Boerne Champion High School Cheer/Mascot Constitution
and Handbook
Philosophy/Purpose:
1. To be the cornerstone of spirit for Champion High School.
2. To carry out new traditions that will involve the entire student body.
3. To serve as ambassadors for Champion High School.
4. To represent Champion High School in a fine manner through strict work ethic.
5. To demonstrate teamwork, positive attitudes, and strong leadership.
6. To serve as an example at school and in the community.
7. To demonstrate spirit through performances at various athletic activities as well as
competitions.
Expectations:
1. To follow the rules set forth in cheer constitution and handbook.
2. To maintain a passing grade of 70 or higher.
3. To conduct themselves in classes as positive leaders.
4. To respect administrators, teachers, coaches, students, and teammates at all times.
5. To attend ALL required summer, fall and spring athletic events, playoff games,
scheduled appearances, scheduled practices, camps, and competitions.
6. To make Champion Cheer a priority. Work, vacations, trips, non-emergency doctor
appointments, and social events are not excused absences.
7. To commit and dedicate 100% to the program for the entire year, not just football
season and not just to wear the uniform.
8. To keep up and or advance skills and techniques demonstrated at tryouts.
Tryouts, Mascots and Squad Make-Up:
1. Any student currently enrolled full-time in good standing at Boerne Champion High
School may tryout for cheerleader or mascot. Exceptions may be made on an individual
bases for out of state students who will be moving into the district the following school
year.
2. Every person who wants to try out must attend the mandatory tryout meeting along with
a parent/guardian. Date of meeting will be established by the Cheer Coach and
published on the school calendar.
3. A Tryout Package will be distributed at the meeting outlining eligibility requirements,
projected costs, tentative schedules, and a copy of pertinent parts of the Cheer
Constitution Handbook.
4. Squads will be selected according to the guidelines outlined in the Cheerleader Tryout
Packet.
5. Tryouts will be judged by a minimum of three experienced outside judges and scores
calculated by authorized school administrators and/or personnel.
6. Squads will be made up of following:
a. Varsity squad will have a maximum of 16 members. Only current 9, 10 & 11
grade students are eligible for Varsity Squad.
b. Junior Varsity squad will have a maximum of 16 members who meet scoring
qualifications. All current 8, 9, 10 & 11 grade students are eligible for the Junior
Varsity Squad.
c. Mascots are selected through a tryout process. All current 8, 9, 10 & 11 grade
students are eligible to try out for mascot. A maximum of two mascots will be
selected. If there are no candidates trying out for mascot the director/coach may
select qualified individuals to fill the position.
d. Competition Squad will be made up of all varsity squad members. Junior Varsity
members may be placed or tryout for the competition squad.
7. Captains will be selected within two weeks of tryouts and will be selected through a
combination of tryout score, teacher evaluation, squad evaluation, and Coach score.
a. Varsity squad will have one varsity captain for the entire year.
b. Varsity squad may have one or two designated assistant captains or rotating
assistant captains as determined by the Coach.
c. Junior Varsity squad will have one captain for the entire year and may have one
designated assistant captain or rotating assistant captains as determined by the
Coach.
8. Captains and assistant captains duties and responsibilities will include but are not limited
to the following:
a. Begin all practices at the designated time.
b. Lead squad in practices and learning new material.
c. Plan pep rallies and submit plan to coach at least one week in advance for
approval.
d. Assign and oversee members to assist in transporting equipment to and from
games, pep rallies, and other cheerleader events.
e. Relay all cheerleader business and school business to other members through
text, phone call, email, and social media.
f.
Serve as liaison between coach and cheerleaders when there is a situation
affecting the entire squad.
g. Participate in weekly meetings with the Cheer Coach.
1. Uniforms:
You are representing Champion High School at all times while in uniform; therefore, you
must display appropriate behavior and be a positive role model.
A. Game Uniform will consist of skirt, shell, sports bra, spanx, white no show socks, clean
cheer shoes, no jewelry, no nail polish, hair pulled all the way back with no hair in face
(no wispies), and appropriate bow. Under armor, warm ups, cheer/varsity jacket, gloves,
and head wrap may be worn in cool/cold weather. Everyone will look “uniformed” at all
times. If one person wears something then everyone will wear it. The Coach and/or
captains will decide if and when you wear cool/cold weather items.
a. Varsity will wear designated cheer uniform to school on all Varsity Football
Game Days and other game/pep rally days as designated.
b. Junior Varsity will wear designated cheer uniform to school on all junior varsity
football game days, and other game/pep rally days as designated.
B. Game Day T-Shirts will be worn with nice jeans on other designated game days.
C. Inspection will be held in coach’s classroom every football game day morning and in the
cheer room prior to pep rally and/or loading the bus.
D. NO PDA while in uniform, jackets, practice clothes, or representing the school at an
organized cheer event or performance.
E. No chewing gum while in uniform or practice clothes.
F. Cheerleaders must be in complete uniform at all times while participating in a cheer
event. At no time will they walk around with a partial uniform. They will load the bus in
complete uniform. You may bring a complete change of clothes for the ride home from
away games.
G. Uniforms will stay completely zipped at all times. If it feels “too tight” after a performance
then it is probably time to have it altered.
H. If you are in the wrong uniform or missing a uniform item, you will be “benched” for that
performance, therefore jeopardizing your stunt group.
I.
Uniforms are not to be worn out in public (restaurants, parties, as Halloween costumes,
etc). You must change out of uniform after games/performances.
J. If you lose or ruin any part of your uniform, you must replace it. If you lose a school
issued item, you must purchase another to replace it.
K. All school issued uniforms must be returned at the end of the year clean and in good
condition. A fee may be assessed if the uniform has to be fixed, cleaned, or replaced.
L. School issued uniforms may be altered by a qualified seamstress but no seams are to
be cut at any time!
II. GAME DAY PROCEDURES
A. Pep Rallies-for pep rallies held during the school day, cheerleaders and mascots are to
remain in class until designated release time. Once released from class
cheerleader/mascot will report to dance studio/cheer room for inspection and to walk
over to the gym as a team. There may be morning pep rallies periodically throughout
the year. On those days, cheerleaders will meet in the dance studio/cheer room at a
designated time in full uniform and will go to pep rally location as a team.
B. Cheerleaders/Mascots will not be allowed to leave campus at the end of the day on
away game days. Food will be provided for all members prior to leaving for the game.
There may be a small fee for meals payable at the beginning of the year.
C. Absolutely no eating while in cheer lines! Cheerleaders/mascots may only drink water or
Gatorade during game time. You may only eat snacks during ½ time or on the bus.
D. Cheerleaders/Mascots are not to touch, talk, or interact with players during the game for
any reason.
E. Restroom breaks need to be taken before the game (when we arrive) and at ½ time.
Parent chaperones will escort girls to restrooms at away games.
F. Cell phones are not to be seen, heard, or used during any game. They are to be put on
silent and kept in tote bags, not in pocket of jacket. You may use them during half time
but if out at any other time they may be picked up by the coach are returned to you only
after the game.
G. Everything must be kept in your cheer tote bag (poms, warm ups, ribbons, purses, etc.)
Only tote bags will be allowed into the game. Books/backpacks must be left on the bus
or at the school.
H. Cheerleaders are responsible for taking their megaphones to and from games.
I.
Cheerleaders will warm up before a game, performance, or pep rally out of view of
spectators. We are not putting on a show while warming up!
J. There will be no talking or acting silly during the National Anthem, Moment of Silence,
school song or while on field for player run through.
K. At no time will cheerleaders “re-do” their hair in front of spectators. You should double
or triple band your hair so that it does not come down while stunting or tumbling.
L. Your job is to cheer at games, not to talk to teammates, spectators, or family.
If you are not doing your job by yelling during cheers/chants, jumping, or tumbling during
or after cheers/chants you will be benched for one quarter. After one quarter, you will be
given another chance. If it happens a second time, you will be benched for the rest of
the game, sit out the next game, and issued appropriate demerits.
M. Cheerleaders/mascots will be graded on their performances at games and pep rallies.
Cheering, chanting, jumping, tumbling, stunting, spiriting, and calling cheers is expected
throughout the entire game.
N. Cheerleaders must tumble out across the field before game and ½ time. At no time will
cheerleaders just “run” out across the field.
O. Cheerleaders will throw a minimum of 5 jumps, 5 tumbling skills, 5 stunts, and call 3
cheers during each quarter. More is certainly encouraged this is minimum. Failure to
meet the minimum requirement will result in a grade deduction for that game.
P. Half time is your break time however, you must remain in designated cheer area except
when going to the restroom. No going into the stands or other side of field.
Q. All cheerleaders and mascots are required to ride the bus to away games and
competitions. Cheerleaders/mascots are encouraged to ride the bus home from away
games but may ride home with parent or authorized adult. No one is allowed to ride
home from games/performances with friends or boyfriends. Cheerleaders/mascots
must be signed out from the coach by parent or authorized adult prior to leaving
the game.
R. The Coach must dismiss cheerleaders at the end of the game and will only do so after
everything is cleaned up and equipment is secured and/or loaded onto the bus.
VARSITY:
A. Will cheer at all varsity football games, home and away and all playoff games.
B. Will cheer for AT LEAST two home district volleyball games.
C. Will cheer at all varsity home basketball games and all boys’ playoff games.
D. Will cheer at state playoff games for soccer, baseball, and softball.
E. Will attend other games and events requested by the coach.
JUNIOR VARSITY:
A. Will cheer at all home JV football games.
B. Will cheer for at least two home district volleyball games.
C. Will cheer at one home JV boys and girls basketball games per week.
D. Will sale programs at all home varsity football games.
MASCOTS:
A. Will perform at all varsity football games, home and away and all playoff games.
B. Will perform for AT LEAST two home district volleyball games.
C. Will perform at all varsity home basketball games and all boys’ basketball playoff games.
D. Will perform at state playoff games for soccer, baseball, and softball.
E. Will attend other games and events requested by the coach.
III. CLASS PROCEDURES:
A. All cheerleaders will be completely dressed out, standing in roll lines and ready to begin
warm up ten minutes after the tardy bell rings. Putting on shoes and/or putting hair up
will be considered as not be ready and cheerleader will be considered tardy.
B. Tardiness is a conduct problem. Therefore, any cheerleader tardy to roll line three times
during a nine week period will receive and N in conduct. Four tardies will result in a U in
conduct.
C. Cheerleaders are expected to participate in class unless parent gives advance notice to
the coach before class either through call, email, or text message that the student is ill.
D. Cheerleaders may be excused from participating, not from attending, in class with a Dr.
or trainer’s note specifying the prohibited activity and the anticipated date of return.
E. If you are excused from participating in class, you will be given an alternate assignment
in class in order to receive a participation grade.
IV. GRADES:
A. Overall
1. Failure to maintain a 70 in each class will result in scholastic probation for 3 weeks.
You have 3 weeks to bring it back up to be off of probation. You need to be passing
at the next progress report to be removed from probation.
2. If you receive and incomplete you will be placed on scholastic probation and will
have one week to make up the incomplete. You will remain on scholastic probation
until the work is made up and the teacher puts in an official grade change form
through the registrars office.
3. While on scholastic probation, you will be required to attend all practices, but cannot
perform, compete, or wear uniform.
4. Any member failing a class at any time during the 9 weeks may be asked to attend
tutoring instead of the practices.
B. Cheer Class
1. Participation/attitude 25%
2. Written assignments 25%
3. Skills and performances in class or after school hours 25%
4. Dress out 25%
V. PRACTICE:
1. Shall take place during class time, before or after school.
2. The practice uniform shall include T-shirt, shorts, socks, and practice shoes. On gym
days, a specific outfit will be worn or demerits will be issued.
3. At no time, unless specified by coach, may a member practice without shoes.
Please bring to class running shoes on the assigned days so that we can run. You
will not be excused from running simply because you forgot your running shoes.
4. You may NEVER wear jewelry to cheer class, practice or while in uniform. NO
EXCEPTIONS!
5. Hair must ALWAYS be worn up in a ponytail tightly secured so that you do not have
to “re-do” your hair every 5 minutes during a game or practice.
6. All practices are mandatory. When one person is out it affects the entire squad.
Changes and new material are introduced at almost every practice so if you miss it
may result in you not being able to perform at that weeks performance(s).
7. All practices are closed due to distractions. Cheerleading is a rigorous sport and
everyone must be focused at all times to prevent injuries.
8. There will be no messing around, laughing, or talking at inappropriate times at
practice. Especially during stunting!
9. All members will be required to attend and participate in weekly tumbling and
stunting classes at designated gym.
10. Bathroom and water breaks will be given at designated times. Cheerleaders will not
leave practice without coach’s permission.
11. Everyone is expected to give 100% at each practice with a positive attitude.
12. If you have a problem with anything that we are doing at practice, feel free to talk to
coach or captain after practice. Opinions and suggestions are welcome but not
during class time.
VI. ATTENDANCES & ABSENCES:
A. Summer practices
1. All scheduled summer practices are mandatory. Please try to schedule vacations
between June 17, 2012 and July 22, 2012.
2. If a member is not on vacation any part of the summer, they are expected to attend gym
practice.
3. If you will be missing a summer practice:
a. Have parent email Coach in advance to find out if it is excused. Do not just “not
show up”!
b. Set up a make up session with gym and have gym coach sign log.
c. If summer sessions are not made up by August 21st you will receive 3 demerits
for each session missed.
d. I expect to see everyone at all scheduled practices during the summer. Work is
NOT an excuse to miss practice! Missing practice messes up stunting sessions.
B. Special events with required attendance
a. Team bonding night, Spirit Camp, Cheer Camp and August practices are
mandatory for all cheerleaders and mascots. There will not be any make up
sessions for these therefore they will be unexcused and subject to
consequences.
C. During the school year
1. Parent must call, email or text the Coach in advance if you will be missing a class or
practice session.
2. If you miss a practice before a performance, you will not be in that week’s performance.
3. You must be present ½ the school day in order to perform at that day’s performance.
4. You must make it a point to be at all practices for competition. Failure to do so may
result in removal from the squad.
Excused absences:
a. Personal illness/injury with a doctor’s note.
b. Funeral/death in family.
c. Weddings in the immediate family.
d. Religious holidays.
e. Special school activity approved in advance.
f. Family emergencies.
g. Absences for special situations as determined by Coach.
Unexcused absences:
a. Work/job
b. Vacation
c. Concerts
d. No transportation
e. Non-emergency Dr. appointments
f. Family/social events
5. In order to receive an excused absence a written note from parent/guardian must be
presented to Coach upon return and include student’s name, date of absence, reason
for absence, and parent/guardian signature and phone number.
6. A member may have no more than three (3) unexcused absences from meetings,
practices, or cheer events. Members may not have more than ten (10) absences from
activities for the entire year. Absences in excess of three unexcused or ten for the year
may be grounds for probation and/or dismissal from the squad. Cases of prolonged
absence may receive special consideration when presented to the Coach in writing.
VII. COMPETITON
1. Every member of the varsity team will participate in competition as a competing member
or as an alternate. Junior varsity members may be a part of the competition squad.
2. Competition squads will be based on skill level and stunt positions needed.
3. All members including alternates will be required to attend all practices and
competitions.
4. In the case of an injury or probation of a competition squad member, the coach has the
discretion of whether to put in an alternate and/or which alternate to put in.
5. If a member is put on scholastic probation or spirit probation, or is dismissed from the
squad they will become ineligible to compete, travel, or receive a refund on items
purchased for competition.
6. Refunds for any competition/trip that you are unable to attend will be based on company
policy.
7. Members will travel to and from competitions together as a group.
VIII. PROBATION/DISMISSAL
1. It is easy to avoid probation and/or dismissal. Just follow the rules!
2. Demerits will be enforced and kept in a cheer logbook.
3. Once a month, an update will be handed out to each girl.
4. Pre-season and summer demerits will affect performances at the beginning of the year.
5. A member accumulating five (5) or more demerits in a semester will be placed on spirit
group probation unless merits have been accumulated to offset demerits.
6. A member accumulating ten (10) or more demerits, regardless of merits earned, will be
dismissed from the squad and may be denied future participation in the squad.
7. When a member is placed on spirit group probation, the member and parent/guardian
will be notified and asked to attend a meeting with the Coach and/or administrator to
discuss the reason for the action and set up a plan to avoid future probation.
8. Spirit probation lasts fifteen (15) days including school days and weekends.
9. Member must complete an assignment as specified by the Coach to remove the five
demerits within the fifteen-day probation period.
10. While on spirit group probation, the member will not be able to actively participate in the
group (perform or serve as a captain) but must attend all practices, group functions and
be in uniform.
11. A member placed on spirit group probation twice within a school year will be dismissed
from the squad.
12. A member placed in AC or expelled from school will be dismissed from the squad.
13. The following actions are grounds for immediate dismissal from squad:
a. Organizing team to participate or meet without coach’s knowledge or approval.
b. Inappropriate behavior in public or on a school bus or during any school activity
regardless if attending in uniform as a cheerleader or out of uniform as a student.
c. Smoking tobacco or other substances, drinking alcohol, or engaging in use of
illegal drugs.
d. Stealing or giving false information to Coach or Captain.
IX. FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
1. Members will be required to purchase uniforms, camp clothes, cheer shoes, and other
accessories such as poms, bows, and undergarments.
2. All members must be in good financial standing in order to receive ordered items, attend
camp, participate in cheer events, and competition.
3. Members will not be reimbursed for items purchased if they either quit or are removed
from the squad.
4. All members are required to pay for lost or damaged items at replacement cost.
5. Everyone is required to participate in fundraisers as designated by the Coach and/or
parent.
6. Any member who does not meet their financial obligations by set dates may be removed
from the squad.
X. BOOSTER CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS
1. Booster clubs are optional and may be allowed at the discretion of the principal and the
coach. Booster clubs are formed by school patrons to help support and enrich an
organization’s participation in extracurricular activities.
2. Cheerleading Booster clubs and organizations are to serve in a support role exclusively
and shall organize and function in a way that is consistent with the District’s philosophy
and objectives within adopted board policies and in accordance with UIL guidelines.
3. The cheerleading Booster Club will be governed by By-Laws approved by the school
administrator and/or district office.
4. The Cheerleading Booster Club membership is made up of parents and family of Varsity
and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders, Mascots and Competition Squad Members.
5. Fundraising activities should support the educational goals of the school, coach, and
cheerleading program.
6. The Booster Club should have a board of directors made up of at least a President,
Vice-President, and Treasurer elected within one month of selection of new cheerleading
squad.
7. Cheerleaders and mascots shall not be required to pay dues or be a member of the
Cheer Booster Club.
8. All money should go through a school account and must have coach and principal
approval on all expenditures.
9. Booster club vouchers require at least two signatures. A detailed list of income and
expenditures shall be published on a monthly basis.
10. Cheer Booster Club meetings are held periodically and require coach and/or
administration approval and attendance.
11. Cheerleaders are not be required to participate in Booster Club fundraisers if parent
prefer to pay the students’ portion of cost.
Merits/Demerits
(This list is not conclusive; others may be applied at the discretion of the Coach)
3 Merits can cancel out 1 demerit when approved by the Coach.
Merits:
9
9
3
3
1-6
Straight “A” report card for the 9 week.
Perfect attendance for 9 weeks.
Attending an extra unassigned function in uniform
Attending an unassigned game in uniform
Special assignments given by Coach
Demerits:
10
10
1-10
5
5
3
3
3
3
1-3
1-3
1-3
1-3
1-3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Disrespectful/insubordination toward Coach or other staff member.
Organizing and/or participating in practice or meeting without coach’s approval or
knowledge.
Failure to uphold the standards of the spirit program.
Disrespect/insubordination towards captains or team members.
ISS assignment
Unexcused absence to assigned function.
Wearing any part of your uniform in public when not at a squad function.
Letting non-squad members wear any part of your uniform.
Failure to wear appropriate uniform to function.
Failure to wear appropriate practice wear.
Inappropriate language
Failure to do what is asked by Coach or Captain.
PDA
Failure to bring appropriate items to practice or performance such as bag, poms,
or megaphone.
Detention
Not cheering (1 for each time during a game or activity)
Talking to spectators or players while at a game.
Missing part of uniform or practice outfit. (Possible benching)
Late to practice, game, activity, or assigned cheer function.
Jewelry while in uniform (1 for every piece)
Chewing gum while in uniform
Nail polish while in uniform (Possible benching)
Incorrect or no bow while in uniform (possible benching).
Hair not pulled back and secured properly
Re-doing hair in front of crowd at games or performances.