Cheerleading Tryouts 2018-2019 Step One: Read this packet in its entirety Step Two: Sign all forms included within Confirmation of Understanding GISD Middle School Cheerleading Constitution Behavior Accountability Information Sheet Pre-participation Physical Evaluation Step Three: Return all the requested information including a copy of your 4 th six weeks report card, absence report, discipline report (go to room 45 and ask for the reports) and $10 (cash) by Monday, March 19, 2018 at 4:00 pm in the PE Gym Or return before then to Ms. Carpe (C28) or Mr. Ceron (D125) *Please feel free to begin turning in the forms and clinic fee as early as possible. NOTE: UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL LATE OR INCOMPLETE APPLICATIONS BE ACCEPTED. If you need any additional information, contact: Brandy Carpe C28 BPCarpe@garlandisd.net or Edgar Ceron D125 ESCeronO@garlandisd.net School Phone: (972) 675-3080 Our Expectations
Before trying out for cheerleading, it s imperative that everyone is well aware of what we expect and the standards that we hold our cheerleaders to. The three most important requirements that both the candidate and his/her parents need to take into consideration for the duration of the 16-17 year are good character, financial deadlines, and our district s constitution. If for some reason, you feel that you or your son/daughter cannot meet these expectations, you should reconsider trying out. Displaying Exemplary Character It is the belief of both coaches and our administrators that being a cheerleader is not only an honor; it s a privilege as well. Therefore, should you be chosen to represent Webb Middle School, it s imperative that you follow all school rules and regulations as disrespect for authority, school personnel, school policy, fellow students, etc. will not be tolerated and may result in temporary or permanent dismissal from the squad. Paying All Financial Obligations Upon becoming a cheerleader, it is your responsibility to purchase uniform, warm ups, and camp attire that has been selected by the sponsor, as well as pay for summer camp tuition. Please pay in 2 separate money orders, one for apparel and one for camp. Reading and Abiding by the Garland Independent School District s Middle School Cheerleader Constitution The GISD Middle School Cheerleader Constitution makes you aware of your rights, discusses our objectives, our philosophy and purpose, and specifically states what s expected of every cheerleader in its domain. To avoid future conflicts, it is YOUR responsibility to become well acquainted with the contents of this document, especially the Deduction System because it will be strictly enforced and anyone who chooses not to abide will be held accountable. In addition, cheerleaders must adhere to the GISD Middle School Cheerleader Constitution which can be viewed at: www.garlandisd.net/departments/cheerleading. Responsibilities In addition to cheering for games, which include both football and basketball, other mandatory events include 6 th Grade Orientation, parades, public appearances, poster making and any fundraising activities scheduled by the sponsors. 2
During football season, 7 th grade games are Monday nights, and 8 th grade games are on Tuesday nights. Both grades will practice on Wednesday after school. During basketball season, there are games on Monday and Thursday nights. *Squads are subject to change weekly due to athletes being involved in cheer and basketball. Note: Everyone is responsible for his/her own ride and must arrive at these events no later than 5:00 P.M. Failure to do so will result in a 5 point deduction. Also any cheerleader not picked up on time from activities will receive a 5 point deduction. 2 points for every five minutes after. Selection Apparel Cheer Clinic April 4 th -8 th PONYTAIL NO JEWELRY T-shirt Knit Shorts White socks Tennis shoes Mock Tryouts/Tryouts April 7 th & 8 th PONYTAIL NO JEWELRY White T Shirt SOLID Black knit shorts White socks Solid white tennis shoes Cheer & Mascot Clinic Only candidates who are academically eligible (refer to Fourth Six Week s report card) may participate, and although it is not a mandatory event, we highly recommend everyone attend. If for some reason a candidate chooses not to participate, he/she will have to rely on another candidate to teach him/her the material (cheer, chant, and dance) that will be scored by the panel of judges and so determines who makes the squad. All participants will be charged a $10.00 fee (cash only) Which will be due on or before March 19, 2018 Cameras, camcorders, and picture phones are not permitted. Parent Participation/Involvement 3
Parents are not allowed in the building at anytime on March 19th- 23rd while the candidates are assembled in the gym learning, preparing, or practicing their routines. This also applies to the actual tryout day itself at Webb Middle School. Anyone choosing to enter the premises in spite of this warning will immediately be escorted out by a sponsor or the police. Day of Tryout Procedures Morning All candidates should arrive at Webb already dressed in the specified attire and report to the cafeteria by 2:30 pm to warm up. (If a candidate shows up after tryouts have already begun, he/she will be denied the opportunity to enter the building and therefore, will not be allowed try out.) Evening Notification Once all the candidates have tried out and the judges have the opportunity to tabulate and verify their scores, everyone will be dismissed and given an envelope from the sponsor that contains specific instructions and a website address where the official tryout results can be found. All candidates who make the squad will be required to have a physical AFTER May 1 st and must 4
submit a copy of the results to their coaches no later than May 15 th. Sequence of Events for Middle School Tryouts 1. All candidates will walk in and perform all material for the judges as a group. The purpose of this group performance is only to allow the judges to see what the material should look like. Full-out jumps and/or tumbling is not necessary but certainly welcome during this demonstration. 2. Candidates will enter the gym individually. 3. Candidates will spirit, or tumble in, and approach the center of the gym floor, where they will wait for the judge s notification to begin their jumps. 4. The candidate will then perform his or her three jumps (toe touch, left or right hurdler, and a jump of choice). 5. The candidate will then perform his or her individual cheer, and exit the gym. Once all candidates have completed steps one through five, candidates will move on to the group portion of the tryout. 6. The candidates will enter the gym in predesigned groups of three or four, and walk to the center of the gym floor. 7. The candidates will perform their sideline chant as a group. 8. The candidates will then perform the dance as a group, and exit the gym. There is no tumbling or spiriting in during the group portion of the tryouts. The candidates should merely walk in, perform the sideline chant and dance, and then walk out. Judging 5
Cheerleader selections will only be based on a performance before a panel of 5 judges. The high and low score of each candidate will be dropped, leaving the remaining 3 to be averaged and then calculated to 2 decimal points by a district-wide, computer-generated program. Judging Criteria for Middle School Cheerleaders Entrance Presence/Poise (5) Tumbling during run-in (10) Spirit/Enthusiasm (5) Jumps Toe Touch (10) Left or Right Hurdler (5) Jump of Choice (5) Cheer Motion Technique (10) Voice/Projection (5) Incorporation: (Jumps/Standing Tumble) (5) Memory (5) Chant Motion Technique (10) Timing (5) Dance Motion Technique (10) Projection (5) Timing (5) There are 100 points available from each judge. 6
The high and low score will be dropped. The remaining three scores will be averaged. Each candidate must score a minimum percentage of points in order to be placed on a cheerleading squad: 7th grade 30% 8th grade 35% Disclaimers Judges: Every attempt is made to hire judges that have not worked with students in the Garland area. However, with the hundreds of camps in the state of Texas, 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 judges with outstanding credentials and references will be hired for all tryouts. They will be instructed to judge the candidates based only on the mastery of the skills they see during the tryouts. Tryout results will not be challenged because of prior knowledge of judges and candidates. Judges Scoring Scores and final results tabulated by a district-wide, computer-generated program will be non-debatable as every attempt of fairness has been attempted by having an administrator present at each phase of the tryout process. Insurance: As a cheerleader, your child is covered by the school insurance, providing that the proper GISD channels are followed. However, you are encouraged to have your own insurance or to take the additional school insurance. Parent Meeting: Unless prior arrangements have been made with the sponsor, all candidates and parents are encouraged to attend the meeting on TBD. Candidate Eligibility: Even if a candidate cannot attend the Cheer Clinic due to ineligibility, they can however participate in the Panel of Judges portion of the tryout process. 7
Tryout information and packets for all GISD middle and high schools are also available at www.garlandisd.net Just follow the Departments and Programs link and select Cheerleading! Break Down of Costs The total cost to be a Webb Cheerleader is approximately $900. The payments dates above are non-negotiable. If a payment is not made on time, the cheerleader will be removed from the squad. $345 NCA Cheer Camp $497 All apparel (including uniform (shell, liner, spankies), bows, shoes, warm ups (pants and jacket), 3 shirts, 3 pairs of shorts, and a backpack) 8
Note to Parents It s our sincere hope to have a successful and stress free year. However, without your cooperation, it won t be possible. Therefore, we ask that you be mindful and respectful of the following: 1. Practices are closed events. The only people who need to be there are the athletes and their coaches. 2. Before, during, or after a game is not the time, nor the place to approach a coach to discuss an issue. If you find yourself unhappy about something that has occurred, e-mail your concern to the sponsor, and if need be, schedule a conference. 3. Familiarize yourself with the Deduction System to avoid having your son/daughter disciplined for something you might have been responsible for. 4. Understand that your child is disciplined according to GISD s Cheerleading Constitution and not rules we make ourselves. Consequently, there should be no need to question the fairness of disciplinary actions that may be taken against him/her. And also note, you signed a statement acknowledging you had read and received a copy of the Deduction System and that your child would abide by it or be subjected to the consequences therein. 5. Any question that pertains to a child other than your own will not be addressed. Thank you in advance for your cooperation, Ms. Carpe Mr. Ceron 9
Confirmation of Understanding I, the undersigned, have read the entire Webb Middle School Cheerleading Application Packet and understand the contents within. I also acknowledge that: 1. Candidates must be registered to attend Webb for the 2018-2019 school year and may not try out for another GISD squad, 2. Parents, family, and friends are not allowed in the buildings any day during the week of tryout activities. If we are, we risk sponsor or police removal, 3. I will not contest the final decisions resulting from the Panel of Judges, 4. To receive my son s/daughter s scores in a timely fashion, I should turn in a signed request, as well as a self-addressed envelope along with the paperwork that s due on April 4 th. If I miss this deadline, I can contact the sponsors at a later date after tryouts are over, 5. I certify that all information I have provided to the sponsors is true and correct, 6. I understand the Note to Parents, and 7. Selected cheerleaders must: a. always display a positive attitude, b. abide by the GISD Cheerleading Constitution or be subjected to the consequences therein, c. work hard in practice and in the classroom, d. attend scheduled events, e. provide their own transportation to and from games f. participate in the squad fundraiser Candidate Signature Parent/Guardian Signature Date Date 10
Garland Independent School District Middle School Cheerleading Constitution I,, a potential 2018-2019 cheerleader at Webb Middle School, acknowledge that it is my responsibility to commit myself to my squad and at all times promote school spirit and good citizenship- both in and outside of school, and epitomize INTEGRITY. With this in mind, I place my signature below to illustrate my commitment to my teammates, the athletes, and the school I will represent provided I am one of the top 10 scorers at the tryouts held on Saturday, April 9 th. Not only have I been given a copy of the Revised 2/2010 Deduction System, but I have read, understand, and agree with the contents therein. Therefore, on the day of, I pledge to be all I can be and to abide by this document. Should I choose to do otherwise, I WILL BE disciplined according to the information found on pages 8, 9, 10, 11, and 12 which could result in benching and possibly dismissal from the squad. Cheerleader Signature Parent Signature Parent Signature 11
As a parent, I have read through the constitution myself and know exactly what can and will happen to my son/daughter should he/she deviate from the specified guidelines. I also pledge to do all that I can to help him/her be his/her best and to show respect for rules and regulations. At times this may require me to take responsibility for my child by calling the sponsor or by providing documentation, but this is my duty and my part in ensuring equality and fairness within the squad. As stated on p.2 of the GISD Middle School Cheerleading Constitution, Being a cheerleader 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. Cheerleaders should exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position and in accordance with the rules as stated in the GISD 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 squad will be expected to maintain a higher standard of behavior both on and off campus and academic achievement than that of their peers. With that being said, detentions (for any reason) are unacceptable and will result in a 30 minute workout before, during, or after practice. The workout will include but not limited to burpees, timed sprints, crunches and bear crawls. Additionally, pgs.7-8 state Maintaining a higher standard of conduct will also include ensuring that cheerleaders websites are appropriate. The internet is a worldwide, publicly accessible form of communication. Any communication such as Instagram, Facebook, or photo sharing, etc. appearing on the internet is public domain even if it is marked private. Cheerleaders 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 to alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Any question of appropriateness will be decided by the principal and sponsor. In the event of such an issue, the principal and sponsor will determine and assign a suitable consequence, which could result in benching, suspension, or even dismissal from the squad. Candidate Signature 12 Date
Parent/Guardian Signature Date Candidate Information Name: Last First Address: Street City Zip Code Home # ( ) Cell # ( ) Date of Birth Month Day Year Ethnicity: Race: Hispanic/Latino Not Hispanic/Latino American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian Black or African American Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander White PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION Mother: Last First Cell Phone: ( ) 13
Father: Last First Cell Phone: ( ) Family E-mail Address: Closed Tryout Agreement I understand that the Webb Middle School Cheerleader Tryouts are closed to all non-candidates and that I am not to be in the building on April 9, 2016 Date Parent/Guardian Signature I,, have read the 2018-2019 Cheerleader Tryout Packet and agree to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the Garland Independent School District. I have also selected to attend Webb Middle School on my 2016-2017 Choice of School Form. (Circle one) 7 th grade 8 th grade Cheerleader Candidate Signature Parent/Guardian Signature The Garland ISD Cheerleading Constitution states: Participation in the GISD cheerleading program carries both a significant time and financial commitment. Each cheerleader is expected to meet all financial responsibilities identified by their specific campus. Dedication to, and the prioritization of, cheerleading is obligatory from all cheerleaders to meet the objectives of the program. Candidates selected to be a member of the cheerleading squad are expected to maintain their commitment to the activity for the full cheerleading year. Prior to making commitments to be involved in other school activities, cheerleaders should carefully consider specific program requirements, as involvement in other activities may cause participation and time conflicts with cheerleading duties. Any cheerleader who voluntarily quits the squad before the end of the cheerleading year without the approval of the principal and sponsor will not be allowed to tryout for the next year on any GISD campus. 14
I understand the above portion of the constitution and confirm that I have not voluntarily quit any cheerleading squad at any GISD campus. Student Signature: Parent Signature: 15