Frisco I.S.D.

Dance/Drill Team Constitution and Guidelines 2014-2015

The following articles must be adhered to by all Frisco I.S.D. High School dance/drill team members. It must be understood that as a member of this organization, the student becomes a representative of Frisco I.S.D. and each member must maintain high moral and ethical standards. Membership is from the tryout date to the last day of school the following school year. Membership may be terminated at any time for unacceptable standards of conduct. Article I. Purpose A. The purpose of the Frisco I.S.D. Dance/Drill Team shall be threefold: 1. To serve as a performing group representing Frisco I.S.D. and the high school campus throughout the community, state and nation. 2. To boost the morale and spirit of the high school campus. 3. To develop character, leadership, self-discipline, sportsmanship and individual responsibility in each member.

Article II. Tryout Qualifications and Requirements A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. Anyone who meets the set qualifications will not be discriminated against because of race, gender, creed or educational handicap. Candidates must be entering grades nine (9) through twelve (12). At least one parent of each candidate must be present at the Orientation Meeting or must contact the director prior to the meeting. Candidates and their families must agree to and be fully aware of the financial responsibilities of being a D.T. member and meet all financial obligations throughout the year. Each candidate must tryout each year, regardless of whether or not she/he has previously been a D.T. member. All financial obligations to any F.I.S.D. affiliated programs must be cleared. D.T. members who have been dismissed or resigned from the previous year must have permission from the director and principal to tryout. Candidates must reside with parent/guardian(s) within the attendance zone of the school or show proof of future residence within the attendance zone unless the parent is an employee of the Frisco I.S.D. living outside the district. If a student transfers to Frisco I.S.D. before the beginning of summer practices for the new year, they must meet the following criteria to tryout: 1. Have participated in tryouts and made their former dance/drill team or have participated in studio dance teams if no drill team was available at their previous campus. 2. Present a letter of recommendation from their former director stating that they made the team, are in good standing, and meet the academic requirements for tryouts. 3. Tryout in front of the Frisco I.S.D. director and score 70 points or higher. Candidates must have the following forms on file prior to or on the designated date in order to qualify for membership: 1. Information Agreement Form 2. Application/Permission Form 3. Travel/Medical Form 4. Participation/Constitution Contract 5. Report Card: Must show each grading period for the entire year. 6. Physical Form: Completed by a physician before tryout workshops begin each year. Academic Requirements for Tryouts: 1. Grading requirements will be based on first four six weeks of the application year. 2. Must not have been academically ineligible for more than two six week grading periods during the application year.

I.

J.

K.

FISD Constitution 20 2014-2015

Revised 01/23/1 144

3. Must have no more than three days of ISS during the current school year and no OSS or Alternative School assignments during the current school year. 4. Must be cleared through both the attendance and administrators offices before eligible to tryout. 5. Tryouts may be video recorded by the director if student is unavailable to try out during the specified time because of a school sponsored or UIL sponsored event. Article III. The Tryout Workshop A. B. Attendance to all D.T. tryout workshops is expected. Failure to participate without prior permission from the D.T. director will result in tryout ineligibility. Tryout workshops are closed to spectators and may not be videotaped or recorded.

Article IV. The Audition A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. The audition will be held on a date designated by the director. There shall be no minimum set number of D.T. members for the team. Candidates will tryout before a panel of three professionally qualified dance/drill team judges hired by the director/administration. A candidate can receive a possible of 100 points from each judge (300 points total). The minimum score necessary to become a D.T. member will be 210 points. This is an average of 70. The judges decision is final. Tryouts are closed to all spectators. Those eligible for attendance include the judges, director, senior assistants, faculty volunteers and administrators. All candidates who have been selected for the D.T. will have their name and/or tryout number posted in a place designated by the director. If a parent wishes to view their students individual tryout documents, they must make an appointment with the officiating administrator. Parents are allowed to view their students individual documents only. The statute of limitations for viewing is five (5) school days following the tryout session. Parents are not allowed to view any other students documents, nor the tally sheets. The judges decision is final.

Article V. Membership Requirements and Expectations A. B. D.T. members must be enrolled for the designated D.T. class for the fall and spring semesters of their membership year. D.T. members are required to attend summer practices or are subject to discipline. For every 2 days absent, D.T. member forfeits one performance beginning with the first performance of the season. Attendance to all D.T. activities, practices, and performances is mandatory. This includes, but is not limited to, before school, during school, after school, summer practices, and any emergency practices called by the director. Members are expected to arrive on time and attend the entire practice until dismissed by the director. D.T. members may not leave practice or the practice area without permission. All organizational trips, projects, and activities must be under the direction and approval of the director. If an incident occurs during school or while on a team trip, during competition or exhibition, a member should expect disciplinary action from the school as well as from the D.T. Members must audition for select performances. Members are not guaranteed to dance every performance. The director reserves the right to pull any member from a performance due to absence, conduct or lack of effort. A member unable to meet the standards set for that performance will not be allowed to perform in that particular performance and will be placed on reserve status. She/he must attend the practices and performance in uniform and assume her/his responsibilities as usual. Band rehearsals are mandatory. Any member who misses practice with the band will be eliminated from that particular performance. Members will not be allowed to perform until their balance is paid on uniform expenses. D.T. members will abide by school codes of conduct including the FISD Code of Conduct for Extracurricular Activity Involvement both in and out of uniform, both at and away from school.

C.

D. E. F. G. H.

I. J. K.

FISD Constitution 2014-2015 2 Revised 01 14

L. M.

D.T. members will demonstrate good sportsmanship at all times. D.T. members will be courteous and respectful to their teammates, sponsors, teachers,

N. O.

classmates, and all school/district administrators at all times. D.T. members will refrain from public displays of affection while in or out of uniform. D.T. members are expected to behave in a manner that is becoming to the individual, as well as to the organization they represent. They should be aware that in or out of uniform they are representatives of the drill team and the high school they attend and should act accordingly in maintaining a higher standard of conduct. Drill Team members will abide by school codes of conduct both in and out of uniform, both at and away from school. Any question of appropriateness will be decided by the principal and sponsor.

Article VI. Grades A. Academic Eligibility 1. Texas Education Agency-University Interscholastic League NO PASS-NO PLAY REQUIREMENTS: a. Students who pass all courses for the six-week period are eligible for the next six-week period. b. Students who lose eligibility and then regain eligibility must wait seven calendar days before they become eligible to participate in competitions and performances. Students who are may continue to practice with their team, but they may not perform. c. Students who have failed a class may regain eligibility after three-weeks; however at the end of the three weeks, they must be passing all courses, not just the one they failed. They also have a seven-calendar day waiting period after the three-week or six-week period before eligibility may be regained. 2. D.T. members who fail a class during any six weeks grading period will be excluded from participation in all extracurricular activities for the following three weeks. They are to continue to attend class and all outside of school practices. This state policy does not apply to social activities. After three weeks, a grade check will be completed. If the student is passing all classes, she/he may resume participation. If the student is failing a class, she/he will be placed on academic suspension for another 3 weeks. 3. Any member who obtains an average of below 70 for any two six week grading periods during the school year will be removed from the team. 4. Members must provide a three and six week report card to the director each grading period. Dance Team Grades 1. Grades are given to the D.T. members, officers and managers based upon effort, attitude, performance, responsibility and achievement.

B.

Article VII. Attendance A. Excused Absences 1. The status of an absence will be determined by the director. Reasons for excused absences are: a. Personal illness or accident b. Death in the family c. Religious holidays d. Special school UIL activity with advance approval from the director. Unexcused Absences 1. Absences for reasons other than those listed above will be unexcused (this includes absences from the D.T. class). Unexcused absences will result in the receipt of demerits and may result in loss of performance eligibility, suspension or dismissal. Unexpected Absences 1. In the event of an unexpected absence (illness, accident or death in the family) the member must inform the director of the absence and the reason for the absence prior to the class/practice.

B.

C.

FISD Constitution 2014-2015

Revised 01/23/14

D.

2. The parent/guardian of the member is required to call the directors office and speak to her directly or leave a message on the directors school voice mail or email. Leaving a message with an officer is not sufficient. 3. A parent and/or doctors note must be submitted to the director upon the members return to school or practice. Two consecutive absences will require a doctors note. Unreported Absences 1. Unreported absences will not be allowed. The status of an absence or tardy will be determined and disciplined by the director. 2. Members are expected to attend school day in order to maintain eligibility for participation in an organizational activity. 3. Tutorials may be attended once a week without discipline consequences. However, the member may be placed on reserve status. The director must be notified 24 hours before the tutorial session. All other tutorials should be scheduled on off days/times. Members may not miss band practice due to tutorials.

Article VIII. Routine Evaluations and Performances A. B. C. All members must be present at the time of auditions to be eligible to audition. The director has the final decision on who makes the performances and that decision is final. A member unable to meet the standards set for that performance will not be allowed to perform in that particular performance, but must attend the performance in uniform and assume responsibilities as usual. A complete uniform and equipment check will be held prior to any activity/performance. Members who miss more than two practices during competition season may be subject to being placed on reserve status.

D. E.

Article IX. Uniforms and Equipment A. D.T. members will be supplied items by the Frisco I.S.D. and/or Booster Club. D.T. members are responsible for the upkeep of each item received and will be held financially responsible for the item if lost or damaged. D.T. members are responsible for purchasing practice attire and other necessary clothing and accessories as required and all personal items must be labeled with the members name. Practice attire/uniforms are to be kept clean and in good condition. All designated uniforms, jackets, etc. are to be worn by D.T. members only. The length and style of the uniform will be selected by the director with approval of the principal. The uniform is only to be worn in conjunction with school sponsored events. Hair will be worn as specified by the director. No D.T. member will lend her/his uniform for Powder Puff, Halloween, etc. No jewelry will be worn during practices, performances, or pictures. No nail polish, other than French manicure, will be worn while in uniform or performing.

B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J.

Article X. Transportation and Travel A. B. D.T. members are required to ride to and from all activities in the transportation provided by the Frisco I.S.D. and/or Booster Club. If a member has requested an early release from an activity, departure may not occur until the performance events have been concluded. The director must be contacted prior to the event.

Article XI. Finances and Fund-raising A. B. C. D. If a D.T. member is dismissed or resigns, she/he will be held financially responsible for any and all items already ordered. No refunds will be made. Individual refunds from fund-raising profits will not be made. All D.T. members will participate in one fundraiser per year for the benefit of the entire squad with the sponsor present. Turning in Money

FISD Constitution 2014-2015

Revised 01/23/14

1. Money/checks should be placed in an envelope with the name of the D.T. member and the purpose of the money written on the outside of the envelope and turned in to the director. 2. Each check should have the members name, address, Texas Drivers License number and the reason for payment listed. The D.T. members full name must be written in the Memo Line on each check turned in. 3. If a check is returned insufficient, the D.T. member will be responsible for paying the amount plus an additional thirty (30) dollars to cover bank charges. All future payments will only be accepted by way of cashiers check, cash or money order, thereafter. Article XII. The Disciplinary System A. B. C. Demerits may be given to D.T. members at any practice, performance, event, or for school disciplinary reasons. The calculating period for demerits will be from the time the new team is announced until the last day of school the following school year. See Demerit System for further details.

Article XIII. FISD Code of Conduct for Extracurricular Activity Involvement Involvement in extracurricular activities is a privilege, and with that privilege comes responsibility. Participants are expected to conduct themselves in an exemplary fashion that will be a source of pride to the school district and to the community. At Frisco ISD, we encourage student involvement in extracurricular activities and we expect them to abide by these policies in exchange for the lifelong benefits gained through this involvement. The following policies apply to all extracurricular activities at all FISD schools. 1. The illegal use of alcohol or the illegal use of controlled substances is prohibited. The following penalties will be enforced. Step 1 (1st offense) If the offense occurs during the season, the student will be suspended from participation for two competitive contests. The students will complete appropriate cardiovascular training. The student will also be recommended to complete an approved substance abuse intervention program. Step 2 (2nd and subsequent offenses) The student will be barred from participation in all extracurricular activities for one calendar year.

Step 3 (3rd subsequent offense) The student will be barred from all Drill Team activities for the remainder of their HS career.
Each infraction carries over from one activity to the next and from year to year throughout the students enrollment in Frisco ISD. Refusal to complete any assigned consequence in Step 1 will result in the enforcement of Step 2. Activity directors and coaches, in conjunction with campus administrative staff, will investigate all reported violations in accordance with campus guidelines and training. 2. If a student commits a serious criminal act, it reflects negatively on all extracurricular activity participants. The following consequence, in addition to any other school disciplinary action, will be enforced in the event school personnel have reasonable cause to believe a student has been involved in the commission of a felony offense, as defined by the Texas Penal Code or by Federal law. The student will be removed from participation in all extracurricular activities for one calendar year. 3. Activity sponsors or coaches are permitted to assign reasonable consequences in the event a member of their activity group is in violation of any part of the FISD Student Code of Conduct or Campus Behavior Management Plan.

Article XIV. Probation, Suspension, Dismissal, Resignation, and the Appeal Process A. Probation 1. Probation is a period designated in which the member continues to uphold all responsibilities of being a D.T. member, but may not participate in performances. Members may attend social activities and wear the uniform. 2. A contract will be written and must be signed by the member, parent, and director. 3. If the reason for probation is not corrected within the time frame established, the member is subject to suspension or dismissal. 4. Reasons for Probation: a. Receipt of 5 accumulated demerits - one week probation and removed from one performance. b. Being assigned Saturday School or Office Referral - contract may vary. c. Conduct/Attitude - contract may vary. d. Failing one or more classes for a grading period (in accordance with UIL rules and regulations) - 3 weeks probation. Members may not wear the performance uniform, travel, or sit with the team. Members may attend educational fieldtrips, but not participate or assist with a public performance. Suspension 1. Suspension eliminates the member from participation at mandatory activities and participation in performances and special events. The member may not attend D.T. social activities. The member is not allowed to wear any part of the uniform to school or activities during the period of suspension. The member may not travel or sit with the D.T. at performance events or public activities. The member will continue to attend D.T. class and assist the managers in their duties. 2. A suspension contract will be written for the member with the length of the suspension to be decided upon by the director. The suspension contract must be signed by the member, parent, and director. 3. If the reason for suspension is not corrected within the time frame established, the member is subject to dismissal. 4. Reasons for Suspension: a. Receipt of 10 accumulated demerits - two weeks suspension and removed from two performances. b. Second assignment of Saturday School or Office Referral - contract may vary. c. Assignment to ISS - one week suspension and removed from one performance for each day assigned. d. Continuing to fail one or more classes after three week probation - 3 weeks suspension. Dismissal 1. Dismissal involves a loss of membership from the organization. All school equipment and uniforms must be returned and all financial obligations must be cleared within one week of dismissal. Once a member has been dismissed, she/he loses all privileges of the organization. This includes awards, recognitions, etc., although they may have accrued over the duration of the D.T. year. This also includes attending D.T. only events, using the D.T. facilities, and wearing D.T. attire. 2. A D.T. member who has been dismissed will not be eligible to participate in the next years tryout without approval from the director and principal. Areas to be reviewed will include, but is not limited to, a review of the reason(s) for dismissal and student records since the dismissal (academic grades, discipline records, attitude, etc.) 3. In all cases of dismissal, the director will confer with the principal of the school. 4. Reasons for Dismissal: a. Failure to meet necessary requirements to be removed from suspension. b. Receipt of 15 accumulated demerits. c. Failing one or more classes for two six weeks grading periods. d. Second assignment in ISS. e. Placement in OSS or Alternative school - will be dismissed from the team, effective on the date of placement. f. A D.T. member who is expelled from school will be dismissed from the team immediately.

B.

C.

FISD Constitution 20 14-2015

Revised 01/23/ 14

g. Excessive absences from D.T. class, practices, performances, functions review for dismissal to be determined by the director and principal. h. Any of the following inappropriate behaviors (to be determined by the director and campus administration): smoking, use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs, improper language or obscenities (written or verbal), poor sportsmanship, failure to follow school rules and policies, improper conduct/attitude, lack of respect toward director, other team members, faculty, school personnel or school property, stealing, chronic misconduct, chronic absences, hazing.

D.

E. F.

Resignation 1. Resignation shall be defined as, a choice made by the individual member that she/he no longer desires to participate in the organization. 2. Once a member has resigned from the organization, she/he forfeits all privileges of the organization. This includes awards, recognitions, etc., although they may have accrued over the duration of the D.T. year. This also includes attending D.T. only events, using the D.T. facilities, and wearing D.T. attire. 3. Resignation procedures involve a conference with the director and a letter of resignation typed by the resigning member, signed and dated, with a parent/guardian signature as well. 4. All equipment must be turned in and financial obligations cleared at the time of resignation. Upon dismissal or resignation every effort will be made to move the student to an alternative setting however this will remain at the discretion of each campus. The Appeal Process 1. The Appeal Process is the order a parent/guardian or D.T. member should follow concerning the appeal of a disciplinary decision: a. Reference to the constitution rules. b. Conference with the director. c. Conference with the Campus Coordinator(s) or Assistant Principal. d. Conference with the Principal. e. District Appeals Panel.

Article XV. Dance Officers A. Selection of Dance Officers 1. The dance officers will be evaluated by a panel of three qualified dance/drill team judges. The selection of the dance officers will be based on the sum of the scores of the three judges. Dismissal of a Dance Officer 1. See Demerit System 2. If an officer fails a class, she/he will be relieved of her/his officer duties. 3. If an officer is placed on probation, she/he will be relieved of her/his duties as an officer and will remain a line member.

B.

Article XVI. Social Committee A. B. Selection of the Social Committee A. The S.C. will be selected by a team and director vote/evaluation. Dismissal of a S.C. member 1. See Demerit System 2. If a S.C. member fails a class, she/he will be relieved of her/his committee duties. 3. If a S.C. member is placed on probation, she/he will be relieved of her/his committee duties as a S.C. member.

FISD Constitution 2014-2015

Revised 01/23/14

Article XVII. Managers A. B. Managers will be selected by the director. Managers are non-performing team members and must uphold all duties, rules and regulations, including grade policies, presented in this constitution. Failure to comply with the rules and policies will result in termination from manager position.

Article XVIII. Honor Guards A. B. C. Honor Guards will be selected by the director. Honor guards are expected to treat every D.T. member with respect. Honor guards are responsible to the director and dance officers. They will assist the team with props, escort them on the sidelines, and across the field to the visiting D.T. during football games, and other various duties assigned by the director. Honor guards must uphold all duties, rules and regulations, including grade policies, presented in this constitution. Failure to comply with the rules and policies will result in termination from honor guard position.

D.

Article XIX. Parental Responsibilities A. Parents must be willing to meet all financial obligations and time commitments involved in having their daughter/son as a D.T. member. All payments are final. Parents are responsible for arranging transportation to and from all activities, practices, except when transportation is provided by the school district and the director. At least one parent of each D.T. member is encouraged to attend the Booster Club meetings held throughout the year. Parents should be supportive of their child and of the F.I.S.D. organization.

B. C. D.

Article XX. Constitutional Changes A. B. C. The constitution is subject to change at any time due to Texas Education Agency rule changes or with approval from the administration. At any time, additions may be made to the constitution as it becomes necessary and with the approval of the director and the on-site administrator. The director may enforce other rules as they become necessary during the school year for the benefit of the organization.

FISD Constitution 2014-2015

Revised 01/23/1 4