BRINKLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT ATHLETIC HANDBOOK

 

 

            Welcome to the Brinkley athletic program.  Hopefully, your decision to take advantage of this portion of our extra-curricular program will be educational, rewarding, and challenging.  This handbook is given to you so that you might be more aware of the programs available and their inter-relationships.  Also, you will become aware of your need for commitment to and expectations for each program.  The athletic department encourages you to take advantage of as many programs as your time and talent will allow.  We do not encourage specialization in one sport, rather, we encourage you to experience a variety of sports as well as other school activities.  Due to conflicts of season, practice times, schedules, etc., some choices will have to be made by you.

            As of July 1, 2008, the Arkansas Activities Association has sanctioned cheerleading as a sport under its organization.  The cheerleading handbook is therefore incorporated herein, and located at the back of this athletic handbook.

 

PHILOSOPHY

 

            The athletic staff believes that interscholastic athletics shall supplement the secondary curricular program, and as such becomes a vital part of a student’s total educational experiences.  These experiences contribute to the development of learning skills and emotional pattern that enables students to make maximum use of their education.

            Student participation in any part of Brinkley’s athletic programs is a privilege which carries with it responsibilities to the school, activity, student body, community, and the student individually.  Because the student will be in the public eye, his/her actions and appearance will be under scrutiny as they are indicative to the public of our overall school program. This participation will help develop the student physically, mentally, socially, and emotionally.

 

PURPOSE

 

            The purpose of the athletic administration and staff is to maintain maximum participation, maximum competitiveness, and a fiscally sound program.  To accomplish this goal there must be continued review of the athletic programs in order to ensure that students who participate will have the best opportunity for success.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE STUDENT ATHLETE

 

            As a student athlete you are in school to secure the best education you are capable of achieving.  Deciding to take advantage of the extra-curricular programs, another side of education plays a significant part in your total educational development.  However, with this decision come certain responsibilities if the value of athletics is to be achieved, namely:

1.                  Striving to develop sound citizenship and desirable social traits, including emotional control, honesty, cooperation, dependability, unselfishness, and respect for others and their abilities.

2.                  Maintaining academic and eligibility standards as established by the Arkansas Activities Association.

3.                  Learning the spirit of hard work and sacrifice.

4.                  Learning to obtain physical fitness through good health habits.

5.                  Desiring to excel to the limits of your potential.

6.                  Showing respect for both authority and property.

7.                  Showing willingness to accept the leadership role that is instilled through the athletic program.

 

Keep in mind that you are in the public eye and your personal conduct always must be above reproach.  You have an obligation to create a favorable image and gain the respect of your teammates, the student body, and the communities that comprise the Brinkley School District.

Each student athlete at Brinkley is expected to conduct himself/herself in an acceptable manner at all times.  In fact, more is expected of you than of non-athletes because of the public perception created by your involvement.

If at any time you become a persistent behavior problem during the school day, you will be removed from the athletic activity in which you are engaged.  Brinkley’s coaches and administrators are interested in providing athletic competition for those students who continually display appropriate school citizenship characteristics.  This standard of conduct will be maintained at all costs.

 

BASIC GUIDELINES FOR PARTICIPATION

 

1.                  Students are free to make their own selections as to the sports in which they wish to participate.

2.                  A student who quits a sport of his/her own accord will not be eligible to start practicing another sport before the end of competition in the sport that was dropped.  Class placement will be determined by the principal and counselor.

3.                  A player who is dismissed from an in-season or off-season sport may not enroll in another in-season or off-season sport without the consent of both coaches involved and the athletic director.  Class placement will be determined by the principal and counselor.

4.                  All student athletes will be transported to and from games, meets, etc., via school transportation.  Any exceptions must be cleared with the head coach or sponsor by a parent or a person responsible for the student by personal contact, and properly signed out.

5.                  If a player must be absent from practices or games the player is expected to obtain permission from the head coach prior to the scheduled games or practices.

6.                  In the event that truancy or suspension occurs, a student/athlete will not be eligible to participate until he/she has fulfilled the disciplinary requirements established by the administration.  In-house suspensions also apply.

7.                  In the event a student/athlete is assigned after school detention, he/she must complete the detention time before practice may be resumed.

 

DISCIPLINARY GUIDELINES

 

            As the term student/athlete indicates, a player is subject to the rules and regulations, which apply to all students in addition to certain team or program rules, and regulations.  Student guidelines apply during school hours and at all school functions.  Team and athletic program rules are also applicable in such situations as well as in situations where the student/athlete is not on the school campus or involved in a school-sponsored activity.

            The following items are examples of infractions and consequences, which are applicable to Brinkley athletic programs.

 

1.                  Stealing – dismissal from the program.

2.                  Discipline incidents involving use or possession of drugs – dismissal from the program.

3.                  Discipline incidents involving use or possession of alcohol – help sessions upon initial occurrence; dismissal from the program if such usage is repeated.

4.                  Discipline incidents involving use or possession of tobacco – help sessions.

5.                  Cursing – help sessions.

6.                  Out-of-school suspension – the student is ineligible to participate during the term of the suspension and other consequences, to include dismissal from the program, may be applied by the coach.

7.                  In-school suspension – help sessions to make up missed work; a student may resume participation after serving suspension time and making up all work missed.

 

Conduct away from school or school activities in general should be supervised and regulated by the parents but, in situations where such conduct adversely affects training rules or the image of the team, athletic program, or school, appropriate measures will be taken in response.  Student/athletes and their parents are made aware of rules, regulations, and consequences prior to participation and are asked to provide written agreement to abide by the stated standards of the program.  In the event that dismissal from a team or the athletic program becomes necessary, the final decision on dismissal will be rendered after a meeting between the athletic director, principal, and coach.

 

BEHAVIOR AND CITIZENSHIP

 

            Many closely observe the conduct of an athlete and it is important that an athlete’s behavior be above reproach.  Appearance, expression, and actions always influence people’s opinions of the athletes as well as the sport.  Once you have volunteered to be a member of a squad, you have made a choice to uphold certain standards expected of all athletes for it is a privilege, not a right.

            The way an athlete acts and looks is of a great importance: thus proper dress, appearance, grooming and personal cleanliness are expected. Athletes should be leaders and fellow students should respect and follow them.  Proper dress and appearance will be established by the coach and is a continual process.

            Any athlete sent to ISS will NOT be allowed to participate in athletic competition on the day or days of ISS attendance.

 

COMPLAINTS

            The following procedures should be followed in reporting a complaint:

1.                  Contact the coach who had direct supervision of the athlete at the time.  If satisfactory resolution of the complaint is not made, then

2.                  Contact the head coach of the sport in which the athlete was participating.  If satisfactory resolution of the complaint is not made, then

3.                  Contact the athletic director of the Brinkley School District.  If satisfactory resolution of the complaint is not made, then

4.                  Contact the High School Principal of the school  If satisfactory resolution of the complaint is not made, then

5.                  Contact the Superintendent of the Brinkley School District.

 

CARE OF EQUIPMENT

 

            In order to give the athlete a sense of responsibility and an appreciation of their equipment, each will be held accountable for the abuse, damage, or loss of the equipment.  ANY EQUIPMENT LOST, DAMAGED, OR STOLEN MUST BE PAID FOR BY THE STUDENT IN WHOSE NAME IT WAS CHECKED OUT.

 

            The following guidelines, if adhered to, will reduce the chance for lost, damaged, or stolen equipment.

1.                  Do not exchange or loan any school issued equipment to a teammate.  If an exchange is warranted, clear it with the head coach.

2.                  Any loss or damage to equipment should be reported immediately to the head coach, rather than waiting until the end of the season.

3.                  Any protective equipment that does not fit properly or that has defective parts should be reported to a coach immediately. Do not wear the equipment until necessary adjustments have been made.  This is for your protection.

4.                  Please report any violation of a student or non-student wearing school equipment not issued to them.  By doing so you are not only helping the athletic department, but also the individual who must pay for the stolen item.

 

PROTECT YOUR ELIGIBILITY

 

            The Arkansas Activities Association (AAA), of which Brinkley is a member, is a voluntary, nonprofit, educational association of junior and senior high schools established for the purpose of working cooperatively in adopting standards for supervising and regulating interscholastic activities.

            One of the primary functions of the AAA is to establish eligibility standards that must be met by all students to attain the privilege of representing their school in interscholastic activities.

            Eligibility is a privilege to be granted by the school to a student to participate in interscholastic activities.  Eligibility is not a student’s right by law.  Precedent setting legal cases has determined that eligibility is a privilege to be granted only if the student meets all standards adopted by the school.

            Along with the eligibility statement complied by the AAA you must be a creditable school citizen.  Creditable school citizens are those students whose conduct, both in and out of school, will not reflect discredit upon themselves or their school.

            A supplemental instruction program is designed for those students that do not make a 2.0 GPA.  These students must be enrolled and attending the SIP program at least 100 minutes each week in the subject areas where inadequate performance has occurred.  If a student fails to meet this obligation he or she will be ineligible immediately.  Participating athletes must have no unexcused absences for the current semester and no disciplinary actions that result in suspension, or known criminal convictions.

Participation in SIP shall be limited to one year or two consecutive semesters while continuing to participate in competitive interscholastic activities.  To continue to participate in SIP the student must show improvement of at least one tenth of one point in their GPA after the first semester in SIP and have favorable teacher reports.  To continue to participate in the sport after the second semester of SIP, the student must have reached the 2.0 SPA.  Should a student fail to achieve a GPA of 2.0 within that time, he or she will not be permitted to participate in any competitive interscholastic activities.

If at any point the student falls out of compliance with any criteria during the semester, he or she will be immediately suspended from competition for the remainder of the semester and must remain SIP in order for his or her eligibility to be reconsidered at the end of the semester.  If a student fails to participate in SIP during any semester, then eligibility can only be regained by the student earning a GPA of 2.0 from all academic courses the previous semester.

If the student is declared ineligible at the end of the fall semester and only participates in fall sports, he or she must be placed in SIP during the spring semester in order to be eligible for the next fall.  The same requirement applies to a student who only participates in spring sports.  He or she must be in SIP that following fall to be considered for eligibility the next spring.

Students with disabilities under IDEA function under conditions in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) in order to be considered eligible to participate in competitive interscholastic activities.  In order to be considered eligible to participate in these activities, students with disabilities must pass at least four courses required by the IEP.  An athlete must remain in SIP the entire semester, even if the season is over before the semester is over.  If a student drops out of SIP without a 2.0 GPA, they cannot re-enter the program and cannot participate in athletics for the duration of their high school career.

All other eligibility rules as established by the AAA shall apply.

            A REMINDER: Any question pertaining to eligibility should be brought to the attention of the athletic director and principal.

 

PHYSICAL EXAMS, INSURANCE AND

PARENTAL PERMISSION REQUIREMENTS

 

            The Arkansas Activities Association handbook states that each school shall require every student participating in athletics or cheerleading to obtain a physician’s statement certifying that he/she is physically able to participate in athletic contest of his/her school, prior to the first practice of the season.  This statement is valid for one year and must be on file to participate on any Brinkley athletic team.

            The district provides group insurance for all athletes of the Brinkley Public Schools participating in extra-curricular activities.  Claims must first be submitted to the student’s primary insurance company.  The amount not paid by the primary coverage carrier will then be submitted to the school district’s insurance carrier for payment.  However, forms must be completed and submitted so both the primary policy and the school’s policy will be filed at the respective provider (doctor’s office or hospital).

 

MANDATORY DRUG TESTING

 

Purpose of a Drug Testing Program

 

Brinkley High School has a mandatory drug-testing program in place for students who participate in extra-curricular activities.  Its purpose is threefold:  (1) to provide for the health and safety of students in all Activity Programs grades 7-12;  (2) to undermine the effects of peer pressure by providing a legitimate reason for students to refuse to use illegal drugs; and (3) to encourage students who use drugs to participate in drug treatment programs. Brinkley High School is dedicated to promoting healthy lifestyles, a safe school environment, academic excellence and the personal growth and well being of its students.  This testing plan is adopted to assist in this mission.  Brinkley High School believes testing will serve as a deterrent to drug use.

 

Definitions

 

*Drug: Any substance considered illegal by the State Statute or which is controlled by the Food and Drug Administration unless prescribed by a licensed physician.

*Students: Any student participating in interscholastic contests sponsored by the Brinkley High School.

*School Year: Beginning on August 1 of that school year and ending July 31.

*Activities required to be Drug Tested: Junior and Senior Football, Junior and Senior Basketball, Baseball, Softball, Tennis, Track, Golf, Wrestling, Cheerleading, Band, Choir and any clubs that compete.

 

Testing Agency

 

The district will choose a certified agency for the purpose of processing sample results and maintaining privacy with respect to test results and related matters.

 

Prescription Medication

 

Students who are taking prescription medication may provide a copy of the prescription or doctor’s verification, which will be considered in determining whether a “positive” test has been satisfactorily explained.  That documentation will be forwarded to the testing lab with instructions for the lab to consider the student’s use of such medication to assure the accuracy of the result.  Students who refuse to provide verification and test positive will be subject to the actions specified below for “positive tests.”

 

Scope of Tests

 

The drug screen tests for one or more illegal drugs.  The superintendent or his/her designee shall decide from month to month which illegal drugs shall be screened, but in no event shall that determination be made after selection of students for testing.  Student samples will not be screened for the presence of any substances other than an illegal drug or for the existence of any physical condition other than drug intoxication.  As a quality control measure, the school reserves the right to send any urine sample that appears unusual in color and/or consistency to a laboratory for testing and confirmation or non-confirmation.

 

Limited Access Results

 

The results will be reported only to the superintendent or to such person as the superintendent may designate.

 

 

 

 

 

Procedures in the Event of a Positive Result

 

Whenever a student’s test result indicates the presence of illegal drugs (“positive test”) the following will occur:

 

1.                  The student will be asked to provide another sample as soon as possible.  If the student refuses to provide another sample or excessively delays providing such sample, the results of the first sample shall be accepted as accurate.

2.                  The second sample will be submitted to the testing lab for testing.

3.                  If the second sample tests negative, the student will be notified and no further action will be taken.  If the second sample tests positive, a custodial parent or legal guardian will be notified and a meeting will be scheduled with the superintendent or his/her designee.

 

Procedures for Students

 

Consent:  Each student wishing to participate in any activity program and the student’s custodial parent or guardian shall consent in writing to drug testing pursuant to the District’s drug testing program.  Written consent shall be in the form attached to this policy as Form A in the Student Handbook.  No student shall be allowed to participate in any activity program absent such consent. 

 

Students not involved in extra activities may be allowed to voluntarily participate in the testing pool with a consent form signed by the parent.

 

Student Selection:  All students in activity programs will be drug tested at the beginning of the school year.  In addition, random testing (ten percent of the students participating) will be conducted monthly during the school year.  Selection for random testing will be by lottery drawing from a “pool” of all students participating in activity programs in the district at the time of the drawing.   The superintendent shall take all reasonable steps to assure the integrity, confidentiality, and random nature of the selection process including, but not assuring that the person drawing names has no way of knowingly choosing or failing to choose particular students for the testing, assuring that the identity of students drawn for testing is not known to those involved in the selection process and assuring direct observation of the process by the least intrusive means while assuring brevity and privacy.

 

Sample Collection:  Samples will be collected at a mutually convenient time on the same day the student is selected for testing or if the student is absent on that day, on the day of the student’s return to school.  If a student is unable to produce a sample at any particular time, the student will be allowed to return later that same day to provide the sample.  All students providing samples will be alone in an individual stall with the door closed.

 

First Positive Result:  For the first positive result, the student will be suspended from participation in any practices or events for the remainder of the school year, and if occurring during the spring semester, for the following fall semester as well.  The cost associated with drug assistance program will not be covered by the District and must be paid for by the student, or his or her parents or legal guardian.  The superintendent or with his or her designee shall maintain a list of agencies and programs available in this community and refer the student to such programs.  However, the student must submit to a mandatory drug screen or lab test on a monthly basis at the expense of the parent or legal guardian for the remainder of the current school year.

 

Second Positive Result:  For the second positive result in any two consecutive school years, the student will be suspended from participating in all events for the remainder of the current school year and the following school year.

 

Third Positive Result:  For the third positive result in any two consecutive school years, the student will be permanently suspended from participating in all events for the remainder of his or her enrollment with the school unless following suspension for all or part of three consecutive school years, the student requests reinstatement before the school board, and the school board approves reinstatement.

 

Non-Punitive Nature of Policy:  No student shall be penalized academically for testing positive for illegal drugs.  The results of any drug test pursuant to this policy will not be documented in any student’s academic records.  Information regarding the results of drug tests will not be disclosed to criminal or juvenile authorities absent legal compulsion by valid and binding subpoena or other legal process, which the district shall not solicit.  In the event of service of any such subpoena or legal process the student and the student’s custodial parent or legal guardian will be notified at least seventy-two hours before response is made by the District.

 

Other Disciplinary Measures:  The District by adopting this policy is not precluded from utilizing other disciplinary measures set forth in the Student Disciplinary Policy, and this policy does not preclude the District from taking disciplinary procedure and resulting action founded upon reasonable belief and suspicion that a student has participated in drug related activities.

 

SPORTS OFFERED BY SEASON

 

FALL SEASON                                WINTER SEASON                          SPRING SEASON

Football                                               Girls’ Basketball                                 Girls’ Track

Girls’ Tennis                                        Boys’ Basketball                                 Boys’ Track

Boys’ Tennis                                       Wrestling                                             Baseball

Girls’ Golf                                           Cheerleading                                       Fast Pitch Softball

Boys’ Golf

Cheerleading

 

ATHLETIC AWARDS

 

            A certificate of participation will be presented to each athlete who completes the season as a team member in good standing, and is recommended by the head coach to be a recipient of the award.

            A six inch “B” letter will be presented to each athlete who meets the requirements established in that sport and is recommended by the head coach to be a recipient of the award.  However, only one letter will be awarded for junior high and only one letter will be awarded in senior high. 

            The Brinkley School shall also award a patch to each member of a team that is declared a conference champion or runner-up, a regional champion or runner-up, or a state champion or runner-up.

            In order to receive an athlete award the athlete must attend the appropriate sports award ceremony.

            All individual awards such as all-conference, all-state, etc., will be paid for by the Brinkley All Sports Booster Club.  Additionally, team awards will be paid for by the Brinkley All Sports Booster Club, with the following awards being presented:

 

1.                  Football:  Outstanding Offensive Lineman, Outstanding Defensive Lineman, Outstanding Offensive Back, Outstanding Defensive Back, Special Teams, Tiger Pride.

2.                  Basketball:  Rebound Champ, Defensive Champ, Offensive Champ, Free Throw Champ, 3-Point Champ, Most Valuable Player.

3.                  Tennis:  Most Valuable Player, Boy and Girl

4.                  Baseball and Softball:  ERA – Pitching, Batting Average, Hustle, On Base %, Most Valuable Player.

5.                  Golf:  Most Valuable Player, Boy and Girl

6.                  Track:  Most Valuable Player, Boy and Girl

7.                  Wrestling: Most Valuable Player, Boy and Girl

8.                  Cheerleading:  Individual Awards

 

            If an athlete is awarded a letter by the Brinkley Schools, the athlete may purchase, at his own expense, a letterman jacket and shall have the option of either a black jacket with gold sleeves or black jacket with black sleeves, with a Jr. High or Sr. High emblem denoting if the athlete was in Jr. High or Sr. High.  Additionally, Sr. High athletes have the option of purchasing a senior blanket with the school’s emblem.

            Each twelfth grade athlete who has participated and satisfactorily completed three consecutive years in at least one sport shall be awarded a senior plaque in recognition of this accomplishment.  Students having an injury or other extenuating circumstances will have their particular situation reviewed by an athletic committee comprised of the principal, athletic director, and the head coach.

 

LETTERING STANDARDS AND PROVISIONS

OF THE BRINKLEY ATHLETIC PROGRAMS

 

FOOTBALL:

1.                  Must attend all practices and games unless excused by the coach, athletic director or principal.

2.                  Must complete the season as a team member in good standing.

3.                  Must average one quarter per game for the season.

4.                  Attend the appropriate sports award ceremony.

 

BASKETBALL:

1.                  Must attend all practice and games unless excused by the coach, athletic director or principal.

2.                  Must complete the season as a team member in good standing.

3.                  Must average one quarter per game for the season.

4.                  Attend the appropriate sports award ceremony.

 

 

GOLF, TENNIS, TRACK, WRESTLING, BASEBALL, SOFTBALL, CHEERLEADING:

1.                  Must attend all practices and games unless excused by the coach, athletic director or principal.

2.                  Must complete the season as a team member in good standing.

3.                  Attend the appropriate sports award ceremony.

 

In case of injury, illness, or other extenuating circumstances, the head coach shall determine whether an individual will be awarded a letter.

 

CHEERLEADING

 

STATEMENT OF PHILOSOPHY

 

Spirit groups shall serve as support groups for the interscholastic athletic program within the school, and as such, play a very important role in the administration of athletic/activities contests.  Each squad should strive to boost school spirit, promote good sportsmanship, develop good positive crowd involvement, and help student participants and spectators achieve the most worthwhile educational objectives of the interscholastic program.

 

Spirit activities should center on “leading” or “directing” the cheering of student and adult fans.  In this role, spirit groups can become the schools’ most effective student leaders.  These activities should be focused on:  school administrators and the communities; recognizing outstanding plays and examples of good-sportsmanship on the part of both teams; and aiding the school and game officials in the promotion of good sportsmanship and in the administration of the contest.

 

Being one of the most recognizable representatives of a school, spirit groups are in a position of great influence; therefore, high standards of conduct are essential.  Positive personal behavior and squad cohesiveness demonstrate these standards.  Appropriate behavior will help earn the respect of the student body, which is the core of developing effective school spirit and student involvement.

 

Taken in part from the 1992-93 Official High School Spirit Rules Book of the National Federation of State High School Associations.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BRINKLEY PUBLIC SCHOOLS

CHEERLEADING HANDBOOK

(2009-2010)

 

 

I.                   PURPOSE

 

A.    The cheerleaders shall promote and uphold school spirit.

B.     They shall develop a sense of good sportsmanship among the students and adults.

C.     They shall promote unification of the crowd’s involvement during athletic events.

D.    They shall strive to build better relationships between schools.

E.     They shall strive to uphold the highest personal, as well as cheerleading, standards.

 

II.                VALUES OF CHEERLEADING

 

A.    Leadership abilities

B.     Physical fitness and coordination

C.     Courtesy, tolerance, self-control

D.    Good, sportsmanlike conduct

E.     Sports appreciation

F.      Responsibility, patience, respect

G.    Communication skills

H.    Self-confidence and personal expression

I.       Character and citizenship

J.       Moral development

 

III.             TRYOUTS

 

A.    Tryouts will be held each year following the close of basketball season.  There will be a tryout clinic held prior to the tryout date.

B.     In order to be eligible to tryout for a cheerleading position the candidate must:

1.      Be enrolled in Brinkley Public School no later than the beginning of the second semester of the current year.

2.      Maintain the academic requirements and the minimum grade point average (1.8 for Junior High and 2.0 for High School) required by the Arkansas Activities Association.  Junior High students must have passed 3 of the 4 core subjects and Senior High students must have passed 4 academic courses. (If a squad member falls below the required GPA at nine-weeks grading period, she will receive a warning.  If the GPA falls below 2.0 at semester, the squad member will be dismissed.)

3.      Have written parental consent by a legal guardian before attending the tryout clinic

4.      Present verification of a physical exam before attending the tryout clinic

C.     PROCEDURE

1.      A tryout clinic will be conducted prior to tryouts.  Attendance is mandatory.

2.      Tryouts are closed to the public.  A candidate will be disqualified if relatives and/or friends enter the gym before tryouts are completed.

 

IV.             SQUAD MEMBERSHIP

 

A.    A maximum of twelve candidates may be selected for each squad except in the case of a tie.  The number of squad members will be determined by a natural break in scores.  If a natural break in scores occurs between numbers 10 and 11, then the squad will have 10 members.

 

V.                SQUAD CAPTAINS

 

A.    Captains will be decided based on tryout score and squad vote.

B.     Basic responsibilities:

1.      Work closely with the coach.

2.      Lead squad in game situations.

3.      Assign equipment responsibilities.

4.      Develop cheerleader manual for squad members.

5.      Other duties as assigned by the coach.

 

VI.             PRACTICES AND GAMES

 

A.    Squad members are required to be present at all practices.

B.     Games:

1.      All cheerleaders must be at all home games at least 30 minutes prior to the start of their game.

2.      All cheerleaders must be in formation before the team returns to the field/court from halftime.

3.      Squad members will report to the coach when they arrive at the game.

4.      When cheering, the squad will wear the official uniform and apparel designated by the coach.

 

VII.          SUMMER CAMP

 

A.    Each squad member will attend a camp during the summer.

B.     The final decision on the date, location and type of camp will be made by the coach.

 

VIII.       EXPECTATIONS AND STANDARDS

 

A.    Absences:

1.      Cheerleaders must notify the coach if checking out of school on a game or practice day. 

2.      A student must attend school the minimum number of periods required by the school in order to cheer on a game day.

B.     Work:

1.      Strong academics, good health, and active participation are important to a successful cheerleading squad requiring considerable time commitments; therefore, it is suggested that if a cheerleader must maintain a job, it be on a part-time basis.

2.      Employers must be willing to allow a cheerleader to miss work for practices and events.  Work is not an excused absence from practice, games, or other activities.

 

C.     Conduct and Responsibilities:

1.      A cheerleader shall cooperate with the captain, the coach, the game officials, and other squad members.

2.      A cheerleader should be spirited, well-groomed, and in command of the situation at all times.

3.      A cheerleader should not eat, drink, or chew gum while on the field or court.

4.      A cheerleader should not sit in the stands or leave the squad until the end of the game.

5.      A cheerleader should promote good, sportsmanlike conduct and school spirit through cooperation with other students, teachers, and administrators.

6.      Cheerleaders should plan pep rallies, contribute spirit ideas, and help control the attitude of the crowd.

7.      The following incidences shall be evaluated and the number of demerits given will be determined by the coach and principal:

a.       Undesirable or immoral behavior.

b.      Failure to uphold student or athletic/cheerleader handbook guidelines.

c.       Violation of school rules and regulations.

d.      Anything that harms the reputation of the school or the squad on or off campus.

8.      Any cheerleader who decides not to fulfill their obligation or is removed from the squad in disciplinary action will not be eligible to tryout for cheerleader for the next school year.

9.      Competitions and any practices necessary to prepare for competition are required activities.  Failure to attend these activities may result in demerits or suspension.

 

D.    Medical Conditions:

1.      Pregnancy: If a cheerleader becomes pregnant, she must notify the coach immediately.  Written medical consent with no stipulations whatsoever must be obtained from an obstetrician if the cheerleader desires to continue her responsibilities.  Note:  If medical consent cannot be obtained, the cheerleader will adhere to the handbook rules governing a member leaving the squad.

2.      Other Medical Conditions:

a.       All other medical conditions will be dealt with as they occur during the season.  If a cheerleader has to miss an extended period of days because of illness, documentation specifically stating the length of time necessary for rehabilitation must be obtained from a medical physician.

b.      A cheerleader who has been unable to complete obligations for cheering due to a medical condition must obtain a release from the same doctor in order to tryout for the following year.

E.     Cheerleaders Participating in Athletics:  Cheerleaders who choose to participate in basketball are required to join the squad, in uniform, as soon as they exit the locker room following their basketball game.

 

IX.             APPEARANCE AND UNIFORMS

 

A.    Appearance:

1.      Make-up must be natural and minimal.

2.      Nail polish (if worn) must not be visible from the stands.

3.      Squad members will adhere to the policies of the National Federation Rules Book pertaining to jewelry, fingernails, hair style, and hair, face, and body glitter during practices and games.

B.     Uniforms:

1.      Paying for personal required items such as shoes, socks, poms, etc. will be each individual’s responsibility.  Failure to pay for required items according to deadlines may result in removal from the squad.

2.      All uniforms, both personal and school issued, should be kept neat, clean, and in good condition.  Any damages to uniforms during the year are expected to be corrected before they are returned.  Uniforms should also be cleaned before they are returned.  If a uniform is lost or damaged beyond repair, the cheerleader will pay for the uniform.

3.      Poms are a required component of the uniform and are considered as part of the official uniform designated for the game.

 

X.                TRANSPORTATION

 

A.    The school will provide transportation for all away athletic events.  Cheerleaders are required to ride the bus as a group.

B.     A cheerleader is permitted to leave from an activity only with an adult member of her own family.  A cheerleader must be signed out with the coach before leaving an activity.  If the cheerleader is to be signed out by a family member other than her own parents, a note signed by the parent must be provided to the coach before leaving for the activity.  The note must indicate who is signing out the cheerleader and the relationship.  The family member may be asked to provide identification to the coach when signing out the cheerleader.  Please remember this is for the safety of the cheerleader, and be sure to follow this procedure.

C.     Behavior on buses must be the utmost expression of maturity and respect. 

D.    A ride must be waiting for the squad member upon the return of an away trip.  This is important so there is no waiting for the squad members to safely secure a way home.  This is a courtesy and will aid in positive relations.

 

 

 

 

 

XI.             DEMERIT SYSTEM

 

A.    A cheerleader may receive one demerit for the following:

1.      Tardiness to practice.

2.      Leaving practice early, without excused approval.

3.      Not wearing proper practice clothing.

4.      Failure to abide by safety rules mandated by the Arkansas Activities Association (for example – wearing jewelry during a game).

5.      Drinking or eating on the sidelines during the game.

6.      Unnecessary talking to fans during a game.

7.      Chewing gum on the sidelines or at practice.

8.      Tardiness back from halftime.

9.      Failure to return demerit notifications promptly.

10.  Public displays of affection while in uniform.

11.  Cell phone use during practice or games. 

B.     A cheerleader may receive two demerits for the following:

1.      Missing practice without excused approval.

2.      Failure to show proper respect during the National Anthem and/or Alma Mater.

3.      Tardiness to a game.

4.      Standing on the sidelines, not cheering.

5.      Wearing any part of the cheerleading uniform for personal reasons, including the windsuit.

C.     A cheerleader may receive up to three demerits for failing to wear the proper uniform and accessories to school or games.

D.    A cheerleader may receive up to five demerits for the following:

1.      Missing a game, without excused approval.

2.      Showing disrespect to the cheer coach, captain, or any other member of the squad.  Disrespect is defined as, but not limited to:  talking back, refusing to do cheers called, making derogatory remarks about a member of the squad, spreading false tales about members of the squad, arguing on the sidelines, or refusing to follow instructions given by the cheer coach.

3.      Missing the bus to away games.

E.     A cheerleader may receive demerits to be determined by the coach and principal for the following:

1.      Immoral behavior.

2.      Failure to uphold school or athletic/cheerleader handbook guidelines

3.      Violation of school rules and regulations.

4.      Anything that harms the reputation of the school or squad on or off campus.

F.      A cheerleader may receive 12 demerits for being placed in In-School Suspension for disciplinary reasons.

 

 

 

 

 

XII.          SUSPENSION

 

A.    Suspension for one game may result from the following offenses:

1.      Accumulation of six demerits.

2.      Leaving a game early without permission of the cheer coach.

3.      Blatant disregard of the rules.

B.     Suspension for two games may result from the following offenses:

1.      Accumulation of twelve demerits.

2.      Placement in In-School Suspension for disciplinary reasons.

C.     If a cheerleader is suspended, she must attend the game, in uniform, and sit with the cheer coach.  She must obey all the rules as if she were on the sidelines.  Failure to attend the game and follow the rules of suspension may result in additional demerits.

 

XIII.       DISMISSAL

 

A.    Dismissal from the squad may result from the following offenses:

1.      Accumulation of eighteen demerits.

2.      The use of drugs, tobacco, or alcohol or a positive drug test as a result of school drug testing.

3.      Appearing at school or a school function under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol.

4.      Conviction of a crime.

5.      Suspension from school for any reason.

6.      Conduct unbecoming a representative of Brinkley Public Schools.

7.      Grade point average falling below the minimum. (Please note:  Should the student’s GPA fall below the minimum at the conclusion of the spring semester of try-outs, the student will be dismissed from the squad at that time.)

8.      Failure to pay required expenses by stated due dates.

B.     Dismissal from the squad for any reason, including failure to pay required expenses, renders the cheerleader ineligible for tryouts for the following year.

 

XIV.       FINANCES

 

A.    Cheerleaders are responsible for the financial obligations required by cheerleading.

B.     In the event of fundraising, all money raised by the cheerleaders will remain with the squad.  If someone resigns, or is dismissed from the squad, any money raised by that individual will remain with the squad to be used by their replacement or to offset squad expenses.

C.     Once items have been ordered, the cheerleader is responsible for those expenses, regardless of dismissal or resignation from the squad. 

D.    Any payments made prior to dismissal from the squad will NOT be refunded.

 

 

 

 

CONCLUSION

 

            All students who elect to try out for a team or the cheerleading squad and have met the criteria listed above must realize that final selection is based primarily on the skill level or potential skill level of the individuals competing.  Since each coach has been trained to recognize, test for, and develop the skills necessary for each sport, he/she will have the ultimate discretion in final team selection.  Students will be notified whether they are selected or not at an appropriate time and place.  If a student chooses, he/she may request a conference with the coaching staff to determine the deficient skills noted.

            Available transportation, limited equipment, AAA guidelines, limited staff or facilities all play a part in the selection of team members and may be the only reason a student is not selected.

            If you decide to take advantage of this opportunity, then welcome to the Brinkley Athletic Program.