Lassiter Dance Team Bylaws

ARTICLE 1: Preamble These bylaws, drawn up for the Lassiter Varsity Dance Team of Lassiter High School will serve as a guide and a set of standards in order to maintain skill, consistency in discipline and positive interaction with each other, the student body, the faculty, and the public. The purpose of these bylaws is to protect and ensure the integrity and reputation of the team by expecting the best from each individual involved. SECTION 1 The primary purpose of the Lassiter Dance Team is to provide entertainment to the public, promote and uphold school spirit, develop a good sense of sportsmanship among students, and to build better relationships between schools during athletic events. The secondary purpose is to engage in competition at the local and state level. The season begins after the new team selection from tryouts and concludes at the end of the school year. ARTICLE 2: Selection and Qualifications SECTION 1 A. Selections are held in the spring of each year. For the 2013-2014 school year, there will be up to a three day mandatory clinic and try-outs held at Lassiter High Schools Auxiliary Gym in April or May. Candidates must attend each day of the tryout clinic unless other arrangements are made by the coach. B. Tryout order and numbers will be given on a first come first serve basis on the first day of the tryout clinic. C. For the clinic, candidates should wear comfortable clothing that does not impair movement. This may include dance pants, capris, or shorts, along with a fitted t-shirt or tank top. No midriffs should show. No spaghetti straps are allowed. Sports bras are a must, as no bra straps should be exposed at any time the clinics or tryouts. No baggy tshirts are allowed Comfortable shoes must also be worn at all times (jazz or tennis shoes). Dancing in socks or bare feet is not permitted. D. For the tryout, candidates may wear the same as the clinic (tank top, leotard, or nonbaggy shirt) and black shorts or capris. Wear what is flattering for your body type. Sports bra straps may be visible, but regular bra straps should not. No midriffs should be visible Convertible or Capri tights are allowed. Hair must be pulled off the face and secured neatly, but still flattering to your appearance. Light natural make up should be worn. Baggy pants or sweatpants are not permitted, even rolled up to your knees. Dance sneakers, jazz shoes, or tennis shoes must be worn. E. Parents are not allowed to watch the clinics or actual tryout.

SECTION 2 Eligibility: A. All participants and members shall be Lassiter High School students. B. All members must have a current physical on file dated as of April 1 of the current school year. C. Members must carry school insurance if they are not covered under a policy held by their parent or guardian. SECTION 3 Members shall be selected on the following: A. Ability- All Lassiter Dance Team candidates shall demonstrate dance and technique skills and the ability to learn dance routines quickly. A large emphasis will be placed on technical ability. For example, there is more to a double pirouette than completing 2 rotations. You must execute foot placements, posture, spotting, and arm position. This is required for ALL technical skills. B. Each candidate will be judged on showmanship, sharpness, dance technique, rhythm, confidence, physical fitness, enthusiasm, and potential. C. At the clinic, all candidates will learn a routine and perform it before the selection committee. This will be calculated into the tryout score. D. Two judges and the Dance Coach will sit on the selection committee the day of the tryouts. E. The determining factor for size of the dance team will be decided by the natural break in the scores from tryouts. Call backs during tryouts may be necessary, and judges break any ties and their decision will be final. F. Scores of all candidates will be kept confidential, but those who do not make the team may email the coach for suggestions. G. The team roster will be posted on the website at a time specified by the coach. SECTION 4 For a dance team to be formed, a minimum number of dancers must be selected which have demonstrated minimum competencies in dance. This minimum number will be up to the discretion of the dance team coach and dance instructor. Membership on the team does not guarantee membership for the following year. Every member must tryout and be selected each year. After the tryout period is complete and the team is formed, the Coach has the discretion to schedule any additional tryouts to determine whether a dancer who previously lived outside of the Lassiter district may be added to the dance team or due to a lack of a minimum number of dancers to constitute a full dance team. SECTION 5 The Varsity Squad will not choose any alternates or have a JV squad. However, upon selection to the team, members are required to maintain their dance ability and technique. If a team member is not up to the Coachs standards and it will inhibit the teams performance, she may be asked to sit out at a performance. At no time should a dancer take their membership on the team for granted. Working hard does not end at tryouts.

ARTICLE 3: Member Responsibility SECTION 1 Once the team is formed there may be a Team Captain and possibly a Co-Captain (depending on the size of the team) that will be voted on by all members of the team and the coach. As the team grows from year to year the selection process for Captain and Co-Captain may change, but every year it will be voted on by the team and coach. The Captain or Co-Captain will be a member of the principals round table and is responsible for attending those meetings. SECTION 2 Personal Conduct: A. Members should have a strong conviction that Lassiter High School is the best and should communicate this conviction to other students. B. All members are expected to possess character that is above reproach and exhibit personal conduct, habits, and appearance that cannot be criticized. They must be a credit to their school at all times. C. Members must constantly strive to provide a positive role model for other students. D. Members should always have a genuine, natural smile, particularly when performing in front of spectators or representing their school in any way. E. All members will observe the following: a. They will abide by the policies and regulations established by the school administration and the Cobb County Board of Education. b. They will maintain a positive attitude in their classes. c. They will remain loyal to their school and their squad. d. They will display good sportsmanship at all times. e. They will always display good manners. f. Hair for performances varies (up or down) and will be determined by the coach. g. No gum chewing during performances or practice. h. No cell phone usage during practice or a game unless given permission by the Coach. i. No public displays of affection while in uniform. j. They will use no profanity or off-color remarks. k. They will be courteous to all visitors and other students at all times. l. They will not smoke, drink, or use drugs at any time. m. They will not cyber bully or make any unpleasant remarks about the team or any other Lassiter Team on Facebook, text messaging, email, or any other forms of communication. Failure to comply may result in automatic dismissal from the team. n. They will be moderate in dress, make-up, and hairstyle during performance. No jewelry may be worn during performances except assigned earrings and state rings. o. Nail polish may not be worn during performances unless approved by the coach. p. They will observe good health habits.

q. They will be courteous and friendly to members of their squad. There will be no gossip about other members of the squad. Failure to support all other members of the squad will result in automatic benching. r. They will stand at attention during the national anthem and the pledge to the flag and remain standing at attention until the flag has retired from the field or the court. SECTION 3 Practices: A. Practices will be twice a week at Lassiter High School and will last for one hour or determined by the coach. B. Members must wear designated practice apparel at all practices and bring any required equipment as determined by the coach. C. In order for any absence from practice to be excused, the Coach must be notified in advance, and a note from the parent or doctor must accompany the absence. Excused absences are defined as follows: a. Sickness or injury that is severe enough to prevent a member from attending to watch practice. If you can attend class, you can attend practice. If at any time you are absent due to illness, a doctors or parents excuse will be required within 24 hours of the absence. Should you miss school due to sickness and are not contagious, you are encouraged to come and watch practice; not participate. b. Death or severe illness in the immediate family. The Coach must receive either written notice or a phone call. c. In the event of excessive absences due to injury, the member may be brought before the Coach to discuss her physical wellbeing and continued membership on the team. d. Injury does not exclude anyone from practice. Anyone who is injured must still come to practice and watch to keep up with anything they are missing. Should a member sit out at practice due to an injury, a doctors note must follow. The only way to cure an injury and speed up your recovery is to seek medical attention. A doctors note also notifies the coach of any medical attention of which she should be aware. e. An injured member of the team is expected to carry out the same responsibilities as non-injured team members. D. Practices shall be orderly at all times. E. Members must be present and on time for school on the day following a game unless excused by illness or a death in the family. F. Acceptance of excuses is decided by the Coach.

SECTION 4 Games and Trips: A. Members will perform at Varsity home basketball games and other venues designated by the Coach. B. If games are rescheduled, then the member is responsible for rearranging her personal schedule. C. No member may leave the group or section without the permission of the Coach. If a member leaves the group once granted permission, she must take a buddy with her. D. Traveling to competitions and events will be determined after the team is formed. E. All dancers must personally check out with the coach before leaving practices and games or competitions. F. Dancers must be present for all activities in uniform from beginning to end. SECTION 5 Uniforms and Equipment: A. Each member is required to have the appropriate uniforms. Selection of uniforms will be made after the team is formed. B. Each member is responsible for keeping uniforms in good condition. This includes the repair and the cleaning of uniform. Any damage to a uniform will be repaired at the members expense. Uniforms should not be washed until they are given instructions by the Coach first as hand washing may be required. C. No uniform shall be altered by cutting in any way. D. Anything that says Lassiter Dance Team should not be worn by anyone except team members. E. Uniforms should not be worn publicly outside of a performance or competition. This means change out of your uniform before hanging out with friends. ARTICLE 4: DISMISSAL AND RESIGNATION SECTION 1 A member may be dismissed from the squad or suspended for a term to be determined by the coach for the following: A. Smoking, drinking, and/or using drugs whether in or out of uniform. B. Scholastic average below standards for each reporting period. C. Unbecoming conduct that reflects upon the reputation of the school, squad, or the member herself. D. Not following the rules and regulations set up for the members of the squad. E. In-school or out-of-school suspension. F. Excessive absences and tardiness from school, practices, games or competitions. G. Back-stabbing or poor attitude. H. Not meeting financial obligations. I. Academic dishonesty. J. Severe injury where the team member will be out for the rest of the season.

SECTION 2 If a member resigns from the squad for medical reasons, she is eligible to try out for the squad at the next opportunity. A. The resignation must be in writing and accompanied by a doctors note confirming the medical reason for the resignation. B. A doctors note must be submitted before tryouts affirming that the medical condition that necessitated the resignation no longer exists. C. If a member leaves the team before the season has ended for her own personal reasons then she may not be allowed to try out for the team the following year. D. All financial obligations must be met prior to a member resigning and will be paid in full to the team. This includes any costs that have been factored into the budget and allocated for that team member in which it cannot be refunded (i.e. competition fees, etc.). ARTICLE 5: Discipline A. Violations of the stated standards of conduct will result in disciplinary measures as follows: First Offense Verbal warning by Coach Second Offense Written warning issued to dancer and parents Third Offense Appearance before the dance coach and/or a high school administrator and possible performance suspension or expulsion Fourth Offense Dismissal from the team with no refund of monies paid. B. The following violations are considered extremely serious and may result in immediate dismissal from the team and possible disciplinary action executed by administration at Lassiter High School: 1. Failing grades in an academic subject 2. Smoking, drinking, or use of illegal drugs 3. Unexcused absences 4. Disrespect to team coach, dance instructor, or team members 5. Cyber bullying 6. Negative postings on any social networking site or other websites regarding any Lassiter High School program, including our own dance team. 7. Fighting

ARTICLE 6: PARENTS A. Each parent has a financial responsibility that must be upheld. If financial hardship occurs contact the board Treasurer to discuss possible payment options. B. There will be events throughout the year where parents may be asked to perform extra duties for the Lassiter Dance Team such as driving to events, or coordinating various activities. Please make every effort to assist in these responsibilities. C. Parental support and involvement is mandatory to ensure the success of each Lassiter Dance Team member not only in dance, but also in the classroom and in day to day activities. If at any time a dancer is struggling personally or academically, it is the responsibility of the parent to notify the Coach. D. Each parent should pick up his/her child within 10 minutes following the conclusion of any practice or event. Please do not send your child to practice without having a ride home. E. If at any time a parent has a question concerning the individual Lassiter Dancer or the Lassiter Dance Team program, all inquiries should be directed to the Coach. F. All parents are expected to assist with team events including but not limited to homecoming, year-end banquet, transportation, community service projects and fundraising. ARTICLE 7: ORGANIZATION, ADMINISTRATION, AND BOARD MEMBERS
A. Lassiter High School Dance Coach- The Lassiter Dance Team is a nonprofit, school sponsored activity that is governed by a Lassiter Dance Team Coach. The coach strives to work with other organizations including but not limited to the football team, basketball teams, and the cheerleading squads to create a fun and rewarding school associated activity. The Lassiter Dance Team Coach will have overall authority over the direction of the team, team selection, team performances, dance team events, dance selection, music selection, practice schedules, attendance, behavior, and discipline. The Coach is responsible for scheduling of tryout dates, recruiting prospective team members through the posting of information, scheduling and planning of the parent/dancer informational meeting, recruiting try-out volunteers, and notifying each dancer who participated in try outs as to whether they were or were not selected to be on the Lassiter High School Dance Team B. Executive Board Members - The Executive Board consists of the President, Treasurer, and Secretary. The position of for President will be filled with existing team parents and will be voted on at the final board meeting. Where there is no existing team parents due to the formation of a new dance team, positions will be filled at the first team parent meeting. Other positions will be filled by the Board after the new team is formed. The duties of each position are outlined below: C. President Conducts board meetings, provides agendas, and works with the Executive Board to resolve conflicts or concerns. The President is responsible for the selection and ordering of the spirit shirts, warmup outfits and duffel bags for the team. The President acts as the team liaison with the Lassiter High School Dance Coach. The President will attend all board meetings and will have one vote in all motions before the Board. In the event of a tie, the Presidents vote will be used to break the tie.

D. Treasurer Responsible for collecting and depositing all fees; maintaining checkbook and reconciling Lassiter Dance Team bank account; and providing monthly itemized budget reports to the Executive Board and a copy of all reconciled bank statements to the President within 30 days of receiving the statement from the bank. The Treasurer will attend all board meetings and will have one vote in all motions before the Board. E. Secretary The secretary is responsible for reserving meeting space for Board and parent meetings; preparing and distributing the Lassiter Dance Team calendar; recording meeting minutes; and distributing information to team members and parents/parent advisors regarding scheduled performances, games and events; and advertising try- out dates for upcoming year at the middle schools and throughout Lassiter High School This position is responsible for coordinating team social events and functions that promote team building and provide fun for the dancers. The Secretary attends all board meetings and will have one vote in all motions before the Board. F. Transition - The Executive Board members are responsible for ensuring that a smooth transition occurs from the outgoing team to the incoming team following the endofyear banquet. The new board members responsibilities include participating in a transitional meeting between old and new Executive Board members. G. Instruction Dance instruction is provided by the Lassiter High School Dance Team Coach at Lassiter High School H. Amendments - After the dance team is formed for the season; amendments, additions, or changes to these bylaws will require a 2/3 majority vote of all parents (one vote per dancer).

ARTICLE 8: DEDICATION A. An itemized list of expenses will be distributed to parents once the new team has been selected. The list will be given out at the first parents meeting. Fundraising may be used to reduce the cost for each dancer. It is expensive to run a high-caliber competitive dance team program, but all efforts will be made by the Coach and Board to eliminate unnecessary costs. B. I have read the above Lassiter High School Dance Team Bylaws and agree to all the terms and conditions set forth. As a member of the Lassiter High School Dance Team, I agree to abide by these rules and all rules as set forth by the Lassiter High School Dance Coach, , the Executive Board,. I further understand that failure to abide by these rules may result in disciplinary action including dismissal from the team with no refund of monies paid to the team and possible disciplinary action carried out by Lassiter High School administration. Dancers Name: _______________________________ Signature_____________________________________ Parents Name: ________________________________ Signature_____________________________________

Date: __________ Date: __________ Date: __________ Date: __________