***The following MUST BE turned in BEFORE you can participate in tryouts:

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1 ST. PIUS X LANCER CHEERLEADING TRYOUT PACKET VARSITY CHEERLEADING SEASON Thank you for your interest in trying out for the St. Pius X Cheer Team. In this packet, you will find the following: tryout information with a list of important dates, an information sheet, Rules for Cheerleading, Cheer Constitution, & Statement of Permission and Agreement. Please read and understand all the enclosed information before tryouts. Note: You will also need to complete and turn in a Physical Form, and other forms that you will receive at a later date or you can obtain this from the office or on the St. Pius Website. You will need a current physical on file for the school year dated after February (see below) Cheerleading Tryouts: Cheer tryouts will be held on March 6 & March 8, 2017 in the gym. (PAPER WORK MUST BE TURNED IN BEFORE OR AT THE LATEST ON THE FIRST DAY OF TRYOUTS IN ORDER TO PARTICIPATE, including a current physical if you are not currently a student athlete at St. Pius X) On March 6th you will learn the fight song, basic cheers, jumps and stunts for the actual tryout On March 8th you will review material learned and tryout. On March 7 th there will be an open gym offered for those interested in perfecting skills for tryout day. ***The following MUST BE turned in BEFORE you can participate in tryouts: Current St. Pius X students: - Submit to coach Brandee on or before March 6, 2017 must obtain a practice card from Tilden Completed Information Sheet (included with this packet). Completed Statement of Permission and agreement (included with this packet) Review & sign the Cheerleading Constitution (included with this packet) Coaches will verify with administration that each potential cheerleader is academically eligible before being offered the position of Cheerleader New St. Pius X students:- Submit to coach Brandee on the first day of tryouts or before March 6, 2017 Completed physical dated after Feb 1, 2017 Completed Information Sheet (included with this packet). Completed Statement of Permission and agreement (included with this packet) Review & sign the Cheerleading Constitution (included with this packet) Coaches will verify with administration that each potential cheerleader is academically eligible before being offered the position of Cheerleader Note: The deadline for turning in this paperwork is the first day of tryouts, March 6th; however, the earlier you can get this paperwork in, the better. Participation in cheer try-outs will be prohibited if any of the forms are missing or incomplete. What do you wear to tryouts? During tryout days please wear tennis shoes, comfortable, length appropriate shorts and a t-shirt or tank top. Dress as if you would dress for cheerleading practice. Shorts should be at least three inches long. Sports bras must be worn. No basketball shorts or pajamas. No denim shorts, jewelry, or artificial nails. Your hair should also be pulled up in a pony tail and off your shoulders.

2 On March 8 official try-out day, you will need to wear dark colored shorts (black or navy blue) and a solid white t-shirt or tank top and tennis shoes. Your hair should be off your shoulders, in a pony tail, no jewelry should be worn or artificial nails. Please do not wear any previous cheerleading or dance attire during tryout week. Selection of the cheerleaders will be based on the following: A cheer, fight song, and dance that will be taught to you during the clinic. You may also be required to create an original cheer within a group. Jumps (A toe touch, a side herkie, and a front hurdler are required- descriptions and pictures of these jumps will be taught during the 1 st day of tryouts and also can be found online. Scholastic achievement and eligibility (St. Pius X administration will verify eligibility of each potential cheerleader) Conduct Attitude, initiative, teamwork, leadership, work ethic, enthusiasm, and coach ability Stunting will also be introduced ** Competitive Cheer Team and Sideline Cheer Team Sideline Cheer Team: All selected cheerleaders will be part of the Sideline Cheer Team. Cheer at varsity football games (with requirements of attending required camp & training completed) Cheer at varsity boys and girls basketball games Be involved in school pep assemblies Attend NCA Cheerleading Camp June 6, 7, 8, 9 at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) Practice 2x a week at minimum Assist with the St. Pius X Lil Lancer Summer Camp June 3, 2017 Competitive Cheer Team: Cheerleaders that score high on the selection criteria, and show a dedication and desire to cheer may be selected to be part of the Competitive Cheer Team. Competitive Cheer Team will participate in all activities above as part of the Sideline Cheer Team Perform choreographed routine during school pep assemblies Perform choreographed routine during Half-time of the Homecoming Football game Perform and participate at various other special events and appearances at schools, picnics etc Choreography Workshop June 1, 2, 2017 Compete in Cheer Regionals Week of July 17-21, 2017* Compete in State Cheer Competition Mizzou Campus end of Oct 2017* Be eligible for nomination/selection as MCCA All-State Cheerleader Attend possibly two additional competitions (possibly in December & February)* Practices Practices will start 1 st week of April. Days/Times TBA depending on schedules/gym availability etc Practice times for the summer will be determined and a practice schedule will be given out after tryouts. Competitive and Sideline teams will practice a minimum of 2x a week. Practices could be in the evening/weekends etc depending on the teams needs and gym time available to us.. These practices are mandatory. Work schedules, vacation, extracurricular activities, etc. should be arranged so the cheerleaders are at practice each day. These practices are important and attendance is necessary. If a cheerleader must miss a practice, arrangements and approval must be made and granted by Coach Brandee.

3 Estimated Costs We realize that Cheerleading in an expensive sport, however we try keep the cost down as much as possible through fund raising and taking care of what we have. There are, however, certain items that can not be passed down from squad to squad and must be purchased by the individual. In addition, we are required to purchase our own uniforms, warm-ups, etc. We will be ordering the uniform through Varsity, the leading cheer apparel company. The cheerleader will be responsible for paying for uniform, shoes, warm-ups, bags etc. While I can t give you an exact amount I can give you an estimate that should be fairly close. Exact pricing and order forms will be given to Cheerleaders after tryouts. ** payment arrangements can be made and funds not all required at once- speak to Coach Brandee to make arrangements or to discuss your individual situation if necessary ** ** An initial payment of at least $100 is required at uniform fitting on March 13, Uniform package: $ (skirt, shell, body liner, specialty body liner, spankies, shoes, poms, hair bow, team tee and bag) (previous cheerleaders may use current uniform except shoes & poms. Individual piece pricing will be given out after tryouts) Warm-ups (St. Pius X Athletic): Rain poncho /gloves/leggings: Camp wear/practice wear $ (All cheerleaders - *previous cheerleaders may use their current warm-up) $30 (All cheerleaders will need to purchase) $100 (All required to purchase) 4 day Cheer Camp at SEMO: $380 (All cheerleaders) We are trying to fund a portion of the camp cost TBA Choreography Workshop: $100 (Competitive Cheerleaders) We are trying to fund a portion of this workshop - TBA In addition the cost of items such as additional competitions, specialty hoodies etc, could be the cheerleader s responsibility. Those details will be forwarded as soon as they are determined. (We will try to fundraise if possible) There is also an Athletic Fee charged by St. Pius X for each sport a student plays. You will be billed for this through the school office. ** Refer to the St. Pius X Athletic Handbook for this information** Uniform Fitting & Parent Meeting: March 13, 2017 at 5:30pm, our Varsity rep will be sizing the girls for uniforms, camp wear and shoes. All Cheerleaders MUST attend this fitting. There will be a parent meeting following fittings, beginning at 6:00pm. Initial deposit of $ is due on March 13, Please be prepared to have this amount of money in the event that you make the team. The rest of the payment can be paid all at once or payment arrangements can be made, details will be given after tryouts. Again, all paperwork must be turned in by the start of tryouts on March 6 th or before. You can scan it to Coach Brandee, bring it to tryouts, drop off or mail it to St. Pius X High School, c/o Brandee Boyd, 1030 St. Pius Drive, Festus MO brandeeboyd01@yahoo.com I look forward to seeing you at tryouts. If you have any questions, please contact Brandee Boyd at brandeeboyd01@yahoo.com

4 St. Pius X Rules for Cheerleading Purpose The objective of the St. Pius X High School cheerleading squad is to effectively execute a school spirit program that supports the athletic teams and promotes the school itself. Cheerleaders will serve as positive role models and leaders for St. Pius X and should promote sportsmanship within our school and among other schools. The highest priority should be to display and encourage spirit and pride for St. Pius X. Cheer Team Members and Practices Members will be chosen at a formal tryout session. The Varsity cheer team will cheer at all Varsity football and basketball (boys & girls) games, competitions, and pep rally events. If a member of a squad is removed from a position, a replacement will be determined by the coach, Athletic Director, and Principal. Practices and Games Cheer teams will have practices each week. All practices are mandatory. Additional practices may be added when needed. During football season, games are usually held on Fridays for Varsity. You will also be given a schedule at the beginning of the season, and cheerleaders will be expected to be present at all games, including playoff games. During basketball season, games are normally held on Monday-Friday. We cheer at boys and girls games. Attendance Requirements ABSENCES CAN BE THE DOWNFALL OF A GREAT CHEERLEADING SQUAD! If one or more squad members are absent from a practice or game, the other members are forced to make last minute changes. This can be both stressful and dangerous to squad members. You will be expected to be at all games and practices. Jobs, club activities, extracurricular activities, doctor s appointments, etc. must not interfere with cheerleading. If you commit to cheerleading you are committing to attend every game. Unexcused absences are those caused by anything other than illness or family emergencies. In addition, just because a cheerleader asks to be excused doesn t mean that the excuse will be granted. If you are ill or have a family emergency, the coach needs to be notified by a parent or guardian in order for this absence to be excused. Please notify the coach before the absence or as soon after as possible; only under extreme circumstances will prior notice not be expected. Please call Brandee at to notify the coach of any absences. If the coach is unavailable, please leave a message. As stated in the Guidelines for St. Pius X Athletes, students must be present the school day to be eligible for practices and games scheduled for that day. If a student is tardy (unexcused) they will not be allowed to practice and if they are tardy (unexcused) they will be benched for the game*** See Cheer Constitution for demerit policy*** Grades Because cheerleaders are students first and athletes second, progress reports will be monitored. If at any time you are failing a class, you will be required to attend tutoring as instructed by St. Pius X. Failure to attend tutoring will result in benching or dismissal from the cheer team. Refer to the Athletic Handbook for academic requirements. Tutoring Cheerleaders are encouraged to attend tutoring on all off days. If the cheerleader must attend tutoring on a practice day, the cheerleader must inform the coach, bring a note to practice from the teacher, and make proper arrangements

5 Dual Sports You are allowed to participate in cheerleading (Activity) and another sport (ex Volleyball). If you do intend to Dual Sport, you must inform each coach prior to participation. You must declare your primary sport and be dedicated to each. The St. Pius X Cheer program will do everything possible to allow this. Please talk to coach Brandee and inform her of your intentions. (Refer to the St. Pius X Athletic Handbook for specific rules on Dual Sports). Uniforms Uniforms for the cheer season will be bought and owned by the individual cheerleader. If for any reason a cheerleader quits or is dismissed, he/she is expected to return all uniforms/equipment that belongs to St. Pius X within five days of the termination. Washing instructions will be provided when uniforms are distributed. All altered uniforms (if issued/owned by St. Pius X) must be restored to their original size before being turned in at the end of the cheering season. Damaged or lost uniforms will be replaced by the cheerleader. Fund Raising Every cheerleader will be expected to support all fundraising events which support the team. We participate in the St. Pius X Rummage Sale (if offered) and Lil Lancer Clinics and a couple other fundraisers (if approved) in order to offset the cost of cheer camp and choreography workshop and various items needed by the individual cheerleaders. Transportation Not all away games offer the opportunity for cheerleaders to ride a bus to the game. In the event there is not a bus, each parent will be responsible to make sure the cheerleader has transportation to cheer at the game. If a parent is going to pick up their cheerleader at an away game, the parent must speak to the coach at the game. If the coach is unaware of a change in transportation, a cheerleader may get left behind because the coach assumes the parent will be there and will not account for her on the bus ride back. The coach cannot go searching through the parking lot for parents. They must come and see the coach before you leave with them. If the parents do not speak to the coach, you are expected to ride the activity bus back to St. Pius X if one is offered. Your parent is the only one you are allowed to leave a game with, NOT friends. Cheering is not allowed on the bus. It distracts the driver, coaches, and other team members. Expected Behavior All St. Pius X High School guidelines must be followed at all times. Consequences will be issued for misbehavior or poor conduct (see demerit policy Cheer Constitution) Promote a positive image for the school community your peers, parents, teachers, and community members While representing St. Pius X, cheerleaders must not: Drink alcoholic beverages Use controlled substances Use tobacco products Show unsportsmanlike conduct Use profanity Show displays of affection Be academically dishonest Cheerleaders are NOT allowed to wear or be in uniform at anytime during school hours. They are only allowed to wear the cheer uniform to/from/during the games assigned to cheer at. Attend all practices and games. Your attitude and ability to work with other different personalities must be exceptional. Lying or fabricating the truth will not be tolerated and can result in immediate termination from the squad. Part of a coach s job is to know where you are at all times during practices, games, and special events. Consequences will be issued for failure to follow the coach s direction or to stay in assigned areas during events.

6 While safety is our number one goal, please understand that you should expect bumps, bruises, and other occasional minor injuries. This is all part of cheerleading. Cheerleaders can not wear or loan St. Pius X cheerleading uniforms/outfits when attending non-cheerleading activities. All official cheerleading decisions and activities will be made by the coaching staff. All coaches and captains are to be given respect and cooperation by cheerleaders and parents at all times. Lack of respect will not be tolerated and can be grounds for dismissal. *Being in correct uniform means wearing the appropriate uniform sports bra, bloomers, hair ribbon, socks, shoes, having hair pulled up. Complete uniform also means wearing no jewelry, glitter, or fingernail polish. Your nails must be trimmed short, and no acrylic nails or tips will be worn. Coaches reserve the right to make changes/additions to the rules as needed. In addition, if you have any questions or concerns, please respect the following chain of command: Squad Coach, Coach Brandee, Athletic Director, School Principal

7 ST. PIUS X HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING CONSTITUTION You are required to review and sign the Cheerleading Constitution, which highlights important reminders, a new cheer demerit system, and expectations of you as a St. Pius X cheerleader. This along with all St. Pius X rules, St. Pius X Athletic rules and previous Cheerleading rules apply. The philosophy of the St. Pius X High School Cheer Team is to promote school spirit, unity, and sportsmanship. Image is also reflected in grades, conduct, behavior, attitude, speech, dress and relationship with others in and out of school. These rules and regulations are based on St. Pius X High School and Missouri State High School Athletic Association policies. ACADEMIC STANDARDS: Cheerleaders must be academically eligible. (As stated in the most current publication of the Athletic Handbook ) A student with excessive failures will be ineligible for participation in contests until the next grading period. Students must attain 3.5 credits in a semester in order to be eligible to participate in the following semester. This is the equivalent of 7 classes in a semester. During this time, the student may practice with the team and attend games at the discretion of the coach AND the permission of the administration. NO SCHOOL OR CLASS TIME MAY BE MISSED TO ATTEND GAMES. Furthermore, a student that is required to attend A.S.A.P. during the semester will be put probation and not allowed to participate in competition but will be allowed to practice and attend games with the team. This will be in place until the Dean of Discipline signs off that the student is caught up and is in good academic standing. Currently, student-athletes must be enrolled in and regularly attending courses that offer 3.5 units of credit or 80% of the maximum allowable credits, whichever is greater. Academic performance below the standard is grounds for dismissal. In addition, academic honesty, prompt arrival to classes, and proper conduct are required. Remember: as a St. Pius X High School student, academics are your number one priority. RESPONSIBILITIES: Members of the St. Pius X High School Cheer Team are responsible to participate at all assigned games (regular and tournament), summer camp, cheer practices, school assemblies, fundraising events, prepare posters/signs for assigned event/ games, and serve as representatives of St. Pius X High School. Competetive Cheerleaders are also responsible to participate at Regional & State Competitions as well as any other competitions assigned. Cheerleaders will follow a "leave everything at the door" policy. Cheerleaders shall always show respect and be courteous to faculty members, administration, officials, coaches, players, visitors, and other spirits teams.

8 CHEERLEADING CONSTITUTION (CONTINUED) SCHOOL / EVENT ATTENDANCE: All cheerleaders must attend all practices and games unless PREVIOUSLY excused by the coaches. Excused absences from practice and/or games are limited to injury or doctor/dentist appointments (doctor s note required), family emergencies, death/funeral, or excused circumstances by coaches/administrator prior to activity. Work is NEVER an excuse to miss practices, games, or leaving early. Attendance/Tardiness: The school policy states - Students who are tardy or absent for any part of the school day (outside of school-sponsored activities) may not participate or attend after school or evening events (including but not limited to games, practices, play rehearsals, and performances) on that day unless excused by an administrator. Examples of excused absences/tardies would be: o Health reasons/appointment (MUST have a doctor s note) o Funeral (MUST have a note from parent) o Pre-Approved (by college counseling office) College Visit o In the case of an emergency, please inform the administration as to your reason for tardy/absence and check to see if it is an excused absence. Excessive absences and/or tardies will affect student eligibility. If a student is excessively tardy or absent, they may not be allowed to participate in school-sponsored activities. Arrive at practices, games, and activities at the designated time and be prepared. Cheerleaders must be dressed in uniform for games/ activities and have all equipment necessary to cheer at all times. Cheerleaders will be expected to practice during the season and attend summer camp. Camp /practice dates will be announced at a later date and are subject to change. UNIFORMS AND APPEARANCE: Cheerleaders are expected to adhere to St. Pius X High School Dress Code at all times. Equipment (shell/top, skirt, warm-ups, pompons,) will be purchased by each cheerleader. Uniforms must ALWAYS be clean for all events. Uniforms are to be worn only when scheduled. If a cheerleader does not wear the assigned equipment; he/she will not be allowed to perform or practice. Athletic cheer shoes are part of the uniform and must be worn at all games, practices, and cheerleading activities. Due to safety concerns; loose fitting clothes are not permitted. As per Missouri State High School Athletic Association, long hair must be worn off the face and shoulders at all times during practices, games, and cheerleading activities. Short hair must be worn off the face at all times during practices, games, and cheerleading activities. Make-up should be natural looking, tasteful, and not overdone. If the coaches/administrator feels your make-up is excessive or distasteful, you may be asked to remove and reapply. Jewelry of any kind (includes belly button ring etc), gum, long fingernails, fake nails, and/ or glitter is not permitted during any practice, game or cheerleading activities.

9 CHEERLEADING CONSTITUTION (CONTINUED) TRANSPORTATION: A cheerleader may only leave an away event with a parent/ guardian and must check out with the coach before leaving. CELL PHONE: Cell phone use is prohibited during all cheerleading activities and they must be placed in the "silent" or "off" position prior to arrival. In the event of an emergency, parents/guardians may call the coach's cell phone number or they may also come directly to the event location. Cell phones use may resume at the conclusion of cheerleading activities. MISCELLANEOUS: Bullying, and/ or disrespecting a member of your team, another spirit team, a coach, or an opponent in person, by , text messaging, or any social media outlet will result in immediate dismissal from the team. Other serious infractions of St. Pius X High School policies may also result in the dismissal of the team at the discretion of the coaches/administration. Smoking, consumption of alcoholic beverages, drugs, consistent use of vulgarities could result in expulsion from the team for that school calendar year. DEMERIT SYSTEM: When cheerleaders are not in compliance with the cheerleading constitution, they will receive demerits in the following manner. Every effort is made to be clear and concise with demerits. All demerits given will be discussed with the cheerleader as to why they were assigned the demerit.

10 Points Dismissal CHEERLEADING CONSTITUTION (CONTINUED) Demerit System Infraction Being non-cooperative at practice/games or any attitude that does not promote the image of our program. (Circumstance will be determined by the coaches/administrator.) 1-2 Public displays of affection, truancy, disruptive behavior in class, office referrals, continuous failures to cooperate.( if continuous then could result in dismissal as stated in above infraction) 1 Late 5 minutes or more for practice or leaving 5 minutes or more early (excluding Volleyball and Basketball or other approved School sport or event) or unless PREVIOUSLY excused by the coaches. 1 Talking to other cheerleaders, fans and parents while cheering which limits the task at hand. 2 Late for game (designated arrival time) 3 Missing practice (unexcused) 4 Missing game (unexcused) 3 Unexcused absence from a planned fundraiser or community event Sit out during event + 1 Missing uniform pieces- turtleneck white or navy, spankies, skirt, shell, white no show socks, shoes, poms, bow etc 1/2 Returning Late from Halftime 1 Hair is up and all earrings are out prior to the start of practice. 2 All Cheerleaders will help put up chairs and get mats out and put them away. Pick up trash any areas we have been. Failure to assist results in demerits 1 Wearing nail polish or fake/ acrylic nails at games (could also result in not being allowed to cheer the event due to safety) **Considering the circumstance of offense, coaches/administration will determine number of demerits. Severe discipline infractions will be handled with the individual, administration and coaches, and may result in demerits being assigned, suspension, or dismissal from the squad. DEMERIT CONSEQUENCES: 1-2 demerits = warning from coaches 4-6 demerits = discussion with coaches and phone call to parent 7 demerits = Final warning from coaches 8 demerits = expulsion from squad

11 CHEERLEADING CONSTITUTION (CONTINUED) We have read and understand the Cheerleading Constitution for the Cheerleading Season. Cheerleader Name Cheerleader Signature Date Parent / Guardian Signature Date

12 Information Sheet ****RETURN THIS PAGE TO COACH BRANDEE*** Please complete the following information. Please write LEGIBLY. Student Name: School you attended : Grade Level School Year: Do you have prior cheer experience? (If yes describe) Home Address: Home Phone: Student address: Student Cell Phone: Student Birthday: Parent/Guardian Name: Home address (if different from above) Parent/Guardian Phone (If different from above) Mother s Work Phone: Mother s Cell Phone: Mother s Father s Work Phone: Father s Cell Phone: Father s Emergency Contact Name: Relationship to You: Emergency Phone: Emergency Cell Phone: Medical Insurance Information (Insurance company & Policy #): Allergies/Health Problems/ Medications (Please describe in detail):

13 Statement of Permission and Agreement ***RETURN THIS PAGE TO COACH BRANDEE*** If you make the cheerleading squad, realize that you are making a commitment to St. Pius X High School, your coaches, your teammates, and yourself for the complete season (full year). The decision to tryout should not be taken lightly. You will be expected to put cheerleading as one of your top priorities. Furthermore, as a representative of St. Pius X, you must maintain proper behavior at all times. You must follow the cheerleading guidelines set forth in the St. Pius X High School Cheerleading rules & the St. Pius X Athletic Handbook. Students who break the rules will be disciplined. By making this commitment to the St. Pius X High School Cheerleading program, you will receive many valuable and rewarding educational experiences that you will remember long after you graduate from high school. These activities will not only channel your enthusiasm and spirit in a constructive and beneficial manner, but will give you a sense of pride and accomplishment. Student Agreement I,, have read and understand the RULES FOR CHEERLEADING. I agree to abide by the policies described if I am chosen as a member of the squad. I am agreeing to the information in the packet and understand that failure to adhere to these rules policies could result in dismissal from the squad. Student Signature Date Parent/Guardian Agreement I,, the parent or legal guardian of, have read and understand the RULES FOR CHEERLEADING and the TRYOUT INFORMATION. I agree to abide by the policies described if my child is chosen as a member of the squad. I understand that this is an extracurricular activity and that attendance at all practices, games, special functions, summer camp etc is a requirement of the elected cheerleader. I also agree to the financial obligations as they are described in the information provided. I understand that failure by me or my child to adhere to these policies could result in dismissal from the squad. I understand by the very nature of the activity, cheerleading and gymnastics carry a risk 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. The risk of injury includes minor injuries such as muscle pulls, dislocation, and broken bones. The risk also includes catastrophic injuries such as permanent paralysis or even death from landing or falls on the back, neck, or head. I understand these risks and will not hold St. Pius X High School or any of its personnel responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time. I understand that school and/or personal insurance must cover my son/daughter. I give permission for my child to receive medical attention in the event that I cannot be present or reached for any reason. / / / / Parent or Guardian Date Parent or Guardian Date