school songs.

2 pt. deduction

10.  Cheer/Dance members will stay to clean up after each game/pep-rally and will be dismissed by the coach.

2 pt. deduction

11. Cheer/Dance members will arrive on time and at the designated area and will remain for the duration of the game/pep-rally.

·      30 minutes prior to game/pep-rally.

·      15 minutes prior to bus departure

·      If a Cheer/Dance misses the bus he/she will not be allowed to participate in the game unless prior authorization has been given by the coach.

5 pt. deduction

12.  Between games or after half time, Cheer/Dance will be back on the field/court/stands ready to participate at the designated time as determined by the coach.

Benched 3rd Qtr.

13. Cheer/Dance members will stay on the field/court/stands for the entire game/pep-rally.

3 pt. deduction

14. Cheer/Dance members will attend all in/out of school games, pep-rallies, meetings, functions and activities. Any absence must be cleared by the coach prior to the event.  Excused:  Illness/doctor permit, death in the family.  Unexcused:    Work/vacation, appointments, All Stars etc.  Note: An absence from school does not excuse the Cheer/Dance member from the responsibility of calling the coach.

Excused w/o prior notice will be a ½ game/pep-rally. Exception: Death in the family.  Unexcused will be benched for 1 game.

15.  Cheer/Dance member acting in an unsafe manner as determined by the coach.

First offense: 5 pt. deduction

Second offense:  Benched one game.

Third offense: Benched 2 games and principal/coach review with possible dismissal from the squad.

 

 

C.  SUMMER CAMP/PRACTICES

CONSEQUENCE

1. All Cheer/Dance members will attend all summer camps.

Benched 3 performances

2. Cheer/Dance members will be on time to all camp activities.

5 pt. deduction

3. A Cheer/Dance members may not leave the campus with anyone at any time unless approved by the coach.

Sent home, and possible squad dismissal

4. Cheer/Dance members may not talk to family/friends when engaged in a squad activity. Absolutely no public display of affection.

5 pt. deduction

5. Cheer/Dance members will respond to both coaches’ directions.  No disrespect will be tolerated.

10 pt. deduction

6. Cheer/Dance members will follow all camp rules and respect all staff members.

10 pt. deduction

7. Cheer/Dance members will respect each other and all other squad members. No taunting/arguments or cursing will be tolerated.

5 pt. deduction

8. Absolutely no smoking, drinking, or illegal substances will be tolerated.

Sent home, reported to the principal and possible dismissal from squad.

 

 

D.  OTHER SCHOOL FUNCTIONS

CONSEQUENCE

All Cheer/Dance members are REQUIRED to participate or support the Cheer/Dance squad’s fund-raising activity which goes to support Cheer/Dance functions and costs.

Those not participating will pay for their portion from their own funds.

 

 

E.   UNIFORM GUIDELINES

CONSEQUENCE

1. Cheer/Dance members will not wear uniforms to any non-Cheer/Dance functions. (eating after the game may be approved by the coach as an exception to this guideline.)

Benched 1 or more games or dismissed from the squad.

2. Cheer/Dance members will not lend out uniforms, sweats, letter jacket, poms etc. to anyone who is not a Cheer/Dance member.

5 pt. deduction

3. Uniforms may be altered, but no fabric may be cut without prior approval from coach.

Replacement of uniform

4. Cheer/Dance members are responsible for damage to or loss of any part of a uniform

Replacement of uniform or repair cost.

 

 

 

F. GENERAL

CONSEQUENCE

1. Cheer/Dance hair will be A natural color.

Benched until returned to a natural color.

2. No visible tattoos. (temporary school logo tattoos maybe an exception per coach)

Benched until no longer visible.

3. Cheer/Dance members will not leave food, trash, or mess in the dressing room, practice area, halls, or any performance area.

2 pt. deduction

4. Cheer/Dance members will not participate in any public display of affection during school, at school activities or while wearing the Cheer/Dance uniform. This includes holding hands or hugging.

5 pt. deduction

5. Cheer/Dance members will follow all school rules and policies, including the dress code.

5 pt. deduction

6. Cheer/Dance members will follow (not agree with) the Cheer/Dance captain’s instructions at all times at Cheer/Dance activities.

Benched  Qtr.

7. Cheer/Dance will respect/respond to both coaches at all times.  Rudeness/insubordination will not be tolerated.

Benched and possible removal from the squad.

8. Cheer/Dance members will respect all teacher/staff members at all times.

Benched and possible removal from the squad.

9. Cheer/Dance members will not receive an office referral for any reason.

 Benched and coach/principal Review, placed on probation for duration of school year.  Second offense- removal from squad.

10. Cheer/Dance members given out of school suspension for any reason.

First offense- Benched for next event, Principal/Coach Review, placed on probation for duration of school year. Second offense- Removal from squad.

11. Cheer/Dance members receiving an N in conduct from any teacher.

Coach/Principal review

12. Cheer/Dance members receiving a failing grade for any class.

Probation until grade is passing. First check will be at report time.

 

 

 

 

 

NOTES

  1. After a 15-point deduction, the Cheer/Dance will be benched for one game.  When games are not an option, coaches will assign physical activities. (Laps, pull throughs, practice kicks, toe touches, etc.)  If he/she accumulates 25 points in different offenses, he/she will be benched for three games.  For each additional five points accumulated after the 25 the Cheer/Dance member will be benched for one game.
  2. Accumulation of three or more benchings may result in a principal/coach review which could result in the removal from the squad.
  3. During summer activities when grades are not an option, coaches will assign physical activities. (Laps, pull throughs, practice kicks, toe touches, etc.)  If he/she accumulates the equivalent of 25 points in different offenses, he/she will be benched for three performances.  For each additional five points accumulated after the 25 the Cheer/Dance member will be benched for one performance.
  4. Injuries:  If an injury occurs that keeps the student out of two practices, a note from the student’s parent or doctor stating the reason will be required. If the injury restricts the student from three or more practices, a doctor’s note will be required.  This note should state the nature of the injury, the length of time the restriction, the specific task the student cannot perform, and any special instructions.  Lack of participation will be categorized as a missed practice if there is no note.
  5. Springdale Schools District does carry secondary athletic insurance that may partially cover injuries which athletes receive in the course of practice or regular play.  All forms for injury clams must be turned in within 90 days of the injury.  If an injury does occur, please contact you coach the forms and for more information.
  6. If a student sits out a game due to illness, injury, or benching the Cheer/Dance member will sit with the coach and wear the team uniform or sweats per the coaches’ instructions. 
  7. Repeated/excessive offenses my result in a coach/principal review. Repeated/excessive is defined as repetition of the same offense three or more times during the duration of a season. Seasons are:
    1. Football—beginning of school until December 1 or the last football game.
    2. Basketball—First basketball game until March 1 or the last basketball game. Violation of the same rule or guideline three or more times in a season will result in the Cheer/Dance member being placed on probation for the remainder of that season.  Violation of the probation by further misconduct could result in dismissal from the squad.
  8. Any coach and principal review of student’s actions may result in dismissal from the squad.
  9. Guidelines:  These are general rules and guidelines for Southwest Junior High Cheer/Dance members.  Failure to comply may at times require judgment calls to be made.  These decisions will be left up to the individual coaches for each squad.  Coaches reserve the right to upgrade any penalty (immediate benching, office referral) depending on the severity of the situation.

 

 

 

SPECIFIC STUNTING SAFETY GUIDELINES

  1. All pyramids and partner stunts are limited to two persons high.   “Two high” is defined as the base (bottom person) having at least one foot on the ground.
  2. Toe pitch flips are prohibited.
  3. Free falling flips or swan dives from any type of toss, partner stunt or pyramid are prohibited.
  4. Knee drops, front, back or side tension rolls are prohibited
  5. Backward suspended rolls are prohibited.
  6. Single-based split catches are prohibited.
  7. Basket tosses or any type of toss must be performed from ground level and must be dismounted to a cradle position by the original two bases plus an additional spotter (third person scoop).  Single-based tosses higher than shoulder-stand level bust be cradled by two people
  8. Pyramids or partner stunts may NOT move through or under a basket toss or suspended flip.
  9. Partner stunts and pyramids higher than a shoulder-stand must have a continuous spotter for each person over shoulder-stand level.
  10. Suspended forward rolls (where the person flipping is continually holding the bases hand) are allowed as long as the bases have their feet on the ground.
  11. Toe touch dismounts off pyramids two high are allowed as long as the person dismounting is caught by three persons in a cradle.  Toe touch dismounts off a single layer tabletop stunt must have at least one spotter.
  12. Dismounts from double-based partner stunts and pyramids over should level, if cradled, must use three catchers (either the bases and a spotter or three spotters.)
  13. Dismounts from single-base partner stunts over shoulder-stand level, if cradled, must be cradled by two catchers (the base and the spotter. (Two female or one male)
  14. A co-ed squad (two or more males) may do unsuspended extensions with a continuous spotter.
  15. Basket Tosses and other similar multi-base tosses are permitted only if the performing surface is an appropriate mat, grass, or surface that is rubberized and/or soft or yielding.
  16. All other NFHS and AAA safety rules must be followed.
  17. There is to be no stunting or tumbling without a safety certified coach’s approval and the coach must be in practice area.