Denham Springs Junior High School
Cheerleading Constitution

I.Purpose
 A.To show the highest backing of true sportsmanship by 
  supporting the Denham Springs Junior High School athletic teams in 
  victory or defeat.
 B.To improve the student morale.
 C.To be ambassadors to the community and to establish the high 
 personal ideals and good character expected of a cheerleader in 
 order to be a role model for peers and younger children.
II.Eligibility Requirements
 A.Students must be in the 5th, 6th, or 7th grade to tryout.
 B.Signed permission slip from parent or guardian.
 C.Doctor�s release form stating that you are in good physical 
 condition upon making the team.
 D.Must have a 2.5GPA with no F�s on interim and/or report card.
  1.If a 2.5 GPA with no F�s is not maintained, the cheerleader 
  will be placed on probation for the following nine weeks or until 
  next reporting period.
   �Probation consists of being �benched� until the grades come 
up. For example, the cheerleader will be required to attend all 
functions, but he/she will be unable to participate on the field or 
court during that probationary period. He/She must sit in the stands 
with the sponsor and watch the game. No eating, drinking, or cell 
phones will be allowed.
  2.If the average of 2.5 with no F�s is maintained the second 
  nine weeks, the cheerleader is removed from probation. If the 
  cheerleader has already been on probation and continues to earn 
  unacceptable grades, he/she will be removed from the squad.
 E.Must have spirit and required skills.
    �If you do not learn cheers, dances, etc. you will be benched 
and possibly receive demerits. (see demerit list; participation)
 F.Must not have any suspensions for any reason
 G.Must attend summer camp, all practices, games, and any 
 functions as set by the sponsor.
 H.Must participate in all fundraisers and reach sales goals as 
 set by the sponsor.
   �During the year, cheerleaders will participate in many 
   fundraising projects. Each cheerleader is expected to raise funds 
   for its operational costs, clinics, competitions, etc.
III.Conduct of Cheerleaders
 A.Must conduct themselves at all times as representatives of 
 Denham Springs Junior High School.
 B.Must display good sportsmanship at all times.
 C.Must show continual support and respect in all manners for 
 other squad members and sponsors.
 D.Must demonstrate leadership qualities and use mature, sound 
 judgment.
 E.Must conduct themselves in the classroom in a manner which 
 gives a good example to other students.
 F.No inappropriate public display of affection at any time 
 will be permitted.
 G.Inappropriate attitudes or comments will not be tolerated at 
 any time.
 H.While game is in progress, cheerleaders are expected to pay 
 strict attention to the game. No socializing with others while the 
 game is in progress.
IV.Uniforms
 A.Uniforms or other cheerleading supplies cannot be loaned to 
 anyone other than a current DSJH cheerleader without permission  
from the sponsor.
 B.Must wear the correct uniform to practice, games, and other 
 performances.
 C.Cheerleaders who are missing any part of their uniform 
 (bloomers, bow, etc.) will receive demerits.
 D.Must keep uniforms clean, well fitted, and in good repair.
 E.No jewelry is allowed while in uniform or at practices.
 F.Uniform is not to be worn at any time while off duty!
 G.Whenever in uniform, the student must behave as a 
 cheerleader and abide by this constitution. Failure to do so can 
 result in dismissal from the squad.
 H.NO gum chewing while in uniform or on duty.
 I.Hair will always be worn off the shoulders and off the face. 
 There can be absolutely no stragglers hanging in the eyes. This 
 includes games and practices.
 J.Warm-ups (jackets and pants) are considered part of the 
 uniform. You may wear your jacket to school, however, please refer 
 to letter A above under Uniforms section
 V.Practice and Performances
 A.Practice will be scheduled as needed, as games are on 
 different days of the week.
 B.Summer practice will be mandatory with dates to be chosen by 
 the sponsor.
 C.Must arrive to practice on time, wearing proper shoes and 
 clothing.
 D.Hair needs to be out of the eyes (bangs) and in a secure 
 ponytail.
 E.Eating during practices is not allowed. You may have a snack 
 before practice.
 F.No jewelry.
 G.No playing around, talking or talking back, rolling of eyes, 
 cell phones or pagers, etc.
 H.No friends or family are to attend practices. Practices are 
 closed. Safety is our first priority.
 I.Must perform at all designated pep rallies, parades, 
 competitions, football and basketball games, and other designated 
 events.
 J.Cheerleaders are responsible for checking the calendar each 
 month on the website. Pay close attention to cheerleading          
calendars. 
 Bring calendars to practice to make any necessary changes. 
 Cheerleaders must maintain constant contact with coaches and other 
 cheerleaders to remain informed of upcoming events and/or meetings. 
 Failure to attend a practice/game will not be excused just because 
 you did not know it was scheduled.
 K.Must be on time for the game and remain the entire time. 
 (Tardiness beyond five minutes will not tolerated!)
 L.Must attend school on the day of the game and must not check 
 out to be able to cheer. If you are checking out due to a doctor�s 
 appointment or other situation you must talk to a sponsor about  
this situation prior to or you will not be allowed to cheer at the  
game. 
 You must attend at least four consecutive hours of school to be 
 allowed to cheer at the game.
 M.Cheerleaders must find their own transportation to games. 
 You may travel with other parents or sponsors as necessary.
 N.Must obtain a doctor�s excuse or have a family emergency for 
 missing a game and/or practice.
 O.No conversations with fans while cheering.
 P.Stand at attention when not cheering.
 Q.Immediately after games, one parent must check with sponsor 
 before leaving with his/her child or any other cheerleader that is 
 leaving with them after the game.
 R.Must have all required parts of the uniform at each 
 performance. Those items are:
  1.Hair bow
  2.Bodysuit
  3.Shell
  4.Skirt
  5.Bloomers
  6.Socks
  7.Cheer Shoes
  8.Pom-Poms
VI.Demerits
  The sponsor has the right at any time to give a demerit for any 
unacceptable behavior at any cheerleader functions. Demerits are to 
be used as a disciplinary tool. Six or more demerits will result in 
probation. (Probation would consist of sitting out for 1 game per 
demerit 6 and over) Ten demerits will result in dismissal from the 
squad. Demerits will be given as follows:
ONE DEMERIT
 1.Failure to participate sufficiently (not practicing or 
 cheering at full potential)
 2.Failure to reach required sales goals in fundraisers
 3.Unnecessary talking at practice or while on duty at games 
 (if you have been warned and continue to talk)
 4.Tardiness at any game or performance (more than 5 minutes)
 5.Tardy returning from a break at the game
 6.Absence from practice(with the exceptions of death in the 
 family, severe family illness, or illness with a doctor�s excuse)
 7.Chewing gum anytime while on duty
 8.Eating or drinking at inappropriate times
 9.Wearing an unclean or unkept uniform
10.Failure to wear the complete required uniform at games and 
 practice
11.Not being prepared
12.Assignment of detention for any reason
13.Failure to turn in items on time (money, pictures, grades, 
etc.)
14.Primping in the stands or while on duty
15.Complaint from teachers about behavior in class
TWO DEMERITS
 1.Leaving duty position of games without permission from the 
 sponsor
 2.Wearing uniform while not on duty
 3.Assignment of Friday Clinic for any reason
 4.Use of inappropriate or profane language
 5.Disrespectful words or actions towards sponsors, teachers, 
 administration, or other teammates.
 6.Public display of affection while in uniform
THREE DEMERITS
 1.Unexcused absence from practice or a game with the exception of 
 death in the family or illness with a doctor�s excuse (excuse must 
 be obtained in advance from the sponsor for any other situation)
VII.Dismissal
  A.Consistent disobedience to the sponsor
  B.Failure to maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA with no F�s
  C.Unexcused absences of 17 or more
  D.Smoking
  E.Drinking
  F.Drugs
  G.Excessive demerits (at 10 or above 10)
  H.Suspension for any reason
VIII.Parent Responsibilities
  A.Learn and encourage your child to follow the rules, 
  regulations, and procedures.
  B.Help to make sure that your child is on time to all 
  activities and promptly picked up following all activities.
  C.Make sure to help your child reach all financial goals and 
  obligations.
  D.You may be asked to share the responsibility of 
  transportation to and from away games or other performances.
IX.Sponsor Responsibilities
  A.Establish clear written guidelines and rules, presenting and 
  explaining them well to the students.
  B.Ensure consistent enforcement of rules and regulations.

   The sponsor will handle any situation not covered in the above 
constitution accordingly with recommendations by the principal. 
Dismissal for any reason will be determined on an individual basis 
by the sponsor and the principal of Denham Springs Junior High 
School.