Cheerleading Constitution and Bylaws

SPERRY CHEERLEADING CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS
I. Purpose
It shall be the purpose of “cheerleading” to promote and uphold spirit, to develop a sense of good sportsmanship, and to better the relationship between the schools with whom we compete.
The Sperry Elementary Cheerleaders are organized and formed under the Sperry Booster Club (S.B.C.), and as such hereby adopts and incorporates each and every S.B.C. by-law as its own. Furthermore, as part of the S.B.C., the Sperry Elementary Cheerleaders will operate and abide by the rules and regulations as set forth by the CFL Youth Football League.

II. Requirements
A) Any girl who wishes to be an elementary cheerleader must have Parent Permission forms turned in at a specified time, and pay for signup fee of $75 at time of signups
B) Provide two telephone numbers of who to contact in the event of an emergency or cancellation of games/practices.
C) Each cheerleader must not have an outstanding balance from the previous year.
D) Each cheerleader must participate in extra activities, including trash pickup after games.
E) Abide by the Sperry Cheerleader Conduct & Responsibility.
F) Attend Summer Camp prior to commencement of season.
G) Refunds will not be given unless there are health reasons identified prior to start of season.
H) Fundraiser monies will be used toward individual uniforms/gear. If you have a balance after uniform/gear is purchased, it will be allocated to Sperry Elementary Cheer account. Extra fundraiser money will not be provided to individuals.
I) Individual fundraisers where Sperry Elementary Cheerleading is used will not be permitted.

III. Uniforms
A) There is a $250 to $300 estimated cost of uniforms (including shoes, pompoms, etc., excluding insurance and camp fees). Coaches must inform parents of cost of individual items and only collect funds from parents as items are ordered.
B) All uniforms are custom ordered, therefore are NON-refundable and NON-returnable. Please take extra care when ordering and consider child’s expected summer growth.
C) Cheerleading squads will hold fundraisers in an effort to defray some of the individual out-of-pocket expenses. Individual participation is not a requirement for cheerleaders, but if a parent and cheerleader choose not to participate in fundraisers, the individual will pay a buy out or bare the cost out-of-pocket and will not receive funds from fundraisers.
D) All cheerleaders will be required to wear the agreed upon standard uniforms, notwithstanding the Right of Religious Affiliation. Uniforms or any part of the uniform are to be worn ONLY for game day and on the Friday immediately prior to game day.
E) Jewelry, inappropriate make-up/nail polish, body glitter or spray glitter will not be worn while in uniform (pending coach’s discretion as to inappropriateness).
F) Appropriate undergarments are to be worn under bloomers at all times.
G) Uniforms are to be properly cared for and maintained in excellent condition during the season.
IV. Practices, Games, and Locker Decorating
A) Attendance is required. Exceptions must be approved by the coach with a minimum of 24-hour notice given.
B) Cheerleaders must be picked up immediately after the practices and games. This is the responsibility of the child’s parent/guardian.
C) Each parent will be responsible for their child’s transportation to and from practices and games.
D) The squad will follow instructions from the coaches at all times.
E) Practices will be conducted in an orderly manner at all times.
F) It is the responsibility of the cheerleader to find out what was done at a missed practice in order to be prepared for the next activity or practice.
G) All cheerleaders shall be present at least 30 minutes before their respective game in full uniform.
H) Cheerleaders who have been sent home due to head lice or other physical/medical condition, will not be allowed to return to practice or game without proper notice from a doctor or the school that the condition has been resolved.
I) Should a cheerleader be suspended from school, the cheerleader will not be permitted to cheer during their respective games.
J) Practices may be closed if deemed necessary by coach to promote optimal performance of squad. Parents/family is allowed on permitted school grounds, but must remain separate from practice area.
K) If squads choose to decorate lockers, lockers will be decorated every Thursday prior to game day by the entire squad or as directed by cheer coach. Cheer coach or assistant coach must be present during all locker decorating (as lockers contain individual’s private property and entrance must be supervised).
L) All players and cheerleaders’ lockers will be included when decorating lockers to the best of the coach’s ability.

V. Conduct
A) Cheerleaders will conduct themselves properly at all times.
B) Cheerleaders will not display undesirable emotions such as anger, arguing, crying, loudness, rage, etc. at any time.
C) Cheerleaders will display good sportsmanship at all times.
D) Cheerleaders will follow all school rules at all times.
E) Cheerleaders will not shout at opposing teams at any time, in any manner.
F) Cheerleaders will have a positive attitude and set a good example at all times.
G) For any violations of the rules or conduct, the cheerleader will not cheer for a quarter. A written violation will be provided to the parent/guardian upon each offense.
H) In addition to this document, all 5th and 6th grade cheerleaders will be held responsible for their actions based on the guidelines set forth in the demerit schedule.


VI. Dismissal from squad
A) Suspension from school
B) Unbecoming conduct that reflects upon the reputation of the school.

VII. Eligibility
A) Cheerleaders are expected to maintain a passing grade-point average.

VIII. Mascots
A) Each coach will decide whether or not to have mascots.
B) All mascots must be at least 4 years old beginning August 1st of the upcoming football season to be a candidate for this position.
C) Mascots are required to attend all games and practices unless given permission by coach to miss.
D) Notify coach 24 hours in advance if mascot must miss a scheduled practice or game.
E) Mascots will not participate in half-time dance routine performance.
F) Mascots will not attend summer camp.
G) Mascots must pay a $25 sign up fee.

Medical Waiver

MEDICAL WAIVER
In the event of an Emergency situation, while on a S.E.C. program sanctioned event, I do hereby give my authorization to the coaches and their appointed team chaperone to grant emergency treatment to my child in the event that I and my family member, with every effort, cannot be contacted in a medical emergency situation.

I am fully competent to sign this release. I understand that participating in the activities of the S.E.C. program will involve strenuous physical activities and that there is a risk of injury associated with these activities. I understand that if my child/dependent is injured, he/she may require medical treatment and that I may not be present at the time of the injury. Accordingly, as Parent/Guardian, I hereby give my consent for medical care provided by a licenses medical nurse, physician’s assistant or Doctor of medicine/osteopathy under whatever condition is necessary to preserve the life, limb and well-being of my child/dependent.

Child’s Name: _____________________________________________

Parent Signature: __________________________________________

Fundraiser Agreement

FUNDRAISER AGREEMENT
By signing this form, I agree to return all funds earned from SEC fundraisers to the cheer coach or commissioner by the designated date. I understand the money my child earns will be used for uniform or cheer gear expenses. If money is left over in my daughter’s account after all expenses are paid, funds will go into the general SEC fund for end of year awards and expenses. I understand failure to return funds owed from the fundraiser will disqualify my child’s participation during the season or possible future seasons. All Fundraisers must be approved by the commissioner prior to start date.


Child’s Name: ____________________________________________

Parent Signature: _________________________________________

Parent Code of Ethics

Parent’s Code of Ethics
As a parent or guardian of a cheerleader participating in the Sperry Elementary Booster Club Organization, I pledge to support my child by following this Parent’s Code of Ethics
• I/We will do my very best to make youth cheerleading fun for my child.
• I/We will get interested in and learn the rules of the sport.
• I/We will encourage good sportsmanship by being a good sport myself.
• I/We will support coaches and officials working with my child.
• I/Will will treat others players, coaches, fans, and officials with respect and dignity.
• I/We will make only positive, encouraging comment s to players, coaches and officials.
• I/We will remember that making mistakes are part of the learning process and not criticize.
• I/We will not discuss any concerns I have in front of my child or their teammates.
• I/We will communicate any concerns regarding squad to head coach or commissioner.
• I/We will control my emotions.
• I/We will make every effort to see that my child arrives for and is picked up from practices and games on time.
• I/We will notify it my child can’t make practice or a game with as much notice as possible (preferably 48 hrs.). Halftime routine depends on ALL cheerleaders and adequate notice is needed to make adjustments to routine.
• I/We will provide and demand a sports environment for my child and every players at all practices, games and other activities that is free from illegal drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
• I/We will not use or tolerate the use of foul language by fans, players, or coaches.
• I/We will understand that a violation of this code of ethics will be subject to review by SBC board and could result in being prohibited from participating in practices, games, and other team activities for both myself and my child.