Clayton High School Dance Team Rules

2010

1.      PURPOSE

It is the purpose of the Clayton High Dance Team to:

A.     Promote and uphold school spirit.

B.      Set an example of good behavior at all times, whether in uniform, class, at games and at all school functions.

C.     Promote friendships between the members of the squad.

D.    Perform at school games & school events

E.      Develop responsibility, self-respect, and good character.

F.      Teach teamwork and pride in a quality performance through maintaining high standards.

G.     Provide an avenue for teens to participate in something positive

H.    Develop dance skills necessary for high school and college level dance

I.        Develop an understanding of commitment

2.      REQUIREMENTS

2. Dance Team must take priority over all other extracurricular activities, including jobs.

3. Team members MUST attend ALL required activities, such as games, practices, performances, spring showcase, unless dancer is ill, has a family emergency or gives 24 hour notice.  Unless otherwise noted, all events are considered mandatory.

4. Members must maintain appropriate grades and credits as outlined by FHSAA.

5. Members must maintain good sportsmanship and attendance.

6. All members must have a physical prior to tryouts. 

7. Being on the dance team one year in no way guarantees placement on the squad for the following year.  In addition to ability, each dance team member’s cooperation, effort and attitude will be considered.  

8. Captains will be chosen by the coaches.  Conduct, attitude and student aptitude will be part of the criteria for choosing captains.

3.      CONDUCT

1. Exemplary behavior is mandatory at all times.

2. Proper appearance is required at all times, with clothing appropriate to the occasion.

3. Members must not use foul language at practices, in school, at games, etc.

4. Excessive public displays of affection are never considered appropriate, especially in uniform, at games or in school.

5. Smoking or drug usage (including alcohol) is not allowed at any time. 

6. All members are responsible for knowing the rules.

7. Members must display proper behavior in class, including not skipping, or being late.

8. Every attempt will be made to “discipline” fairly and equally, and to make consequences of actions known ahead of time.  Parents will be kept informed of problem situations. 

Absent – Excused & Unexcused Policy

9. Each dancer is allowed 2 excused absences.  Coach must be notified the day prior if dancer will not be present.  If notification occurs on the same day the absent is considered unexcused unless parent calls coach or dancer is ill.  The 3rd excused absence dancer is benched from upcoming game.
10. One unexcused absence dancer is benched from upcoming game.   

11. Because all situations may not be foreseen and thus outlined here, each will be dealt with in a manner decided upon by the head coach, with assistance from the athletic director if deemed necessary.

12. Poor conduct under any of the above circumstances could result in warnings, plus suspension/removal from the team.  Inappropriate behaviors not only reflect on the individual, but can also affect the image of the entire team and the school.  The good of the squad always comes before any one individual.  If it is in the best interest of the squad that an individual or individuals be removed from a performance or from the team, this action will be taken.

4. UNIFORMS & OTHER EXPENSES
   1. Uniforms will be provided by the CHS Dance Team and therefore belong to the team as do poms, props, and items purchased with fundraising money.

2. Dance team members must provide other personal items, such as shoes, socks, tights, etc.

3. Uniforms are to be kept clean, neat and in good repair at all times, and may only be used for performances (not practices or social events).  Uniforms/poms/props ruined, lost or stolen will be replaced by that member at her own expense.

4. Other performing items may be decided upon by the entire squad with final approval by the head coach:  Items will be purchased with fund raising money if possible.

5. If a dance team member quits or is removed from the squad, she will be expected to return all uniform items within one week.

5.      LEARNING / TEACHING ROUTINES

1. Members are expected to be attentive and cooperative when learning routines.  Repeated disruptions will result in warnings and or possible removal from performance.  Continued problems will result in calls to parents, additional game suspensions and possible removal from the team.

2. Constructive suggestions given in a polite manner are welcomed.  

3. Steps missed when absent should be learned within one day of return. 
4. A dancer that misses more than 3 hours of school (except for field trips) the day of an event may not perform at that event.  The participation in each event will be determined by the readiness of the dancer and the nature of the absence from school.

5. Members must call, text, or email the coach whenever absent.

6. Members should try NOT to schedule routine dental, doctor or other appointments on practice days.  Remember each dancer receives two excused absences.

6.      PRACTICES

1. Mandatory after-school practices will be held through out the season.

2. Additional practices may be scheduled as needed.  This will be done with as much notice as possible. 

4. Missing the scheduled practice before an event will result in the individual not performing for that event.  Dancer must be present the practice immediately prior to performance.  Absolutely no exception to this rule. 

5. Missing a part of a practice for a test or other approved academic reason will carry NO penalty, but the member must get prior approval (24 hour advanced notice) and make up what is missed.

6. Missing part of practice for a club meeting is not allowed.  It is discourteous to inconvenience the rest of the dance team. 

7. Dancers must dress out for all practices unless otherwise notified.  Clothing should be appropriate for the activity.  Tennis shoes or dance shoes are required.

8. Dancers must NOT leave practice early.  If dancer leaves early it will count as an excused absence.   Family emergencies or becoming sick while at practice is an exception to this rule.