Student Handbook

Cheer

The Spirit of Cougar , Cheer, and Dance Handbook is an addendum to the Student Handbook. All rules, regulations, and information set forth in The University of Houston Student Handbook are the primary source for all University of Houston students.

University of Houston Cheer Team

The University of Houston Cheer Team supports the athletic teams at the University of Houston by generating crowd enthusiasm and engaging our fans. Members cheer at all home football games, men’s and women’s basketball games, men’s and/or women’s basketball tournaments, pep rallies, parades, special engagements, and other University and non-University functions. A candidate who is chosen for the Cheer Team is a member of the organization from the date of appointment until the end of the following April or the next audition/tryout; whichever comes first.

POLICIES AND EXPECTATIONS

Hazing

Students enrolling in the University of Houston assume an obligation to conduct themselves in a manner compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution and suitable to members of the academic community. Conduct for which students are subject to discipline includes hazing. Hazing is an act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of any person, or that defaces, destroys, or removes public or private property for the purpose of initiation into, affiliation with or as a condition for continued membership in, a group or organization. Such actions and situations may include but are not limited to the following:

Examples of prohibited/unacceptable conduct: ● Paddling in any form ● Creation of excessive fatigue out of the ordinary process and demands of rehearsal ● Physical and psychological activities that demean any individual or group; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, or any such activities carried on outside the confines of the University ● Wearing apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste ● Engaging in stunts and buffoonery of any level, including those sexual in nature ● Requiring sleepovers or degrading or humiliating games and activities ● Late work sessions or activities that interfere with scholastic activities and/or normal sleeping hours ● Forced consumption of alcohol ● Falsely leading an individual or individuals to believe that they will be inducted/initiated by participation in particular activities ● Removing public property ● Forcing individuals to participate in activities that are not consistent with the University’s rules, regulations, and policies or federal, state, or local law

● Any individual’s willing participation in an activity does not justify participation in or sponsorship of the activity. ● Any activity or language in violation of the above policy is subject to possible sanction. ● If you feel you may have been subjected to hazing, or have witnessed hazing, please contact any staff member immediately. ● Further information on hazing and prevention can be found at: http://hazingprevention.celect.org/home or on the NCAA’s website at: www.ncaa.org/health-safety.

Health and Nutrition The University of Houston Cheer Team program is committed to promoting and fostering healthy lifestyles and eating habits for all team members. Conduct which opposes this philosophy and/or conduct which poses an unacceptable risk and disregard for health, safety, and welfare of participants is violation and will result in appropriate counseling recommendations. We DO NOT support height/weight requirements. All cheerleaders must maintain the appropriate physique in order to participate safely in all aspects of dancing. All members will be required to participate in team and individual weekly workouts.

Uniforms All team apparel are maintained and issued by your coaches. At the beginning of the season, uniforms will be issued to members beginning with returning members. Uniforms are to be cleaned after each game or appearance. Failure to keep your uniforms clean may result in disciplinary actions and/or a fine placed on your university record. Any uniform of the “” is the outward appearance of the organization, and how you care for that appearance is a reflection upon you and the entire organization as well. Any apparel that identifies you as a member of the “Spirit of Houston” is considered an official uniform of the program. This applies to any place you are while wearing a uniform.

Uniform Etiquette “You are always wearing your uniform.” How we present ourselves in uniform represents our sense of pride in the Spirit of Houston and the University of Houston as a whole. How you treat your uniform reflects not only upon you, your values, and your maturity, but also upon the entire program and its overall effectiveness. Your actions represent not only your fellow band, cheer, and dance members, but the hundreds of members before you, thousands of University of Houston alumni, and millions of Houstonians and Texans. Any action deemed harmful to the “Spirit of Houston” may place your current and future membership at risk. The coaches and directors are the final arbiters on what actions may be deemed inappropriate in accordance with University and “Spirit of Houston” guidelines. The following is the proper uniform etiquette during all performance times, including parading, in the stadium, in the stands, and on the field:

● Uniforms pieces and shoes should always be clean. ● All zippers, snaps, and clasps properly fastened. ● Hair, nails, and make-up should meet the expectations set by the coach ● All alterations must be approved by the coach

Attendance & Accountability It is a privilege to be a member of the “Spirit of Houston” Band, Cheer, and Dance. Rehearsals are much less productive when members are absent. Attendance at all functions is required. If you must be absent or tardy for any reason, you must email the coaches immediately. An absence or tardy deemed un-excused by the director, coach, and/or captain may result in loss of membership privileges. When you commit to participate, you are responsible to more than just yourself. Note: Missing practice for work is not considered an excused absence.

Being present at a rehearsal/practice also means having the proper equipment and/or uniform.

*If you need to apply for an excused absence, please email your coaches in a timely manner. Work is not an excused absence or tardy. Failure to get to practice on time can result in deduction/loss of grant or removal from the team.

Rehearsals/Practices The Cheer Team practices three days a week. The members could also have additional work out days during the season.

Cell Phones: Absolutely NO cell phones or electronic devices of any sort are allowed during rehearsal or performances without the permission of a staff member. Captains will be given permission to have their cell phones out for music purposes only. Students are able to ask for special permission to give their cell phone to their coach in case of emergencies.

Controlled Substances/Intoxicants

All members should have a sense of pride, not only in their University and the program, but also in themselves. Underage drinking or use of illegal substances on any school related activity is forbidden by law and will be handled through the proper legal and University authorities. Any student(s) caught drinking near, before, or during activities, or found to be unable to perform due to earlier actions of this nature, face possible expulsion from the organization, loss of grant, and are subject to any appropriate University discipline and/or potential legal action. Game Day Procedures

You will receive a game day schedule prior to each game day. Each member is expected to plan accordingly. Failure to meet the gameday expectations will result in loss of membership privileges.

Bowl Games

With a successful football team comes the opportunity to participate in postseason games and travel. This includes the conference championship and bowl games. In each case the entire “Spirit of Houston” is expected to be in attendance. Since attendance is required, members must be aware of the possible dates and be prepared to make arrangements to be on campus at those times. Travel

It is a great opportunity when our program is able to travel. Our sole purpose in doing so is to perform and show everyone the spirit, pride and outstanding ability of the Spirit of Houston. On some trips, only a select group of students may be able to go. When this occurs, priority will be given. When traveling, you are representing the absolute best of the University of Houston, the City of Houston, the State of , and yourselves. Failure to abide by the regulations and instructions given to you by the staff can result in loss of traveling privileges.

Social Networking, Email, and Internet Policy

Social Media refers to technologies used to communicate information and whose mission is to inform the public. This includes print outlets, traditional radio and television broadcasts, and digital media platforms including chat rooms and social networking mechanisms. The Spirit of Houston does not restrict the use of public media outlets including social networking sites and digital platforms. However, as a representative of the Spirit of Houston and the University of Houston, you are always in the public eye and are expected to follow acceptable social behaviors and also to comply with federal government, State of Texas, and conference rules and regulations.

Violations of University policy (e.g., harassing language, university alcohol or drug policy violations, etc.) or evidence of such violations in the content of online social networks or digital platforms are subject to investigation and sanction. Law enforcement officers may also pursue matters and you may be sued in a civil proceeding for abusive or false statements made about another person. It is incumbent upon the membership to be aware of university regulations. Ignorance of these regulations does not excuse membership from adhering to them.

The following reminders/guidelines are intended to provide the framework for the Spirit of Houston to conduct themselves safely and responsibly as they participate in an online environment and social networking websites. Remember:

● Once information is posted to any social media or on the Internet, it is in the public domain. It can be accessed and used without your permission or knowledge. ● Pictures taken at parties, especially with cell phones, do not always exhibit model behavior. Wait at least a day and then carefully review before posting. ● Posting pictures of others may be considered a violation of their privacy – always seek permission first (when they are in a clear state of mind to make that decision). ● Family and roommates might not appreciate you posting information that could connect you with them. ● What may seem to be harmless fun might not be viewed as such by college officials, parents, and prospective employers. Consider: ● Parents of prospective members can check pages of current members and form their decision and/opinion of each section or the whole entity of the Spirit of Houston, and University of Houston on said content. ● Reporters can scrutinize a member’s information in the process of adding color to a story.

● Posters can become victims of identity theft. ● Your safety, security, and privacy can be compromised if fans, rapists, stalkers, groupies, and thieves obtain personal information such as where you live, who your friends are and your contact information (including class/practice/game schedules). ● Opposing fans/teams can obtain information, which can be used to taunt you during games/competitions or for their own motivation. ● Those who you invite to be your “friends” should be carefully vetted since many people claim to be friends of members to get close to other members and obtain inside information that may be widely disseminated. ● Remember that these “friends” to whom you give access have their own friends who you may or may not want close to you. ● Potential employers can access profiles before they make interviewing/hiring decisions. You should think about any information you post on Facebook or similar directories potentially providing an image of you to a prospective employer. The information posted is considered public information. Protect yourself by maintaining a self-image that you can be proud of several years from now. The University of Houston respects your freedom to examine and discuss all questions of interest to you and to express your opinions publicly and privately as guaranteed by the First Amendment and the Student Code. However, not all speech is protected speech. Speech that is threatening, vulgar, lewd, or that invades the rights of others will not be protected, even if done in an online social networking forum.

Cheer Team Program Costs

Each member will be asked to purchase items throughout the season for different performances and/or events. Please DO NOT let personal costs weigh in your decision to audition for the Cheer Team.

Academic Commitment All dancers will be required to maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or above. Upon review at the end of each semester, students falling below a 2.0 will be required to seek academic counsel and could be placed on temporary team suspension. All students must be enrolled at the University of Houston-Main Campus. This will be checked before and after the drop deadline each semester.

Rules and Consequences The University of Houston Cheer Team members are held up to high expectations. There are only three rules: 1. Be on time 2. Be prepared 3. Give 100% with a positive attitude

Failure to comply with the rules stated above will result in the following consequences. (Consequences are at the discretion of the coaches and dependent on the severity of the infraction.) ● Verbal warning ● Written warning ● Grant deduction ● Removal from the team

CLOSING Anyone selected to the University of Houston Cheer Team program is expected to be a leader among the University body. Involvement in the program makes that individual a highly visible University of Houston representative. We are seeking talented people wanting to continue their dance experience, who are healthy and fit, and who are committed to obtaining a college education from the University of Houston.

TRADITIONS

Alma Mater The Harmony Class of 1942 wrote the University of Houston Alma Mater. Associate Professor of Music, Bruce Spencer King, assigned the class the task of composing a song that was suitable to become the University’s Alma Mater. Irwin T. Andrews wrote a violin melody, which Professor King expanded into four-part harmony. The song was first sung at the 1942 commencement.

Every student should know the words by heart:

All hail to thee, Our Houston University Our hearts fill with gladness when we think of thee We’ll always adore thee, Dear Old Varsity. And to thy memory cherished, True we’ll ever be.

-Harmony Class of 1942

Houston Fight Song The University of Houston Fight Song was written by former students Forest Fountain (lyrics) and Marion Ford (music).

Every student should know the words by heart:

Cougars fight for dear old U of H, For our Alma Mater cheer. Fight for Houston University For victory is near. When the going gets so rough and tough We never worry cause we got the stuff So fight, fight, fight for red and white And we will go to victory.

During the second verse, Cougars is spelled out: C - O - U - G - A RS C - O - U - G - A RS Hail Red, Hail White, Hail Cougars, Fight, Fight, Fight! C - O - U - G - ARS Cougars Fight!

“Carol” the Bell “Carol” the Bell is one of the longest standing traditions at the University of Houston. The Bell travels to TDECU Stadium, for every home football game and is placed in the permanent care of the “Spirit of Houston” Cougar Marching Band. Each game day, a select group of first-year band members ensures the Bell is taken from the Winston Band Complex to TDECU. Select members of Kappa once for every point scored after each Cougar score ring the Bell once for every point scored after each Cougar score.

Eat ‘Em’ Up This song originated with the legendary director, Dr. Bill Moffit, and has become the mainstay cheer at the University of Houston. Although high school and college bands play this cheer across the nation, it began here with Dr. Moffit’s arrangement and remains “ours.”

The Horse Bill Moffit’s arrangement of The Horse was debuted at his very first halftime show in 1969. It continues to be huge tradition to this day. Near the middle of the song, there is a drum break during which the crowd spells out C - O - U - G - A - R - S and then yells Cougars! Even today, this song can be heard being played by high school and college bands across the country, but like Eat ‘Em Up, it is a song that started here at the University of Houston!

Our Cheer This cheer is the trademark cheer for the “Spirit of Houston.”. The C-O-U-G-A-R-S cheer, initiated by a designated Drum Major yelling, “Let’s go - Archie!” “Archie” was a light- hearted misunderstanding of the cheer in the early 2000’s and is a fun part of our history. The Drum Major then correctly yells, “Our cheer!” to which the band responds “C-O-U-G-A-R-S …COUGARS, COUGARS, COUGARS!”

Bud Bones During the 1970's the trombone section of the Marching Band began the tradition of playing: Here Comes the King which is the theme of the Budweiser Clydesdales. The song begins slowly and gradually gets faster and finally ends at a ridiculously fast tempo. This song has been a crowd favorite for decades. The tune lives on with the trombone section fondly known as Bud Bones.

The Train One of the more recent Spirit of Houston traditions is The Train. Before every Cougar kickoff, the full trombone section, led by a designated “conductor” wearing a train conductor’s cap and cues the full trombone section players by using a motion similar to pulling a train whistle. The trombone section plays several short blasts of a fully diminished 7th chord as the kickoff team charges down the field. This has become a crowd favorite. The sound of the train lets the other team know that they are about to get run over. This tradition began in the early 2000’s by David Bertman.

Running the Brass During the 3rd or 4th quarter of a home football game, a small group of brass runs around the stadium playing “Tag” and the fight song between plays to fire up the crowd up.

Pre-game Fanfare and Touchdown In 2000, under the direction of David Bertman, the UH Band began the tradition of playing the song Touchdown during Pregame. Arranger Eric Priest combined his original Pregame Fanfare based on the UH Fight Song with Paul Yoder’s piece Touchdown and ended up with an exciting piece that is uniquely UH.

Touchdown is a traditional song played during pre-game and after the home team scores an extra point after a touchdown. The chant consists of the cheers. “GO! FIGHT! WIN!” and “C- O-U-G-A-R-S!”

Bugler’s Dream (Olympic Fanfare) This theme was introduced at the 1972 Olympic Games and Bill Moffit’s arrangement of Bugler’s Dream came out the same year. The UH Marching Band began their pregame shows in the tunnel of the by playing the Olympic Fanfare. The crowd could not see the Band but the sound of the Fanfare would fill the Astrodome, announcing Pregame. The Band also would played it after Cougar victories in football and basketball, a tradition that continues today.

Womp Womp Womp Womp is a song that is a perennial favorite among the fans and also the student athletes players. It was written by band member, Clady Broussard, and begins with the tubas playing a simple two-2 note bass line, which is joined by the other low brass instruments playing the melody.

The words are: C- O - U - G - A - R - S Talkin’ ‘bout the Cougars!

Official University Seal The seal of the University of Houston is the coat-of-arms of General , who claimed descent from a Norman Knight, Sir Hugh. The simple escutcheon awarded by William the Conqueror, consisting of checkered chevrons (denoting nobility) and three ravens (strength and long life), was changed considerably. A winged hourglass was added above the shield and surmounting it, the motto, “In Tempore” (In Time). Greyhounds were placed at the side to indicate the speed with which Sir Hugh came to the king’s aid. Martlets, gentle lowland birds symbolizing peace and deliverance, supplanted the ravens.