Information on Joining the Brook Park Rangerettes

Preamble (as stated in the By-Laws)

The Rangerettes A, Rangerettes Regional A, Wranglers and Parents Organization are organized for the purpose of providing the girls with the opportunity of learning discipline, good sportsmanship in the field of competition and personal endeavors, improve personal regimen, emphasize the importance of the responsibility of individuals to each other as well as to themselves, and to promote fidelity to the community, state and nation.

Rangerettes and Wranglers Rules and Responsibilities

In order for any group of individuals to successfully achieve their goals, they must agree to adhere to a standard set of rules and procedures. It is important that the members of the Color Guard truly desire to be a hard-working disciplined ensemble rather than a large group of people not willing to work together towards a common goal.

The following is a list of rules and procedures for the Rangerettes and Wranglers Color Guards:

Elastic Clause Despite our attempt to cover all situations and events, unforeseen circumstances can develop and will be addressed by the instructors at their discretion.

Parent Responsibility It is necessary for parents to understand that your daughter is making a commitment. The guard’s success depends on your cooperation and support. Parents then are responsible for:

Parent Meetings Directors hold the right to have individual guard parent meetings when needed. This is to keep you informed on what is going on with your child and her guard. Parents are encouraged to attend the individual guard meetings as well as organization meetings as many topics are discussed and voted on. Majority rules, so your vote makes a difference.

Admission Policy & Dues Girls must be within the following age ranges to join:

The application, medical history forms, and rules must be signed and returned before your child can participate in the group. Directors and head chaperones need to be notified of any physical or emotional challenges that your child may encounter during the season. This includes the taking of any new medications. No medications (prescription or OTC) will be administered without prior written consent of the parent.

Annual dues are:

One half of your dues must be worked off or paid by January 1. If you have more than one child in the guard, your dues will be reduced by half of the lowest amount owed. The balance must be paid by April 1. Outstanding balances at the end of the season could result in your child’s suspension until the dues are paid. Your child cannot graduate to the next guard if her dues are not paid in full. Dues are non-refundable. If your child quits after non-returnable items are purchased for her benefit (i.e. shoes, uniform, etc.) you will be billed in full for these items.

Fundraising Money collected from dues and fundraisers is used solely on the guard. Participation in fundraisers is strictly voluntary, but please remember that your child benefits from all profits made. Ten percent of your child’s total sales are taken off her dues (up to fifty percent).

Attendance Regular attendance is very important for the group’s success. Since the Guard performs as a team it is vital that all members are present for rehearsals and shows. Members will not be excused from shows, camps, or rehearsals without a legitimate excuse. Three (3) unexcused absences from rehearsal or camps or one (1) unexcused absence from a show will result in immediate withdrawal of your child from the group. The instructor should be notified at least one month in advance regarding special circumstances, i.e. vacations, etc. Absences should be reported to the director at least one hour prior to rehearsal or it will be considered unexcused. It is the member’s responsibility to learn what she missed before the next rehearsal. The show schedule will be given out no later than December 1. If your daughter cannot be present for any show, especially championships, you must inform the director immediately. The director reserves the right to change the drill to exclude a girl due to absenteeism.

Rehearsal Be on time. Members must be ready to practice at their scheduled rehearsal time. Members are to wear appropriate attire for practice. No slip on shoes or jeans. Long hair should be pulled back in a ponytail or braid. All chaperones and/or attending parents shall leave all comments regarding instruction and discipline to the instructor. Otherwise, parents will be asked to leave. Most practices are open to parents provided rehearsal is not disrupted. However, the instructor may close a rehearsal at their discretion.

Dismissal For your child’s safety, we cannot send your child home with another person unless you have notified the instructor either by phone or in writing. The girls may not leave any guard function unless an adult is present.

Visitors Siblings, family members, or friends who are minors are not permitted to stay at rehearsals without the presence of a parent or guardian. The instructors and chaperones cannot be responsible for any child that is not a member of the Guard.

Equipment/Props We will provide the equipment needed for the season. Once equipment is assigned, your child is responsible for it. That includes having it at rehearsals, shows, parades, etc. In order to instill your child’s responsibility to have the necessary equipment, fines will apply. You will be charged full cost replacement for lost or damaged equipment. Members are expected to handle the floor, props, and sound system with care. These items are very costly to replace when damaged due to misuse.

Uniforms Uniforms must be kept neat and clean. If your child’s uniform is soiled or damaged, you will be charged accordingly. Garment bags are part of the uniform and are required to be kept clean. Uniforms are not to be worn for any purpose other than Guard functions. However, members may obtain special permission from your director for talent shows, etc.

Individual Responsibilities Everyone carries equal weight. Each member will be assigned a set job for practice and shows. These assignments should be completed automatically.

Behavior Inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Girls are expected to act like ladies at all times. They are to show respect to all staff, chaperones, members of our guards, and other guards. If disrespect is shown to anyone or if a member exhibits inappropriate behavior, she will be suspended from the guard until the instructor presents the circumstances to the Executive board. At that time, she could be dismissed from the Guard. Inappropriate behavior includes, but is not limited to, fighting, gossiping, swearing, or talking back to any adult. The instructor reserves the right to remove any disruptive member until the board can make a decision based on the instructors recommendation. We understand that not everyone can be friends, but all members should treat each other fairly at all times.

Road Trips Trips are either bussed or carpooled. Either way, girls are required to be at the departure point at the scheduled time. Failure to report without notifying the director is considered an unexcused absence. Parents are welcome to attend all shows. The girls need your support. However, if you wish to ride the bus, you must check with the director for availability. While the older girls enjoy the “buddy system” at turnouts, the Wranglers remain under the jurisdiction of the instructors and chaperones only. A parent cannot take their child away from the Wranglers until the girls are dismissed for the day. Also, please make sure that we know you are taking your child.

Advancement The final decision to advance your daughter to another piece of equipment or into a higher guard is made by the instructors. Advancement can be considered for the following reasons:

Please be advised that the instructor has your daughter’s best interest in mind when making these decisions. No girl may quit one guard so that she may join the next guard. The instructors work together to make this organization work for your daughter, so they will be aware if such a situation arises.

Violations & Penalties The girls are expected to take responsibility for their actions. In the event that a girl should violate one of the rules, the instructor will take action. You will find most of the items your daughter could be fined for at the end of the rule packet. Girls who incur a fine will receive a Violation slip, which must be signed by the parent and returned with the fine money by the next practice. Please be advised that any and all fine money is saved and benefits the Guard. Neither instructors nor chaperones keep or benefit from any fine money.

Forms Download the forms below for your review and submission.