Montgomery Junior High Cheerleading Constitution

2018-2019

Dear Parent and Student:

Thank you for your interest in the MJH cheerleading program. Montgomery ISD prides itself in all of the excellent programs at our schools, which does include the cheerleaders and mascot.

Being a cheerleader at the junior high requires dedication and many hours of hard work. MJH cheerleader is an elite position due to the strict requirements that our cheerleaders must follow and the varied exposure that our cheerleaders receive.

Cheerleading is set apart from other activities at MJH because:1. Cheerleaders must pass through a professional judging procedure;2. Cheerleader represent the entire community, not just MJH, throughout the year;3. Cheerleaders maintain high visibility during athletic events; and4. Cheerleaders are considered role models for younger students including those at our other

campuses.

The word cheerleader contains “leader” with the emphasis behind on the latter part of the word. Because the standards are higher for our cheerleaders, it is very important that both parents and students understand the requirements for being a cheerleader PRIOR to trying out for the position.

Earning a position on the MJH cheerleading squad is an extremely special achievement. Thank you for attending the required parent meeting, and please remember to return all required forms on time.

Good luck to each of you!

TABLE of C ONTENTS

2018 Cheerleading Important Dates.............................................................................1

Cheer Clinic and Tryouts………………………………………………………………………..1

2018–2019 Cheerleading ConstitutionPhilosophy.............................................................................................................2

Objectives..............................................................................................................2

Try–Out Requirements..........................................................................................3

Try–Out Dress Code..............................................................................................4

Try–Out Information...........................................................................................4-5

Mascot Information.............................................................................................5-6

Scholastic Requirements.......................................................................................6

Expenses............................................................................................................6-7

Practice..................................................................................................................7

Games ..................................................................................................................8

Uniforms................................................................................................................8

Physical Condition..............................................................................................8-9

Absence.................................................................................................................9

Captain................................................................................................................10

Fundraiser...........................................................................................................10

Parent Code Of Conduct.....................................................................................10

Discipline.............................................................................................................11

Demerit Chart......................................................................................................12

Cheer Season Overview…………………………………………………………….…13

UIL Activities and MJH Cheer……………………………………………………..…..13

2018 Cheerleading Important DatesTRY-OUT TIMELINE

Wednesday, April 4 th , MANDATORY PARENT/CANDIDATE MEETING Information meeting at 5:30 pm in the MJH Cafeteria Distribute Try-out paperwork and Constitution The candidate and at least one parent/ guardian MUST attend.Make sure you signed in!

Friday, April 13 th , - ALL PAPERWORK IS DUE BY 3:30 Turn in all paperwork to Ms. Sharpless in E220 or Ms. Cooley in E207***Failure to turn in ALL required forms will result in not being eligible to try out.***3:31pm is considered LATE and paperwork NOT accepted by MJH Cheer Sponsors We HIGHLY ENCOURAGE you turn in all required paperwork EARLY!!!

Tuesday- Thursday, April 17 th -19th, CHEER CLINIC & MOCK TRYOUTS The candidates will be able to clean all tryout material and work on jumps and tumbling skills. We will hold Mock Tryouts on Thursday so all candidates know the order of tryouts and how the process works.

Friday, April 20 th CHEER TRYOUTS Try-outs with judges begins as close to 3:00 pm as possible

DATES FOR CANDIDATES THAT MAKE 2018-19 SQUAD

Saturday, April 21st at 9am in the MJH Cafeteria

Wednesday, April 25th at 5:00pm at MJH in the cafeteriaCheerleader/Parent Meeting (MANDATORY) Total cost due today - $ 415 (camp)

Wednesday, May 23rd - Final Balance Due

Tuesday, June 17-20 @ Moody Gardens HotelCHEER CAMP (MANDATORY EVENT)WARNING: Failure to attend cheer camp results in automatic dismissal from the cheer squad.

August practice dates and times will be announced ASAP.o Practices are tentatively starting August 6th

PHILOSOPHY

Cheerleading is an activity that takes a great deal of time, effort, determination, discipline and commitment. It is a PRIVLEGE to be a cheerleader. Being selected cheerleader at Montgomery Junior High School is to be taken seriously and with a great deal of pride. You will be expected to do the utmost to maintain the prestige of the position because, as with all privileges, it may be taken away at any time standards are not met, which includes following the guidelines within this constitution and handbook.

If selected, you will be a representative of Montgomery Independent School District and will be expected to conduct yourself in accordance with the standards set forth by the State, the student handbook, UIL regulations and this constitution. Dignity must be upheld in your position as a representative of your school, community, and organization.

Your responsibility as a cheerleader will be to promote spirit and unity among students of Montgomery Junior High School and our community while maintaining high standards of personal behavior.

OBJECTIVES

A Montgomery Junior High School cheerleader will:

1. Support ALL interscholastic athletics by encouraging and directing crowd participation and enthusiasm.

2. Encourage good sportsmanship among the student body.

3. Be a campus leader and role model for fellow students at all times.

4. Establish traditions and keep them alive. This includes supporting the sponsor and the school administration with every decision concerning pep rallies, school spirit, games, etc.

5. Participate fully at each game, competition, fundraiser, pep rally, or any other school/community related event as directed by the sponsor or the school administration. This means being present at ALL activities set forth by the sponsor, which includes practices.

BEFORE TRYING OUT

1. Consider the time, effort, discipline and commitment required. As a cheerleader or mascot, you will be expected to maintain all standards throughout the entire year without exception. The cheerleading year is from tryout date in the late spring until the end of the grade year.

2. Make sure that ALL dates (meetings, practices, camps, etc) can be met without exception.

3. Commit to the team and the sponsors.

4. Have a positive and productive attitude.

TRY-OUT REQUIREMENTS

1. Candidates must be enrolled in MISD by the date of the information meeting.

2. Candidates AND at least one parent/guardian MUST attend the information meeting.

3. Candidates must submit all forms by the published due date.

4. Candidates for junior high cheerleader must be in the sixth or seventh grade during the current school year.

5. Candidates for junior high mascot must be in the seventh grade during the current school year.

6. Candidates must be enrolled in Montgomery ISD before tryouts begin.

7. Candidates may try-out for EITHER cheerleader OR mascot, not both. Please see # 5 and # 6 above.

8. Cheerleaders that quit the team or do not fulfill the financial obligations for the previous year may not tryout for either squad.

9. Mascot candidates will abide by all of the same rules, regulations and eligibility criterion as the cheerleader candidates.

10.Candidates must be in good financial standing with MISD in order to try-out.

11.Candidates may NOT have received 3 or more days in ISS for discipline reasons.

12.Candidates may NOT have received AEP, suspension, or expulsion during the 2015-2016 school year.

13.Candidates must have been eligible four of the past 5 six weeks during the current school year. Candidates must have not failed more than 1 class based on the most current report card asked for.

14.Candidates must commit to attending summer camp and summer practice in August.

TRY–OUT DRESS CODE

1. Clinic dress code: a. Attire – shorts (not too short, no wording on shorts) that allow for movement, any

purple/Montgomery shirt tucked–in (no crop tops or bra tops), and athletic shoes.b. Grooming - hair pulled up and out of face, short fingernails, and NO jewelry or gum

2. Try–out dress code:a. Attire –

plain white shirt with plain black shorts. Hair pulled up completely and out of the face, you may wear a bow if you would like (white, purple or black)

No jewelry or gum!! No colored socks.

TRY-OUT INFORMATION

1. Each cheerleader candidate will be required to perform in a small group for evaluation. Each candidate will be taught a cheer, jumps and dance routine, along with fundamental safety techniques. Videos are posted on the MJH Cheer Website or Facebook Page for candidate to view and learn cheer/ dance one week prior to clinic. Videos will also be posted on Ms. Sharpless and Ms. Cooley's website.

2. Each mascot candidate will be required to perform a 1-1½-minute skit for evaluation. Judging will be based on creativity, crowd appeal, enthusiasm, humor, and use of props and/or music. Music, props, and costumes must be school appropriate.

3. Candidates must attend all tryout practice sessions unless there are extenuating circumstances that have been submitted in writing and approved, in advance, by the sponsor. Illness will be an excused absence IF the candidate is absent from school or leaves school ill on the day of practice. A written excuse from the parent or guardian MUST be presented to the sponsor. The candidate should be aware that the absence from tryout practice might have an effect on their being prepared at the time of judging.

4. The judges will evaluate each candidate on their individual: crowd appeal, dance, spirit and enthusiasm, technique, jumps, tumbling and projection. Fundamental tumbling stunts (round-off, cartwheels) are required, and advanced tumbling is encouraged.

5. Candidates will be scored in the following manner:a. Judge’s scores – 70%: A total of 3 judges will score each candidate.b. Teacher recommendations – 20%: Recommendations will be collected by the

sponsors from all 4 core teachers (math, science, english, and history)c. GPA – 10%: An average of all 4 core classes based on grades.

6. Candidates MUST attend school the ENTIRE day of tryouts. Students MUST attend every class for the entire period and may NOT be released early.

7. A maximum of 15 Cheerleaders and one Mascot will be selected.

8. Should a tie occur the squad may be increased by one.

9. Callbacks will be done ONLY if requested by the judges. A candidate may be asked to repeat any part of the try–out sequence.

10. All candidates MUST remain in the try–out waiting area until dismissed by the sponsor or an assistant principal. Any candidate leaving the try-out without permission from a cheer sponsor or an assistant principal will forfeit all positions earned on the cheerleading team.

11. Try–outs and the try-out area will be closed to everyone except cheerleading coaches, judges, school administration. No one will be permitted to visit cheer candidates or deliver food or gifts during the tryouts.

12. Candidates who are not selected for a position in the program may view their score sheets. Scores will not be compared to other students, and under no circumstances may another student’s information be viewed or discussed. Neither students nor parents may call or inquire about cheerleading/ mascot scores until two weeks after tryout date. At that time, the parent may email and make an appointment through the sponsor(s) to view his/ her own child’s score sheets in the front office. A parent may not discuss their athlete’s position on a team with the sponsors. You may only view your athlete’s scores. You may not request a copy of score sheets or take pictures of the score sheets. This is to protect all candidates involved in MJH cheer tryouts.

13. Should a cheerleader or mascot move, quit, be dismissed, or for any reason become unable to fulfill his/her responsibilities after try–outs, the next highest scoring candidate may be moved up at the discretion of the sponsor and the school administration, if this occurs prior to the team attending camp.

14. Injured candidates with doctor’s note may submit video demonstrating required try-out skills ONLY with PRIOR approval from the coaches and school administration. Still pictures and professional videos (i.e. camera phone) are NOT permitted. The cheerleader may NOT appear in uniform and MUST be performing on a dead floor, grass/ground, or outside track.

15. A candidate may NOT have his/her cell phone or electronic device in the tryout holding area during the tryout process. The coaches will collect these items just prior to tryout, keep them in a locked, secured area, and return them as soon as candidates are released. Failure to comply will result in forfeiting his or her privilege to tryout or position on the team.

MASCOT

1. All information contained hereafter is the same for the mascot(s) as it is for the cheerleaders. The mascot is considered a cheerleader in all aspects.

2. The mascot will be provided with a costume by the school, along with cleaning and care instructions.

3. All practice, game and discipline requirements discussed in this constitution will also apply to the mascot unless stated otherwise by the sponsor and/or administration.

4. The mascot will be required to remain in costume throughout games, pep rallies, school events, etc. Breaks are given but the Bear uniform must NOT be removed in public. This is done in order to maintain the “Bear” image.

5. The mascot will be required to come up with several skits/dances throughout the year for pep rallies, basketball games and the Junior Bells Spring Show. The mascot is to provide the music and any additional props that the school does not already have that he/she might need for the skit/dance. The sponsors will be available during practice to help the mascot with choreography and music choices. ALL SKITS/DANCES MUST BE APPROVED BY THE SPONSOR AT THE PRACTICE PRIOR TO THE EVENT.

SCHOLASTIC REQUIREMENTS

1. In accordance with UIL rules, a student who receives, at the end of any grading period, a grade below 70 in any class (other than an identified class eligible for exemption) may not participate in cheerleading activities for at least three school weeks.

a. An ineligible student will be required to attend all practices and meetings.

b. A student with an “Incomplete” grade is ineligible at the end of the seven day grace period unless the “Incomplete” was replaced with a passing grade prior to the end of the seven day grace period.

c. If cheerleader or mascot is not passing a class or classes at the three week progress report, they will be required to attend tutorials before/after school until the grade comes up to passing. They will be given a grade sheet to have teacher sign for each time they went to tutorials.

2. In order to maintain MISD’s academic standards, any cheerleader who is academically ineligible for two six weeks grading periods will be dismissed from the team.

3. Students who are or have been suspended, accumulated three or more days in ISS, or were assigned to AEP will be suspended from the squad.

EXPENSES

1. Cheerleaders’ uniforms are purchased by the school and passed down from year to year. The uniforms are school property, not the property of the cheerleader. All uniforms are to be properly cared for, cleaned, etc…by the cheerleader.

2. Parents will have to purchase shoes, socks, bloomers, bows, tights, and summer camp clothes, etc. This can run approximately $300 or more depending on the type of outfits and the amount ordered.

3. Cost for summer camp, is $415 per cheerleader, is the responsibility of each Cheerleader and Mascot.

4. Each cheerleader will be checked out a uniform (top & skirt) and two sets of poms (purple and pink). The mascot will be checked out one bear outfit (body suit, head, paws, shoe covers and

bag). Poms cost around $40 for a set (2), new uniform cost around $150 (top & skirt) and the bear outfit cost around $1500. If the items are not returned by the end of the year then the cheerleader will be required to pay for the unreturned items.

PRACTICES

In order to achieve the skills required for games & pep rallies, cheerleading practices are very important to entire squad. When one or more members are absent, practice becomes difficult for the rest of the squad. By signing the papers required for try-outs, you agree to abide by the practice policy for the ENTIRE year.

Cheerleaders who participate in other school sports or school related activities must make arrangements in advance with both coaches/sponsors/directors of the activities. This is the responsibility of the cheerleader and must be worked out at least 5 days in advance to the conflicting schedule.

In the event that outside competitive team schedules conflicts with MJH cheer schedules, MJH cheerleaders must attend the school function. This expectation will be in place from the first day of practices to the last event.

1. A cheerleader missing the practice before a game or two practices the week before a game may be benched at the sponsor’s discretion. When benched, the cheerleader must attend the event in uniform, be on time, and sit with the sponsor.

2. Vacations, doctor’s appointments, outside of organization (ex: competitive cheer), etc. MUST be planned around practices and cheerleading events, including summer practice and summer camp.

3. Being tardy to practice will be treated as a tardy to an event and will result in appropriate demerits. (See demerit schedule)

4. Summer practice and summer camp is MANDATORY, and failure to attend will result in squad dismissal.

5. Members are responsible for making arrangements ahead of time for a ride home after all practices or activities. Consistently being picked up late will result in appropriate demerits.

6. Practices are scheduled after school during the year. The sponsor will call other unscheduled practices, if necessary, for special events.

7. Cheerleaders who participate in other sports or school related activities MUST make arrangements with BOTH coaches/sponsors of the activities in order that equal time is devoted to each. This is the responsibility of the cheerleader and must be worked out PRIOR to the conflicting schedule! Failure to do this will result in the appropriate demerits.

8. Members who miss practice without written permission will be issued appropriate demerits.

9. Only the sponsor and members are allowed to attend practices.

GAMES

1. THESE FUNCTIONS ARE MANDATORY!!!!!!

2. Cheerleaders must provide their own transportation to and from games. Only a parent or other adult (specified by the parent) may take their child home.

3. All cheerleaders are required to hang signs, organize game supplies and do stretches upon arrival to the field.

4. All cheerleaders are required to help with returning supplies to the truck at the end of the game. A lack of cooperation in fulfilling these responsibilities may result in disciplinary actions at the discretion of the sponsor.

5. Cheerleaders are required to stay for the entire game. If the cheerleader leaves the game early without an excused absence then the appropriate amount of demerits will be issued.

6. APPROPRIATE ATTIRE WILL BE ANNOUNCED PRIOR TO EVENTS AND INADEQUATE ATTIRE WILL RESULT IN BEING BANNED FROM PARTICIPATION IN EVENT.

UNIFORMS

1. Uniforms are supplied by the school and must be returned in good condition by the individual to whom they are issued. If not, the cheerleader or mascot to whom they were issued must purchase the uniform.

2. Uniforms must be returned at the end of the school year and clean.

3. If the school does not have a uniform for each cheerleader, the school will make every effort to purchase one.

4. Uniforms are to fit neatly. Alterations will be decided by the sponsor(s) ONLY!

5. Cheerleading uniforms should be kept clean and in good condition. Care of your uniform should be as instructed: washing on the delicate cycle. DO NOT DRY CLEAN!!!!

6. Uniforms are to be worn to games and sponsor designated special events ONLY.

PHYSICAL CONDITION

1. Cheerleaders and mascots will be required to have a physical BEFORE cheerleading tryouts. Forms are to be obtained from the sponsor and are to be completed by a licensed physician before the start of summer camp practice.

2. At any time during the school year, should there be a change in the cheerleader’s physical condition, due to injury, a written notice must be obtained from a licensed physician, who

states whether or not the cheerleader may continue her cheerleading responsibilities or at what point these duties may be resumed.

3. Cheerleaders will practice and perform the following items: tumbling pass, jumps, and stunts. All items will be performed at the sponsor(s) discretion. They must meet the “perfection before progression” standard that will be charted during the year. The sponsor(s) reserve the right to allow or not allow any tumbling, jumps or stunts that they feel have not been perfected.

ABSENCES

1. Participation in any activity, practice, or competition will be forbidden if the student does not attend school for more than ½ of the day (4 periods).

2. Excused absences: a. Personal illness WITH a doctor’s note on letterhead- Illness is excused if you have

missed school for the day and your absence is excused through the school attendance office.

b. Major family events such as death in the family, family wedding, or birth of sibling –permission from the coach must be requested in writing at least 3 days prior to the event.

c. Required UIL school activities with approval from the sponsor at least 5 days prior in writing.

3. Unexcused absencesa. Minor illness- unless under a doctor’s care with note on letterheadb. Doctor appointments- may not be scheduled during a practice, event, or activity.

Practices and performance are scheduled in advance and cheerleaders are given as much notice as possible.

c. Family activities- such as birthdays, visiting relatives, etc.d. Outside competitive team functions or activities (competitive cheerleading)e. ANY other outside activity that conflict with MJH cheer practices, games, activities, or

events.

4. Emergency absencesa. If a cheerleader is to be absent from school on the day of a practice, game, activity or

event due to illness or emergency, notice must be given to the coach immediately via phone call or email.

b. If a cheerleader is to be absent from a practice, game, activity or event due to illness or emergency, notice must be given to the coach before the function beings via phone call or email.

c. Not following the above procedures will count as an unexcused absent and will be subject to disciplinary action as outlined in the Consequences section.

5. If a cheerleader is seen in public without a parent during the time of the event, it will be treated as an unexcused absence.

6. The captain or another squad member cannot be given messages regarding attendance.

7. If a cheerleader becomes sick and must leave school, the sponsor must still receive a message from a parent through the school as described above.

CAPTAINS

The position of captain is a serious decision for both the student and the coaches. Being a captain is not an elitist position but rather one of hard work and discipline. 8th Grade Cheerleaders who wish to be captain will create a "captain tryout binder" that includes, why they want to be captain, a unique cheer, a unique chant, and a one page essay. Details about captain tryouts will be given to the girls after tryouts are completed.The captain must possess energy, be enthusiastic, a leader and also have good organization skills. If during the year the captain receives any demerits, the sponsor reserves the right to remove the current captain. The sponsor then has the right to reassign the position to someone else.

Duties of the captains involve but are not limited to:

Help sponsor coordinate pep rally activities. Keep order during practice and games; call cheers at games and practice. Be sure all signs are painted and ready for each game. Be a role model for the squad and students. Take any other responsibilities that the sponsor may assign. Help sponsor create and pass out calendars to squad. Call members to clarify dress/time for activities.

FUNDRAISERS

1. ALL members of the team are required to participate and reach fundraising goals set by coaches.

2. Members are responsible for all fund raising items and monies. Handling of money is very important, and rules set forth by the coach MUST be adhered to at all times.

3. Failure to return fundraiser items or turn-in fundraiser monies will result in denial of try-out privileges.

PARENT CODE OF CONDUCT

1. Meetings with the coaches must be arranged in advance.

2. The coaches will not take time away from practice time to meet with parents.

3. Parents need to try to resolve problems with the coaches first.

4. Support of the cheerleading program is a must to maintain a good working atmosphere between the squad, the coaches, the parents, and the school administration.

DISCIPLINE:DEMERITS, PROBATION, SUSPENSION

DEMERITS: Disciplinary actions given in various amounts for infractions listed in this constitution OR as seen necessary by the sponsor or administration. See DEMERITS SYSTEM below. Major infractions are in bold print and are permanent. PROBATION: Probation will occur when a cheerleader reaches 10 demerits. During this ONE week time period, a cheerleader will attend all functions in designated attire (warm ups, etc) and help as necessary to prepare for the event. The cheerleader must then sit with the sponsor during the event. The cheerleader will not be announced at the event. Practice is still mandatory. The second probation will result in a suspension.

SUSPENSION: Suspension will occur when a cheerleader reaches 15 demerits. During this TWO week time period, a cheerleader will attend all functions in designated attire (warm ups, etc) and help as necessary to prepare for the event. The cheerleader must then sit with the sponsor during the event. The cheerleader will not be announced at the event. Practice is still mandatory. The second suspension will result in dismissal from the team.

DISMISSAL: Dismissal will occur when the cheerleader reaches 20 demerits. Dismissal is the immediate removal from the cheerleading team for the remainder of the school year. Future participation in the cheerleading program will be determined by the sponsor and the school administration.

DEMERIT RECORD

A. The sponsor will keep the records of the demerits.

B. A cheerleader and/or parent may request in writing a copy of that individual’s demerit record.

C. Receiving 10 or more demerits will result in parent contact by the sponsor.

D. A cheerleader or his/ her parent may obtain only his/her own records.

E. To work off one demerit, the cheerleader has to run one lap around the car rider line.

Any school assigned consequence not described in this Constitution may also result in probation, suspension, or dismissal from the cheerleading team as determined by the sponsor and the school administration. The sponsor and the school administration will review all disciplinary

problems not specifically addressed. The cheerleader will receive in writing the decision regarding the matter.

Demerit ChartA. Tardy to Practice 1B. Tardy to Game/Event 2C. Tardy after half-time 1D. Public Display of Affection (School or Event) 2E. Inappropriate Language 5F. Incorrect dress at practice 2G. Incorrect dress at game/event 5H. Unauthorized use of cell phone/electronic device 2I. Chewing gum at practice 1J. Chewing gum at game/event 2K. Poor attitude towards sponsor or captain 3L. Unexcused absence from practice 5M. Absent from practice without notification 7N. Unexcused absence from performance event/game 20O. Leaving any event/game without permission 15P. ISS *Sponsor Decision*Q. DAEP Suspended From TeamR. Jewelry during practice/game 1

DEMERIT CHART

The Demerit Chart is NOT an all-inclusive list. All members are expected to avoid receiving demerits at all times. The demerit system is a guideline, which will enable our organization to set and follow high standards. The sponsor and/or administration will handle items not stated in the list below that arise during the year. Any demerits resulted from a referral are not eligible to be worked off.

School administration has the solo right to make any changes or over rule any part of the MJH Cheer constitution at any time.

*Demerits MUST be ran off in a timely matter. You should end the year with zero demerits.

Cheer Season Overview:

The Cheer Season starts the day they make the team and end the last day of the following school year.

The following list is an overview of the required events or activities of the MJH Cheer Team.

Football Season (August-November)

Veteran’s Day (November)

Pep Rallies (August-February)

Downtown Montgomery Christmas Parade (December)

Basketball Season (December-February)

Jr. Belle Spring Show (February-April)

***This list may not include everything that takes place during the school year.

UIL Related Activities and MJH Cheer

If a UIL activity/game conflicts with a cheer activity/game, the UIL activity/game must be attended. The student or parent must notify cheer sponsors of conflict 5 days PRIOR to UIL activity/game.

If a UIL practice conflicts with a cheer practice, student will split the practice time according to what the UIL sponsor/coach approves of. This must be completed by student or parent 5 days PRIOR to conflicting practice.