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Cheer Constitution

SHELBY COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION
CHEERLEADER CONSTITUTION
Cheerleading is an activity for young people that combines athleticism, energy, and
leadership skills into an activity that builds pride within a school and a community.
This Constitution is designed to establish a minimum guideline for establishing and
maintaining a quality cheerleader program in Shelby County Schools.
I. Purpose of Cheerleading
A. To set examples of good character and sportsmanship.
B. To promote good sportsmanship and spirit.
C. To promote good relations with the public and build positive relationships
with other schools. Cheerleading is a positive activity which will not tolerate
any negative cheering or obscene signage.
D. To promote spectator participation in all athletic activities.
II. Sponsor Responsibilities
A. Plan and conduct clinics with principal’s approval.
B. Monitor eligibility of cheerleaders.
C. Revise rules and regulations with the principal.
D. Oversee all practice sessions.
E. Arrange necessary transportation.
F. Insure adherence to the Shelby County Code of Conduct and Attendance,
Shelby County Cheerleader Constitution, National Federation of State High
School Associations SPIRIT Rules Book, and local school student handbook
and local school cheerleader constitution.
G. Receipt and manage cheerleader funds.
H. Obtain principal and other appropriate approval for summer camps and/or
clinics.
I. Obtain principal’s approval for all uniforms and outfits used by cheerleader
squad.
J. Be knowledgeable in first-aid techniques and emergency procedures.
III. Candidate Eligibility
A. Candidates will have no grade lower than 60 in any subject, and an overall
average of at least 70 for the semester preceding tryouts.
B. Candidates must have a statement of physical fitness signed by a physician.
C. Candidates will have the consent of parents/guardians and will sign stating
they have read the entire Cheerleader Constitution and are aware of the
requirements and responsibilities of a cheerleader, parents, and school
officials.
D. Candidates are to have no knowledge of tryout material prior to clinic. Prior
knowledge may result in loss of points or denied the privilege to participate
in all or parts of tryouts as determined by the sponsor and principal.
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E. Candidates who have been dismissed from a cheerleading squad for
disciplinary reasons or quit a squad will be ineligible for the remainder of the
cheerleading season and subject to lose eligibility for the next tryouts.
F. Candidates will be presently enrolled in and attending the school or feeder
school in which they are trying out.
IV. Selection Procedures
A. Local schools will decide grade levels and size of squads. A mandatory
clinic will be held prior to tryouts.
B. The principal and sponsor will select a minimum of three (3) judges from
outside the school community. Minority representation will be included in
this panel. Tryouts will be postponed if these minimum requirements can’t
be met.
C. A school administrator must be present during tryouts to monitor the tryout
process. All scores and other tryout material must be secured in the
principal’s office immediately following the conclusion of the tryout.
D. Someone outside the school community will tabulate scores.
E. Clinic and tryout will be closed to the general public.
F. Each school will establish a plan to announce new cheerleaders as soon as
scores are tabulated.
G. Cheerleaders must be present for at least one half day on the day in
question to participate in any tryout related activity.
H. Videos will not be allowed.
V. Responsibilities of Selected Cheerleaders
A. To cheer for any athletic event as required by school authorities.
B. To organize, set up and clean up after pep rallies.
C. To conduct a training clinic (seniors) before tryouts, if requested.
D. To attend activities as necessary to promote school pride and spirit.
VI. Transportation
A. Transportation to all athletic events will be via Shelby County School buses
unless otherwise specified.
B. Parents/guardians will be called upon to aid in transportation.
C. According to SCBOE policy, cheerleaders may not drive themselves and/or
other cheerleaders to any away contest.
VII. Rules and Regulations
A. Cheerleaders must purchase 24-hour school insurance if they are not
covered by another plan.
B. Cheerleaders are to be present for all meetings, activities, pep rallies, and
practices unless a valid reason is presented before the absence to the
sponsor.
C. Cheerleaders and their parents will be responsible for camp costs and all
other cheerleading expenses. Debts incurred through cheerleading must be
paid before camp unless prior arrangements have been made.
D. Cheerleaders will turn in, at the end of their term, all uniforms and supplies
bought through the cheerleader fund. Any necessary repair or replacement
cost to these items will be the parents’ responsibility.
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E. Cheerleaders are expected to comply with the Shelby County Code of
Conduct and Attendance, Shelby County Cheerleader Constitution, and local
school student handbook and local school cheerleader constitution.
F. Cheerleaders must be present for at least one half the day to cheer that
night unless the sponsor and/or principal approve a valid reason in advance.
G. Selected cheerleader must maintain an overall average of at least 70 with no
grade lower than 60 in any subject each report card grading period. Any
cheerleader who fails to do so will follow guidelines outlined in the Shelby
County Academic First policy. A second failure to maintain the appropriate
overall average or minimum grade requirement by subject will result in
removal from the squad for the remainder of the cheerleader season.
(Cheerleader season lasts from tryout to tryout.) Grades will be monitored
beginning the grading period immediately following tryouts.
VIII. Cheerleader Conduct
Any discipline problems will be handled by the sponsor or school administrator.
Serious infractions could result in suspension or expulsion from the squad. The
following is a list of possible infractions.
A. Unexcused absences from games, practices or any other designated
cheerleader functions.
B. Display of poor sportsmanship.
C. Failure to bring all necessary equipment and materials to pep rallies, games,
practices, etc.
D. Failure to pay cheerleading debts within the required time limits, unless
previously approved.
E. Failure to be prompt for all activities.
F. Failure to execute duties assigned by sponsor.
G. Violation of the system’s policy regarding drinking, smoking drugs, or any
other substance abuse.
H. Failure to follow rules of the classroom, school handbook or the Shelby
County Code of Conduct and Attendance.
I. Violation of any school rule or any action that tends to leave a bad
impression upon the general public will subject the cheerleader to
disciplinary action.
J. Misuse of, or inappropriate postings on social/electronic media deemed
detrimental to the cheerleading program.
I have read this Constitution thoroughly and agree to abide by all rules and responsibilities.