Talon Dance Team Constitutionf

Talon Dance Team Constitution 2009 - 2010 I.

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PURPOSE a. It is the purpose of the Volcano Vista Talon Dance Team to: i. Represent Volcano Vista High School to the highest degree. ii. Set an example of good behavior at all times, in uniform or not. This includes but is not limited to class, at games and at all school functions. iii. Promote friendship and camaraderie among all members of the squad. TRYOUTS a. Candidate requirements i. Open to all incoming or current freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors with the minimum academic requirements and completed pre-requisites. ii. Candidates for membership must have at least a 2.0 grade point average with no F’s. iii. A student must have a signed consent form from a parent or guardian to participate in tryouts. iv. Candidates for membership are required to attend the tryout clinic daily. v. All candidates for the varsity team must have the freshmen physical education class completed prior to the start of the new school year. b. Selection i. Team members will be selected by a panel of judges which may consist of faculty and / or any other qualified individuals. ii. Being on the dance team in previous years in no way guarantees placement on the squad for the following year. iii. Scoring / Judging 1. A panel of judges will score all candidates based on all aspects of performance including but not limited to; dance technique, memory, individual choreography, showmanship and overall impression. 2. In addition to ability, each candidate will be evaluated on cooperation, effort and attitude based on teacher and / or coach recommendations. Grade point averages will also be taken into consideration for the selection of the team. iv. Scores will be tallied by a tabulator. v. All team selection decisions are final. c. If selected for the dance team, members may not leave the dance team to tryout for the cheerleading squad. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS a. All varsity members must be enrolled in the physical education course for the dance team. Varsity members will be required to remain in this class for the duration of their membership. b. A technique / choreography fee will be charged for classes / instruction taken at a local dance studio. The team will attend this class together weekly. It is required for all members. c. Attending summer dance camp is a required activity as it helps to unite the team and prepare the members for the coming year. Fees are the responsibility of the individual. d. Members are encouraged to participate in other school activities and / or be employed as long as the necessary academic and team requirements are met. e. Dance team members will accept the fact that his / her actions are more prominent than those of persons not associated with such an activity. Because of this prominence and because members represent Volcano Vista High School, exemplary behavior is mandatory at all times, anywhere in the community and at all functions where dance team members are recognized as representatives of Volcano Vista High School. f. Proper appearance is required at all times, with clothing appropriate to the occasion.

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g. Members must not use foul language at practices, in school, at games, camp, competitions etc. h. Excessive public displays of affections are never considered appropriate, especially in uniform. i. Members must display proper behavior in class. Skipping class, cheating or arriving late is not acceptable. LEADERSHIP POSITIONS a. The coach reserves the right to forfeit any leadership positions. b. All dancers elected / selected into leadership positions will be expected to conduct themselves in a professional and mature manor inside and out of all Talon / School sponsored events. c. Captain i. Conducts events and practices in the absence of the coach or sponsor. Will be responsible for leading all activities in block formation including dances, cheers etc. Will also assist with attendance and uniform checks. Represents the team as well as Volcano Vista High School whenever called upon. The captain may be any grade and will be elected / selected to serve for one year. d. Officers i. Serves under the captain. Conducts events and practices in the absence of the coach, sponsor or captain. Will be responsible for assisting captain with activities in block formation. Officers may be any grade and will be elected / selected to serve for one year. e. Insufficient fulfillment of duty i. The coach reserves the right to relieve any dancers of his / her leadership duties should the responsibilities of the position not be met. CLASS a. Dance class will be held during the 7th period class time. i. Members will receive a grade for their attendance and physical participation in this class. b. Dance class attendance is mandatory for all varsity members. In the event of an absence, the school as well as the coach should be notified prior to the absence and should be presented with proper documentation (i.e. doctor’s note) upon the return to class. PRACTICES a. All practices are mandatory for all members. b. Additional practices may be held if deemed necessary by the coach. i. Any additional practices outside of normal set practice schedule are mandatory. c. Appropriate practice attire shall be worn and shall be in accordance with the Volcano Vista High School dress code. d. Members should arrive at practice prepared for practice. Each dancer should have knee pads, a water bottle, any required braces, practice attire, proper dance shoes and proper athletic shoes. Hair should be tightly secured in a pony tail with bangs pinned back. e. Summer camp is mandatory for all members. i. A member added to the team following the completion of summer camp will not be penalized. ABSENCES AND LATE ARRIVALS a. Absences i. There will be no unexcused absences. ii. Excused absences include; illness, death in the family, family emergency, or documented school related activities. 1. Prior notice, or as much notice as possible, is required for all excused absences. 2. The coach must be notified as soon as possible in the event of a family emergency. 3. Proper documentation (doctor’s note etc.) is required for all excused absences.

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a. Failure to present proper documentation will result in an absence being considered unexcused. iii. Any choreography, technical progressions or combinations missed when absent should be learned within one day of return. iv. It is the responsibility of the dancer to learn of any announcements missed due to an absence. v. Members must not schedule routine dental, doctor or other appointments during scheduled practices. vi. Dancers may be pulled from formation if there is an absence one week prior to a performance. Special situations will be taken into consideration by the coach if prior notice is given. 1. Any formation changes made to a routine for any reason may, if deemed necessary by the coach, remain permanent for the duration of performances that include the said routine. b. Late Arrivals i. Talons are expected to be on time to all events. 1. Arrange for a suitable ride prior to any events as this will not be an excuse to arrive late. 2. Members who have another documented school related commitment will be allowed a reasonable time to arrive at the event. VIII. POINTS AND LETTERING a. Points i. Points will be earned during each class, practice, performance, game or event. Each member will earn ten (10) points per activity (summer camp will be worth forty percent (40%) of total points. 1. Members must participate in the entire event (this includes performing) in order to earn full points. 2. Points will be deducted for tardiness, improper uniform, missing uniform items, chewing gum, eating / drinking in block formation, inappropriate behavior, absences, missed performances etc. a. The coach will deduct points for any other reasons deemed necessary. ii. Make-up points will be allowed at the discretion of the coach. 1. Make-up points will be earned by attending an event equivalent to the missed event in uniform. b. Lettering Requirements i. Lettering will be largely based on point accumulation. All dancers must earn a minimum of 90% of total points possible. 1. Summer dance camp must be attended in order to accumulate enough points. a. Members who are added to the team following the completion of camp will not be penalized. ii. Insufficient point accumulation will result in not lettering. This will be non-negotiable. IX. GAMES AND SCHOOL SPONSORED EVENTS a. Uniforms will be worn to school the day of all home games and various other events. b. Talons are to attend home basketball games and in town football games as well as other various fall, winter and spring sports. c. The Talon Dance Team may attend any city, district or state tournaments. Conflicts with other school related activities will be resolved by the coach. d. All members are required to sit together in block formation and participate in events.

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i. No visitors will be allowed to sit in block formation. Each member is responsible for informing parents, boyfriends etc. A violation will result in a loss of points. e. All members are expected to know and memorize all words and movements for fight song as well as all cheers. f. Members will stay in stands in block formation during games and are required to take part in all spirit events conducted by the cheerleaders or spirit group. g. All members will sit together at all assemblies in which the Talon Dance Team is involved. PERFORMANCES AND COMPETITIONS a. Tryouts may be held for any routines prior to performances and competitions if deemed necessary by coach. b. Dancers may be pulled from a performance due to lack of commitment or proper performance during practice. c. Dancers may be pulled from a performance in the event of an absence one week prior to the performance. d. Any formation changes made to a routine for any reason may, if deemed necessary by the coach, remain permanent for the duration of performances that include the said routine. e. Attendance at all performances and competitions is mandatory for all members including those not performing. Extenuating circumstances will be considered. ACADEMICS a. Members will complete a grade check form regularly in order for the coach to monitor student progress and grades. i. All grade checks will be completed on designated Fridays. Members will have until the following Monday to turn them in. Failure to do so will result in a loss of points. Dancers will not be allowed to participate in practice until the grade check is turned in. b. Eligibility i. Members must maintain a minimum 2.0 grade point average with no F’s. c. Ineligibility, Academic Probation and Academic Suspension i. Members with grade point averages lower than 2.0 and / or with failing grades are considered ineligible. They will be placed on academic probation and will have one grading period to make adjustments. 1. Ineligible members on academic probation will be required to attend class, practices, performances and events but will not be allowed to participate in any events, performances or competitions until the next progress report or grading period proves eligibility. 2. Ineligible members on academic probation will not earn full points for any activities and will not be allowed to wear game or performance uniforms. ii. Following an academic probation period, grades will be reviewed. Failure to make necessary adjustments will result in suspension from the team for the remainder of the semester. 1. Ineligible members on academic suspension will be expected to attend class but will not be allowed to attend any events, performances or competitions as a Talon Dancer. iii. Following an academic suspension period, grades will be reviewed. Failure to make necessary adjustments will result in the permanent removal from the team. d. Members will be allowed one academic probation and one academic suspension in a school year. i. Permanent removal from the team will be the result following the use both the academic probation and academic suspension. e. Study Hour / Tutoring

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i. Members with any grades below a C will be asked to attend a lunch study hour or tutoring until a new grade check is collected. XII. SUSPENSIONS AND REMOVAL a. Poor conduct / behavior under any circumstances will result in warnings, loss of points and / or suspension or removal from the team. Inappropriate behaviors not only reflect on the individual, but can also affect the image of the entire team. b. Every attempt will be made to treat each individual fairly and equally, and to make consequences of actions known ahead of time. Severity of an action or repeated offenses may dictate a more severe action. c. All suspensions and removals will be done so at the discretion of the coach. d. Reasons for suspension include but are not limited to the following: i. For conduct unbecoming of a dance team member. 1. Improper attitude at school, practice and / or community. 2. Inappropriate conduct with other individuals. a. Hickeys will be grounds for suspension. b. No excessive public displays of affection ii. Unexcused absences iii. Excessive absences and / or late arrivals. iv. Failure to raise grade point average and / or failing grades to the minimum requirements after an academic probation. e. Permanent removal will be imposed if rule violations continue following suspension and for the following: i. Smoking, consuming alcoholic beverages or the use of drugs or any illegal substance. ii. Use and / or possession of any tobacco, alcoholic beverages, drugs or any illegal substance iii. Sale or distribution of a controlled substance. iv. Any minor in possession charges or any behaviors that result in police action. v. Pregnancy 1. The physical demands of this team could put a pregnant individual in danger and will therefore not be allowed to continue with the team. vi. Unexcused Absences vii. Excessive absences and / or late arrivals. viii. Failure to raise grade point average and / or failing grades to the minimum requirements after an academic suspension. XIII. Uniforms a. Uniforms should not be worn outside of any school sponsored activity. b. Closet Uniforms i. Uniforms that are property of the Volcano Vista Talon Dance Team will be checked out to dancers as needed. 1. Dancers will be responsible for signing their uniform in and out. 2. Dancers must inspect the uniform for any prior damage and report to the coach before signing the uniform out. 3. Uniforms will be inspected the day of return. Any uniforms that need to be repaired will be done so at the expense of the dancer who signed it out. 4. Dancers will be responsible for any damage to uniforms not reported prior to signing them out. Uniforms that cannot be repaired will be replaced at the expense of the dancer who signed it out. c. Individual Uniforms i. All uniforms are to be kept clean and in good condition.

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ii. Any damaged, stained or unprofessional looking uniforms will need to be replaced at the expense of the individual dancer. XIV. TEAM FUNDS, INDIVIDUAL FUNDS AND FUNDRAISING a. Team Funds i. Team funds will go towards any expenses that exist to benefit the team. b. Individual Funds i. Individual funds will go towards any individual expenses. ii. Funds in individual accounts may not be used for any expenses outside of the Talon Dance Team. iii. If a dance team member quits or is removed from the team, no funds will be reimbursed and monies will go to the general team fund. c. Team Fundraisers i. All members are to take part in fundraisers to benefit the entire team or to contribute equivalent funds to the program. 1. Funds will go towards a general team fund for various expenses. d. Individual Fundraisers i. Fundraisers for the benefit of individual dancers will be optional. However, participation in these fundraisers will help to alleviate some of the individual expenses. e. General Expenses i. Trips, competition fees etc., will be paid for through squad and individual fundraising with the remaining cost being covered by the individual’s family. f. Payments i. If a dancer is delinquent in fee payment and has not made arrangements for payment, the dancer will not be allowed to perform until her account is cleared. XV. PARENT INVOLVEMENT a. Parent involvement with the Talon Dance Team is vital to the success of the team. We encourage as much involvement as possible. b. Boosters i. A minimum of one parent per dancer is encouraged to participate in the booster club. This will help to insure team funds and to minimize the need for numerous team fundraisers done by the dancers. c. Parent / Coach Meetings i. Any comments or concerns that a parent wishes to discuss with the coach should be done so via email or by scheduling an appropriate time with the coach. Any discussions between parents / guardians and the coach will only take place in a private setting to insure professionalism as well as confidentiality. XVI. GENERAL RULES a. All members are required to stay through the end of all events unless otherwise approved by the coach. i. Leaving early from an event could result in a loss of points. b. Being grounded, employment etc., will not be reasons for excuse for not being able to fulfill assigned duties as a Talon Dancer. Members are expected to arrange their schedules accordingly. c. Talons are held at a higher standard than the average student and should conduct themselves in a manor not to demeanor their position as a Talon Dancer. They are responsible and will be held accountable for their behavior.

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I have read the above rules and guidelines, and understand the meaning of each statement in the 2009 – 2010 Talon Dance Team Constitution. I also understand that there are situations that may not be listed and will be dealt with by the coach when or if the situation arises. I agree to abide by the above, and the consequences as stated.

____________________________________________________ Talon Name (Please Print)

____________________________________________________ Talon Signature

_____________ Date

____________________________________________________ Parent / Guardian Name (Please Print)

____________________________________________________ Parent / Guardian Signature

Talon Dance Team 2009 – 2010 Constitution

_____________ Date

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