Henry County Middle School

1. Henry County Middle School Cheering Elite

2. The goals of the HCMS cheer Squad are to create young ladies who are dedicated, hard-working, and respectable, through participation in an organization that will facilitate teamwork, high self-esteem and leadership. I am looking for ambitious young ladies that exhibit morals and positive attitudes. We will continue to set standards of excellence and poise, for which we will need exemplary behavior and high academic achievement to continue this program.

3. PURPOSE:It shall be the purpose of the Henry County Middle Cheering Elite to promote and uphold team spirit for those we encounter, to develop good sportsmanship by example, to support good relations in the community and between teams and squads during events. The organizational goal is to work in harmony with the Team management and administration, other athletic teams and sporting organizations. HCMS Cheer Constitution 2014-2015

4. Membership Requirements • All candidates are required to satisfy the following requirements: • Pass all core and connection courses with a grade of 70% or better. • Maintain a 2.5 GPA or above • Good attendance and conduct • Must have a physical on file • Obtain medical insurance, either through the school or on your own. If you have your own insurance, bring in a copy of the insurance card. • Signed cheer permission slip • A COMPLETED application, signed by parent/guardian • Attend ALL days of clinics/tryouts • I understand and acknowledge that if I do not maintain satisfactory conduct, school attendance and a good academic standing that I may be subject to automatic dismissal from the a Henry County Middle School Cheer Squad. I have read the information enclosed and agree to comply with ALL terms and conditions. HCMS Cheer Constitution 2014-2015

5. All cheerleading activities are mandatory. • Cheerleaders are expected to be on time always. • In case of emergency or illness, the parent must contact the coach by phone on the day of the emergency BEFORE the scheduled practice, performance, meeting or game. • If not notified prior to the scheduled event, then the absence will remain unexcused. • If a cheerleader has an unexcused absence at a practice, then she will be required to attend all games and is expected to sit with the coach in the stands. • ABSENCES • EXCUSED ABSENCES = illness, death in the family. • UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: • 1 unexcused absence allowed • Should be used for high school visits, work, family reunions, weddings, family birthdays, etc. • Requires a parent phone call 2 weeks in advance. • Please remember the COMMITMENT you made to this program. • TARDINESS • Less than 15 minutes late to practice, game, event = Sit out 1st quarter of next game. • 15 to 30 minutes late = Sit out 2 quarters of next game. • 30 to 60 minutes late = Sit out full game. • More than 60 minutes= unexcused absence, sit out next 2 games • PARENTS (not cheerleader) must call in all illness, lateness and absences. Illnesses must be called in at least 1 hour prior to practice/ arrival time. • MAY NOT be absent from practice and game immediately preceding a competition. Attendance HCMS Cheer Constitution 2014-2015

6. Conduct • Whether at home or away games, HCMS cheerleaders must display proper conduct before, during and after all games. Each cheerleader is expected to maintain good moral behavior, show cordial courtesy to visiting teams, spectators and each other. Squads must be respectful of visiting cheerleaders and of the game officials. HCMS Cheerleaders are important representatives of our school and are very visible to everyone! • Possessing/ Using: alcohol, tobacco or other drugs- SEE HENRY COUNTY CODE OF CONDUCT. • Obscene language or gestures will not be tolerated and public displays of affection are not allowed in school or at school activities. • Disrespect to any member of the cheerleading or school staff will result in immediate dismissal from the squad, practice, season or game at the discretion of the cheerleading staff. Inappropriate behavior and defiance will NOT be tolerated.

7. Cheer Appearance • Cheerleaders should look their best at all times, especially when in uniform. • Uniforms must be kept neat, clean and pressed. Losses of any part of the uniform must be replaced by the cheerleader. • All hairstyles must be neat and secured up out of the face, not needing attention (combing etc) while performing. • Makeup must be natural. • Fingernails must always be kept to a short length with no white showing when palms are facing up. • No acrylic fingernails or fingernail polish! (As per GHSA rules.) • Gum chewing is not permitted while at practice or during a game. • For safety reasons NO jewelry is permitted to be worn during practices, games or performances. This includes earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces, watches, tongue, eyebrow or navel piercing. If worn to a game or practice, the cheerleader will be instructed to remove such articles. The ONLY exception is a medical medallion or religious charm which must be worn taped to the skin with no chain. (As per GHSA rules.) • NO visible tattoos.

8. Cheer Packages Spirit Pack • 3 t-shirts • 3 shorts • Uniform Package • Uniform rental • Shell* • Skirt* • briefs • Warm-up jacket • Warm-up pants • Cheer shoes • Accessory Package • Cheer bag • 3 pair socks • Pom-poms • Hair bows • Medals, trophies, and/or plaques

9. Financial Responsibilities Total Cheer Fees $425.00 • The parent assumes the responsibilities that go with being a Henry County Middle School Cheerleader. You agree to pay in FULL any expenses incurred by my daughter while she is a member, even if she is dismissed from the squad or quits. • I understand that ALL fees are NONREFUNDABLE. I understand that my child will NOT be allowed to participate if the financial obligations are not met. • I also accept that I am required to participate in ALL fundraisers sponsored by the Henry County Middle School Cheer Squad. • A cheerleader might have occasional additional expenses such as candy for spirit bags, money for trips, bottled water, Gatorade etc. • Uniforms must be returned at the end of the year. A deposit will be required to ensure proper care and return of uniform.

10. 1. Cheerleaders MUST attend all practices scheduled by the cheerleading coach. 2. Cheerleaders must arrive at the designated time prior to a scheduled event. 3. Cheerleaders are responsible for any lost, stolen or damaged items. 4. Cheerleaders must maintain a 2.5 grade point average. 5. Cheerleaders must follow the school uniform policy. 6. Cheerleaders may not have food or drink while cheering. 7. No jewelry, gum, fingernail polish, or acrylic nails allowed. Cheer Rules

11. Cheer Elite Demerit System Demerits will be assigned for the following reasons: • 1. Not cheering at an assigned event 10 • 2. Stunting, mounting, or tumbling without a coach present 10 • 3. Missing a called practice for any reason 5 • 4. Incorrect uniform (practice or game)5 • 5. Wearing jewelry during a practice or game 5 • 6. Using inappropriate language at any time 5 • 7. Failure to pick up information at any time 5 • 8. Failure to be picked up within 15 minutes of practice/game 5 • 9. Failure to return to cheer zone within 2 minutes of a game 3 • 10. Breaking formation to talk with friends 3 • 11. Wasting time in practice (talking, playing) 3 • 12. Chewing gum during practice/game 3 • 13. Not dressed appropriate for practice (shorts, tennis)3 • 14. Being assigned to ISS 8 OSS (immediate dismissal) • 15. For each 5 minutes late to an event 1 • 16. Not following the school uniform policy.1 A cheerleader will be benched for two games if she accumulates 30 demerits. A cheerleader may be removed from the cheerleading squad when she fails to meet the expectations or requirements of a cheerleader.

12. Thank You for your support. If you have any questions and/or concerns contact Coach Garth or Coach Allaway at (678) 874-5102 or (404) 563-0720 or (404) 434-3862.