Spirit Squad Handbook/Constitution
Expectations
MEMBERSHIP AND REQUIREMENTS:
Designation of Squads: (tentative)
Cheer Squad: (freshman, sophomores, juniors, and seniors)
Fall: Cheer/Support* varsity home & away football, home varsity soccer, &
select away soccer games, support other fall sports
Winter: Cheer/Support all varsity girls & boys basketball & Wrestling
Support Swimming and Diving
Spring: Support* all Spring varsity athletic events and may attend designated events
Pom Squad: (freshman, sophomores, juniors, & seniors)
Fall: Cheer/Support* cheer/dance sidelines of varsity home & away football, support other fall
sports
Perform half time home football games
Band Festivals – 3 Saturdays in the Fall
Parades – TBA-KU Band Day, Festivals
Winter: Cheer/Support all varsity girls & boys basketball & Wrestling
Pack the House performance, Half time performances, participating/planning
Spring: Support* all Spring varsity athletic events and may attend designated events
*Support means – signs, locker notes, treat bags etc.
Additional Responsibilities: There may be some varsity events or school functions of which
the sole purpose is to encourage school spirit that all spirit squad members may be required to
attend or participate. They will be given ample notice concerning these events and functions.
Work and non-school related activities are not a valid excuse to miss these events.
Examples:
Pack the House/Late Night
Homecoming - week long activities
Red & Black Week
Spirit Week
Marching Band Competitions/concerts
Pep Assemblies (rallies)--during school and evenings
All Sports Banquets
Cheer/attend post season competitions for any qualifying sports
Community activities
Festivals for cheer and dance
Pom Squad –Band Festivals in the Fall,
Cheer/pom squads may apply to perform at half-time of the boys or girls state basketball
tournaments.
Cheer/pom squads will help with middle school tryouts in the Spring.
Cheer/pom seniors will help with high school tryouts in the Spring.
Fundraising: Spirit squad members and parents will be asked to participate in fundraising
activities as needed.
In the past, fundraising activities have not defrayed the cost of items listed in this handbook. The
parent group may choose to use fundraising for this purpose. The Spirit Squad does not receive
funds from the district for operating costs, it is imperative that all members raise money to
support the Spirit Squad.
Listed below are examples of items that we have needed money for in the past:
• Choreography - TBD
• Music for performances, senior gifts, banquet supplies - $500.00 +
• Expenses squad to attend state wrestling in Wichita (hotel rooms)
• Treats for teams/athletes - does not come out of cheerleader's pocket
• Electronic equipment
• Private coaching (choreography for new stunts/routines)
• Competition Costs - $2,500 both squads
• Spirit items
• Costumes for Performances
Tentative Fundraisers/Dates
Monday, April 5, 2016-Fundraiser/Cookie Dough Parent and Squad Member Meeting @
7:00- Turnn in April 19.
Little Lion Clinic – During Football season- TBA
Dance Clinic – during basketball season –TBA (Pom)
Middle School Clinic – TBA-August
ELECTION & SQUAD REQUIREMENTS: All squads member are encouraged to enroll
in weights during the school year, they are strongly encouraged to enroll for both semesters
Grades:
1. Members' grades must meet the standards of the KSHSAA. A squad member must pass 5
subjects the previous semester & be enrolled in 5 subjects to participate.
2. Coaches may require grade checks during the year.
Eligibility:
1. All participants must have completed the appropriate forms to participate in the clinics and
tryout to become a member of the cheerleader squad.
2. Each student must have a completed physical examination form on file before the clinics. (If
you have competed in any sports the past year, you may already have a physical on file at that
school).
3. New physicals dated and signed by a doctor after May 1 of the current year are REQUIRED
for all current members of the spirit squads and for new squad members along with all other
required athletic department forms. The five (5) new copies of the required athletic forms for
2014-2015 must be on file in the athletic office before the first class date.
4. Lawrence High School does not discriminate on the basis of race, creed, sex, or religion.
RESPONSIBILITIES AND RULES: See Constitution
Game Attendance:
Required for all activities. (Valid excuses include, but are not held to, serious illness or injury).
If a student has a conflict because of a school related activity, he/she should work it out in at
least 48 hours in advance with the coach.
Work and non-related school activities are not considered a valid excuse in ANY situation!
(Dance/All-star cheer classes/competitions)- Please communicate and be willing to compromise and
we will too.
Although participating in another sport and cheerleading/pom are extremely difficult, a
pom/cheerleader/yell leader/mascot who chooses to do so must work with both his/her
cheer/pom coach and the other sport's coach of the sport in which they are participating. It is not
fair to other teammates and squad members to have a member missing from their squad or team
during an event or practice.
If a game is missed because of illness, the coaches must be notified BEFORE the event as soon
as possible! A note from the parent must follow.
School Attendance: Students must attend school 3 hours, the day of the event. (Practice and
games)
Practice Attendance: Practice is required for all poms/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots. (Valid
excuses include, but are not held to, serious illness or injury).
Attendance Conflicts: If a pom/cheerleader/yell leader/mascot has a conflict because of school
related activities, serious illness, or injury, they must notify the coach as soon as possible before
the practice. If a pom/cheerleader/yell leader/mascot misses a practice because of a school
related activity, they must notify the coach at least 48 hours in advance.
No Texting to report absence!
If you are missing practice, have parent call. Calling does not mean absences are excused.
Unexcused absences = work, outside cheer/dance, non-school related activities, etc.
All tardies and unexcused absences will be dealt with by individual coaches.
Time missed will be time made up!
3 unexcused absences will result in dismissal from squad
WORK & NON-SCHOOL RELATED ACTIVITIES ARE NOT A VALID EXCUSE!
It’s an extreme hardship for a team to have one member missing.
Summer Attendance: Practices and summer camp are required. If a squad member misses
practices before attending camp, the coaching staff will determine if that squad member will
participate in the “Home Routine” the first night of camp. This year squad members will attend
the LHS weight program during scheduled pom/cheer practices. Most of our preparations for the
entire year will be completed and discussed during the summer practices. (Practices and Camps
will be the month of June, July is off, Pom will have Band Camp in August, Cheers will come
back the week before school starts)
Tentative Spring/Summer Schedule: (see attached calendar)
Pom/Cheer Camp- Sheraton Hotel KC MO June 20-21
Summer Workout Schedule: In order for the pom/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots squad
members to perform at a competitive level, and to prevent injury; they must choose to build their
endurance and strength during the summer. This summer the girls will attend the LHS weight
program during practice time, they will be done with practice by 9:45 a.m
Cheer Squad: see Constitution for Demerit System
Pom Squad- Consequences for Absences and Tardies: Tardies and unexcused absences will
not be tolerated. Each squad’s coaches will set consequences for these infractions. A policy of
Three Strikes you’re Out will be enforced. Examples of Infractions/Strikes listed below:
1.
Unexcused absence from game = 1 strike and consequence determined by the appropriate
coach.
2.
Unexcused absence from practice = 1 strike and consequence determined by the
appropriate coach.
3.
An unexcused absence from school = 1 strike and consequence determined by the
appropriate coach
4.
Other infractions will be dealt with when appropriate by the coaching staff.
5.
Consequences for Code of Conduct violations may counted as a strike and/or may be
determined by the school administration.
6.
Strikes: 1st Strike - parents will be notified (in person or by telephone)
2nd Strike - conference with parents, student, coaches, and an administrator to
discuss member's violations and solution.
3rd Strike – pom/cheerleader/yell leader/mascot will be dropped from the squad
and parents will be notified prior to dismissal.
Additional consequences for tardies, unexcused absences, etc. will be determined at the coaches’
discretion
Personal Conduct and Attitude:
All squad members are representatives of Lawrence High School. The coach and the
administration will take appropriate disciplinary action should a pom/cheerleader/yell
leader/mascot exhibit undesirable behavior that should occur during the time period that the
individual is a member of the squad, in or out of school or at any school sponsored activity.
Undesirable behavior is defined as any behavior that is inappropriate, brings discredit to, and/or
causes embarrassment to other squad members, coaches, administration, or Lawrence High
School. Failure to uphold these rules will result in a conference/disciplinary action with the
coaches, athletic director, and other designated parties.
Spirit Squad Members Performance Requirements:
1. Pom/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots will need to be present at least 60 minutes prior to the
start of an event, or be there by the time set by the coach. This means stretched out and ready to
perform.
2. Pom/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots must be dressed in required performance attire and
have hair pulled back at arrival time.
3. Pom/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots will meet at the appointed place 15 minutes before the
time of departure for away games.
4. No jewelry is to be worn. (KSHSAA rules). Absolutely no pierced jewelry can be worn
during events or practices. (Absolutely no belly button rings, earrings, nose rings, tongue,
etc.) 5.
5. On the day of the event, each squad member will wear the designated/approved uniform to
school.
6. Hair must be pulled back and off the shoulders when tumbling or building according to
KSHSAA rules. Any body piercing that is visible when wearing a uniform will be covered with
material provided by the coaching staff
7. No gum allowed during performances or practices.
8. Tattoos will be covered with makeup or bandages if they show outside the given uniform or
costume
9. Refer to rules concerning tardies and absences.
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Squad members are not allowed to leave the track or courts during half time unless it is
an emergency.
We need to support the band and anyone who may be performing at this time.
Pom/cheerleaders/yell leaders/mascots need to keep their attention on the event they are
performing at.
There will be not be unnecessary conversations with fans in the stands or with squad
members.
Practice Requirements: Tentative for 2016-2017
1. Tentative Pom (pom members will enroll in Band as an elective-they will receive a grade for
this class)
Monday –Friday 7th hour 2:05-4:00
Tuesday-6:00-8:30 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am- 8:30 am
Designated Sundays each month
2nd Semester ––
Monday 3:15-5:15pm
Tuesday 6:30-9:00 pm
Wednesday 6:30 am- 8:30 am
Some Sundays
2. Tentative Cheer
Monday and Wednesdays 5:00-7:00, some Sundays
Posters and signs may need to be done outside of practice time.
Cheer practice attire includes: shorts, T-shirt, & athletic shoes. Hair must be pulled back and no
jewelry or gum. Pom- Appropriate dance attire, dance shoes, hair pulled back and no jewelry
or gum.
Refer to rules concerning tardies and absences.
Coaches must be present at all practices.
Financial Obligations: (please read payment plan options)
Participants/parents will be responsible for providing accessories as listed below:
(Cost is approximate and may be less depending on the squad and parents' willingness to fund raise)
Lawrence High School Cheer/Pom Squad
Constitution
1. It shall be the purpose of the LHS Cheer/Pom Team Members:
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To promote and uphold school spirit
To represent LHS to the highest degree
To set an example of good behavior at all times, whether in uniform or not, in
class, at games and at all school functions, if or if not performing.
To entertain the public at half times of home football and basketball games, at
pep assemblies, and any other function requested and agreed upon to perform.
To work cooperatively with other spirit organizations.
2. Personal Conduct and Attitude:
• All squad members are representatives of Lawrence High School and will act
as leaders of the school.
• Negative attitudes and disrespectful behavior will result have consequences
and possibly a demerit.
• Members will only practice when coach or director is present. NO coach-NO
practice. NO use of the small gym without coach or sponsor present.
• The coach and the administration will take appropriate disciplinary action
should a pom/cheerleader/yell leader/mascot exhibit undesirable behavior that
should occur during the time period that the individual is a member of the
squad, in or out of school or at any school sponsored activity. Undesirable
behavior is defined as any behavior that is inappropriate, brings discredit to,
and/or causes embarrassment to other squad members, coaches,
administration, or Lawrence High School.
• Failure to uphold these rules will result in a conference/disciplinary action with
the coaches, athletic director, and other designated parties.
3. Spirit Squad Members Game/Performance Requirements:
Cheerleaders/pom/yell-leaders will need to be present at least 60 minutes prior
to the start of an event, or be there by the time set by the coach. This means
stretched out and ready to perform.
• Cheerleaders/pom/yell-leaders must be dressed in required performance attire
and have hair pulled back at arrival time.
• Cheerleaders/pom/yell-leaders must will meet at the appointed place 15
minutes before the time of departure for away games.
• No jewelry is to be worn during events or practices. (KSHSAA rules)
**Zero tolerance for belly button rings, earrings, nose rings, tongue, etc at
practices, games, or events; failure to comply—cheerleader will be
benched
• On the day of the event, each squad member will wear the
designated/approved uniform or outfit to school.
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Hair must be pulled back and off the shoulders when tumbling or stunting.
(KSHSAA rules)-pom hair may vary for performances.
No gum allowed during practices, games, or performances.
No cell phones allowed during practices, games, or performances; emergency
situations will be determined at coach’s discretion.
Tattoos will be covered with makeup or bandages if they show outside the
given uniform
We need to support the band and anyone who may be performing at this time.
There will be not any unnecessary conversations with fans in the stands or with
squad members.
Squad members are not allowed to leave the track or courts during half time
unless it is an emergency.
4. Rules and Consequences for Attendance
Cheer/pom squad members are required to be prepared and on time to all
practices, games, and performances as set by the sponsor or a demerit will be
given.
• Members will be prepared for practice and performances.
• Members may not leave practice/game early without prior approval permission.
• If a member has an injury; they are still expected to attend practices. A parent
note or doctor note will be required before a cheerleader is allowed to resume
practice after an injury.
! Demerits system (cheer team) **Demerits will be kept by coach and director
• Unexcused absences/tardies from practice will result in demerits or other
disciplinary action.
Examples: work, unexcused tardies at school, unprepared for practice or
game (missing gear), hair appointments, ALARMS not going off, not knowing
call time, or other appointments on required days.
• Additional consequences for tardies, unexcused absences, etc. will be
determined at the coaches’ discretion
• If you are attending a school sponsored event, you will be excused only if the
sponsor is notified.
• Illnesses and family emergencies are “excused” absences only if the sponsor is
notified by parent or guardian.
• Missing a scheduled practice, performance, or fundraiser will result in a demerit
or being benched.
• Consequences for Code of Conduct violations will as a strike and/or may be
determined by the school administration.
! Benched for a game:
o If a cheerleader accumulates 5 demerits, they will be benched for the next
performance.
o If a cheerleader is benched they are still expected to be at practices and
performances.
o If a cheerleader falls below KSHSAA guidelines for participation in high
school athletics.
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! Dismissal from team:
o If cheerleader member is removed from the team, or voluntarily quits, the
member will not be allowed to try-out again for one year.
o Upon accumulating 8 demerits the dancer will be removed from the team.
All parents/guardians and cheerleaders will be required to read the LHS
Handbook and the Squad Constitution and sign the following and return it to the
sponsor at first practice.
Lawrence High School Cheer/Pom Squad
Constitution
Spirit Squad Member Name: ________________________ Cell number
________________________
Parent(s) Name: ________________________ Cell number ________________________
Email: ____________________________________
Parent/Guardian:
I/We, the parent(s) of the above named, have read the Cheer /PomTeam constitution and
handbook and understand all the requirements and consequences of improper actions. I/We
understand the sponsor has the final say in my/our daughter’s/son’s remaining on the team. We
also realize this is a team effort and that we may be called upon to help throughout the year.
Parent Name ____________________________________________
Parent signature __________________________________________Date __________________
Cheerleader/Pom:
As a member of the LHS cheer/pom team for the school year of 2015-2016, I have fully read the
constitution and handbook and understand what is expected of me to remain a member in good
standing. I will keep myself knowledgeable and informed of all rules and realize the
consequences of poor behavior or inappropriate actions may be severe. I will do all I can to
uphold the honor and the tradition of the Lawrence High School Cheer Team, and respect my
team members, my director, my school, and all persons associated with school spirit at all times.
I understand that my teammates are depending on me.
Cheerleader/Pom Name ________________________________________
Cheerleader/Pom signature ________________________________________Date