Cheerleading Constitution
download constitution form (.pdf)

ARTICLE I: PURPOSE

The purpose of this organization shall be: to promote and uphold school spirit, to develop a sense of good sportsmanship among the students, to better relationships between schools during all athletic events, and possibly, to rank as one of the leading squads in the country.

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP

The inaugural cheerleading squad will consist of no more than 20 members. The squad will cheer at all home football games and both men’s and women’s home basketball games. Should there be an exceptional turnout at tryouts, two squads will be formed both consisting of no more than 15 members. The Black squad will have no tumbling requirement and will cheer at JV football games and women’s basketball while the Gold squad will cheer at varsity football games and men’s basketball and will be required to demonstrate tumbling skills.

ARTICLE III: RULES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The coach will be informed in advance if an individual will be missing any cheer event. After being told the reason for the absence, the coach shall decide if it is excused. Any notice given to the coach on the day of the event will automatically be deemed unexcused. Repeated violations can result in dismissal from the squad.

2. Excused absences consist of the following: serious illness or injury (must provide a doctor’s note or trainer’s explanation of the injury within 48 hours), family emergencies, classes, or a prearranged absence. The prearranged absence must be approved by the coach at least two weeks in advance. All other absences are unexcused.

3. A cheerleader will be removed from the squad after missing two events. Excused absences do not count against you.

4. Tardiness/Unexcused Absences:
? 5+ minutes late equals one tardy
? 2 tardies equal one unexcused absence
? 45+ minutes late will equal one unexcused absence (consideration will be shown if you show up to practice)
? Two unexcused absences result in removal from the team.
5. Eligibility: Cheerleaders must be full time students, maintain a 2.0 grade point average and at least 12 credit hours.

6. No consumption of alcohol before or during any event.

7. During football season, cheerleaders must arrive at the field one hour and a half before the scheduled game time.

8. During basketball season, cheerleaders must report to the gym at least one hour prior to game time.

9. Cheerleaders must ride the designated transportation to and from away events unless approved by the coach.

10. The coach will receive input from squad members as to the selection of captains. The coach will make the final selection based on team input, responsibility, and dedication.

11. Captains responsibilities:
- Making phone calls
- Making decisions on game day
- Relaying messages to and from the coach and squad members
- The coach reserves the right to name new captains in the event that the job is not done properly.

12. All cheerleaders will be required to participate in fundraisers planned by the coach. A Schedule will be given to you when appropriate.

13. Event Rules:
A. The following are specific guidelines that must be followed at all times.
1. No jewelry-includes all piercings, rings, necklaces, etc.
2. Uniforms are clean and pressed.
3. Shoes are clean and hair bows match.
4. Wear scheduled attire for all events.
B. Expected behavior at games and appearances:
1. Stand in line during the National Anthem.
2. No excess talking or goofing off.
3. No public displays of affection while in uniform or cheerleading attire.
4. No personal discussions with fans in the crowd.
5. No food/candy during an event.
6. No swearing or fighting.
7. Lead the crowd in cheers.
8. Focus on the game or event.
9. No smoking or drinking in any cheer attire in or out of season. This is
cause for immediate dismissal from the squad.

14. All cheerleaders must maintain their skills and physically fit appearance as shown at
tryouts. I f unable to perform skills or maintain appearance, the cheerleader may be
removed from the squad.

ARTICLE IV: TRYOUT RULES AND REGULATIONS

1. Cheerleaders will be selected from their ability to cheer, jump, dance, and tumble.

2. Requirements depend on the number of participants who tryout out.
One squad: jumps (herkie, hurdler, toe touch), standing back handspring, fight
song, cheer

Two Squads: Black-jumps (herkie, hurdler, toe touch), fight song, cheer
Gold-Jumps (herkie, hurdler, toe touch), fight song, cheer,
tumbling requirement

3. Attire will consist of a fitted tee or tank (sports bras must be covered), knit cheer shorts,
cheerleading shoes, hair worn in a ponytail, and no jewelry.

4. If the coach wants to add more squad members during the season, the original members do not have to tryout. Each year all cheerleaders will be required to tryout again.

5. Tryouts should always take place in the spring for the following academic year. Check
the website for updates information at http://www.adrian.edu/sports/cheer_tryouts.php

ARTICLE V: TRAINING ROOM POLICY

1. All cheerleaders must have their physical complete on the Adrian College form as well as their insurance form prior to participation.

2. All cheerleaders will be cleared by the nurse and training staff of Adrian College before participation begins.

3. If an injury occurs, you must report to the training room that evening if a trainer is available, or the next morning between 9:00 am and 12:00 noon. This is mandatory!

4. By participating as an Adrian College cheerleader, you are subject to minor, major, permanent, and possibly catastrophic injuries. It is to your discresion what you can safely perform.

ARTICLE VI: UNIFORMS AND FEES

1. Each squad member will be issued a full uniform. The uniforms are property of Adrian College and must be kept clean at all times. Any damages done to the uniform will result in the cheerleader paying for a replacement.

2. There is a $200.00 fee that each cheerleader must pay. The fee will be due on July 1. This fee will cover personal attire such as briefs, shoes, socks, hair accessories, and practice clothing.

ARTICLE VII: PRACTICE SCHEDULE

1. All practices are mandatory.

2. You may not schedule class or work during any practice or event times.

3. The practice schedule will be Sunday from 1-4 and Tuesday from 3-5 in the multi-purpose area of the Merillat.

4. We will practice for approximately one hour on Saturdays before home football games.

5. The coach will notify the captains of any changes. The captains will notify the squad in a timely manner.