Excused Absence from a Performance Policy

All Twirling Bears members – baton, colorguard and pom - are expected, as has always been the policy, to participate in all scheduled performances.  "Performances" include scheduling time to wait for your awards.  It is up to the contest director as to when and how awards are given out.  We will not barter to get them early for you, nor be responsible for picking them up.

 While most people naturally use the policies below, there have been some who have not.  Our schedule is given well in advance of performance dates.  Weekly practices should be regularly attended and practicing with your equipment at home is a part of baton and colorguard.

 Absences should be rare.  It is expected that when signing up for the activity, that the student and family fully intend to participate.   If there is a performance date conflict the director should be notified well in advanced (several months).

 Acceptable excused absences

     §         Funeral/wake attendance,

§         Wedding attendance of immediate family member,

§         Wedding where the student is in the wedding,

§         Hospitalization (of the student),

§         Sudden illness of the student themselves where a call is made that day. (A cold does not warrant missing a performance).

§         Participation in a championship event (state, sectionals, etc.) on the same day as an open contest or community event.

§         Out-of-town on vacation that could not be rescheduled. 

• Participation in prom, homecoming or graduation at the same time as a Twirling Bears event. 

The event must be at the same time as the Twirling Bears performance.  If there is time to make it from the event to the T. Bears performance or visa versa it is unexcused. 

 Participation in an event of another sport/activity that is not a championship event on the same day as State, Regionals or Nationals is an unexcused absence. Student jobs, birthday parties, etc. are not excused absences from performances.  Student’s should request the day off from work.  Missing an occasional practice for these is o.k.

 It is expected that when the schedule is given that all students will allot the time on their calendars for these dates.  If there is a problem with a date for one of the excused reason listed above, at least a two-month notice should be given where possible, except funerals and illness.

 As with last year, awards will be given at the awards reception for perfect attendance for those attending all performances.

Elaine Jones – director                 847-439-4292