a Daughter...

Could you imagine if your daughter had to follow this?

This "Coach" should be the football coach, not the Pom coach...

Staley Dance Team Constitution
2008-09
I. Purpose
II. Rehearsals
III. Performance
IV. Summer Requirements
V. Dancewear and Uniforms
VI. Finances/Fundraising
VII. Honor Code of Conduct

I. Purpose
A. The Staley Dance Team is an auditioned performance/spirit group. Dancers are selected in the spring and must meet all requirements until graduation of the following year. The purpose of this group is to foster:
* Self Discipline - Self Respect - Self Worth
* Responsibility and dependability within each dancer
* Organizational Skills
* A standard of excellence in performance
* Teamwork
* Each dancer as a positive role model and as an ambassador for Staley High School.

B. The Student Handbook is part of this constitution. Students are expected to know the rules of SHS and are required to follow them.

C. The rules stated in this constitution are not inclusive. All calendars are subject to change.
Dancers are expected to adjust their schedules and keep their parents informed.

II. Rehearsals
A. Dance Team is a full year commitment.
1. Summer Camp
2. All scheduled/mandatory practices and rehearsals
3. Any scheduled competitions
4. Any scheduled parades or special performances

B. Rehearsal Procedures. (These rules are not inclusive)
1. Dressed and ready to stretch by 2:45 pm.
2. Proper attire as instructed by the director. No baggy clothing, dance shoes required, clothing conducive to dancing.
3. All of your hair in pony tail.
4. NO JEWELRY (includes earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings, ankle bracelets, belly button ringsand watches). There is no time available during a school year for piercing of body parts. Dancers who wish to pierce ears etc. must choose a time other than during the traditional school year. Band-Aids are not considered a solution for covering piercings.
5. Appropriate behavior and attitude.
6. Follow directions and respect the rights of others.
7. No tattoos are allowed to show during uniforms, costumes, or practice clothes.
8. Maintain little to no talking in rehearsal
9. Do not bring friends, family members or boyfriends to rehearsal.
10. Attend all rehearsals times and also on time.
11. Parents should notify the director before a student misses a rehearsal. It will be at the
director’s discretion to excuse or not excuse the absence.
12. No food or drinks (other than water) during rehearsal.
13. All dancers must COVER UP before leaving rehearsal. This will help prevent sore muscles and
also helps with staying healthy.
14. Dancers are to follow the instructions of the coach/assistant coach/captains without questions
or comments.
15. ‘Thank you’ is the correct response after each correction from the dancer to the coach, captain
or parent.

C. Examples of Unexcused Rehearsals/Performances
1. Any appointments (dentist, doctor, etc.)
2. Family reunions, outings, vacations etc.
3. Attending another function instead of rehearsal.
4. Missing because of a test the next day.
5. Work
6. Interviews of any kind
7. Benched, then not attending rehearsal/performance
8. Not attending because of injury or illness that does not prevent traveling.

D. Dismissal from practice
1. Inappropriate behavior
2. Failure to follow directions/instructions
3. Actions or manners that undermine the progress of the rehearsal
4. Repeated offenses after being warned
5. Inviting friends or boyfriends to practice
6. Negative attitudes that affect the team
7. Talking back or acting rude towards the coach
Any dancer continuously making the above infractions will be removed from the team.

III. Performance
A. Procedures
1. Dressed in full uniform, which includes shoes, hair, tights, poms etc.
2. All attire in good condition and properly worn.
3. No fingernail polish or jewelry. This includes acrylic nails. Nails that are longer than what is
required by the Missouri State Dance Team Association will need to be cut.
4. Performance make-up will be expected during all school performances and competitions.
5. Dancers are required to attend all performances
6. Follow all instructions given by the coach
7. Maintain a professional attitude while in uniform
8. Permission prior to the performance is required from the coach before leaving a performance
early.
9. Permission forms/medical release forms turned in on time.
10. Dancers are required to travel to and from performances with the team.
11. Dancers may never leave the team to sit with family/friends/boyfriends.
Failure to meet performance procedures will result in a benching.

B. Eligibility Requirements
1. Dancers must attend school the day of a performance or competition
2. Dancers must have the routine memorized to stay in the formation during all performances.
3. Individual/group fund raising will be mandatory to remain in good standing with the team and
also full participation required to perform

C. Benchings: Benchings are given for infractions of the rules and result in a dancer becoming
ineligible to perform in the next performance. The following are examples of infractions that will
result in a benching.
1. Any negative reaction to the coach or captain while giving instructions or comments.
2. Miss a performance - benched for the following performance.
3. Inappropriate behavior during the previous performance.
4. Wearing inappropriate practice clothes or not wearing appropriate dance shoes.
5. Late to anything dance team related
6. Work
7. Missing a practice or game (unexcused)

Disciplinary action from any teacher can result in a benching and the coach will determine the
length of the benching. The coach may choose to place any dancer on a probationary status if
that dancer is showing absenteeism in any classes, for problems that result in administrative
action, and/or for behavioral problems resulting in teachers disciplining the dancers. Dancers will
be removed from the team if they repeatedly demonstrate inability to follow school rules and the
classroom discipline from all teachers.

IV. Summer Requirements
A. Summer Practice
1. Summer practice for the team will begin August 4.
2. Dancers are required to be at all summer practices unless written notification is given. A parent
must sign the notice and give the dates that will be missed.

B. Dance Camp
1. A dancer must attend dance camp in order to remain on the team.
2. Place: Staley High School
3. Dates: August 4-6
4. Cost: $174.00
5. Any dancer failing to comply with the dance team constitution will be sent home. No refunds will be
given.
6. A non-refundable deposit of $50 must be turned in by May 2nd. Remaining balance is due by June 13th.

V. Dancewear and Uniforms
A. Rehearsal Clothes
1. All team members must have the required shoes, tights, performance/practice clothing.
2. Appropriate practice clothing must be worn to all practices.
3. Items that are purchased through the Dance Team must be paid in full before you can receive
them.
4. No physical contact allowed during practices or while wearing any clothing that has the Staley
dance team logo. This includes handholding, kissing, hugging etc.

B. Uniforms and Performance Costumes
1. Uniforms/costumes will be purchased from sponsorship and fund raising money.
2. Dancers are responsible for maintenance and the replacement cost if damaged.
3. Uniforms/warm up suits are to be worn only with the team and only with the director’s approval.
4. Correct accessories must be worn with every uniform.
5. Appropriate behavior is required while in uniform.
6. No physical contact allowed while in uniform.
7. Do not wear your uniforms or warm ups to school without director approval.
Tights and shoes must be in good condition.
(No runs, severe scuff marks, holes).

VI. Finances/Fundraising
1. Fundraising money is used to purchase the majority of items needed by the Dance team.
Participation is mandatory. Every dancer will participate in team assigned fundraisers.
Fundraisers that are not team assigned are optional for the dancer. Some competitions may
require each dancer to pay for transportation, hotel and/or competition entry fees. Some
fundraisers may require each dancer to bring in soda, water, etc.
2. Some fundraisers may require a dancer to recruit help, i.e. parents, siblings, grandparents, etc.
3. Scheduled Fundraisers for this year will be posted as soon as they are scheduled
4. Fundraising money will be used for uniforms, transportation, choreography, etc

VII. Honor Code of Conduct
All dancers agree to follow these rules of conduct:
1. Respect your coach, parents, teachers and school.
2. Never speak disrespectfully about your teammates.
3. Never dishonor your teammates by dishonoring yourself.
4. Follow the rules of SHS student handbook.
5. No smoking, drinking or drugs in or out of uniform.
7. Always tell the truth.

I ______________________________ have read the Staley High School Dance Team Constitution
and understand all that is required of me and I agree to the terms of the constitution. I realize that I
am a becoming a role model for other students and agree to conduct myself in a manner that will
make my parents, teachers, and administrators proud. I am aware that I must demonstrate
knowledge of this constitution before I am allowed to perform.
__________________________________ ______________
Signature Date
I have read the Staley High School Dance Team Constitution and understand all the requirements.
By signing this contract, I am giving my permission for ____________________________ to join
for the 2008-2009 school year. I understand my parental commitment and agree to the terms of the
constitution.
________________________________ _____________
Parent/Guardian Date