WPD Rams Cheerleading By-Laws

Article I

Name

The organization shall be known as the Wheaton Park District Cheerleading Organization, an associate of the WPDYFL Rams program subject to all Wheaton Park District rules and regulations.

Article II

Purpose

1. The purpose of the Wheaton Park District Cheerleading Organization hereafter referred to as the WPDCO shall be to provide a sound and reasonable cheerleading program for the youth of the area, and to encourage the teaching of fundamental cheerleading skills, teamwork, and the ideals of good sportsmanship.
   
   
2. The purpose will be achieved by providing the ability to cheer at both home and away football games in the Bill George League, and through cheerleading competitions.  The Executive Board, Governing Board, and cheerleading coaches, also referred to as Supervisors, shall bear in mind that competing to win is secondary to the building of cheer skills, self esteem, teamwork, and sportsmanship which are the primary goals of the organization.

Article III

Membership

Non-voting membership: General members shall be all parents or guardians that have registered and paid fees.

Voting membership:  All Governing Board members shall be voting members of the WPDCO.

1. Applications of Governing Board positions must be submitted to the WPDCO at the November meeting approved by two-thirds (2/3) vote of said Board. 
   
   
2. Revocation and Withdrawal
   
   Revocation:  The Governing Board by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members present may terminate the participation of any member for conduct unbecoming a member of the WPDCO.
   
   Withdrawal:  Any elected or appointed member may withdraw by servicing written notice on any member of the Governing Board. The member so served must give notice to the entire board within 48 hours.

Article IV

Governing Board

1. Definition:  The Governing Board consists of the elected officers of the Executive Board set forth in Article V, Section (A) and Head Coaches (1 per squad).
   
   
2. Duties and Powers: The Governing Board shall have full power to manage the affairs and direct the activities of this organization and carry out all duties as set forth in the bylaws and adopted policies.
   
   
• Each member of the board shall be entitled to one vote on all issues regardless of the number of positions held.
  
  
• The Wheaton Park District representative shall be appointed by Superintendent of Recreation and shall serve as the liaison between the WPDCO and the Wheaton Park District.

Article V

Officers/Executive Board

1. Definition:  The Executive Board consists of the elected officers of President, Past President/Vice President,  League Representative, Secretary, Treasurer, and Football Liaison Representative.  The Executive Board shall operate in an advisory fashion and be the administrative body charged with carrying out the everyday affairs of the WPDCO. 
   
   
2. General Qualifications:  All elected officers of the WPDCO shall be individuals who have served as a head or assistant coach for at least one organizational year.  The organizational year of the WPDCO shall begin on the first day of January in each year and end on the thirty-first day of December of that year.  The President and Past President/Vice President must have served on the Governing Board the preceding year.
   
   
3. Term in Office:  The President shall hold office for two years.  All other officers shall hold office for one year or until her/his successor has been duly elected.
   
   
4. Election of Officers:  The President of the WPDCO shall accept nominations at the October meeting of the regular membership.  Additional nominations may be made from the floor of the November meeting, after which the balloting shall be done.  Nominations shall be made and balloting shall be done for each office separately in the order named in Article V, Section (A), unless accepted by acclamation.
   
   
5. Duties and Powers of the Executive Board:

• President:  The President shall preside at all meetings of the Governing Board and shall in general supervise and control the business affairs of the WPDCO.  The President shall oversee the Uniform Committee, Coaches and Jr. Coaches and Spirit Spectacular.
  
  
• Past President /Vice President:  In the absence of the President, or in the event that she/he is unable to act, the Past President/Vice President shall perform the duties of the President.  The Past President/Vice President shall oversee the Fundraising, Sponsorships and Indoor Space.
  
  
• Secretary:  The Secretary shall keep the minutes of the meetings of the Governing Board,   and shall see that all notices are given in accordance with the provisions of these bylaws, or as required by law.  The Secretary shall keep a register of the postal addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers and e-mail addresses of each member, in general, perform all duties incident to the Office of Secretary and may from time to time, be assigned to her/him by the President or Executive Board.  The Secretary shall be responsible for preparing a quarterly newsletter to be distributed by the WPD and overseeing the Cheerleading Website.
  
  
• Treasurer:  The treasurer shall be responsible for preparing the annual cheerleading budget and shall in general be in charge of all fundraising.  The Treasurer will be responsible for overseeing Spiritwear sales, Yard Signs and Picture Day.
  
  
• League Representative:  The League Representative of the WPDCO shall attend all Bill George Youth Cheerleading meetings, and report league information back to the WPDCO at the next regularly scheduled meetings.  The League Representative shall be responsible for review of all proposed Bill George rules and will make recommendations of any change to the Governing Board.  The League Representative shall be responsible for maintaining birth certificates, for rostering cheer squads to football teams, and shall be responsible in ensuring the WPDCO is in compliance with all Bill George rules.  Maintains squad rosters and is responsible for making sure payments are made to BG League for league fees and BG competition.  The League Representative shall ensure that all rules and regulations relating to the WPDCO, as well as Coaches and Participants in the program, are defined and communicated to the Coaches and Governing Board Members.  Responsibilities include making sure the WPDCO bylaws are correct, amended to meet the needs of the cheer program on an annual basis, and consistent with the Bill George bylaws.
  
  
• Football Liaison Representative:  The Football Liaison Representative shall attend   WPDYFL board meetings and report back pertinent information to the WPDCO to ensure the two programs work together.  Activities of the Football Liaison Representative shall include communicating plans for kick-off weekend, homecoming and superbowl activities, and play-off games, and communicating them to the Governing Board.  The Football Liaison Representative will maintain a list of football team moms.
  
  
• The Executive Board collectively is charged with the responsibility of assembling and administrating the necessary committees and committee chairs.  The Executive Board will review all committee proposals before presentation to the Governing Board for approval.

Article VI

Committee Chairs

1. Duties of Committee Chairs:

• Fourth of July Parade:  The Fourth of July Parade Director shall organize and supervise all practice times and dates, shall secure the necessary permits and applications to participate in the parade, and shall be responsible for all matter pertaining to the parade.
  
  
• Camp:  The Camp Chair shall organize and execute an in-house camp and/or an overnight camp for the cheerleaders, and coordinate participation of cheer coaches and their squads. – 8TH GRADE COACHES
  
  
• Uniforms:  The Uniform Chair shall be responsible for working with the Cheer President and park district to prepare uniform bids, developing a plan for ordering uniforms for all    participants, and distributing the uniforms to the participants.
  
  
• Technical/Stunt/Safety Advisor:  The Stunt/Safety Advisor shall be available to train coaches throughout the season on proper stunting techniques. This chair will be allowed to teach coaches/jr. coaches how to teach stunts and will be allowed to provide on-field support in order to ensure proper stunting is being done and make recommendations needed to improve the safety of stunts.
  
  
• Spirit Spectacular:  The Spirit Spectacular Chair shall be responsible for planning and executing this event at lease one-week prior and no sooner that 3 weeks prior to the BGYFL Competition. – 7TH GRADE COACHES
  
  
• Coaches Banquet:  The Coaches Banquet Director shall plan the end-of-year coach’s banquet with the WPDFL representative and forward all information to the Governing Board.

2. The Executive Board has the authority to appoint additional standing committees.

3. Proposals from committees must be presented to the Executive Board for review and then to
     the Governing Board for approval.

Article VII

Participation

1. A registration fee will be charged annually to each participant.  Wheaton Park District participation waivers are required to participate in a WPDCO function.
   
   
2. Each participate must submit a bonifide proof of birth and an application signed by a parent or legal guardian at or before the first uniform fitting.
   
   
3. Cheerleaders are accepted on a first come first serve basis.  After a team maximum of 35 has been reached, a waiting list will be established.  Cheerleaders from the waiting list will be called if openings become available or if the Executive Board determines that additional teams will be formed.  If additional teams are formed, the total amount of participants will be divided between the teams, as determined by the coaches of the grade level by mutual consent.  If consent cannot be reached, the Executive Board will decide by majority vote how the teams will be divided, either as small (up to 15), medium (16 to 25) or large division (26 to 35) teams, or a combination thereof.
   
   
4. Every cheer family is required to participate in Cheer fundraising activities.
   
   
5. Every cheerleader is required to contribute $40 at the start of the season for the squad’s “slush” fund to be used during the season for expenses related to the squad.

Article  VIII

Coaches and Assistants

1. Head Coaches:  Applications for head coaching positions will be accepted at the regular January and February meetings.  The Executive Board will meet, interview, and review applicants, and vote on said applicants.  Duly elected Head Coaches, those chosen by majority vote of the Executive Board, will be presented to the WPDCO at the March meeting.  Criteria used in the coach selection process includes but is not restricted to: fitness for the job, previous youth coaching experience, training, certification, cheerleading experience, seniority, and contribution to the organization.  Coaches will be subject to criminal background checks in compliance with Wheaton Park District standards. 
   
   
2. Assistant Coaches:  Assistant coaches will be appointed by the Head Coaches and can be released by same, except where the Head Coach requests the Executive Board to review what action is to be taken by written notice.
   
   
3. Terms of Coaches:  Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches will be appointed for one calendar year, starting March 1 and continuing until a replacement is named, or the coach provides written notice of intent not to continue coaching as set forth in Article III, Section (B), or the team is eliminated due to a lack of participation.
   
   
4. Violations or infractions of these bylaws may result in probation, dismissal, or immediate suspension of Head and Assistant Coaches subject to review and majority vote of the Executive Board. 

Article IX

Teams

1. All applicants must meet age requirements as specified in Bill George bylaws and registration fees must be paid prior to the uniform fittings.
   
   
2. All teams must wear only Rams authorized uniforms to all games, competitions and performances.  Rams authorized uniforms will be determined by the Executive Board at the beginning of each season.  Failure of a cheerleader to comply may result in suspension from a game and/or competitions.
   
   
3. Each cheerleader has the obligation to her/himself and to his/her teammates during the length of the season to attend all practices, games and selected competitions and to do her share in fundraising activities.  Failure to meet these obligations, for safety reasons, may result in the cheerleader’s suspension from a performance, suspension from a game and/or competitions, or expulsion from the program, to be determined by the Head Coach at his/her discretion.  ALL CHEERLEADERS AND PARENTS WILL SIGN THE “CHEER CREED CONTRACT”
   
   
4. All cheerleaders must meet the requirements of the coaching staff without interference from parents.  If a cheerleader or parent refuses to comply, they will be released from the program with no refund.
   
   
5. All Head Coaches must hold a meeting at least one week prior to the beginning of the season where potential cheerleaders and their parents will be asked to attend.  At this meeting the Head Coach will explain philosophies and coaching techniques that will involve the cheerleaders. Practice, game, and competition requirements will be outlined and discussed.  At this time, potential cheerleaders will have the opportunity to ask questions in an organized fashion.  Parents will be asked to sign the Park District’s “Character Counts” agreement regarding proper parent behavior.  Coaches will provide the Park District with signed copies for each member of the team.
   
   
6. Each team may elect to have one team parent.  Their responsibility will be at the discretion of the Head Coach.
   
   Team Selection:  Team selections are solely based on the approved rostering model established by the Standing Policy adopted in February 2010.  Each year, the rostering model may be reviewed by the Executive Board for addendums and then presented to the Governing Board for approval.  Rosters will be formed at a March coaches meeting.  If a Head Coach is unable to attend this meeting, the Assistant Coach may attend.  If either Head Coach or Assistant Coach is unable to attend the meeting, the President and Vice President will elect the team on behalf of the Head Coach.  There will be no switching of cheerleaders to other teams after rosters are selected, unless an exception is communicated to the Cheer President..  At the end of the draft process the Executive Board will meet to certify the results of each draft, and that the procedures for drafting were followed. 

Article X

Meetings

1. Regular Meeting:  A meeting of the Executive Board will be held immediately preceding the Governing Board meeting each month unless the President determines that it is not necessary for a particular month.  A regular meeting of the Governing Board will be held on a regular specified day of each month, unless otherwise specified by the Executive Board.
   
   
2. Special Meetings:  Special meetings may be called either by the President, two (2) other officers, or upon written request by four (4) Head Coaches.  Written notice of any special meetings, stating the date, time and location shall be communicated to each representative at least seventy-two (72) hours in advance of said meeting, the purpose for which said meeting shall be stated in the written notice.
   
   
3. Roberts Rules of Order shall govern the proceedings of all meetings, except where the same conflicts with the bylaws of the WPDCO.
   
   
4. A quorum will be considered to be 51% of the Governing Board.
   
   
5. The method of voting will be oral unless a board member requests a secret ballot.
   
   
6. Governing Board Members must attend a minimum of 7 Governing Board meetings and the Annual Bill George Coaches Meeting at the beginning of the season.  Representatives may attend for any Head Coach. 

Article XI

Financial Policy

1. The Governing Board of the WPDYFL shall decide all matters pertaining to the finances of the WPDCO subject to approved policies and procedures of the Wheaton Park District.  It shall become permanent policy to place all income in the league treasury of the WPDCO, directing the expenditure of same in such a manner as will give no individual team an advantage over the others.
   
   
2. All funds of the WPDCO shall be deposited to the credit of the WPDCO with the Wheaton Park District.
   
   
3. For financial purposes, the fiscal year shall be coincidental with the fiscal year of the Wheaton Park District which is April 1 – March 31.
   
   
4. All other financial policy shall first be subject to the bylaws of the WPDCO.

Article XII

Internal Policy

1. Standing Policies shall be adopted by a majority vote.  Such policies may be rescinded by two-thirds (2/3) vote of Governing Board members present.
   
   
2. In a situation where bylaws conflict, the WPDCO is subject to the Wheaton Park District Policies and Procedures.

Article XIII

Dissolution

1. In the event of the dissolution of the WPDCO, all monetary funds and physical equipment will be turned over to the Wheaton Park District.

Article XIV

Amendments

1. Any bylaws, rules or policies of the WPDCO may be amended or repealed by a two-third (2/3) vote of the Governing Board provided that written notice of such proposed change will be submitted to every member of the Governing Board at least one week prior to the regular meeting, at which the vote will take place.

Article XV

Interpretation

1. Interpretation of these bylaws or any rules or amendments passed there under, shall rest with the Executive Board of the WPDCO.

Final Draft:
Accepted January 10, 2000

Revised July 23, 2001
Revised May 21, 2002
Revised June 23, 2003
Revised January 22, 2006
Revised February 2010

Standing Policies of the WPDCO

1. It is the policy of the WPDCO that all cheerleaders shall cheer at all games; however the final decision is left to the coaching staff of each team as to who will participate in special performances.
   
   
2. To participate in special competitions, coaches may require mandatory practices not to exceed three (3) per week of up to 3 hours each in addition to other practices for weekend games and performances.  Failure to comply with these mandatory practices may result in suspension from the competitions.
   
   
3. Gold and Silver football team rostering will be decided by mutual consent of Head Coaches of each level at the August coaches meeting.  In the event a mutual consent cannot be reached, the Executive Board will decide how the football teams will be rostered to the cheer squads by majority vote of the Executive Board.
   
   
4. All cheerleading teams will practice indoors and outdoors at a Wheaton Park District approved location.  The Past President/Vice President responsible for the Indoor Space will work with the Park District to secure indoor space and make sure that such space is equitably distributed to all teams at the regularly scheduled June meeting.  All requests for indoor space must go through the Past President/Vice President.
   
   
5. All squads will participate in the annual Bill George competition. 
   
   
6. No amplification of any sound system will be allowed on the East Field of Graf Park.
   
   
7. The amount of practice hours per week that coaches are not to exceed by grade level shall be as follows:
   
   

   	July	August	September	October	November
   2nd & 3rd	8	8	5	5	5
   4th  & 5th	10	10	6	6	6
   6th &7th & 8th	12	12	10	10	10

   
   
8. Coaches have the right to select the number of competitions in which their squads compete, but shall not compete if said competition conflicts with Bill George commitments.  The fee for the Bill George end of year competition is covered in the fee to participate in the cheer program.  Additional competitions are to be paid for by each squad.
   
   
9. Inclement Weather:  The safety and well being of the Wheaton Park District cheerleaders and its coaching staff is of primary concern.  Therefore, it is the policy of the WPDCO that all cheerleading Head Coaches shall make a determination of appropriate conditions.  In the occurrence of rain, sleet, snow or wet grounds, there will be no stunting allowed.  Head Coaches are encouraged to show caution during extreme hot or cold temperatures, high winds or severe storm warnings.  The activities of the Rams football organization shall not be used as a barometer of acceptable conditions.  Coaches are responsible to adhere to the official Wheaton Park District Policy regarding inclement weather.
   
   
10. Parents will be required by the Wheaton Park District to sign the “Character Counts” parent code of conduct.  Infractions of the code will be reviewed by the Executive Board and any action taken as a result will be decided by the Governing Board.
    
    
11. Draft Policy: 

• Large Division Squad drafts 26-35, as determined in Article VII, Section C.
• Medium Division Squad drafts 16-25, as determined in Article VII, Section C.
• Small Division Squad drafts 10-15, as determined in Article VII, Section C.
• Core team comprised of a designated number of returning girls (no wait listed girls) is selected by Head Coaches, not to exceed ½ of the maximum number of their team for the new season.
• Remaining returning cheerleaders and new cheerleaders placed in Draft Pool.
• Each squad drafts by lottery out of Draft Pool, with coin toss or draw to determine who starts draft process.
• Selected squad lists given to Head or Assistant Coaches for approval.
• Selected squad lists given to Executive Board member for final approval.
• Exceptions to rosters must be presented to the Cheer President no later than one (1) week after rostering meeting. The Cheer President (after notifying the Executive Board of any situation) will have the final decision regarding amending rosters.
• At least one Executive Board member will oversee draft of each level.