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War Dancer Constitution

 

Bonham High School War Dancer Constitution

Article 1: Name
The name of this organization shall be the “War Dancers” of Bonham High School.

Article 2: Purpose

The purpose of this organization shall be:

  • To increase and develop character, scholarship, leadership, individual responsibility, physical fitness, and to maintain high moral character.
  • To promote school spirit and sportsmanship, on and off campus.
  • To represent Bonham Independent School District at the major athletic and school function, on and off campus.
  • To encourage and support interest in all sports, fine arts, and other activities at our school.
  • To create and maintain a very high standard of precision dance to be performed at school functions approved by the director and administration.
  • To act as a support organization representing Bonham High School and Bonham ISD. Along with representing BHS, their purpose shall be to provide halftime entertainment at all Bonham Warrior varsity football games, some varsity basketball games, BHS pep rallies, parades, clinics, competitions, spring show, and participate or perform at any other functions involving Bonham High School that the sponsor and administrators shall see as advantageous to BHS and the War Dancer organization.

Article 3: Membership

Section 1- Eligibility and Maintenance of Membership

  • Basis for Selection
    • Membership is open to all Bonham High School students in grades 9-11. Prospective members of the War Dancers shall be selected on the basis of their ability to contribute to the good of the group. They will be screened and judged on the basis of high academic and social standards, interest in the organization, and performance abilities. 
    • Prospective members who have declared for early graduation are not eligible to serve as a War Dancer during their senior year.
  • Grades
    • In order to be eligible for any six-week period following the initial six-week period of a school year, a student shall not have a recorded grade average lower than a 70 on a scale of 0-100 in any course for the preceding nine-week period. The principal may waive grade probation if the failing class is identified as pre-ap or advanced placement class, as per Bonham ISD policy.
    • A student who regains eligibility at the end of a six-week or three-week period will regain eligibility according to the UIL calendar.
    • Students on academic probation must continue to attend classes and all practices, must sit out of all performances, and may not sit with or ride with the team to appearances or performances. Students on probation are not allowed to wear the team pep rally or performance uniform.
    • A dance/drill team member who becomes academically ineligible two times during one school semester will be automatically dismissed from the team.
  • Performance Auditions
    • Each member will be required to audition for team performances. It is possible to be chosen as a War Dancer and not perform in every routine/dance. The director, choreographer, and officers will judge line members in small groups during performance tryouts.
    • Performance ability, showmanship, and effort will be taken into consideration. Members who are unable to execute the routine in the expected standard or who have excessive negativity regarding practices will not be chosen to perform.
    • Each War Dancer member will have a guaranteed five performances.
    • Members cut from a routine are still required and attended practice and performance.
  • Appearance
    • Each member must have good personal habits and be neat in appearance.
    • Each member must be prepared to have their hair, make-up, and attire chosen by the director at any time.
  • Permission
    • A permission form will be supplied to each candidate and must be returned, properly completed and signed by parents/guardians, in advance of the tryout date.
  • Schedule Conflicts
    • Members will have to consult with the director regarding schedule conflicts whether they be extra-curricular, work, or family engagements.

Section 2 -Tryouts

Prospective members must try out for War Dancers. Tryouts are CLOSED and judged by out of town judges and based on ability, memory, projection, coordination, technique, showmanship, and rhythm.  Judges scores will be tabulated; results will be verified by a member of administration.

  • Prior to tryout clinic: Parents/guardians of prospective members must attend a parent informational meeting.
  • Prospective members must complete and turn in: Try out application, Financial Responsibility Acknowledgement, Health Form, and signed War Dancer Constitution/Code of Conduct Verification.
  • Scores will be based on the following: 10% attendance, 10% grades, 10% behavior, and 70% judges scores. Percentages for attendance and grades will be taken from Fall Semester records.
  • Selection for membership will be posted on the district website on the evening of tryout day.
  • The week of tryouts prospective members will have mandatory practices on Monday-Wednesday to learn a group dance. 
  • During tryouts prospective members will perform the group dance. Techniques including: stationary leaps, grand jetes, single turns, and a variety of kicks will also be judged.
  • Prospective line members that are accepted as War Dancers will have a mandatory practice and performance in the War Dancer’s Spring Show.
  • War Dancers returning their senior year who have maintained good standing with the team and have been on the team their entire freshmen, sophomore, and junior year forego the tryout process and are automatically admitted to the next year’s team.

Section 3 -Standards of Conduct

  • Conduct
    • A Demerit System is used to track regulation and policy infractions. Demerits are strictly used to determine disciplinary probation periods and are not used for grading purposes. Demerits accumulate for one school year. At the beginning of the next school year, each member’s record is cleared. The only exception is if a disciplinary action (benching, probation) has been determined in the previous year but not yet activated. In this case, the disciplinary action will become active on the first day of school of the next year, and then that student’s record will be cleared.
    • Disciplinary action will be taken according to the following chart for demerits.
      • Performance Probation: The member attends functions in uniform but will not take part in the team performance. With regard to football or basketball games, the member may perform in the stands with the team but may not perform in the pre-game, half-time, or post games performances or festivities.
      • The member is not allowed to participate in auditions or performances of the team.  The member is required to travel with the team in attire designated by the director. The member may not wear the dance/drill team uniform. The member must continue to attend classes, work periods and practices as scheduled during and before/after school hours.
      • Demerits can be worked off per the director’s discretion. The following examples: high kicks, burpees, running etc. Permanent demerits cannot be erased by earning merits and will be permanently recorded.
      •  

# of Demerits

Disciplinary Action

5

Performance Probation

10

3 Week Probation

15

6 Week Probation

20

Dismissal

  • Below is a list of rule violations. This is not an all-inclusive list. Demerits may be issued for other violations at the discretion of the director.

Demerit System

Non-Permanent Demerits

1. Incorrect Practice Uniform 1

2. Late item returned (per item/per day) 1

3. Failure to pick up personal belongings 1

4. Moving or talking in victory line or performance 1

5. Unapproved items in practice or locker room 1

6. Wearing jewelry to a performance 1

7. Chewing gum during a practice or performance 1

8. Not following instructions for stand behavior 1

9. Unexcused tardy to practice, performance, or function (up to 10 minutes) 1

10. Lending uniform, t-shirts, jackets, or other items to a non-member 1

11. Not calling or e-mailing prior to absence from practice or function 1

12. Excessive talking/misbehavior in practice or function 3

13. Incorrect uniform or missing pieces for a performance 3

14. Wearing uniform to non-team function 3

15.Unexcused absence from practice 3

16.Unexcused practice from performance or any function 5

Permanent Demerits

1. Engaging in acts of poor sportsmanship, cheating, and/or taunting other participants 5

2. Leaving any team function without permission from the director 10

3. Being disruptive during a game meeting, practice, performance, camp, and/or other event 10

4. In-school suspension 10

5. Maintaining a social media presence or being identified on a website, blog, as well as any electronic communications device or photograph that depicts behavior that is illegal while in uniform at a school function or event 15

6. Out of school suspension 15

7. Being insubordinate to director, choreographer, and/or teacher showing extreme disrespect (ex. Threatening or aggressive language) 15

8. Physical Altercation (ex. Fighting) 20

9. Smoking/Vaping/Dab pens, or other illegal substances 20

10. Drinking/Alcohol use 20

11. Use of profanity or vulgar language including making obscene gestures while in uniform at a school function or event 20

12. Engaging in conduct prohibited by the Districts Student Code of Conduct that is punishable by placement in DAEP or expulsion 20

Ways to work off demerits: In order to work off a demerit, members must perform a conditioning drill within one week as assigned by the director. Examples of conditioning drills shall include but are not limited to:

50 high kicks = 1 demerit

100 sit ups = 1 demerit

2 minutes of jump ropes = 1 demerit

3 sets/1-minute plank = 1 demerit

Attend Dance Tutorials =1 demerit

Those members that are injured or have an illness with a doctor’s note will be assigned an alternative activity to work off 1 demerit. If the demerit is not worked off within one week it becomes a permanent demerit. Members have one calendar week to work off a demerit starting from the time it is signed for by the member. Members are allowed to work off up to 5 demerits per week on the day designated by the director.

Merits. The merit reward system is setup to reward members for exceptional behavior, good deeds, and following the rules. The following is a list of activities (but not limited to) for which merits may be received. Merits may be used to work off non-permanent demerits at the director’s discretion.

● Non required service to team/school (signed note from teacher)

● Participating in outside studio dance classes (monthly signed log)

● Tutoring another student (signed note from teacher)

● Service to community (signed documentation)

● Spirit or Dancer of the Week

● Service in another school organization (one time only)

● Attending non-required school events (signed documentation/proof)

● Spirit Signs/Banners/Posters (full poster board)-Director approval

● Acts of Random kindness observed by Director\Faculty

● Team Community Service

● Parent attending monthly/ Booster Club Meeting

● Bringing designated supplies requested by the director

  • Social Media
    • As a leader in our school community, members are expected to adhere to higher standard on social media platforms when wearing War Dancer uniforms or War Dancer spirit gear.  Members should refrain from inappropriate posts including profanity in language, unsportsman-like conduct, or lewdness. 
  • Financial Responsibility
    • Each member will have a financial responsibility to maintain membership as a War Dancer. Please refer to the Financial Responsibility Acknowledgement.

Section 4- Loss of Membership

If a member fails to maintain the standards of scholarship, conduct, character, and/or performance requirements of War Dancers as identified through the BHS Handbook, it will demonstrate just cause for the member’s dismissal from the group. If dismissed, they will not participate in any drill team activities for the remainder of the year.

*Dismissal will result in member’s mandatory return of all War Dancer property*

Section 5- Duties and Responsibilities of Membership

  • Attendance
    • All line members shall practice regularly during and after school as dictated by the performance schedule.
    • Every member shall be present whenever required. A member missing two or more practices or a field day practice during a week for any reason will not be allowed to perform that week.
    • Members will arrive on time to practice and stay until dismissed by director.
    • A member who is absent from school on the day of a performance may not perform that day. Members must be present for the entire day of a performance.
    •  The only accepted excuse for an absence are illness with a doctor’s note, required school activity, or death in immediate family.
    • Drill team camp will be held during the summer and is mandatory.
    • If the football or basketball teams advance to playoffs, members are expected to attend the practices and games.
    • If absence is necessary, members must contact the director prior to the missed event with an excused absence.
  •  Dismissal from War Dancers
    • There are a number of things that are cause for immediate dismissal from the team. These things include pregnancy, use of drugs (vapes, tobacco, marijuana, etc.) or alcohol, receiving 15 demerits, failing eligibility twice in one year, or any time spent in ISS or DAP.
    • Demerits erase and start over every summer camp, but War Dancers are expected to uphold these standards all year long. 

Article 4: Officers

Section 1- Social Officers

Social Officers of this organization shall consist of one social for a team of 10-14 members, two socials for a team of 15-19, and three socials for a team of 20-25.

The Social Officers are to set an example for all to follow while remaining respectful of the Line Officers that reside above them. They are responsible for the upkeep of War Dancer social media sites, planning social events such as sleepovers, parties, banquet, etc. Social Officers will also be responsible for doing team birthday's, gifts for other drill teams, etc. They will also assist their designated Line Officer in whatever they need. Social Officers will provide team building and encouragement during practice and performance.

  • Auditioning for a Social Officer Position
    • To be eligible to Audition for a Social Officer position, one must have already been a War Dancer member for at least 1 football season, as well as maintaining all the line member eligibility requirements.
    • Each prospective Social Officer will be given a tryout form that will include instructions and the paperwork needed to complete the first section of the audition: The Binder. The Binder will include but is not limited to: A current Picture, the application, a resume, report card, general questions, a year calendar of events, and goals and responsibilities.
    • Each prospective Social Officer will be responsible for presenting a Speech paired with a Presentation of why they would be a good Social Officer, paired with their banquet, recital, team gift, a chant, and team building ideas
    • Any prospective Social Officer cannot have more than FIVE demerits

Section 2- Line Officers

The Line Officers of this organization shall consist of 2 officers for a team of 10-14, 3-4 officers for a team of 15-19, and 5 officers for a team of 20-24. Scores and votes will determine the rank of each officer.

The Line Officers are to set an example for all to follow, enforce the Constitution, choreograph, teach and polish dances, make sure that all members know the dances, issue demerits, have input into the policies and decision-making, report offenders, be sensitive to the team's needs, promote good relations among team members, among themselves with other organizations, demonstrate initiative and good leadership at all times.  

  • Auditioning for a Line Officer Position
    • To be eligible to Audition for a Line Officer position, one must have already been a War Dancer member for at least 1 football season. They must also maintain all the line member eligibility requirements. The requirement is only eligible if there are candidates open for it.
    • Each prospective Line Officer will be given a tryout form that will include instructions and the paperwork needed to complete the first section of the audition: The Binder. The Binder will include but is not limited to: A current Picture, the application, a resume, report card, general questions, scenarios, and goals and responsibilities.
    • A solo choreographed by only the prospective Line Officer that includes various techniques, emotion, and showmanship. This solo will be anywhere from a minute and a half to two minutes. Said prospective Line Officer will also be responsible for creating a costume to match the style of their solo.
    • Each prospective Line Officer will participate in learning a group dance.
    • Each prospective member will give a speech to the team as a whole about why they would make a good Line Officer.
    • The Line Officer positions will be decided by the Director, Director Assistant, Managers, Pervious years Line Officers, and the upcoming team.
    • Captains will be upcoming seniors (unless there are none). Lieutenants will be upcoming juniors or seniors.
    • Will attend a Mandatory Line Officer Camp during the summer.
    • Any prospective officer cannot have more than FIVE demerits
  • Captain
    • Has the responsibility of supervision over the other officers and all members.
    • Is directly responsible for the team's field commands when in performance.
    • Is second only to the Director and Director Assistant.
    • Will work closely with the Director and other Officers in making decisions.
    • Is to work with the Director in planning performances, making up routines, teaching routines, and is responsible for helping to perfect over-all performance.
    • Is to meet with the Director and discuss the development and progress of the group.
    • Is responsible for setting an example for other drill team members by maintaining a positive cooperative attitude, for promoting school spirit and drill team unity.
    • Is responsible for helping the Director choose War Dancer of the Week.
    • Is responsible for choreographing a field dance, a competition dance, and a recital dance for the entire team.
    • Is responsible for choreographing a dance for their designated squad for recital
    • Will be demoted if they receive 5 demerits
  • Lieutenants
    • Is responsible for assisting the Captain with the team's field commands when in performance.
    • Is responsible for maintaining good relationships with other officers and team members.
    • In the absence of the Captain, the First Lieutenant assumes the duties of the Captain, followed by the Second Lieutenant, followed by the Third Lieutenant.
    • Is responsible for helping the Captain, Director, or Director Assistant whenever needed.
    • Is responsible for choreographing a field dance and a recital dance for the entire team.
    • Is responsible for choreographing a dance for their designated squad for recital.
    • Will be demoted if they receive 5 demerit 

Section 3- Officer Tryout Procedure

  • Binders are due the Monday of tryout week
  • All current team members must be present at tryouts.
  • Tryouts will start with line officer speeches, interviews, then solos. Followed by social officer presentations. Finishing with the group dance.
  • Voting will happen after the group dance reveal.
  • Line officers should start in their solo outfit; socials should start in their professional wear. If trying out for both there will be an allotted time to change. After all presentations are finished there will be an allotted time for line officers to change into their all black for the group dance.
  • Score break down
    • Binders are an average of the following:
      Presentation- how the binder looks, is organized, etc.
      Content- How well the questions are answered, grammar, etc.
      Completion- making sure everything is included in the binder.
      Each section is scored 1-10 then averaged for the total.
    • Interview & Speech
      Scored between 1-10 based on presence, poise, and preparedness.
    • Solos are an average of the following:
      Technique- pointed toes, straight legs, correct arm & body placement, etc.
      Showmanship- correct emotional aspects, connection of emotion to movements, outfit, etc.
      Choreography- creativity of movement, musicality, etc.
      Each section is scored 1-10 then averaged for the total.
    • Social Presentations are an average of the following:
      Showmanship- Preparedness, professional wear, attitude, etc.
      Eloquence- the ability to speak to the group confidently
      Each section is scored 1-10 then averaged for the total.
    • Group Dance is an average of the following:
      Technique
      Showmanship
      Memory- Knowing what comes next, staying on beat, not watching others etc.
      Each section is scored 1-10 then averaged for the total.
    • Votes- each senior & returning member gets 1 vote per position. Current officers vote count as 3 per position. Director & Assistant Director votes counts as 5 per position.
      One vote for captain- 5 points
      One vote for 1st Lt.- 4 points
      One vote for 2nd lt.- 3 points
      One vote for 3rd lt.- 2 points
      One vote for 4th Lt.- 1 point

      One vote for head social- 5 points
      One vote for 1st social- 3  points
      One vote for 2nd Social- 1 point
    • For line officers- additional points are given or taken for performance. +2 points for a performance made, -2 points for performance not made, no points if out for injuries or excused absence.
  • Ranks are determined by the point system above. Highest point= highest rank etc. etc.

Section 4-Binder Requirements

  • Current Picture
  • Application
  • Resume
  • Report Card
  • Well written answers to these General Questions
    • What qualities do you possess that would make a good Line Officer?
    • What kind of examples should an officer set for the rest of the team and do you feel setting such examples as an officer is important?
    • List any organizations or clubs you are involved in outside of War Dancers; Explain how you will be involved in other organizations while also making War Dancers a priority.
    • What do you see as being the hardest part of being a Line Officer?
    • How would you feel if you were not selected as an officer? Would you remain a line member next year? Why or why not?
    • What does it mean to you to be a leader of the War Dancers?
    • What would you do if you saw or heard another officer or line member doing something against the constitution?
    • What are the biggest complaints of the line members and how would you help resolve these?
    • Other than yourself, who would you see as being in the applied position and why?
  • Well written answers to these Scenarios
    • There are several members who consistently talk on the sidelines before and after a performance. They know what is expected and are being subordinate to you. How do you handle this?
    • You feel like some of the officers show favoritism to a War Dancer member they are closer with and are more willing to help and improve these same members’ ability, but are not as willing to help improve other members they are not as close with. How do you handle this?
    • Your director is not pleased with how a routine is turning out and feels it would be best to make some changes in choreography. You are not pleased with the extra time and work it will take the officers and team to make these changes, but you understand the need for it to be done. As you enter the officer room you hear another officer complaining about the process of making changes and the director. How do you handle this?
    • Two officers do not get along and continually undermine one another. How do you handle this?
    • How would you handle another officer breaking the rules and trying to get out of being punished because she is an officer and thinks the rules should not apply to the Line Officers?
    • There is one officer that continually corrects and scolds the team about something that she herself is not doing. How do you handle this?
    • The line members are trying to overstep and tell an officer what to do. How do you handle this?
    • As a leader, you will have to handle all types of situations dealing with your teammates.
      • Are you able to pass out demerits and follow through with the consequences?
      • Are you ready to deal with the fact that as line officer, you will have to do things that will make your peers angry with you?
      • Are you able to instruct other peers on what needs to be done?
      • Are you ready to deal with the insubordination from your teammates when you ask them to do a task they don't really want to do?
      • How are you planning on dealing with these situations?
  • List at least three answers to these Goal and Responsibilities
    • Reasons you feel you would be an asset to the officer line
    • Goals
      • Personal
      • As an Officer
      • As an Officer Line
      • As A Team
    • Responsibilities of the Line Officers
    • Expectation of the Line officers by the team
    • Expectations of the Line Officers by the director
    • Expectations of Director by the Line Officers
    • Expectations of the Team by the Line Officers
  • Binder should reflect the auditioning member's personality and organizational skills.

Section 5- Other Requirements

  • To be eligible to Audition for a Line Officer position, one must have already been a War Dancer member for at least 1 football season. They must also maintain all the line member eligibility requirements.
  • A solo choreographed by only the prospective Line Officer that includes various techniques, emotion, and showmanship. This solo will be anywhere from a minute and a half to two minutes. Said prospective Line Officer will also be responsible for creating a costume to match the style of their solo.
  • Each prospective Line Officer will participate in learning a group dance.
  • Each prospective member will give a speech to the team as a whole about why they would make a good Line Officer.
  • The Line Officer positions will be decided by the Director, Director Assistant, Managers, Pervious years Line Officers, and the upcoming team.
  • Will attend a Mandatory Line Officer Camp during the summer.
  • Cannot have more than five demerits
  • Presentation should be on a tri-fold poster and should be split into six sections:
    • Team Gift Ideas- This should include pictures of gifts you could personally create for a team that we will be interacting with.
    • Team Building Ideas- This should include ideas you have on how to make the team stronger and bond together.
    • Mock Facebook Post- This should include at least one example of a post that you would make if you were running the public War Dancers Facebook page.
    • Mock Instagram Post- This should include at least one example of a post that you would make if you were running the public War Dancers Instagram page.
    • Banquet Ideas- This should include venue location, food ideas, a theme, the decoration ideas, various award ideas, etc.  You can set a budget plan for yourself, but it is not required.
    • Recital Ideas- This should include a theme, decorations, shirt design, playbill design, concession ideas, etc.  You can set a budget plan for yourself, but it is not required.

Article 5: War Dancer Uniform

No uniform or part of a uniform may be worn outside of its intended purpose and is strictly prohibited from being loaned out.

Section 1- Performance Uniform

  • Will consist of any items that are worn for a performance and shall be treated as such.
  • Additions may be made at any time.
  • No Candy or Gum
  • No Jewelry
  • No Nail Polish
  • All uniforms must be clean, kept in their garment bag, and in good repair.
  • Boots must be cleaned, polished, and in good repair.
  • Hats are to be kept in their locker when not being worn.

Section 2- Game Day Uniforms

  • Game Day uniform will consist of the outfit chosen by the Officers and Director.
  • Each member is required to wear this uniform on the designated day.

Section 3 - General Appearance

  • Hair must always be neat. During practice, hair must be out of the face and away from the eyes.
  • While performing hair must be worn as designated.
  • Make-up worn during the performance will be applied liberally as approved of the Director.

Section 4- Other Drill Team Items

  • During the course of the season, members may be issued additional items to enhance their uniform, add to their performance ability or help members be more comfortable while performing their spirit duties. Items may include but are not limited to: Poms, Blankets, leggings, etc.
  • Each member is responsible for maintaining these items in good repair and returning them at the proper time in good repair. Any item deemed by the director to not be in good repair will need to be cleaned, repaired or paid for by the member.

Article 6: Performances

Section 1- Appearances

  • The drill team will help promote spirit and acceptable behavior at all athletic and drill team appearances.
  • When sitting in a group, they will cheer, do all hand routines and stand or sit as directed by Captain or Director.
  • No outsiders may sit with or visit with any member.
  • 3rd Quarter of Varsity football and Basketball games will be set aside for trips to the bathroom and concessions.
  • There will be no foods deemed as "messy" by the director eaten in uniform.
  • Use of cell phones and other electronic devices is strictly prohibited while in the stands.
  • If not at attention, talking is permitted.
  • No gum chewing while in practice or performance.
  • Permission to leave will be given only for extreme emergencies such as illness, and then only accompanied by a parent.

Section 2- Inspection

  • Inspection for proper dress, make-up, jewelry, etc. will be held prior to final practice for any performance.
  • Every member must meet the requirements of the inspection at the designated time.
  • Every member must be completely ready at the time of inspection.
  • Any member not in proper uniform, or ready at the time of inspection, will not perform and/or receive a demerit.
  • Inspections will be done by three people. The first person to inspect each member will be each member’s said squad leader. The second will be the captain, followed by the director.

Section 3- Transportation

  • Bus transportation will be provided for out of town activities.
  • All members must have a BISD Travel Release on file.
  • All members must ride the bus to and from the activity unless prior approval is received by the Director.

Article 7: Amendments

  • The director may enforce other rules, both verbal and written, as they become necessary during the school year.
  • The constitution is subject to change at any time.
  • The interpretation of the constitution is the sole right of the Director and building principal.
  • Any amendments made to the constitution will be done so in the best interest of the organization as a whole.
  • The constitution is by no means a complete list of all the rules and regulations of the War Dancer program at Bonham ISD. It is meant to be a set of guidelines to be followed.