1. CHEER CONSTITUTION 2015-2016

2. East Paulding High School Cheerleading Constitution “Excellence can be attained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, and expect more than others think is possible.” Anonymous Purpose: The purpose of the cheerleading program is to support the curricular and extracurricular activities of East Paulding High School by promoting school spirit. Being a cheerleader is an honor and privilege. Cheerleaders exist to promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, and wholesome, enthusiastic, school spirit. Cheerleaders are first and foremost ambassadors of their school and should exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position in accordance with Paulding County School District and East Paulding High School rules. Cheerleaders have a fundamental responsibility to play a leadership role in building teamwork and helping the school achieve its goals and objectives. Because of these responsibilities, members of the cheerleading squad will be expected to maintain a higher standard of behavior and academics both on and off campus.

3. PURPOSE The purpose of the cheerleading program is to support the curricular and extracurricular activities of East Paulding High School by promoting school spirit. Being a cheerleader is an honor and privilege. Cheerleaders exist to promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, and wholesome, enthusiastic, school spirit. Cheerleaders are first and foremost ambassadors of their school and should exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position in accordance with Paulding County School District and East Paulding High School rules. Cheerleaders have a fundamental responsibility to play a leadership role in building teamwork and helping the school achieve its goals and objectives. Because of these responsibilities, members of the cheerleading squad will be expected to maintain a higher standard of behavior and academics both on and off campus.

4. ACADEMICS GHSA ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS WILL BE MET AND UPHELD AT ALL TIMES. Cheerleaders are expected to be STUDENT-athletes and put a high priority on academic performance. Cheerleaders are expected to pass all classes they are currently taking. Grades will be checked every 4 ½ weeks and appropriate action will be taken for failing grades. **You are responsible for turning in all progress reports to your coach** 1 or more failing grades – probation (4 ½ weeks to bring it/them up) 1 failing grade after probation – no practice or games until it is brought up. If still failing after an additional 4 ½ weeks (13 ½ weeks), cheerleader will be dismissed from the team 2 or more failing grades after initial probationary At the 6-, 12-, and 18-week progress reports, if you are failing one or more classes the following consequences will be instituted: Attendance at games and practices is required, but you will not participate. You will submit a weekly progress report until grades are brought up to passing

5. ATTENDANCE All cheerleaders must meet the Paulding County School District policy for extracurricular activities, which is no more than 5 unexcused absences the previous semester and the semester of participation. You are present at school if you have been present for at least half of the school day. East Paulding Junior Cheerleaders are expected to attend ALL East Paulding Junior Cheer events and activities. Should you miss an event or activity, the same attendance policy applies. Attendance is recorded at EVERY event or activity.

6. ATTENDANCE FOR PRACTICE Cheerleaders are expected to be in practice clothes unless absent from school. All appointments should be arranged around the practice schedule. An appointment is not an excused absence. Only school activities may interfere with practice. All school related activities, such as tutoring and service projects, must be cleared with the coach prior to practice. Not showing up or sending notice with another cheerleader is NOT acceptable. If you must miss practice, and are not absent from school, you must discuss the situation with the coach prior to practice. You must provide written documentation to your coach. The coach will determine if the absence is excused. You are responsible for attaining any information you miss. When you do not dress out for practice, you will receive one unexcused absence and will not cheer at the next event.

7. PRACTICES The coach MAY call additional practices as the need arises. Practice times are merely a guideline, and the coach reserves the right to extend practice at any given time. Do not plan other after school activities during practice or game times. East Paulding Cheer comes first! If you participate on an All-Star team, those practices and competitions WILL not interfere with East Paulding Cheer or you will be removed from the team. Appropriate practice attire is set by GHSA for your safety and the safety of your teammates: Shorts of appropriate length T-shirt Cheer Shoes Hair must be worn in a ponytail Nails must be appropriate length with no nail polish or acrylic nails No jewelry You will not be allowed to practice, and will receive an unexcused absence, if you do not adhere to the set guidelines. Practices are CLOSED to all individuals. This includes summer practice. Communication with coaches needs should be done outside of practice time. Practice locations may vary according to the needs of the team. If practice is scheduled off campus, you are responsible for your own transportation You are responsible for providing your own water and snack at practices. Cell phones WILL be turned to SILENT during practice

8. APPEARANCE A. NO jewelry will be worn at practices, games, competitions, or any other cheerleading event. (GHSA rule) B. NO glitter will be worn at practices, games, competition, or any other cheerleading event (GHSA rule) C. Hair must be pulled back into a high, centered ponytail at all practices, competitions, and during games. (GHSA rule) D. NO colored nail polish may be worn at any time while in uniform. NO acrylic nails, silk or other types of fake nails may be worn during practices, competitions, or games. (GHSA rule) E. Nails should remain trimmed and should not exceed finger tips. (GHSA rule) F. NO gum chewing is allowed during practices, competitions, games, or events. (GHSA rule) G. Hair should be a natural hair color.

9. H. Cheer shoes should be white and in good condition for all games, competitions, and events. I. Uniforms should be cared for properly and clean at all times. Do not use irons on uniforms. Do not use chlorine bleach. Uniforms should be washed in cold water and laid flat to dry. Uniforms may be professionally altered if needed, with permission of the individual coach, but material must NOT be cut. J. Uniform, practice wear, jerseys, warm-up jackets, etc. may only be worn by an East Paulding High School Cheerleader. These items should never be given out to friends and family to wear. K. Failure to be in complete and proper uniform will result in a demerit, the cheerleader sitting out of the game, competition, or event and disciplinary action to be decided by the individual coach. Cheerleaders should come to games prepared for any type of weather. The team will be uniform at all times so everyone should make sure to bring all issued necessities or she/he will sit out of the game.

10. GENERAL INFORMATION A. Drama free attitude & behavior. If you choose not to be a team player and disrespect your coach and/or teammates with verbal or body language, (rolling eyes, name calling, etc.) demerits will be given and disciplinary action will be taken. B. Cheerleaders are expected to maintain appropriate behavior. Any behavior which is deemed by an administrator as reflecting poorly on the intended image of the school is grounds for dismissal from the cheerleading squad. C. Cheerleaders should act in a respectful manner at all times to parents, teachers, athletes and students while in or out of uniform. Cheerleaders are not to engage in affectionate behavior towards boyfriends at any time while in uniform. This includes public displays of affection (hugging, kissing, etc). Such actions will result in demerits and disciplinary action by their individual coach. D. Cheerleaders are expected to attend a banquet at the end of each athletic season. E. All cheerleaders understand and acknowledge their commitment to any squad; therefore, if a cheerleader does not complete the full season with a squad, then the cheerleader forfeits her opportunity to tryout or participate on any cheerleading squad for one full year from time of dismissal. The only exceptions to this rule may be made concerning the illness of a cheerleader or an immediate family member, or someone who becomes academically ineligible but corrects it before the next cheerleading season.

11. Cheerleading Demerits: The following is a list of infractions that result in a demerit. These are for things related to cheerleading and handled within the normal cheerleading routine. The administration and coaches reserve the right to make changes as deemed necessary on a case-by-case basis. It is each cheerleader’s responsibility to be aware of each infraction. Coaches will not remind or give warnings. After 5 demerits, the cheerleader may be dismissed from the team. □ Late to practice, game, competition, or event according to scheduled time given - be early! □ Late pick up from practice, game, competition, or event (15 minutes or more) □ Hair not pulled back into a high, centered ponytail at a practice, game, competition or event. □ Gum at practice, game, competition, or event (GHSA rule) □ Glitter at practice, game, competition, or event (GHSA rule) □ Long or acrylic nails at a practice, game, competition, or event (GHSA rule) □ Jewelry at practice, game, competition, or event. (GHSA rule) □ Nail polish at a game, competition, or event. (GHSA rule) □ Cell phone out during practice, game, competition, or event. □ Eating during practice or games (with the exception of half-time) □ Not in proper uniform (includes hair bow, poms, socks, shoes, briefs, sleeves, etc.) □ School detention or Saturday school (tardies included) – Cheerleader’s responsibility to inform coach. □ Other infractions at coaches discretion The following will include a demerit and suspension from a game or competition. Any cheerleader, who is suspended from a game for any reason other than illness, is expected to sit with the coach in uniform □ Stunting or Tumbling without presence and acknowledgement of coach □ Failure to abide by all GHSA rules and guidelines. □ Disrespect to team members, coaches, teachers, or administration □ Unexcused absence from practice, game, competition, or event. □ Failure to report a detention to coach □ ISS/OSS □ Other infractions at coaches discretion *Since we cannot foresee all the situations that may arise during the cheer season, the coaching staff reserves the right to assign demerits or otherwise take disciplinary action for offenses that may not be specified above.*

12. PARENT BEHAVIOR If you have a complaint or feeling that you need to express, please arrange a meeting time with the coach involved. Confronting a coach or a board member at an event or sending threatening emails will result in dismissal of your child from the team.

13. PLEASE SIGN THIS FORM East Paulding High School Cheerleading Constitution Rules Acknowledgement I have read and understand this 2013-2014 EPHS Cheerleading Handbook and Constitution. I agree to abide by the contents written therein. Cheerleader’s Name (please print): _______________________________________ Cheerleader’s Signature: ___________________________ Date: _______________ I have read and understand this 2013-2014 EPHS Cheerleading Handbook and Constitution. I agree to support and encourage my athlete to ensure she/he abides by the contents written therein and will support my student-athlete in the EPHS cheerleading program. Parent’s/Legal Guardian’s Name (please print): _______________________________ Parent/Legal Guardian’s Signature: __________________________ Date: _________