EVANT CHEERLEADING HANDBOOK
Note “cheerleader” henceforth refers to both cheerleaders and mascots.”
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Candidates for cheerleader must meet at least the minimum UIL
requirements for eligibility. This includes minimum credits to participate:
sophomores must have 5 credits; juniors, 10 credits: and seniors 15 credits.
2. Cheerleaders must maintain a minimum overall average of 70 at the end of a
six weeks period will be suspended from participating in all cheerleading
activities. If a cheerleader’s average is 70 or better in all classes at the
following three- week grade check, he/she will be reinstated.
3. “The UIL rule will be strictly enforced. “ no pass no play” If a cheerleader
is ineligible for two six weeks ( at any time during the year) because his/her
classroom average falls below 70, he/she will be removed from the squad
and will not be eligible to try out for cheerleader the following year.
4. In order to try out or maintain a position on the squad, a student must not
have more than (2) unexcused absences, ISS assignments, or office referrals
resulting in corporal punishment. A student must not have spent time in
AEP.
SUMMER REQUIRMENTS
1. Each cheerleader MUST attend cheerleading camp during the summer. If a
cheerleader fails to attend camp, he/she will forfeit his/her position as a
cheerleader. If a cheerleader is dismissed or quits the squad he/she will be
responsible to pay his/her portion of the camp. If a cheerleader is dismissed
for any reason or quits s the squad he/she will not be eligible to try out for
cheerleader for the following year.
2. Camp is held during the summer. Dates and campsites are selected by the
coach/sponsor(s). Cheerleaders will pay for the cost of camp. Camp dates
will be scheduled as soon as possible.
3. All cheerleaders will participate in the activities at camp and will follow the
directions of the instructors. If a cheerleader is not performing to the
satisfaction of the coach/sponsor(s) a cheerleader may have to sit out of
competition.
4. Practices will be scheduled by coach/sponsors(s) during the summer.
5. Practices are mandatory failure to attend practices will result in demerits and
possible removal from the squad. Conflicts due to school events must be
worked out with the coach/sponsor(s) prior to missing and event or demerits
will be issued.
Leadership
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Each cheerleader should be aware of the responsibilities and the great
commitment he/she has made to the school and student body. Certain
responsibilities accompany any position of leadership. Alcohol/drug use,
immoral behavior, disobedience of school polices, etc. Are not acceptable
for any member of the cheerleading squad. Each cheerleader will sign the
cheerleading constitution understanding the expectations of this potion of
leadership, or he/she shall forfeit squad membership.
each cheerleader must realize that the manner in which he/she conducts
himself/herself reflects on the squad and the entire school
Cheerleaders are expected to set a good example for their classmates and
display the following characteristics at all time.
Honesty and truthfulness
high moral standards
good sportsmanship
positive attitude toward cheerleading
5. Positive school spirit.
6. Cheerleaders must be cooperative and respectful towards teachers,
administration, coach/sponsor(s), fellow cheerleaders, and community
members.
Purpose:
1. The cheerleaders shall promote and uphold school spirit.
2. They shall develop a sense of good sportsmanship among the student body,
the faculty, and the community.
3. The cheerleaders shall promote unified crowd involvement during events.
4. They shall strive to uphold the highest personal standards as cheerleaders
and as people.
Responsibilities
1. Cheerleaders will cheer at all football games and at all district games during
volleyball and basketball seasons. When sports overlap, the coach/sponsor(s)
will make the decision for the game. Varsity cheerleaders are also required
to attend all playoff games.
2. Any cheerleader unable to perform due to an injury/medical condition will
appear at the events in full uniform and sit in the designated area of with the
coach/sponsor(s).
3. Any cheerleader who becomes ineligible during the year must still attend
practices. Ineligible cheerleaders may attend events on their own but wil not
wear their uniforms and will not be allowed to cheer until eligibility is
restored.
Conduct and General Guidelines
1. The following is simply a summary of general conduct rules. Violation of
these rules could result in temporary probation or removal from the squad.
Please recognize that we cannot possibly list every situation that might arise.
Parents and cheerleaders must understand certain problems could arise. That
are not listed here that may result in disciplinary action.
2. The coach/sponsor(s) will review all the facts and circumstances surround a
particular violation and impose appropriate disciplinary action. The
coach/sponsor(s) will strive for consistency in meeting out punishment for
extracurricular code of conduct violations but will also exercise sound
professional discretion.
3. Being a cheerleader is a privilege therefore our cheerleaders are expected to
be good examples both in and out of the classroom. They should be held to a
higher standard because they are such visible representatives of the school.
4. A cheerleader may receive up to five 5 demerits upon the fifth demerit
he/she will be dismissed from the squad for the remainder of the year and is
not eligible to try out for cheerleader the following year.
Professional conduct
1. no suggestions will be considered that come from group meeting called
without the presence of a coach/sponsor(s)
2. Friends and boyfriends/girlfriends will be kept off limits while a cheerleader
is on duty.
3. Cheerleaders will not sit in the stands or leave the squad until the end of an
event. Cheerleaders will have half-time off during games but must return and
be ready to cheer a head of the players returning to the field/court
4. Cheerleaders will not eat or chew gum while on duty at any event.
5. A cheerleader must show good sportsmanship at all times.
6. A cheerleader’s personal conduct should be professional in attitude and
appearance.
7. All squad problems should be discussed with the coach/sponsor(s) first.
8. A cheerleader will refrain from the use of profanity or abusive language at
all times.
9. Each cheerleader should remember that he/she is a part of the squad it takes
all parts working together to achieve success. Each cheerleader will show
respect and strive to get along with his/her fellow cheerleaders.
10.
Managing a team during volleyball football or basketball seasons dose
not excuse a cheerleader from any cheer-related event.
11.
Any cheerleader who represents himself/herself or cheerleading in an
unfavorable ,questionable or electronic media (i.e. websites, personal
homepage, bogs, text messages, chat rooms or similar websites/files
accessible through a server or internet) or using electronic communication
devises in such a way as to bring discredit, dishonor or disgrace on his/her
organization or members of any other school organization including
himself/herself (i.e. camera phones, digital photos, electronic descriptions)
will be subject to the disciplinary actions determined by appropriate school
officials and or the coach/sponsor(s), including probation or dismissal from
cheerleading.
Prohibited conduct
1. Possessing, selling, or using tobacco products or drug paraphernalia
2. Possessing, selling, or delivering to another person, look alike drugs or
items represented as drugs or contraband of any kind
3. Possessing, selling, giving, delivering to another person, using or being
under the influence of marijuana, alcohol, a controlled substance, or any
dangerous drug.
4. Engaging in serious misbehavior, as that term is defined in the Evant ISD
code of conduct.
5. Attending any event at which underage drinking or smoking is occurring
6. Riding in a vehicle containing alcohol unless a parent, or guardian, or other
legal adult is present and aware of the presence of alcohol
7. Stealing
8. Conduct that causes injury or harm to persons or property
9. Using profanity, lewd or vulgar language or obscene gestures
10.
Fighting
11.
Any conduct resulting in arrest and /or citation from law enforcement
officers
12.
Inappropriate touching, including making out in public places, sexual
gestures, or exposing parts of the body that are ordinarily covered up in
public
13.
Inappropriate behavior in public places.
Disciplinary Action
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Disciplinary action will be enforced for violations. The
coach/sponsor(s) have the right to remove a cheerleader from any
scheduled event for any reason according to the rules or regulations
addressed in the constitution or discussed as a squad during meetings.
More serious violations will result in automatic removal from the
squad.
Repeated or excessive offenses (repetition of the same offence three (3)
or more times during the school year) may result in coach/sponsor(s) or
principal review. Any coach/sponsor(s) or principal review of a
cheerleader’s action may result in dismissal from the squad or denial of
participation in future events.
If a cheerleader receives one (1) demerit he/she will be benched for one
(1) pep rally/game. If a cheerleader earns two (2) demerits, he/she will
be benched for (2) games /pep rallies, a conference will be held with
the coach/sponsor(s), parent(s), and principal, and a warning about
removal upon receipt of the 3rd demerit will be issued. If a cheerleader
receives three (3) demerits, he/she will be formally dismissed from the
squad and ineligible to try out for cheerleader the following year.
Demerit System
1. General violations ions of any school policy will be handled by the school.
The cheerleader/mascot will then receive the appropriate demerit from the
coach/sponsor(s)
A. One (1) demerit will be issued for each of the following
1. Unexcused absence from an event or practice.
2. Failure to give notification to the coach/sponsor(s) for an absence.
B. Two (2) demerits will be issued for each of the following.
1. ISS, office referral, or corporal punishment.
2. Saturday school.
C. Three (3) demerits will be issued for the following.
1. Missing summer camp.
2. AEP
3. Smoking, alcohol/drug use, any ticketed violation (beyond a minor
traffic violation), any crime resulting in a felony.
Uniform and appearance
1. Although the school purchases the uniform (top and skirt) for varsity, all
other expenses including camp, other uniforms, camp gear, rain gear,
winter gear, and shoes will be paid for by the cheerleaders/mascot. If for
any reason a cheerleader quits or is dismissed the cost incurred is still the
cheerleader/mascots responsibility.
2. All uniforms and camp gear will be approved by the coach/sponsor(s)
before purchase.
3. All alterations must be approved by the coach/sponsor(s). If any uniform
/clothing is altered unacceptably, the outfit cannot be worn, and the
cheerleader will not be able to participate in activities that require that
outfit. The cheerleader/mascot will also be responsible for replacing the
uniform/clothing.
4. No jewelry will be worn during practice, events, or activities. All
cheerleaders will wear their hair as directed by the coach/sponsor(s) and
look uniform.
5. Uniforms will be kept neat, clean, and in good repair at all times.
Cheerleaders are responsible for presenting and maintain a polished
appearance.
6. Uniforms will be worn at designated time. The uniform must receive
principal approval before it can be worn during school day.
7. All school issued uniforms will be turned in or replacement cost paid for
by the cheerleader before tryouts for the next school year. Failure to
return a uniform will result is a cheerleader not being ale to try out.
Outgoing seniors will not have records released or be an able to walk the
stage until school property is returned or the replacement cost and
restocking fee are paid in full.
8. Every cheerleader is responsible for bringing all accessories to every
game. Cheerleaders must pay for all uniforms and accessories before
receiving them. Installments payments can be made for these items. A
cheerleader will not be allowed to cheer if he/she has not paid for these
items.
Transportation
1. Cheerleaders are required to ride the provided school transportation to the
game. A cheerleader may ride home with a parent /legal guardian only
after the parent/legal guardian signs a cheerleader out with
coach/sponsor(s)
2. Cheerleaders are reasonable for ensuring that all accessories are brought
to every game/event and returned to the bus. Each cheerleader is
responsible for hi/her own property.
Cheerleader Requirements
Tryouts
1. Cheerleaders and mascots are elected by outside judges. There will be a
mascot the highest scoring mascot will be chosen. We will take six (6)
cheerleaders on the varsity squad.
2. Varsity candidates may be incoming freshmen, sophomores, juniors,
seniors
3. If a candidate quits that squad during/at any time after tryouts, he/she is
NOT eligible to try out the following year.
4. Tryouts will consist of one cheer, one chant and the fight song routine.
5. Tryouts are closed to everyone except the coach/sponsor(s) judges.
Parents may wait for their children outside of the designated tryout area.
Head cheerleader
1. Head cheerleader potion will be filled by a senior with (2) years of varsity
experience unless there is no eligible senior available. In this event, all
candidates must have a cheered for at least two (2) years at the varsity level
(in EVANT) prior to being eligible to try out for head cheerleader.
A MEMBER WILL BE PERMANTLY SUSPENDED FOR THE
FOLLOWING
1. BEING EXPELLED FROM SCHOOL
2. RECEIVING TWO(2) SEPERATE DISCIPLINARY ISS
ASSIGNMENTS IN ONE ELECTION PERIOD
3. RECEIVING A TOTAL OF 5 DEMERITS WITHIN ONE
ELECTION PERIOD
4. FIALING A DRUG TEST ADMINISTERED BY EVANT ISD.
5. ANY VIOLATIOTHAT RESULTS IN THE PLACEMENT OF
AEP
6. IF FOUND GUILTY OF AN ALCOHOL, ILLEGAL DRUGS, OR
OTHER MISCONDUCT.
IF PERMENENTALY SUSPENDED, OR QUITS A CHEERLEADER
WILL WAIT ONE FULL YEAR (365 DAYS) FROM DATE OF
SUSPENSION BEFORE THAY ARE ELIGIBLE TO TRY OUT FOR
CHEERLEDER AGAIN. IF ANY VIOLATION OCCURS AGAIN AFTER
THE 365 DAY SUSPENSION, THE INDIVIDUAL CAN NO LONGER TRY
OUT FOR CHEERLEADER.