Murray State University Athletics
Murray State University Racer Girls Dance Team Constitution
Murray State University Racer Girls Dance Team Constitution
I. PURPOSE
A. It is the purpose of the drill team to:
B. Promote and uphold school spirit.
C. Represent MSU to the highest degree.
D. Set an example of good behavior at all times (whether in uniform or not) in class, at games, and at all school functions, whether performing or not.
E. Promote friendship with other university sports teams or organizations.
F. Promote friendship between members of the squad.
II. REQUIREMENTS
A. Dance Team must take priority over all other extracurricular activities (including jobs) from September through March. All summer activities are optional activities, but when chosen, require the same commitment.
B. For each semester, members must maintain appropriate grades and credits.
C. All members must have a current physical.
D. As with any sport, members of the dance team shall be in good physical condition.
E. Being on the team one year IN NO WAY GUARANTEES PLACEMENT ON THE SQUAD FOR THE FOLLOWING YEAR. Every girl must go through the same audition/selection process each fall. In addition to ability, each girl's cooperation, effort, attitude, and getting along with other squad members from the previous year will be considered.
F. All members are expected to take part in fund-raisers (including sponsorships, summer car washes, selling raffle tickets at games, etc.). ANY MERCHANDISE LOST OR STOLEN MUST BE REPLACED/PAID FOR BY THAT INDIVIDUAL.
III. CONDUCT
A. By accepting the privilege/honor of wearing a Racer Girl uniform, a girl accepts the fact that her actions are more prominent than those not associated with such an activity.
B. Because of this prominence and because members represent the school, exemplary behavior is mandatory at all times, anywhere in the community of Murray and at all functions where girls are recognized as representatives of Murray State University.
C. Proper appearance is required at all times, with clothing appropriate to the occasion.
D. Gum chewing will not be allowed at practice, games, or other events for the safety reasons.
E. Members must not use foul language at practice, in school, at games, etc.
F. Excessive public displays of affection are never considered appropriate, especially, in uniform, at games, or in school.
G. Smoking or drug usage (including alcohol) is not allowed while in uniform or showing any affiliation to Racer Girls.
H. All rules and regulations imposed on any MSU students will be imposed on dance team members. Members are responsible for knowing all the rules.
I. A team disciplinary action system (3 strikes you are out) will be used to deal with minor infractions - tardiness, missed practices, missing props or uniform items, plus suspension and possible dismissals.
J. Each case will be judged individually, but may also serve as a basis on which to judge future cases.
K. Every attempt will be made to "punish" fairly/equally, and to make consequences of actions known ahead of time. Severity of the "crime" or repeated offenses may dictate harsher action.
L. Because all situations may not be foreseen and thus outlined here, each will be dealt with in a manner decided upon by the sponsor/director, with assistance from the administration if necessary.
M. Poor conduct/behavior under any of the above circumstances could result in warnings, plus suspension/removal from the squad. Inappropriate behaviors not only reflect on the individual, but can also affect the image of the entire team. The good of the squad always comes before any one individual. No one is irreplaceable or indispensable. If it is in the best interest of the squad that any individual not perform or that she be removed from the squad this action will be taken by decision of the sponsor/director.
N. Instructions made by advisor, coach, and captains are to be cooperatively followed. If offense or objection is taken contact/opinion need only be expressed toward authority.
IV. UNIFORMS, OTHER EXPENSES
A. Uniforms belong to the team, as do poms, and other items purchased. These items are not the property of the individual.
B. Girls must provide other personal items, such as shoes, socks, tights, knee pads, etc.
C. Uniforms are to be kept clean, neat and in good repair at all times. Uniforms/poms that are ruined, lost or stolen will be replaced by that member at her own expense.
D. Other performing items may be decided upon by the entire squad.
E. Other items - T-shirts, sweat suits, jackets, etc. - are optional items to be purchased by members.
F. If a girl is removed from the squad, she will be expected to return all uniform items.
VI. LEARNING/TEACHING ROUTINES
A. Members are expected to be attentive and cooperative when learning routines. Repeated disruptions, especially during the same practice, will result in warnings, and possible removal from that performance. Continued problems will result in possible removal from the squad.
B. Constructive criticism/suggestions given in a polite manner are welcomed. Complaining and/or rudeness to the teacher of the routine is a disruption and will not be tolerated.
VII. PRACTICES
A. Mandatory practices, usually three per week, will be established during performing months.
B. Additional practices will be scheduled as needed, especially when many performances are close together.
C. Missing a scheduled practice the day of or before a game or missing an added-on practice at which major routine changes are made will result in the individual not performing for the game
D. Missing part of a practice for a test or other approved academic reason will carry NO penalty, but the member must get PRIOR approval and make up what is missed.
E. Missing part of practice for another club or meeting will be allowed IF PRIOR NOTICE IS GIVEN (at least one day before). All that was missed must be made up before the next practice.
F. Two excused absences will be allowed per member per semester. Absences from games are only permissible at coach’s discretion.
G. Members must dress out for all practices unless otherwise notified.
H. Members must NOT LEAVE PRACTICE EARLY unless given prior approval.
VIII. APPEARANCE / PERFORMANCE
A. Proper appearance is required at all times, with clothing appropriate to the occasion.
B. For performances, hair shall be worn away from the face.
C. Only stud style earrings will be allowed at practices and performances. If a member of the team has a pierced body part other than the ear, i.e. eyebrow, naval, tongue, etc., she will be required to remove the ring during practices and performances.
D. For performances, the dancer’s make-up will need to be more apparent than everyday.
E. Any visible tattoo shall be covered completely, either by clothing or body make-up, for performances.
F. Any member not wearing the correct uniform will not dance.
G. Inability to learn / perform the routine well enough in the opinion of the coach may result in the individual not participating in that performance. The decision of the coach shall be final.
In signing below, I am agreeing to adhere to the regulations of the Racer Girl Dance Team, as stated in the constitution.
Name:____________________________________________
Date:____________________________
