2018-2019 ROCKDALE HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING HANDBOOK

Page created by Byron Logan
 
CONTINUE READING
2018-2019

ROCKDALE HIGH SCHOOL
    CHEERLEADING
     HANDBOOK
Parent Initials: _____

                                  2018-2019
                 Rockdale High School Cheerleading Constitution

Article I. Name:
        A. The name of this organization shall be the Rockdale High School
           Cheerleaders, which consists of the following groups:
              1. RHS Varsity Cheerleaders
              2. RHS Varsity Mascot

Article II. Mission Statement: We believe that a positive cheerleading squad consists
    of possessing a positive attitude, as well as school spirit. We will reach out to the
    community as leaders who are dedicated not only to those on our team, but
    also to everyone who considers us role models. Cheerleaders are confident
    athletes that will persevere through commitment. The RHS cheerleaders will strive
    towards excellence in everything we do.

Article III. Goals and Purposes:
        A. This organization shall encourage self-esteem within the students
             participating in this program.
        B. This organization shall maintain and promote school spirit, teamwork, and
             good sportsmanship.
        C. This organization shall, by their own conduct, set an example of good
             citizenship and a positive representation of the Rockdale High School
             student body.
        D. This organization shall work in harmony with the administration, faculty,
             band, athletic teams and other school organizations.

Article IV. Membership:
        A. Squad Make-Up:
              1. The Varsity Cheerleading squad shall consist of 12 to 18 students
                 from grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. (must have one year of high school
                 cheer experience if you are a junior trying out for your senior year)
              2. A Varsity Mascot shall be a student in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12.

       B. Term of membership:
              1. Team membership year will be from the date of tryouts through the
                  spring sports banquet of the following year.
       C. Each member will give his/her time to participate in required activities
          throughout the year. The individual should not hold a job that will interfere
          with these activities. Work will not be an excused absence.
       D. Each member will participate in all assigned fundraising activities to assist
          with financial obligations. The parents must be willing to support the
          member in complying with all rules and regulations of the school and the
          organization.
       E. Candidates who have been dismissed or who have resigned from the
          squad will not be eligible to re-audition for one tryout year. Exceptions to
          this rule will only be considered pending extreme circumstances and at

                                   Page 2
Parent Initials: _____

          the discretion of the high school principal.
       F. Candidates who have been dismissed or who have resigned from the
          squad will not be reimbursed monies paid.

Article V. Requirements for Election:
        A. Secure an information packet/registration form.
        B. Submit a completed application, a signed permission slip from a parent or
           guardian, and other required forms to the cheerleader coach by the
           appropriate deadlines.
        C. Must have an updated/current Physical Examination Form on file with RHS
           or provide such prior to the beginning of the tryout clinic.
        D. The candidate and a parent or guardian must attend the mandatory
           tryout meeting.
        E. Absences are unexcused unless attending a UIL event and prior
           notification is given to the coaches.
        F. To be eligible for tryouts a candidate must be a full time Rockdale student
           at the time of tryouts, or must be a pre-registered student living within the
           Rockdale attendance zone.
        G. Candidates may be denied tryout due to previous RISD Code of Conduct
           violations at the discretion of school administration.
        H. Candidates planning to graduate in 3.5 years (in December rather than
           May) will not be eligible to cheer their final ½ year of high school.
        I. Candidates must have an academic average of 75 or higher when core
           class averages from first semester are averaged.

Article VI. Cheerleader Tryouts:
        A. RHS will hold a tryout for the selection of the high school cheerleading
            squads. The goal of the tryout will be to provide a consistent, equitable
            and monitored tryout process for all high school cheerleader candidates.
            The tryouts will be held in the spring semester.
        B. A packet of information, including an application, will be made available
            to all candidates. The packet will include information about the uniform
            tryout outfit, clinic information, judging requirements for both cheerleaders
            and mascots, and forms to be signed by the candidate and parent
            stating that they understand and will comply with all information in the
            packet.
        C. Any deviation by the candidates from the tryout requirements may result
            in the disqualification of the candidate.
        D. Exceptions: Any deviations from the standard tryout procedure are at the
            discretion of the high school principal; including but not limited to new to
            RISD students, injured at time of tryout, and tryout by video.
        E. Cheerleaders will be selected by the following procedures: Selection of
            the members will be based on:
            Judge’s Panel Scores (70%)
            Academic, Behavior and Teacher Evaluation (15%)
            Principal Evaluation (15%)
                1. Panel Score: A panel of judges will score each candidate. The
                    judges’ scores will be tabulated and will make up 70% of the final

                                   Page 3
Parent Initials: _____

          tryout score.
              a. There will be a minimum of three judges on each panel.
                  Judges will be selected from NCA, UCA, ACA, other
                  professional cheerleading associations, universities, and/or
                  out of district sponsors. Every attempt will be made to hire
                  judges who have not worked with students in the Rockdale
                  area. Judges will be instructed to rate the candidates based
                  only on the mastery of the skills that they see demonstrated
                  during the tryouts.
              b. Panel tryouts will be closed to everyone except judges,
                  school officials, and the current cheer coaches.
              c. The judging criteria shall consist of the following:
                     1. Group Dance – (rhythm, skill, energy, enthusiasm - 10
                         points
                     2. Technique (sharpness, arm level) – 10 points
                     3. Projection (voice, facial expressions, enthusiasm)
                         – 10 points
                     4. Jumps (flexibility, form, difficulty, height) – 10 points
                     5. Fight Song (rhythm, skill, energy, enthusiasm) – 10
                         points
                     6. Overall Impression (energy, confidence, neatness)
                         – 10 points
                     7. RHS Cheer Experience – 5 points for each year of
                         cheer Membership at RHS – possible 15 points

       2. Academic, Behavior & Teacher Evaluations: A standard form will be
          completed by the administration and teaching staff. The
          Academic, Behavior, and Teacher Evaluations will make up 15% of
          the final tryout score.
                      1. Each referral, detention, ISS, Saturday school,
                          unexcused absence, tardy, or failing grade from the
                          current school year will count against the candidate’s
                          final Academic, Behavior and Teacher Evaluation
                          score in the tryout process.
                      2. Academic and Behavior Evaluation form will be
                          provided to candidates prior to tryouts and is
                          available at any other time upon request.
                      3. In case of tie the candidate with the higher
                          Academic and Behavior score will be selected.
F. Tabulation: Scores will be tabulated by administration or appointed school
   personnel.
G. Squad Selection: The top scores will be used to determine squad
   selection. Scores will be kept on file for 30 days following the tryout date.
   If necessary, Cheerleaders for the squad may be selected by using the
   natural break of all scores.
H. Results: Tryout results will be posted as soon as they are tabulated on the
   day of the tryouts. The results will be listed in alphabetical order with no
   indication of ranking. Results will be posted at a location to be decided.

                           Page 4
Parent Initials: _____

       I.   Individual Results: Parents have 10 school days after the conclusion of the
            tryouts to request to see their own child’s scores (no rank scores) from
            school administration. Requests must be made in writing by the morning
            of the tenth day. By law, all other student scores are protected and
            cannot be shared with anyone except the coach, high school principal,
            or school administration.

Article VII.       Mascot Tryouts:
        A. Mascot candidates will be responsible for creating an original skit. The skit
            should last from one to two minutes, and incorporate all criteria that will
            be judged.
        B. Mascot tryouts will follow the same procedure as cheerleaders, with the
            exception of the judging criteria listed below:
               1. The judging criteria shall consist of the following:
               Overall Tryout Score – up to 70%
                      a. Originality/Creativity: 10 points
                      b. Enthusiasm/Spirit: 10 Points
                      c. Crowd Appeal: 10 points
                      d. Dance: 10 points
                      e. Years of RHS Cheer/Mascot Experience: 5 points per year of
                           membership.
               Teacher Evaluation 15%
               Principal Evaluation 15%

Article VIII.      Squad Leadership:
        A. Coaches: The leadership of this organization shall consist of one or two
            coaches (as deemed appropriate by school administration and will be
            appointed by the Rockdale High School Principal). All coaches have the
            authority to uphold all rules and regulations of this organization. They shall
            organize and coach this organization within the guidelines provided by
            the Rockdale ISD and the constitution of this organization as they judge to
            be in the best interest of all concerned.
               1. Additional specific responsibilities of the sponsors are to:
                       a. Coach and instruct the team to the best possible
                          showmanship.
                       b. Supervise the organization at all practices, performances,
                          etc.
                       c. Arrange transportation or check to see that arrangements
                          have been made.
                       d. Plan, arrange, and supervise tryouts.
                       e. Maintain all records and have ready all rules, constitutions,
                          consent forms, and other official documents for the
                          organization.
                       f. Supervise the planning of any events, sales, parties, etc.

                                   Page 5
Parent Initials: _____

              g. Provide a system for assessing the compliance of all
                 members to the rules and regulations.

B. Student Leadership: Captain: The Varsity squad will have one captain and
   one co-captain. Interested Candidates must complete the Captain
   Tryout Application to be considered for the position.
       1. Requirements for Application:
             a. The captain must be elected as an RHS Varsity Cheerleader
                 and have two years of RHS Cheer experience.
             b. The Co-Captain must have at least one year experience of
                 RHS Cheer experience.
                 The Co-Captain will be selected upon return from Cheer
                 Camp.
       2. Election: All captain applicants will participate in a tryout selection
          that will be judged based on the following criteria:
             a. Captain:
                     1. Captain Panel Interview (including presentation of
                         mock pep rally) - 25%
                     2. Overall Tryout Score: 25%
                     3. Teacher Evaluation: 25%
                     4. Principal Evaluation: 25%
             b. The interview will be conducted and scores will be tabulated
                 following Cheerleading Tryouts.

       3. Expectations:
             a. Captains: must maintain a 75 average in all classes. Must
                have mature leadership skills,
             b. Maintain good organizational skills, demonstrate a strong
                sense of responsibility, and be willing to set a good example
                ON and OFF campus at all times.
                    1. Meet with the coaches weekly to discuss the
                        development and progress of the team.
                    2. Maintain a good working relationship with the
                        coaches and other team members at all times.
                    3. Responsible for warm-up each practice/
                        performance.
                    4. Provide encouragements and motivational support to
                        team members.
                    5. Designate uniforms to be worn at each performance
                        (with coach approval).
                    6. Take attendance prior to every practice and
                        performance.
                    7. Captains will be put on probation if they do not
                        uphold the responsibilities of the position. If a captain
                        cannot meet the expectations after one
                        probationary period, they will be removed from the
                        leadership position.

                           Page 6
Parent Initials: _____

                             8.

Article IX. Academic Eligibility: As per UIL Guidelines all members shall meet the
    following academic eligibility requirements:
        A. To be eligible at the beginning of the school year members must have
            earned the accumulated number of credits to be classified at the
            appropriate grade level. A student who lacks the prescribed number of
            credits shall remain ineligible for the first six weeks of the fall term. If, at
            that time, the student has passed all classes for the six-week period, the
            student becomes eligible.
        B. After the initial six-week period of any school year the student must meet
            the academic requirements for all extracurricular participants as defined
            by Chapter 76 of the Texas Administrative Code and as described in the
            TEA-UIL Side by Side under Academic Requirements (No Pass, No Play).

Article X. Responsibilities:
        A. All Cheerleaders, MUST attend and participate in Summer Cheer Camp.
           Failure to attend and participate will result in removal from squad.
        B. Cheerleaders will cheer at all of the games, tournaments, and other
           events as assigned by the coach:
               1. Cheerleaders will lead cheers and perform routines at selected
                   events and pep rallies. Cheerleaders will attend all required events
                   such as football games, district boys’ and girls’ basketball games
                   (home), all playoff games, parades, UIL State Spirit Competition,
                   and all other events deemed necessary by the school
                   administration and/or cheer coach.
               2. Other duties will include but are not limited to cheering at freshmen
                   and JV Football games and other events deemed necessary by
                   the school administration and/or cheer coach.

Article XI. Cheerleader Code:
        A. All Cheerleaders must adhere to all applicable UIL Regulations and the
            expectations set forth in the Student Handbook.
        B. Violation of these rules and all others may result in several penalties
            including: Extra running, probation, suspension, and possible expulsion
            from the squad in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the RHS
            Cheerleading Demerit System.
        C. Campus: Behavior and appearance on the campus is of great
            importance.     Cheerleaders should be leaders since fellow students
            respect and follow them. There are certain expectations required of
            Rockdale High School Cheerleaders.
            They will:
                1. Follow the RHS Dress Code at all times.
                2. Follow the RISD Student Code of Conduct and RHS Student
                   Handbook at all times.
                3. Respectful to all teachers, coaches, and administrators.
                4. Be Prompt. Tardiness will not be tolerated!
                5. Cheerleaders are students first, if they get into trouble at school,

                                    Page 7
Parent Initials: _____

                 they will also be in trouble in cheerleading. Cheerleading is a
                 privilege, not a right.
      D. School Suspension: If a cheerleader is suspended from school, they will be
         ineligible to practice or play during the period of suspension. And will be
         subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the RHS Cheerleading
         Demerit System.
      E. ISS: Any cheerleader placed in ISS will be subject to the district’s overall
         policy concerning extra-curricular events and shall adhere to any local or
         state mandates that regulate any athlete in ISS. Any missed practices due
         to any ISS placement will be treated as an unexcused absence. And will
         be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the RHS
         Cheerleading Demerit System.
      F. Expulsion/ DAEP: Any member of the program who is expelled from school
         or placed in DAEP will be removed from the cheer squad for the
         remainder of the school year.

Article XII.         Drug and Alcohol and Policy:
        A. A cheerleader using legal drugs such as medicine must inform his/her
            coach of such action.
        B. Alcohol and other drugs, including but not limited to narcotics, marijuana,
            hallucinating agents, sedatives, steroids (not prescribed by a licensed
            physician), and amphetamines are never acceptable. Due to the
            illegality of obtaining and using these drug types, a cheerleader violating
            these rules is subject to dismissal from the squad. A cheerleader will be
            deemed in violation of this rule when he/she:
                 1. Receives an MIP, DUI, DWI, etc. by the police.
                 2. Is seen by a school employee or coach.

Article XIII.     Social Media Policy:
       A. Online Communication: students are encouraged to exercise the utmost
       caution when participating in any form of social media or online
       communications. Students who participate in online interactions must
       remember that their posts reflect on the entire Rockdale community and, as
       such, are subject to the same behavioral standards set forth in the RISD
       Athletic Handbook, RISD Code of Conduct, Student Drug and Alcohol Policy,
       RISD Acceptable Use Policy, and the RHS Student Handbook.

Article XIV.     Miscellaneous Subjects:
        A. School Equipment and Uniforms:
              1. A cheerleader is financially responsible for all equipment checked
                 out to him/her.
                    a. He/she will receive credit on returned items only if they were
                        checked out to him/her.
                    b. He/she must treat all equipment like it is his/her own personal
                        property. It should not be abused. It should be kept in the
                        proper place.
                    c. No school equipment should at any time be loaned or

                                  Page 8
Parent Initials: _____

                         shared with anyone for any reason.
             2. Each cheerleader uniform includes all game-day attire,
                camp/practice clothes, and any other article of clothing
                promoting the Rockdale Cheer program.
             3. Each cheerleader must buy all of his/her uniforms and accessories
                except           those      purchased        by        the     school.
                Each cheerleader will assume complete responsibility for his/her
                uniforms. Should any mishaps occur which will destroy any part of
                the uniform he/she will be responsible for replacing it.
             4. Uniforms will not be bought, made, or altered in any way without
                the permission of the coaches.
                    a. Uniforms and all other assigned uniform pieces are not
                         “outfits” to be worn on casual or non-school sponsored
                         activities. The RHS cheerleading uniform may not be worn to
                         any event or activity without the PRIOR consent of the cheer
                         coaches.
      B. Trips: All cheerleaders directly represent the community, schools, and
         coaches. Therefore, it is expected that all concerned will dress in an
         acceptable manner when traveling and conduct themselves at all times
         in a manner in keeping with this code.
             1. The cheerleader must ride together as a group to and from out-of-
                town games if transportation is provided. Cheerleaders will
                conduct themselves appropriately on all trips.
             2. A cheerleader may ride home with a parent only if parental
                permission is given in written form and approved by school
                administration 48 hours prior to departure. There may be some
                instances where cheerleader will be required to ride the bus home
                together.
             3. All district transportation guidelines are applicable.
      C. Financial Obligation:
             1. All cheerleaders must be able to meet all financial obligations by
                established due dates. It is very important that payments are made
                on time.
             2. A list of the estimated costs for the year will be provided to
                cheerleader candidates and parent(s) and/ or guardians during
                the mandatory parent meeting prior to tryouts.
             3. Removal or resignation from the cheerleader program during the
                year will cause that member to lose participation credit and the
                right to reimbursement from incurred expenses.

Article XV.      Removal, Squad Vacancies, Resignation & Lettering:
        A. Removal: Cheerleaders may be removed from the RHS cheerleading
           program:
              1. By accumulating 20 demerits as set forth in the RHS Demerit System.
              2. At the coach’s discretion with administrative approval.
        B. Resignation: If a candidate or elected cheerleader wishes to either
           decline their appointment or resign their position as an RHS Cheerleader
           they must either: Submit a signed letter of resignation from a parent or

                                 Page 9
Parent Initials: _____

         guardian, or the coach must conference with the parent or guardian
         either by phone or in person. An email is not sufficient.
             1. A 24-hour grace period will be allowed for cheerleader to rejoin the
                squad; however, any missed practices will be treated as an
                unexcused absence.
             2. Cheerleaders will forfeit any letter or award and the option to try
                out the subsequent year.
      C. Sharing of Cheerleaders/Athletes/Band:
             1. A cheerleader may participate in other Rockdale High School
                programs. Coaches may not try to persuade cheerleaders to
                refrain from athletics or any other extra-curricular activity or club.
             2. UIL sanctioned contests will have precedence over cheerleading
                performances.
             3. Cheerleading will have precedence over other non-UIL activities or
                obligations.
      D. Varsity Lettering: To gain a Varsity Letter in Cheerleading, a student must-
             1. Be elected as a Varsity Cheerleader/Mascot
             2. Fulfill all duties of a Varsity Cheerleader/Mascot for an entire tryout
                year.
             3. Letter Jackets will be ordered at the end of the spring semester.
      E. Graduation Cords: To obtain a cord for Varsity Cheer to wear at
         graduation, cheerleaders must:
             1. Have participated 3 years of Varsity Cheer/ Mascot participation
                at Rockdale High School

Article XVI.      Attendance and Participation:
        A. Cheerleaders must attend school in order to participate in a performance
           (at least ½ day).
               1. If you do not meet the attendance requirement to participate in
                  the performance, you may not attend the game or activity. You
                  must be at school to attend or participate in any extracurricular
                  activity while a member of the RHS Cheerleading program.
        B. Other attendance and participation is governed under the RHS Demerit
           System.

Article XVII.     Discipline:
        A. The Rockdale High School Cheerleaders will be disciplined under the RHS
           Cheer Demerit System.
        B. Coaches from any RHS Cheerleading squad have the ability to assign
           demerits to any cheerleader/mascot.
        C. Demerit system will be used in conjunction with any additional rules set up
           by the coaches.
        D. Demerit system is subject to change at the Head Cheer Coach’s
           discretion with administrative approval.

Article XVIII.    Interpretations and Change:
        A. Rules and guidelines are subject to change at any time, due to TEA/UIL
           changes or with approval from school administration.

                                 Page 10
Parent Initials: _____

          B. In situations that are not covered by this document, the coach and/or
             high school principal will make the decisions.
          C. The coach and/or school administration may enforce other rules as they
             become necessary for this organization.

I have read and understand the rules and regulations stated in this constitution and
agree to abide by these rules and regulations without objection or appeal. I
understand that violation of these rules and regulations could result in temporary or
permanent removal from the RHS Cheerleading Program. I have initialed the top of
each page of this constitution as my agreement to follow the rules and regulations that
are stated.

___________________________                    _________________
Cheerleader Candidate                           Date

___________________________                    _________________
Cheerleader Signature                           Date

___________________________                    _________________
Parent/ Guardian                                Date

___________________________                    _________________
Parent Signature                                Date

Date Received by Cheer Coach:______________

Cheer Coach Signature:____________________________________

Administrator Signature:______________________________________

                                   Page 11
You can also read