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WOW, what an important task ~ writing your team’sconstitution. This might be the most importantundertaking of the year. It will set the tone for yourteam. A constitution can be developed for many reasons,but most importantly, it should fit the needs of theteam in order to make the organization run moresmoothly.

Before beginning the writing process, several factorsshould be considered: Does a constitution already exist for your team Who will you be responsible to when a parent

questions the constitution Does your district / Administration have

guidelines in place to limit actions which can be taken by directors/coaches/sponsors

What is reasonable to expect of students in the grade levels you are dealing with

How to beginConsider what will make your life easier and whatwill be supported by those above you. Before youput something in print, you should be prepared tostick by it 100% of the time. Ask for help; get youradministrators to look over and review the document;consider asking former dance team parents to read itfrom a parental standpoint. It never hurts to hearwhat others are going to say before situations arise.

Think about what is most important in your program(rehearsals, behavior, dress / attire, performances,etc.) then put guidelines in place that are attainableand understandable. Your document should be writtenin a fashion such that students feel good about whatis written down. In other words, will there berewards for good behaviors to counteract the demeritsgiven?

While constructing the constitution, consider whatthe consequences should be for failure to follow theguidelines. In order to cover yourself, have a veryspecific documentation process for all merits /demerits. It is also highly recommended that studentsnot be responsible for handing out demerits.Districts may each react to this differently but upon

consulting TEA and several attorneys, the recommendationwas made that directors should be the only ones givingout demerits.

Have a planMake sure that you think through what the proce-dures will be for problems as they arise. How will demerits be issued? How will parents be notified should removal

from a team or office become an issue? How will terms be defined ~ excused absences,

unexcused absence, public displays of affection, disrespect, etc.?

Consider how you will handle behavior/discipline issues when they occur in other classes. Will a student only receive demerits when a write up occurs? Will a student receive demerits before a write up occurs based solely on a teacher’s word?

Keeping it consistentLast but not least, BE CONSISTENT. From time totime, the merit/demerit system may not work. If you let something slide for one individual, realizethat the expectation will be that the policy is nolonger enforced. Be prepared to admit when some-thing doesn’t work. Keep your constitution a workingdocument ~ change it if it doesn’t work but DON’Tchange it in the middle of the year. It is imperativethat parents understand that the policies will notchange for the current school year but if changesneed to be made, they will take place prior to thebeginning of the following year.

Above all, think about how you would want yourchild treated if they were in the situation.

Constitutions that Count

© Marching Auxiliaries 2005

by Meredith Watassek

The guidelines set forth below are designed to ensure equality of all members when related to disciplineissues. The director(s) reserve the right to make accommodations based on extenuating circumstances whennecessary.

I. Performance tryoutsA. Tryouts may be held for upcoming performances. B. Tryouts may be defined as a formal auditioning process or general observation of the members by the director(s). C. Each member is required to participate in tryouts. Provisions for auditions may be made for excused

absences on the day of formal auditions. D. If a member has a question as to why she did not make a dance, she may conference with the Director(s) during a planned conference period. All final decisions will be left up to the discretion of the director(s).

II. AttendanceA. All members are required to attend all practices and performances whether performing or not, unless prior arrangements are made with the director(s). Tutoring sessions, work, and other extra-curricular activities must be scheduled outside of dance team.B. Absences listed below will only be considered excused if the director(s) are notified the day of the absence. Excused absences may be defined as: 1) an illness that results in a doctor’s visit and is accompanied by a doctor’s note; 2) an illness that results in a student checking out of school through the school clinic; 3) an absence from school due to illness and the director(s) are notified the day of the absence by the student or parent; 4) SOME school activities (see director(s) for specifics); 5) a death in the family. All other absences are considered unexcused and will be subject to demerits according to the demerit/merit system.C. Members will be allowed 3 excused absences from practices for the year without receiving demerits.

The year begins with the first mandatory day of summer rehearsal and concludes at the close of the school year.

D. Absence from a dance team function due to detention is considered unexcused.E. Members are expected to travel to and from dance team functions with the team. However, in exceptional cases, a member may leave a dance team function with her parent/guardian if a note is provided before

the event and has the approval of a school principal.F. Members are expected to be in attendance for the entire event except in the case of an emergency.G. Members may be removed from dances for excused or unexcused absences.

III. ExpensesA. Each member is responsible for paying for practice uniforms, shoes, warm-ups and any other apparelthe group may need to purchase. Any necessary travel expenses are also the responsibility of the member.B. The field uniform and team contest costumes are furnished by F.B.I.S.D. Each member is responsible for the maintenance of these uniforms and costumes. Any missing or damaged pieces will be paid for by the member to whom the uniform/costume is issued.

Guidelines and Procedures of the Elkins Elite Dance Team2005-2006


C. In an effort to keep costs to a minimum, the Director(s) will plan fundraising events during the year. Designated fundraising events will benefit the team in general; others will benefit the member participating in the event directly. There are required fundraising events and each member is expected to participate fully.Failure to do so may result in the loss of performance privileges and/or fees being assessed to meet the needs of the team.D. Each member is expected to remit payments for balances according to the due dates given in advance.E. Unless arrangements have been made with the director(s), students who have not paid for travel in full may not participate in the trip.

IV. Grade RequirementsA. A member must meet all grade requirements as outlined by the State Board of Education, Texas Education Agency, the University Interscholastic League and state law.B. Any candidate receiving a grade lower than a 70 during a six weeks period will be ineligible and will be placed on probation. The candidate must participate in practice, but may not perform with the dance team or attend its performance functions. C. Any candidate who is placed on grade probation will be assigned an “understudy” for all performance spots she has. Furthermore, any member who is on probation will be considered an alternate for any new choreography that will be performed during the grading period that she is on probation. Once the member has regained eligibility, she may audition for dance spots when they are available.

V. Duties/Responsibilities of OfficersA. It is the duty of the officers to carry out the commands of the Director(s).B. Dance officers will assist the director(s) in checking appearances, assisting in contest auditions, teaching and instructing the team, and making decisions relevant to the team.C. Officers will be responsible for a squad of members. D. Social officers will be responsible for the organization of designated team matters and social events.E. Social officers will help organize team events, promote the visibility of the team, coordinate spirit-related activities and assist the dance officers and director(s) when instructed to do so by the director(s).

VI. Selection of OfficersA. Any member who has served or is currently serving at least one year on the team is eligible to audition for a dance officer position provided they meet the following requirements.B. Members desiring to become a dance officer must do a solo at the Fort Bend Dance Classic and must receive a division I rating at any competition advertised by the director(s).C. Members who wish to audition for an officer position must not have failed any class throughout the year.D. The selection process will change from year to year.E. The number of officers for the upcoming year will be determined by the director(s). F. Officer audition packets will be handed out when the director(s) sees fit – not more than 4 weeks prior to auditions.G. Social Committee Members will be chosen through an audition process. These requirements will be handed out when the director(s) see fit but not more than 4 weeks prior to the audition.


VII. Termination of OfficersA. Failure of an officer (dance or social) to set a proper example and follow the guidelines and procedures of the dance team and the handbook and extracurricular code of conduct of FBISD may result in removal from her office.B. An officer (dance or social) will be removed from her office upon the accumulation of the 10th demerit and her parent/guardian will be notified of the demotion.

VIII. Probation and SuspensionA. All Elkins Elite must meet all grade requirements as outlined by the State Board of Education, Texas Education Agency, the University Interscholastic League and state law.B. Any member who is placed on probation will not be allowed to participate in any dance team performance during the probation, but must still participate fully in class, pep rallies, and at practice afterschool though the member may not participate in a public performance.C. Upon receiving a grade lower than a 70 in any class during a six week period, a member will become ineligible to participate in any dance team activity (excluding practice) until the next eligibility period as set forth by the district and state/UIL guidelines.D. A member will be placed on probation for an unexcused absence to practice or performance. The probation will affect any performances within one full week of the unexcused absence. If no performances are scheduled within that week, the member will be on probation for the next scheduled performance.E. A member will be suspended from the dance team or placed on probation according to the guidelines of the demerit/merit system.F. A suspended member may try out again the following year.

IX PerformancesA. Everything needed for a performance will be carried in the dance team tote bag.B. Members who are wearing unacceptable, incomplete performance attire will not be allowed to perform. C. During football games, talking is allowed in the stands, but turning around in the stands will not be permitted.D. All officers will lead their squad into the stands or performance area in an appropriate manner designatedby the director(s).E. Officers will sit in front of her squad during football games and maintain proper behavior of her squad.F. Members must use the restroom before leaving the school for a performance. Members will be allowed to leave the stands to use the restroom only during the 3rd quarter of a football game. Emergenciesmust be approved by the director(s).G. During a football game, members must keep lines straight with bags and poms lined up as directed by officers.H. Members must not attract improper attention to themselves while representing the team.I. Eating and drinking during a game is not permitted, unless otherwise approved by the director(s). J. During the 3rd quarter of a football game, members may drink water.K. Visitors will be permitted to talk to individual members only with approval from the director(s).L. During contest season, if a member is unable to participate in team performances for any reason, she may not participate in a duet, ensemble, or a solo unless approved by the director(s).


In order to be a productive and successful team, it is necessary that each team member be responsible to a disciplinesystem and code of conduct. The following is a code of behaviors that each dance team member is expected toobserve throughout the year as an Elite. The purpose of this system is intended to enhance our organization and itsmembers.

MERIT SYSTEM GUIDELINES:Members will have the opportunity to decrease the number of demerits acquired by receiving merits. The merit systemis designed to reward members for positive behavior. Guidelines for the merit system are as follows:

So that the merit system is not abused, merits will delete demerits if the merits have been earned and recorded PRIOR to the demerits being issued or if the merits are earned within one week (7 days) of the demerit being issued. If a member does not earn enough merits within the given timeframe, the demerit will become permanent.Merits may be obtained during the summer months but may not exceed 50. A maximum of 15 merits may be earned for a single event. If a member should have questions, they should see the director(s) prior to the event in question.

Five (5) merits will delete one (1) demerit. Once merits have been used, they will be deleted. Some serious demerits will not be removed by the merit system. These demerits will be considered permanent and

will be noted as permanent on the list of demerits.

DEMERIT SYSTEM GUIDELINES: Each dance team member will be allowed to accumulate a total of 15 demerits. If a member receives 16 demerits,

she will be removed from the team for the remainder of the year; at which point she will be required to turn in heruniform and get a schedule change.

Some demerits will be considered permanent; some demerits will be removable according to the guidelines established in the merit/demerit system guidelines. Once a dance team member has received demerits 3 times for the same offense, any following demerits earned for the same offense will be considered permanent and will not be removed by the merit system.

Once a dance team member has received 10 demerits she will be placed on probation for the next performance. An officer will be demoted from her office upon the accumulation of 10 demerits and her parent/guardian will be

notified of the demotion. In addition, the officer will be placed on probation. Demerits will be issued by the director(s). When a member receives a demerit, she will receive notification of the demerit and must sign for the demerit with

in two school days of the offense or within two days of returning to school. If she has a question regarding the demerit, she may then conference with the director(s). Conferencing is not the responsibility of the director(s).

Each member may review her discipline record at any time throughout the year. Each member must keep a record of her merits/demerits. The demerit/merit system will be in force at all times. The demerit/merit system may be used during officer tryouts if the director(s) so desire. The director(s) may

choose to use the total number of demerits and merits received throughout the year to help in determining officersfor the following year and this total may be used in the officer candidate’s score.

ELKINS HIGH SCHOOL ELITE DANCE TEAMMERIT/DEMERIT SYSTEM

2005-2006


The following is a list of activities for which merits may be received and the number of merits available foreach activity.

Activity # of Merits

Non-required service to school 1(signed note required from teacher, sponsor, etc.)*Service cannot be for a student aide class and cannot be used toward another activity – i.e. student council; furthermore merits can not be issued for service performed during school hours.

Earning an A on a report card2 per grade

Earning a B on a report card1 per grade

Participating in a studio dance class 1 per class(a monthly log signed by teacher required – maximum of 10 per month)

Tutoring another student 1 per hour(note required from a teacher/sponsor)

Service to community 1 per hour of service(signed note required from service director(s) – maximum of 15 per single activity)

Spirit Girl/Elite of the Week 1 per time

Service in another school organization 2 per organization(one time only)

Attending a non-required school event 2 per event(signed note from attending principal)

***The director(s) shall have the authority to give merits for activities which have not been included or whichhave been inadvertently excluded when necessary. The number of merits will directly reflect the activity.

ELKINS HIGH SCHOOL ELITE DANCE TEAM MERIT SYSTEM

2005-2006


The following is a list of offenses and the number of demerits received for each offense.

Permanent Demerits --- May not be removed by merits:Offense: # of DemeritsBeing assigned Saturday school 1 per assignmentBeing assigned ISS 2 per assigned dayLeaving a practice without permission from director(s) 3Unexcused absence from practice 3Skipping a class at Elkins High School 7Forging or altering any school issued permit 10Missing scheduled dance team performance w/out permission from dance director(s) 10Disrespect to director(s) or other school employee 3-15Any offense of local, state, or federal laws (at any time) – excluding traffic tickets Refer to Handbook

Demerits that may be removed by meritsOffense: # of DemeritsFailure to wear correct practice/day uniform 1(Including improper jewelry/hair/gum; each item will count as separate demerit [i.e. pants, top])Chewing gum in practice 1Late to practice (not 7th pd.) 1 Late to roll call 1Leaving practice early for any reason with director’s approval 1Turning something in late (not items counted as grades) 1/day Talking on sidelines while waiting to perform 1 Talking after being asked to be quiet 1 Having visible panties under leotard for a performance 1 Missing a piece of uniform for a performance 1 per piece Talking to anyone other than Elite during a game w/out permission 1Failure to stand or sit where directed at a performance 1Eating or drinking during a game without permission 1Excused Absence to practice w/director(s)’ approval 1Failure of an officer to complete an assignment 2 Being late to a performance including any practice preceding that performance 2 Using profanity at any time 3“Public Display of Affection” 3

Defined as ANY physical contact (other than hand holding or a hug) with the opposite sex while in ELITE clothing and/or any kissing or groping at any time

Missing scheduled dance team performance with approval from director(s) 3Not wearing uniform (practice or performance) 5Deliberate disrespect of a reasonable request made by an officer or director(s) 5Unladylike conduct --- director(s)’ discretion 2-15

(Behavior unbecoming of any young woman striving to exemplify the standards and ideals of an Elkins Elite)

***The director(s) shall have the authority to give demerits for offenses which have not been included or which have been inadvertently excluded when necessary. The number of demerits given will directly reflect the offense.

***The director(s) shall have the authority to use discretion regarding extenuating circumstances.

ELKINS HIGH SCHOOL ELITE DANCE TEAM DEMERIT SYSTEM

2005-2006


I am aware that as a member of the Elkins Elite Dance Team, my daughter, ________________________,

will be required to adhere to a merit/demerit system. I have read and understand the merit/demerit system

and realize that upon the accumulation of her 16th demerit, my daughter will be removed from the dance

team for the remainder of the year and no refunds for fundraisers, supplies, etc. will be given. I further

understand that if my daughter is an officer (dance or social) of the Elkins Elite Dance Team, she will be

demoted from her office upon the accumulation of the 10th demerit.

Parent’s Signature ______________________________________ Date __________

Student’s Signature______________________________________ Date __________

Director’s Signature _____________________________________ Date __________

Director’s Signature _____________________________________ Date __________

MERIT/DEMERIT COMPLIANCE FORM


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