You may have heard the quote that states ìNo discipline is the worst discipline of allî.Ý Rules and guidelines are at the heart of any well-run organization and a constitution that outlines these will help keep order and give structure to the decisions you make for your team. Sometimes the hardest decisions to make are not the most popular ones but are made because of the integrity of the program.Ý Your dancers must realize that we live in a world with rules and that there are consequences for not following them.Ý They must learn to understand and respect these rules and those who impose them.Ý Enforcing a team constitution and expecting your team to comply with it helps teach mutual respect, one of the most common traits to a successful team.

As a coach you experience a variety of different situations from year to year ranging from easy to deal with to more difficult.Ý Several of these cases, especially the more challenging ones, can become true growing moments for you as a coach as well as your program. Taking each new experience and looking carefully at it can broaden your approach to team issues.ÝÝ Revising your team constitution yearly will allow you the implement any changes that have stemmed from particular circumstances encountered the previous year.Ý

We all know that you cannot foresee everything but a good constitution will cover almost all bases.ÝÝ When revising your constitution keep this in mind.Ý All rules must be for the good of the program and be placed in the constitution as an effort to make the program better.Ý It needs to allow for individual differences and yet be fair to all.Ý It also needs to be easy to understand and follow.Ý Remember to seldom budge from the rules in your constitution.Ý Only do so when there is a circumstance that really warrants the diversion.Ý Once you stop following your own rules, your team will too.Ý However, remember to take everything in stride, deal with dancers in a caring understanding way, always let your team know where you stand on issues, and be organized by documenting infractions.Ý But, donít forget, this is supposed to be FUN, keep things light and fun for your team and they will work all the harder to honor your team guidelines and gain your respect.

There are many sources that will help you outline a quality constitution.Ý If your team attends a camp, check the directorís manual to see if there is a sample constitution included.Ý Look at a variety of different constitutions to develop one that is personal to your team.

Here are some ideas for areas to cover in your teamís constitution.

I.ÝÝÝ Purpose: Explain the reason for a constitution.

II.ÝÝ Membership Requirements: Outline requirements such

Ýas grades, physicals, etc.

III.Ý Conduct: Covers areas such as drug use, appearance,

Ýpublic displays of affection, gum chewing, etc.

IV.ÝÝ Uniforms and Expenses: Explain the responsibility of

Ýusing the teamís uniforms, projected costs,ÝÝÝÝÝ

Ýfundraising, etc.

V.ÝÝÝ Learning and Teaching Routines: Let your dancers know

Ýhow and when they will learn their routines.Ý CommentÝ

Ýon listening at practice, to the choreographers, etc.

VI.ÝÝ Lettering: Outline all requirements for a letter.Ý

Make sure you include a statement regarding the rightÝÝ

to revoke a letter at any time due to circumstancesÝ

not foreseen in the constitution.

VII.Ý Attendance: Explain excused and unexcused absences,

Ýmandatory practice schedule, doctor appointments,Ý

Ýetc.Ý Ý

VIII. Discipline/Demerits: Each team has their own system

but if your team has demerits you would explain theÝÝ

whole system in this article.Ý If your team uses a

different discipline policy, you would outline allÝ

points here.

IX.ÝÝ Non-Participating Members: Explain what you expect

Ýfrom a suspended, injured, or ill dancer.

X.ÝÝÝ Work:Ý Many dancers work outside of practice to pay

ÝÝÝÝÝ for the expenses involved in this activity.Ý This

ÝÝÝÝÝ section would outline rules concerning work

ÝÝÝÝÝ schedules.

XI.ÝÝ Summer Practice: Outline requirements regarding

Ýsummer practice.Ý Some teams don't practice in the

Ýsummer, some do, but do not require all team members

Ýto be present. Once you decide what you will do

Ýexplain all policies here.

XII.Ý Obligations to Other Sports: If you allow your team

members to participate in other sports during season, then you would include all information regarding that in this section.

XIII. Fundraising: List what you expect from the team as

Ýthey conduct fundraisers.

XIV.Ý Moral and Ethical Values: Define the certain

Ýstandards you deem necessary for the integrity of

Ýyour program.

XV.ÝÝ The Coach: This is the most important article for you

Ýto develop.Ý Make sure you reserve the right to amendÝÝ

Ýany article, at any time, due to circumstances theÝ

Ýteam encounters and the right to make any decisions

Ýnot covered in the constitution with the best

Ýinterest of the team in mind.

Hand out the constitution during or right after tryouts and let them review it for about a week.Ý Then call a team/parent meeting to review your expectations.Ý Make sure you have a place where all dancers and parents can sign and turn in a form that states they will comply with your team constitution.Ý Once you do this you can start season and know that you covered all the bases.Ý Be detailed yet to the point.Ý Stick to your constitution and you will have the respect of your team and parents for the rest of the year.Ý

SAMPLE TEAM GUIDELINES

As a member of this team, you will need to know the following rules and guidelines.Ý Please study this and ask your parents to read it.Ý We are DEDICATED to making this an incredible year and it begins here.Ý With your cooperation and help we will achieve this goal.

I.Ý PURPOSE

A.          Develop character and personal accountability.

B.          Encourage 100% participation, and teach the responsibility of working towards personal bests.Ý

C.          Set an example of a respectful attitude and good behavior at all times.

D.          Promote friendships between team members and teams with whom we compete, perform, and go to camp.

E.          Teach teamwork and instill a work ethic thatÝÝ

exemplifies dedication to advancing this team.Ý

II. MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

ÝÝÝÝ A.Ý Grades

1.Ý Dancers must pass 5 classes with a 2.0 GPA or

better.

2.          Ineligibility from grades will result in automatic

suspension for 6 weeks until the next grading period.Ý

3.          If any dancer becomes ineligible for a second time during season, they will be removed from the squad.

B.ÝÝ Dance must take priority over all other extra-

curricular activities from October - March.

C.               All members must have a physical.Ý This must be

on file before members begin full season.Ý This physical is valid for 2 years.

D.ÝÝ Being on this team one year IN NO WAY GUARANTEES

PLACEMENT ON THE TEAM FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR. ÝEvery dancer must go through the same audition/selection process each spring.Ý In addition to ability, each dancerís cooperation, effort, attitude, dedication, and ability to get along with other team members will be considered.

E.              All members are expected to take part inÝ

fundraisers.Ý

Any merchandise lost or stolen must be replaced by the dancer.Ý Since thefts occur, it is wise not to leave items/money in school lockers or cars, but rather keep in oneís possession at all times.

F.  Activity fees must be paid before full seasonÝÝ

ÝÝÝÝ begins. Each practice day after full season where

the fee has not been paid will be premise for

demerits.

III.Ý CONDUCT:Ý In order to have a successful year we have to be responsible people.Ý The season is in your hands.Ý You can help mold it into whatever you wish.Ý We ALL have to work hard to keep the integrity of the program.Ý We must work relentlessly to keep a positive attitude.Ý Look for the good in all things.Ý

A.          By accepting the privilege/honor of wearing a the

team uniform, a dancer accepts that her actions

are more prominent than those not associated with such an activity.Ý

B.          Because of this prominence and because membersÝÝÝ

represent the school, you must be at your best behaviorÝ at all times, anywhere in the community, and at all functions where you are recognized as representatives of this school and team.

C.          Proper appearance is required at all times, with

clothing appropriate to the occasion.

D.          Fowl language is forbidden at practice, in school, at games, camps, or competitions.

E.          Smoking or drug usage is not allowed at any time!Ý The consequences are explained in the Acknowledgement of Risk and Warning that all dancers/parents must sign.

F.          A demerit system to deal with all minor and major

infractions - tardiness, missed practices/performances, missing uniforms - plus suspension and possible dismissal issues will be provided in this constitution (article VIII).

G.          Each case will be judged individually, but since not everything that could occur is covered in this constitution, infractions that are not outlined may require the best judgment of the coach with assistance from the administration, when necessary.

H.          The coach reserves the right to amend this constitution at any time and to review the circumstances of each case to determine if revision of the demerits is required.Ý This could act in favor of or against a dancer depending on the circumstance and nature of issue.Ý Severity of the offense may dictate harsher action.

I.          Every attempt will be made to discipline fairly/equally and to make the consequences of actions known ahead of time.Ý Parents will be kept informed of problem situations.

J.          Poor conduct/behavior under any of the above

circumstances could result in warnings, demerits, or suspension/removal from the team.Ý Individual behaviors not only reflect on the individual but can also effect the image of the entire team.Ý The good of the team ALWAYS comes before any one individual.Ý No one is irreplaceable or indispensable.Ý If it is in the best interest of the team that any one individual not perform or that she be removed from the team, this action will be taken, by decision of the coaches.

IV.        UNIFORMS AND EXPENSES

A.  Three basic uniforms are provided by the team, and therefore belong to the team (as do props, tee shirts, or any other items paid for through fundraising).

B.  Girls must provide other personal items such as shoes, pants, socks, sweats, coats, etc.ÝÝÝ

C.  Uniforms are to be kept clean, neat, and in good repair at all times.Ý Any team item that is damaged or ruined, lost or stolen, will be replaced by the team member at her own expense.

D.  Other performing items will be decided upon by the

whole team. Items will be purchased with fundraising money when possible, but if not, anyone not wishing to purchase such items could miss performances when that item is worn.

E. Attending summer camp is a requirement of all team

members.Ý Fees for the camp are the responsibility of the individual.Ý

E.  Trips to nationals will be decided upon by the team

in the spring.Ý Group and individual fundraising will be done to help cover costs.Ý All dancers will have an individual account.Ý Any money not raised by November 1^st will be the responsibility of the dancer.Ý If the dancer does not wish to furnish the remaining amount, her money will be kept in her account and pooled for the following year.Ý However, if she chooses not to supply all money for nationals, she will not be able to dance in the state/nationals routine.Ý State championships and nationals run so close together that it does not make sense to have two separate performing groups.Ý This again is for the best interest of the team.Ý

G.  If a dancer is invited to perform somewhere other

than nationalsÝ (i.e. Paris, parades, etcÖ) and the team is planning on attending nationals, she is not allowed to solicit area businesses for the individual trip.ÝÝÝ

V.Ý LEARNING AND TEACHING ROUTINES

A.     Members are expected to be attentive and cooperative while learning routines.

B.     The choreography team will be responsible for choreographing routines unless otherwise decided upon by the coach.Ý However, input by any member at anytime is helpful.

C.     Constructive criticism/suggestions given in a polite manner are welcomed.Ý Complaining and/or rudeness to the instructors or any other member is a disruption carrying disciplinary action.

D.     Choreographers are responsible for meeting in the summer and organizing the routines.Ý Routines must meet deadlines!Ý The coach will attend random meetings to make sure things are going smooth and running on time.

VI.Ý TO RECEIVE A LETTER

The following items will be considered when awarding letters:Ý Attitude, public conduct, participation, attendance, and punctuality.Ý The dancer must complete the entire season if she is to letter.Ý Any suspension during season is an automatic loss of letter.

ÝÝÝÝ A. Each dancer is allowed 5 EXCUSED absences.

B.          Each dancer is allowed 9 DEMERITS (the 10th demerit is suspension).

C. Each dancer must be ACTIVELY involved (this will be

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ determined by coach at end of season).

D. The coach has the right to revoke a letter at any

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ time, for any reason not outlined in thisÝ

constitution.ÝÝÝ

E.  Seniors are required to be at ALL tryout functions for the incoming team.Ý Those who choose not to participate will not letter.

F.  Junior Varsity members will not letter unless moved to varsity during season

VII.Ý ATTENDANCE

A.          All dancers are expected to be at practice ON

TIME!!Ý

B.          Anything later than 30 minutes results in an unexcused absence.

C.          Any dancer coming to practice/performance must attend the last four classes of the day.

D.          If you miss practice you are required to make up the material by the following practice.Ý We will not take time to catch you up.

E.          We have a set practice schedule. Do not make doctor or other appointments during practice time. Doing so will act as an unexcused absence unless there is special circumstances involved.

F.          No dancer is allowed to miss four scheduled practices prior to a performance due to last minute revisions and work that is critical to the performance, without a personal call from the parent.

G.          Any dancer missing two scheduled practices prior to a performance (even with a doctor excuse) will not perform.

H.          Unforeseen occurrences such as funerals, family

emergencies, etcÖ may require different circumstances.

I.          Summer practices carry the same requirements as full season practices.Ý

J.          Additional practices may be scheduled when extra time is needed to get a performance ready.

K.          Proper attire is required at all times.Ý This

includes sports bras/leotard tops, jazz pants, and correct shoes.Ý Baggy clothing not only interferes with dancing, but it also makes it difficult to see posture and technique.

L.ÝÝ Members must not leave practice early unless given

prior approval.

VIII.Ý DISCIPLINE/ DEMERITS

ÝÝÝÝ A. Demerits are assigned as part of the disciplinary

process given for not following rules.

B. Only the team coaches can officially mark demerits.Ý

ÝÝ Captains and officers may suggest demeritÝÝÝ

ÝÝ assignments.

C.          Demerits will begin new at the beginning of full

ÝÝ season.

D.  The following actions will take place for demerit

Ýaccumulations:

10 demerits.....................1 performance

suspension

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ 15 demerits.....................probation

20 demerits.....................non-participating status for four weeks.Ý If it occurs over state and nationals the dancer may not go to these functions and will only be reimbursed the amount in which nationals reimburses.Ý If it happens after deadline for reimbursement the dancer may loose all funds contributed.

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ 25 demerits...................IMMEDIATE DISMISSAL

E.  When on suspension the dancer must attend all practices and performances as usual but will not dance.Ý Participation in state and nationals events will be at the discretion of the coach.

F.  Students under probation must continue to practice but will not perform for a specific amount of time to be decided upon by the coach, taking into account individual differences. ÝMore than one performance but less than four weeks during performing season.

Dismissal is the disciplinary action for the following infractions:

A.  Not attending a mandatory camp, workshop, or event asÝ

scheduled.

B.  Not supporting all fundraising events or failure to comply with individual monetary obligations.

C.  Not abiding by the decisions of the coach, team, or school officials.

D.  Boycotting any team activity.

E.  Smoking, drinking, or using drugs while in uniform or at any event when representing the team.

Point system and suspensions for the following infractions:

A. Unexcused absence from a game or eventÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ10 plus 2

Event Suspension

B. Unexcused absence from practice ÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ5/day plus

1 Event Suspension

C.Ý Late due to detentionÖÖÖÖÖ5/day Plus 2 Event Suspension

D.Ý Excused absence after 5 (without doctor excuse)ÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ1

E.Ý Late (up to 30 minutes late)ÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ2

F.Ý Missing deadlines (money, grade slips, forms, etc)2/day

G.Ý ProfanityÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ3

H.Ý Disrespect to coach, officers, or team matesÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ5

I.Ý Incomplete uniform (per item missing)ÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ1

J.Ý Unclean uniform including shoesÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ1

K.Ý Not wearing planned uniform or outfitÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ5

L.Ý Vandalism and disrespect towards property of othersÖÖÖ5

M.Ý Unsportsman-like behavior, i.e. ridiculing, name

ÝÝÝÝ calling, swearing, etcÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖÖ6 week suspension

IX.Ý NON-PARTICIPATING MEMBERS

A.          Team members classified as non-participating must

meet all requirements and obligations of other team members, but may not perform with the team until the coach determines eligibility.

B.          In addition to grades and demerits, a team member may be classified as non-participating for one or more ofÝÝ the following reasons:

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ 1. Extended illness

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ 2. Injury (i.e. broken bone or pulled muscle)

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ 3. Hospitalization

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ 4. At parents request, with agreement of coach

X.Ý WORK OUTSIDE OF SCHOOL

A.Ý In order to pay for this sport, some dancers may

have to hold a part-time job.Ý If you are employed it will be necessary for your employer to allow you to miss work often.

B.          Leaving a scheduled event for work or coming late

because of work is not excusable and will result in demerits.

C.          If a team member is employed and the work schedule

continually interferes with team obligations, the member will have to make a decision concerning which activity to delete.

D.          The coach/team will try to give at least one week notice for all changes in schedule.Ý If more time is permitted than changes will be made earlier.

E.          Because we never know until the last minute when we will perform for regionals and state, all team members are required to get all days off over the span of event.

XI.Ý SUMMER PRACTICE

A.          All team members are expected to participate in

summer practices.

B.          Demerits accumulated during the summer will wipe clean at beginning of year but may result in no letter if demerits were severe enough to allow for any type of suspension.

C.          Family vacations are excused absences, however I need a personal call from the parent regarding the dates.

D.          All members are required to be involved in the dance camp for kids unless prior approval has been given.

XII.Ý OBLIGATIONS TO OTHER SPORTS

A.     If any team member is involved in a spring sport,

they will be allowed to miss practices as long as a

schedule is given to the coach.Ý All materialÝ

learned during missed sessions MUST be learned byÝ

the dancer on her own time.

B.     As soon as spring activity ends, the member must

ÝÝ start attending practices as usual.

C.     There will be mandatory meetings scheduled in the

ÝÝ spring when we will discuss upcoming events.Ý All

ÝÝ members will need to make arrangements to be thereÝ

ÝÝ or have aÝ representative there if unable.Ý

D.     All team members are required to attend any

community event, fundraiser, or performance that the team is involved in.

XIII.Ý FUNDRAISING

A.          All girls are expected to participate equally in

ÝÝÝÝÝÝÝÝ all of the fundraising activities sponsored by the

ÝÝÝ team and/or parents organization.Ý

B.          If you are not at a particular fundraiser it willÝÝ

result in demerits (10/activity missed plus 2 performance suspension).

C.          If unable to attend a fundraiser in which not all team members are required to be, you are allowed to find a substitute.Ý However, if your substitute does not show, it is your responsibility to comeÝ or to find someone new.

D.          Items lost or stolen from fundraisers are the responsibility of the member and must be accounted for.

E.          If a dancer quits or is removed, any money in her

account will be transferred to the team account.Ý NO MONEY FROM FUNDRAISING WILL BE REIMBURSED.

XIV.Ý MORAL AND ETHICAL VALUES

A.          Certain standards are necessary for the integrity and reputation of any leading organization.Ý We definitely feel that members of this team should be leaders within the school and should set a good example at all times.Ý Members of the team are expected to have and maintain a character above reproach.Ý Personal appearance and habits of which there can be no criticisms are required since the team members are constantly before the school and public.

XV.Ý THE COACH

A.          The coach works with the team and ALWAYS acts in the best interest of the team.Ý She/he makes all finalÝÝ decisions and assigns all demerits.ÝÝ

B.          The coach reserves the right to make final decisions regarding any infraction not included in the constitution.

C.          Members experiencing problems should talk with the

coach, working with the coach first, to find suitable solutions.

Verification that guidelines have been read and that all articles are understood.

Dancer: ___________________________________________________

I/we, the parents/guardian of the above dancer, have read the Team Guidelines/Constitution and understand all the requirements and consequences of improper actions.Ý We understand that the coach has the final say in my/our daughter remaining on the team.Ý We also realize that we will be called upon throughout the year to help with fundraisers, and we will make every effort to do our share of assisting on behalf of our daughter.Ý

Signed:___________________________________

Date:________________

As a member of this team, I have fully read the constitution and understand what is expected of me to remain a member in good standing.Ý I will keep myself knowledgeable and informed of all rules, and realize that the consequences of poor behavior or inappropriate actions may be severe.Ý I will do all I can to uphold the honor and traditions of this team.Ý I will respect all of my teammates, my school, and all persons associated with the organization at all times.

Signed:___________________________________

Date:_________________