ABSENCE REQUEST FORM

Sidelines Demerit System

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Demerits will be used as our primary disciplinary tool and can be given by sponsors, the squad liaison, coaches, and the Executive Board. 

 

• For every three demerits received the cheerleader will serve a half-game suspension*.

• Twelve demerits results in immediate removal from the squad.

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*Suspension means you cannot cheer for one-half at the next scheduled game or participate in any social activity falling within the suspension time.  However with respect to games, the cheerleader must dress out and attend. Practice will not be affected by suspension, athletes are expected to dress out and participate in practice even if they are suspended from an upcoming game.

 

One Demerit will be given for:

● Wearing jewelry at practice or games

● Chewing gum, eating outside of the designated time given by sponsors

● Wearing improper uniform (wrong socks, bloomers, skirt, bow, etc.)

● Use of foul language or poor sportsmanship

● Being late after half time or late to start the third quarter

● Use of a cell phone during practice or game without permission

● Excessive talking or playing during a game or practice

● Long fingernails or nail polish at practice or a game

● Arrival to a game without being ready in complete uniform (hair up, full uniform and shoes on, etc.)

 

Two Demerits will be given for:

● Arriving late for practice, game or any other cheer event

● Leaving trash at games

● Failure to turn in money or forms on time

● Leaving practice, game or other cheer event early without prior permission from the sponsor and/or board

 

Three Demerits will be given for:

● Failure to attend practice

● Failure to dress out Fridays before ALL football and (if applicable) basketball games, as designated by the dress out schedule, published by the Executive Board.

● Unnatural marks on the body (including tattoos) that can be seen

● Excessive public displays of affection at school, Jr. Trojan games, LHS varsity games

● Lending cheer items to non-cheerleaders

 

Six Demerits will be given for:

● Any inappropriate behavior which reflects on the reputation of the squad or school (including, but not limited to: smoking, drinking, use of drugs, unsportsmanlike conduct, failure to abide by Cobb County Code of Conduct, etc.) ● Arguing, fighting and gossiping with or about other squad members

● Inappropriate and/or disrespectful behavior toward any sponsor, LHS coach, gym coach, etc.

● ANY inappropriate behavior on social media, email, text, etc. This includes, but is not limited to saying, posting, or lip syncing curse words, racial slurs and/or sexual messages/innuendos, excessive public displays of affection, inappropriately clothed, etc. This includes posts/messages of the squad member on her account or a third party's account/page.

● Failure to attend a mandatory game/event unless it is an excused absence (excused is an illness with doctor's note or death in the family)

 

Immediate Dismissal

● Accruing 12 or more demerits

● Two or more F's on report card, or a U in conduct

● Any significantly inappropriate behavior as determined by the Executive Board

 

Notes:

● Demerits are carried out through the banquet season. For demerit purposes, there are no cut-offs or reset periods between sports. Demerits carry over from football to basketball.

● Sponsors, coaches and the Squad Liaison reserve the right to assign demerits for infractions not listed above on an individual basis and may upgrade any penalty depending on the severity of the situation.

● If a cheerleader misses the last football or basketball game, she will not be allowed to attend the banquet and forfeits any gifts/awards given at the banquet.

● Cheerleaders may not participate in practice or cheerleading functions on days they are given ISS or OSS. Absences due to ISS or OSS are unexcused and will result in issuance of the appropriate demerits.

● Cheerleaders suspended or removed from the program are NOT entitled to a refund of any monies paid.

● All concerns should be directed to your sponsor first, then to the squad liaison, and finally to the LJTC president. The Junior Trojan Cheer program operates independently of the Lassiter High School program. All decisions made by the LJTC Executive Board are final.

● If you are dismissed or leave the program before the banquet, you forfeit your right to tryout the following year. You may petition the board to tryout after the year off.

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Special Absence

During the mandatory season, one (1) special absence from a mandatory event (with a minimum two-week notice) will be allowed, but will result in three demerits. A Special Absence allowance is an effort to allow families to attend events such as family weddings, baptisms, reunions, etcetera without receiving severe punishment. This absence should not be viewed as a "freebie" or opportunity to miss just because you want a day off or would rather be on vacation. We trust the Junior Trojan families will honor their commitment to the program and attend every practice and game. Failure to notify sponsors in writing at least two weeks in advance, will result in six demerits. NO EXCEPTIONS.

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Excused absences: Missing a mandatory event as a result of a death in the immediate family, personal illness with doctor's note, religious holiday and/or personal sacrament requirements.