MHS Cheerleading Code of Conduct 2015-2016

Mansfield High School Cheerleaders
Code of Conduct 2015-2016
At Mansfield High School, it is a privilege to be a Tiger and we want to ensure that every cheerleader exemplifies
our motto, “Tiger Pride through Excellence.” Outlined in this document are the expectations a Mansfield High
School Cheerleader should uphold throughout the cheerleading year, tryout to tryout, in and out of uniform.
This document is designed to serve as a set of general guidelines for administrators, coaches, parents, and student
cheerleaders. Good judgment and common sense will be used when events are not covered in this document or
the MISD High School Cheerleader and Mascot Constitution. The interpretation of this Code of Conduct is the
responsibility of the coach and principal. They have the right to add or delete items they feel are necessary for
the benefit of the organization. Any changes in these guidelines will be communicated in writing to all
cheerleaders and their parents prior to going into effect.
For all intents and purposes, the Mansfield High School Cheerleaders Code of Conduct and the MISD
Cheerleading Constitution apply to each member of the program from tryout to tryout.
General Expectations
In or out of uniform, we expect the Mansfield High School Cheerleaders to be role models in our school and lead
by example. In addition to academics and school spirit, cheerleaders will meet the following expectations on and
off the field:
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Work and practice hard
Be honest and truthful
Respect your teachers, classmates, and teammates
Be good role models
Display positive school spirit
Show good sportsmanship
Exhibit positive attitudes toward cheerleading
Exhibit excellent character, conduct, and citizenship
Moral and Ethical Expectations
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Cheerleaders should be leaders within their school and set a good example at all times. Cheerleaders are
expected to have and maintain character above reproach and to exhibit personal appearance and habits
that will reflect a positive image.
Cheerleaders are constantly representing Mansfield High School, both at and away from school; they are
never to smoke, drink, use drugs, or show an inappropriate public display of affection. Cheerleaders must
also avoid any postings on social media sites that include profanity, disparaging/un-sportsman like
comments, bullying, pictures of drugs, alcohol, tobacco or nudity, or inappropriate behavior.
Cheerleaders must never put themselves in a compromising position If others around the cheerleader are
not acknowledging the proper social or moral standards and values outlines in this code of conduct, the
cheerleader will be expected to remove herself from the situation immediately.
These expectations apply at all times, not just at school functions.
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Cheerleading Seasons
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Spring – Tryouts, Spirit of Texas training, conditioning and preparation for camp
Summer – Camp, fundraising, summer practices, team photos, summer social
Fall – Spirit of Texas training, pep rallies, football, volleyball, Homecoming, Black Out, Pink Out, Senior
Night, Varsity Football program sales
Winter – Basketball, Toys for Tots, Adopt-a-Child, Christmas party, cheer banquet, conditioning and
preparation for tryouts
Skills
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Cheerleaders should always be improving their skills. A decline in skills may result in being benched from
games or performances until the skills are improved to at least the level demonstrated at tryouts. This
does not include a decline in skills due to a new injury.
Outside tumbling is highly recommended.
Competition Team
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Mansfield High School usually participates in competitive high school cheerleading.
Separate tryouts will take place after school starts at Spirit of Texas. Team size and division depend on
the number of girls trying out and their skill level. Not all members who try out are guaranteed to make
the team.
There is an additional fee to be a member of the competitive team.
Practices begin after competitive tryout outs and run through the last competition.
The Mansfield High School Cheerleaders Code of Conduct will be enforced for competitive practices.
Uniform Expectations
 Uniforms must be clean and free from stains during all performances and appearances.
 Hair up in a ponytail or half up with coordinating bow (each squad member will wear hair the same way).
 No jewelry allowed (ACCAA rule).
 No gum allowed.
 Neutral, clear, black, or gold nail polish only. (no chipped nail polish)
 No visible tattoos.
 No belly button rings.
 White no-show socks and clean white cheer shoes only.
 When in uniform, cheerleaders may only wear their MHS cheer warm ups, letter jacket, or other MHS
cheer winter gear.
 Performance make-up includes red lipstick, blush, smoky eye shadow, eye liner, and mascara. False
eyelashes not mandatory, but are encouraged.
 Cheerleaders will not loan out uniforms or Mansfield cheer t-shirts to friends.
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Game Day Expectations
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Please eat a light dinner prior to every game.
If it is a home game, you are to arrive completely dressed and in uniform at the time designated by your
coach. If it is an away game that requires travel by bus, you are to arrive at the time indicated by your
coach.
At the game, cheerleaders are required to stay engaged in the game and remain in formation until breaks
are given.
Cheerleaders will face the field/court in cheer stance throughout the quarters/periods.
Cheerleaders will hold poms at all times unless tumbling or stunting.
Cheerleaders will tumble, jump, and spirit after cheers and chants.
Drinks are to be kept out of sight (under megaphone, against the fence/wall). Only water bottles or
refillable jugs allowed. No fast food (ie: Sonic) cups.
Cheerleaders will perform the Fight Song routine each time it is played (learn and anticipate when it will
be played so that you are ready to begin).
Cheerleaders may converse with girls next to them, but they cannot yell or walk across the formation to
chat with the other girls.
Water breaks will be given and safety is always number one.
You will not be allowed to leave the field or court in between quarters, so make sure you go to the
bathroom prior to game time.
Cell phones need to remain in your cheer backpack and only checked during halftime.
Cheerleaders will take a knee when a player is injured.
Cheerleaders will get a break during half time and will return from break by the beginning of the 3:00
minute warning clock.
Cheerleaders are required to know what is going on in the game.
Nothing perfected in practice will be performed at a game.
Cheerleaders will help throw away trash and clean area at the end of the game.
Cheerleaders must check out with her coach before they leave.
Pep Rally Expectations
There will be three to four pep rallies during the school year, planned by the Student Council. Parents are always
invited to attend and take pictures. We will hold additional practices the week of a pep rally, if necessary.
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Cheerleaders are always responsible for any work they missed due to pep rally preparation and
participation.
Cheerleaders are expected to perform in uniform at every pep rally.
Cheerleaders will exemplify Tiger Pride by knowing and singing the school song and fight song. Lead by
example!
While waiting to performing, cheerleaders will sit lady-like with legs folded to one side, knees together.
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Practice Expectations
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Be dressed and ready to practice no later than 10 minutes after the tardy bell (tardy bell rings at 2:10 pm;
be ready at 2:20 pm).
Hair up, gum out, jewelry off
No cell phones allowed during practice
No food or drinks allowed on mats or in cheer room
Wear correct attire (cheer shorts, designated Mansfield Cheer t-shirt, cheer shoes)
Pay attention and only talk at appropriate times
Follow stretches and do them correctly
Practice skills
Concentrate and put in 110% effort!
Have a positive attitude
Be willing to try something new
Encourage your teammates
Help those that are struggling
Address coaches, captains, and squad members with respect
Make sure your coaches know if you are sick or injured
Be your best every day!
Attendance/Absences
Absence from practice or events affects not just you, but your entire team. You have a responsibility to be at all
practices and events unless illness, injury, or emergency prevents it.
Injury or illness that will require a cheerleader to miss or not participate in more than two consecutive practices
or events requires a doctor’s note. Lack of proper documentation will result in unexcused absences.
Excused absences include:
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personal illness with parent/doctor’s note
death in family
special school activities with advance approval from coach
Unexcused absences include:
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work/employment
vacations
non-UIL or non-Mansfield High School events such as competitive cheer practice/competition
doctor or other appointments scheduled during cheer practice or games/events unless the cheerleader is
too ill/injured to perform
Cheer class / practice absences:
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If a cheerleader is absent, it is her responsibility to find out what was covered and learn any new material
that was missed.
Any absence could result in being moved to a different position in a routine, chant line, or performance,
or removed completely from a routine or performance.
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Cheerleaders must call or text the coach ahead of time to let them know of any absence prior to the
beginning of cheer class.
If you are absent from school or leave early due to illness on the day of a game/event, then you are
expected to stay home and not attend the game/event. Attending a game or performance the same day
you are too sick to attend school, or leave early to go home sick, will result in being benched from the
next game/event.
Consequences for absences from practice/events:
Parents will be notified if absences result in a benching.
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Excused absence without prior notice – 1/2 game benching
Unexcused absence – 1 game benching
Planned Absence
Each cheerleader will be allotted two absences for personal reasons.
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Cheerleader request permission at least 7 days prior to the planned absence
Requests may be denied in order to ensure enough cheerleaders will be present at each event
Multiple requests to be absent from the same event will be considered on a first come, first served basis
If an absence is denied, the absence will be unexcused and result in 1 game benching
Every effort should be made to schedule absences during times that do not involve practices or performances.
Each cheerleader is an integral part of the program and their attendance is necessary for the overall program
success.
Summer Practices
Each missed summer practice will result in a full game benching. The benching(s) will be served at the beginning
of the school year. Absences from summer practices will only be excused for illness with a doctor’s note or death
in the family. Cheerleaders who are injured are still expected to attend.
Social and Digital Media Expectations
In regards to social and digital media, all cheerleaders are expected to follow the guidelines stated below. These
expectations apply to all forms of social and digital media including but not limited to tweeting, posting, liking,
favoriting, retweeting, subtweeting, tagging, texting, snap chatting, or sharing any form of media that violates
these expectations.
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Maintain a positive attitude and image towards all school related functions, teams, team members,
administration and staff, and Mansfield Cheer.
Respect and follow all school, district, and Mansfield Cheer policies regarding social media at all times.
If these expectations are not met, all cheerleaders involved will face consequences including, but not limited to,
demerits, benchings, or dismissal from Mansfield Cheer.
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The Demerit System
In order to hold the cheerleaders accountable for their choices and set clear expectations, there is a demerit
system in place. We expect commitment and organization so we can be the best high school cheerleaders in
Mansfield ISD.
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Demerits are in effect throughout the year (March to March).
Demerits can be given in or out of cheer class and by any of the cheer coaches.
Up to three demerits per year may be worked off by completing activities designated by the coaches
Parents will be notified if demerits result in a benching.
Conditioning must be scheduled with your coach and sometimes may not be available the same day as
the demerit.
3rd demerit = 1/2 game benching, parent contact and you must still attend activities
4th demerit = 30 minutes of conditioning
5th demerit = 30 minutes of conditioning
6th demerit = 1 game benching, parent contact and you must still attend activities
7th demerit = 30 minutes of conditioning
8th demerit = 30 minutes of conditioning
9th demerit = 1 game benching, conference with coach and administrator and you must still attend activities
10th demerit = 30 minutes of conditioning
11th demerit = 30 minutes of conditioning
12th demerit = 1 game benching, parent conference and possible removal from the cheer program
Demerit List
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Tardy to practice or game
Tardy coming back from halftime
Not in correct practice attire
Wrong or missing uniform pieces (including bow, poms, megaphone, and cold weather gear)
Not completing your assigned game duty (Gatorade jug, signs, snacks, tape/scissors, etc…)
Jewelry or gum
Hair not pulled up / back
Lack of effort
Unprepared (not knowing material)
Not maintaining proper sideline behavior
Not helping in set-up or clean-up (practice, pep rally, or performance)
Possession or use of cell phone during practice or performance without permission from coach
Disrespectful to coaches, captain, or teammates
Inappropriate behavior on or off the field, including on social media
Not completing or returning items by due date
Public display of affection in uniform
Inappropriate language (verbal or otherwise) at practice or an event
Inappropriate behavior or poor sportsmanship at practice or events
Insubordination (refusing to following instructions)
Failure to meet other communicated expectation
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The Merit System
The merit system is in place to ensure the cheerleaders are the true leaders of the school. Merits do not
counteract demerits. The cheerleaders are required to earn 10 merits per six weeks, but more is always better.
The top merit earner will be honored at the cheer banquet. Cheerleaders will be required to submit a Merit
Tracking Form to his or her coach by the end of each six weeks.
Merit List
Making spirit signs to decorate the school
Community Service within the school (volunteering to help another staff member, peer
tutoring, volunteering for extra activities at the school, other forms of community
service can be confirmed with the cheer coach)
Perfect attendance for the six weeks (this includes no tardies to any class period).
Teacher commendation
Act of kindness toward other squad members (we must see it to award it)
Practicing with another MHS cheer squad
Attending outside tumbling or cheer classes (teacher’s signature required)
Community Service outside the school
All A Honor Roll
A & B Honor Roll
1 merit per sign
1 merit per hour
5 merits
3 merits
1 merit
1 merit
1 merit
1 merit per hour
5 merits
3 merits
Additional merit opportunities will be approved and/or determined by the cheer coach.
Cheer Class Grading System
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90% Participation
10% Merits
o Merits (up to 10) add to grade (extra will not rollover to the next six weeks, but all merits do
accumulate towards Highest Merit Earner for the year)
UIL Eligibility
Grades will be checked based on UIL Eligibility and state regulations. The UIL & TEA Side by Side Eligibility for
Extra Curricular Activities will be followed.
If a cheerleader is failing at the end of a six week grading period, he or she will not be able to participate in any
games, pep rallies, or activities until eligibility is regained at the end of the next 3 week grading period. They will
still attend practices. If they decide to attend a game, pep rally, or activity as a spectator, they are required to
wear street clothes. Any member of the team that becomes ineligible more than one six weeks grading period
will be removed from the team.
In-School Suspension (AC)
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1st Offense = 1 game benching
2nd Offense = 1 game benching
3rd Offense = Removal from squad
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Dismissal
Cheerleaders who exhibit the following behaviors will be subject to permanent dismissal from the squad.
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Three unexcused absences
Suspension from school to Alternative Placement (Behavior Intervention Center)
Suspension from school
Receiving in school suspension (AC) for a third time
Accumulating 12 demerits
Found in possession, transmittal, sale, attempted sale, using, or under the influence of a controlled
substance, dangerous drugs, or alcohol
Found smoking, using, or possessing tobacco products on any school property, at any school function, or
while representing the school
Engaging in inappropriate verbal, physical, or sexual conduct (including on social media).
Becoming ineligible more than one six weeks grading period
Continued and excessive disciplinary problems of a persistent and/or serious nature
Parent Commitment
Parent/guardian commitment and involvement are vital to the success of each cheerleader and the cheerleading
team. The following is expected:
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Parents will be supportive and positive about all aspects of the program.
Parents should direct all questions or concerns about the program to the coaches first.
Parents must be willing to make the monetary commitment necessary to fulfill obligations related to the
duties and responsibilities associated with being a member of the cheerleading squad.
All financial obligations must be met for the cheerleader to attend banquet.
Parents need to schedule all appointments so as to avoid the cheerleader missing cheer class, practices,
or events as this impacts the entire squad.
Parents will treat each other with kindness and respect at all cheer events, especially in front of the
cheerleaders.
Veteran parents should offer assistance and guidance to rookie parents when necessary. Don’t assume
everyone knows everything.
Communication
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Coaches will communicate with cheerleaders and parents through email, Remind text messaging service,
iCalendar and/or printed calendars.
It is required that either the cheerleader or the parent (preferably both) sign up to receive the Remind
text messages, as this is our primary and most efficient means of communication.
Concerns of the cheerleader should be brought to the coach by the cheerleader first, not the parent.
Concerns of the parent should be brought to the attention of the squad coach first, and every attempt
should be made to resolve the problem at that level. If the problem cannot be resolved or continues, the
proper chain of command should be followed (Varsity Coach – Michele Hamilton; Cheerleader Assistant
Principal – Jeff Pollard; MHS Principal – Jennifer Young; MISD Fine Arts Director – Russ Sanders).
Every effort will be made to announce practices, performances, and events well in advance to avoid any
schedule conflicts. However, when necessary, unscheduled practices and events may be called with a 24hour advance notice.
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