Dance Policies and Procedures
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
INTRODUCTION
This statement is intended to inform ECU Dance Team Members on various policies of the ECU Spirit Program. In all policy and program matters, members of the dance team shall first be good, law-abiding citizens of the nation, state, and city, and secondly, shall be exemplary representatives of East Carolina University.
PHILOSOPHY
The East Carolina University Athletic Department supports and directs the Dance Team. As a student support program in the athletic department the squad adheres to the role and mission of the East Carolina University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics.
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE
The purpose of the ECU Dance Team is to support the athletic teams at East Carolina University as a spirit support group by generating crowd enthusiasm, providing game entertainment as well as public relations ambassadors of the University. ECU Dance Team members are representatives of the University and should display a positive and courteous manner at all times. The Spirit Program is directed by the ECU athletic department and is managed by the Head Coach and athletic department designee.
SQUAD DESCRIPTION
The ECU Dance Team currently consists of one female squad. Members of the squad are eligible to compete, depending on academic standing, athletic ability, and proven performance (if the opportunity to compete presents itself for the squad). Alternates may be chosen by the Head Coach, with approval from athletic department designee.
DANCE TEAM BENEFITS
East Carolina University is committed to assist Dance Team members in their academic and personal growth and in achieving their highest potential as individuals. Other significant benefits include:
- Participate in the Strength and conditioning program.
- Leadership development opportunities.
- Medical and training room services.
- Psychological/Mental Health and Nutritional Services.
- Equipment and Clothing.
- Participate at home athletic events and selected traveling events.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
East Carolina University Spirit program includes cheer squads, one dance squad and Pee Dee the mascot. Supervision and support for all spirit squads is the responsibility of the East Carolina University Department of Athletics.
Any and all questions, concerns or problems will follow the hierarchy of authority (chain of command) listed below. Any breach of the chain of command will result in immediate dismissal. Channel availability is not an excuse for breaching the chain of command.
- East Carolina University Dance Team Coach
- East Carolina University Assistant Athletics Director of Marketing and Sales
- East Carolina University Associate Athletic Director/ External Affairs
- East Carolina University Director of Athletics
- East Carolina University Administration
SELECTON PROCEDURE
There is no tenure on the ECU Dance Team; yearly tryouts are required and dancers are selected by a panel of experienced judges and the ECU Dance Team Head Coach. The judges are selected by the Head Coach.
Applicants are judged on the following criteria:
- Personal Interview
- Technique
- Presentation/ Showmanship
- Overall Performance & Appearance
- Cumulative GPA and academic standing
- Overall attitude and work ethic
The Head Coach and/or athletic department designee will be present during tryouts to score tabulations AND will make final decisions for team selection. The ECU Dance Team Coach and/or athletic department designee may also exempt members of the team from tryouts based upon injury, academic conflicts, and other unavoidable circumstances.
The tryout instructional clinic and selection process will be CLOSED to the general public.
ELIGIBILITY/ACADEMICS
Academics are the first priority of all ECU Dance Team Members.
To be eligible for the ECU Dance Team, the following eligibility requirements must be met.
- Be presently enrolled as a full-time student (minimum of 12 credit hours) at East Carolina University Graduate students (Minimum of 9 credit hours)
- Be a transfer student with acceptance documentation from the University Admissions Office
- Be an incoming freshman with acceptance documentation from the University Admissions Office
- Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the time of tryouts and maintained throughout the academic year
- Agree, by contract, to attend East Carolina University for the fall and spring semester of the following year and remain enrolled as a full-time student (minimum 12 hours)
- Dancers are limited to five years on the squad
Applicants are required to provide accurate cumulative GPA and class hours before tryouts to ensure eligibility. Students transferring from another university must be accepted for enrollment at East Carolina University prior to tryouts.
After joining the ECU Dance Team, to remain eligible a dancer must be a full-time student and maintain at least a 2.0 semester GPA. Dance Team members are expected to attend all classes. Dancers are required to provide accurate semester and cumulative GPA's and class schedules to reflect number of credit hours each semester. Should the semester GPA of a dancer fall below the required 2.0, they will be placed on probation meaning limited participation, will not receive travel privileges or granted excused absences for events, and will be required to go to study hall (as deemed by the head coach). Involvement for the following semester will depend upon the level of cooperation and improvement and is at the discretion of the coach and/or athletic department designee. Failure to produce satisfactory academic progress may result in suspension or dismissal from the squad at any time. All members with less than satisfactory academic standing, will be required to attend mandatory study hall hours amounting to at least two (2) hours per week. Adjustments to required hours may be made at any time based on the academic performance of members involved.
A dancer found to be academically ineligible is notified in writing that they have been dropped from the squad, at which time, ALL UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT MUST BE RETURNED. A dancer found academically ineligible and removed from the ECU Dance Team may enter the next tryout provided their GPA has been raised and/or they have returned to the required amount of credit hours.
ALCOHOL/ TOBACCO
Dancers are reminded that, as highly visible members of the University community, their actions and behavior are under constant observation. Absolutely, while in uniform, but even while out of uniform, ECU Dance Team members are known, subject to scrutiny, and can easily be the object of criticism for their behavior or actions, in particular, for indulging and/or over-indulging in alcoholic beverages.
- ECU Dance Team Members are encouraged NOT to consume alcoholic beverages or use tobacco. Tobacco includes smokeless tobacco, cigars, pipes, as well as cigarettes. In addition, dancers are not to posses or consume alcoholic beverages in a University car, van or bus; shall not consume alcoholic beverages before or during a game; shall no consume or possess alcoholic beverages at official athletic department or University functions; shall not store or consume alcohol in their hotel rooms during away trips; shall not offer or attempt to coerce dancers who are under 21 or who do not want to drink alcoholic beverages into doing the same.
- Dancers are athletes at ECU and alcohol and tobacco interferes with athletic training.
- Dancers that violate these rules shall be subject to serious disciplinary measures including dismissal from the team.
- University officials shall not purchase or furnish alcoholic beverages for ECU Dance Team Members at any University event/function.
DRUGS/ DRUG TESTING
Conduct which involves the unlawful possession, use, dispensing or manufacturing of controlled substances by a ECU Dance Team member while traveling for the University or at any official team function shall result in appropriate discipline, including, dismissal from the team. Any sanction for such a violation outside of the squad function shall be with consideration to the potential embarrassment or bad reflection on the ECU Dance Team and/or East Carolina University. The legal use of prescribed medicines under the direction of a licensed physician is permitted and should be on record with the athletic training staff.
As all ECU athletes, members of the team are subject to random/selective drug testing. A positive drug test will result in serious disciplinary actions including, dismissal from the team. These actions are at the discretion of the Head Coach, athletic department designee, Director of Athletics and/or University administration.
HAZING
Hazing by any member of the ECU Dance Team will not be tolerated. The East Carolina University spirit program abides by East Carolina University's hazing policy as outlined in the ECU Student Handbook. ECU Dance Team Members should refer to the student handbook for a detailed description of policies regarding hazing.
"Hazing" is an activity, which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental health or physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into an organization. Dancers that violate these policies shall be subject to serious disciplinary measures up to, and including, dismissal from the squad.
HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS
The East Carolina University spirit program is committed to promoting and fostering healthy lifestyles and eating habits for all dance team members. Conduct, which opposes this philosophy and/or poses unacceptable risk and disregard for the health, safety and welfare of participants is violating this policy and will result in appropriate counseling.
Dance Team members will participate in strength and conditioning programs designed and implemented by professionals from the ECU athletic strength and conditioning coaching staff with consultation from the athletic training staff.
Members are expected to be healthy and physically fit. ECU Athletic training staff will determine and monitor body composition testing, set any weight parameters, strength parameters, along with nutrition and/or health related guidelines.
INJURIES/ ILLNESS
Any injury or illness shall be reported to the coach immediately. Any injury suffered during practices, games, or other official functions will be treated by the ECU Athletic training staff and/or team physician.
All guidelines for participation due to an injury or illness will be determined by the ECU Athletic training staff or team physician.
If an ECU physician recommends that a team member no longer participate due to injury or a health problem, the team member may stay on the team in a role determined by the dance team coach.
Any dancer missing a scheduled treatment or appointment with an athletic trainer or team physician will be subject to the following disciplinary guidelines.
1st infraction - Warning
2nd Infraction - Suspension from a game/appearance/event
3rd Infraction - Dismissal from the team
INSURANCE
Members must provide proof of medical insurance, which covers spirit squad activities. The student must have and maintain health insurance either through their parents, the University or on an individual basis. A copy of the insurance policy must be on file with the athletic department.
Initial medical expenses are the responsibility of the individual member's primary insurance. Secondary insurance, if needed, is provided through the University for injuries that occur during participation.
APPERANCES/ FUNCTIONS / EVENTS
All appearances by the ECU Dance Team shall be approved in advance by the head Coach. Dancers that appear or attend events without prior approval will be subject to disciplinary actions. Dance Team members are expected to respond in a timely manner to appearance requests from the athletic department
With due consideration to the size of the event, priority for appearances shall be in the following order: ECU Athletics events/activities, ECU Alumni Association and other University events and activities, charitable events/activities, and public relations events/activities. Dancers shall not make appearances at political events/activities.
UNIFORMS
Uniforms and equipment are the property of the ECU Athletic Department. Dancers must maintain their uniforms and equipment in proper condition. Uniforms shall not be altered in any way without the permission of the Head Coach. The ECU Dance Team Coach will make all decisions of what uniforms are warn with the teams' best interest in mind.
Uniforms may only be worn for performances and approved special events. Squad members are not to wear ANY part of the uniform to places deemed inappropriate (including sweatshirts, warm-up suits, shoes, etc.).
Dance Team Members will return all issued apparel and uniforms at the end of the season. If any uniforms are damaged or lost the team member will be responsible for replacing the item(s).
Members found ineligible, or otherwise removed from the squad, must return all uniforms (including t-shirts) and equipment within 2 weeks to the ECU Dance Team Coach. Damaged or lost uniforms and equipment is the responsibility of the team member who signed them out. Failure to return or pay for any uniform or equipment will result in a hold placed on the students account.
TRAVEL
TRAVEL TO AWAY GAMES/ EVENTS IS A PRIVILAGE FOR THE SPIRT PROGRAM
Travel to away games/events will be in accordance with budget restrictions and in accordance with conference and East Carolina University rules and regulations
The squad will travel, with coach and/or athletic department designee, as a group to and from all games/events unless otherwise approved by Head Coach and athletic department designee.
The travel roster will be determined by the ECU Dance Team Coach and/or athletic department designee, and will be chosen on the basis of classification, veteran status, attendance, grades, skill level, attitude and any previous disciplinary actions.
An itinerary will be prepared and given to each dancer traveling. The itinerary will include times of departure, arrival, etc., important numbers (i.e. hotel), appropriate articles of clothing, etc. Team members will abide by curfews when travel is required. TEAM MEMBERS WILL ADHERE TO THE ITINERARY.
The primary emphasis of this policy focuses on the behavior of dancers when they travel as representatives of the University. At all times dancers behavior shall be exemplary. Behavior which is loud, boisterous, rude, unrestrained, rough, rowdy, or offensive to the university or athletic department, etc., shall subject a dancer to disciplinary measures.
TIME COMMITMENT
A dancer must be organized in order to fulfill student obligations and Spirit Squad responsibilities. Commitment to the Spirit Squad includes participation at required practices fund-raising and charitable functions, required workouts, and study hall as required by the director of the Student Academic Enhancement Program.
Practice days and times will be determined by the coach and squad members in advance of the fall and spring semester according to each member's class schedule. These practices will remain consistent during the semester.
Being a Spirit Squad member takes a priority over ALL other non-academic activities at all times. Spirit squad members will be given an athletic events calendar for each semester. Each member must schedule work, dates, sorority functions, and other events around the athletic calendar. Similarly, persons in academic programs, which have significant time-consuming demands, are encouraged to discuss their schedule with the dance team coach.
Dancers will be expected to participate at games and make appearance during university holidays. This includes, but is not limited to Fall Break, Thanksgiving, Christmas break, and Spring Break. Members may also be required to participate in appearances and practices during the summer months, in addition to the academic school year.
SOCIAL NETWORKING
As an ECU Dance Team Member it is important to understand the extent to which social networking sites can have. Anything posted online is available to anyone and is therefore completely out of your control the moment it is online.
- Do not post information, photos or other items that could embarrass you, the team or the University.
- I am not to post any information that has not been released by the Athletic Department
- Posting my home address, local address, a SS #, phone number, birth day or other personal information might encourage predators and therefore is highly discouraged.
- I am strongly encouraged to closely monitor the privacy settings on my social media accounts.
- Media may try to contact me through my social networking sites to gain useful information. I understand that all information or interviews must go through media relations.
- The following postings will be subject to disciplinary action:
- Derogatory language about a teammate or anyone related to ECU
- Demeaning statements or threats
- Incriminating photos or statements
- Any inappropriate behavior
You are required to friend the ECU Dance Team Coach on social networking sites, and you may be subject to random checks. You may post pictures in uniform; however they must be from a dance team function. No pictures by yourself in uniform that is not from a function. At no time should non-dance team members be taking pictures in your uniforms. No captions that reference the ECU Dance Team out of uniform.
GENERAL RULES/ REGULATIONS/ EXPECTATIONS
It is imperative for Dance Team members to remember they are representing East Carolina University, the East Carolina University Athletic Department, American Athletic Conference, and the state of North Carolina. Conduct and behavior must be exemplary at all times, not just when in uniform. Dance Team members are subject to the ECU Student Code of Conduct located in the Student Handbook, the ECU Athletic Department Code of Conduct and conference code of conduct statements.
In addition, the East Carolina University Dance Team must adhere to the following rules and procedures. Members who do not comply will experience disciplinary action including suspension or dismissal from the team. The Dance Team Coach will make all disciplinary actions in accordance with department guidelines. Dancers must sign an agreement signifying their willingness to abide by all rules and requirements set forth in the ECU Dance Team Policy and Procedures. After academic commitments, the ECU Dance Team should be the primary commitment for squad members.
All team members MUST demonstrate good sportsmanship, good moral and ethical behavior, enthusiasm and respectful attitudes, and are asked to cooperate with coach(s), university/athletics administrators, and other squad members at all practice sessions, games/events, and community functions. Dancers serve as public relations ambassadors to East Carolina University and must remember that at all times. Use of profanity at a game or practice, taunting of players/officials, theft, fighting, possession of weapons, and general misconduct will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary actions, including removal from the team if actions warrant (at the discretion of the Head Coach and/or athletic department designee).
Dancers MUST attend and be on time to all home football games, and home men's & women's basketball games (including conference and pre/post-season tournaments). All dancers are considered alternates. For any appearances or game performances, the dancers will have to audition in order to perform on the floor. All decisions are the discretion of the Dance Team Coach.
Attendance at Camp and National Competition is a privilege. Decisions to attend these events will be made on a yearly basis based on budget, approval from the dance team coach and University designees, as well as the teams' performance and dedication to their University obligations.
While in uniform, dancers MUST refrain from:
- Using foul language
- Using drugs, tobacco, or alcohol
- Chewing gum
- Using obscene gestures
- Any other actions viewed as inappropriate by Head Coach and/or athletic department designee
Participant's tryout for a yearlong commitment to the ECU Dance Team; if unable to make the commitment, team members will forfeit their ability to tryout again. Special consideration will be determined by the ECU Dance Team Coach. Each team member must be willing to participate in fundraising activities throughout the year.
"IN UNIFORM" means well groomed, absolutely NO jewelry/piercings (Belly Rings, nose rings, tongue rings, cartilage piercings, etc.). Tattoo's must be covered and all members must have a natural hair color.
Performance make-up is required at ALL appearances/performances.
"IN UNIFORM" also means "FULL UNIFORM". Uniforms are to be worn in their entirety; wearing pieces of the uniform separately is PROHIBITED. Infractions of this policy will result in disciplinary actions of Head Coach and/or athletic department designee.
The dance team coach will choose Captains for the Dance Team. Decisions will be based on leadership skills, attitude, seniority, and experience. If a Captain is not fulfilling her position, she will be asked to step down and will be replaced by a selection of the Dance Team Coach. Duties of the Captains will be determined by the Dance Team Coach.
Communication is essential. It is the expectation that all Dance Team members must check and respond to e-mail, phone messages, and text messages daily. Dancers must also check the Google Calendar weekly.
Decisions will be based on attitude, seniority, and contributions to the betterment of the group, performances, team members' preferences and previous challenges with adhering to rules, procedures and expectations.
DISIPLINARY, SUSPENSION & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
Certain procedures have been/will be established by the Head Coach to maintain discipline.
Violations of the ECU Dance Team Policies and Procedures and rules established by the Head Coach may result in a written warning, suspension, or dismissal, as determined by the coach and/or athletic department designee.
