IMS Cheerleading Tryouts IMS Cheer Tryout Schedule

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1 IMS Cheerleading Tryouts 2016 Please read and complete this packet in its entirety and bring to the first day of tryout practice: - IMS Cheer Agreement - Candidate Information Sheet - Copy of your Sports Physical (turn in prior to) IMS Cheer Tryout Schedule Monday, June 6 4:00-5:40pm Tryout Practice Tuesday, June 7 4:00-5:40pm Tryout Practice Wednesday, June 8 4:00-5:40pm Tryout Practice Thursday, June 9 4:00-6:30pm **Tryouts!!** Attire: T-shirt, Shorts, Briefs, Athletic Shoes, No Jewelry, Hair Up Other Important Information Tryouts are closed to all spectators All four tryouts (practice sessions) are mandatory! Activity Bus available for current IMS students Parent pickup at 5:40pm Upon making the team, you will be responsible for uniform expenses (Crop top, briefs, shoes, warm-ups, bows, etc.)

2 IMS Cheerleading Candidate Information Sheet Candidate (please PRINT name) Candidate (please SIGN your name) Next Year s Grade Level: (Please Circle) Parent/Guardian(s) Name: Parent Phone number: Text: Yes/No Parent address: Allergies: Medication(s) you will need to take during practices/activities: Previous/Current Injuries (list all): Other Extra Curricular Activities: PARENT/GUARDIAN(S) PERMISSION: has my permission to attend and tryout for the Independence Middle School Cheer Team. Parent/Guardian Signature:

3 Please Read and Turn in to your Cheer Coaches CHEER CONSTITUTION AGREEMENT Please read the Constitution thoroughly. All Cheer Team Candidates and Members selected for the IMS Cheer Team will be held to the Constitution. Please sign below and return to the coach the first day of tryouts. We have read the IMS Cheerleader Constitution and we agree to comply with all the rules and regulations therein. By signing this Cheer Agreement, we understand and accept the financial responsibility that will be incurred with this program. We understand that rules may need to be amended during the season in order to compensate for any unexpected situations. We also understand that, if we chose not to read the Constitution, we will be held responsible for whatever rules and information is on those forms. Should we leave the team, we understand that there are no refunds. I, as a member of the Independence Middle School (IMS) Cheer Program, am dedicated to the total support of the school and its programs. I acknowledge and accept that as a member of the IMS Cheer Program, I am a representative of Independence Middle School. I will accept the responsibilities and leadership obligation, which are a significant part of the IMS Cheer Program. As a result, I accept that standards for my behavior and performance will often have to meet standards and guidelines above those expected of my peers. By signing below, I agree to the policies above, and understand that failure to fulfill these obligations can result in the loss of eligibility for IMS Cheer Team participation. Cheer Candidate s Name Cheer Candidate s Signature Date Parent s/guardian s Name Parent s/guardian s Signature Date

4 CHEER CONSTITUTION AGREEMENT INTRODUCTION This statement is intended to inform Cheer Team members (parents, relatives, other interested parties and prospective Cheer Team members) of various policies of the Independence Middle School Team program. In all policy and program matters, members of the Cheer Team shall be exemplary representatives of Independence Middle School. These policies are as follows: PURPOSE Cheerleaders will be selected according to skills, potential, grades, and attitude. The primary purpose of the IMS Cheer Program is to support the athletic programs at Independence Middle School, developing and maintaining school spirit. In addition to our responsibility to the IMS Athletics Program, we also participate in fundraisers and community events. These events are mandatory. The Cheer Team takes pride in its role as ambassadors of Independence Middle School and its surrounding community through our activities representing ourselves to the highest standard by setting an example of good behavior and sportsmanship at all times (whether in uniform or not). MEMBERSHIP AND ELIGIBILITY All candidates must try out for a position on the IMS Cheer Team each season. The IMS Cheer Program follows all policies set forth by the Virginia Beach Middle School League for age and grade eligibility. ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PHYSICAL All cheer members must have the physical capability required to participate safely as an active team member. All members must have a Sports Physical on the VBMSL Form and submit your physical to the Student Activities Coordinator prior to trying out. TIME COMMITMENT Being a member of the Independence Cheer Team requires a 4 MONTH commitment. All members must maintain flexibility in their individual schedules as practices, events, performances, or games may be scheduled with minimal notice. PRACTICE Practices will be held during the school year approximately 4:00pm-5:30pm Monday through Friday. Practices may be cut short/cancelled without advanced notification due to weather conditions, facility availability, or emergency. GAMES Cheer Team members shall: attend all home and authorized travel games and/or special scheduled games or activities deemed appropriate by coach and/or administrator (including but not limited to, Cheer Camps, Pep Rallies, etc.), arrive at the game site ready and prepared, e.g. makeup and hair done, proper uniform, no jewelry and nails trimmed without polish or acrylic. Team members must give notice to their coach if they are unable to attend a game. If they do not call or give sufficient notice, they will be unable to cheer at the following game. However, they must attend the game in full uniform and sit with the coaches. COMMUNITY SERVICE AND EVENTS Throughout the year, attendance at local community events may be required. The IMS Cheer Program serves as ambassadors of Independence Middle School and the school takes great pride and pleasure in celebrating the talents and accomplishments of our team. It is our pleasure to enhance local events with our participation and performances. FUNDRAISING All team members are required to participate in fundraising activities throughout the year to help offset the general program expenses account. Event participation varies based on the type and needs of each event. We will provide dates of events as soon as possible to aid families in their planning. Everyone is expected to put equal effort into raising money to support the program to benefit of all the Cheerleaders. All members, including parents, are expected to participate. JEWELRY, NAILS AND HAIR All jewelry (with the exception of medical/religious medals) must be REMOVED prior to the start of practice and while in uniform. This includes, but is not limited to, all earrings, bracelets, necklaces, body piercings, and rings. Nails should be neatly manicured and kept clipped to the length of the finger, to avoid accidental injury to another team member or themselves. This includes acrylic and similar applications. All nails should be free of ANY colored nail polish or design (with the exception of clear polish). When in doubt, ask your coach. Females Hair is to be pulled back neatly in a high ponytail, no bangs while at practice or in Uniform. Hair should be neatly styled at all times. No messy buns, bed hair, loose ponytails, or bangs. Team member are expected to have a natural hair color while in uniform. Team members are also prohibited from having hair colors whether dyed or colored extensions, in their hair. When in doubt, ask your coach. Such styles are a distraction from the uniformity of the team and the overall performance. Male cheerleaders must be clean-shaven and wear hair in a neat clean style. PRACTICE ATTIRE Proper attire (t-shirt, shorts, briefs, socks, and cheer shoes) must be worn to all practices. No cheerleader should wear briefs or sports bras uncovered as articles of clothing during practice or competitions.

5 Spaghetti strap tops, jeans, sandals, flip flops, bare feet, excessively baggy or extremely tight fitting, or holey and torn clothing items are not permitted. Bangs and loose hair need to be secured with clips and/or bobby pins. Constant hair adjustment during practice is a waste of time. No jewelry is to be worn to practices, performances, or competition, including all body piercing and ear plugs. Nails should be kept clipped to the length of the finger. Tattoos must not be visible while in practice gear and especially in Uniform. These guidelines have been put into place for the safety of our cheerleaders and coaching staff and will be enforced. National Federation of High Schools Spirit Guidelines will be enforced. INJURIES AND ILLNESSES Any illness or injury shall be immediately reported to the coach. Return to participation at games, or practices, must be provided in writing by a doctor. If a doctor recommends that a team member can no longer cheer, due to injury or a health problem, the team member shall be removed from the team. If chronic illness or injury causes a team member to miss games or practices repeatedly, the team member may be removed from the team by the coach. DISCIPLINARY ACTION Examples of disciplinary actions that may be taken for misconduct or rule violations are as follows (in no particular order): a.) Verbal warning with a Coach/Team member Conference b.) Informing the Parent, in person or by phone or note c.) Game/Performance Benching d.) Parent Conference e.) Suspension and/or Dismissal (removal from the team) *If a situation warrants, at times, immediate removal from the team may take place. UNIFORMS AND APPEARANCE Uniforms All team members must be dressed alike during games, performances, competitions and other team events. The Coaching Staff will determine the attire to be worn. All cheer clothing cannot be altered unless cleared by the Coaching Staff. Each team member shall safeguard her/his clothing, uniforms, and equipment and shall be, therefore, personally liable for its replacement for loss or damage, excluding normal wear and tear. Uniforms must be maintained and worn in a clean, neat, and orderly fashion at all times. Due to their constant wear and tear, shoes must be cleaned often. Practice clothing, Sweat suits or any part of the Uniform may not be loaned or worn by anyone, but the cheerleader. Items may only be worn in conjunction with participation in a Cheer Program Activity, unless prior approval is obtained from the coach or coaches. If a team member quits or is removed from the Independence Cheer Team, they must refrain from wearing their Cheer Team uniform, warm-ups, camp gear, or sweatshirts in the general public. This is to protect the reputation of the team. IT IS A PRIVILEGE AS AN IMS CHEER TEAM MEMBER TO BE ABLE TO WEAR THESE ITEMS. YOU LOSE THE PRIVILEGE WHEN YOU QUIT OR ARE REMOVED FROM THE TEAM. Also, you are not allowed to loan out any part of your Cheer Team uniform to anyone. Uniforms are not to be used as Halloween costumes. This includes family members or friends. Anyone missing any part of their uniform may not be permitted to participate in the Team Performance or Activity, but must remain present at the activity for its duration. (This includes Cheer Shoes, Poms, etc.) TEAM MEMBER S EXPECTATIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES ATTENDANCE All cheerleaders are expected to arrive on time to ALL practices, meetings, games, fundraisers, pep rallies, competitions and events. Repeated failure to arrive on time or attend practices will result in disciplinary action and possible dismissal from the team. If a Cheer Team member accumulates three unexcused absences, the coaching staff has the right to remove the team member from the cheer team. If you or your parent does not call with a reasonable excuse as to why you will be missing practice, excused or unexcused, you can be automatically removed from the team. Any absences due to jobs, detentions, personal matters, other activities, homework assignments are not excused. Family vacations, Doctor/Dental appointments should be written on the team calendar or reported as soon as the dates or the appointment are/is known. We understand family time is important. Excessive absence (excused/unexcused) can affect the team members position in the routine. When one cheerleader is missing, it affects the progress and performance of the entire team. As a result, we expect all of our cheerleaders to use good time management to balance their responsibilities effectively. Preferably, a phone call or a written note a day before an absence will help with communication with the Cheer Coaches. Cheerleaders are expected to learn any routines missed, on their own time and not during practice. Any cheerleader who misses practices the day before a game or scheduled performance may be removed from the routine and not permitted to perform. Any cheerleader who miss practices prior to a competition may have their spot in the routine reduced or may be removed from the routine all together. The decision will be at the coaches discretion. The decision to place that individual back into any choreography is at the coaches discretion based on the best interest of the team. Cheerleaders who are not present will not be choreographed into the routine.

6 CONDUCT AND COMPORTMENT Use of profanity during practice, performance, or event is prohibited, especially when in Uniform. Your representation of the IMS Cheer Team should always be respected in high regard. Smoking, drinking alcoholic beverages, and/or use of illegal drugs AT ANY TIME is cause for immediate dismissal from the IMS Cheer Program. This includes participating in/failing to leave any party, gathering, or function where illegal activity is taking place or being in possession of the items listed above at any time. Even if a Parent contributes to a delinquency of a minor, the cheerleader may be immediately removed from the Team. If a team member or parent makes an untrue statement with intent to deceive their coach or coaches; severe action will be taken at the coaches discretion, up to and including dismissal from the team. Unnecessary socializing and/or talking with fans, friends, or other Cheerleaders during games, practices, or performances are prohibited. Public displays of affection are not appropriate and must be avoided in or out of uniform on campus. Conduct unbecoming of a Cheer Team member (in or out of uniform) may result in disciplinary action at the coaching staff s discretion. If for any reason the coaching staff feels that a team member is not upholding the Code of Conduct and professionalism required of a team member, they reserve the right to suspend that team member. Members will abide by all rules and regulations at all times. Members will also respect all decision and actions of the coaching staff as communicated to the team (whether they are agreed with or not). Questions or concerns may be addressed directly to the coaching staff appropriately and privately. Any type of form of disrespectful behavior towards other team members, competitors, coaches, or other adult supervisors is unacceptable. This includes back-talking and/or sarcastic comments and behaviors. Criticizing Coaches or other team members is also unacceptable. There is no room for negative attitudes in the IMS Cheer Program. Problems will be dealt with appropriately and immediately. Participation in any inappropriate behavior (including bullying) may result in disciplinary action by the coaching staff. Bullying will not be tolerated. Immediate removal may result. Cyber-bullying is not tolerated on this team. Immediate removal may result. Social Media posting may not be negative or derogatory towards the Team or Coaches may result in the immediate removal from the team. Should a team member choose to host or participate in any social networking sites, any content and behavior must be in accordance with the Cheer Team guidelines. This includes postings, photographs (whether posted by your or others), and video. If a cheer team member is dismissed from the school they are attending for violating any school rules, including the rules listed in this contract, severe action may be taken at the coach s discretion, up to and dismissal from the team. Stunting and/or Tumbling are not allowed at any time unless a coach or qualified adult appointed by the coaching staff is present. Unsafe horseplay (especially during stunting or tumbling activities) at any time is prohibited. SKILL DEVELOPMENT, TRAINING AND SAFETY As the IMS Cheer Program involves many physical elements, all team members are required to stay in good physical condition, including eating a healthy diet, for safe participation throughout the season. Each cheerleader is required to participate in a training program that will include, flexibility, stunting, tumbling and conditioning. PRACTICES All cheer members are expected to arrive to practice on-time, dressed properly and ready to fully participate in all practice activities. Any illnesses, injuries, or limitation to fully participate in practice activities must be accompanied by a written note from a doctor. If at any time a cheerleader s activities are restricted by their doctor s orders, a clearance note from the doctor is required before the cheerleader will be permitted to resume fully participation. In the interim, they must continue to attend practice as usual following all rules, including dressing in practice clothes/uniform and being present for duration of practice, games or competitions. IMS Cheer Team members are personally responsible for knowing the dates, times, required attire, and material for all events. If a team member misses practice for any reason, they are solely responsible for finding out what information they missed and material they need to learn. EACH CHEERLEADER NEEDS TO GET UP-TO-DATE INFORMATION / MATERIAL WHEN THEY ARE ABSENT BEFORE THEY RETURN TO PRACTICE. Each team member is required to have their Cheer Binder available at all practices and games in their bag. All Handouts, Calendars, Game Cheers, etc. are to be kept up-to-date in this binder. SAFETY The increased athletic activity in Cheerleading has resulted in an increased concern for safety. Participation in Cheerleading involves a certain amount of danger of personal injury. Cheer Team members are placed on notice that improper conduct of Cheer Team activity may result in a catastrophic injury. In becoming a participant in this program, a Cheer Team member voluntarily assumes the risk involved by participating in Cheer Team practices, games, and other activities. Parents are expected to pick up their child as soon as practice/game is over or if your child takes the late bus, those arrangements must be made before the season starts. Students must be picked up after games (there is no activity bus available after games). It is not safe for students to be waiting at night for their ride home. If an emergency arises, please arrange for transportation for your child and contact the Coaches to notify your child.