Cheerleading Program Guide

2017-2018

Dripping Springs High School

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PROGRAM PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE

The DSHS cheer program has a commitment to encouragement and service as its foundational tenets. Students seeking to be a DSHS cheerleader are expected to actively prioritize these guiding principles by participating in community service and supporting all aspects the district’s mission, its schools, and the organizations associated with them. Cheerleaders are first and foremost representatives of their school and community. Their purpose is to practice and promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, and wholesome and enthusiastic program, school, and district spirit. The DSHS cheer program will exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position and in accordance with the rules as stated in the Dripping Springs ISD Student Code of Conduct. Cheerleaders have a fundamental responsibility to play a leadership role in building teamwork and helping the school achieve its goals and objectives. Because of these responsibilities, cheerleaders will be expected to maintain a high standard in interpersonal relationships and public behavior, both on and off campus.

PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of the cheerleading program is to provide opportunity for students to:

• Practice and set positive examples of good sportsmanship, athleticism, and moral and mental character

• Develop a sense of responsibility regarding personal, team, district, and community commitment

• Promote team excellence through individual commitment and sacrifice

• Develop strong leadership qualities

• Render service to the school and community

• Develop good relationships with the public and positive relationships with other schools

• Support good sportsmanship and spirit for all DSISD programs and organizations

• Promote spectator participation and unification during competitive and other district events

• Support and encourage school athletic programs throughout the year

Cheerleaders are expected to be physically skilled and mentally prepared to learn and perform cheers, dances, stunting, and other athletic and public performance type activities. They are expected to be able to publicly demonstrate a skill level suitable for the team position and the necessary timing for group performances. Cheerleaders are expected to make a commitment to enthusiastically and honorably represent Dripping Springs ISD and support all athletic teams, through advertisement, positive personal attitude, and attendance at all events chosen by the sponsor.

CHEERLEADING YEAR DEFINITION The rules and procedures outlined in this program guide are in effect from the current year’s tryout meeting date until the next year’s tryout meeting date.

TRYOUT ELIGIBILITY A student is eligible to try out for cheerleading or mascoting if either of these two conditions is met:

• At the time of the tryout the student is enrolled in the Dripping Springs

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Independent School District AND is trying out at the school where the student is registered to attend for the next school year.

OR

• The student is not currently enrolled in Dripping Springs Independent School District, but is registered to attend Dripping Springs High School for the next school year.

An informational parent/candidate orientation meeting will be held to provide information about the DSHS Cheerleading Program, as well as the tryout process and guidelines. All candidates and parents are responsible for meeting all requirements and deadlines regarding tryout submission forms. Candidate applications, with required forms, will be available in the principal's office and online. All candidates must return all forms (completed and signed) to the front office of the High School by the dates designated by the sponsor. A student who is academically ineligible at the time of the clinic and tryout is eligible to participate in cheerleading tryouts. Forms include:

• Tryout Forms Checklist

• Cheerleading Program Guide Acknowledgment Form

• Tryout Medical/Release Form

• Athletic Physical – good through the current school year (The current athletic physical must indicate that the candidate is able to cheer, jump, stunt, run and complete all physical conditioning such as push-ups, sit-ups, weight lifting, etc.)

• 2016-2017 Grade Report Summary that shows ALL Interim and Term Grades (I1, T1, I2, T2, I3, T3, I4, T4, I5, T5, I6, T6) This report is found on Family or Student Access.

• Attendance Summary

• Squad Declaration Form (for sophomores, juniors, and seniors)

Additional Information:

• Candidates should fill out all required forms thoroughly and accurately. If a candidate participates in tryouts, and is later found to have been ineligible to try out, they will be removed from the squad and not allowed to try out the following year.

• A tryout clinic will be held prior to tryouts to allow candidates an opportunity to prepare the compulsory cheer, dance, and practice all other judged elements.

• All tryout clothes/shoes must be approved by the cheerleading/spirit squad sponsor prior to the day of the tryout.

• A candidate selected as a Cheerleader or Mascot must be enrolled in the DSISD Cheerleading class if one is offered.

• A candidate who was previously selected as a middle school cheerleader or high school cheerleader must fulfill their obligations and responsibilities for that entire year and be in good standing at the end of the year, in order to be eligible the following year. Any candidate who has been suspended from school or placed in AEP at any time during the current school year is not eligible to try out.

• Candidates with documented truancies may be asked to clear them through the

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attendance office prior to being eligible to tryout.

COMMITMENT

Candidates selected to be a member of the cheerleading squad are expected to make a commitment to the activity and class participation for the full cheerleading year. Patterns of inconsistent class attendance or cheer event attendance will be considered as a lack of commitment to the cheer program. This will affect the good standing status of the cheerleader/mascot. Any cheerleader who voluntarily quits the squad or drops the class before the end of the cheerleading year will not be allowed to try out for the next year, and will be considered permanently out of good standing with the DSHS cheerleading program. Extenuating circumstances regarding resigning the cheer squad or being dropped from the cheerleading class will be evaluated by the principal or designee to determine the status of the participant’s standing with the DSHS Cheerleading program.

SELECTION

The procedures for selection are based on the guidelines in this handbook. The tryouts will be held on a date in the spring semester determined by the sponsors with the approval of the principal. The date will not be during the week of the state testing. The sponsors will be responsible for facilitating the tryouts. The tryout clinic and the tryout itself will be held in closed session. Parents will not be allowed in the building during any phase of the tryouts.

SQUAD COMPOSITION

There will be two squads in the DSHS Cheerleading Program including a varsity squad and a junior varsity squad. The DSHS Cheer Program will select at least the same number of mascots as there are cheer squads (if candidates are available). Mascots

will not be squad specific. However, any freshman mascot is not eligible to earn a letter. The Varsity squad will consist of at least the 12 highest ranking candidates (excluding incoming freshmen). Squad size will be based on a female threshold. Male candidates will have their own squad threshold, separate from females. The junior varsity squad will consist of at least 12 members selected from the next highest scores from all the remaining candidates (provided at least 12 candidates are available), including a similar threshold for male candidates as for the varsity squad. All upcoming sophomore, junior, and senior candidates are required to submit a declaration statement indicating that if they are not selected for varsity, they will (or will not) accept a position on junior varsity if their score is eligible for a junior varsity position.

TRYOUT GUIDELINES Information regarding the tryout process and DSHS Cheerleading program will be provided at the informational/orientation meeting. Instruction on how to obtain the necessary forms and program information online (including the DSHS Cheerleading Program Guide) will also be provided. Hard copies of this same information will be available in the front office of the high school. This information will include specific tryout dates, times, attire, and procedures. Students wishing to try out for a cheerleading squad must file all required documents with the team sponsor on or by the date indicated on the form summary sheet. All forms must be submitted through the DSHS front office as a complete packet. Incomplete packets will not be considered “filed.” There will be no application fees or tryout fees for students trying out for cheerleader at Dripping Springs High School. All candidates will try out in front of a panel of judges on a date determined by the sponsor and approved by the principal. No special tryout time will be allowed under any

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circumstances. Tryouts and clinics will be closed to everyone except judges, principals, principal's designees, sponsors, and designated facilitators. Parents, relatives, friends, or other visitors are not allowed into the clinics or tryouts. All candidates will perform before a judging panel in the designated uniform:

• A solid white t-shirt with no cheer logos or cheer affiliated markings. The shirt may be sleeveless or short sleeve.

• Solid black shorts with no visible cheer logos or cheer affiliated markings. Shorts may have colored piping or limited color on side panels.

• Athletic, Tennis, or Cheer shoes

• All long hair must be pulled back off the face with a hair tie or white bow.

• No gum, jewelry, or distracting accessories Any deviation by the candidates from the tryout requirements may result in the disqualification of the candidate.

JUDGES

There will be a panel of judges selected from NCA, UCA, ACA, other professional cheerleading associations, and/or universities. Judges will not be hired to judge tryouts if they have tutored or taught any of the cheerleading candidates. Every attempt should be made to hire judges who have not worked with students in the Dripping Springs area. However, with the hundreds of camps in the state of Texas, attended by thousands of cheerleaders and taught by hundreds of instructors, it may be possible at some time that a member of the judging panel may have had some contact with a candidate who is trying out. Tryout results shall not be challenged because of prior association of judges and candidates.

JUDGING CRITERIA Members of each squad will be determined based on the tabulated scores of the panel of judges. The judges will be instructed to judge the candidates based only on the mastery of the skills and performances that they see demonstrated during the tryouts. The decisions of the judges will be final. Judges will be present to view the entire tryout process. Each cheerleading candidate will have the opportunity to learn the compulsory cheer, compulsory hip-hop dance, and the compulsory band/line dance at the available video viewing. Jumps, male stunting, spiriting, all compulsory dances, the compulsory cheer, crowd leading, and the specific tryout process will be reviewed during the cheer tryout clinic. Tryout candidates shall not change the motions or the words to the cheer or dances. As part of a candidates final score, a required mile run will be timed directly after both of the video preview days. Times will be recorded by persons designated by an athletic administrator. Candidates will only be timed once. Each judge will score each cheerleading candidate using the point criteria listed below. Judges will be instructed to consider all the following areas throughout the tryout process as is appropriate for the category being judged.

• Crowd Leading Effectiveness

• Voice Projection

• Energy/Enthusiasm

• Flexibility

• Technique

• Motion Sharpness

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• Poise and Presence

• Timing

• Memorization

• Use of Props

• Overall Appearance The candidates’ final scores for females and males will be based on score sheet entries by the cheer judges and mile timers in the following areas:

• Two Spiriting Evaluations (10 Points Each Maximum)

• Standing Tumbling Skill (3 Points Maximum) (points will be awarded only for standing tumbling) (standing flip-flop or back, or more difficult skill) (standing tumbling is optional)

• Three Cheer Jumps (3 Points Each Maximum)

• One Compulsory Cheer (25 Points Maximum)

• One Hip Hop Compulsory Dance (20 Points Maximum)

• One Band/Line Compulsory Dance (20 Points Maximum)

• One Cheer Stunt (males only) (30 Points Maximum)

• Mile Run Time/Points

o 10:31 or above = 0 Points o 10:30 to 10:00 minutes = 1 Point o 9:59 to 9:30 minutes = 2 Points o 9:29 to 9:00 minutes = 3 points

o 8:59 to 8:30 minutes = 4 points o 8:29 to 8:00 minutes = 5 points o 7:59 to 7:30 minutes = 6 points o 7:29 to 7:00 minutes = 7 points

*Males will not be required to perform either dance.

The candidates’ final scores for mascots will be based on score sheet entries by the cheer judges and mile timers in the following areas:

• School Spirit (10 Points Maximum)

• Enthusiasm (10 Points Maximum)

• Technique (10 Points Maximum)

• Confidence (10 Points Maximum)

• Creativity (10 Points Maximum)

• Props (10 Points Maximum)

• Crowd Leading (10 Points Maximum)

• Music Selection (10 Points Maximum)

• Presentation (10 Points Maximum)

• Practicality of Material (10 Points Maximum)

• Mile Run Time/Points ( See Table Above)

TABULATION OF SCORES

The principal or principal's designee will coordinate the tabulation of scores. The sponsor(s) will not participate in score tabulation. The formula for tabulating final scores is as follows:

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• Each judge will mark a value of each cheerleader for each skill demonstrated based on the rating scale in each category.

• Judges scores will be averaged together to get the judges' average score.

• Scores will be calculated to two decimal points. Candidates will then be ranked from high to low, and the appropriate number selected for each squad.

All scoring sheets and results will be retained by the principal only for 30 days following the tryout date. In the event of a tie, or at the discretion of the judges, candidates may be called back for additional review, and may be required to perform additional skills not listed in this guide.

TRYOUT EXCEPTIONS In the case of physical injury or extenuating circumstances, prior to the tryout, candidates must receive written permission from the school principal to use video on the Video Tryout Request Form (which will require a stated reason and documentation for absence or medical concerns). All videos submitted for reasons other than injury must meet sponsor filming guidelines. Sponsors will not be responsible for any part of the video or filming process, except ensuring filming guidelines are met. Candidates are responsible for providing all necessary equipment to film/record and present their video to the judge. If video is used, only the segment of the video that shows the skill(s) done by the student prior to the tryout may be judged. Video may not be used showing the individual performing in a competition setting. When video is used, the candidate must perform each skill required, or (if due to injury) a similar allowable skill(s) determined by the sponsor in the tryout to receive credit/points.

VIDEO FILM GUIDELINE USAGE Sponsors will make these general guidelines available to judges if a video is used for tryout:

• The judges shall be instructed to consider the absence of pressure.

• The judges shall be instructed to consider lack of physical/respiratory exertion.

• The judges shall be instructed to consider the use of hard or spring floors when performing.

• The judges shall be instructed to consider other deviations from standard tryout setting/conditions.

NOTIFICATION

After all tryout scores are tabulated and confirmed by the principal or principal's designee, the final results will be posted on the DSISD Internet Website. Efforts are made to post scores the evening of tryouts. The posted list will be in random or alphabetical order with no indication of ranking. However, if circumstances exist to delay releasing the results, a notice of delay will be posted on the website in lieu of the results. This notice will give an approximate time/day when results will be posted.

PARENT REQUEST FOR SCORES

Requests for scores can be made through the school principal. Parents may request a copy of their own child's score (no rank scores) from the principal or his/her designee. Requests for scores must be made in writing within the first 30 days following the date of tryouts. Requests for scores made after 30 days will not be honored. All other student scores are protected and cannot be shared with anyone except the sponsor, principal, or principal

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designee. The original judge's score sheets will not be released to parents or students.

REPLACEMENTS

If a member of the cheerleading squad moves, or if there is an opening for any other reason, the sponsor may fill the opening(s) prior to the first day of the new school year, based on the tryout rank scores.

SELECTION OF SQUAD LEADERSHIP

Student leadership of the varsity cheerleading squad will be through a leadership team selected by the cheerleading sponsor/coach. There will be no interviews or tryouts for these positions. The junior varsity squad will have a captain. In the junior varsity cheerleading squad any cheerleader may nominate himself/herself as a squad captain candidate by submitting a typed letter of interest for the position. Letters of interest should be no more than three paragraphs in length. There will be only one captain selected for the junior varsity squad. Sponsors will conduct individual interviews with all captain candidates on a specified date. Additional practical, performance, or measured data/elements may be requested of captain candidates prior to selection. After all selection elements have been considered, the sponsor will then select the captain for the junior varsity squad. The selected captain will be notified no later than the last day of the current school year. The sponsor's decision will be based on ability, responsibility, time to devote to the program, experience, leadership skills, and the interview. Both the varsity leadership team members and junior varsity captain shall have good leadership qualities, a reliable academic performance, and a cooperative spirit. These leaders should be individuals who are able to work together to unite squads into a working team, and who will be able to work well with other cheer squad members, drill team members, band members, school student

leadership persons, etc. All leaders are responsible for working with the sponsors on practice organization, plans for game activities, and developing schedules. They will designate cheers, chants, stunts, etc. to do at the games and pep rallies with approval of the sponsor. Any violation of the rules or guidelines, disrespectful behavior toward sponsors, or other staff will, at the sponsor's discretion, result in dismissal of their position. Failure in any class for a six week (term) grading period may result in the removal of a leader from his or her position, but will result in removal from their captain duties for the UIL Eligibility/Ineligibility dates. A leader may be dismissed from his or her position at the discretion of the sponsor in relation to their representation of, and adherence to, the philosophy of the DSHS Cheerleading Program Guidelines.

TIGER MASCOT The tiger mascot(s) will be considered a member(s) of the cheerleading program. The mascots will follow all the rules and regulations set forth in this document and will attend all cheerleading functions including summer cheer practices, camps, fundraisers, and service opportunities. They will also attend all practices and workshops deemed necessary by the sponsor. The Tiger Mascot(s) will wear the complete Tiger uniform at all times during activities (with appropriate endurance breaks). Candidates for selection as mascot must realize that the uniform is extremely hot. If heat becomes a factor causing the need to remove any portion of the uniform, the sponsor will decide the role of participation in any activity.

ELIGIBILITY MAINTENANCE Members must abide by the rules and regulations of the University Interscholastic League Commission and Contest Rules and the Texas Education Code.

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GENERAL CONDUCT GUIDELINES Cheerleaders are expected to behave in a manner that is becoming to the individual, as well as to the organization they represent. They should be aware that (in or out of uniform) they are representatives of the DSHS Cheerleading Program, Dripping Springs High School, and our community and should act accordingly. Any cheerleader removed from his/her squad for disciplinary reasons during the current cheerleading year will be permanently out of good standing and ineligible to participate in any future cheerleading tryouts. Proper manners should be used at all times to address adults. Mutual respect and politeness toward members within the squad are basic elements that contribute to the total success of the cheer team. Each member's behavior should be in accordance with the Dripping Springs ISD Student Code of Conduct, Extracurricular Code of Conduct, the DSHS Discipline Management Plan, and the Dripping Springs High School Cheerleading Program Guide. A member may be removed due to his/her discipline record, attendance record, or failure to follow the instructions of this document. Any member placed in the Alternative Education Program will be removed from the cheerleading squad for the remainder of the school year. A cheerleader must be dressed in the full cheer uniform, including accessories, with all hair pulled back, in order to participate in performances. If a cheerleader is not in the correct uniform, with all hair pulled back, they will be asked to sit out until the violation is corrected. Cheerleaders will not be allowed to wear any jewelry or piercings at games, contests, practices, or other cheer activities. (ex. football, volleyball, basketball, etc.) Students will also not be allowed to display any tattoos or have any unnatural hair color or dye. Students found wearing jewelry or displaying tattoos, piercings, or unnatural hair color will be asked to sit out until they have corrected the violation.

CONDUCT AT EVENTS When in uniform at a sponsored event, all members must sit together in a designated area when not performing. They may not sit with boyfriends, friends, parents, etc. unless given specific permission by the sponsor. Members must focus attention on the game AT ALL TIMES! Members must conduct themselves in a manner befitting of a DSHS leader. There will be no gum chewing. Members must use the "buddy" system when visiting the concession and bathroom facilities at all cheerleading events.

ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION Candidates selected to be members of a cheerleading squad are expected to make a commitment to the program, squad, and sponsors. Although DSHS Cheerleaders are not restricted from participation in other school sponsored and non-school sponsored activities, squad members shall not allow other activities to interfere with the required cheerleading practices, activities, and responsibilities. If other activities interfere with cheerleading responsibilities, benching consequences may be assigned for subsequent games/activities/events. Members must attend and cheer at all designated football games, pep rallies, designated basketball games, designated volleyball games, designated play-off games, and all other designated sporting events or functions deemed necessary by the sponsor and/or the principal. Students unable to perform for the entirety of a designated event due to illness or injury will be dismissed from that performance and asked to contact their parent for pick up. Regarding attendance and participation, each member of a squad is responsible for demonstrating a high level of commitment to all program goals and activities. In connection with sponsors/coaches, squad leadership will note any uniform, participation, or other preparedness discrepancy. Squads will earn discipline

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consequences for any member not adhering to the basic rules and guidelines of the program, participation, and preparedness guidelines. All members must meet all of the UIL eligibility guidelines. Ineligible members are restricted from participating in games and events during the term of the ineligibility. Members must attend all athletic events and related activities required by the sponsors. This includes activities such as parades, contests, clinics, camps, community events, school functions, etc. These activities may require attendance on weekends and some holidays. In some instances, scheduling may occur on short notice. In order to be eligible to participate in an after school athletic event, game, function or performance, the cheerleading squad member must receive attendance credit for the day unless the absence is due to participation in an approved school sponsored activity, or is considered a nondeductible absence by DSISD policy. Also, if the event is a UIL sanctioned event, UIL attendance policies will apply.

DISCIPLINE MANAGEMENT The sponsor will develop a discipline management plan annually to address member discipline/participation issues and appropriate consequences/requirements. Consequences may include, but are not limited to, phone calls to parents, limited warnings, additional conditioning, classroom detention, assignment of additional cheerleading duties, removal of cheerleading privileges (including cheering at pep rallies and games), and/or a referral to the appropriate principal. The current Dripping Springs High School Spirit Squad Discipline Management Plan can be found in the Appendix of this guide.

CHEERLEADING CLASS It is the school’s goal to offer a cheerleading class for students selected to serve as cheerleaders. If a class is offered, all squad members will be required to be enrolled in the class for the year. The teacher(s)/sponsor(s) will work together to develop a course syllabus and grading system. Squad members may be graded for in-class and out-of-class activities and responsibilities.

GRADING

Class grades will consist of formative and summative assignments:

Examples of formative grades:

• Class Preparation (Dressing Out, Hair Up, No Gum, etc.)

• Assigned Skill Set Completion

• Performance Reviews

• Cheer Journal

• Etc.

Examples of summative grades:

• Skill/Cheer/Dance Assessments

• Cheer/Dance Development

• Writing Assignments

• Cheer Performances (game, pep rally, etc.)

• Etc.

PRACTICES Practices are scheduled during the summer months to prepare for summer camp, pep- rallies, and games. Practices may be held on a daily basis during the school year as determined by the

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sponsors. Members are required to attend and to be on time for all practices. Other personal activities must be scheduled so as not to interfere with cheerleading practice. Members are expected to attend and participate in all practices in order to cheer at functions. Students who miss practices are subject to be withheld from performances, or have their formation position moved or eliminated in any upcoming function, game, event, etc. Members must dress out and participate as instructed for each class or practice. Students complaining of an illness or injury will be allowed to sit out of practice for the noted day. If an illness or injury persists, a parent must provide a written request for their child to be excused from practice. If the illness or injury persists beyond three days from the original complaint, a doctor’s note will be required for further exemption from class or practice activities. After five days of illness/injury exemption (or if a doctor’s note is not provided) sponsors may request a classroom reassignment until the student is able to fully participate in regular cheer activities. No jewelry will be worn during any practice (including camps). Participants may not chew gum during any practice (including) camps. Members must attend summer practice prior to any camp. Missing or sitting out of any summer practice prior to camp may result in a student’s removal from a camp dance, cheer routine, cheer event (such as a pep-rally) or other group performance/function.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS

All cheerleading activities must be approved by the sponsor. The sponsor will decide the role of the member if he or she is injured or has other medical conditions which may result in the need to sit out. Members will be responsible for all facets of school spirit: participation in pep rallies, spirit signs, spirit items, homecoming activities, etc. Members are also expected to participate fully in fundraisers, etc. Members and parents must accept the

decisions of the sponsor concerning any stunt, building, or placements of members in performances or other formation activities.

UIL GUIDELINES/RULES

Any student selected to be on a cheer squad or as a mascot must abide by all UIL and DSHS Regulations and Policies. Examples include:

• No balloons will be allowed at any athletic or UIL event.

• Students may not purchase food items or other "goodies" for other students.

• Students shall not be required to purchase gifts for other students or gifts for teachers.

• Students shall not be required to pay "dues" to a booster club or be required to purchase a membership

• Etc.

UNIFORMS Both squads will have the same uniform selected by the sponsors. The selected uniform may be used for two complete cheer years. Camp clothing, and all other cheer related clothing and accessories will be purchased by the individual/parent. The sponsors will select all uniforms, camp wear, accessories, etc. for the team. All fees must be paid by the assigned deadlines and before any merchandise is received. No other articles of clothing (except athletic school themed jackets) will be worn along with uniforms during pep rallies, games, and other cheer events. Uniforms and any cheerleading accessories (including shoes) are to be worn only at games, pep rallies, and other official functions. A deposit of $160.00 will be collected for uniforms. The deposit will be processed through the bank and the funds held in an account for deposits. Each member is responsible for the care of his/her

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school issued uniform during the school year. Uniforms (including length) may not be altered unless the sponsor has deemed it necessary. School issued articles and mascot suits must be returned to the sponsor by the designated date prior to the next year's tryout date. Any member not returning school-owned/issued items will be required to pay for their replacement or will not be reimbursed their remaining deposit. Once a member has returned all uniform items in acceptable condition and cleared any obligations, he/she will receive their initial deposit minus professional cleaning fees.

GENERAL GUIDELINES

All Dripping Springs High School cheerleading squads shall be placed under the direction of a knowledgeable sponsor or coach. The cheerleading coach or other knowledgeable designated school employee will be in attendance at all practices, performances, and functions, and will ride with members on the bus when bus transportation is required. All cheerleaders must receive proper training before attempting any form of cheerleading or gymnastics (tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids, jumps, etc.). All practice sessions will be held in a location suitable for the activities of cheerleading (use of tumbling mats where warranted, away from excessive distractions, etc.). Training in proper spotting techniques shall be mandatory for all squads attempting cheerleading or gymnastics skills. Warm-up and stretching should precede all practice sessions, pep-rallies, games, competitions, and other physical activities. Squads will participate in conditioning and strength building activities. The Dripping Springs Cheerleading program will follow all current AACCA School Cheerleading Rules. Sponsors will be CPR/AED Certified, trained in the UCA Smart Coach Program, and AACCA Spirit Safety Certified.

LETTERING AND ACCOLADE REQUIREMENTS Letter-jackets may be purchased by all varsity cheerleaders and the mascot(s) if those members are in good standing with the squad/school requirements/obligations at the time letter jackets are available for cheerleading. Playoff game cheering eligibility is available to students who are in good standing with the squad, school requirements, and other district/school obligations at the time of the event. “Good Standing” includes:

• Attending at least 80% of all mandatory/designated football games

• Attending at least 80% of all mandatory/designated volleyball games

• Attending at least 80% of all mandatory/designated basketball games

• Having submitted all required fees, equipment, and uniform

• Examples of not being in good standing include, but are not limited to:

• Having dropped or been removed from cheer class

• Attending less than 80% of a particular designated sport’s mandatory games

• Having outstanding balances for cheer fees

• Etc.

COMPETITION SQUADS Whether or not to have a UIL competition squad is a decision to be made by the sponsors and the principal. Members of any school sponsored

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competition squad will be made up of only current members of a DSHS cheerleading squad. Members of any UIL Cheerleading Competition Squad will be selected by the coach/sponsor.

TRANSPORTATION Transportation to and from home games is the responsibility of the member and his/her parents. Members are required to travel as a group in school- designated vehicles to and from any activities away from home. Requests for private transportation home, from out of town games, or other events, must be made by parents two days in advance of the event, by submitting the “Permission for Riding Arrangement” form to the school office and will be permitted only under extenuating circumstances.

BOOSTER CLUBS Booster clubs are optional, but may be allowed at the discretion of the principal and sponsor.

Booster clubs are formed by school patrons to help enrich an organization's participation in extracurricular activities. This should be their primary focus. Fundraising activities should support the educational goal of the school and cheerleading squad, but they should not exploit students.

PROGRAM SPONSORSHIP Any business or organization offering to sponsor the DSHS Cheerleading program will be required to follow sponsorship guidelines established by the program coach/sponsor. All banners, advertisements, and other display or informational items featuring a cheerleading participant must be approved by the cheer sponsor prior to production or publication. *The foregoing guidelines may be amended at any time by the program sponsor or high school principal to clarify the philosophy and expectations of the DSHS Cheerleading Program.

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Appendix

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Dripping Springs High School Cheerleading Discipline Management Plan

The DSHS Cheerleading Program Guide provides that the cheerleading sponsors develop an annual discipline management plan to address member discipline issues and appropriate consequences. Included in this document is additional information and examples related to cheerleading discipline. The following discipline management plan does not, and cannot, offer an exhaustive list of situations, occurrences, behaviors, etc. that would be subject to disciplinary actions. Rather, examples are listed to help the sponsor/coach interpret and clarify the infraction/consequence relationship. This plan has been developed in consideration of the following beliefs and tenets:

• Squad members have a responsibility to encourage others to maintain required cheerleader duties, responsibilities, and expectations

• Provide consequences for conduct unbecoming of a cheerleader or school representative

• Provide a fair and equitable participation environment

• Provide opportunities for individual student growth

• Provide a platform to maintain a positive public image for the DSHS cheerleading program

• Provide a system to manage squad/team integrity

• Provide accountability for required cheerleader duties, responsibilities, and expectations

Team/Squad Consequences

Whole team and squad consequences will be earned when a cheerleading participant fails to meet required duties, responsibilities, and expectations that are related to cheerleading participation, squad behavior, integrity, image, respect, program infractions, etc. The following list offers examples of participation inconsistencies. This is not a comprehensive list.

• Arriving late to, leaving early from, or missing a practice, game, or event

• Not providing adequate notice of absence from a practice, game, or event

• Wearing jewelry or chewing gum at practice, games, or events

• Missing uniform piece or other required equipment at practice, game, or event

• Not wearing the correct practice uniform

• Mismanaging practice time or resources

• Etc.

When a cheerleading participant knows they will miss practice, games, performances, or other cheer events, the standing expectation is that they will notify their squad captain AND provide the sponsor/coach a written notice two (2) days prior to their absence. At the discretion of the sponsor/coach, if a cheerleading participant has demonstrated an inconsistency in their required duties, responsibilities, and expectations, the cheerleader and/or their squad is subject to consequences that may include, but are not limited to, phone calls to parents, limited warnings, additional conditioning, classroom detention, assignment of additional cheerleading duties, removal of cheerleading

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privileges (including cheering at pep rallies and games), referral to the appropriate principal, and/or other consequences.

Individual Discipline Management Individual participant consequences will be earned when a cheerleading participant fails to meet required duties, responsibilities, and expectations that are related to cheerleading participation and squad behavior, integrity, image, respect, program infractions, etc. These consequences will be outlined in the form of a Consequence Contract. Consequence Contracts are earned for conduct unbecoming of a cheerleader or school representative. Below are examples of consequence contract infractions. This is not a comprehensive list.

• Persistent/repetitive misconduct in or out of school

• Inappropriate behavior in the classroom, practice, game, or event

• Electronic forum misconduct/misuse such as negative internet/facebook/text message use or activity, negative phone calls, etc.

• Ignoring a captain or squad leader’s instruction/directive

• Ignoring sponsor/coach instruction/directive

• Being assigned detention by campus teacher

• Uncooperative attitude

• Rudeness/Disrespect/Insubordination toward a coach, sponsor, teacher, school employee, or peer

• Demonstrating or contributing to negative and/or inappropriate behavior at a practice, game, or event

• Academic misconduct

• Vulgar language

• Practicing, building, or stunting without cheerleading sponsor/coach present

• Participating in an event that drastically and negatively, impacts the image, integrity, or mission of DSHS Cheer

• Other areas not listed in these examples Consequence Contracts will be created individually for each infraction. They must be fulfilled before a student will be permitted to return to any cheerleading activities.

Additional Consequences/Requirements In the event a student fails to attend a mandatory game requirement or event, they will be responsible for submitting an acceptable plan to mitigate their absence. Performance restrictions or assigned benching by the coach/sponsor may also be applied. If the missing event is a mandatory/designated game, regardless of reason or make up plan, the absence will still be counted for percentage purposes. If a student is assigned to In School Suspension (ISS), or another form of in school detention, they will receive a Consequence Contract, and be immediately suspended from participation for, at least, that week’s cheerleading events including, but not limited to, practices, games, performances, banquets, or other designated cheerleading activities.

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Immediate Dismissal A cheerleading participant who violates the Student Code of Conduct that results in Out of School Suspension (OSS), Disciplinary Alternative Education Placement (DAEP), or other similar placement, they will be immediately dismissed from the DSHS Cheerleading Program. Additionally, if a student has repeated violations of the Student Code of Conduct that have not been addressed in the cheerleading program with Consequence Contracts, these violations may still result in a cheerleading participant’s dismissal from the DSHS cheerleading program at the discretion of the sponsor and school administration.

Cheerleading Dress Code Cheerleaders will be responsible for maintaining a practice dress code, as well as a performance/uniform dress code. The practice dress code will be similar to the following example, with consideration given to cheer team preferences. However, a required daily standard practice dress will be assigned at the beginning of the school year. Example:

• Dark modest shorts

• White unmodified tee-shirt or modest sports tank (no spaghetti straps)

• Sports Bra

• Socks

• Tennis or Cheer Shoes

• Hair pulled back or up

• No Jewelry

• No Gum

• Natural hair color only (participants with unnatural hair coloring will not be allowed to perform or participate in cheering events.)

• No visible permanent or temporary tattoos The performance/uniform dress code will be:

• Current uniform shell and skirt (team may wear matching uniform liner if approved by the sponsor/coach prior to performance)

• Maroon briefs

• Black Sports Bra

• All hair pulled back

• No jewelry

• Uniform Bow

• White no-show socks (team socks may be substituted if approved by the sponsor/coach prior to performance)

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• Cheer Track Shoes (for outdoor and football games)

• Cheer Mat Shoes (for indoor performances) Ear only piercings may be allowed at certain events/activities (no other visible body piercings allowed when representing the DSHS Cheerleading Program or school.

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DSHS Cheerleader Parent/Sponsor Communication Guide Parent/Sponsor Relationship

Both parenting and program sponsoring/coaching are extremely difficult vocations. By establishing an understanding of each position, we are better able to accept the actions of the other and provide greater benefits to students. As parents, when your child becomes involved in our program, you have a right to understand what expectations are placed on your child. This begins with clear communication from the sponsor of your cheerleader's squad. COMMUNICATION YOU SHOULD EXPECT FROM YOUR CHEERLEADER'S SPONSOR:

• Philosophy of the program and the sponsor

• Expectations the sponsor/coach has for your child as well as all the members of the program

• Location and times of all practices and activities

• Squad/Program requirements (i.e. special equipment, conditioning expectations, program costs, etc.)

• Procedures should your child be injured during practice or activity

• Discipline that could result in the denial of your child's participation

• Communication with your child at school, during practices, during activities/events

• Limited electronic communication based on, and regarding, immediate program needs and time sensitive matters that arise outside the regularly scheduled school day

COMMUNICATION SPONSOR/COACH EXPECT FROM PARENTS:

• Concerns expressed directly to the coach at the appropriate times and places. Parents may contact sponsors/coaches during their regularly scheduled conference period. Parents should not contact sponsors at home or on personal cell phones expect in the case of an emergency

• Notification of any schedule conflicts well in advance

• Specific concerns regarding a coach's philosophy and/or expectations As your child becomes involved in the programs in the Dripping Springs Independent School District, they will experience some of the most rewarding moments of their lives. It is important to understand that there also may be times and/or situations with which you or your child may not agree with. At these times, discussion with the sponsor is encouraged. Each squad member has a responsibility to approach the sponsor with questions and/or concerns before the sponsor is approached by the member's parent. APPROPRIATE CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH SPONSORS:

• The treatment of your child mentally and physically

• Ways to help your child improve

• Concerns about your child's behavior It is very difficult to accept your child not participating as much as you may hope or in a role different from what you expected. Sponsors are professionals. They make judgment decisions based on what they believe to be the best for all students involved. As you have seen from the list above, certain things may, and should,

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be discussed with your child's sponsor. Other issues, such as those listed below, must be left to the discretion of the sponsor. ISSUES NOT APPROPRIATE TO DISCUSS WITH SPONSORS:

• Dance, Cheer, or Stunting Placement

• Scheduling of Cheerleading Games/Activities

• Other Cheerleading Members

• Other Parents of Cheerleading Members

There are situations that may require a conference between the sponsor and the parent. These conferences are encouraged when appropriate. It is important that both parties involved have a clear understanding of the other's position. When these conferences are necessary, the following is the procedure to which parents should adhere in order to help promote a resolution to the issue of concern. IF YOU HAVE A CONCERN TO DISCUSS WITH A SPONSOR YOU SHOULD:

• Call or email the sponsor/coach to set up an appointment. Each sponsor/coach has a conference period scheduled each day for the purpose of planning and communication with parents.

• If the coach cannot be reached, call the principal’s office for assistance in scheduling a conference.

• Please do not attempt to confront a sponsor/coach before or after an activity or practice. These can be emotional times for both the parent and the sponsor/coach. Meetings of this nature usually do not promote resolution.

THE NEXT STEP: WHAT CAN A PARENT DO IF MEETNG WITH THE SPONSOR DID NOT PROVIDE A SATISFOCTORY RESOLUTION?

• Once you have met with the sponsor/coach (if there was not a satisfactory resolution) call and set up an appointment with the principal to discuss the situation.

• At this meeting the appropriate next step can be determined.

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Estimated Cheerleading Expenses The following is only an example estimate, and describes similar uniform, camp, and supply items that may be required for each cheerleader. This list is not exhaustive and is not an exact representation of every item that may be required. Uniform: Uniforms can only be altered with coach approval. Any cost associated with alterations will be paid by parent

• Shell and Skirt $160.00 (refundable, minus cleaning fee, upon program exit)

Summer Camp:

• Cheer Camp $360.00 Additional Student Purchased Uniform/Prop Pieces: Clothes can only be altered with coach approval. Any cost associated with alterations will be paid by parent

• Bows

• Uniform Liner

• Briefs

• Socks

• Shoes

• Informal/Casual Uniform

• Megaphone

• Megaphone Decal(s)

• Camp Clothes

• Poms

• Leggings

• Team Shirts

• Athletic School Jacket (optional)

• Shipping

• Tax

• Total $600.00

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Incidental Expenses: Examples:

• Individual and Team Pictures

• Parade Supplies

• Travel Money

• Additional Squad Selected Purchases

• Specialty Pep Rally Items

• Camp Activity/Gift Items

• Etc.