DEXTER MIDDLE SCHOOL
CHEER SQUAD CONSTITUTION

I.  PURPOSE

     A.  The squad will cheer for basketball games and represent the school in         cheerleading events.
     B.  The squad will promote and uphold school spirit.
     C.  The squad will set an example of good behavior at all times in class, at         games and at all school functions.
     D.  The squad will promote friendship with all cheerleaders and classmates.

II.  REQUIREMENTS

     A.  Squad members will be assigned to Dexter Middle School, registered and         attending class.  TSSAA rules will be used for participation on the squad.
     B.  Gymnastics, stunt, and cheer skills as outlined by the sponsor
     C.  Cheerleading must take priority over all other extra curricular activities.     
     D.  All practices, games, squad activities, and camp are mandatory.
     E.  Members must maintain good citizenship marks, attendance, class             performance, and teacher recommendations.  Problems in any area will         be disciplined and may result in suspension or removal from the squad.         Should your daughter be removed from the squad for ANY reason, a             refund will not be issued!
     F.  Being on the squad in no way guarantees placement on a squad the             following year.  In addition to ability, each girl’s cooperation, effort,             attitude, and getting along with other squad members will be considered.
     G.  Cheerleaders must be covered by an insurance policy.  Everything possible     will be done to prevent injuries.  Cheerleaders and their parents will not         bring suit against the sponsor, coach, school administration, Dexter Middle     School, or the Shelby County Board of Education.

III.  CONDUCT
     
     A.  By accepting the privilege and honor of wearing the Dexter Middle School         uniform, a girl accepts the fact that her actions are more prominent than         those not associated with such an activity.
     B.  The cheerleaders are representing the school.  Therefore, exemplary             behavior is mandatory at all times.
     C.  Proper appearance is required at all times.  This includes clothing             appropriate for the occasion.
     D.  Cheerleaders must not use foul language at practice, in school, at games,         camp, competitions, etc.
     E.  Smoking and drug usage (including alcohol) is not allowed.  Any usage         reported will result in permanent removal from the squad.
     F.  Being in company with someone in possession of any illegal substance could     result in punishment as well.
     G.  All regulations and rules imposed on all Dexter Middle students will be         enforced.
     H.  Members must display proper behavior at school.  This includes all             classroom rules.
     I.  Because all situations may not be foreseen and thus outlined here, each will         be dealt with in a manner decided upon by the sponsor with assistance         from the administration.
     J.  Members must follow rules and guidelines required by the sponsor, as well         as showing respect for the coach and sponsor.  Disrespect of any form will         NOT be tolerated.
     K.  Poor conduct/behavior under any of the above circumstances could result         in warnings, punishment, plus suspension or removal from the squad.          Inappropriate behavior not only reflects poorly on the individual, but can         also affect the image of the entire squad.
     L.  The good of the squad always comes before any individual. No one is             irreplaceable or indispensable.  If it is in the best interest of the squad that         an individual not perform or that she be removed from the squad, this         action will be taken by the decision of the sponsor and/or administrator.
     M.  I understand that I am a representative of Dexter Middle School and high         moral and ethical conduct is expected of me at all times.   

IV.  PRACTICES

     A.  Members are expected to be attentive and cooperative during practices.          Repeated disruptions, especially within one practice, will result in             warnings and possible removal from that performance.  Continued             problems will result in calls to parents, additional suspensions, and/ or         removal from the squad.
     B.  Constructive criticism and suggestions given in a polite manner are             welcomed.  Complaining and or rudeness to the coach or sponsor is a             disruption and will be dealt with accordingly.
     C.  Cheerleaders should be picked up on time!  Repeated late pick up will result         in disciplinary action and possible removal from the squad.
     D.  Missing practice can result in not cheering.
     E.  Any absence from practice if in school that day must be reported directly to     the sponsor.
     F.  Missing practice because of work, vacations, and other nonessential             activities will result in the individual not performing.
     G.  Be at practice with the needed items 10 minutes before practice is to start.
     H.  Members can not leave practice early without prior approval.
     I.  The sponsor and/ or coach will decide if an absence is excused.
     J.  Practices involve physical conditioning.

V.  EXPENSES

     A.   Uniform deposits, shoes, accessories, fees for coaching, competition fees,         camp     clothes, camp fees, gymnastics, and other expenses will be paid by         the families of the squad members.
     B.  Fundraisers may be held to defray some of the expenses.  These fundraisers         will be organized by the parents but MUST have approval from the sponsor     before beginning.  10% of profit will be contributed to the general cheer         fund to cover things for all girls, such as competition music, hospitality         suite, judges, etc.  Some     fundraisers may be organized by the sponsor.  
     C.  Funds will not be given to members who do not participate in the team         fundraisers.  
     D.  Earned money will be credited to your daughter’s individual account.  This     money will be put toward the last expenses first.  Therefore, this does not         negate your monthly payment unless you have covered all fees.       
     E.  You are not allowed to make additional profit, over and above yearly fees,         on fundraisers.  Money will NOT roll over for the next year (when new         squads are chosen).  Money left in the account will be used to defray             group expenses such as those items indicated in B.  
     F.  It is impossible to know the exact amount that will be needed by each         squad member because of changes in fees and different uniform needs.
     
VI.  ACADEMICS

     A.  Academics are very important.
     B.  The TSSAA rules concerning academics are followed in consideration of         eligibility.  
     C.  Members must show their report card to the sponsor each nine weeks.          Students with any grade lower than a C and any conduct grade lower than     an S must get a progress report from the teacher who teaches the class         where the marks were low.
     D.  Grading periods with grades below a C average and conduct marks below         satisfactory will result in sitting out of activities or some other             punishment.

VII.  MISCELLANEOUS

     A.  No jewelry at practice, camp, games, competition, or any other event you         are representing Dexter.  THIS ESPECIALLY MEANS TONGUE AND             BELLY BUTTON RINGS.
     B.  No gum at practice, games, camp, competition, or squad event.
     C.  No nail polish at games and competitions
     D.  All girls must bring bag, water bottle, paper, and pen to each practice.  No         soft drinks can be consumed during practice, only water or sport drinks.
     E.  All practices are closed to visitors.
     F.  All girls must wear specified practice clothes to practice.