PHS CHEER AND STUNT

Cheerleading Pulaski High School Constitution 2014-2015 Coach Miss Knox Assistant Coach Stark

PHS CHEER AND STUNT Constitution 2014-15

*The purpose of this Constitution is to address specific issues that pertain to the Pulaski Cheerleading team and to outline expectations for the season. It would be impossible to address every possible issue that may affect the squad throughout the year, therefore, for specific questions, please see the coach or athletic director. The Athletic Department Code of Conduct applies to all Pulaski High School sports including the Cheerleading Team.

Positions/roles
CHEERLEADER: The Pulaski High School Cheerleaders are selected individuals who promote school spirit and enthusiasm for all school events. They fully accept responsibility and commitment to their team, their school, and their community. Cheerleaders have respect for their families, school personnel, and their community and they respect all school and athletic codes. A cheerleaders positive attitude is demonstrated in all areas including academics, athletic events, social festivities, and practices. Cheerleaders have a natural desire for lifelong learning and self discovery. They live a positive, drug-free life and continue to develop socially as well as individually. All Pulaski High School Cheerleaders promise to be committed to Pulaski High School and abide by all rules designated by the coach and administration
Role: Cheerleaders will bring excitement to every game as they create quarter performances, sideline cheers, sideline dances, and halftime performances. They will learn and perform at many games, competitions, and parades. The athletic requirements of a cheerleader are as followed: stunt, cheer, dance, and tumble. With hard work and dedication, anything is possible. Captains
The captains will be appointed by the coaches and will be responsible for helping their assigned groups with routines, calling the girls in their group when necessary, and helping with other squad responsibilities. If a girl is absent from practice, she is expected to call her captain to see what she has missed and arrange for a time to learn any missed material. If an officer is absent from practice, she is expected to call another officer. Officers must be willing to work with team members outside of practice. Officers will also be considered leaders for the team. Responsibilities will include leading the team at games and competitions, planning team get-togethers, and doing moral boosters during games, competitions, and throughout the year.

Alternates You will be required to attend all practices to learn the routines, cheers, and chants. Your job is to fill in for any cheerleader who is ill or who is unable to perform. Your job is very important because you will be responsible to be flexible on your position as a cheerleader. Very rarely do we have all members of the cheer team healthy and injury free. If a varsity cheerleader is ill or is injured the day of a game or she/he is ill for pre-game practice, it is your job to step in. You

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must also be there during pre-game practice. If you do not attend the practice, you will not perform. You will wear your uniform to school for every game. If there is more than one understudy, the cheerleader will be chosen based on attendance, performance, and attitude. Depending on the alternates dedication to self improvement, he/she may be eligible to gain a position as a varsity cheer member. Assistants and understudies play a very important role on the team because they have a wide variety of commitments whether it is making posters, filling in for an ill cheerleader, critiquing routines, or raising school spirit among the squad. Parent involvement We will be looking for an enthusiastic parent volunteer parent who would be willing to participate as an active member in the booster club. This parent will be the representative of our squad and will be asked to go to monthly meetings (2nd Wednesday of every month), help with fundraising, and support our Pulaski High School Cheer team. Parent involvement is crucial to the success of the cheer program and the coaches look forward to working with you. Attendance :
**All practices and performances are mandatory. Please avoid missing a practice or a performance unless absolutely necessary. If you know you are going to be late or miss practice you must call

Coach Knox. This is vital to how our practices will be run. Your coaches work hard to prepare practices assuming that everyone will be there- missing even one cheerleader could dampen the entire practice for that day. Your coach will not accept the message from other teammatesit is your responsibility to call the coach when you are going to miss practice.
1. One unexcused absence will result in being benched from a sideline performance and/or a routine. 2. Two unexcused absences will result in the member being benched from a sideline and routine and a written warning of possible dismissal. 3. Three unexcused absences will result in immediate dismissal from the team. Attendance at practice three days before a performance is required in order to perform (even if the absence is excused). This is crucial for perfecting routines and stunts. Doctor appointments (unless emergency), work, etc. are not excuses for missing practices or performances unless the schedule is changed with less than one weeks notice. Please do whatever possible to schedule around cheer. You will receive a performance/practice schedule early in the season. Please try to change future appointments if a conflict is found. Unless necessary, we will not practice on game days. If possible, please try to schedule appointments after school on these days. Unusual circumstances need to be discussed with the coaches as soon as possible.

**November-February is our busiest time of year due to games and competitions. If possible, please try to clear the calendar of regular scheduled appointments during these months. Our main competition season runs from November through February.
Any member missing a teaching practice must know the material by the second practice after her return, disciplinary actions will be determined by coaches. You are to call your captain ASAP to schedule a time to learn missed material- this will be your responsibility. Any member missing what is considered a critical practice or an excessive number of practices may also be pulled from a performance. Any member pulled from a performance will be required to learn the routine and act as an alternate. *It is the individuals responsibility to learn missing material. No additional practice time will be given. Members are to get together with their captain, if possible, or with one of the senior

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leaders on their own time (not right before practice). An excessive number of unexcused or excused absences may result in a member being pulled from performances or dismissed from the squad. A written warning will be given to the squad member prior to dismissal. Whether an excused (illness or emergency) or unexcused absence, you will be required to notify the coaches as soon as you know you will be missing from practice or a performance. It is your responsibility to see that this is done. Do not rely on friends or other squad members to pass on the message. If notice is received after practice or performance you are still considered unexcused. Attendance at school for 3 consecutive hours is required in order to come to practice or a performance. Missing practice due to academic issues is excused (ex: getting help from a teacher). However, you are encouraged to get help at other times if possible. Written notification from the teacher is needed. A cheerleader is allowed 2 personal days during the season. One day per season: one taken June October, one taken November February. These are days the cheerleader may miss practice for a personal reason with no questions asked and no consequences. These days however, cannot be taken three days prior to a performance or the cheerleader will be pulled from the performance.

GAMES: if the team makes playoffs, we will be required to cheer at all sectional games including games that are hosted in the Green Bay area. Failure to do so will result in the loss of opportunity to cheer at the State games. Away games: Athletes will be asked to cheer at some away games. Although attendance is not mandatory, it is highly suggested. We understand that there may be conflicts regarding the transportation, but the girls are encouraged to attend if transportation can be provided for them. Absence on the day of competition: The cheerleader must attend at least four periods or classes unless the absence is a school-sponsored activity or there is an extenuating circumstance approved by the coach and an administrator. If you start to feel ill the day before the competition it is vital that you inform your coaches that night no later than 8:00pm or early morning before the bus leaves. PERFORMANCES: competitions and games Games: All cheerleaders will be required to cheer at all games on the schedule. Cheerleaders will cheer on the sidelines and perform small quarter performances for each game. All cheerleaders will be required to perform at all the halftimes designated to you by the coach. Meeting time: Captains will be in charge of team stretching and marking routines before the coaches arrive. Meeting times may vary however; we usually meet an hour before the game begins. Materials to bring: You are required to bring ALL cheer materials and clothing to each performance regardless if we are using it or not. Practice absence: If you missed the practice days prior to a game, you are still required to attend the game and support your team. You will be asked to sit on the sidelines.

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Competitions:
Competition is an all day event! In most cases we leave early in the morning (ex:5:00am) and we do not return until mid to late afternoon. This year we will plan to attend five competitions including the regional cheer competition held in February. If we qualify for State, all athletes are required to compete at State. Attendance: - You must plan to attend and compete at all competitions throughout the - competition season. - Attendance at practice is mandatory if you are going to be competing. If you are ill the day before a competition, you must let Coach Knox know immediately if you are not competing. - Failure to attend practice on a regular basis will result in being pulled from the competition routine. Transportation: There will be transportation provided for most competitions .Meet at the main entrance at PHS at your designated time. Parents are able to ride the bus provided they complete the background check. Materials to bring: Cheerleaders must bring all materials and clothing to the competition. When cheerleaders arrive at PHS they should be wearing their warm ups and non cheer shoes for the ride to the competition. The bus can be cold at times so bring a blanket. Be sure to bring extra spending money for concessions and vendors. Do not bring anything too valuable to competitions as the locker rooms are not locked and there is free access to all material in the locker rooms. Competition routine: all routines are 2 minutes and 30 seconds long. It consists of Cheers, dances, stunts and tumble passes. - Before the routine: Before the competition starts, we are preparing for team competition. We will warm up stunts, tumble passes, and formations. You must stay with your team until we have competed. Individual routines- Individual routines are 1 minute and 30 seconds. This is a combination of crowd cheers, jumps, dances, and creativity. - The individual routine is created by you and it must not mimic any part of our team routine. Music must also be created by the athlete. - All athletes competing in the individual routine must have substantial experience in Cheerleading. - Unless you have full experience in gymnastics, you are unable to compete in individual routines until you are a junior in high school. - The routine must be approved by both of your coaches before sending in the registration forms. We will not accept individual routine during our first competition of the year. - The average cost is about $12.00-$18.00 for each athlete

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Practice- regulations Practice attire Always bring a water bottle to practice (and to games). When practicing, it is important to wear comfortable, form-fitting clothes. Form fitting shorts or cheer shorts are preferred. A form fitting shirt or sports tank top can be worn with the proper under garments (sports bra). You should bring your shoes to all practices. They will be used for stunts, cheers, and warm-ups. Your hair must ALWAYS be pulled back. You must never wear jewelry (earrings, watches, rings ect) as it is dangerous for stunting and gymnastics. Manicures and fake nails are unacceptable and could cause injury to you or your teammates. ALWAYS wear a smile Warm up, Stunting, and Gymnastics Stretching and Warm up: Before practice starts it is crucial to stretch and warm up. Stretching will often be directed by your captains and the warm up will be directed by the coach. Warm ups will consist of strength training and endurance exercises. Stunts and Gymnastics: You may not practice stunts or gymnastics without a coach being present! It is crucial to listen to ALL the directions before performing any stunt or tumbling skill. Every cheerleader has an exact and specific role when stunting, but it is necessary to understand all roles even if you are not taking part in the pyramid/stunt. If you are caught practicing a stunt without the approval or supervision of the coach, you will sit out for the rest of that practice and possible benching may occur. You must work as a team under ALL circumstances. Failure to do so can and often does result in injury. Behavior BEHAVIOR AND ATTITUDE: Cheerleading members are highly visible representatives of PHS and are considered role models for many young women. You are expected to conduct yourselves, at all times, in a fashion that will reflect positively on our school, the squad, your families and yourselves. Appropriate behavior is expected whether the squad member is in or out of uniform. Inappropriate behavior may include gossiping, bad language, bad mouthing the squad or others, vulgar actions, smoking or the use of other drugs, etc. Social media: Facebook, Twitter, and Snapchat are public displays of behavior and are viewed by many people. Failure to behave appropriately while using this type of media will result in a written warning. Further incidences may result in benching or dismissal from the team. You are highly recognized athletes in the Pulaski School District and you should hold yourselves accordingly. Behavior during games/performances: You should always remain on your best behavior on the court and off the court. You are not to talk about your social life during a game or performance as we must remain professional and respectful. These conversations can be done elsewhere. As you are part of a team, you are to stay with the team from the start of the game until the end of the game. This means that you should not be gossiping with friends or discussing issues with your parents during the game or performances. Remember that you are a not only a representation of your team, but you are a representation of our school and our community. Uncooperative and negative behaviors are not acceptable. One warning will be issued. Further incidents may result in suspension or dismissal from the team! The bottom line is, show respect at all times to not only the coach, but to other team members and you as well. Cheer with a positive attitude, dont be afraid to try new things, and practice constructive criticism.

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Accept constructive criticism from others and dont take it personally. If issues arise throughout the year that are causing friction on the squad, notify the coach, a captain, or your officer immediately so that they may be resolved. Coach/Athlete Relationship: A coach cares deeply for her squad and for the wellbeing of her team however there are boundaries that must be obtained. Contacts Texting the coaches for personal reasons is unacceptable. If there is an issue regarding the team, athletes must call the coaches directly and it must be cheer related. Cheerleaders may contact us by phone calls or emails. Texting is highly discouraged as it may cause confusion. However, if there is a cancelation of a practice or a game, your coaches will send a mass text to the entire team. It is your responsibility to check any updates whether by checking your email or your phone. Substance abuse Cheerleaders at Pulaski High School take pride in being drug and alcohol free. If you are caught in position where you are around, in possession of, or using drugs and alcohol proper consequences will follow. This also pertains to smoking. PHS has no tolerance for this kind of behavior. Grades School comes first! If you are receiving a D or lower in any current classes, you will be responsible to raise your grade. This means that you are responsible for getting help from your teacher whether after or before school. You will still be required to attend practice however you will have to watch rather than practice. If you are struggling in any of your classes, you will be required to get help after school. This means that you may have to miss practice. If this occurs, you will be responsible to give proof that you missed practice because you were getting help. Uniforms Uniforms must be kept in excellent condition at all times. If a uniform is damaged or lost, the member will be responsible for the replacement cost. You are not to wear your uniform or any piece of it for anything but squad functions. When you or anyone else is in uniform, you are a representation of the squad. Please conduct yourself accordingly. The Cheer Team garment bag should be used when storing uniforms at home. Make sure all pieces are clean before storing. Always rinse sweat out immediately after a performance. Great care should be taken when transporting uniforms to and from performances. Shoving them in the bottom of a duffle bag is not acceptable care. Please send uniforms home with parents before going out after games when possible. Uniforms are to be cleaned and returned promptly at the end of the season. All pieces must be turned in together. Purchases: It is required that all cheerleaders pay for their own shoes, bloomers, socks, and bodysuits. The order form given to all athletes during the post tryout meeting. For a new member, the approximate cost of clothing and other items needed for Cheer is roughly $250.00. Keep in mind that some of these clothes will be used for the entire year and the purchases made will last anywhere between one year to three years. (This price is an approximate estimation based on last year and is subject to change.) Cheerleaders attending Cheer Camp will spend roughly $150.00

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Summer Events Spring training This is a short three day practice in May! All athletes are required to attend as it will be our first real practice as a team. Seniors/captains will be asked to teach the cheers and chants to all incoming cheerleaders. Times and dates will be announced after tryouts. Summer school: You are encouraged to sign up for Cheer, Stunt, and Gymnastics classes over the summer. This is a two week program that allows you to get to know your new team and it prepares you for the competition season. This year it falls on June 16-27 and July 7-18 through PACE. These courses are considered as part of your summer practice. Cheer Camp You are encouraged to attend an amazing Cheer Camp held at Glenbrook in Pulaski WI. This year it will be on August 5, 6, 7. From 8:00-12:00 The cost for this camp is approximately $150.00- You are highly encouraged to attend this camp as it will help us prepare us for higher level stunts and complex competition routines. Polka Day Parade You are required to attend this event as it promotes our squad and it shows our support for community events. If you are part of the High School Band, you may be excused to perform with the band, however, please wear your Cheerleading uniform. This year it falls on July 21. Summer Practice The summer practice schedule will be given to you at spring training. All practices are mandatory. Failure to attend the summer practices will result in benching.
YEARLY FEES: Clothing: $250.00 Individual routine: $30 (optional) Camps: $150.00 Total: ~$400.00 (without individual routines) Other optional purchases: Competition T-shirts, camps, open gyms, summer school.

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Cheerleading Philosophy
The Pulaski High School Cheerleaders are selected individuals who promote school spirit and enthusiasm for all school events. They fully accept responsibility and commitment to their team, their school, and their community. Cheerleaders have respect for their families, school personnel, and their community and they respect all school and athletic codes. A cheerleaders positive attitude is demonstrated in all areas including academics, athletic events, social festivities, and practices. Cheerleaders have a natural desire for lifelong learning and self discovery. They live a positive, drug-free life and continue to develop socially as well as individually. All Pulaski High School Cheerleaders promise to be committed to Pulaski High School and abide by all rules designated by the coach and administration.

I have read and understood the code of conduct for Pulaski High School Cheerleading . By signing this form, I agree to accept all rules and regulations.

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