INTRODUCTION
Being part of the East Carolina University (ECU) Dance Team is an honor and a significant responsibility. As ambassadors for the university, team members are expected to uphold the highest standards of conduct, both on and off the field. This guide outlines the policies and procedures governing the ECU Dance Team, emphasizing the importance of representing ECU with pride and professionalism, particularly through our Dance Squad Uniforms. These policies ensure that every member understands their role and responsibilities within the Spirit Program.
PHILOSOPHY AND PURPOSE
The ECU Dance Team operates under the guidance and support of the East Carolina University Athletic Department. As a vital component of the athletic program, we are committed to the university’s mission and values. Our primary purpose is to actively support ECU athletic teams, fostering an enthusiastic atmosphere at games and events. We serve as a spirit support group, dedicated to boosting crowd engagement and providing captivating game entertainment. Beyond performances, the ECU Dance Team acts as public relations ambassadors for the University, embodying the spirit of ECU in every interaction. Each member is expected to project a positive, respectful, and courteous image at all times, understanding that our dance squad uniforms are symbols of this representation.
SQUAD STRUCTURE AND BENEFITS
Currently, the ECU Dance Team consists of a single squad of talented female dancers. Selection for the team is based on merit, with opportunities for competition eligibility determined by academic standing, athletic prowess, and demonstrated performance capabilities. The Head Coach, with approval from the athletic department, may also select alternate members.
Being a member of the ECU Dance Team offers substantial benefits, supporting both academic and personal development. East Carolina University is dedicated to helping each dancer reach their full potential. These benefits include:
- Access to professional strength and conditioning programs to enhance physical fitness.
- Leadership development opportunities to cultivate essential life skills.
- Comprehensive medical and training room services for health and well-being.
- Psychological/Mental Health and Nutritional Services to support overall wellness.
- Provision of high-quality equipment and clothing, including our distinctive dance squad uniforms.
- Participation in home athletic events and select travel opportunities to represent ECU.
ORGANIZATIONAL HIERARCHY
The ECU Spirit Program, encompassing cheer squads, the dance squad, and Pee Dee the mascot, is overseen by the East Carolina University Department of Athletics. Maintaining a clear line of communication is crucial. Any questions, concerns, or issues must be addressed through the established 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
It is imperative to respect this hierarchy; bypassing it will result in immediate dismissal from the team. Accessibility of communication channels is not an acceptable reason for breaching this protocol.
SELECTION PROCESS
Membership on the ECU Dance Team is not guaranteed annually. All dancers must try out each year. Selection is based on evaluations by a panel of experienced judges, chosen by the Head Coach, and the Head Coach herself.
Applicants are assessed based on the following criteria:
- Personal Interview to evaluate communication and interpersonal skills.
- Technical Dance Skills to assess proficiency in various dance styles.
- Presentation and Showmanship to gauge performance quality and stage presence.
- Overall Performance & Appearance, including how well the dancer presents themselves in dance squad uniforms and attire.
- Cumulative GPA and academic standing to ensure academic eligibility.
- Overall attitude and work ethic, reflecting commitment and team spirit.
The Head Coach and/or an athletic department representative will oversee tryouts, manage score tabulation, and make final team selections. In certain unavoidable situations, such as injury or academic conflicts, the Head Coach and/or athletic department designee may exempt current team members from tryouts.
Tryout instructional clinics and the selection process are strictly closed to the public, ensuring a focused and fair evaluation environment.
ELIGIBILITY AND ACADEMIC STANDARDS
Academics are the foremost priority for all ECU Dance Team members. Maintaining academic eligibility is essential.
To be eligible for the ECU Dance Team, candidates must meet the following requirements:
- Be enrolled as a full-time student at East Carolina University (minimum 12 credit hours for undergraduates, 9 for graduates).
- Transfer students must provide University Admissions Office acceptance documentation.
- Incoming freshmen must provide University Admissions Office acceptance documentation.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 at the time of tryouts and throughout the academic year.
- Agree, via contract, to attend East Carolina University for both fall and spring semesters and remain enrolled full-time.
- Dancers are limited to a maximum of five years on the squad.
Applicants must provide accurate GPA and class hour information before tryouts to confirm eligibility. Transfer students must have formal acceptance from ECU prior to trying out.
Once on the team, dancers must remain full-time students and maintain at least a 2.0 semester GPA to stay eligible. Class attendance is mandatory. Dancers are required to provide accurate semester and cumulative GPAs and class schedules each semester. If a dancer’s semester GPA falls below 2.0, they will be placed on probation, resulting in limited participation, loss of travel privileges, ineligibility for excused absences, and mandatory study hall attendance as determined by the Head Coach. Continued involvement depends on cooperation, improvement, and the discretion of the coach and/or athletic department designee. Academic probation can lead to suspension or dismissal. Members with unsatisfactory academic standing must attend mandatory study hall for at least two hours weekly, with adjustments to these hours based on academic performance.
Dancers deemed academically ineligible will be notified in writing and immediately required to return ALL dance squad uniforms and equipment. Academically ineligible dancers may re-tryout in subsequent years if their GPA improves and they meet credit hour requirements.
CONDUCT REGARDING ALCOHOL AND TOBACCO
ECU Dance Team members are highly visible representatives of the University and are under constant public observation. Their behavior, both in and out of dance squad uniforms, reflects on the team and ECU. Misconduct, especially concerning alcohol, can lead to criticism.
- ECU Dance Team Members are strongly discouraged from consuming alcoholic beverages or using tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco, cigars, pipes, and cigarettes. Possession or consumption of alcohol is prohibited in University vehicles, at games, official athletic or University functions, and in hotel rooms during away trips. Pressuring underage dancers or those who choose not to drink is strictly forbidden.
- Alcohol and tobacco use are detrimental to athletic training and performance.
- Violation of these rules will result in severe disciplinary actions, including dismissal.
- University officials are prohibited from purchasing or providing alcohol to ECU Dance Team Members at University events.
DRUG POLICY AND DRUG TESTING
Unlawful possession, use, distribution, or manufacturing of controlled substances by an ECU Dance Team member during University travel or at any official team function will result in dismissal. Sanctions for violations outside team functions will consider potential negative reflection on the ECU Dance Team and East Carolina University. Prescribed medications are permitted with athletic training staff notification.
As ECU athletes, Dance Team members are subject to random drug testing. A positive drug test will lead to serious disciplinary measures, including dismissal, at the discretion of the Head Coach, athletic department designee, Director of Athletics, and/or University administration.
HAZING PROHIBITION
Hazing is strictly prohibited within the ECU Dance Team and the broader Spirit Program. East Carolina University’s hazing policy, detailed in the ECU Student Handbook, is fully enforced.
Hazing is defined as any activity that recklessly or intentionally endangers a student’s mental or physical health or safety for initiation or admission into an organization. Violations will result in disciplinary action, up to and including dismissal from the squad.
HEALTH, PHYSICAL FITNESS, AND WELLNESS
The ECU Spirit Program promotes healthy lifestyles and eating habits for all dance team members. Actions that contradict this philosophy or disregard health and safety will result in counseling.
Dance Team members participate in strength and conditioning programs designed by ECU athletic strength and conditioning coaches, with athletic training staff consultation.
Members are expected to be healthy and physically fit. The ECU Athletic training staff monitors body composition and may set parameters for weight, strength, nutrition, and health guidelines.
INJURY AND ILLNESS PROTOCOL
Any injury or illness must be reported to the coach immediately. Injuries during practices, games, or official functions will be treated by ECU Athletic training staff and/or the team physician.
Participation guidelines following injury or illness are determined by ECU Athletic training staff or the team physician.
If an ECU physician advises against further participation due to injury or health issues, the team member may remain on the team in a role determined by the dance team coach.
Missing scheduled appointments with athletic trainers or the team physician will result in disciplinary actions: 1st infraction – Warning, 2nd Infraction – Suspension from an event, 3rd Infraction – Dismissal from the team.
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
All members must provide proof of medical insurance covering spirit squad activities. This can be through parents, the University, or an individual policy. A copy of the insurance policy must be on file with the athletic department.
Initial medical expenses are the member’s responsibility under their primary insurance. Secondary insurance is provided by the University for injuries during participation, if necessary.
APPEARANCES, FUNCTIONS, AND EVENTS
All ECU Dance Team appearances must be pre-approved by the Head Coach. Unauthorized appearances will result in disciplinary actions. Team members are expected to respond promptly to appearance requests from the athletic department.
Appearance priorities are: ECU Athletics events, ECU Alumni Association and University events, charitable events, and public relations events. Appearances at political events are prohibited.
UNIFORM POLICY AND CARE
Dance squad uniforms and equipment are the property of the ECU Athletic Department and must be maintained in excellent condition. Alterations are prohibited without Head Coach permission. The Head Coach determines uniform choices with the team’s best interests in mind.
Uniforms are to be worn only for performances and approved special events. Wearing any part of the dance squad uniform in inappropriate settings (including sweatshirts, warm-ups, shoes, etc.) is forbidden.
All issued apparel and dance squad uniforms must be returned at the season’s end. Members are responsible for replacing lost or damaged items.
Members leaving the squad due to ineligibility or dismissal must return all uniforms and equipment within 2 weeks. Failure to return or compensate for uniforms/equipment will result in a hold on the student’s account.
TRAVEL GUIDELINES
Travel to away games and events is a PRIVILEGE for the Spirit Program, subject to budget constraints and university regulations.
The squad travels as a group with the coach and/or athletic department designee to all events, unless otherwise approved.
Travel rosters are determined by the Head Coach and/or athletic department designee based on classification, experience, attendance, grades, skill, attitude, and disciplinary history.
Itineraries, including departure/arrival times, hotel information, and clothing guidelines, will be provided. Team members must adhere to curfews and the entire itinerary.
Exemplary behavior is expected at all times during travel, representing the University positively. Loud, rude, or offensive behavior is subject to disciplinary action.
TIME COMMITMENT EXPECTATIONS
Balancing academic and Spirit Squad responsibilities requires excellent organization. Commitment includes practices, fundraising, charitable functions, workouts, and mandatory study hall.
Practice schedules are set each semester, accommodating members’ class schedules, and remain consistent.
Spirit Squad commitments take precedence over all other non-academic activities. Members receive an athletic events calendar each semester and must schedule work, social events, and other commitments accordingly. Students with demanding academic programs should discuss scheduling with the dance team coach.
Participation at games and appearances is expected during university holidays, including breaks. Summer participation in appearances and practices may also be required.
SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSIBILITIES
As ECU Dance Team members, understand the public nature of social media. Online postings are public and permanent.
- Do not post anything online that could embarrass yourself, the team, or the University.
- Do not post unreleased information from the Athletic Department.
- Avoid posting personal information that could compromise safety.
- Closely monitor social media privacy settings.
- Direct media inquiries through media relations.
- The following postings will result in disciplinary action: derogatory language about teammates or ECU affiliates, demeaning statements or threats, incriminating photos or statements, and any inappropriate behavior.
Friend the ECU Dance Team Coach on social media and be aware of random checks. Uniform pictures are permitted only if from team functions; no solo uniform pictures outside of team events. Non-team members should never be photographed in dance squad uniforms. Captions referencing the ECU Dance Team must be appropriate even when not in uniform.
GENERAL RULES, REGULATIONS, AND EXPECTATIONS
ECU Dance Team members represent East Carolina University, the Athletic Department, the American Athletic Conference, and North Carolina. Exemplary conduct is required at all times, not just in dance squad uniforms. Members are subject to the ECU Student Code of Conduct, Athletic Department Code of Conduct, and conference codes.
Adherence to ECU Dance Team policies is mandatory. Non-compliance leads to disciplinary action, including suspension or dismissal, determined by the Head Coach. A signed agreement to abide by these policies is required. After academics, the ECU Dance Team should be the primary commitment.
Good sportsmanship, ethical behavior, enthusiasm, and respect are essential. Cooperation with coaches, administrators, and teammates is expected at all times. As public relations ambassadors, professional conduct is paramount. Profanity, taunting, theft, fighting, weapons possession, or general misconduct will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action, including removal from the team.
Attendance and punctuality are mandatory for all home football, men’s and women’s basketball games (including tournaments). All dancers are considered alternates and must audition for each performance. Coach decisions are final.
Camp and National Competition attendance is a privilege, decided annually based on budget, coach/university approval, team performance, and dedication.
While in dance squad uniforms, dancers must:
- Refrain from using foul language.
- Abstain from drugs, tobacco, or alcohol.
- Not chew gum.
- Avoid obscene gestures.
- Refrain from any behavior deemed inappropriate by the Head Coach and/or athletic department designee.
Tryouts represent a year-long commitment. Inability to fulfill this commitment may impact future tryout eligibility, at the Head Coach’s discretion. Fundraising participation is required.
“IN UNIFORM” standards include being well-groomed, with no jewelry/piercings (visible piercings beyond standard earrings), covered tattoos, and natural hair color.
Performance make-up is required for all appearances.
“FULL UNIFORM” means wearing the complete dance squad uniform; wearing uniform pieces separately is prohibited. Violations will result in disciplinary actions.
Dance Team Captains are selected by the coach based on leadership, attitude, seniority, and experience. Captains not fulfilling their duties may be replaced. Captain duties are defined by the Head Coach.
Communication is vital. Team members must check and respond to emails, phone messages, and texts daily and review the Google Calendar weekly.
Decisions regarding roles and opportunities will consider attitude, seniority, contributions, team preferences, and past adherence to rules.
DISCIPLINARY, SUSPENSION, & DISMISSAL PROCEDURES
The Head Coach establishes procedures to maintain discipline.
Violations of ECU Dance Team Policies and Procedures may result in written warnings, suspension, or dismissal, as determined by the coach and/or athletic department designee.
This guide serves to ensure every member of the ECU Dance Team understands the expectations and policies, allowing us to proudly represent East Carolina University, both in performance and appearance, especially while wearing our dance squad uniforms.
