OLATHE WEST HIGH SCHOOL. CHEERLEADING and MASCOT TRYOUT PACKET

Transcription

1 OLATHE WEST HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING and MASCOT TRYOUT PACKET

2 Dear Cheerleader/Mascot Applicant, Olathe West High School Cheer/Mascot Tryouts Head Coach: Mallory West 2200 W. Santa Fe Street, Olathe, Kansas Olathe West Phone: (913) It is time for the Olathe West High School cheer and mascot tryouts! This will be the second spirit squad selected for Olathe West! We are very excited that you want to be a part of this team. Clinics and tryouts will take place Monday, March 5th, Tuesday, March 6th, and Wednesday, March 7 th at Olathe West High School. There will be an informational meeting for cheerleader/mascot applicants and their parents on Thursday, March 1st at 6:00pm. The meeting will be held in the Auditorium at Olathe West High School. The purpose of this meeting is to turn-in your tryout packet, discuss the tryout process, time commitment, expectations, and costs associated with cheerleading/mascoting at Olathe West. We will also address any questions or concerns parents and/or cheerleader/mascot applicants may have. Both cheerleader/mascot applicants and parents should read the contents of this packet very carefully. Being selected as an Owl Cheerleader or the mascot is an honor and privilege. Responsibility to the school, squads, and its members will be of highest priority. To the informational meeting on Thursday, March 1st, you will need to bring the following: 1. Application Form 2. Interview Question Responses 3. Contract Acceptance Form 4. A copy of the applicant s first semester grade card (printed from StudentVue) How to obtain first semester grade card from StudentVue: 1. Log into StudentVue. 2. Click Report Card in the left blue menu column. 3. Print and attach to other forms. 5. A copy of the applicant s GPA (printed from StudentVue) How to obtain GPA from StudentVue: 1. Log into StudentVue. 2. Click Course History in the left blue menu column. 3. Print and attach to other forms. If unable to attend the informational meeting, please drop off completed tryout forms to the front office of Olathe West High School BEFORE 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 1st AND you must Coach West BEFORE the meeting at mbwest@olatheschools.org with your intent to tryout. Any late packets may not be accepted. If accepted, there will be a minimum of 10 points deducted from the candidate s final try out score. Good luck and thank you for your interest in becoming an Owl Cheerleader/Mascot for the school year. Sincerely, Coach West OWHS Head Cheer Coach Page 1

3 ELIGIBILITY TRYOUT A student is eligible to try out for cheerleader or mascot if the following conditions are met: 1. The student must have passed all classes the preceding semester grading period. 2. The student has a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher. 3. The student is not serving a disciplinary placement (ISS, OSS, JDC, etc.) 4. At the time of the tryout, the student is registered to attend Olathe West for the following school year. 5. The student has no outstanding cheerleading balances from prior years. TRYOUT GUIDELINES The head coach will be responsible for the preparation and distribution of a packet of information to be made available to all candidates. This information will include specific tryout dates, times, attire, procedures and all necessary application and permission materials. A principal and the head coach will approve this information prior to distribution. The tryout packets will be posted on the Olathe West cheerleading website and in the main office at Olathe West and feeder middle schools. Candidates and their parent/guardian must sign a form stating that they understand and will comply with all information in the packet, including, without limitation, the Constitution, and return all required permission forms and applications to head coach by the designated deadline, before the candidate will be allowed to participate in the tryout process. Any deviations from the tryout procedure will require written approval of the head coach prior to the deviation. SELECTION Olathe West will hold a tryout for the selection of the cheerleading squads and mascot. The tryouts will be held in the Spring. The head coach will chair a committee composed of the head principal, activity principal, and assistant cheerleading coaches. The committee will be responsible for planning and facilitating the tryouts. A committee of outside experts will help select the squad. The head coach will be present during the entire tryout process. Parents will not be allowed in the building during any phase of the tryouts. JUDGES There will be six (6) judges on the high school panel. Three will be used for the group tryout piece. Three will be used for the individual tryout piece. Judges will be selected from NCA, UCA, ACA other professional cheerleading associations, universities, out-of-district sponsors, or other women/men with experience in the cheerleading industry. Every reasonable effort shall be made to avoid hiring judges to judge tryouts if they have tutored, taught or coached a cheerleader candidate(s) during the current school year. Every reasonable attempt will be made to hire judges who have not worked with students in the Olathe West area. Notwithstanding the foregoing, however, with the multitude of camps in Kansas and neighboring states, attended by thousands of cheerleaders and taught by hundreds of instructors, it is possible at some time that a member of the judging panel may have had some contact with a candidate who is trying out. Judges with professional credentials will be hired for all tryouts. They will be instructed to judge the candidates based only on the skills that they see demonstrated during the tryouts. Olathe West Cheer sponsors will not serve as a judge for the skill portion of tryouts on the day of cheerleading tryouts, but will serve as a judge for clinic scores, which is factored into the overall score of tryouts. TRYOUTS Panel tryouts will be closed to everyone except judges, OW cheer coaches, principals, and principals' designees. There will be no students, parents, or existing cheerleaders in the tryout room/area, the cheerleader candidate s warm up room, nor will they be Page 2

4 involved in the collection or tabulation of scores. Parents and friends may wait outside the building. Any deviation by the candidates from the tryout requirements may result in the disqualification of the candidate. TABULATION OF SCORES The formula for tabulating final scores will be as follows: Each candidate may earn up to 120 points during the tryout day. The judges scores will be added together and will be averaged together to get the judges average score. This number will count as 80% of the total tryout score. The clinic score (out of 30 points) will count for 20% of the total tryout score. Tallying of the judges scores is conducted by a non-judge and will include two persons, one of which is a school administrator. After the tabulation of scores, all official scoring will be kept in the principal s office until members selected for the squad and members not selected for the squad have a chance to know the results. Original scoring sheets will be shredded or deleted prior to June 1 st of that school year. NOTIFICATION After all tryout scores for a school are tabulated and confirmed by the head coach, principal or principal designee, the final results will be posted in alphabetical order with no indication of rank on the Olathe West Cheer website. VIDEO USAGE Use of video in case of a medical condition will be determined on a case by case basis by the head coach, principal or principal s designee. A written confirmation by a qualified medical doctor indicating the specific skill the candidate is incapable of performing will be required. This notice must also indicate an expected clear date that is on or before the first day of summer camp. A video can only be used in the case of an injury that impairs the candidate from participating in a specific skill of the tryout. The video can be no more than six months old, and the date must be said in the video when recording the candidate. The candidate must perform each individual specific skill in the tryout to receive credit/points. The video and doctor s note will need to be provided by the family to the head coach, prior to the tryout week. There will be no late videos accepted, and no late tryout dates. There will need to be a formal meeting with the parent, student, principal or principal s designee, and head coach to hear the special circumstance. The head coach or principal or principal s designee will notify the student s family within 24-hours of the meeting with the information of whether the video will be accepted or not. Use of the video in case of a special circumstance will be determined on a case by case basis by the head coach and principal or principal s designee with a minimum of two weeks notice before the first tryout clinic. There will need to be a formal meeting with the parent, student, principal or principal s designee, and head coach to hear the special circumstance. The head coach or principal or principal s designee will notify the student s family within 24-hours of the meeting with the information of whether the video will be accepted or not. SQUAD MAKEUP The head coach and principal or principal s designee shall have the sole discretion to determine the maximum number of cheerleaders that will comprise the cheer squads for any school year. During formal tryouts in March, candidates are seeking to be named to the Olathe West Cheer Team. Throughout the course of the year, girls will be assessed by the coaches to determine squad placement. This will continually be re-evaluated, and placements could change over the course of the year. This includes KSHSAA Game Day competitors, festival participants, and performances at halftimes and assemblies. The actual tryout for interested participants to be a mascot will determine the total number of mascots and squad placement. Page 3

5 Cheerleaders will attend spring and summer practices and will be enrolled in the cheerleading class for the entire academic year. Mascots will attend a specified spring practice but will not be enrolled in the class or attend summer practices. Over the summer they will be responsible for learning a provided mascot curriculum. They will have weekly check-in meetings with the head coach during the school year for schedule updates. They will also attend a 2-Day Mascot Camp at Blue Valley North High School (Date TBD but most likely around September 8th and 9th). Any squad vacancies occurring prior to the end of the school year will be filled based on the Spring tryout results. Once summer break begins, vacancies will not be filled. Page 4

6 OWHS Cheer Tryout Timeline Monday, February 12 th Tryout Packets are available Thursday, March 1st: Informational Meeting AND All Application Packets Due: Olathe West Auditorium 6:00 7:00pm There will be an informational meeting for all cheerleader and mascot applicants and their parents. Please bring completed application packet, interview question responses, contract form, a copy of the applicant s first semester grade card, and a copy of the applicant's GPA to the meeting. Parents and applicants must attend this meeting. If you cannot attend, you must contact Coach West before this meeting (mbwest@olatheschools.org). Any late packets may not be accepted. If accepted, there will be a minimum of 10 points deducted from the candidate s final try out score. Clinics: Located in the Olathe West Main Gym Monday, March 5th: 5:15pm Check-in, 5:30 pm 8:30 pm Tuesday, March 6th: 5:15pm Check-in, 5:30 pm 8:30 pm Judges Panel Tryouts: Located in the Olathe West High School Main Gym and Aux Gym. Holding area will be in the West Gym. Wednesday, March 7 th : o Mascot, Junior Cheerleaders, and Sophomore Cheerleaders Check-in and stretching/warm-ups from 3:05-3:30pm Instructions and tryouts begin at 3:30pm o Freshmen Cheerleading Tryouts Check-in and stretching/warm-ups from 4:00-4:30pm Instructions and tryouts begin roughly at 4:30pm. Note: Candidates must exit the building after completing their tryout. Announcement of Teams: Online Friday, March 9 th There will be a tweet from the Olathe West Cheer Twitter Account announcing when the results are available. Below is the webpage where results will be posted: Wednesday March 21st: New Team Olathe West High School (Payments are due. You may choose to pay $1,100 all in one lump sum. If you would prefer to do payments, the first payment of $225 is due) 3:00-3:45pm returning cheerleaders 3:45pm-5:00pm new cheerleaders Wednesday, March 28th: New Team Meeting 5:30pm meeting (all parents/squad members must attend) Page 5

7 CHEERLEADER IMPORTANT DATES Wednesday, March 21, 2018 o First payment of $250 due (must be exact amount) o New team OW (returning 3:00. New 3:45) Wednesday, March 28, 2018 o Mandatory parent/cheerleader meeting at OW - 5:30pm o NFHS Online Course Completions Due Between March 9th and March 28th, all team members will need to complete the following 2 NFHS online courses. Every cheerleader/mascot will need to complete these two courses on their own time and bring a printed copy of the completion certificate to this meeting on March 28th. 1. Social Media for Students 2. Concussion for Students Monday, April 2, :30pm Olathe West o Spring Practice Monday, April 9, :30pm Olathe West - Second payment of $225 due (must be exact amount) o Spring Practice Monday, April 16 th, :30pm Olathe West o Spring Practice Monday, April 23rd, :30pm Olathe West o Spring Practice Monday, April 30th, :30pm Olathe West o Spring Practice AFTER May 1, 2018 o Physical exams completed after May 1 and before August 13 th Monday, May 7th, :30pm Olathe West - Third payment of $225 due (must be exact amount) o Spring Practice Monday, May 14th, :30pm Olathe West o Spring Practice o Designate responsibilities for the Little Owl Cheer camp Summer Weights Begins! All cheerleaders will complete the OW summer weights program. o Schedule is still being finalized at the district level, but currently, it will begin May 29th or June 4th. Program runs Monday through Thursday from 8:45am - 10:00am. All girls will participate and work hard! :) It will run for 5 weeks. The week of the 4th of July there is no weights. (More dates on next page) Page 6

8 Monday, June 11 th, 2018 through Thursday, June 14 th, 2018 Little Owl Camp & Practices o Fourth payment of $225 due(must be exact amount)on Tuesday, July 12th o Little Owl Cheer Camp is from 6:00pm - 8:00pm (girls will report at 5:30pm) o Olathe West Cheerleaders will practice from 8:00pm - 9:00pm Monday, June 18 th, 2018 Olathe West o Summer Practice Monday, June 25 th, 2018 through Thursday, June 28 th, 2018 (4 day away camp) Leaving Olathe on morning of 25 th at 8:30am o NCA Summer Camp at Emporia State University return in afternoon of the 28 th Monday, July 9th, :00pm 8:00pm Olathe West - Fifth payment of $225 due (must be exact amount) Monday, July 16th, :00pm 8:00pm Olathe West Monday, July 23rd, :00pm - 8:00pm Olathe West o Summer Practice Thursday, August 16 th, 2018 First Day of School & First School-Day Practice you will be dressing out so you will need to bring the designated practice top and shorts -We will use one of the summer practice dates to do locker check-out and team pictures. Specific practice - TBD Page 7

9 Material: OWHS Cheer Tryout Information Tryout: All individuals trying out for cheerleading will be required to perform an entrance, jumps, individual cheer, group chant, and group dance. All tryout material will be presented at tryout clinics on March 5th and 6th, 2018 before tryouts on March 7 th, There will be two parts to this tryout. The first part you will do in a group of 3. The second part you will do as an individual. 1. Group Tryout Component You will perform in groups of three All three candidates will together walk into the tryout room and line up facing the judges. The candidates with the lowest number will be in the left position, the next candidate will be in the middle position and the last candidate will take the right position (this is from the judge s view). The three candidates will together do one chant and the dance, then walk out of the room. Scoring: 2. Individual Tryout Component You will do your running tumbling/entrance You will do your toe touch, front hurdler (you can pick right or left side), pike jump, and double toetouch jumps. You will do the cheer, then walk out of the room Once you have finished the individual tryout, you should leave the building. 80% tryout points and 20% observation by coaches during the clinics will select members. Each individual will be judged on motions, voice, coordination, jumps, dance ability, tumbling and presentation ability (sample of clinic score sheet and tryout ballot is included in this packet). Judges will consist of a variety of former cheerleaders, college cheerleaders, sponsors from other high schools, and other adults. Attire for Clinics and Tryouts: Candidates must be dressed appropriately in order to participate in the clinics and tryouts. For both days of clinics and the day of tryouts, the candidates should wear: Junior candidates white t-shirt (no visible logos), black or navy shorts, white socks, athletic shoes, hair up and secure with a royal bow. No nail polish or jewelry. Sophomore Candidates - white t-shirt (no visible logos), black or navy shorts, white socks, athletic shoes, hair up and secure with a navy bow. No nail polish or jewelry. Freshmen Candidates - white t-shirt (no visible logos), black or navy shorts, white socks, athletic shoes, hair up and secure with a white bow. No nail polish or jewelry. Page 8

10 Additional Information Videotaping clinics and tryouts is not allowed by any candidate and/or his or her family. A designated Olathe West representative will videotape the tryouts. Clinics and tryouts are closed. Parents and friends may wait for their candidate outside of the building. Every attempt is made to hire judges who have not worked with students in the Olathe West area. However, with the amount of camps in the state of Kansas, attended by thousands of cheerleaders, and taught by hundreds of instructors, it may be possible at some time that a member of the judging panel may have had some contact with a candidate who is trying out. Professional, credentialed judges with references will be hired for all tryouts. They will be instructed to judge the candidates based only on the mastery of skills that they see demonstrated during tryouts. For tryouts, numbers must be worn on the front of your shirt at chest level. Your number will be randomly drawn. You must tryout in numerical order. Switching numbers is not allowed. The judges panel tryouts will consist of a group performance in which a chant and dance will be performed, and an individual performance in which an entrance, a jump series, and a cheer will be performed. There will be mats in the gym with tumbling. There will be an administrator present during tryouts. A person not connected with tryouts will enter the scores into a computer. All decisions are final. Page 9

11 OWHS Cheer Tryout Clinic Score Sheet (30 points) Candidate Name & Number: Squad Trying Out For: Coach: 1 = Lowest 5 = Highest Following Instructions and General Appearance: All tryout material was turned-in according to instructions. To clinics, proper attire, correct athletic shoes, hair is pulled back and off shoulders and face with correct color bow, and has no gum or jewelry. Comments: Overall Spirit: Facial expression, good eye contact, smiling, performs with enthusiasm and energy, overall confidence is high, strong, clear, and enthusiastic voice, and displays enthusiasm for cheerleading. Comments: Memorization: Learns routine quickly and shows evidence of mastery of materials. Comments: Participation: Stays on task throughout the duration of the clinic, on-time, uses time wisely, effective listening skills, follows directions, and displays quality effort. Comments: Teamwork and Attitude: Cooperation with peers and coaches, accepts constructive and/or corrective criticism, shows coachability, and displays willingness and ability to work with others. Comments: Athleticism: Shows flexibility and stamina, jumps display proper technique, timing, approach, height and difficulty. Motions are sharp and tight Comments: Page 10

12 OWHS Cheer Tryout Ballot Judge # Initials 5 = Excellent 4 = Good 3 = Average 2 = Below Average 1 = Poor INDIVIDUAL ENTRANCE (25 points) Candidate #: 1. Running Tumbling (15 points possible) Roundoff-backhandspring maximum of 5 points Roundoff-backhandsipring-backhandspring maximum of 8 points Roundoff-backhandspring-back tuck maximum of 10 points Roundoff-backhandspring-layout maximum of 12 points Roundoff-backhandspring-full maximum of 15 points 2. Spirit and Enthusiasm (5 points possible) 3. Presence and Poise (5 points possible) INDIVIDUAL JUMPS (20 points) 1. Toe Touch height, execution, chest up, pointed toes, landing (5 points possible) 2. Front Hurdler Jump (left or right) height, execution, pointed toes, landing (5 points possible) 3. Pike Jump height, execution, pointed toes, landing (5 points possible) 4. Double Toe Touch proper approach, technique, smooth execution (5 points possible) INDIVIDUAL CHEER (30 points) 1. Motion Technique sharp, tight, arm levels & correct placement (5 points possible) 2. Execution coordination, timing & jump incorporation (5 points possible) 3. Confidence voice projection, knowledge of cheer, smile (5 points possible) 4. Incorporation Execution (standing back tuck, standing back handspring, or toe touch) Standing back tuck maximum of 15 points Standing back handspring maximum of 10 points Standing toe touch maximum of 5 points Page 11

13 Group Chant (20 points) 1. Motions and Pacing sharp, tight and correct placement with steading timing & synchronization (10 points possible) 2. Crowd Leadership voice projection, pep, confidence, spirit & ability to hit the crowd (10 points possible) Group Dance (20 points) 1. Coordination natural dance ability, rhythm, timing and synchronization (5 points possible) 2. Execution sharp motions, popped motions, arm levels, jumps (5 points possible) 3. Confidence eye contact, showmanship & memorization (5 points possible) 4. Stamina and Presentation dances with enthusiasm and energy, smile & facial expressions (5 points possible) Overall Presentation (5 points) 1. Crowd Appeal appearance, confidence, energy, spirit and presence of an Olathe West cheerleader (5 points possible) Total: (120 possible) Page 12

14 Candidate #: Judge #: Olathe West High School Mascot Judging Score Sheet 1. Entrance - Walk/Model 2. Props - Pick up a prop from a bucket and show us what to use it for 3. Scenarios given scenario, act accordingly 4. Impromptu Routine - music is played and candidate dance in suit to pump-up crowd Entrance Walk/Model Circle Point Value Points Received Appearance in Owl Suit Emotion Exaggeration Props Circle Point Value Points Received Spirit, enthusiasm, creativity Crowd Interaction Scenarios Circle Point Value Points Received Spirit, enthusiasm, creativity Crowd Interaction Impromptu Routine Circle Point Value Points Received Creativity Use of props Music Incorporation Total: /100 points Page 13

15 Cheerleading requires a financial commitment from families, as girls will be able to keep all of their practice/camp gear and accessories. Olathe West will provide uniform and warm-ups. Finances are never a reason for a child not to participate in Olathe West Cheerleading. I will work with families on payment plans, etc. as long as they communicate the need. Below is a list of ESTIMATED expenses for a first-time OW cheerleader, as well as a returner. Additional OPTIONAL items not on this list will be available for purchases if the individual chooses.

16 OWHS Cheer Tryout Tips... Make sure you thoroughly stretch before and after all work-outs! Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend who can comment on your performance. Listen carefully to what out-going cheerleaders tell you. They have lots of experience and can help you a great deal. Do not carry tryouts into the classroom. First impressions count! Neatness and cleanliness are important considerations during tryouts. Clothing should be flattering and clean. To prepare for tryouts, choose a simple outfit (described above) that will allow you to move easily so attention centers on your skill instead of your clothing. Avoid sloppy T-shirts, halters, tank tops, or jean shorts. Make-up should be kept to a minimum. Your appearance should be natural. Be sure your athletic shoes are comfortable and clean. Don t chew gum or wear jewelry! Pull hair from your face. Make sure your hair tie is secure. Your hair should look clean and natural. A pleasant expression and sincere smile on your face will be an asset to your total presentation. Stand tall. Good posture will help your confidence and enhance your presence. Practice standing up straight so that you feel natural while standing straight. Maintain good eye contact with the judges by focusing your eyes a little above their heads. It will appear as if you are looking at everyone in the audience. Concentrate on what you are doing instead of on your nervousness. Plan your entrance. If you make a mistake, don t panic. Simply ask the judges if you can begin again and be confident. Don t over perform. The judges look for coordination/skill, enthusiasm, confidence, and technical ability. Be poised and graceful. Stay mentally alert. Be positive about yourself and your ability. Visualize yourself doing everything perfect. Be thoroughly prepared mentally and physically. Smile naturally. Be yourself. Practice, practice, practice! Encourage others! Good Luck! Parents: Ways to Support Your Daughter During Tryouts Praise her efforts and courage for trying out! Be a good practice audience. Encourage with smiles and positive words. Help her find a good balance during the week of tryouts between school, cheer and sleep. Keep her positive and help her relax/redirect after a stressful day. Be empathetic. Not everyone can make the team. If you have questions about the results, they can be addressed with the Spirit Director, Coach Mallory West, the week following tryouts. 15

17 ****Pages of this tryout packet are the Cheer/Mascot Constitution and Procedures. It is included with this tryout packet so that candidates understand the expectations if they are selected as an Owl Cheerleader or the mascot. Olathe West High School Cheerleader and Mascot Constitution and Procedures

18 TABLE OF CONTENTS PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE OBJECTIVES DEFINITION PARENT PARTICIPATION ELIGIBILITY TRYOUT COMMITMENT FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY ELIGIBILITY--MAINTENANCE GENERAL CONDUCT RULES REMOVAL FROM THE SQUAD EXPECTATIONS UNIFORM GUIDELINES GENERAL NOTES RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR CHEERLEADING SAFETY 22 CHEERING ACTIVITIES INCLEMENT WEATHER...22 TRANSPORTATION

19 PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE The primary purpose of the Olathe West Spirit Squad program is to provide a positive game time experience for the athletes and fans. Being a cheerleader or mascot is an honor and special privilege. Cheerleaders and spirit groups exist to promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, wholesome and enthusiastic school spirit, and are first and foremost representatives of their school. They should exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position and in accordance with the rules as stated in the Olathe West Student Code of Conduct. Members of these groups have a fundamental responsibility to play a leadership role in building teamwork and helping the school achieve its goals and objectives. Because of these responsibilities, members of the cheerleading and mascot squad will be expected to maintain a higher standard of behavior both on and off campus and academic achievement than that of their peers. Cheerleaders and mascots will create and promote loyal school spirit, encourage quality performance and achieve high academic standards. Through the development of spirit and cheer technique, leadership, cooperation, self-discipline and sportsmanship in each individual member, the cheerleaders and mascot will encourage the student body and the community through support in the promotion of athletic events and activities and inspire athletes to perform to the best of their ability. Each cheerleader and mascot hereby pledges to dedicate the time and energy needed to achieve and fulfill these purposes and agrees to abide by this Constitution, the Olathe West Student Code of Conduct; Student Handbook, Olathe School District Board Policy; Kansas State High School Activities Association rules and regulations; and any and all other applicable Olathe West Extracurricular Activity rules and regulations. In the event of a conflict between any of the provisions of this Constitution and any of the other rules or regulations applicable to the activity, the more restrictive provision shall apply. OBJECTIVES Cheerleaders and mascots are expected to be physically and mentally skilled in learning and remembering cheers. They are also expected to be able to publicly demonstrate a skill level suitable for the team position and the timing necessary for group performance. Off the field, they are to enthusiastically support all athletic teams through advertisement, personal attitude, and attendance at events chosen by the head coach. DEFINITION Cheerleading year: The rules and procedures outlined in this Constitution are in effect from the time the student is selected to the cheerleading squad through the end of the following academic year. PARENT PARTICIPATION Positive parental involvement is appreciated throughout the cheer program. Parents play an integral role in supporting and encouraging their cheer member and the program. Parents are encouraged to work in a positive manner with the Olathe West Cheer staff and administration to promote and improve the educational, financial, and ethical welfare of the Olathe West Cheerleading Program and all the students involved. Parents are encouraged to set up an appointment to discuss concerns both positive and negative which directly impact their child or the overall program with the appropriate cheer staff member. ELIGIBILITY TRYOUT A student is eligible to try out for cheerleader or mascot if the following conditions are met: 1. The student must have passed all classes the preceding semester grading period and have passed all classes for third quarter in order to participate in the tryout process. 2. The student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above. 3. The student is not serving a disciplinary placement (ISS, OSS, JDC, etc.) 4. At the time of the tryout, the student is registered to attend Olathe West for the following school year. 5. The student has no outstanding cheerleading balances from prior years. 18

20 COMMITMENT Participation in the Olathe West cheerleading program carries both a significant time and financial commitment. Each cheerleader is expected to meet all financial responsibilities. Dedication to, and the prioritization of, cheerleading is obligatory from all cheerleaders and mascots to meet the objectives of the program. Candidates selected to be a member of the spirit squad are expected to maintain their commitment to the activity for the full cheerleading year. Prior to making commitments to be involved in other activities (including but not limited to competitive cheer and work), cheerleaders and mascots should carefully consider specific program requirements, as involvement in other activities may cause participation and time conflicts with cheerleading duties. Any cheerleader or mascot who voluntarily quits the squad before the end of the cheerleading year without the approval of the head coach will not be allowed to try out for the next year. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY It is the responsibility of each cheerleader and mascot to meet all financial obligations. Every effort is made to make all expenses minimal. Failure to meet the stated financial obligations will be reviewed which may lead to removal from the squad. If finances are an issue, a parent/guardian must discuss this with the sponsor immediately. ELIGIBILITY--MAINTENANCE All cheerleaders/mascots will maintain a 2.5 GPA throughout the school year. All midterm progress reports, quarter progress reports, and semester grades will be checked. If a student has a grade below a 70%, the student is on academic probation until the grade is raised. Academic probation will include developing a study plan with coach/teachers/parent and having daily check-ins on progress. If a student has a grade below 60% in any class, the student will not cheer until the next progress report comes out showing the student is passing. GENERAL CONDUCT RULES Cheerleaders and mascots are expected to behave in a manner that is becoming to the individual, as well as to the organization they represent. They should be aware that in or out of uniform they are representatives of the cheerleading squad and the school they attend and should act accordingly. Proper manners should be used at all times to address adults. Mutual respect and politeness toward members within the squad are basic elements that contribute to the total success of the squad. Maintaining a higher standard of conduct will also include ensuring that cheerleader and mascot websites are appropriate. The internet is a worldwide, publicly accessible form of communication. Cheerleaders and mascots will be responsible for any social media communication including but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Vine, photo sharing, etc. that appears on the internet even if it is marked private. Cheerleaders and mascots are responsible for their personal websites and postings as well as for postings on other students websites. The area of appropriateness will include, but are not limited to, language (abbreviated or alluding to), pictures, suggestive poses, clothing, reference and or depicting the use of alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Any question of appropriateness will be decided by the principal/head coach and sponsor. All cheerleaders/mascots will take the National Federation of High School Activities Social Media online course, as well as the concussion course. REMOVAL FROM THE SQUAD Areas to be reviewed potentially leading to removal from the squad will include but not be limited to, academic grades, discipline records, attitude, attendance, social media sites, etc. The possession and/or use of alcohol, tobacco, and illegal drugs are expressly forbidden and will not be tolerated. Any infraction, on or off campus, as a cheerleader/mascot will result in dismissal from the squad. 19

21 Any member given in school suspension, out of school suspension, expelled from school or sent to JDC for any reason will be removed from the squad for the remainder of the school year Any student removed from the cheerleading squad must also have a schedule change and be removed from the class. Any cheerleader or mascot removed from his/her squad for disciplinary reasons (including ISS), or that voluntarily quits, during the current cheerleading year will not be eligible to participate in the next tryouts without approval from the principal/head coach. Areas to be reviewed will include but not be limited to a review of the reason(s) for removal and student records since removal (academic grades, discipline records, attitude, attendance, social media sites, etc.) Students who have been removed and those who voluntarily quit retain no rights to team awards, recognitions, etc., which are received after dismissal, although they may have accrued over the duration of the school term. They lose all privileges associated with cheerleading or mascot membership, including attending cheerleading or mascot only events, using cheerleading facilities, and wearing cheerleader or mascot attire. EXPECTATIONS CHEER CLASS AND PRACTICES SCHOOL YEAR AND SUMMER Cheerleaders must be on time to all in/out of school practices, including summer practices and camp. Cheerleaders will attend all in/out of school practices. Any absence must be cleared by the sponsor prior to the event/practice. Excused: personal illness, death in family, illness in family that requires out of town travel, funeral, mandatory court appearance, and religious holidays. Unexcused: work/vacation, appointments, nonschool related activities (competitive cheer, etc.) Cheerleaders will follow all directions and expectations of the sponsor during all in/out of school practices, including summer practices and camp, as well as during any performances. GAMES/PEP-RALLIES/ALL CHEERLEADER AND MASCOT ACTIVITIES Cheerleaders/mascots will follow all directions and expectation of the sponsor at all in/out of school games/peprallies, meetings, functions and activities. Cheerleader/mascots will maintain proper side line behavior at all times No excessive talking among cheerleaders No talking to people in the crowd Pay attention to the game/pep-rally Stand in correct formation/stance Cheer/spirit, jump, tumble and stunt the entire game or pep-rally Only one person out of formation at a time for drinks/bathroom No taunting the other team Cheerleaders/mascots will show respect during the National Anthem and both school songs. Cheerleaders/mascots will attend all in/out of school games/pep-rallies, meetings, functions and activities. Any absence not cleared by the sponsor prior to the game. Excused: personal illness, death in the family, illness in family that requires out of town travel, funeral, mandatory court appearance, and religious holidays. Unexcused: work/vacation, appointments, non-school related activities (competitive cheer, etc.) NOTE: An absence from school does not excuse cheerleader from the responsibility of contacting the sponsor. Cheerleaders/mascots will act in a safe manner. Cheerleaders/mascots will not leave any events early. SUMMER CAMP Cheerleaders//mascots: will attend summer camp to remain on the squad will be unable to attend summer camp if they have 2 or more unexcused absences from spring/summer practices before camp. Therefore, they would forfeit their place on the squad. 20

22 will be on time to all camp activities may not leave the campus with anyone at any time unless approved by the sponsor. may not talk to family/friends when engaged in a squad activity. Absolutely no public displays of affection. will respond to all sponsor s directions. No disrespect will be tolerated. will follow all NCA/UCA/ACA or other professional cheerleading association and university camp rules and respect all staff members. will respect each other and all squad members. No bullying/taunting/arguments or cursing will be tolerated. Absolutely no smoking, drinking or illegal substances will be tolerated. OTHER SCHOOL FUNCTIONS Cheerleaders/mascots: will participate in community activities. are encouraged to participate or support the cheerleader fundraiser activity which goes to support cheerleader functions/costs. UNIFORMS GUIDELINES Cheerleaders/mascots: will not wear uniforms to a non-cheerleader function. (eating after a game may be approved by the sponsor as an exception to this guideline). will not lend uniforms, sweats, letter jackets, etc. to someone who is not a cheerleader or mascot. uniforms may be altered, but no fabric may be cut without prior approval from the sponsor uniforms will be turned in by the scheduled due date with any alterations removed are responsible for damage to or loss of any part of a uniform. GENERAL Cheerleader and mascot hair will be a natural color No visible tattoos, piercings or spacers (Exception ear piercings) Cheerleaders and mascots will not leave food, trash, or mess in the dressing room, practice areas, halls, or any performance area Cheerleaders and mascots will not participate in any public displays of affection during school, at school activities or while wearing the cheerleader or mascot uniform. Cheerleaders and mascots will follow all expectations, Student Code of Conduct and District Policy, including the dress code Cheerleaders and mascots will respect/respond to all sponsors at all times. Rudeness/insubordination will not be tolerated Cheerleaders and mascots will respect all teachers/staff members at all times NOTES Violation of the same rule or guideline three or more times in a season will result in the student being placed on probation for the remainder of that season. Violation of the probation by further misconduct could result in dismissal from the squad. Any sponsor and principal review of student s actions may result in dismissal from the squad. Guidelines: these are general rules and guidelines for all OW cheerleaders and mascots. Failure to comply may at times require judgment calls to be made. These decisions will be left up to the individual sponsor(s) for each squad. Sponsors reserve the right to upgrade any penalty (immediate benching, office referral) depending on the severity of the situation. 21

23 RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDELINES FOR CHEERLEADING SAFETY Refer to the current AACCA School Cheer Safety Rules. CHEERING ACTIVITIES High school Cheerleaders and mascots will cheer for and support the football, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, wrestling, soccer, softball and baseball teams and other sports groups as designated by the Sponsor(s). INCLEMENT WEATHER In the event of inclement weather, it will be the responsibility of the cheerleader sponsor, in collaboration with the head coach, principal or principal designee, to make the decision to leave the event. The decision will be based on what is in the best interests of the students and their health and welfare. TRANSPORTATION High-school cheerleaders and mascots will ride with the squad to and from out of town games on district provided transportation. Cheerleaders and mascots will be responsible for providing their own transportation to home games. 22

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25 OWHS Cheer Tryout Application Form Please print clearly! Student Name: ID Number: Cumulative GPA: Grade: School Presently Attending (circle one): Mission Trail Oregon Trail Olathe West Other: Current Grade in School: Height: Grade for School Year: Bra size: Address: City: Zip: Parent Name(s): Mother s Phone#: Home: Work: Cell : Father s Phone#: Home: Work: Cell : Student Phone #: Home: Cell: Student Mother s Father s Student Birthday: Student T-shirt size: Student s Favorite Candy: Student s Favorite Color: Please bring completed application form, contract form, grade check form, a copy of applicant s first semester grade card, and a copy of the applicant's GPA to the informational meeting on Thursday, March 1st. If unable to attend the informational meeting, please drop off completed tryout forms to the front office of Olathe West before 3:00 p.m. on March 1st AND Coach West (mbwest@olatheschools.og) 24

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27 CHEERLEADER/MASCOT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS These interview questions do not count toward your tryout score. They are used as a way for us to get to know each of you a little more. Please be as thorough and honest when answering these questions. 1. Why are you trying out for cheerleading/mascot? 2. What is one thing you want us to know about you? 3. How would you handle a conflict with another member of your squad? 4. Why should cheerleaders/mascots be responsible for maintaining good grades, attendance, and a clean discipline record? 5. What other activities are you currently involved with at Olathe West, or that you plan to be involved with? Ex. Basketball, soccer, service club, etc. 6. What is your current cheerleading/mascot experience up to this point? It is perfectly acceptable to say, no experience. 7. What tumbling skills are you currently able to perform (specify running and/or standing). It is perfectly acceptable to say, no experience. Mascots N/A 8. What stunting skills are you currently able to perform (specify whether basing, flying, or backing). It is perfectly acceptable to say no experience. Mascots N/A 26

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29 OWHS Cheer Tryout Contract Form I understand that cheerleading is a time consuming and expensive activity. I understand that cheerleading is both a privilege and an honor and can be a rewarding experience when expectations are met. If selected to any of the OWHS Cheer Squads, I will abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the coaches, cheer constitution, and administrators at Olathe West High School and be present for all practices, games, or other events. I understand that I must attend all clinics and tryout sessions to be considered for a cheerleading position. I understand that I must reside in the Olathe West High School Attendance area or have already been approved for a transfer to Olathe West for the school year. I understand that qualified judges will evaluate me and I agree to abide by the decision of the judges. I understand that if I am selected, cheerleading is a class during the seventh hour of the school day and my grade will be determined by my ability to follow OWHS Cheer expectations. I understand by the very nature of the activity, cheering, stunting, and tumbling carry risks of physical injury. No matter how careful the participant and coach are, how many spotters are used, or what landing surface is used, the risk cannot be eliminated. I understand these risks and will not hold Olathe West High School or any of its personnel responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time. I understand if I am selected to be a member of the OWHS Cheer Squad, a $200 payment will be due at the new team sizing on Wednesday, March 21st, I understand that if selected, I will be a part of the Olathe West Cheer Team, and the coaches will determine squad placements throughout the year. I understand squad placement will continually be reviewed throughout the year and changes may be made. I understand I may or may not be selected for the KSHSAA State Competition squad, a festival performance squad, or halftime performance group. I understand what the Olathe West Cheer Team's mission is, and I am excited to help fulfill the purpose of our group. If selected for the Team, I promise to abide by all aforementioned rules/regulations and to cooperate, follow any other instructions given by the cheer coaches, pay all expenses in full by July 9, 2018 (unless other payment arrangements have been made and honored with the coach and an administrator approval), and fulfill my duties as an Owl Cheerleader throughout the school year. Applicant Name (printed): Applicant Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Name (printed): Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: 28