Team Member Conduct

Team members are expected to follow the WCHS Poms Constitution

1. CONDUCT

By accepting the privilege/honor of wearing a WCHS Poms uniform, a dancer accepts that fact that his/her actions are more prominent than those not associated with such an activity. Due to this prominence and because members represent the school, EXEMPLARY behavior is mandatory at all times. This conduct applies anywhere in the community of WCHS and at all functions where dancers are recognized as representatives of Winston Churchill High School.  

• Proper appearance is required at all times with clothing appropriate for the occasion.   

• Members must not use foul language at practice, at school, at games, etc.  

1. • Drug usage (INCLUDING ALCOHOL) is not allowed and WILL NOT BE TOLERATED at any time according to Winston Churchill High Schools  Athletic/Activities Code, EITHER ON OR OFF CAMPUS. 

   • Members may not smoke.

   • Practices begin promptly and all athletes need to be on time and READY TO GO. 

   • Members must bring appropriate athletic wear, running sneakers, jazz shoes, water bottle, ankle weights, dumbbells, and poms to every practice. 

   • Members are expected to be at practice from BEGINNING TO END.

   • Only Coach Halperin may excuse a member from practice. 

   • Appropriate dress for practices and games include:

     1. Proper shoe attire

     2. Clothing and makeup appropriate for practice and games.

     3. NO JEWELRY! Including belly button rings, can not be worn at ANY PRACTICE OR GAME or any Poms function.  No bandaids are allowed for covering up piercings. Please use clear spacers for piercings.

     4. Hair must be pulled back and OUT OF FACE at all times.

   • The Captains and Coach Halperin will have an inspection before every performance. 

   • If you are late to warm-ups/practices you without letting Coach Halperin know more than 5 hours prior, you will either run extra laps or you will not perform in a game.  

     1. If a member needs to speak with a teacher and will be tardy to practice, Coach Halperin needs to be notified before the TARDINESS occurs. 

   •  Members perform at home varsity games and matches, and will attend cheerleading competitions. 

   • A demerit system will be used to monitor the attendance and behavior of each member.

   • Every attempt will be made to deal with each situation fairly/equally and to make consequences of actions known ahead of time.  Parents will be kept informed of problem situations.  Severity of the “crime” or repeated offenses may dictate harsher punishments. 

   • Because this constitution cannot encompass all situations, unforeseen events will be dealt with in a manner decided upon by the coach, with assistance from school administration if deemed necessary.

   • The captains demand the same respect as the coach.  

     1. They will be chosen by the coach.  

     2. Therefore, they must be treated with the same respect and attitude the coach is given.  

     3. If they are not, the offending party will be spoken to and action may be taken.

   • The entire team will function under a 36-hour policy. If a disruption occurs inside or outside of practice, all affected parties will have 36 hours to bring the issue to the coach’s attention. After 36 hours, both if the issue was addressed or not addressed, the disruption will need to be forgiven by the affected parties.  This policy applies to coaches, athletes, and parents. 

REMEMBER: We are a close working team.  Your conduct towards one another sets the tone for the entire squad and season.  Please help your Coaches and Captains as much as possible, they have a difficult and demanding job and need you support.**

2. HANDBOOK GUIDELINE COMPLIANCE

   1. All rules and regulations imposed on any WCHS student will be imposed on pom squad members.  Members are responsible for knowing these rules.  

   2. The squad will function within the guidelines set forth in the current MCPS Athletic Handbook and Poms Coaches’ Handbook which may not have been expounded upon in this document. 

3. WCHS POMS DEMERIT SYSTEM

   1. If you are late to ANY practice or game and/or leaving early without properly notifying the coach at least 2 days prior, if you are improperly dressed, not prepared, not cooperative, any/or disrespectful at any event, a demerit will be given and signed by the member.  Once 5 demerits are received a meeting with the athlete, athletes parents, and coach will be arranged.  After 10 demerits are received the Athletic Director will be informed and further consequence will be discussed. 

CAUSE FOR PROBATION OR DISMISSAL

1. 2. Suspension from school 

   3. Failure to participate in required squad activity

   4. Using drugs, alcohol, or smoking outside of school

   5. Missing practice the 7 days before a competition

10 DAY SCHOOL SUSPENSION

1. 6. Coming to a game, practice, or other school function under the influence of illegal drugs or alcohol 

DISMISSED

1. 7. Using drugs, alcohol, or smoking in uniform on school grounds 

   8. Chronic tardiness or resistance of Constitution rules   

IF ADMINISTRATION OR ANOTHER TEACHER SPEAKS TO THE COACH ABOUT A DISCIPLINARY ACTION, DEMERITS, NOT PERFORMING AT A GAME. AND/OR DISMISSAL WILL BE FORTHCOMING!

*Other demerits may be given at the discretion of the coach.

*Members face consequences from the school discipline policy as well.