Picture day for the football program is scheduled for July 12 @ 9:00 am at the stadium. This is includes all varsity football, varsity cheerleaders, JV cheerleaders, JR high football and cheerleaders.

The form for an add will be available on the Moody football website this evening for you to download (http://www.moodybluedevils.org/).

Wear your white uniforms, cheerleading shoes, no-show socks, blue and white ribbon (not the sparkly bow) and NO sleeves. Hair should be worn down. Do not be late, because we cannot wait on anybody to take the picture.

June 2 ~ Group picture @ Bob Moore Photography, 10am (fees due)

June 3 ~ Stunting/Tumbling class @ Sidelines, 5-6pm

June 4 ~ Team Party @ Mrs. Fagan's house, 10am-1pm

June 10 ~ Stunting/Tumbling class @ Sidelines, 5-6pm

June 16 ~ Competition Clinic @ Sidelines, 8am-12pm (Uniform A)

June 17 ~ Competition Clinic @ Sidelines, 8am-12pm (Uniform B)

June 17 ~ Stunting/Tumbling class @ Sidelines, 5-6pm

June 18 ~ Competition Clinic @ Sidelines, 8am-12pm (Uniform C)

June 19 ~ Competition Clinic @ Sidelines, 8am-12pm (Uniform A)

June 20 ~ Competition Clinic @ Sidelines, 8am-12pm (Uniform D)

June 24 ~ Stunting/Tumbling class @ Sidelines, 5-6pm

Congratulations to our 2008-2009 Captain and Co-Captain!! I know you girls will do a wonderful job and I'm already very proud of you!!

Captain - Haley P.
Co-Captain - Kelsey S.

May 1 ~ Practice @ MJHS gym, 3-4pm (payments due)

May 5 ~ Practice @ MJHS gym, 3-4pm

May 6 ~ Stunting/Tumbling class @ Sidelines, 5-6pm

May 8 ~ tice @ MJHS gym, 3-4pm

May 13 ~ Stunting/Tumbling class @ Sidelines, 5-6pm

May 20 ~ Stunting/Tumbling class @ Sidelines, 5-6pm

May 27 ~ Cheerleading Camp @ Sidelines, 8am-3pm (Uniform B)

May 27 ~ Stunting/Tumbling class @ Sidelines, 5-6pm

May 28 ~ Cheerleading Camp @ Sidelines, 8am-3pm (Uniform C)

May 29 ~ Cheerleading Camp @ Sidelines, 8am-3pm (Uniform D)

NAVY UNIFORM
Navy top and skirt
Navy briefs
Navy and white ribbon
Appropriate bra
White no-show socks
Nike American Cheer shoes
Poms
Megaphone

WHITE UNIFORM
White top and skirt
Silver briefs
Navy sequin bow
Appropriate bra
White no-show socks
Nike American Cheer shoes
Poms
Megaphone
Competition sleeves (when requested)

In addition to the items listed for each uniform, you must also always have your poncho at ALL outdoor events!!!

Practice Uniforms
*We will be wearing uniforms to the majority of practices. This assures that each cheerleader is wearing appropriate clothing. Mostly, though, uniformity allows the coaches to better see areas that need improvement. Failure to wear the appropriate uniform to practice will result in 1 demerit. Failure to not have the appropriate equipment at practice (socks, megaphone, poms, etc.) will also result in 1 demerit, no matter the circumstances.

*Hair must be pulled back away from the face for every practice.

*You should always wear athletic shoes and socks. Any form of slip-on shoes are not acceptable. Cheerleading shoes should only be worn to practice, but do not have to be. They should never be worn outside of practice or games.

*The following is a list of practice uniforms. Megaphones and poms are not required for every practice. You will be notified when to bring these.

Uniform A - Black shorts and tryout shirt
Uniform B - Red shorts and matching shirt
Uniform C - Black shorts and white/pink shirt(boys – white t-shirt and black shorts)
Uniform D - White polo and navy skort(boys – white polo with navy shorts)

Competition Clinic will be at Sidelines Sports Academy, June 16-20 from 8:00am until 12:00pm.

You will need to bring a snack and several drinks. You may not bring soft drinks. Drinks that are acceptable include water, Gatorade, Powerade, fruit juice, etc. I would advice you not to bring anything that must be refrigerated or anything that will be too heavy on your stomach.

June 16 - Uniform A
June 17 - Uniform B
June 18 - Uniform C
June 19 - Uniform A
June 20 - Uniform D

Our Team Party is on Wednesday, June 4, from 10am-1pm at Haley’s aunt’s house (Mrs. Fagan, who works at MJHS).

The cost will be $10 per girl and this will pay for lunch, drinks and snacks. Please either pay cash or write the check to me, as I do not want to have to go through the school book keeper over the summer. It will be a lot less complicated for me to simply pay for everything out of pocket and be reimbursed by you guys.

This is a required event. If you will be out of town during this time, please let me know in advance.

The party will be located at 4027 Back Forty Lane in Moody. From Highway 411, turn onto Robbie Drive. At the stop sign (end of the road), turn left onto James Taylor Road. Turn left at Back Forty. It’s the first house on the right and is white with black shutters.

The group picture will be taken at Bob Moore Photography in Leeds on Monday, June 2nd at 10:00am. IF YOU ARE LATE, YOU WILL NOT BE IN THE PICTURE!!! Others are counting on you, and we are not going to wait for you to show up if you cannot be on time.

Wear your white uniform with your competition sleeves. Wear your hair down. Captain and Co-Captains should bring their poms and megaphones.

Remember - $45 for tumbling classes are due at this time. The check should be made payable to MJHS. A separate check for $10 for the Team Party is also due at this time and should be made out to me. This money will go to purchase drinks and food for the party.

You must schedule your individual photos on your own. To do this, call Bob Moore Photography at 699-8256.

Cheerleading Camp will be at Sidelines Sports Academy, May 27, 28 & 29 from 8:00am until 3:00pm.

You will need to bring a sack lunch and several drinks. You may not bring soft drinks. Drinks that are acceptable include water, Gatorade, Powerade, fruit juice, etc. You may also bring a snack, but I would advise you not to bring anything that must be refrigerated or anything that will be too heavy on your stomach. Bring $3 on May 29 to cover the cost of pizza.

May 27 - Uniform B
May 28 - Uniform C
May 29 - Uniform D

Sidelines is located at 1212 Markeeta Spur Road in Moody. You need to make arrangements for a prompt drop-off and pick-up each day…tardiness will not be excused!

Congratulations to the 2008-2009 Cheerleading Team!!!

Trace A.
Lindsey C.
Sarah C.
Taylor D.
Haley F.
Logan G.
Addison G.
Chelsea G.
Gracie I.
Morgan K.
Alexus M.
Haley P.
Kelsey S.
Shelby S.
Kaitlyn W.
Shelby W.
Savannah W.

Conditioning / Strength-Building

You will be expected to complete conditioning at practices. It is in your best interest to be doing these things at home, on a regular basis, so that you are able to increase endurance and strength throughout the year. Every team member will be expected to do these exercises, as you have all been released from a physician. If conditioning is difficult for you at practice, it is because you are not doing anything during your own time. If you have certain limitations which may prevent you from conditioning with your team, it is your responsibility to notify me with a written doctor’s note.

Warm-Up
General stretching
Hold each split (center, left, right) for 30 seconds
Practice jump sequences

Crunches with arms crossed over chest (25)
Crunches with hands behind head, alternate knee to elbow (25)
Crunches with legs straight in air, crossed (25)

Everyone, but Bases especially
Pushups with arms close together (10 countdown)
Pushups with arms far apart (10 countdown)
Straight arm circles (100 forward)
Straight arm circles (100 backward)

Everyone, but Fliers especially
Leg squats with toes forward, like you’re sitting in a chair (10 countdown)
Leg squats with toes facing sideways (10 countdown)
Walking lunges
Liberty balances

**Every team member should be able to run 1 mile in under 10 minutes.**

In-School Practice Rules
(Beginning in August)

1. Dress out for P.E.! This is, before anything else, a class. It is your P.E. class and Coach Moseley is your teacher. She is doing us a favor by allowing us to practice during her class time. Be respectful and polite to her because she does not have to do this for us!

2. If you do not dress out, you will lose points in P.E. This will effect your overall grade. If this becomes a habit, you will also receive Cheerleading Demerits for being uncooperative.

3. Your P.E. uniform consists of a gray t-shirt, navy blue shorts, socks and athletic shoes. Coach Moseley and I agreed that you can wear navy sophie shorts. However, if you roll these at the waist, you will receive School Demerits for being out of dress code. P.E. shorts must reach your fingertips.

4. Every day after you dress out, you are to go sit in the roll-call line. You are not to leave that line until Coach Moseley has checked attendance and dismissed you.

5. After roll-call, you are to sit to the side and warm-up until I arrive or until Kara arrives. You are not to leave the gym by yourself.

6. If you are absent from an IN-SCHOOL practice, this will be excused as long as it is an excused absence from school (other than routine doctor/dental appointments). The same goes for check-outs. If you are absent, do not plan to check-in for Cheerleading Practice. If you are well enough to come to practice, you are well enough to come to school.

Never Forget…

*Cheerleading is hard work and cheerleaders keep insisting that it be recognized as a sport. I agree, it should be! But since it is, you will be treated as athletes, as members of a TEAM. There will be difficult practices and I will be hard on you when needed. I will bench you if you have a poor performance. If you have a problem with this…sorry! Just know that I’m tough on you because YOU ARE GREAT and you deserve for everybody to see that! Treat cheerleading with the respect it deserves…work hard and accept that you will be treated, and respected, like athletes.

*Smile during a game or performance. Look like you are having fun (even if you are not. The sidelines are not the place to pout.

*Pay attention to the game. Stay in your sidelines formation. Is your team offense or defense? Are you winning or losing? Who has the ball? The game should affect how you cheer.

*If you make a mistake, don’t draw more attention to yourself. Do not stop. Do not laugh. Just keep going. It is not attractive or cute to laugh hysterically because you messed up. Mistakes are inevitable; it’s how you react to your mistakes that is important.

*Save the DRAMA for your Mama!! Being a team does not mean everyone has to be best friends. It does, however, mean that outside issues should be left outside and everyone must be willing to work together.

*BE CLASSY! There is no tolerance on this team for poor sportsmanship. Any type of negative attitude toward your team members or toward an opposing team will result in severe consequences. You’re all better than that.

Purpose and Goal
Being a part of any St. Clair County Cheerleading Team is a privilege that you, as an athlete, must earn through dedication, desire, and discipline. Being a part of the cheerleading organization provides the opportunity to participate in a leadership development activity. Conduct in class, in the community, and at school functions, as well as performance on the field/court, should be of a caliber which sets a positive example to other students and people around you.

Your behavior in the classroom, in the community, and at all school-sponsored events reflects on the entire team and on MJHS. Inappropriate behavior, even outside of cheerleading events, as well as poor grades, can result in punishment. Be classy!

The purpose for all cheerleading teams of the St. Clair County School System is to:
·Promote and uphold school spirit and pride. This includes all school teams, not just basketball or football!
·Promote good sportsmanship among students and community.
·Promote positive competitive cheerleading.
·Develop better relationships between schools during all athletic events and school functions.
·Work in harmony with administration, faculty, band, athletic teams, and other school organizations.


Membership
A. The Junior High team will consist of the top candidates from those entering grade seven (7) and eight ( with the highest total scores received from the judges.

B. Membership for cheerleading includes spring semester practices, summer practices, camp, clinic, and football and basketball seasons, other sport seasons, competition(s), and fundraisers.


Eligibility Requirements
A. A candidate must comply with the guidelines for eligibility and participation set by the Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA).

·Students entering the 8th grade must have passed during the last two semesters in attendance and summer school.
·If applicable, at least five new subjects with a minimum composite numerical average of 70 in those five subjects.
·Students entering the 7th grade for the first time are eligible.
·Students may regain eligibility at the end of the first semester by meeting the same requirements listed above during their last two semesters in attendance and summer school, if applicable. All first semester work used in regaining eligibility must be completed by the fifth day of the second semester.

B. Each candidate must turn in written certification, signed by a physician, stating the candidate has passed a physical examination and is physically able to participate in all phases of cheerleading.

C. Each candidate must carry school accident insurance or present a waiver signed by parent/guardian stating they have adequate insurance.

D. Each candidate must provide a copy of his/her original birth certificate.

E. Each candidate must sign up on a mandatory pre-signup sheet and attend a mandatory pre-tryout meeting (parent/guardian meeting). The candidates must turn in a signed parent/guardian permission form and medical information form, in addition to all other forms required to be eligible to cheer.

F. A candidate should possess leadership qualities and must set a positive example by behaving in a mature and responsible manner at all times. Cheerleaders are representatives of the school, not entertainers.

G. ALL previous cheerleader debts must be paid in full before the first day of clinics. If a balance has not been settled, the candidate will not be allowed to tryout for the upcoming team.

H. Above requirements must be met prior to the first day of tryout clinic. Anyone not meeting the above requirements by the first day of tryout clinic will not be allowed to attend the tryout clinic.

I. All St. Clair County handbook rules and regulations will be followed.

J. The AHSAA Spirit Rules Handbook guidelines will be followed.

K. Any cheerleader who fails to complete a full season of events for any reason (except a serious documented medical excuse) will NOT be eligible to tryout for the following year.


Tryouts
A. The tryout process will consist of participation in a pre-tryout clinic and a closed tryout in front of a panel of judges.

B. The panel will consist of independent professional judges and the cheerleader coach. The independent judges will be selected from previous or current collegiate cheerleaders, cheer association instructors, and college or high school cheer coaches from OUTSIDE St. Clair County.

C. All skills will be scored on the basis of the level of perfected execution.

D. Cheerleader tryouts will be held annually during the second semester of the school year.

E. Skills necessary to try out for cheerleader will be presented at a clinic conducted by the outgoing senior varsity cheerleaders, the coach, or outside professionals. Independent judging will take place after the clinic.

F. Missing one (1) day of clinic will result in automatic dismissal from tryouts with the exception of school events AND prior approval from the cheer coach.

G. The entire tryout process will be closed to the public. This includes pre-tryout clinic and the actual tryout in front of the judging panel. Failure to abide by this rule will disqualify the candidate involved.

H. NO PART of the clinic or tryout process may be filmed or photographed. This includes snapshot cameras, video cameras, cell phone cameras, or any other recording device.

I. Candidates become a part of the team after tryouts. Their responsibilities, commitment, and term are for a one-year period—beginning and ending with the tryout date.

J. A tryout fee of $25.00 will be required to pay for the judges’ travel and time as well as other miscellaneous costs associated with the tryout process. This fee is due before the deadline for the cheerleader sign-up date. This fee is non-refundable.

K. Tryout selection will be based one-hundred percent (100%) on the judges’ scores.

L. The number selection for each contestant trying out for cheerleader will be determined AFTER the judges have been seated for tryouts.

M. Anyone trying out for cheerleader will leave school grounds after the tryout process has been completed. Results from the tryout process will be posted on a website.

N. Candidates may be awarded points for activities not actually performed live at tryouts with approval from cheerleading coordinator.


Financial Responsibility
A. Parents are responsible for ALL costs of the tryout fees, clothing items, camp, and competition(s) as set by the coach. This may include, but is not limited to, uniforms, pompons, socks, tights, warm-ups, pep rally uniforms, camp clothes, hairbows, gloves, headgear, etc.

B. The cheerleaders are responsible for the upkeep of all cheerleading items. Uniforms should be kept in good condition and be presentable at all times.

C. All purchases to be used during cheer activities will be approved by the coach regardless of the method of payment. All items worn by cheerleaders during assigned activities must be the same. All items must be worn in the manner in which they were designed to be worn.

D. Fundraising activities will be required to pay for expenses that the cheerleading teams will incur (paint, paper, goodies, etc.). If team members are unable to raise their fair share, a dollar amount will be assessed to cover this amount. These activities will be in accordance with the St. Clair County Board of Education.

E. Parents are responsible for the cost of gymnastics and/or coach if the cheerleaders take as a team.

F. Membership for cheerleading includes football and basketball seasons, other sport seasons, competition and fundraisers.


Attendance Requirements
A. Cheerleaders will be expected to cheer at all athletic events as designated by the coach. They should not miss any game, practice, or cheerleading activity except in case of an emergency which has been approved by the coach. A parent/guardian note is required for any absence of any activity. If a written note is not received by the coach before the absence, the absence will be unexcused. If you have an emergency that will force you to miss a cheerleading event, a written note or email from a parent/guardian is required. Emergencies that occur at the last minute may be excused with a phone call. The coach may be reached on his/her cell phone 1 hour before events. You may leave a voice message if necessary, as the time of the call is recorded. An excuse turned in, or a phone call received, after the event will not be considered. Doctor’s excuses will typically be required.

·Football – Cheerleaders are expected to cheer at all home and away games.
·Basketball – Cheerleaders are expected to cheer at all home games. Cheering at away games is at the discretion of the sponsor and local school administrator. A schedule of games that are to be cheered will be given to cheerleaders and parents before the first basketball game.

B. The coach will review available opportunities for competitions and present those to the team. Final decisions will be made by the coach. This will also apply to one-day clinics.

C. All members of the team are encouraged to attend social activities planned by the team. Advance notice is required for members who are unable to attend.

D. All cheerleaders are required to participate in community activities which are chosen and planned by the team and coach. All social and community events are meant to be team-building.

E. If any other activities are chosen by the team, the coach will determine if the event is mandatory or optional.


Selection of Captain and Co-Captain
A. The MJHS cheerleading team will have one Captain and one or two Co-Captain(s), or no Captain/Co-Captain at all, as determined by the coach.

B. Positions will be determined by team vote and coach/school administrator vote.

C. The Captain and Co-Captain must be responsible leaders and will preferably have at least one year of experience.

The Captain and Co-Captain will be responsible for the following (under the guidance of the coach):
1. Set an example for the rest of the team by following all rules and regulations for cheerleaders and students.
2. Always be willing to do more than your share.
3. Work closely with team members.
4. Be at practice early and start practice on time.
5. Carry out practice and meeting instructions along with the coach.
6. Be responsible for contacting all cheerleaders to notify them of practice, change of plans, etc.
7. Select cheers and chants to be used at games and pep rallies.
8. Organize groups to paint signs outside of practice/school time preceding all football games and any other times signs are required for a cheerleading-sponsored event.
9. Call for a vote in case of a disagreement concerning team decisions and act as a peacemaker in such disagreements.
10. Be responsible for greeting visiting cheerleaders BEFORE the start of the game and inform visitors of plans, seating arrangements, refreshments, etc.
11. Get a team roster from the football coach. Coordinate “Spirit Gifts” each week for the football team.
12. Select uniforms to be worn at all cheerleading events (with coaches’ approval). Distribute, in writing, a list of complete uniforms to be worn for the entire season. This should be done prior to the season and there should be no last minute changes.
13. If a Captain or Co-Captain receives an internal or external school suspension, they will be removed from the position of co-captain.
14. In the event a Captain or Co-Captain is unable to perform or refuses to perform the above listed duties, or if he/she receives more than 10 demerits, he/she will be relieved of duties and a new Captain or Co-Captain will be appointed to the position.


Practice Schedule
A. NOBODY is allowed in practices, or to stand in the doorway of practices, at any time. ALL practices are closed. This gets uncomfortable, so please don’t put the coach in the position where he/she has to ask a parent to leave.

B. During the last two months of school, the practice schedule will be determined by the coach. A copy of the spring/summer schedule will be given to each member of the team. Attendance at all practice sessions is required. It is your responsibility to keep up with your practice schedule. Do not ask your coach if you have practice; check your schedule! Please remember that there are many of you and only one coach. You may think you’re only asking one question, but once that same question is asked repeatedly, it can become frustrating. If you ask something that has already been addressed, your coach will not answer it.

C. The length of each practice will be decided by the coach.

D. A cheerleader must be in attendance at school for one-half day in order to cheer that day or night. If you miss more than ½ day, you may not check-in to school for in-school practice and you may not attend after-school practice. If you are too sick to come to school, you do not need to be at practice. In-school practices will be excused if it’s excused by the school, except for routine doctor’s appointments. Unexcused absences will result in demerits. If you are absent from or check-out of school, requiring you to miss a required event, it is your responsibility to let the coach know that you are not in school that day. Not attending school is not an automatic excused absence from a cheer event.

E. Only the coach has the authority to excuse a cheerleader from practice. Excuses will be granted only in the case of illness or emergencies. All routine dental, doctor, and other appointments must be made around scheduled activities. These are not considered emergencies and will not be considered excused absences. This includes missing an activity because of being out of school for a routine appointment.


Appearance
A. Uniforms and shoes must be kept clean at all times. Uniforms are washable but should only be drip-dried. DO NOT wear your shoes intended for competition outside. These shoes should be worn only indoors during competition practice.

B. Uniforms must be neatly pressed and not in need of mending.

C. Jewelry is strictly forbidden in accordance with AHSAA rules (no exceptions). This includes any type of body jewelry. This applies to practice, games, competition, etc.

D. No excessive make-up will be worn. A natural wholesome look is desired.

E. No fingernail polish will be worn.

F. Fingernails cannot extend past the tip of the finger.

G. No glitter products, products containing glitter, stick-on body art, etc. shall be worn on the body, hair, or the uniform.

H. Hair should be worn back from the face and up when in uniform. No hair (this includes bangs should fall in the face. Short hair must be pulled back off the face.

I. No metal items may be worn, with the exception of bobby pins in the hair, when allowed

J. Cheerleaders may only wear designated and approved clothes TO, FROM, and DURING any cheerleading or athletic event. Cheerleaders are not allowed to wear street clothes TO, FROM, or DURING an athletic event.

K. Cheerleaders are to come to the activity in uniform, ready to perform.

L. When cheerleaders are on the field/court/competing/or acting as a team, they will be in complete uniform. This means the same shoes, socks, sweaters, etc.

M. Cheerleaders should look their best, physically, at all times. Maintaining strength, endurance, flexibility, etc. will keep a cheerleader’s performance at peak condition. A member must be physically able to participate in all aspects of training.

N. The coach will determine what is acceptable to be worn with the cheerleading uniform.

O. Cheerleading briefs must be worn under clothing at all practices and performances.

·Cheerleaders will dress in uniform during every practice, meaning they will wear the same color shorts/t-shirts and hair pulled back from the face. Socks and appropriate shoes are required for every practice. If a cheerleader does not have the appropriate footwear, he/she will not be able to participate, resulting in an unexcused absence. During in-school practices, clothing must be in accordance with the MJHS Handbook. Shorts should reach mid-finger when the hands are on the sides of the legs. Shorts may not be rolled up at the waist to make them shorter. Shirts must cover the midriff. Tank-tops may not be worn during in-school practice sessions. Failure to stay in the dress-code will results in School Demerits, as it will be considered a dress code violation.


Conduct During Athletic Events
A. Cheerleaders must appear spirited, smiling, and show enthusiasm throughout the entire athletic event or activity.

B. Talking to fans should be kept to a minimum; this includes talking to family members during a game.

C. There should be no excessive talking among team members during cheer events. You are at the event to cheer—not to socialize.

D. There will be no eating during the athletic event or during practice sessions. A good meal should be eaten before the athletic event or practice sessions.

E. There will be no gum chewing during an athletic event or during practice sessions.

F. Cheerleaders are not to leave the cheering area without the coach’s permission. Do not leave the cheering area to practice. Cheerleaders must cheer during the entire game.

G. Stunting is prohibited during any “live” ball. If a ball is on the court, field, playing area, etc., stunting is not allowed. Basket tosses are never allowed without a mat.

H. Use the restrooms before the game begins, at halftime, or after the game. Restroom and water breaks will be allotted frequently during practice sessions and other events. I understand that people need water and need to use the restroom. However, practice time will not be interrupted by individuals leaving to use the restroom. Please make sure that you have gone to the restroom and had something to drink BEFORE practice begins. Also, when you have a break, use your time wisely. You’re old enough to be responsible with your time and go to the restroom at designated times.

I. Each team is expected to bolster crowd spirit when the other team is performing. Sitting together at an event as a group and motivating other students and fans is strongly encouraged.


MJHS Cheerleaders are CLASSY!
·Cheerleaders should cheer in a positive manner. It is inappropriate to cheer against the other team or in response to an opposing player’s mistake. Initiating response cheers between home and opposing cheerleading teams is not allowed.

·Cheers and chants with suggestive words and/or motions (ex. pointing at opposing teams or fans) shall not be used because in many situations they bring about an inappropriate response. All cheers and chants must be approved by the coach.

·Cheerleaders will not yell or cheer “Miss it!” while an opponent is shooting free throws in basketball. Intimidation of opponents has no place in jr. high school athletics.

·Obnoxious behavior should not be encouraged nor permitted under the guise of school spirit. Opposing players, officials and fans should be treated with respect and dignity. If inappropriate crowd behavior exists, assistance should be obtained from a school administrator.

·Cheerleaders should NEVER “boo” a player. This behavior will not be tolerated. If “booing” develops in the crowd, divert their attention by starting a cheer.

·Do not cheer when an opposing player makes a mistake or the opposing team is being penalized.

·Do not cheer when an opposing player is injured.

·Do not cheer when an unsportsmanlike act has occurred or is occurring.

*If any of these rules are broken, the consequences will be serious. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.*


Transportation
A. If you are not at the designated place and at the designated time to leave, do not come to the game.

B. Team members are not allowed under any circumstances to drive personal vehicles to or from away athletic events, competitions, or other cheerleading events.

C. Permission may be given to team members to utilize transportation for the return trips other than that transportation provided by the school system. School transportation will ONLY be provided for most away Basketball games. You are responsible for your own transportation to and from other events. If you need to carpool, you must arrange this on your own. Because of insurance liability, I cannot arrange this for you.

D. A transportation release form signed by the parent/guardian must be on file with the coach before the cheerleader may travel and participate at any away athletic or cheerleading event.

E. Phone calls giving permission to ride with others will not be accepted.

F. Parents/guardians must make sure that their children not only arrive at the required event on time, but that they are picked up on time from the event as well. Excessive tardiness for either will result in demerits. Please respect others’ time.


Transportation Via Private Vehicle as Defined by the St. Clair County Code of Student Conduct

Private vehicles shall not be used to transport students to or from any activity in which the student is participating except in the following circumstances:

1. The private vehicle is being operated by a parent/guardian of a student participant and all other student participants who are passengers in the vehicle have obtained written permission* from their parent/guardian to be transported by the operator of such private vehicle.

2. The operator of any private vehicle described in the preceding paragraphs must have a valid driver’s license and liability insurance coverage insuring the vehicle being used to transport student participants. The operator of all such private vehicles shall assume liability for student participants who are passengers in his/her vehicle, including responsibility for their safety and well-being.

*Must be on a Transportation Release Form.


Suspension From an Athletic Event or Pep Rally
A. Failing grades are not acceptable. Grades falling below a “C” average on report cards will result in probation.

B. Demerits
1. 5 Demerits = suspension from 1 major sporting event
2. 10 Demerits = suspension for 5 school days and 1 major sporting event
3. 15 Demerits = suspension for 10 school days and 2 major sporting events
4. 16+ Demerits = permanent suspension

C. Attendance requirements during suspension from the team:
1. Required to attend and participate in all practice sessions.
2. Required to attend in uniform but not participate in pep rallies (sit with coach).
3. Required to attend in uniform but not participate in athletic events (sit with coach).


Dismissal
A. Offenses that will result in dismissal are as follows:
1. A total of more than 15 demerits.
2. Any Class IV Code of Conduct Violation.
3. Repeated insubordination toward the cheer coach, Captain, Co-Captain, or any school personnel.
4. Conviction of a felony or any other criminal activity will be considered as grounds for dismissal (St. Clair County Code of Conduct).
5. Failure to compete in competitions.
6. Any school related problems that require the cheerleader to be dismissed according to the St. Clair County Board Policy.

B. Before dismissal, a panel composed of a school administration member, cheerleading coach, cheerleader, and parent/guardian of the cheerleader will meet to discuss demerits and dismissal.

**Please realize that more demerits than the St. Clair County Cheerleading Constitution allows are given at MJHS. This is more than fair. Therefore, if you receive 16 demerits, there will be no consideration given and you WILL BE removed from the team. At that point, you will already be 5 demerits over what the county requires.**


Miscellaneous
A. Any item or situation not mentioned in this set of rules that causes a problem for the team will be dealt with on an individual basis by the coach in conjunction with the school administration. Rules may be added if necessary to correct those problems. All possible problems cannot be covered in this document. Therefore, it may be necessary to deal with situations not covered in the document. ALL situations will be handled and dealt with in compliance with school and board policies. Disciplinary actions for any of the behaviors/infractions will range from temporary to permanent dismissal from the team.

B. ALL conferences must be scheduled in advance with the coach.

C. No personal mechanical devices (phones, CD players, etc.) of any kind are allowed to be used during practices, games, and/or cheer events.

D. Cheerleaders may have jobs and participate in non-school sponsored activities, including competition squads. However, these may not interfere with scheduled practices, games, or competitions.

E. Cheerleaders who participate in other school sponsored activities (basketball, volleyball, etc.) must work with the cheer coach and other coaches to coordinate practice and games.


Amendments
A. All teams will follow guidelines set by the AHSAA. The constitution follows current guidelines but may be revised as AHSAA guidelines are changed.

B. Suggestions for additions and revisions to this document may be submitted in writing by team members, the cheer coach, school administration, or parent/guardian.

C. Submitted, written amendments will be considered annually before tryouts by a committee appointed by the Board of Education. No amendments to this document will be made once tryout clinic begins.


Demerit System
Not wearing hair as decided by coach and team members; hair in face = 1 Demerit
Wearing nail polish or nail length too long = 1 Demerit
Wearing jewelry or any type of metal other than approved items = 1 Demerit
Wearing any product containing glitter, stick-on body art, etc. = 1 Demerit
Chewing gum = 1 Demerit
Late turning in fees, paperwork, or any other items that are due at a specific time. No excuse will be tolerated = 1 Demerit
Late to practice = 1 Demerit
Not having all equipment at games or practice when needed (megaphone, poms, ribbons, etc.) = 1 Demerit
General disrespect to the Captain or Co-Captain = 1 Demerit
Undesignated wearing of uniform = 1 Demerit
Not having correct uniform or practice clothes (this includes clothes out of the dress code). = 1 Demerit
Late returning from half time or between games = 1 Demerit
Excused absence from practice (other than doctor’s excuse or family emergency within reason). = 1 Demerit
Unexcused absence from practice = 2 Demerits
Excused absence from game (other than a doctor’s excuse or family emergency within reason). = 2 Demerits
Late to game or other event, other than practice = 2 Demerits
Public displays of affection at a practice or game = 2 Demerits
Attending In-School Suspension (ISS) or Detention = 2 Demerits
Leaving excused during a game or cheering event (except in the case of obvious illness) = 2 Demerits
Building stunts without supervision of coach = 3 Demerits
Refusing to participate = 3 Demerits
Any Class I violation = 3 Demerits
Refusing to participate in a fundraiser = 3 Demerits
Any Class II violation = 4 Demerits
Any Class III violation = 5 Demerits
Unexcused absence from game or other cheering event (at the discretion of the coach) = 5 Demerits
Leaving unexcused during a game or cheering event = 5 Demerits5
Referral to Saturday School = 5 Demerits
Rudeness or general disrespect to adult authority = 5 Demerits
Use of profanity = 5 Demerits

There will be NO WRITTEN WARNINGS issued this year. This is your written warning.


Other Discipline
Altering uniforms without permission = Benched from all events where that uniform is worn until uniform is corrected. Demerits will result from these benchings, as they are not excused absences.

Poor grade (any grade below a 70%) in any class on progress report or report card = Benched for five (5) school days and one (1) major sporting event.

Failing grade (any grade below a 60%) in any class on progress report or report card = Benched from all events until grade(s) show(s) improvement.

Referral to Alternative School and/or Day Program = Dismissal.

Class IV violation = Dismissal.

Accruing 16 Demerits = Dismissal.

*5 Demerits = Suspension from 1 major sporting event
*10 Demerits = Suspension for 5 school days and 1 major sporting event
*15 Demerits = Suspension for 10 school days and 2 major sporting events

The punishment for demerits will be at the discretion of the coach.