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Table of Contents Purpose Statement…………………………………………………………………………………… 3 I. Program Membership………………………..……………………………………….. 4 II. Commitment …………………………………………………………………………..…. 5 III. Duties/Responsibilities/Participation………………………………………….. 6-‐10 A. Leadership……………………………………………………………………………… 6 B. Academic……………………………………………………………………………….. 6 C. Attendance……………………………………………………………………………. 7-‐8 D. Sporting Event Expectations…………….…………………………………… 8 E. Financial……………………………………………………………………………….. 9 F. Transportation……………………………………………………………………… 9 G. Physical………………………………………………………………………………… 10 IV. Captain/Co-‐captain…………………………………………………………………… 11 V. Tryout Procedures……………………………………………………………………. 12-‐14 VI. Code of Conduct………………………………………………………………………. 14-‐17 VII. General Information………………………………………………………………… 18 A. Lettering…………………………………………………………………………….. 18 B. Safety…………………………………………………………………………………. 18 C. Complaints…………………………………………………………………………. 19 D. Other…………………………………………………………………………………. 20 2
Cheer Program & Mascot Handbook Alice High School 2015-‐2016
Our Purpose Cheerleading is a vibrant part of the community that comprises Alice ISD. For the campus and the community, cheerleading exists in order to promote: Ø Tradition Ø Spirit Ø Ambassadorship For participants, cheerleading exists to provide: Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø
Leadership Opportunities A Sense of Family Participation in Athletics Sportsmanship and Citizenship Support of Academic Excellence
These multiple opportunities help students to grow and mature, both physically and emotionally, resulting in citizens who embody these principles. 3
The cheer membership consists of the following: Ø The Junior Varsity Squad: This squad will consist of a maximum of fourteen (14) freshmen, sophomore, and/or junior students. Ø The Varsity Squad: This squad may consist of a maximum of sixteen (16) freshmen, sophomore, junior, and/or senior students. Ø The Mascots: The two (2) mascots may be freshmen, sophomore, junior, and/or senior students. Ø Managers: Managers will consist of a variable number of freshmen, sophomore, junior, and/or senior students. Manager candidates will submit an application to the cheer coach(es) for consideration. Managers will be selected in accordance with written criteria provided with the application form. 4
Members of the Alice High School cheer program will comply and commit themselves to the rules and principles outlined in this handbook. A cheer member will serve for all assigned events for the full cheer term from tryout date to tryout date. • Prior to accepting a position on the cheer team, each cheer member should be aware of the time commitment that cheerleading requires. Being a cheer member requires hard work and dedication; it is a year round commitment. • Cheer members need to be sure that their AHS cheer commitments are manageable. Jobs, driver education, outside cheer teams, etc. should be carefully considered before trying out for cheer. Absences related to outside commitments may result in a “strike” (see AHS Cheer Discipline Process). • If a cheerleader has received three (3) strikes or resigns, he/she will be removed from the cheer program for the remainder of the cheer term. He/she will not be eligible for “lettering” status or attendance at any athletic banquet as a representative of the squad. He/she will still be financially liable for the remaining balance pertaining to expenses incurred (uniforms, equipment, fundraisers, etc.) prior to leaving/being dismissed from the squad. Any student who is removed from the program for grades or behavior/strikes/resignation must submit a written appeal to try out for the cheer program for the following school year. Appeals will be considered on a case-‐by-‐ case basis by the AHS cheer coaches and an administrator. 5
Leadership & Teamwork Ø Acceptance into and participation in the cheer program is a privilege, not a right. Members represent Alice ISD and its student body to the community and the public and are expected to demonstrate and uphold the highest standards of conduct. Ø A cheer member is expected to set aside his/her personal interests for the benefit of the team and program. Ø Members will demonstrate leadership, good sportsmanship, promote school spirit, comply with district and cheer rules, and display genuine concern for others.
Academics & Attendance
Ø Any cheer member who becomes academically ineligible for extracurricular activities, as determined by district policy, or who fails to meet the standards of his/her Individual Education Plan (IEP) may not participate in cheer activities for time set by the AISD UIL Athletic Eligibility Schedule and/or the AISD Code of Conduct. Any cheer member who fails one or more courses any two (consecutive or non-‐consecutive) six weeks grading periods will be dismissed from the squad.
Ø Any cheer member who becomes academically ineligible will not be allowed to perform, travel with the squad, or wear his/her uniform for any reason for the term of ineligibility. Unless otherwise determined by the cheer coach and an administrator, the cheer member will be required to attend events but will not participate.
Ø Cheer members are expected to adhere to the district’s attendance policy. If a cheer member falls below the minimum of 90% attendance in any scheduled class, he/she will be dismissed from the squad, so that their focus can be redirected on sustaining their course credit(s) for graduation. 6
Member Conduct Ø Cheer members are representatives of AISD and AHS and are expected to hold themselves to a higher standard than otherwise expected. Ø All cheer members must comply with AISD, AHS, and extracurricular codes of conduct. Ø All cheerleaders are required to cover any visible tattoos while representing AHS cheer team (including practice and fundraising events).
Attendance and Participation Ø It is important that AHS cheer members understand the level of commitment that is necessary to make a team successful. Attendance at all games and cheer events is not only crucial, but also mandatory. Absences jeopardizes the entire squad and hinders both individual and team success, as safety becomes a concern due to unfamiliarity with stunts and routines. Ø Attending all practices, games, scheduled events, pep rallies, summer camp, summer practices, and fundraising activities is mandatory. Jobs, vacations, and holidays are not an excuse to miss any of these events. Ø Any cheer member assigned to the squad after any required events are excused from those events. Ø Except as outlined below or as in district policy, unexcused absences or failure to notify the cheer coach of absences 48 hours in advance may result in a strike and/or dismissal from the cheer program. Ø An absence at a mandatory event will only be considered excused under the following circumstances: (1)Personal illness/accident (resulting in missed school or documented doctor visit). (2)Funeral or death in the immediate family. (3)UIL or school related performance/event.
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Ø An excused absence does not guarantee that a cheer member will perform if he/she misses a scheduled practice. Such decisions will be made by the cheer coach(es) on a case-‐by-‐case basis. Ø If a cheer member is absent from school more than half a day (4 hours), he/she may not participate in the cheer activity that day or evening. Documented medical appointment or funeral will be the only exception. Ø If a cheer member is going to be absent from practice or a scheduled event, he/she must notify the cheer coach at least 48 hours in advance. Ø Managers for the squads will attend events as directed by the coach and in accordance with the expectations for the positions given by the coaches. Ø Mascots are responsible for the care and upkeep of their uniform. Ø The JV squad will practice independently from Varsity squad. Ø The Varsity squad will have two (2) sponsors and the JV squad will have one (1) sponsor.
Sporting Events The main purpose of AHS cheer is to support our school and teams by providing positive school spirit. In order to allow our members to be involved in other activities, jobs, and to be able to succeed academically, cheer members can expect to attend the following: 1. Varsity Football: all home and away games. 2. JV Football: all home games (alternating Orange and White team games). 3. Freshmen Football: all home games (alternating Orange and White team games). 4. All playoff games as designated by the cheer coaches. 5. Any other school or community sporting event on the schedule or announced by the coaches during the school year.
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Financial Commitment Ø The financial obligation/expense for participation in the cheer program is approximately $1200.00-‐$1500.00 per member per school year. Ø See “Cheer Cost” page in the tryout packet for explanation of these expenses. Ø A payment schedule will be provided to all members after tryouts. Ø All cheer members must be current with their payment schedule. Not being current will result in loss of participation at cheer events or games. Cheer members with unpaid balances will still be required to participate in mandatory fundraising efforts. Ø Cheer members may participate in extra team fundraising activities in order to receive credit towards his/her account. Ø Cheer members will also be required to participate in group fundraising activities where all money earned will be contributed to the general cheer activity fund, unless specified otherwise by the coaches. The general fund expenses include, but are not limited to the following: meals for away games, gift basket(s) to exchange with opposing teams, etc. Ø Cheer members who quit, resign, or are dismissed from the cheer program will be held financially liable for all unpaid balances for his/her uniform(s), equipment, camp fees, items ordered for him/her that cannot be returned, etc. Ø Cheer members who owe a balance to the cheer program from the previous school year will not be eligible to try out for the following year unless the amount due is paid in full or a waiver is granted by campus administration.
Transportation Ø The cheer team must ride together with cheer coaches, in district provided transportation, to and from all games and/or activities, unless family hardship, staying overnight, or an emergency occurs. Requests to return home by any other means must be submitted in writing to the coach by 4pm the day prior to the event. If a request is not made by the deadline or it is not approved, the member must return on the bus with the coach. 9
Physical Requirements Ø Cheerleaders must be capable of performing the essential functions for a cheerleader. Those functions are: 1. Clear diction, vocal strength, rhythm, and coordination.
2. Physical moves that may involve jumps, balance, agility, and upper body strength. 3. Physical stamina necessary to be able to perform routines in both indoor and outdoor settings, in heat and cold weather.
Ø Cheerleaders must uphold the skill level demonstrated at tryouts while striving for continuous improvement. Failure to uphold tryout skill levels, without acceptable documented medical reason(s), will result in limitations on participation or additional practices, as determined by the coach.
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Varsity/JV Captain and Co-‐captain Selection & Duties Captain Duties: Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø Ø
Take attendance at each practice, activity, and/or game. Create a cheer practice calendar to be approved by the cheer coaches. Select uniform for events/activities. Create and communicate coach approved pep rally ideas and agenda with other captains (Varsity Captains only). Assign game responsibilities to each squad member. Distribute all practice schedules and agendas to squad members. Comprise a coach approved cheer and chant list for all games. Demonstrate a positive and motivating attitude at all times. Be on time to all events. Transport the cheer gift for all home game exchanges. Report ALL problems, conflicts, and concerns to the coaches immediately. Keep communication open and flowing with all squad members. Use authority when necessary, but do not abuse it. Be dependable and cooperative with the coaches and squad members.
THE CAPTAIN POSITION IS RESERVED FOR 12TH GRADE STUDENTS ONLY. Co-‐captain Duties: Ø Support the captain as needed or requested. Ø Be on time to all events. Ø Take minutes at meetings and submit a typed copy to the coaches, by the next scheduled practice, for record-‐keeping. Ø Fill in as captain when the captain is absent. Ø Help the captain plan and organize pep rallies. Ø Demonstrate a positive and motivating attitude at all times. Ø Be dependable and cooperative with the coaches and squad members. Ø Follow captain duties as necessary or assigned. THE CO-‐CAPTAIN POSITION IS RESERVED FOR 11TH/12TH GRADE STUDENTS ONLY.
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Captain/Co-‐Captain Selection 1. Candidates with the top 2 scores are offered a chance to try out for Captain (12th graders only) and Co-‐captain (11th or 12th graders only) positions. If either candidate declines, the chance to try out will go to the next grade level eligible candidate with the highest score and so on. 2. Captain/Co-‐captain tryouts will immediately follow cheer tryouts. 3. Candidates will be scored as follows: a. Judges’ interview & tryout score (combined=60% of score) b. Newly elected AHS cheerleaders will vote for their choice of Captain and Co-‐captain at a meeting called by the coaches (=40% of score)
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General Tryout Information
Ø Cheer tryouts will be held in the 2nd semester of the school year. Ø All candidates must have all debts paid to AHS prior to being eligible to try out, or have written approval/waiver to try out from the administration. Ø A deposit of $400 must be paid in full by the date tryout paperwork is due. Failure to pay this deposit, or to obtain written approval/waiver of the deposit from administration, will result in ineligibility to try out. Ø Students that have been assigned to DAEP during the current school year, are expelled, or who are assigned Off Campus Suspension (OCS) at the time of tryouts are not eligible to try out for the AHS cheer program. Ø Students that have any discipline referrals/infractions must be cleared by AHS administration prior to tryout date. Ø Students must turn in a physical as part of the tryout process. Students that do not have a physical on file with the trainer, or has one that is expired, must have a new one. A COPY MUST BE TURNED INTO THE CHEER COACHES. The physical form is available at the high school administration office. Ø An announced parent/guardian and cheer candidate meeting will be held prior to tryouts. Parents/Guardians who are not in attendance at this meeting are still responsible for the information dispensed. Ø Tryout packets will be handed out at the parent/guardian and cheer candidate meeting. The information in this packet will detail the tryout process. Ø Cheer candidates must attend all scheduled tryout clinics, unless documentation of involvement in a UIL event is provided to the cheer coach(es) a minimum of 24 hours in advance. Ø Judges for the AHS cheer tryouts will be experienced professionals from an area college or university who are knowledgeable of cheerleading skills and have had previous judging experience. None of the judges assigned are AISD cheer coaches or are in any way affiliated with AISD. Ø ALL JUDGES’ DECISIONS ARE FINAL. Ø AHS tryouts and clinics are closed to the public. Parents, guardians, and/or other accompanying adults must drop off their student(s) and leave the AHS facility.
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Ø There will be NO CELL PHONES ALLOWED IN ANY OF THE TRYOUT AREAS. The cheer coaches will have phones readily available in case of emergencies. Ø If a candidate fails to show up or arrive on time for his/her assigned tryout time, he/she will not be permitted to try out. Ø All tryouts will be conducted in person; there will be no “tryout by video.” Ø AHS CHEER will conduct only one tryout per year.
Before Tryouts Ø All candidates must be enrolled in AISD, during the current school year, for a minimum of six weeks prior to the first day of the tryout clinic. Ø All candidates must be in good academic standing, in accordance with district policy and UIL eligibility rules, in order to try out. Ø All candidates must attend the mandatory parent/candidate tryout meeting. Ø Parents and candidates are responsible for completing, signing, and returning all forms, distributed at the mandatory parent/candidate tryout meeting, by the established deadlines. Parents must read all information carefully and give written permission for their daughter/son to participate whether or not the parent attended the meeting. Ø Candidates are expected to learn and perfect skills/techniques prior to attending the tryout clinic. The purpose of the tryout clinic is to teach each candidate the tryout material only. The following skills will not be taught during the clinic: stunting, jump technique, and/or tumbling skills. Ø Out-‐going seniors or administrator designees will teach the tryout cheer, chant, and dance to the candidates. The senior cheer members will be helping during the cheer clinic. Ø Mascots will also try out for their position. Mascot tryout requirements will be distributed at the parent/guardian and candidate meeting.
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During Tryouts Ø No one will be allowed in the gym during tryouts except the judges, candidates, administration, and AHS cheer coaches. Current seniors of the outgoing squad will remain in the designated area for candidates and/or the reception lounge. Ø During the tryout process, the following will be performed and evaluated by the judge(s): jumps, tumbling, cheer abilities, motions, memory, dance ability, and overall impression. Ø During the tryout, no part of any official cheer uniform or any other indicator of prior cheer squad participation may be worn. White cheer shoes will be permitted, but nothing attached or adhered to the shoe to signify involvement with a previous or current cheer squad. Ø Students trying out for an AHS Cheerleader position must wear a white top and black shorts.
After Tryouts Ø Individual scores will be available to a student’s parent(s). Other students’ tryout results, including scores, will not be shared with any person who is not that student’s parent/guardian. Ø AHS cheer coaches will select team managers. Ø Cheer results will be posted within 1 hour of tally completion in a manner to be determined by coaches and administration.
Code of Conduct and Discipline An AHS cheer member voluntarily accepts the position of a respectful and disciplined representative of AISD who should serve as a role model for his/her peers at all times, both in school and in the community. It is expected that cheer members will demonstrate a high level of responsibility, good work ethics, and a spirit of cooperation with parents, coaches, other cheer members, and other students. Each squad member will be held to these high standards in and out of school. These expectations begin as soon as a member becomes part of the AHS Cheer program. It is expected that each squad help the other and that no rivalries exist between the two squads.
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This code utilizes a three level process, with Level III being the most serious disciplinary infraction. As seen below, multiple lower-‐level violations (“strikes”) can accrue and also result in significant consequences. A cheer member who violates the expectations below will be subject to discipline in accordance with the cheer and the AISD codes of conduct. By law and district policy, coaches may not and will not discuss any student’s disciplinary consequences with cheer members or with anyone other than the student’s parent(s)/guardian(s) or school personnel with an educational need to know.
Level I A Level I conduct violation results in discipline that is intended to be corrective and not punitive in nature. Level I infractions that occur during a game will result in removal from all or some part of a game or activity. The list below includes some, but not all, examples of behaviors which will result in a Level I consequence: • Tardiness to practice or class • Wearing fingernail polish other than clear, French-‐American, burnt orange, or silver for performances or cheer events. • Not having fingernails at sport length. • Forgetting practice clothes or arriving to practice and/or games without proper attire and/or hair that is not pulled back. • Wearing jewelry at a practice, game, or performance. • Chewing gum, eating candy, or snacking during a game, practice, activity, or performance. • Being disruptive, engaging in horseplay, talking excessively during a game, practice, or activity. • Socializing with friends or family during a game or activity without permission. • Failure to bring assigned materials (notebook, paper, handbook, etc.) • Failure to help hang or remove signs when assigned. • Failure to paint signs when assigned. • Failure to turn in paperwork or project money. • Failure to be in the complete uniform. • Failure to cover visible tattoos. 16
A coach will document and maintain all Level I infractions. Three (3) Level I infractions = to one (1) Level II strike.
Level II Any of the following misbehaviors is a Level II infraction and will result in a disciplinary “strike” and/or may result in a disciplinary referral: • Disrespect/insubordination toward the cheer coaches. • Disrespect and behavior unbecoming of a cheer member including but not limited to implied, inferred, or literal comments on any social media, or at an event or practice. • Disrespect toward a teacher or administrator. • Disrespect/inappropriate language toward other team members. • An unexcused absence from a game/practice/event. • Leaving a performance/practice/event without permission. • Negative or disruptive attitude. • Unsportsmanlike conduct at a game or performance. • Talking on a cell phone or texting during a practice, game, or activity without permission. • Documented academic dishonesty. • Receiving ISS placement or a discipline referral that does not result in DAEP placement. • Failure to participate in fundraising activities. • Receiving three (3) Level I infractions. • Missing an event, practice, performance, or game due to school detention or TLF Saturday School. • Short term suspension from school for minor infractions as determined by an administrator. • Retaliation against any cheer member who reports another member’s misconduct, including social network posts. • Referral for a major disciplinary infraction, other than DAEP. • Immoral or harmful actions towards one’s personal or school reputation. This includes, but is not limited to, things posted on social media. • Uniforms worn at unauthorized events or functions. (Non-‐school related and not approved by the cheer coaches.) 17
Strikes are permanent and accrue during each cheer term. Cheer term will be defined as Tryout date to clinic date. Cheer members will receive a strike in written form. One copy will go to the cheer member, another to administration, and the final copy to the cheer coaches. It is the cheerleader’s responsibility to communicate with their parent(s)/guardian(s) concerning strikes received. If, at any time, a cheerleader receives three (3) strikes or resigns he/she will be removed from the cheer program for the remainder of the year. The member will not be eligible for lettering status or allowed to attend any sports banquet.
Level III Level III infractions are reserved for serious conduct or misbehavior and will result in temporary or permanent removal from the cheer program. These infractions include but are not limited to: v Expulsion from AISD v Assignment to DAEP v Suspension from school for a major disciplinary infraction as determined by an administrator v Documented off-‐campus alcohol use, drug use, or smoking v Documented off-‐campus fighting, harassment of, or threats to others, including technology-‐related behavior (EX: social networking sites) v Other illegal off-‐campus activity v Receiving three (3) or more Level II strikes v Other infractions as noted by state law Level III infractions will be reviewed by a faculty council determined by administration. The council will decide what action will be taken. • Consistent with AISD policy and the Student Code of Conduct, a student on academic suspension from cheer activities and events may still be required to attend practices and events. • A designated administrator will make the final decision involving consequences for violation of the AHS Student Code of Conduct or AHS Cheer Handbook when necessary.
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Other General Information Uniforms All alterations to uniforms must be approved by the cheer coaches prior to changes. Unauthorized alterations will result in the purchase of new uniform(s) at the expense to the parent(s)/guardian(s). In addition, the cheerleader will not be allowed to perform in the unauthorized altered uniform. He/she will still be required to attend games and events until the replacement uniform arrives. This includes adherence to length requirements for skirts.
Lettering Lettering in cheer requires completion of all assigned projects and attendance at all mandatory events and may be subject to a final determination by the cheer coaches. If a cheer member is permanently removed from the program for any reason, he/she may not be awarded a letter/patch for that year. A cheer member must have written permission from the cheer coach to order a lettermen jacket, letter, and/or cheer patch(es).
Safety The safety of all of our cheer members is of the utmost importance. Cheer coaches stress the importance of using safety strategies and encourage the members of the team to practice good safety skills. These include: Ø All participants will have a current physical form on file in order to participate. Ø All participants will be trained and qualified for proper landing and spotting techniques before they are allowed to stunt. Ø All participants and coaches must go through stunt progressions, qualifications, and follow safety standards at all times. Ø No horseplay or inattentiveness will be permitted during a stunt/practice session. Ø Absolutely no jewelry will be worn during practices, games, or events. Jewelry includes body piercings! Ø No tumbling or building of any stunts is permitted unless a coach is present. 19
Ø All members of the cheer team and coaches are required to attend summer cheer camp, where entire sessions are presented on proper cheer safety and procedures. Ø Fingernails must be kept at a sport length. No claw, pointy, or jagged fingernails of any sort will be allowed.
Parent Complaints As described in the district policy, parent(s)/guardian(s) are encouraged to first make every effort to resolve complaints or concerns informally by scheduling a meeting with the cheer coaches. If there is still no resolution to the situation, then the following steps should be followed until the situation is resolved. Step 1: A meeting with the designated assistant principal assigned to cheerleading should be scheduled. Step 2: A meeting with the high school’s main principal should be scheduled. Step 3: Thereafter, any parent(s)/guardian(s) who have a concern that has not been resolved informally may utilize the AISD grievance policy found at FNG (Local). 20
This handbook cannot and does not address every issue that may arise in the cheer program. If an incident should arise that is not specifically addressed in this handbook, the coach(es) and/or school administration will address the matter on an individual basis. All decisions will reflect state laws and/or guidelines. The resolution of any incident may not be shared with the team where confidential student matters are involved. This handbook will be reviewed and revised annually prior to cheerleading tryouts. We look forward to a successful new cheer season. ________________________ _________________________ Principal
________________________ Cheer Coach
________________________ Cheer Coach
Administrator Supervising Cheer Program
_________________________ Cheer Coach
PLEASE READ AND SIGN THE RECEIPT OF THE ALICE HIGH SCHOOL CHEER PROGRAM HANDBOOK, THAT IS EFFECTIVE FOR THE 2015-‐2016 SCHOOL YEAR.
I HAVE READ AND UNDERSTAND ALL THE INFORMATION HEREIN AS IT PERTAINS TO CHEERLEADING AND THE ADMINISTRATION’S AUTHORITY TO MAKE FINAL DECISIONS WHEN NECESSARY.
________________________
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Parent/Guardian Student __________________________ Date 21
