LufkinISD

Cheerleading
Constitution
20162017


THECONSTITUTIONOFCHEERLEADING
FOR
LUFKINISD

I
ntroduction
I.

Purpose

page 2

II.

Membership&Eligibility

page 2

TryoutGuidelines

page 2

HeadCheerleaderSelection

page 3

ParticipationRequirements

page 3

Grades

page 4

Attendance

page 4

Uniforms&Appearance

page 5

FinancialResponsibilities

page 6

GeneralConduct

page 7

Suspension&LossofMembership

page 7

Travel

page 9

CheerManagerSelection

page 9

III.

IV.

V.

VI.

VII.

VIII.

IX.

X.

XI.

XII.

XIII.

CONSTITUTIONOFTHE
LUFKINISDCHEERLEADERS

Each member of the Lufkin ISD CheerleadingProgrammust adheretothefollowingarticles.It mustbe

understood thatas an athleteofthis cheerprogram, thestudentbecomesarepresentativeof the Lufkin
ISD,andeachathletemustmaintainhighmoralandethicalstandards.

PURPOSE
The purposeoftheLufkinISDHighSchoolandMiddleSchoolCheerleadersistocreateandpromoteloyal
school spirit, encourage qualityperformance andhighacademicstandards. Through the developmentof
spiritand cheer technique,leadership, cooperation,selfdiscipline, andsportsmanshipineachindividual
athlete,theLISDcheerleaderswillencouragetheirstudentbody andtheircommunitythroughsupportin
the promotion of athletic events and activities which will inspire the athletes to performtothebestof
their ability.We, theLISDcheerleaders herebypledgeourtime,ourability, our mindsandheartstothat
purpose.Weagreetoabidebytherulesandregulationsassetforthinthisconstitution.

MEMBERSHIPANDELIGIBILITY
1. TheLufkinCheerleaderTeamswillconsistof4squads:
a. Varsitysquadwillbeupto,butnotexceed,24members,plus2mascots
b. JuniorVarsitywillbeupto,butnotexceed,16members.
c. Freshmansquadwillbeupto,butnotexceed,20members.
d. LMSsquadwillbeupto,butnotexceed,24membersplus2mascots.

2. Tobeeligible for candidacy,all students must be currentlyenrolledasLufkinISDstudentsbefore

participatinginanytryoutactivities.

3. Allcandidatesand their parent/guardianmust attend,and signin,atoneofthemandatorytryout

orientationmeetings.Failuretoattendwillresultinthecandidateslossofabilitytotryout.

4. Each person who wishes to try out for acheerleader squad mustreturn acompletedapplication
packettotheActivitiesDirector/Principalbythedesignateddeadline.

5. Eachcandidatemust havea
70orabovein ALL classesduringthe9weekgradingperiodpriorto
tryouts.Theprogressreportis
not
thedeterminingfactorforillegibilityfortryouts.
a. Candidateswiththreeormoredisciplinaryreferralswillbeineligiblefortryouts.

6. Candidates
mustattend
allscheduledcheerclinicdatespriortotryouts.

TRYOUTGUIDELINES
1. Candidacyforselectionwillbeopentoalleligiblestudentswhomeettherequirements.
a. Graderequirementsforeachsquadareasfollows:
i.
CurrentJuniorsVarsitySquad
ii.
CurrentSophomores
JuniorVarsityor
VarsitySquad
iii.
CurrentFreshmanJuniorVarsitySquad
iv.
CurrentEighthGradersFreshmanSquad
v.
CurrentSeventhGradersLMSSquad

2. Tryoutswillconsistofperformingdesignatedskillsinfrontofjudgesandcoaches.

3. Tryoutswillbeheldonceayear.

4. The formatforthetryouts willbedecidedbytheadministrationandcoaches,andwillbeheldina

fairmannerallowingeachcandidatetoshowtheirbestabilitiesandpotential.

5. Thecandidateswhoreceivethehighestcumulativescorefromallthreejudgeswillbeselected.

HEADCHEERLEADERSELECTION
Selection
1. ReturningSeniorVarsitycheerleadersareeligibleforselection.
a. Thecandidateswillreceiveapacketofinformationtobecompleted. Questionsaboutbeing
acaptainwillbeansweredandscoredbyanoutsidepersonorAdministrator.
b. CandidateswillbeinterviewedandscoredbytheVarsityCoachandActivitiesDirector.
c. Members of the squad will complete a confidential evaluation form for each candidate.
(Thisisnotusedinfinalscoringtotals,itisinformationalonly)
d. Thetryoutscorefromthejudgeswillbereviewedandaddedtotheselectionscoresheet.

2. CoCaptainsmaybenamedatthediscretionoftheCoachwithAdministrativeadvisement.

3. TheJuniorVarsityandFreshmansquadswillnothave aheadcheerleader. Thecoacheswillassign

leadershiprolesasneededfortheparticularactivity. Thiswillhelpencourageleadershipqualities
ineachmemberofthesquad
4. AsaHeadCheerleaderyoumust:
a. Set an example for the rest of the squads by following the rules and regulations of LHS
Cheerleaders.Theheadcheerleaderwillbeanexamplebydoingmorethanisrequired.
b. Beatpracticeearlyandstartpracticeontime.
c. Assist insettingcheersand chants to beusedat gamesandevents. Thehead cheerleader
will compile music and do choreography for cheers and dances as needed. The squad
shouldmakesuggestions,butthefinaldecisionshallbebytheCoach.
d. Be responsible for welcoming visiting squads and introducing them to the other
cheerleaders.
5. In the event the headcheerleaderisunabletoperformherdutiesanassignedgroupleaderwill do
so. The head cheerleader may be removed from this position at the discretion of the coach for
noncompliancewithadministrativeadvisement.

PARTICIPATIONREQUIREMENTS
1. Athletes must participate in all activities, in which the cheer program is involved, pending
eligibilitystatus.

2. The competitionsquadparticipationwillbe
mandatory
whenacompetitionisselected. Thereare
local, area,and national competitions. The decision to participatewill bebased on themakeupof
thesquads,theabilitylevelofthesquad,andtheCoachesdiscretion.

3. Alltryoutskillsareexpectedtobeconsistentlyexecutedatalltimesduringthecheerseason.

4. Dutiesofeachsquad:
Varsity
a. Varsityfootballgames
b. Varsityboysbasketballgames
c. DesignatedHomevolleyball,girlsbasketball,baseball,softball,andsoccergames.
d. DesignatedHomecrosscountry,track,golf,tennisandswimmeets
e. All
playoffgamesforanysportwithadministrativeadvisement
JuniorVarsity
a. HomeJVandVarsityfootballgames
b. HomeJVboysbasketballgames
c. DesignatedHomevolleyball,girlsbasketball,baseball,softball,andsoccergames.
Freshman
a. HomeFreshmanandVarsityfootballgames
b. HomeFreshmanboysbasketballgames
Allsquadswillalsodothefollowing
:
a. NCASummerCheerCamp
b. Designatedcompetitions
c. Specialevents(e.g.peprallies,playoffgames,etc.)
d. Volunteeropportunitiesastheyareplanned.
e. AnyotheropportunitiesattheCoach'sdiscretion
f. Coachesreservetherighttoevaluateanysituationandapplyappropriateaction.

5. The coaches may bench a cheerleader at anytime they deem necessary for safety and/or
disciplinaryreasons.

GRADES
1. Cheer follows the State UIL eligibility rules for no passno play. A student who receivesa grade
below a 70 in any class at the end of the first 6 weeks grading period, or any 9 week grading
period is ineligibletoparticipateinacheer activityorevent.An ineligiblestudentwillonlybeable
to practice until eligible. The student regains eligibility after any three week evaluation period
whentheprincipalandteachersdeterminethatheorshehasearnedapassinggradeinallclasses.

2. Cheerleaders not currently passing any class willnotbe allowed to attend functions thatrequire
absencesfromanyacademicclasses.

ATTENDANCE
All cheerleaders will attend ALL practices, athletic events, competitions, and special activities unless
preapproved bythecoaches. Squad calendars will begivenon amonthly basis. The scheduleof games
thesquadsattendwillbegivenoutatthebeginningofeachsportsseason

1. Excused Absences: The status of an absence or tardy will be determined by the coaches.
Cheerleaders must limit their number of excused absences, as performance privileges may be
revoked for excessive absences. Absences or tardies from any cheerleading activity or event
shouldonlybeexcusedforthecircumstanceslistedbelow.
a. Personalillnessoraccident
b. Deathinthefamily
c. Specialschoolactivitieswithadvancedapprovalfromthecheercoach.

2. Unexcused Absences: Absences for reasons other than those listed above, will be unexcused.
Work, doctor/dental appointments, nonschool activities (competitive cheer) must not interfere
with practices or performances andwill beconsideredunexcused.Anyunexcused absence could
affectperformanceeligibility.

3. Unexpected Absence Procedures: In the unexpected event of anillness, accident, or deathin the
family, aparent mustcontactthe coach prior to class/practice. Leavingamessage with anofficer
or secretary will not be sufficient. Aparent noteand/ ordoctorsnotemustbesubmitted to the
coach uponthecheerleadersreturntoschoolorpractice.Twoconsecutiveabsenceswill requirea
doctorsnote.Anabsencefromaperformanceduetoillnesswillrequireadoctorsnote.

4. ExpectedAbsenceProcedures:Atleasttwoweekspriortoaneventand/orpractice,squad
membersmustsubmitawrittenrequestforanexpectedabsence.

5. Excusedacademicabsencesdonotnecessarilyequatetoanexcusedcheerabsence.

6. Athletesareexpectedtoattendschoolalldayinordertomaintaineligibilityforparticipationinan
organizationalactivitywithcoachesdiscretion.

7. Athletes who sufferinjuriesorillnessmustconsultadoctorortrainerwithin24hours.Ifaninjury

or illnesshinders or limits anathletesperformanceand/or practice capabilities,that athletewill
be required to provide doctors note outlining the specific limitations. Injured athletes are still
expected toattendalleventsandpracticesinaccordancewiththeirdoctorsnotes.Anathletewith
aconcussionmustfollowtheLISDconcussionpolicyuntiltheathleteisclearedtoparticipate.

UNIFORMSANDAPPEARANCE
1. Athletes are responsible for purchasing uniforms, shoes, camp/workout clothing and other
necessary clothing and accessories as required. All personal items must be labeled with the
athletes name. If a uniform piece is lost ordamaged,theathlete is responsible for orderingand
payingforareplacement.

2. Any uniform pieces purchased by the school district or booster club must be returned in good
condition at the endof the season, deadline to bedeterminedby thecoach. They should be clean
andrepaired,readyforsomeoneelse to wear. Replacement cost willbe determined basedonthe
actual cost of theuniformpieceandwillbechargedforanydamagedorunreturned schoolowned
uniform. Failure to return all items in goodconditionmay resultin ineligibility to tryoutand/or
attendbanquet.

3. Uniforms will not be worn anywhere other than scheduled events. The use of any part of the
Lufkin cheerleading uniforms, clothing and supplies other than at scheduled events must be
approvedbythecheercoach.

4. Allcheerleaderclothing,uniforms,jackets,etc.aretobe wornbycurrentLufkincheerleadersonly.
Athletes of the cheer program may not loan out any Lufkin cheerleading apparel to any
noncheerleaders except forevents approvedbythecoaches.Students whohave beendismissed
or voluntarily removed from the squad may not wearcheerleadingapparelin public,under any
circumstances.

5. Cheerleaders should look their best at all times, especially when inuniform, and mustwear the
correct uniform or designated outfitas it ismeanttobe worn. Forsafetyreasons, jewelryofany
kindwillnotbewornanytimeyouarecheering.

6. Hairand nailsmust beworn ina naturalcolorthatdoesnotbringattention.Hairmust besecured

inaponytailwithaforwardfacingbowunlessgivenpermissionotherwisebythecoaches.

7. Coachesreservetherighttoevaluateanysituationandapplyappropriateaction
.

FINANCIALRESPONSIBILITIES
1. Each cheerleader must assume financial responsibility in the costs connected with cheer.
Scholarshipsareavailableforupto50%of
uniformexpensesonly
,forthosewhoqualify.Alimited
amount of scholarship money is available and not all scholarships are funded. Applications are
availablefromtheActivityDirector,PatriciaWhiteandaredueMonday,
April4,2016.

2. Uponselection, anonrefundable, 50%paymentisduebyThursday,

April14,2016
. Thisamount
is designated on the FinancialInformation sheet provided intheTryout packet. The balancewill
be due byThursday,
May 5, 2016
. Theamounts designated for eachsquadmayvary because of
costof uniforms,practiceclothes,andaccessories.
Allfeesmustbepaidinfulltobeeligibletobe
acheerleader.

3. Cheer camp will cost $399 of which LISD pays $100. This amount
cannot be included in the
scholarshiptotal.ThisbalancewillbeduebyTuesday,
May24,2016.

4.
Allfees
mustbepaidwith
cashoramoneyorder.

NOPERSONALorBUSINESSCHECKS
!
5. Competitions: Fundraising will be done to help defray the cost of registration, transportation,
uniforms, lodging, meals, additional coaching, and any other miscellaneous expenses involved
whenacompetitionisattended.

6. The school district provides a letter jacket for Varsity cheerleaders unless a jacket has already
beenpurchasedforthatstudentbytheschool(academicorotherorganization).

7. All cheerleaders are required to participate in fund raising projects that pertain to their squad.
The Activity Director must approve all fund raising efforts prior to scheduling the event. The
Booster Club will have fundraisers to aid in the cost of cheer events such as banquet and as
needed by the cheer program. All cheerleaders are requiredtoparticipate inthese fundraisers.
Lackofparticipationwillaffectthefundsthatareavailabletoeachindividualand/orsquad.

GENERALCONDUCT
1. All rules as stated in the current LHS/LMS Student Handbook that apply at school willapplyat
officialpractices,scheduledevents,andonanyadditionalactivitiesthegroupwillparticipate.

2. Cheerleaders shall conduct themselves asladies/gentlemen at alltimes. Openaffectiondisplayed

toward boy/girl friends will not be tolerated. Fighting, while involvedin aschool activity, shall
resultintheCheerleaderbeingremovedfromthesquad.

3. ALL social media posting sites, cellphones conversations andtexting

willbeunderscrutinyifit
interferes with orbringsdisrespect totheprogram,atany time
.Anycircumstancesthat are
deemedunacceptableorharmfulmaybegroundsfordismissalfromthesquad.

4. Allcheersandchantsshallbepositiveandperformedinasportsmanlikemanner.

5. Members will make every attempt to ignore or dissuade negative responses at events and not
becomeinvolvedinsuchactionthemselves.

6. Should a member become pregnant, she will be put oninactivestatus. Thismeansthemember

willstillattendclassandpractices,butwillnotperforminanycheeractivity.

7. Coachesreservetherighttoevaluateanysituationandapplyappropriateaction
.

SUSPENSIONANDLOSSOFMEMBERSHIP
1. Thesuspensionand/orlossofmembershipisdonewithadministrativeadvisement.

2. Suspension:
Suspensionshallbedefinedasnotbeingabletoparticipateinanyperformanceofthe
squad,yetstillattendingallactivitiesandpractices.Cheerleadermembersplacedonsuspension
muststillpracticeeachday,yetmaynotwearanyperformanceuniformatcheerleaderfunctions.
Infractionscausingmembersuspensioninclude,butarenotlimitedtothefollowing:
a. 10demerits.1weeksuspensionwithnotificationtoparentandmeetwithMrs.White
b. 20 demerits.2week suspension a certified letter will be mailed home informing
parents/guardian ofthesituation. Itmustbesignedandreturnedthenthecheerleaderwill
meetwithMr.Stephens.
c. FailuretomaintaineligibilityundertheUILgradingpolicy(See
Grades
,p.4)
d. AnybehaviordeemedunbecomingbytheCoach/ActivitiesDirector/Principal
.

3. LossofMembership:
Dismissalshallbedefinedasnoparticipationinanycheerleaderactivityfor
theremainderoftheyear.Adismissedmembermustturnincheeruniformsallcheeritems,if
warranted,andshallhavehis/herschedulechangedimmediately.Infractionsthatmaycausea
membertobedismissedinclude,butarenotlimitedto:
a. Violationofthealcohol,drug,tobaccoandfightingpolicies.
b. Absences/behavior deemed unbecoming by the Coach, Activities Director, and
Principal.
c. Social network postings that are irresponsible, unacceptable, and show lack of
responsiblebehavior.
d. Anaccumulationof30insubordinationdemerits.
e. Beingsenttoanalternativeschool.
f. Amemberwillbedismissedfor anyunlawfulinfractionincluding,butnotlimitedto
the following: Being ticketed for public intoxication/DWI or drug related
convictions,arrest,felony,vandalism,etc.


CODEOFBEHAVIORDEMERITS(THISISONLYAGUIDEFORINFRACTIONS)
DEMERITSREGARDINGINSUBORDINATION:
1. Poorordangerousconduct
530
2. Unbecomingactssuchashugging/kissinginpublic,hickeys,etc.
510
3. Useofprofanity
510
4. Talkingduringpracticeafterawarninghasbeensubmitted
5
5. NotobeyingtheCoachesinstructions
510
6. Horseplayingonthesidelinesorofftaskbehavior
510
7. Talkingtoanyonewithoutpermissionduringaperformance,instands,oronsidelines 35
8. Chewinggumatanypractice
5
9. Wearingjewelryatanytimeyouarecheering
510
10. Notpullinghairbackatpractice
5
11. DisrespectingtheCoach(thisincludesverbalornonverbal)
1030
12. Disrespectingsquadmembersoranyfellowstudent
510
13. DisrespecttoanystaffmemberatLHS
520
14. BeingplacedinISS(perday)
10
15. Participatinginafightwhileatschoolorinvolvedinaschoolactivity
30
16. Eatingordrinkinginthecheerroomwithoutpermission
5
17. Anyinfractionnotspecificallymentioned.
530

DEMERITSREGARDINGUNIFORM:
1. Chewingguminuniform&/orpracticing
5
2. Eatingordrinkingwithoutpermissionwhileinuniform
5
3. Wearinganyjewelrywhilecheering
5
4. Wearingcolorednailpolishwhileinuniform
5
5. Hairworndifferentthanspecified
5
6. Failuretowearallspecifieditemsofuniform
5
7. Failuretowearcheerleadershirtsorwindsuits
5
8. Socializinginpublicinanypartofuniformwhennotwiththeteam
10
9. Anyotherinfractionnotspecificallymentioned
510
DEMERITSREGARDINGPRACTICE:
1. Failuretowearcorrectpracticeattire(shirt,shorts,shoes)
5
2. Notdressingoutforpracticewithoutpermissionordoctorsnote
510
3. Lackofenergyandeffort
510
4. Anyotherinfractionnotspecificallymentioned
530
DEMERITSREGARDINGATTENDANCE:
1. Notattendingafunctioncommittedtowithoutapproval
1020
2. Leavingpracticeearlywithoutpermission
10
3. Unexcusedabsencefrompractice
10
4. Lateforrollcall
5
5. Attending,butmissingperformanceduetotardiness
1020
6. Absent,withoutcommunicatinginatimelymanner,evenifexcused
10
7. Notbeingproperlysignedoutfromaperformancesite
1020
8. Anyotherinfractionnotspecificallymentioned
530

TRAVEL
1. Onoutoftowntrips,theLISDAdministrationPolicywillbefollowed. Allparticipantswillridethe
bus to the scheduled event. Cheerleaders willbe permittedtoridehomefrom outoftown trips
with parents or other adults, with notification by email or written note prior to the event.
ManagersandHonorGuardsmustridehometounload.

2. Priorto theout oftowngame,you mustinform your coachyou willnot be traveling back onthe
bus.Parentalnotification isrequired. We needto haveanaccuratecountforthebuses. Ifyoufail
to inform your coach, you will be required to ride the bus.
This excludes Cheer Managers and
HonorGuards.

3. Only Varsity Cheerleaders and Managers travel to out of town football games JV and Freshman
cheertraveltoVarsityFootballplayoffgames.

4. Varsity Cheerleaders travel to out of town basketball games. Managers may travel if they are
availabletotravelandhaveteacher/parentpermissionviaemailorwrittennotification.

CHEERMANAGERSELECTIONANDRESPONSIBILITIES
Selection
1. ManagerapplicantmustbeacurrentSophomoreorJunioratLHS.

2. EachmanagermustmeetU.I.L.scholasticrequirementsinordertoparticipate.Anycandidatewith
threeormoredisciplinaryreferralswillbeineligibleforselection.

3. Candidatesmustcompleteanapplicationandturnitinbythestateddeadline.

4. CheerManagerapplicantswillhaveaninterviewwiththeLHSCheerCoachesandtheDirectorof
StudentActivities.

5. SelectionismadebytheLHSCheerCoachesandtheDirectorofStudentActivities.
Responsibilities
1. ManagersmustmaintainUILacademiceligibilitytoparticipate.

2. It is understood that the applicant will conduct himself or herself at all times in a manner
becoming to and representative of Lufkin High School. All rules, as stated in the current LHS
StudentHandbookthatapplyatschool;willapplyatallscheduledevents.

3. Managers are required to attend all Varsity Football games, pep rallies and any other game or
function that may occur, with the understanding that the Managers will assist the Cheerleader
Coachinanycapacitythatisrequested.

4. All Managers arerequired to ride the busbacktoLufkinfromawaygamestohelp unloadall the

equipment.

5. Managersmaybereleasedfromhisorherpositionduetopoorconduct,attitude,grades,excessive
absences,orviolationoftheLHSstudenthandbookpolicies.

6. Coachesreservetherighttoevaluateanysituationandapplytheappropriateaction.
9

ADDENDUM
This document isused as a guidelinebytheadministration. Theycan,atanytime,
deviate from the stated consequences listed to deal with a situation that may
occur.

Pleasekeep this document if youareselectedto beacheerleader

. Youwillneedto
refer tothis constitution at some later date. Theinformationinthisdocumenthasbeen
approved by the administration and cheerleaders are expected to adhere to all items
covered by this document atall times. The coaches will refer to situations in cheer that
are directly addressed in this constitution. If you have any questions about anything
covered,pleasecontactthecoach.

10