CHEERLEADERS CONSTITUTION
The Cheerleading Squad shall be known as the [Name of Squad].
1 PURPOSE:
1.1 It
shall be the purpose of the [name] to promote and uphold team spirit for those
we encounter, to develop good sportsmanship by example, to support good relations
in the community and between teams and squads during events. The organizational
goal is to work in harmony with the Team management and administration, other
athletic teams and sporting organizations.
2 ELIGIBILITY:
2.1
A cheerleader candidate must support the [squad name] above all other teams.
2.2 A candidate
must be neatly presented, medically fit, and if under 18 years old provide parental
permission.
2.3 A candidate
may be male or female and a minimum age of 12 years, and maximum of 18.
2.4 Acceptance
of a candidate shall be on the basis of ability, the coaches agreement, acceptance
of the squad rules, and without prejudice of race creed or color.
3 MEMBERSHIP:
3.1 The
[squad name] are a co-ed squad. The regular squad will consist of a maximum
of 50 cheerleaders. Additional members may be admitted and allowed to fill regular
squad positions as they reach performing proficiency, vacancies occur, or temporary
positions in the event a regular cheerleader is unable to perform his/her cheerleading
duties.
3.2 The entire regular squad will cheer at all games and competitions, promotions, fundraisers, community and charity events.
4 ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
4.1
All cheerleaders will attend all practices and competitions or events, unless
pre-approved by council. Absenteeism of 3 or more practice per quarter (Jan-
Mar, Apr- Jun, Jul-Sept, Oct – Dec) will result in suspension of cheering. Practices
will continue to be mandated.
4.2 Spring or Summer Camp: All cheerleaders,
managers and coaches, are required to attend annual camp as a squad.
4.3 Competitions: The squad as a group will decide to enter a
competition. If the majority decide to compete, the entire squad will do so
4.4 Social Activities: All members are encouraged, but not required
to attend. Advance notice of non attendance is required.
4.5 Team activities other than Games: As social activities, but
members will be required to attend a reasonable proportion of these duties throughout
the year.
4.6 If any other activities or opportunities are chosen by the
coaches/managers, the coaches/managers shall decide if the event is mandatory
or optional. Reasonable notice of all such activities/opportunities will be
given for mandatory events, and as early as possible for others.
5 FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (Other
than uniform) All through Fundraising
5.1 Annual
Camp/Clinics: The cheerleader is responsible for the cost of attending. Fundraiser
projects will be available to assist those participating.
5.2 Transportation:
The squad managers/coaches will be responsible for supplying game/event transport
5.3 Competitions: The squad/managers/coaches
will bear the cost of competition entry. Members will bear a proportion of transport
costs to cover fuel/hire etc.
5.4 Members will provide their own refreshments when not provided
by the managers/coaches or event organizers.
5.5 Each
member will be required to purchase certain items of clothing/uniform for hygienic
reasons. These will be listed.
6 TRYOUTS:
6.1
A Tryout will consist of performing designated skills in front of council members
and coaches/managers. A majority decision by the council for acceptance will
be taken. However the coaches/managers have the right to accept or veto this
vote.
6.2 Tryouts will normally be held each year prior to the start
of Angels team training, but may additionally be conducted at other times at
the discretion of the coaches/managers.
6.3 The format of the Tryouts will be decided by the coaches,
and will be held in a fair and open manner conducive to allowing each candidate
to show his/her best abilities and potential.
7 SELECTION OF CO-CAPTAINS AND OTHER OFFICERS:
7.1 The
ACE will have two Co-Captains. A majority vote of the council will decide the
positions.
7.2 Senior members will perform the duties of treasurer, secretary,
and other designated positions. At that time it will be the judgment of the
coaches/managers, with squad vote approval, that decides whether or not these
responsibilities are passed to approved candidates under coaches/managers supervision.
8 DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF COACHES/MANAGERS:
The coaches/managers are responsible for:
8.1 Ensuring that squad members are safe, as the top priority
at all times, that First Aid is available, and emergency contact list is kept
up to date and present at all times.
8.2 Organizing and arranging training schedule, equipment, training
facilities, travel and events.
9 DUTIES OF CO-CAPTAINS:
9.1
Set an example to the rest of the squad by following the rules and regulations
of the [squad name] Cheerleaders. The Co-Captains will set an example by doing
more than his/her share.
9.2 Be at practice early and start practice on time.
9.3 Assist in setting cheers and chants to be used at games and
events. The squad should make suggestions, but the decision shall be by the
Co-Captains and Coach.
9.4 Act as a peacemaker in case of disagreements
9.5 Co-ordinate the painting and hanging up of signs.
9.6 Be responsible for welcoming visiting squads and setting a
good example of friendliness to other cheerleaders.
9.7 Keep the crowd cheering and your cheerleaders in proper formation
during games
9.8 Show
no partiality within the squad
9.9 In the event the Co-Captain is not able to perform his/her
duties the secondary Co-captain or assigned Group Leader will do so.
10 PRACTICE SCHEDULE:
10.1
To set by the coaches/managers, with squad approval. As far as is practical
this will be Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 pm. This schedule will increase with
summer and other vacations.
10.2 All cheerleaders are required to attend all practice sessions unless valid reasons are notified to the coaches/managers.
11 UNIFORMS & PRACTICE WEAR:
11.1
Uniforms will be purchased via fundraising by the regular members.
11.2
Only official squad jackets may be worn over uniform. Official jackets, T shirts,
and practice wear are the only items of squad clothing that can be worn whilst
not in full uniform. Uniform will only be worn for events as designated by the
coaches/managers.
11.3 Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of squad or team
identification must always conduct themselves in a manner becoming to an ACE
member.
12 APPEARANCE:
12.1
For safety reasons jewelry or watches will not be worn with uniform or at practice,
except for small flat earrings or small stud earrings.
12.2 Uniforms
must be kept spotless at all times.
12.3 Makeup should be natural and not excessive.
12.4 All hairstyles must be neat and secured up out of the face,
not needing attention (combing etc) while performing.
12.5 Cheerleaders should look their best at all times, especially
when in uniform.
13 CONDUCT:
13.1
Squad members are required to maintain and uphold the reputation of the [squad
name] Cheerleaders through their own conduct and squad spirit.
13.2 Members are required to be courteous, polite, friendly, and
try to have a smile for everybody.
13.3 All cheers and chants shall be of a positive and sportsmanlike
manner.
13.4 Members
will make every attempt to ignore or dissuade negative responses at events and
not become involved in such action themselves.
14 FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES:
14.1 All
cheerleaders will participate in all fundraising project per year. The money
raised will be used to fund additional agreed expenses during the year such
as extra items of kit or equipment. Donations to, and fund raising for, Angels
team funds or charity projects may be conducted as agreed by the squad and coaches/managers.
14.2 All
fundraising activities will be approved by the majority of the squad and with
the approval of the coaches/managers.
15 DISCIPLINARY ACTION:
15.1
It shall be squad policy that disciplinary action will only be invoked as a
last resort, and that every reasonable attempt will be made to avoid situations
likely to lead to such action through squad discussion and positive encouragement,
by example, and by finding ways and means to correct negative trends. Demerits
will be given for every violation to the listed constitution, practice rules
and/or squad rules. Written notice of such will be given. With 5 demerits, the
cheerleader will be suspended from 1 month of events (practice remains mandatory).
With 10 demerits, the cheerleader will be suspended from 6 months of events
(practices still mandatory). With 15 demerits the cheerleader will be dismissed
from the squad.
15.2 A cheerleader may be suspended from games/events for the
following reasons:
Unexcused absence, excessive absence or tardiness, failure to cooperate with
coaches/managers, if grade point average falls below 2.8, or failure to abide
by squad rules and regulations.
15.3 A cheerleader may be dismissed from the squad for the following
reasons: Excessive and irreconcilable disruptive influence on the squad, conduct
likely to bring the squad or team reputation into disrepute
(such as use of alcohol or drugs), and as
otherwise deemed necessary by coach.
Next page > Sample Practice Rules > Page 1, 2, 3
Special thanks to Coach Kat for submitting her version of this!