CHMS DANCE TEAM CLINIC AND TRYOUTS

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1 Dear Parents/Guardians: CHMS DANCE TEAM CLINIC AND TRYOUTS Your daughter has expressed interest in becoming a member of the Chelsea Middle School Dance Team. If selected, there are certain financial and personal responsibilities and obligations which you and your child must assume in order to remain a member in good standing. Dance Team is expensive. The Starlets and their parents must pay for uniforms, practice clothes, summer camp, travel expenses, competition fees, and any other expenses that occur during the year. (For more cost information, the estimated budget is available on the dance team blog at We do many fundraisers during the year to help offset these costs, but whatever money is not raised becomes your responsibility. The first payment of $200 will be due at the fitting. Dance Team is also time-consuming. We practice 2-3 days a week year round, including summer. We dance during football and basketball seasons, which may be extended into Christmas holidays. We may go to a few competitions in January and possibly even UDA Nationals the first weekend in February. Dance Team must come first before all other school and extracurricular activities. For her to tryout, you must first go over the Auxiliary Team Constitution together with your daughter, then turn in the tryout consent and constitution agreement form, an emergency information form, and a physical form to be completed by a physician. If she has any food allergies, please fill out the allergy form. Your signatures will state that you agree to adhere to all rules, responsibilities, monetary obligations, and selection procedures. In addition, your child must abide by the Shelby County Code of Conduct and local school handbook at all times. There is also an informational meeting for parents and participants on March 12 th at 6pm in the choir room. This year we are continuting to offer the optional service called the Post Clinic that will cost $10 per day. It will take place from 6:00-7:00 on the Monday Thursday of clinic. The girls will have a snack, and then extra time to work on clinic material with the girls conducting the clinic. Since clinic instructors are not allowed to help contestants at any point outside of the clinic hours, we feel that this will be very beneficial for all who participate. It is not required; it is an optional service you pay for as you need the extra time to work. Contestants will be asked at the beginning of each clinic day if they plan to attend the post clinic so that snacks may be arranged in time for them to eat at 5:30. The plan is to eat, stretch and then practice! All forms must be completed and turned in along with the $25 clinic fee by Friday, March 29, No one will be allowed to participate without all of the consent forms, physical evaluation, and paid fee. Good Luck, Michelle Seal Nivens Starlets Dance Team & Majorette Coach

2 ChMS Majorette Tryout Details Dates: Feb. 18 th March 29 th : Registration (Forms and money due to Mrs. Nivens) March 9 th Optional technique clinic 9-Noon CHMS Gym March 12 th : Informational Meeting 5pm (parents & participants in choir room) April 1 st -4 th : Clinic 3:00-5:30pm (closed to public) Optional Post Clinic 6:00-7:00 (snack-5:30, practice-6:00) April 5 th : TRYOUTS 3:00pm (closed to public) April 8 th : Team Meeting 3-5:30 Fitting & Parent Mtg. 5:30 At the informational meeting, I want to meet the parents and girls trying out as well as explain the tryout process and go over a few majorette team details. It will also be a time for parents to ask any questions about Majorettes. The meeting will be at 5:00pm on March 12 th in the choir room. Please enter from the back of the building in the area of the car rider line. I will have the door to the choir room open for easy entrance. Clinic and Tryouts will be held in the High School Gym, and will only be open to the clinic staff and participants (No parents, friends, or family members). Each participant must attend all meetings and practices (not arriving late or leaving early) and be picked up on time during clinic. Absences and tardies need to be discussed with the coach beforehand. We will offer an Optional Post Clinic which is an additional practice session Monday through Thursday evenings from 6:00-7:00 for an additional $10 per day. This will be open to all participants and will be time for them to have extra practice with clinic staff. They will get a snack at 5:30 then practice. On Monday, April 8 th, those chosen to the team will have a team meeting followed by a fitting and parent meeting at CHMS to discuss fundraising. Please bring your calendars and come ready with ideas and willingness to volunteer! Cost: Time: Clothing: Clinic Fee - $25.00 (non-refundable) Send cash or check (made out to CHMS with your phone # on it) Optional Post Clinic Fee - $10 per day (non-refundable) Send cash or check (made out to CHMS) Clinic will be 3-5:30 Monday-Thursday The Optional Post Clinic will be 6:00-7:00 Monday-Thursday for those interested. The Post Clinic is optional, offered as a convenience to the girls, it is NOT required. Any comfortable gym clothes are acceptable Monday-Thursday. Clothing should be NON-RESTRICTIVE and should cover ALL vital areas! Jazz shoes are recommended. For Tryouts on Friday, wear a plain white T-shirt (not sleeveless, not v-neck) and plain black pants (like yoga pants, exercise pants or jazz pants) with black jazz shoes. If you don t have jazz shoes, borrow some, if you can t borrow from a friend, I have some and Academy sells them for $20 or you can get them online (Discount Dance Supply has them for around $25 and they have kids or womens sizes). Hair should be in a firm ponytail or bun with no bangs in the face and minimal make-up (I recommend some eyeliner, mascara and lipstick nothing too wild). All participants will be judged on the following criteria taught at clinic: 1 Routine 8 Technical elements Splits - right and left Forward & Reverse figure eights (left and right hand) Two hand spins Vertical one turn Horizontal flat toss from left to right and horizontal one turn Continuous thumb role flips (right hand only) FORMS AND FEES ARE DUE BY FRIDAY, MARCH 29 TH AT 3PM I am so proud that you are dedicating your time and hard work to tryouts. Even if you are not selected as a Majorette, please remember that you are a WINNER for giving it your ALL and I hope to see you tryout next year. Coach Nivens

3 Chelsea Middle School Auxiliary Constitution for Dance Team and Majorettes CLINIC AND TRYOUTS CANDIDATE ELIGIBILITY 1. Candidates must have an overall 70 average, and all grades must be 65 or above for the semester preceding tryouts. 2. Candidates must have a current physical signed by their physician. 3. Candidates must have written consent of parents/guardians. Also, they must sign that they have read and agree to the entire Chelsea Middle School Auxiliary Constitution and are aware of the responsibilities of a Starlet or Majorette and her parents. 4. Candidates who have quit a team, or have been dismissed from dance team for disciplinary reasons or for grades are ineligible for the remainder of the season and possibly for the next tryouts, depending on the circumstances as determined by the coach or principal. 5. Candidates must be presently enrolled in Chelsea Middle School in grades Candidates are to have NO prior knowledge of the routines or any specific clinic material that is not detailed out in the packet before tryouts. They are not allowed to ask a clinic instructor about tryout material except during the clinic or post clinic. This is considered cheating! Material will only be shown during clinic to insure a fair tryout. Any girl having knowledge of this rule being broken should report it immediately to the coach. Any girl breaking this rule will NOT BE ALLOWED TO TRYOUT!!! SELECTION PROCEDURE 1. Clinic will be held prior to tryouts and all participants are required to attend all clinic days. 2. The coach will select a minimum of three judges from outside the school community. 3. Scores will be tabulated by the judges with the coach present, or by someone deemed appropriate by the administration. 4. NO ONE is allowed to see the participants scores other than the judges, coach(es) and principal. 5. Both clinic and tryouts will be closed to everyone except the participants & staff. NO EXCEPTIONS! 6. The coach will decide the size of each team. The decisions of the judges, coach, and principal are final. 7. New team members will be announced or posted online sometime after tryouts have been completed. ATTENDANCE Every auxiliary member is expected to be at ALL practices, camps, team fundraisers and scheduled events. Calendars will be given, but may be subject to change. When even one member misses a practice or a game, it takes away from the entire team. Problems with attendance can be avoided by each member understanding and following the guidelines: 1. ALL absences from practices or games MUST be excused at least a week in advance. If you check out, you must let the coach know before 3pm of that school day. This also applies if you are absent from school, someone must call or the coach. For summer practices, try to give at least 30 minutes notice.

4 2. Absences are excused only in cases of illness or family emergency. Absences for any other reason must be approved at least one week in advance and will be excused ONLY AT THE COACH S DISCRETION. 3. Dentist/Orthodontist appointments are not excused absences. 4. Limited attendance may result in limited participation. 5. There is no reason for an unexcused absence. Discipline for this will be demerits and/ or restriction from participation for a period of time. 6. We will practice during the summer before going to camp. These and all other practices are MANDATORY. 7. Camp is mandatory for all auxiliary members. This is where we learn ALL of our material for the year. Dancers and majorettes will attend separate camps. PRACTICES Practice is a time to work. Every auxiliary member is expected to be on time and have all necessary equipment. There should be no playing or wasting time while at practice. If the team is uncooperative and we do not complete the material on the practice agenda, practice will be extended until we finish. You want your team to be the best that it can be, and having safe and effective practices will assure that. Make a habit of being mature, quiet and cooperative at all times. 1. You must dress out for practice. Wear the uniform specified on the calendar. 2. Always wear your hair up in a ponytail and out of your face. (No bangs in your face!) 3. NO jewelry is to be worn during practices. 4. DO NOT miss a practice if at all possible. It prevents the entire team from performing to its full potential when even one member is missing. This is a team sport, not an individual sport. 5. Always bring any necessary equipment to practice. 6. ALWAYS do your best and be proud of your accomplishments. 7. All materials/equipment must be put up and the classroom and practice area must be clean before leaving. If practice ends at 5:00, we will stop practicing at 5:00 and then clean up our area before dismissal. 8. Transportation should be PROMPT and arranged ahead of time. GAMES AND PERFORMANCES Come to all games ON TIME and ready to perform. Wear your complete uniform and have all of your equipment and your own water bottle with you when you arrive. Never come to games unprepared. Always be on your best behavior, as individuals and as a team. The following rules are expected of each team member: 1. Always be attentive and follow instructions closely and quickly. 2. Always follow the coach s or officers instructions. 3. For all game days, you will remain with the coach after school for study hall time and then travel together to the game. 4. There will be absolutely NO writing on your hands/body at any time. The only jewelry allowed are your team earrings. The only fingernail polish permitted is a French or American manicure. 5. There will be NO eating or chewing gum at practices or performances without specific permission from the Coach. 6. NO friends will be allowed to sit with you at performances. 7. At the conclusion of all games, clean up your area of the bleachers and go to the classroom. Gather all your stuff and wait for dismissal from the coach. No one will leave until the classroom is clean. 8. The auxiliary teams will stay for the entirety of all home and away football games and select basketball games. During football games, the auxiliary teams will try to do a pre-game performance as well as a half-time performance. During basketball games, we will do a half-time performance and attempt quarter performances as well. The teams may also perform at other sporting events as designated on the calendar throughout the year.

5 NOT PERFORMING The coach has the authority to withhold any member at any time from performing. This responsibility is not taken lightly and is the last option. The cooperation and trust of the team members and parents that the coach will always have the team s best interest in mind is helpful. Some of the most common reasons for being benched are: 1. GRADES 2. Academics First Violation (in which case you will NOT dress out with the team) 3. Missing practices 4. Display of poor sportsmanship 5. Failure to have complete uniform and equipment at games or performances 6. Failure to follow school rules or being uncooperative or disrespectful to teachers 7. Physical or verbal fighting with team members, coach(es), or peers 8. Failure to execute a request made by a coach 9. A member cannot execute steps or movements in the manner in which they were intended. The team s overall skill level WILL NOT be lowered to compensate for one or two team members who do not have the routine ready. PURPOSE OF AUXILIARY TEAMS 1. To encourage their peers by performing at school events 2. To set examples of good character and sportsmanship 3. To promote good sportsmanship and spirit 4. To promote good relations with the public, especially during our performance season AUXILIARY TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES 1. To perform for any athletic event required by school authorities 2. To attend activities as necessary to promote pride in our school and community. 3. To attend fundraisers (both for individual and group dance accounts) OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Team members are responsible for their own possessions, not parents, friends or teammates. 2. NEVER argue with your coach or officers in public. If you have a problem, arrange to discuss it in private with your coach. 3. INFORM YOUR PARENTS OF ALL INFORMATION REGARDING DANCE! 4. Bring all progress reports and report cards to your coach before the end of the school day that you receive them. 5. Notify the coach of any absences at least a week in advance so they may be considered for being excused. 6. Follow all team, school, and county rules. 7. Encourage each other. Leave correction to the coach. If you see a problem, bring it to the attention of the coach so that she can correct it. 8. ALWAYS TRY YOUR BEST! WE WANT OUR TEAMS TO BE GREAT! 9. Check your regularly! (at least every other day) AUXILIARY TEAM CONDUCT Any discipline problems will be handled by the coach or principal. Serious infractions may result in suspension or expulsion from the team. The following is a list of possible infractions: 1. Unexcused absences from games, practices or any other designated functions 2. Display of poor sportsmanship 3. Failure to bring all necessary equipment/uniform to any practice or performance 4. Failure to pay auxiliary team debts within the required time limits

6 5. Failure to be prompt for all activities 6. Failure to execute duties assigned by the coach 7. Violation of the system s policy regarding alcohol, smoking, drugs, or any other substance abuse (1 st offense will result in immediate dismissal from team) 8. Suspension from school, in or out. 9. Conviction of a crime 10. Conduct unbecoming of a representative of Chelsea Middle School 11. Cheating (giving or receiving unauthorized help) during tryouts or on any schoolwork 12. Failure to follow rules of the classroom, school, team, or the Shelby County Code of Conduct 13. The accumulation of 45 demerits GRADES Each Auxiliary member must maintain at least an overall 70 average, and all grades must be 60 or above in each subject area at the end of each nine weeks. Any Auxiliary member who fails to do so will be on academic probation for nine weeks, and may be restricted from performing during the probationary period. A second failure to maintain the appropriate average will result in removal from the team for the remainder of the team s season. Auxiliary members should bring all progress reports and report cards to the coach for checking on the day they receive them. OTHER 1. Auxiliary members must purchase 24-hour school insurance if they are not covered by another plan. 2. Auxiliary members and their parents will be responsible for camp costs, uniforms, and all other team expenses. Debts incurred through auxiliary teams must be paid within a week. 3. Auxiliary members will turn in, at the end of their term, all uniforms and supplies bought through the team fund. Any necessary repair or replacement cost to these items will be the parents responsibility. 4. Auxiliary members must be present for at least one half of the school day (11:15 is the middle of the day) in order to perform at a pep rally or game, unless prior approval from the coach or principal is obtained. 5. If an Auxiliary member does not dress out for P.E. on the day of a game or performance, she will not be allowed to participate. If she does not dress out on a practice day, she will run laps at practice. As an athlete, you should always be prepared for and participate in P.E. 6. Auxiliary members must follow all rules outlined in the Academics First Procedures. TRANSPORTATION Transportation to all athletic events will be via Shelby County School buses, unless otherwise specified. However, parents may be called upon to provide transportation from time to time. COACH RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Plan and conduct clinic in the spring 2. Monitor eligibility of Auxiliary members 3. Revise rules and regulations as needed 4. Oversee practice sessions 5. Approve costumes, uniforms and choreography 6. Arrange necessary transportation 7. Select officers 8. Receipt and disburse all funds 9. Insure adherence to the Code of Conduct, the Auxiliary Constitution, and the Academics First policies and procedures. 10. Set an example of good character and be a mentor to the team.

7 TEAM SIZE AND SEASON The coach will set the size and grade levels of each team, which may differ from year to year. The Majorette season runs from tryouts through the end of basketball season. The Starlets season extends from tryouts through the end of competition season (no later than February). DEMERIT SYSTEM An Auxiliary member is expected to present herself as a positive representative of Chelsea Middle School. In order to be a responsible, dependable and active participant of the CHMS Auxiliary Teams, you must follow certain rules and regulations. Auxiliary members are on a demerit system, and the following is the demerit scale and consequences: Demerits will be given for the following actions: 1. Inappropriate hair at practice or performance (includes bangs in face) 2 demerits 2. Failure to turn in Academics First form on time (Thursday afternoon) 3 demerits 3. Wearing any jewelry during practice (even stud earrings) 3 demerits 4. Get caught saying something ugly about a fellow dancer or the coach 5 demerits 5. Being disrespectful 5 demerits 6. Failure to have complete uniform for practice 2-5 demerits 7. Late to practice, regardless of reason (practice starts at 3:15) 5 demerits 8. If a dancer is not picked up from an event within 15 mins. of its end. 5 demerits 9. Not participating 100% during practice 5 demerits 10. Failure to have complete uniform for game/pep rally 5 demerits 11. Socializing with friends instead of performing/practicing 5 demerits 12. Wearing jewelry/nail polish during a game or performance** 5 demerits 13. Being out of dress code at school 5 demerits 14. After school detention for behavior 5 demerits 15. Unexcused absence from practice 10 demerits 16. Late to a game or performance, regardless of reason 10 demerits 17. Use of inappropriate language during practice or performance 10 demerits 18. Not performing at an assigned event (unexcused) 15 demerits *Additional demerits or benching will be assigned at the coach s discretion for other minor or major disciplinary problems within the auxiliary teams or school. **Team earrings are required and French/American manicure is permitted at practices and performances, but NO polish of any kind is allowed for competitions. Demerit Consequences: 1. Accumulation of 10 demerits will result in running (3 laps around the field or 3 suicides in the gym). 2. Accumulation of 15 demerits will result in another set of running. 3. The 3 rd offense of the same rule will result in double running. 4. In School Detention, Saturday School or Suspension from school will result in a 1 game benching. 5. Accumulation of 20 demerits will result in a 1 game benching. 6. Accumulation of 30 demerits will result in a 2 game benching. 7. Inappropriate behavior deemed conduct unbecoming of a representative of CHMS will result in consequences ranging from running to benching or removal from the team. 8. If an Auxiliary member accumulates a total of 45 demerits, she will be removed from the team. 9. Smoking, drinking, using drugs will result in immediate dismissal from the team. Additional demerits or benching will be assigned at the coach s discretion for other minor or major disciplinary problems within dance team or school.

8 If an Auxiliary member has accumulated enough demerits to be benched, the following will take place: 1. Wear uniform to school or pep rally, but NOT participate. (unless it is an Academics First violation) 2. Attend the game and sit with the coach. 3. Attend all practices during benched time. Merits will be awarded in the form of Starbucks (blue paper money) for the following reasons: 1. A s & B s on a progress report 1 merit 2. Get caught saying something nice about a fellow dancer 1 merit 3. Compliment from a teacher 1 merit 4. All A s on a progress report 2 merits 5. A s & B s on a report card 3 merits 6. Outstanding performance at a game/pep rally/practice 3 merits 7. All A s on a report card 4 merits *Additional merits will be assigned at the coach s discretion. Merit Rewards Coach Nivens has a Starbucks Store and girls can buy things from the store using their Starbucks. Written by Mrs. Dean 2001, revised by Mrs. Nivens 10/1/12

9 ChMS Majorette Tryout Consent and Constitution Agreement Form Sign and return to Mrs. Nivens with other tryout packet requirements by March 29, Tryout Consent and Constitution Agreement: My child, has my permission to attend the Chelsea Middle School Dance Team Clinic and Tryouts held at Chelsea High School. Should my daughter be selected, I give my permission for her to participate on this team and also certify that she is physically capable to participate in these sometimes strenuous activities. I fully realize that the majorette team can be very physical and that injuries may occur even when ALL safety guidelines are followed. Participants, their parents, and/or legal guardians hold Chelsea Middle School, its Sponsors, Coaches, Officials, Shelby County Board of Education and/or volunteers harmless from any and all injuries or accidents involving any participants in any activity. I also affirm that my child, and I have read and agree to abide by all rules and regulations of the Chelsea Middle School Auxiliary Teams, the ChMS Auxiliary Team Constitution and the Shelby County Code of Conduct. I understand the financial responsibility and time consuming obligations that my child and I will be responsible for and agree that if my child is selected for the Majorette Team ( season) that I will owe $200 on the first meeting, to be held 4/8/13 at 5:30pm. Emergency Contact Information (as applicable on the days of clinic and tryouts): Name Phone Name Phone Name Phone Insurance information: Primary Doctor: Name Phone Parent/Guardian Signature Date Address Student Signature Date