2018-2019 ROCKDALE HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING HANDBOOK
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2018-2019
ROCKDALE HIGH SCHOOL
CHEERLEADING
HANDBOOKParent Initials: _____
2018-2019
Rockdale High School Cheerleading Constitution
Article I. Name:
A. The name of this organization shall be the Rockdale High School
Cheerleaders, which consists of the following groups:
1. RHS Varsity Cheerleaders
2. RHS Varsity Mascot
Article II. Mission Statement: We believe that a positive cheerleading squad consists
of possessing a positive attitude, as well as school spirit. We will reach out to the
community as leaders who are dedicated not only to those on our team, but
also to everyone who considers us role models. Cheerleaders are confident
athletes that will persevere through commitment. The RHS cheerleaders will strive
towards excellence in everything we do.
Article III. Goals and Purposes:
A. This organization shall encourage self-esteem within the students
participating in this program.
B. This organization shall maintain and promote school spirit, teamwork, and
good sportsmanship.
C. This organization shall, by their own conduct, set an example of good
citizenship and a positive representation of the Rockdale High School
student body.
D. This organization shall work in harmony with the administration, faculty,
band, athletic teams and other school organizations.
Article IV. Membership:
A. Squad Make-Up:
1. The Varsity Cheerleading squad shall consist of 12 to 18 students
from grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. (must have one year of high school
cheer experience if you are a junior trying out for your senior year)
2. A Varsity Mascot shall be a student in grades 9, 10, 11, or 12.
B. Term of membership:
1. Team membership year will be from the date of tryouts through the
spring sports banquet of the following year.
C. Each member will give his/her time to participate in required activities
throughout the year. The individual should not hold a job that will interfere
with these activities. Work will not be an excused absence.
D. Each member will participate in all assigned fundraising activities to assist
with financial obligations. The parents must be willing to support the
member in complying with all rules and regulations of the school and the
organization.
E. Candidates who have been dismissed or who have resigned from the
squad will not be eligible to re-audition for one tryout year. Exceptions to
this rule will only be considered pending extreme circumstances and at
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the discretion of the high school principal.
F. Candidates who have been dismissed or who have resigned from the
squad will not be reimbursed monies paid.
Article V. Requirements for Election:
A. Secure an information packet/registration form.
B. Submit a completed application, a signed permission slip from a parent or
guardian, and other required forms to the cheerleader coach by the
appropriate deadlines.
C. Must have an updated/current Physical Examination Form on file with RHS
or provide such prior to the beginning of the tryout clinic.
D. The candidate and a parent or guardian must attend the mandatory
tryout meeting.
E. Absences are unexcused unless attending a UIL event and prior
notification is given to the coaches.
F. To be eligible for tryouts a candidate must be a full time Rockdale student
at the time of tryouts, or must be a pre-registered student living within the
Rockdale attendance zone.
G. Candidates may be denied tryout due to previous RISD Code of Conduct
violations at the discretion of school administration.
H. Candidates planning to graduate in 3.5 years (in December rather than
May) will not be eligible to cheer their final ½ year of high school.
I. Candidates must have an academic average of 75 or higher when core
class averages from first semester are averaged.
Article VI. Cheerleader Tryouts:
A. RHS will hold a tryout for the selection of the high school cheerleading
squads. The goal of the tryout will be to provide a consistent, equitable
and monitored tryout process for all high school cheerleader candidates.
The tryouts will be held in the spring semester.
B. A packet of information, including an application, will be made available
to all candidates. The packet will include information about the uniform
tryout outfit, clinic information, judging requirements for both cheerleaders
and mascots, and forms to be signed by the candidate and parent
stating that they understand and will comply with all information in the
packet.
C. Any deviation by the candidates from the tryout requirements may result
in the disqualification of the candidate.
D. Exceptions: Any deviations from the standard tryout procedure are at the
discretion of the high school principal; including but not limited to new to
RISD students, injured at time of tryout, and tryout by video.
E. Cheerleaders will be selected by the following procedures: Selection of
the members will be based on:
Judge’s Panel Scores (70%)
Academic, Behavior and Teacher Evaluation (15%)
Principal Evaluation (15%)
1. Panel Score: A panel of judges will score each candidate. The
judges’ scores will be tabulated and will make up 70% of the final
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tryout score.
a. There will be a minimum of three judges on each panel.
Judges will be selected from NCA, UCA, ACA, other
professional cheerleading associations, universities, and/or
out of district sponsors. Every attempt will be made to hire
judges who have not worked with students in the Rockdale
area. Judges will be instructed to rate the candidates based
only on the mastery of the skills that they see demonstrated
during the tryouts.
b. Panel tryouts will be closed to everyone except judges,
school officials, and the current cheer coaches.
c. The judging criteria shall consist of the following:
1. Group Dance – (rhythm, skill, energy, enthusiasm - 10
points
2. Technique (sharpness, arm level) – 10 points
3. Projection (voice, facial expressions, enthusiasm)
– 10 points
4. Jumps (flexibility, form, difficulty, height) – 10 points
5. Fight Song (rhythm, skill, energy, enthusiasm) – 10
points
6. Overall Impression (energy, confidence, neatness)
– 10 points
7. RHS Cheer Experience – 5 points for each year of
cheer Membership at RHS – possible 15 points
2. Academic, Behavior & Teacher Evaluations: A standard form will be
completed by the administration and teaching staff. The
Academic, Behavior, and Teacher Evaluations will make up 15% of
the final tryout score.
1. Each referral, detention, ISS, Saturday school,
unexcused absence, tardy, or failing grade from the
current school year will count against the candidate’s
final Academic, Behavior and Teacher Evaluation
score in the tryout process.
2. Academic and Behavior Evaluation form will be
provided to candidates prior to tryouts and is
available at any other time upon request.
3. In case of tie the candidate with the higher
Academic and Behavior score will be selected.
F. Tabulation: Scores will be tabulated by administration or appointed school
personnel.
G. Squad Selection: The top scores will be used to determine squad
selection. Scores will be kept on file for 30 days following the tryout date.
If necessary, Cheerleaders for the squad may be selected by using the
natural break of all scores.
H. Results: Tryout results will be posted as soon as they are tabulated on the
day of the tryouts. The results will be listed in alphabetical order with no
indication of ranking. Results will be posted at a location to be decided.
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I. Individual Results: Parents have 10 school days after the conclusion of the
tryouts to request to see their own child’s scores (no rank scores) from
school administration. Requests must be made in writing by the morning
of the tenth day. By law, all other student scores are protected and
cannot be shared with anyone except the coach, high school principal,
or school administration.
Article VII. Mascot Tryouts:
A. Mascot candidates will be responsible for creating an original skit. The skit
should last from one to two minutes, and incorporate all criteria that will
be judged.
B. Mascot tryouts will follow the same procedure as cheerleaders, with the
exception of the judging criteria listed below:
1. The judging criteria shall consist of the following:
Overall Tryout Score – up to 70%
a. Originality/Creativity: 10 points
b. Enthusiasm/Spirit: 10 Points
c. Crowd Appeal: 10 points
d. Dance: 10 points
e. Years of RHS Cheer/Mascot Experience: 5 points per year of
membership.
Teacher Evaluation 15%
Principal Evaluation 15%
Article VIII. Squad Leadership:
A. Coaches: The leadership of this organization shall consist of one or two
coaches (as deemed appropriate by school administration and will be
appointed by the Rockdale High School Principal). All coaches have the
authority to uphold all rules and regulations of this organization. They shall
organize and coach this organization within the guidelines provided by
the Rockdale ISD and the constitution of this organization as they judge to
be in the best interest of all concerned.
1. Additional specific responsibilities of the sponsors are to:
a. Coach and instruct the team to the best possible
showmanship.
b. Supervise the organization at all practices, performances,
etc.
c. Arrange transportation or check to see that arrangements
have been made.
d. Plan, arrange, and supervise tryouts.
e. Maintain all records and have ready all rules, constitutions,
consent forms, and other official documents for the
organization.
f. Supervise the planning of any events, sales, parties, etc.
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g. Provide a system for assessing the compliance of all
members to the rules and regulations.
B. Student Leadership: Captain: The Varsity squad will have one captain and
one co-captain. Interested Candidates must complete the Captain
Tryout Application to be considered for the position.
1. Requirements for Application:
a. The captain must be elected as an RHS Varsity Cheerleader
and have two years of RHS Cheer experience.
b. The Co-Captain must have at least one year experience of
RHS Cheer experience.
The Co-Captain will be selected upon return from Cheer
Camp.
2. Election: All captain applicants will participate in a tryout selection
that will be judged based on the following criteria:
a. Captain:
1. Captain Panel Interview (including presentation of
mock pep rally) - 25%
2. Overall Tryout Score: 25%
3. Teacher Evaluation: 25%
4. Principal Evaluation: 25%
b. The interview will be conducted and scores will be tabulated
following Cheerleading Tryouts.
3. Expectations:
a. Captains: must maintain a 75 average in all classes. Must
have mature leadership skills,
b. Maintain good organizational skills, demonstrate a strong
sense of responsibility, and be willing to set a good example
ON and OFF campus at all times.
1. Meet with the coaches weekly to discuss the
development and progress of the team.
2. Maintain a good working relationship with the
coaches and other team members at all times.
3. Responsible for warm-up each practice/
performance.
4. Provide encouragements and motivational support to
team members.
5. Designate uniforms to be worn at each performance
(with coach approval).
6. Take attendance prior to every practice and
performance.
7. Captains will be put on probation if they do not
uphold the responsibilities of the position. If a captain
cannot meet the expectations after one
probationary period, they will be removed from the
leadership position.
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8.
Article IX. Academic Eligibility: As per UIL Guidelines all members shall meet the
following academic eligibility requirements:
A. To be eligible at the beginning of the school year members must have
earned the accumulated number of credits to be classified at the
appropriate grade level. A student who lacks the prescribed number of
credits shall remain ineligible for the first six weeks of the fall term. If, at
that time, the student has passed all classes for the six-week period, the
student becomes eligible.
B. After the initial six-week period of any school year the student must meet
the academic requirements for all extracurricular participants as defined
by Chapter 76 of the Texas Administrative Code and as described in the
TEA-UIL Side by Side under Academic Requirements (No Pass, No Play).
Article X. Responsibilities:
A. All Cheerleaders, MUST attend and participate in Summer Cheer Camp.
Failure to attend and participate will result in removal from squad.
B. Cheerleaders will cheer at all of the games, tournaments, and other
events as assigned by the coach:
1. Cheerleaders will lead cheers and perform routines at selected
events and pep rallies. Cheerleaders will attend all required events
such as football games, district boys’ and girls’ basketball games
(home), all playoff games, parades, UIL State Spirit Competition,
and all other events deemed necessary by the school
administration and/or cheer coach.
2. Other duties will include but are not limited to cheering at freshmen
and JV Football games and other events deemed necessary by
the school administration and/or cheer coach.
Article XI. Cheerleader Code:
A. All Cheerleaders must adhere to all applicable UIL Regulations and the
expectations set forth in the Student Handbook.
B. Violation of these rules and all others may result in several penalties
including: Extra running, probation, suspension, and possible expulsion
from the squad in accordance with the guidelines set forth in the RHS
Cheerleading Demerit System.
C. Campus: Behavior and appearance on the campus is of great
importance. Cheerleaders should be leaders since fellow students
respect and follow them. There are certain expectations required of
Rockdale High School Cheerleaders.
They will:
1. Follow the RHS Dress Code at all times.
2. Follow the RISD Student Code of Conduct and RHS Student
Handbook at all times.
3. Respectful to all teachers, coaches, and administrators.
4. Be Prompt. Tardiness will not be tolerated!
5. Cheerleaders are students first, if they get into trouble at school,
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they will also be in trouble in cheerleading. Cheerleading is a
privilege, not a right.
D. School Suspension: If a cheerleader is suspended from school, they will be
ineligible to practice or play during the period of suspension. And will be
subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the RHS Cheerleading
Demerit System.
E. ISS: Any cheerleader placed in ISS will be subject to the district’s overall
policy concerning extra-curricular events and shall adhere to any local or
state mandates that regulate any athlete in ISS. Any missed practices due
to any ISS placement will be treated as an unexcused absence. And will
be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with the RHS
Cheerleading Demerit System.
F. Expulsion/ DAEP: Any member of the program who is expelled from school
or placed in DAEP will be removed from the cheer squad for the
remainder of the school year.
Article XII. Drug and Alcohol and Policy:
A. A cheerleader using legal drugs such as medicine must inform his/her
coach of such action.
B. Alcohol and other drugs, including but not limited to narcotics, marijuana,
hallucinating agents, sedatives, steroids (not prescribed by a licensed
physician), and amphetamines are never acceptable. Due to the
illegality of obtaining and using these drug types, a cheerleader violating
these rules is subject to dismissal from the squad. A cheerleader will be
deemed in violation of this rule when he/she:
1. Receives an MIP, DUI, DWI, etc. by the police.
2. Is seen by a school employee or coach.
Article XIII. Social Media Policy:
A. Online Communication: students are encouraged to exercise the utmost
caution when participating in any form of social media or online
communications. Students who participate in online interactions must
remember that their posts reflect on the entire Rockdale community and, as
such, are subject to the same behavioral standards set forth in the RISD
Athletic Handbook, RISD Code of Conduct, Student Drug and Alcohol Policy,
RISD Acceptable Use Policy, and the RHS Student Handbook.
Article XIV. Miscellaneous Subjects:
A. School Equipment and Uniforms:
1. A cheerleader is financially responsible for all equipment checked
out to him/her.
a. He/she will receive credit on returned items only if they were
checked out to him/her.
b. He/she must treat all equipment like it is his/her own personal
property. It should not be abused. It should be kept in the
proper place.
c. No school equipment should at any time be loaned or
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shared with anyone for any reason.
2. Each cheerleader uniform includes all game-day attire,
camp/practice clothes, and any other article of clothing
promoting the Rockdale Cheer program.
3. Each cheerleader must buy all of his/her uniforms and accessories
except those purchased by the school.
Each cheerleader will assume complete responsibility for his/her
uniforms. Should any mishaps occur which will destroy any part of
the uniform he/she will be responsible for replacing it.
4. Uniforms will not be bought, made, or altered in any way without
the permission of the coaches.
a. Uniforms and all other assigned uniform pieces are not
“outfits” to be worn on casual or non-school sponsored
activities. The RHS cheerleading uniform may not be worn to
any event or activity without the PRIOR consent of the cheer
coaches.
B. Trips: All cheerleaders directly represent the community, schools, and
coaches. Therefore, it is expected that all concerned will dress in an
acceptable manner when traveling and conduct themselves at all times
in a manner in keeping with this code.
1. The cheerleader must ride together as a group to and from out-of-
town games if transportation is provided. Cheerleaders will
conduct themselves appropriately on all trips.
2. A cheerleader may ride home with a parent only if parental
permission is given in written form and approved by school
administration 48 hours prior to departure. There may be some
instances where cheerleader will be required to ride the bus home
together.
3. All district transportation guidelines are applicable.
C. Financial Obligation:
1. All cheerleaders must be able to meet all financial obligations by
established due dates. It is very important that payments are made
on time.
2. A list of the estimated costs for the year will be provided to
cheerleader candidates and parent(s) and/ or guardians during
the mandatory parent meeting prior to tryouts.
3. Removal or resignation from the cheerleader program during the
year will cause that member to lose participation credit and the
right to reimbursement from incurred expenses.
Article XV. Removal, Squad Vacancies, Resignation & Lettering:
A. Removal: Cheerleaders may be removed from the RHS cheerleading
program:
1. By accumulating 20 demerits as set forth in the RHS Demerit System.
2. At the coach’s discretion with administrative approval.
B. Resignation: If a candidate or elected cheerleader wishes to either
decline their appointment or resign their position as an RHS Cheerleader
they must either: Submit a signed letter of resignation from a parent or
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guardian, or the coach must conference with the parent or guardian
either by phone or in person. An email is not sufficient.
1. A 24-hour grace period will be allowed for cheerleader to rejoin the
squad; however, any missed practices will be treated as an
unexcused absence.
2. Cheerleaders will forfeit any letter or award and the option to try
out the subsequent year.
C. Sharing of Cheerleaders/Athletes/Band:
1. A cheerleader may participate in other Rockdale High School
programs. Coaches may not try to persuade cheerleaders to
refrain from athletics or any other extra-curricular activity or club.
2. UIL sanctioned contests will have precedence over cheerleading
performances.
3. Cheerleading will have precedence over other non-UIL activities or
obligations.
D. Varsity Lettering: To gain a Varsity Letter in Cheerleading, a student must-
1. Be elected as a Varsity Cheerleader/Mascot
2. Fulfill all duties of a Varsity Cheerleader/Mascot for an entire tryout
year.
3. Letter Jackets will be ordered at the end of the spring semester.
E. Graduation Cords: To obtain a cord for Varsity Cheer to wear at
graduation, cheerleaders must:
1. Have participated 3 years of Varsity Cheer/ Mascot participation
at Rockdale High School
Article XVI. Attendance and Participation:
A. Cheerleaders must attend school in order to participate in a performance
(at least ½ day).
1. If you do not meet the attendance requirement to participate in
the performance, you may not attend the game or activity. You
must be at school to attend or participate in any extracurricular
activity while a member of the RHS Cheerleading program.
B. Other attendance and participation is governed under the RHS Demerit
System.
Article XVII. Discipline:
A. The Rockdale High School Cheerleaders will be disciplined under the RHS
Cheer Demerit System.
B. Coaches from any RHS Cheerleading squad have the ability to assign
demerits to any cheerleader/mascot.
C. Demerit system will be used in conjunction with any additional rules set up
by the coaches.
D. Demerit system is subject to change at the Head Cheer Coach’s
discretion with administrative approval.
Article XVIII. Interpretations and Change:
A. Rules and guidelines are subject to change at any time, due to TEA/UIL
changes or with approval from school administration.
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B. In situations that are not covered by this document, the coach and/or
high school principal will make the decisions.
C. The coach and/or school administration may enforce other rules as they
become necessary for this organization.
I have read and understand the rules and regulations stated in this constitution and
agree to abide by these rules and regulations without objection or appeal. I
understand that violation of these rules and regulations could result in temporary or
permanent removal from the RHS Cheerleading Program. I have initialed the top of
each page of this constitution as my agreement to follow the rules and regulations that
are stated.
___________________________ _________________
Cheerleader Candidate Date
___________________________ _________________
Cheerleader Signature Date
___________________________ _________________
Parent/ Guardian Date
___________________________ _________________
Parent Signature Date
Date Received by Cheer Coach:______________
Cheer Coach Signature:____________________________________
Administrator Signature:______________________________________
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