Spiritline

Hendrix Cheer Constitution

This Constitution has been written and adopted for the Spiritline. Hendrix Junior High School and the members of the Spiritline govern the Spiritline and its Constitution.

Purpose of Cheerleading

• The cheerleaders shall promote and uphold school spirit.
• They shall encourage good sportsmanship among students and adults.
• They shall promote unification of the crowd’s involvement during athletic events.
• They shall strive to build better relationships between schools.
• They shall strive to uphold the highest personal, as well as cheerleading standards.

Eligibility

1. Each student trying out for the Spiritline must pass all third quarter classes and not have been suspended from school during the 8 th grade
2. Attend the parent meeting
3. Have a physical on file in the office (March 1st)
4. Turn in all necessary paperwork
5. Watch the Informed Consent Video
6. Any student not meeting all of the above requirements will not be eligible to try out for the Spiritline.

Values of Cheerleading

1. Leadership
2. Physical fitness, coordination, and healthy lifestyle
3. Respect, courtesy, understanding, and self-control
4. Sportsmanship and citizenship
5. Sports appreciation
6. Responsibility and patience
7. Communication skills
8. Self-confidence and personal expression
9. Character
10. Moral development

General Cheerleading Guidelines

1. Must attend practice and show cooperation with other cheerleaders and the coach
2. Must know the cheers, chants, dances and routines for all games and performances
3. Must adhere to the rules as listed in the constitution
4. Maintain a positive attitude
5. Must take the responsibility of providing positive leadership both when cheering and when not cheering
6. Should always show respect and be courteous to the Hendrix staff, administrators, officials, coaches, and players
7. Should be aware of their appearance at all times, and always dress within the realms of the dress standards presented in the student handbook
8. Should strive to be modest in victory and gracious in defeat
9. Must follow the safety rules set forth by the National Federation
10. Should always remember that their primary responsibility is to support the athletic program

Captain or Head Cheerleader

1. Will be selected each sports season by a process involving a speech to the squad, squad voting, and coach’s input.
2. Basic responsibilities include but are not limited to:
   • Starting practices
   • Starting cheers and chants at games
   • Working closely with the coach
   • Responsible for equipment
   • Provide communication and organization for the entire squad
   • Fulfill any other designated duties

Coach Responsibilities

1. Attend and carefully supervise all practices and performances
2. Keep injury records
3. Have an emergency plan in case of accident or injury.
4. Certified in first aid and CPR
5. Keep skills charts as a record of progressions followed
6. Work with the administration
7. Communicate with the parents
8. Have a first aid kit at practices and games
9. Attend camps, clinics, and conferences to improve skills
10. Provide motivation, consistency, and organization for the squad
11. Make decisions regarding the following circumstances, which may be evaluated by the coach alone or with the athletic director
12. Undesirable behavior
13. Undesirable language or gestures
14. Failure to uphold the constitution
15. Violations of rules and regulations
16. Anything that harms the reputation of the program or the school

Cheerleader Conduct and Responsibility

1. A cheerleader shall cooperate with the captain, coach, game officials, and other squad members.
2. A cheerleader should be enthusiastic, prepared, and in command of the situation at all times.
3. A cheerleader should not eat, drink, or chew gum while in practice or while performing.
4. A cheerleader should not sit in the stands or leave the squad until the end of the game. (Benched cheerleaders shall sit with the coach in the stands.)
5. A cheerleader should promote good sportsmanship and school spirit through cooperation with other students, faculty, and administrators.
6. A cheerleader must remain in control of the academic aspects of school. Academics must come first and all classes must be passed in order to be eligible to cheer.

Uniforms and Appearance

1. Each cheerleader is responsible for his or her uniforms. This includes uniforms purchased by the cheerleader and uniforms on loan from the school.
2. The decision of which uniform will be worn and when will come from the coach with input from the captain and/or the squad.
3. Uniforms and camp clothes should only be worn in conjunction with a school event.
4. Uniforms will not be worn to school for the sake of wearing it.
5. Uniforms and camp clothes that are lost or damaged will be replaced by the cheerleader responsible for them
6. Hair must be held back securely out of the face during practice and while performing and games or other events.
7. Absolutely no jewelry will be allowed in practices or performances.
8. The required attire for practices will be a sports bra, black leotard, white T-shirt, red or black cheer shorts, and athletic shoes. Cheerleaders not in correct practice attire will be asked to leave practice for that day.
9. Make-up should be minimal and natural looking.

Games

1. See schedule for locations.
2. All students who participate in Spiritline performances/games must be in school for at least four periods the day of the performance.
3. Cheerleaders should report 45 minutes before the start of the game.
4. Cheerleaders must be in the correct uniform in order to perform.
5. All benched members must sit in the stands with the coach.
6. No eating, drinking, or chewing gum at a game. (Water excluded)

Practice Sessions

1. Attendance is required at all practices.
2. To participate in practice, Spiritline members must be in school for at least three periods of the day.
3. Missing a practice will result in being benched for a portion of the following performance.
4. Proper practice attire of a sports bra, black leotard, white T-shirt, black or red cheer shorts, and athletic shoes.
5. Hair must be up and no jewelry on.

Dismissal From The Team

Any member dismissed from the squad through due process by the coach or administrator for such actions that are deemed inappropriate for those who have been selected as leaders of the school.

A dismissed member shall…

1. Turn in all uniforms
2. Not participate in any further activities with the Spiritline
3. Not receive any reimbursement for any cheer related items
4. Not receive a letter

Special Events (Dates and times to be announced)

1. Pep Assemblies
2. Spirit Strips
3. End of the Year Dance
4. Community Service
5. Try outs for the following year

Competition

1. We can participate in a competition in the spring.
2. Competition is optional for the cheerleaders
3. Cheerleaders that are in Spring Sports or the Musical will not be able to participate in the competition due to scheduling conflicts.
4. Practices will be increased around the time of the competition.

Awards Banquet

1. Held in the winter or spring
2. Put on by the Husky Parent Support Team
3. Cheerleaders are usually responsible for bringing dessert