Baker School Cheerleading By-Laws
PURPOSE
 To create spirit, pride and loyalty, to promote interest in school activities, to develop a sense of good
sportsmanship, to improve relations among schools during athletic events, to develop responsibility, teach
self-respect, encourage honesty, strive for perfection, and develop character, and to teach teamwork and
pride in a quality performance while maintaining high standards.
ELIGIBILITY
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Cheerleaders must pass ALL classes and maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher.
While a failing grade may not affect eligibility, it might require disciplinary actions.
No fees or fines due to Baker School
A discipline history will not affect eligibility / tryouts, but will require the participant to be placed on a
probationary period to be determined by the sponsor/coach.
MEMBERSHIP
 The Varsity and Middle School cheerleader squad shall be composed of the top scoring students selected
during tryouts.
ATTENDANCE
 We do not want there to be an absenteeism problem with the Baker School cheerleaders.
 In order to cheer at a game, the cheerleader must be present at school for at least one-half of the school
day on the day of a game per Okaloosa District School Board Policy.
 A cheerleader cannot attend practices when absent from school unless preapproved by the sponsor. An
unexcused absence from school means an unexcused absence from practice as well. All excuses must be
brought to the sponsor upon return to school/practice.
o Members must bring a note from home/doctor explaining the absence. A doctor’s excuse, a
death in the family, or personal extenuating circumstances will be the only acceptable excuses.
This is left to the discretion of the sponsor.
o Members who are absent the day of a game or any other mandatory cheerleader activity must
have a doctor’s excuse and are not allowed to participate when they return until an excuse is
brought.
 Members are expected to attend the summer UCA camp. The camp is for 3 days. Vacation and job
responsibilities are not acceptable excuses for not attending camp. Any member not attending camp will
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be immediately dismissed from the squad and any deposit fees will not be returned. Exact camp dates will
be announced after tryouts.
Employment or employment interviews are not acceptable excuses for missing practice or leaving practice
early. There will be no exceptions to this policy even if practice runs later than the expected time for
dismissal. Failure to comply with this rule can result in dismissal from the squad. It is EXTREMELY difficult
to conduct a practice successfully when all members are not present to practice a routine, stunt, or dance.
When you agree to become a Baker School cheerleader, you must put the needs and priorities of the
squad above your personal wants. If you are not prepared to agree to this stipulation, DO NOT TRYOUT
FOR THE CHEERLEADING SQUAD.
Cheerleaders may participate in other extracurricular activities BUT must understand that there may be
some conflicts between the two. Cheerleaders and their parents must also expect financial obligations for
both activities and those must be met in order to participate in either sport. We expect 100% commitment
from each member. If a cheerleader chooses to miss practice or to leave early in order to participate in
other activities, demerits will be given accordingly. If this behavior becomes frequent, then the sponsors
reserve the right to dismiss the cheerleader from the squad.
Cheerleaders will be allowed to participate in Homecoming court, but they must participate in all other
homecoming activities involving the cheerleading squad and practices.
After-school detentions and individual make-up assignments given by individual teachers are not
acceptable excuses for arriving late for practice. This will result in loss of points and/or extra conditioning.
If any cheerleader misses a practice that is vital to the upcoming performance, then she may be pulled
from that performance under coach’s discretion.
CAPTAINS
 The Baker Varsity Cheerleading squad will be supervised by a sponsor(s) with the help of 1 captain and 1
co-captain. Captain selection will be carried out by the cheerleading sponsor(s).
 The Baker Middle School Cheerleading squad will be supervised by a sponsor(s) with the help of 2
captains. Captain selection will be carried out by the cheerleading sponsor(s).
 Captains will be selected according to the following criteria:
o Captain Interview: Each person interested must interview with the sponsor(s).
o Captain applicant’s letter of intent: Applicant must submit a letter of intent that should
answer/address the following:
 The applicant’s statement that she is applying for the position of captain.
 Why does the applicant desire to be captain of the squad?
 What does the captain want to accomplish during that year as
captain?
 What does the applicant believe are the main responsibilities of the captain and how will
the applicant fulfill this role?
o Must be a junior or senior (unless special circumstances apply) or 7th or 8th grader and have at
least two years of previous cheering for HS and one year experience at Baker School for MS.
o Clean discipline record and must maintain “good standing” status.
o Leadership, responsibility, cooperation, and enthusiasm previously shown during squad
membership.
o Squad members will have an opportunity to have input, however the final decision rests on the
sponsor(s).
o Teacher recommendation letters (2)
 He or she must act as a leader promoting unity among members of the squad.
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Captains must be at practice early and start practice on time.
Keep coach informed of all issues that arises before, during or after a practice or game.
Captains must collect necessary items for practice and games.
Captains must never show partiality to any member of the squad.
He or she must know all the cheers, chants and dances and know when to use them appropriately.
Selections will be announced at a practice before school begins in August.
Captains will call all members of the squad and remind them of practice, games, etc.
COACH’S DUTIES
 The coach will handle all administration, finances, school rule enforcement, and overall squad
organization.
 The coach (or appropriate substitute) will attend all practices, games, and performances.
 The coach will be the contact for teachers and cheerleading parents. (includes parent questions, concerns,
and squad absences).
 The coach will handle and maintain all records regarding demerits and discipline.
 Coach will issue uniforms, equipment, and purchase supplies.
 Cheerleaders experiencing problems should talk with the sponsor and work with them in finding suitable
solutions at the appropriate times.
 Any questions or problems concerning the squad should be directed to the sponsors during school hours.
The sponsors will return phone calls and/or emails at their earliest convenience. Issues should not be
addressed during practices, games, or other school events. The sponsors need to fully supervise the
squad while at these events.
 There is a proper chain of command, starting with the sponsor, assistant principal, principal, and
finally school board. In fairness to all parties involved, please follow the chain of command.
 Teaching duties of the coach/sponsor take precedence over cheerleading responsibilities.
CONDUCT
 Cheerleaders shall conduct themselves in an appropriate respectful manner at all times remembering they
are representatives of Baker School.
 Cheerleaders will NOT display bad habits such as smoking, alcohol consumption, use of illicit substances,
or the use of improper or inappropriate language / conduct (IN OR OUT OF THE BAKER UNIFORM /
SCHOOL PROPERTY). These actions may warrant dismissal from the squad. Improper language or
conduct will also include, but not limited to, any texting, online webpages, or social networking such
as Facebook or any other internet site(s).
 Any continuous reports of misconduct or disrespect involving teachers or students after selection may
result in dismissal from the squad. This decision is left to the discretion of the sponsor. Classroom
conduct should set the example for all students to follow.
 Each cheerleader shall attend all games and functions unless the sponsor, prior to the scheduled event,
excuses it. This includes illness and other extenuating circumstances. The decision is left to the discretion
of the sponsor. Every effort of the squad member must be made to attend all events.
 Any decisions concerning cheerleader activities shall be determined by the sponsors and school
administration.
 Serious disrespect directed towards the sponsor(s) or any other squad member will result in immediate
dismissal from the squad. The sponsor reserves the right to determine which circumstances that may
include.
 All cheerleaders must have a CURRENT home phone number/email address on file with the sponsors,
captain, and co-captains.
 Each cheerleader is responsible for checking emails as updated information including practice times,
notes, reminders, and events may be sent out daily. It is necessary to check your email the night before a
game/event to receive important messages from the sponsors or captains.
 Each cheerleader MUST have a binder or folder. This is to hold all information that is necessary for events
throughout the year. We will also be making videos for new cheers and dances. We will teach and review
this material during practices; however it is the cheerleader’s responsibility to use this technology to her
advantage and to have new material memorized by dates that will be set by the captains and/or coaches.
 Each cheerleader must have all required forms with CURRENT information on file with the sponsors prior
to tryouts. Please be sure to update any information as needed during the school year.
 Any and all stunting must be supervised by a sponsor at all times.
 Any cheerleader in violation of this constitution is subject to conferencing, benching, or dismissal.
 You are a Baker School cheerleader AT ALL TIMES and are responsible for acting on behalf of the
school.
DISCIPLINE AND DEMERITS
 Demerits are assigned as part of the disciplinary process. They shall be administered for violation of squad
rules. The demerit system shall be strictly enforced. The demerit system begins immediately following
selection and will be recorded and determined by the sponsors.
 There will be a demerit sheet kept for each cheerleader that will include the dates, reasons, and how many
demerits issued for each infraction. Each cheerleader will sign off on the sheet when they receive a
demerit.
 There will be situations that arise that are not covered by the By-Laws. These cases will be handled with
the discretion of the sponsors in cooperation with the school administration.
 The following action will take place for demerit accumulation with notification to parents and to the member
by the sponsors. It is the MEMBER’S responsibility to check with the sponsor after practice on demerit
standing.
Demerit Log
No cheerleader is permitted more than 20 demerits per year. After 10 demerits are earned, then a parent
conference will be requested. Once 20 demerits have been reached, permanent suspension from the cheer
squad will take place. The coach/sponsor or administration will be the only individuals to give demerits. A list of
demerits is list below. However, this list is NOT inclusive. When a situation arises that is not listed below, the
sponsors will deal with it accordingly.
1 Demerit
Tardy for practice
Late pick up ride from practice
Talking with crowd during events
Demerit System
2 Demerits
Excused absence from school but no Dr. note
Tardy for game
Late pick up ride from game
Arguing with another squad member
Untidy appearance
Public display of affection (in or out of uniform)
3 Demerits
Being uncooperative
Ganging up on other cheerleaders / Gossip
Lack of honesty
Lack of dependability
4 Demerits
5-9 demerits
Loss of a cheer event
(Such as a game)
10-15 demerits
Suspension from the squad for 1
week
16-19 demerits
Suspension from the squad for 2
weeks
20 demerits
Permanent suspension/dismissal
from the squad
Using profanity
5 Demerits
Disrespect to coach or another adult
Poor sportsmanship
10 Demerits
Unexcused absence from practice
NOTE:
Office referrals will result in demerits. The number of demerits will be based on severity of the incident.
***Suspension from school could result in suspension from the squad (based on the severity of the incident).
SUSPENSION REQUIREMENTS – A cheerleader who is suspended from a game or event must attend the game
or event in uniform and remain in the designated spot for the entire length of game or event. This is a punishment,
not free time.
A squad member will be AUTOMATICALLY DIMISSED for the following reasons:
1. absences from mandatory summer camp
2. non-compliance with monetary obligations (Every effort will be made to help the cheerleader raise funds to
defray the cost.)
3. failure to abide by the decisions of the sponsor, school officials, etc, or serious disrespect in any form to the
sponsor or other school officials, etc.
4. smoking, drinking alcohol, inappropriate use of the internet or using illegal drugs while in or out of uniform /
school at any event in which you represent the school
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
 Fundraising will begin immediately following Tryouts. While the funds raised from these activities will
cover a portion of the expenses, the estimated out of pocket expense could still range from $300.00$600.00.
 Baker School will purchase all required uniforms for games. Some other items may be provided if funds
are available.
 Cheerleading can be time consuming and expensive. The cheerleader’s parents must pay for all practice
uniforms, the upkeep and laundering of the cheerleading uniforms, and all necessary supplies related to
cheerleading.
o NOTE: If, for any reason, you lose or damage a uniform, you will be responsible for the
replacement cost.
 If, for serious reasons, you can’t meet the financial responsibilities of cheerleading, we will make every
effort to help find solutions. The first payment of $200 must be paid at the parent meeting. This
payment will cover the camp fee. Payments of $100 will be made on a monthly basis due on the
10th of each month starting in July until the cheerleader’s bill has reached a balance of $0. All
cheer bills must be paid in full by December 2013.
 Other expenses will arise during the year for which the cheerleader will be responsible, such as sponsor,
big sis/lil sis, as well as meals before games. The costs for these items are estimated at $200-$300 for the
entire year.
 If you owe fees at the end of the year for any reason, you will not be allowed to tryout again until they are
paid.
 If a student is dismissed or resigns from the squad, ALL financial obligations must be met. NO REFUNDS
will be given.
FUNDRAISING
 All members are expected to participate equally in all fundraising activities. All members must meet a
minimum quota that is determined by the sponsor at the start of the fundraiser. Failure to participate will
result in having to pay out of pocket for monies not raised.
 The sponsor will serve as the facilitator for the fundraiser events.
 Parental support and volunteers are necessary for ALL fundraisers in order to be successful.
 There will be a summer cheer camp, a school dance, t-shirt sales, a Lil Gator cheer clinic, as well as any
other event scheduled during the year. There will also be opportunities to fundraise for all of your individual
expenses. HOWEVER, if a certain individual raises a surplus and has met her total obligation, she will not
be credited. That money will be deposited into the general operating account. ALL fundraisers are
mandatory, unless there is an excuse/extenuating circumstance.
 The more money that is generated from the fundraisers, the less we do.
A portion (80% cheerleader / 20% GOA) of all fundraisers will stay in the general operating account to pay
for misc. expenses.
POINTS SYSTEM
 Cheerleading is a privilege, not a right. Being able to cheer at football games, basketball games, and pep
rallies is something that each cheerleader must earn.
 Every member must earn 80% of the possible amount of points attainable per month. If any cheerleader
falls below 80%, then she will be faced with disciplinary action including but not limited to: sitting out at a
game, and/or not having the right to participate in a pep rally or any other activity to be determined by the
sponsor(s).
 It will be possible to earn extra points throughout the year; members with more points will be awarded with
various opportunities, privileges and/or “goodies.”
HOW TO EARN POINTS:
 Practices – Each practice is worth 3 points.
1 point for being present
1 point for wearing the appropriate practice uniform
1 point for being on time
 Cheerleaders DO have the opportunity to earn 1 extra point during practice at the coach’s discretion.
Examples for earning extra points are: showing extreme dedication, leading peers, having a positive
attitude or working extra hard to achieve success.
 If a cheerleader is absent for any reason (excused or unexcused) she will not be awarded her points. Even
when an absence is excused, it has an impact on the rest of the squad. Excused practices= loss of points
and/or extra conditioning. Unexcused practices= disciplinary action in the form of demerits and/or extra
conditioning.
 Excused absences vs. unexcused absences- For an absence to be excused the cheerleader MUST speak
with the coach BEFORE practice. Doctor’s appointments will be excused if only a Doctor’s note is given.
 If a cheerleader has an official excused absence (school business) from the front office (or email from
administration) on the day of a practice she will also be excused for practice.
 It is understandable that certain situations do arise and need special consideration. The matter of this type
of absence being excused or unexcused is up to the coach’s discretion. This is for extreme circumstances
only. The coaches may also contact the parent if further information is needed.
 WORK IS NOT AN EXCUSE.
PRACTICES AND GAMES
 Cheerleaders are expected to attend ALL scheduled practices and games.
o You must be in attendance for ½ of the school day in order to practice or cheer at games.
o If you are unable to attend a practice or game, you MUST notify the coach or it will be
considered an unexcused absence.
o Cheerleaders must be picked up within 15 minutes after said practice or game is over or
demerits will be documented.
o Unexcused absences the day before a game will result in not being able to cheer for that
game but must be present in uniform.
o If the cheerleader is involved in another activity that conflicts with the practice
schedule/game schedule, you must split your time evenly.
o Cheerleaders may not practice or cheer at games if they are absent from school.
 Appropriate athletic attire that conforms to the school dress code is required for all practices. Summer
camp wear will be practice wear after camp.
 Practice starts promptly at 2:45PM. Tardiness will result in demerits or other appropriate punishment.
 During games, cheerleaders will not leave the cheering section unless it’s an emergency.
 Breaks during games will only occur during half-time. Cheerleaders must be back in the designated area
at 1 minute prior to the start of the 3rd quarter or period.
 Cheerleaders must travel to and from an away game with the school transportation unless a parent is
present at the game and signs the cheerleader out with the sponsor.
 Cheerleaders must attend a summer camp (TBD).
 The squad will practice 1-2 days a week over the summer break to prepare for the upcoming season.
Summer practices will be made available after tryouts. A calendar will be provided after tryouts of these
dates. There will be several weeks during the summer when we will not practice to allow for vacationing.
Practice will typically last 2-3 hours.
 The HS squad will practice Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursdays at the beginning of August (unless
otherwise noted). Practices will diminish to two days a week and even to one day a week towards the end
of football season. During pep rally weeks, there may be additional practices (notice will be given).
 The Middle school squad will practice on Fridays at the beginning of August and throughout football
season. During basketball season, the squad will practice on Tuesdays or Thursdays depending on
games. Practices last 3 – 5. Girls must remain in the sponsor’s room until practice begins.
 Varsity will cheer for:
o Football
o All home and away games (usually a Friday night)
o Basketball
o The basketball schedule can vary depending on who the team is playing.
 The squad will be given a calendar of events in ample time to prepare. Because of the hectic basketball
schedule, there could be some circumstances in which the squad may be split up into two teams and
cheer for different games. Currently, all Varsity cheerleaders will attend all home games and will travel to
all District and Okaloosa County (non-district) girls and boys V basketball games. Transportation to and
from home games, events in Crestview, and practices are the responsibility of the cheerleader/parent.
 A monthly calendar will be provided so cheerleaders can plan around cheer dates.
 All practices and games will be supervised by the sponsor(s) or a designated school official.
 Middle School will cheer for:
o Football
 Only Middle School and J.V. home games. (Tuesday and Thursday nights)
o Basketball
 The games usually fall on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. There are usually two games a night. The
cheerleaders will cheer home and away games.
 A monthly calendar will be provided so cheerleaders can plan around cheer dates.
Varsity Sample Schedule during Football Season:
Monday: No Practice
*An additional practice may be called during pep rally weeks. Please be flexible.*
Tuesday: Practice 2:45 - 4:30
Wednesday: Practice 2:45 - 4:30
Thursday: Practice 2:45 - 4:30
Friday: Football game @ 6:00
Varsity Sample Schedule during Basketball Season:
Monday: No Practice
*An additional practice may be called during pep rally weeks. Please be flexible.*
Tuesday: BB Game 1st Game @ 6:00; 2nd Game @ 7:30
OR Practice 2:45 - 4:30
Wednesday: Practice 2:45 - 4:30
Thursday: BB Game 1st Game @ 6:00; 2nd Game @ 7:30
OR Practice 2:45 - 4:30
Friday: No Practice
*An additional practice may be called during pep rally weeks. Please be flexible.*
SAFETY REGULATIONS
 Transportation will be provided for the cheerleaders to all games needing attendance except for the
following: home games, events in Crestview and practices. Cheerleaders must return with the squad from
out of town activities unless there is a PARENT present at the activity and requests permission to transport
their child. Parents must sign their child out with the sponsor or school official.
 The sponsor will not transport any member of the squad in her private vehicle due to insurance stipulations
and the consideration of your child.
 During all games cheerleaders should be ready to cheer at all times. There will be no jewelry worn at any
time. Grooming, gum chewing, eating (except during half- time), cell phone usage or texting, socializing
with each other, talking to friends in the crowd or on the field will not be tolerated. In the case of
emergency, the sponsor will notify necessary individuals.
 Cheerleaders must maintain an acceptable appearance at all times per Okaloosa County School Board
Policy; body piercing is limited to the earlobe. Any additional body art is limited to temporary school spirit
related items. No tattoos should be visible when in uniform; no jewelry should be worn at all. If a
cheerleader is in violation of either of these rules, then she is out of uniform and will be asked to sit out.
 No male or female spectators are allowed at practices.
SPORTSMANSHIP
 Cheerleaders should always cheer in a positive manner. It is inappropriate to cheer against the other team
or to cheer in response to an opposing player’s mistake.
 No actions by the cheerleaders should be made to purposely distract the players.
 Opposing players, officials, and fans should be treated with respect and dignity.
 Cheerleaders should stand at attention in their formation when the National Anthem is being played and
when the opposing team is having line-up.
TRANSPORTATION
 It is the responsibility of the member to meet at the scheduled times for home and away purposes. Failure
to meet transportation requirements will be counted as an unexcused absence or given demerits when
applicable.
 Transportation via school bus will be provided for all away games required. Each cheerleader MUST ride
the bus to the game and back to the school. However, the cheerleader may ride home with their parents if
the parent is in attendance and signs them out with the sponsor.
 Transportation will be provided for the cheerleaders to all games needing attendance except for the
following: home games, events in Crestview and practices. Cheerleaders must return with the squad from
out of town activities unless there is a PARENT present at the activity and requests permission to transport
their child. Parents must sign their child out with the sponsor or school official.
TRYOUTS
 Potential cheerleaders shall be required to participate in a pre-tryout clinic, at which time, he/she will be
taught a cheer, chant and a dance routine to be evaluated by a panel of 3 independent judges.
 Students will be required to submit an evaluation form to 4 current teachers.
a. The forms will be returned directly to the sponsor from the individual teacher.
b. Candidates are not allowed to view the evaluations.
c. If these forms are tampered with or not returned, you will not receive these points.
 Candidates must have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian to tryout and participate. This
permission slip will release the school and sponsors of liability in case of injury.
 The student MUST have all appropriate paperwork (including a sports physical) on file at the office before
the tryout begins.
 Candidates must attend all days of the clinic/workshop and pay the tryout fee in order to be eligible for the
tryouts. The fee is $20.00.
 On the day of tryouts, the student must arrive no later than 2:45 PM to sign in.
 Candidates are not allowed to wear any apparel item, including shoes, uniform shirts and shorts, or socks,
that will distinguish them as a member of a particular cheerleading team. If they do so, they will not be
allowed to participate in tryouts.
 The gym will be closed to all spectators during cheerleading tryouts and workshops. The sponsors will not
answer any questions regarding team selection on the day of tryouts or prior to tryouts.
 Score sheets become the property of Baker School, and all judges’ decisions are final.
UNIFORMS
 Each cheerleader is responsible for the equipment and uniforms checked out to him/her at the beginning of
the year. No uniform swapping will be permitted.
 Equipment and uniforms are to be returned CLEAN and in good condition two weeks after the
season has ended or one week after a cheerleader has been dismissed from the team.
 Cheerleaders are responsible for purchasing the following: camp wear, briefs, socks, tennis shoes, body
suit, warm-up, and “school” uniform which will be ordered as a team during the summer or fall. Team
tennis shoes are ordered at the beginning of each season. Cheerleaders are to wear practice shoes to
practice and game shoes to games.
 Uniforms must not be altered in any way without the permission of the coach.
 Athletes must have cheer shoes at all practices and games.
 All cheerleaders must be in proper uniform at all times. This means wearing the correct ribbon, correct foot
attire and having poms with them.
 Uniformity is very important in order to maintain an organized and elite status while performing. This
includes games as well as pep rallies or any other events that may arise throughout the year. While
performing all members must adhere to the guidance from the team captain. This can be something as
minor as wearing or not wearing a jacket, the cheerleader will be asked to sit out until he or she complies.
THESE BY-LAWS MAY BE AMENDED, WITH WRITTEN NOTIFICATION, BY THE
SPONSOR/ADMINISTRATION AT ANY TIME.
CONSTITUTION (By-Laws) AGREEMENT
I, ___________________________, have read the entire Baker School
Cheerleader By-Laws and understand all the rules and regulations set forth
in it. I understand that I will be held accountable and responsible for all of
the information listed in it. I also understand that if I do not follow the rules
and regulations, I am subject to the appropriate disciplinary action. I further
understand that Baker School cheerleaders are held to the highest
standards possible, and if I am selected, I will respect and honor the
privilege given to me to represent Baker School in the best manner possible.
___________________________
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Cheerleader signature
Date
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_________
Parent signature
Date