Cheerleading Constitution

LYNX CHEERLEADING EXIST  
To encourage school spirit & pride in Ben Eielson Jr. High School
To promote physical & mental development
To develop lifelong values & skills

LYNX CHEERLEADING VISION
To provide opportunities for participation of activities during the boys� & girls� basketball season
To assist participants in the development of athletic and leadership skills
To develop effective time management strategies
To develop socially through cooperation and appropriate standards of behavior

LYNX CHEERLEADING MISSION
Promote & uphold school spirit, unity & pride
Represent the school to the highest degree
Set an example of good behavior & sportsmanship at all times (whether in uniform or not)
Promote friendships with each other

LYNX CHEERLEADING CODE OF ETHICS
Emphasize the ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, integrity, accountability, & fair play
Abide by all school and district rules
Show courtesy to all visiting teams, competitors, hosts and officials
Respect the integrity and judgment of all sports and competition officials

LYNX CHEERLEADING RULES AND REGULATIONS
Cheerleaders understand that team work and discipline are key to the success of the cheer program.
Cheerleaders are dedicated to promoting spirit, enthusiasm, and a positive winning attitude through example.
All cheerleaders realize that the way they conduct themselves, in or out of uniform, directly reflects on the entire team and school.
These rules and regulations are necessary to maintain team morale, team and individual discipline, and effective learning.
Consistent enforcement of rules and regulations is also necessary to ensure the safety and general well-being of each cheerleader.

ELIGIBILITY
Cheerleaders must be passing in all classes.
Cheerleaders must maintain good citizenship, attendance, & class performance.
All cheerleaders must have a physical & signed contract on file with the athletic department.
All practices and games are mandatory.
 
CONDUCT
Promoting good sportsmanship by way of example is required at all times.
Cheerleaders must not use foul language at practices, in school, at games, etc.
Public displays of affection are not appropriate, especially in uniform, at games or in school.
Cheerleaders must cooperate with all faculty members, team cheerleaders, game officials and coaches.
Cheerleaders must display proper behavior in class, inc. being on time.
Each case of discipline will be judged individually. The coach, with the assistance of the administration if deemed necessary, has the final decision in any discipline situation. Parents will be kept informed of        problem situations.

ABSENCES
One person being absent affects the entire team.
Absences should always be avoided when possible.
Absences must be excused by a note from your parent if you are sick.
Missing a scheduled practice the day before a game will result in not performing at the game.
If you do not have the proper uniform, you will be unable to cheer.

PRACTICES
Cheerleaders must arrive to practice on time, wearing proper clothing.
Hair needs to be out of the eyes and in a secured ponytail if shoulder length or below. Bangs must be out of the eyes.
There is no chewing gum or eating during practices.
No jewelry.
Safety is our first priority.
If you miss a class, you can not attend practice, unless the absence had prior approval from the attendance office.

GAMES
All games are mandatory.
Cheerleaders are required to arrive at least 20 minutes before the game time.
All cheerleaders must know all the cheers and routines for the game.
Cheerleaders are required to dress in full uniform.
Hair needs to be out of the eyes and in a secured ponytail if shoulder length or below. Bangs must be out of the eyes.
Make-up should be worn in moderation.
Nails need to be athletic length.
There is not chewing gum or eating during games.
Socializing with friends while the game is in progress is not allowed.

UNIFORMS
Uniforms must be cleaned and pressed.
Athletic shoes must be clean.
All cheerleaders must have the same uniform look.
No jewelry is allowed while in uniform.
Fingernails must be sports length. Nail polish, if worn, must be clear or natural color.
No cell phones are to be used during practices or games.
Cheerleaders will not loan out any piece of their uniform to anyone.
Cheerleaders must wear their uniforms/team designated outfit to school on game days.

DISCIPLINE POLICY
The following violations will be grounds for immediate dismissal from the cheerleading team:
Underage alcoholic consumption, drug use, use of tobacco products, steroids or any other controlled substances.
Failure to leave a party, function, location or event where the aforementioned items are evidenced by a team member.
Cheerleaders should be present at all scheduled practices.
Missing practices that have valid excuses can still lead to being removed from a routine position, due to not physically being available to practice.
If uniform is not worn on team designated days to school, cheerleader will be benched from performing during the next game.
During game suspensions the team member will sit in uniform with the coach for the entire game.

CHEER PROGRAM FINANCES
Uniforms are required for participation on the cheerleading team.
Uniforms are to be kept in good condition and clean at all times.
If a member is removed from or chooses to quit the team, they are still responsible for payment of all items ordered.
Additional expenses are the responsibility of the team member.

Ben Eielson Booster Club Policy Funds Request=Volunteering
Funds request for the Ben Eielson Booster Club is connected with your participation in volunteering at the concession stands. If we are ever to ask the Ben Eielson Booster Club for any type of support, parents need to volunteer in the concession stands (volleyball, football, basketball, etc). Our goal: one parent of each cheerleader volunteers at least 5 times at a Lynx or Raven event. Please, be sure to sign in when volunteering and note Jr High Cheerleading.