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Lockhart High School
Cheerleading/Mascot Constitution
2008-2009
Constitution
Updated April 12, 2008
Lockhart High School
2008-2009 School Year
Cheerleader/Mascot Constitution
Purpose:
The purpose of the cheerleading program at Lockhart High School is to
promote school spirit for all sports and academics, encourage good
sportsmanship, teamwork, communication skills and above all to represent
Lockhart High School in a positive and respectful manner.
Tryouts-Policies and Procedures:
This constitution goes into effect on Aril 12, 2008. All previous
constitutions for the past years are no longer valid or hold any merit.
Tryouts for the 2008-2009 Cheerleading Squads will uphold and sign in
agreement all rules, guidelines and regulations for the upcoming year in
order to participate in tryouts and becoming part of the 2008-2009
Cheerleading Squads.
A. Eligibility Requirements:
1. Candidates must complete all elements of the tryout
procedures.
a) Submit completed information packet by April
1st, 2008
b) Submit copy of current years physical (2008)
c) Must attend and be 100% present for the week
instructional camp prior to tryouts.
d) Tryout in front of professional cheerleading
judges.
2. Each candidate must be passing according to UIL guidelines.
The nine week grade is considered for eligibility.
3. Each candidate must not have been dismissed by the
coach or quit the LHS Cheerleading program the school
year prior to tryouts.
4. Each candidate must have all campus fines and fees cleared
prior to April 1st, 2008. A receipt must be provided to the
cheerleading coach to show proof of clearing the fine,
before they may tryout.
5. Each student trying out must have a current physical and
medical release completed and on file with the coach by
April 1st, 2008.
a) 8th graders trying out for the Freshman squad
can use a copy of the current school year’s
physical. A new physical will be required, should
she/he gain membership, by the first day of
practice.
b) Sophomores trying out for Junior Varsity are
required to have a new physical.
c) Anyone who is currently a cheerleader and
sustained any injury during the tryout year, which
prohibited them from participating at any time
in regular cheerleading activities, is required to
get a new physical.
d) Juniors and Seniors who are trying out for
Varsity are required to have a new physical.
6. Each squad is made up of a certain grade level,
according to UIL rules, and my be tried out as follows:
A. Freshman Squad – currently any 8th
grade students that will be
considered
a freshman at the end of the current
school year.
B. Junior Varsity Squad – currently any
9th or 10th grade students that will
be
considered a Sophomore or Junior at
the end of the current school year.
C. Varsity Squad – currently any 10th,
11th or 12th grade student that will
be considered a Junior or Senior at
the
end of the current school year.
7. Both male and female candidates may tryout if they meet
the above requirements.
B. Tryout Criteria for Cheerleaders
Instruction will be given by the current cheerleading coaches at a 4-day
clinic that is mandatory for everyone to attend for the full length of time
set forth. The coaches are not allowed to give any outside instruction away
from the cheer clinic.
Each candidate will be judged on the following criteria:
1. Dance
a) Female – The candidate will learn a short dance at the
4-day clinic.
b) Male – The candidate will choose a female candidate to
perform TWO stunts of his choice instead of doing the
dance. They must attend all days of the clinic and
perfect their stunts with their chosen partner.
2. Cheer
The candidate will learn a new cheer that will incorporate at
least one toe touch at the 4-day clinic.
3. Tumbling
NOT mandatory but will be worth 20 points out of a possible
100 on each of the judges score sheets. Spotting will be
available by a certified tumbling coach at the 4-day clinic but
will not be available during tryouts.
C. Tryout Criteria for Mascots
A skit will be performed in front of the judges that should be between 1-2
minutes in length. Candidate may use any props and music of their choice to
convey their message and theme. Practice may be held at the 4-day clinic
and the candidate is required to attend all 4 days.
D. Attire for 4-Day Clinic
1. Each candidate must wear athletic shorts and T-shirts that
don’t limit movement or physical activity that are
appropriate in length and fit.
2. Tennis shoes must be worn at all times.
E. Attire for 2008-2009 Cheerleading Tryouts
1. Each candidate must wear regular fitting (non spandex)
athletic shorts in navy blue or black. No denim shorts are
allowed. Bloomers or spandex shorts/leggings are
suggested attire for under athletic shorts.
2. Each candidate must wear a plain (unmarked) white T-Shirt.
No tank tops or sleeveless shirts will be allowed.
3. Any clothing or foot wear must be free of brand names,
logos, or affiliations from school, college, competitions, or
companies. You will not be allowed to tryout if any part of
your attire represents any above mentioned affiliations.
4. Mascots will be fully dressed in the LUCKY costume for
skit. Each mascot candidate may not remove the head piece
at any time during their tryout or presence in the gym or in
front of the judges.
F. Grades
1. All candidates must be passing all of their classes for the
nine week period and have each class period teacher initial
that you have passes their class after the 3rd nine weeks has
ended.
2. Each candidate will be responsible for providing the cheer
coach with a COPY of their report card.
G. Judge Evaluations for Cheerleaders: 100% of total score
1. There will be three judges. The judges are outside judges
who are current or former cheerleaders with no relation to
coach or candidates (relation being defined as someone
who is considered to be a close friend or family member, or
a current co-worker. It is understood that because of the
nature of their jobs, a judge may have casual contact with
the coach.)
2. Each candidate will draw a number that determines his/her
order of trying out on the 3rd day of the clinic.
3. Each cheerleading candidate will be scored on the following
criteria and techniques.
a) Freshman, JV and Varsity will perform their cheer
individually and may receive a maximum of
25
points.
b) Freshman, JV and Varsity will perform their
dance individually and may receive a maximum
of 25 points. Each judge will evaluate each
candidate on dance technique and memorization.
c) Each judge will also be looking at each candidates
entrance and exit into the gym for tumbling and
spiriting that could total a maximum of 20
points.
d) Each candidate will also be judged on THREE
jumps one of which must be a toe touch and
then two other jumps of their choice. Jumps will
have a maximum point possibility of 20.
e) Overall Performance, memorization, voice
projection, motion technique and sharpness will
also be judged and will receive a maximum score
of 10 points.
H. Judge Evaluations for Mascot: 100% of total score
1. Each mascot candidate will be judged on the following
criteria.
a) Each mascot candidate will be judged on their
skit choreography and could receive a
maximum score of 30 points.
b) Each mascot candidate will be judged of the use
of music and props and could receive maximum
score of 25 points.
c) Each mascot candidate will be judged on how you
appeal to the crowd and encourage crowd
involvement and participation and could
receive
a maximum score of 25 points.
d) Each mascot candidate will be judged on how the
communication and clarity of theme to audience
and could receive a maximum score of 20
points.
I. Score Sheet Criteria Followed By Judges
1. Judges must fill out each score sheet in pen. If a score is
changed, the judge who changed the score must initial next
to the new score.
2. The judge will also initial next to each total in the columns.
3. Each candidate can earn up to 100 points on each
evaluation.
4. The average score of all three judges will be taken to
determine the top candidates in each squad.
5. In the event of a tie for the final slot on a squad the
following steps will be taken:
a) It will be up to the coaches to add to the
squad.
J. Handling Judges’ Score Sheets
1. Judges score sheets will have only candidate numbers on
them. These numbers correspond to the candidate’s name
on the spreadsheet.
2. Each judge will tally each score sheet and initial the total
and any changes made.
3. Each judges’ score sheet will be collected. Two people will
then verify the judges’ totals and initial each total upon
verifying their accuracy.
4. The judges’ scores will then be entered into the official
spreadsheet and the data entries will be verified by another
impartial observer.
5. All results will be kept in a secure location at LHS for review.
6. Parents may only review the scores for their child.
K. Final Results
1. The top scores for each squad will be chosen with the
maximums as followed:
a) The maximum of 16 candidates will be chosen for the
Varsity Squad. The top scores will make the
Varsity
Squad.
b) The maximum of 12 candidates will be chosen for the
Freshman and Junior Varsity Squads. The top 12
scores will be on the squads.
c) The top scoring mascot will be the Varsity mascot, the
second highest score will be the Junior Varsity mascot
and the third highest will be the Freshman mascot.
d) Results will be posted outside the main office doors of
the High School.
L. Viewing of Scores or Disputing Results
1. If a parent/guardian wishes to discuss the results of the
tryouts, he/she may choose to have a conference with a
principal and the coaches in which the scores may be
discussed as followed:
a) The average score from the three judges may be
seen and compared to the highest average
score,
with no candidates name revealed.
2. If a parent would like to dispute the results, they must do
the following:
a) Formal complaints must be submitted, in writing,
within 7 business days after results have been
posted.
b) Obtain principal approval from appropriate
campus to view more closely a teacher
evaluation, judge’s score sheet or
spreadsheet.
Only the results of the candidate in question
may
be viewed on the spreadsheet because other
candidates’ scores are considered to be
private.
M. Cheerleader/Mascot Tryouts Are Closed to the Public
To ensure complete privacy for each candidate only the judges, work staff
and administration will be allowed in the gym during tryouts.
N. Head and Co-Head Selection
1. Will be determined after tryouts.
2. Those interested will need to let the coaches know at first
practice after tryouts.
3. Each candidate for captain and Co-captain will complete a
portfolio and a month long clinic in May with the squad and
coaches.
4. The squad will vote for 10% of the total score on the last
day of practice before we break for the summer.
5. Coaches will make the final decision and will let all squads
know before the summer break.
6. The scores from cheerleading tryouts will be used as the
tryouts scores for captain and co-captain positions.
7. Captain can only be a returning SENIOR cheerleader and co-
captain can ONLY be a returning JUNIOR. No new members
to the LHS Cheerleading program will be allowed to tryout
for leadership positions.
O. Requirements for Maintaining Membership
Squad membership for the purpose of these requirements is defined as April
18th, 2008 (Tryouts for the 2008-2009 Cheerleader/Mascot) through the first
day of the 4-Day clinic for the following 2009-2010 cheerleading/Mascot
Tryouts in April 2010.
1. Members must be eligible to participate under current UIL
academic standards.
a) Grades at eligibility reporting periods must be
passing with a 70 or above.
2. Members must not be assigned to ISS more than one time.
The second ISS, within the school year, will result in
dismissal from squad. Member will still be financially
responsible for fees and dues for the 2008-2009 school
year.
3. Members must not be assigned LDMC or been detained or
convicted of crime that puts them in LDMC.
4. Must take care of all financial obligations under the time
line given by coaches.
a) Members must be able to purchase all necessary
and chosen summer camp uniforms and work
out attire.
b) Members must be able to pay for camp in full by
the given deadline of coach.
c) All fees for summer camp uniforms, camp
fees and accessories must be paid in full
prior to
attending summer camp.
d) If fees are not paid prior to start of camp,
member may not attend camp and is dismissed
from the squad.
e) All reimbursements will be between vendors and
cheer parents.
5. Must participate in ALL fundraising activities
a) Each member is responsible for the money
collected. If money is lost or stolen each member
is still responsible for reimbursement to coach/
fundraising account.
g) Each member must sell a minimum of 12 ads or
3 pages.
1. If a member is unable to sell the
minimum amount of ads they
will still
be financially responsible
for the
difference/full amount of 12
ads or 3
pages worth. (Ads help cover
costs of
uniforms, megaphones, poms,
coach’s
fees, end of the banquet and
miscellaneous expenditures
throughout the year.)
2. The sale of ads will begin the
day after
our first mandatory parent/
cheerleader/mascot meeting
and run
for three months.
3. Deadlines that are set by
coaches will
be strictly enforced.
6. Failure to meet fundraising deadlines and minimum
expectations will have the following results.
a) 1st Deadline – Non-participation in Chisholm
Trail Parade and 2 Demerits.
b) 2nd Deadline – Will receive 2 Demerits
c) Final Deadline – Will not be allowed to perform
for one week of activities but will still be
required to attend and be dressed out. You
will
also receive 2 Demerits.
7. Minimum dollar amount of any fundraiser not meet by each
member will still be financially obligated to pay the amount
set by coaches and the fundraiser.
8. Freshman and Junior Varsity Squads are required to sell
fundraising merchandise at Varsity games. Each game will
have a set amount of items to be sold and all members must
stay in uniform and sell until all items are gone. If any
merchandise/money is missing each squad member is
responsible for the amount that is missing.
9. Members and parents must sign a cheerleader/parent
contract stating that they have read and agreed that the
member has permission to participate under the
constitution guidelines and rules.
10. The coaches must have on file, a medical release and
current physical examination form by the 1st day of
practice for each member.
11. Each member must be responsible for a certain amount of
their own safety and protection during practices and
performances.
12. Each member must agree to and adhere to guidelines set
forth in the inherent risk notice.
13. Each member must follow guidelines set forth by the
coaches and trainers. A trainer or doctor’s note will be
required to resume cheerleading/mascot activities after
injury is sustained.
14. Must attend all designated activities that occur throughout
the year beginning April 18th, 2008. These activities may
before school, during school, after school, evenings, on
weekends, or during the summer. (See extracurricular
student code of conduct – section III)
15. If a member is assigned more than two probations within
the school year he/she will be dismissed from the squad.
P. Excused Absences
Only absences that will be excused and will not receive demerits for are the
following with a parent/doctor/sponsor/coach note:
1. Illness – Did not attend school that day/checked out early
from school.
2. Death in the Family
3. School sponsored meeting, practice or event
Q. Unexcused Absences
You will receive demerits for any and all unexcused absences even with a
note from parent/guardian/coach/sponsor.
1. After School Detention
2. Any absence that would fall under excused without a note.
a) If a member misses a scheduled practice during a
pep rally or any other performance week he/she
will be pulled from the routine for that
performance.
R. Demerit System
Coaches are the only authorized persons to distribute demerits. Demerits
are considered warnings for small and large infractions.
The following violations will receive ONE demerit:
1. Complaining
2. Chewing gum during practice or while performing
3. Failure to decorate or bring goodie bags
4. Failure to perform gymnastics skills at practice or
performance if those skills were used during tryouts,
practice, or any previous performance.
5. Forgetting bloomers or any part of uniform.
6. Hair not pulled up and away from face at coaches request.
7. Inappropriate clothing for practice.
8. Lack of spirit and cooperation during practice or
performance.
9. Being late to a practice or performance.
10. Not bringing equipment to an event as required by coach.
11. Not wearing sports bra or bloomers or another approved
undergarment to a performance.
12. Profanity
13. Wearing jewelry during a practice or performance.
14. Wrong or no hair accessory as it is requested in compliance
with the squad.
The following violations will receive TWO demerits:
1. Acting in a disrespectful manner toward coach or another
member of the cheerleading squad.
2. Failure to provide punctual transportation to and away from
a scheduled event.
3. Fighting or arguing with a squad member.
4. Leaving a practice early unless approved by coach.
5. Leaving a performance early unless approved by coach.
6. Public display of affection in uniform, or visible evidence/
marks left on body.
7. Not turning program ads in on designated deadline.
The following violations will receive THREE demerits:
1. A documented complaint from a teacher or administrator
regarding behavior.
2. Fighting/Arguing with coach.
3. Unexcused absence from a practice.
4. Unexcused absence from a performance.
The following violations will receive FOUR demerits:
1. Being assigned ISS
2. Handling complaints or concerns by members or parents at
any place other than the principals office.
S. Probation
1. A cheerleader/mascot who receives 5 demerits will be put
on probation and may not perform at any scheduled events
for one week. You must attend and be dressed in full
uniform and sit with the coach.
2. Each member will have one week to work off assigned
demerits. After one week has lapsed, demerits will become
permanent.
3. Scholastic probation will follow all UIL rules and each
member is prohibited from all activities as an LHS
cheerleader until all eligibility requirements are met.
4. Each member will only have two chances to be placed on
probation. After they have been on probation twice, the
third probationary offense will be grounds for dismissal.
T. Dismissal
1. A cheerleader/mascot who receives ten demerits will be
dismissed from the squad.
a) Any member who is dismissed from the squad
will not be able to tryout for the following
years
squad or mascot.
2. Cheerleaders/mascots will receive a written notice of
demerits for each offense to sign for and return to
the coach.
3. Dismissal/Loss of Member per ESCC (See VII)
4. Third time put on probation will be grounds for dismissal.
5. Dropping out of cheerleading for part of the term.
(Failing to attend scheduled events and practices for any
reason.)
6. Failure to attend summer camp.
7. Expulsion and/or suspension from school for any period of
time.
8. Being in LDMC
9. Being convicted of a crime that results going to LDMC
10. Failure to meet financial obligations
11. Being removed from 1st period cheerleading class during
the school year. (Special circumstances may arise and
removal from the class may be approved by coach.)
12. Members or parents of members addressing the coaches
about complaints/concerns without following the proper
procedures set forth by the administration more than ONE
time.
U. Requirements for LHS Cheerleaders/Mascots
1. Must provide transportation to and from all scheduled
events and performances.
2. Varsity members must ride the bus when traveling to and
from away games.
3. Varsity members will only be allowed to leave an event with
a parent/guardian by obtaining prior approval form the
coach. (Coach must have written permission from parent.)
4. Summer camp is MANDATORY. Any cheerleader/mascot
who fails to attend camp will be removed from the squad.
Exceptions to this may be made only in the event of
extreme extenuating circumstances, approved by the
coach.
5. Members must carry school insurance or have parent/
guardian proof of coverage of hospitalization insurance.
6. All members must be in excellent health and capable of
participating in gymnastics without the burden of ongoing
or recurring injuries or illness. Any gymnastics skills that
are demonstrated during tryouts, practices or performances
must be used throughout the year.
7. In the event a member of a squad is unable to uphold the
position to which they are elected, they may be replaced by
the candidate in that division with the next highest ranking,
providing this occurs prior to the attendance of summer
camp.
8. All members of the cheerleading squads (Freshman through
Varsity) MUST be in 1st period cheerleading class for the
2008-2009 school year unless pre-approved by coach for
schedule change.
V. Competition Squad
Competition squads will be developed by the coach ONLY if there is
enough competitive interest shown. The competitive team will be made up of
both Cheerleaders for that school year and any interested party that is
currently enrolled at LHS Freshman or High School campuses that meets the
following requirements.
Competition Requirements are as followed:
1. Each member must be completely dedicated to giving 110%
for the benefit of winning as a team.
2. Being on the competition squad will not be an excuse for
missing other cheerleading practices or performances.
W. Competition Tryouts
Each member who is interested in being on the competition squad may tryout.
Requirements for competition tryouts are as followed:
1. Tryouts will be held in December
2. Freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors are eligible to
tryout.
3. The squad will be selected by taking the top scores on a pre
selected set number of girls.
4. Each member will be evaluated on the areas of cheer, dance,
gymnastics, stunts, memorization and voice projection.
X. Competition Practices and Guidelines
1. All practices are mandatory and will be scheduled around
regular squad practices and performances.
2. Only ONE absence is allowed, excused or not.
3. If a cheerleader has an injury or illness that prevents him/
her from practicing for competition or from competing, a
substitute may be chosen by a vote of the competition
squad and coach.
4. Cheerleaders who perform higher level skills at tryouts will
be expected to perform those skills in competition.
5. Each member of the competition squad will be expected to
pay for their uniform, entry fees and hotel accommodations
raise money through approved fundraisers.
6. Fundraisers will be the sole responsibility of the
competition squad, but the regular cheer squads may help
if they choose.
Y. Uniforms and Equipment
1. Uniforms will be paid for through fundraising activities or
parent responsibility and the cheerleader will keep his/her
uniform at the end of the year.
2. Each member will be responsible for purchasing their own
megaphone, garment bag, raincoat and warm-ups that
they will own at the end of the year.
3. The school will provide poms for each cheerleader.
All equipment provided by the school must be returned
before the first day of tryouts for the following year. All
materials and equipment not turned in MUST be paid for in
full by that individual member and or members parents.
Z. Mascots
1. Mascots are considered part of the LHS Cheerleading squad
and are subject to all rules and policies set forth in this
constitution.
2. The school will provide the mascot uniform, however, the
mascots are responsible for the proper care and possession
of uniform for that school year.
AA. Letter Jackets
Letter jackets will be awarded based on varsity cheer squad membership. All
members of the Varsity squad that has completed 50% of their duties will be
awarded a jacket.
1. Letter jackets will be ordered after football/volleyball
season.
2. If a cheerleader/mascot has already lettered, a patch may be
ordered. The school will pay for a minimum amount, to be
determined each year, for the patch.
3. Letter jackets will ONLY be passed out at the end of the
year banquet each year.
BB. Senior Cheerleaders
1. All senior cheerleaders will be required to create and teach
all cheers, dances and tryout sequence for the competition
tryouts.
2. All senior cheerleaders will be required to attend and teach
the 4-day clinic prior to tryouts for the following school
year.
3. All senior cheerleaders/mascots must continue to be active
in cheerleading through the end of the school year.
CC. Parent Complaints/Concerns Procedures
If a member or the parents of a member of the squad has a concern or
complaint that they would like to address with the coach the following
guidelines must be followed:
1. Written complaint to Mr. Ramirez stating the concern/
complaint.
2. Parents will then be notified of a set meeting to address
the concerns.
3. All meetings will be recorded and signed off by all
parties present and put in the members folder for accurate
record keeping. (Parents will receive a copy for their own
records.)
* At no time will any concerns or complaints be addressed to the coaches at
any other place than an assigned meeting between parents, coaches, and
administration. *
The coaches are directly responsible to the principal for the welfare of the
cheerleading organization; therefore, they shall have the authority to make
any decisions necessary for the welfare of the organization. Any action
that needs to be taken concerning a situation not addressed by this
constitution, or extreme cases of opposition to states policies, will be the
responsibility of the coaches with the consultation of administration.
Lockhart High School does not discriminate against any student on the basis
of sex, race, creed or financial status.
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