Student Handbook Cheer The Spirit of Houston Cougar Marching Band, Cheer, and Dance Handbook is an addendum to the University of Houston 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 “Spirit of Houston” 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 Texas, 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.