TRYOUT PACKET University of Minnesota CHEER (All-Girl, Co-Ed, Small Co-Ed)

2015-2016 TRYOUT PACKET University of Minnesota CHEER (All-Girl, Co-Ed, Small Co-Ed) TRYOUT CLINICS: DATE TIME EVENT LOCATION Friday, May 15 5pm Registration/Paperwork Sports Pavilion 5:30pm-9pm Fight Songs Tumbling Tryout Stunt Clinic Saturday, May 16 8-8:15am Registration Sports Pavilion 8:15am-12pm Review Material, Stunt Fight Song Tryout Stunt Tryout (Peik Gym: 157 Pillsbury Dr SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455) It is important that you read and fully understand the enclosed information. Give serious thought to the level of commitment you must make if you are chosen to be a part of this program. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call the University of Minnesota Spirit Squad office at 612-625-2559. Thank you for your interest and GOOD LUCK! PROGRAM OVERVIEW As a member of the Spirit Squad program at the University of Minnesota you automatically become a part of a rich tradition and a legacy that started over 100 years ago. Cheerleading was invented in 1898 on the University of Minnesota campus, and our founder s spirit and pride continue today. Very few people have had the privilege to claim that they participated in America s ORIGINAL cheerleading program. It is truly an accomplishment to be proud of. Within the last decade, our teams have had a variety of notable accomplishments. Goldy Gopher finished 3rd at Nationals in 2015, 2nd in 2014, and won the National Mascot Championship title in 2011 and 2013; he has also been twice named NCAA/ESPN Mascot of the year. The Hockey Cheer Team has been recognized on ESPN and in Sports Illustrated and is rated among the top Hockey Cheerleading teams in the country. The Co-ed Cheer Team has consistently placed among the top 10 teams in the country in one of the most competitive divisions at UCA College Cheer Nationals. In addition, the U of M s All-Girl Cheer Team placed top 10 (2 nd in the Big 10) in 2014 at UCA College Cheer Nationals, 2 nd in 2013, 5 th in 2012, and 3 rd in 2011. 1

Along with this great history comes a very serious sense of responsibility. As a Spirit Squad member you are a representative not only of the athletic teams you support at this University, but also the entire State of Minnesota. You are the most visible ambassadors we have, and you are expected to conduct yourself accordingly on and off the playing field. Today this proud tradition is continued by over 90 dedicated student-athletes who devote 15-20 hours every week to practices, games, special appearances, cheerleading camps and competitions. Like studentathletes in other Gopher sports programs, members of the Spirit Squads, comprised of the All- Girl Cheer Team, Co-ed Cheer Team, Dance Team, Hockey Cheer Team, and Goldy Gopher mascot, must maintain high academic standards and carry a full credit load in order to participate. Because of these responsibilities we are looking for skilled and talented athletes, and wellrounded students who embrace the ability to be coached, as well as find a healthy balance between athletics, school, family, and friends. Our team members come from all over the nation and have very diverse cheerleading backgrounds. The common ground among them is their dedication and commitment to this program. They believe that as they improve as individuals, their team improves as well, and the rewards from having this experience cannot be measured. Imagine the excitement that comes with being a part of a Big Ten athletic department, performing at some of the biggest, nationally televised games, traveling to storied venues around the country, and competing against some of the top cheerleading programs in the nation with the opportunity to be showcased on The Big Ten Network and ESPN! Every once in awhile you come across an opportunity and make a decision that will change your life. Earning a place in the Spirit Squad program at the University of Minnesota has the potential to do just that; securing friends for a lifetime and your place in history forever! ALL GIRL CHEER TEAM ALL-GIRL CHEER TEAM This team consists of all female cheerleaders who cheer for football and women s basketball games with an opportunity to travel to away football games and basketball tournaments. They also perform at a variety of offcampus appearances and they participate in all Spirit Squad fundraisers. These cheerleaders also commit to training for the UCA National Competition either as a competitor or to serve as an alternate. This team has a year-round time commitment beginning at tryouts. The spring and summer commitment is as follows: Practice Schedule Summer and Spring (Exact dates and times TBA) Mandatory Practices: June 24th-28th: Mandatory Practice July 24th-28th: Mandatory Practice July 29th August 2nd: Camp Report Date: August 26th Parents Day: September 19th 2 School Year Practice Schedule **YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICES, WEIGHTS, AND GAMES Fall Semester TBD Spring Semester TBD

3 Special Events/Appearances Each Spirit Squad member is required to attend additional Athletic Department appearances. When we are preparing for a National Competition, there will be additional practices including two-a-days during University breaks. Our activities do not stop during the Holiday seasons or Spring Break. Scholarships: (the University of Minnesota does not award athletic scholarships in cheerleading) All cheer team members are given an allotment of money for school books each semester. A limited number of scholarships may be available to third and fourth year team members. Expenses for both teams: (team members are able to keep whatever items they are required to purchase) Bodysuits, briefs, poms, outdoor attire about $300.00 This $300 check is due at the first practice, separate from the $40 tryout fee. In the event you choose not to honor your commitment and finish the season or you are dismissed from the program, you will be required to reimburse the U of M for the payments that have been made on your behalf. ALL-GIRL CHEER TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS ELIGIBILITY: Spring tryouts are open to individuals who have been accepted by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Fall Semester 2013. All participants, including transfer students and current team members, must have a minimum 2.0 Grade Point Average and have graduated from high school. Incoming students must bring a copy of their letter of acceptance on the first day of tryouts. Current U of M Students must bring an unofficial transcript. TRYOUT PROCESS: Throughout the week of clinics and the final tryout you will be observed by the U of M Coaching Staff as well as a selection committee. There will be a pre-tryout cut at any time during the clinics. At the final tryout you will be asked to individually perform specific skills; however, there is not a point system. The final decisions are made by the Coaching Staff and a Tryout Selection Committee. SKILLS: You will be asked to execute the skills listed below for tryouts. If you haven t mastered all skills, do not be discouraged. We are not necessarily looking for perfection at this time, but we do want you to concentrate and perfect the skills that play to your strengths. In addition to the skills listed, you will be observed throughout the clinics on your attitude, ability to learn and make changes, enthusiasm, projection and overall performance. We will be looking for current and potential skills to become a collegiate cheerleader. (NOTE: requirements are subject to change; you will be informed of any changes at the first day of clinics.) TRYOUT MATERIAL AND REQUIREMENTS: Interview with coaches Fight Song - Minnesota Rouser Fight Song- Minnesota Fight A Sideline Cheer Toe Touch Tuck Tumbling: o Standing: Handspring, Tuck, BHS-Tuck, BHS/BHS-Full o Pass: Round-off followed by three consecutive skills All-Girl Partner Stunts: o Full up stunt o Single-base extension or Liberty

o Elite partner stunt sequence including a flipping stunt or inversion with a full down or double full down CO-ED CHEER TEAM CO-ED CHEER TEAM This team consists of men and women who cheer for football and men s basketball games with an opportunity to travel to away football games and basketball tournaments. They also perform at a variety of off-campus appearances and they participate in all Spirit Squad fundraisers. These cheerleaders also commit to training for the UCA National Competition either as a competitor or to serve as an alternate. This team has a year-round time commitment beginning at tryouts. The spring and summer commitment is as follows: Summer and Spring (Exact dates and times TBA) Mandatory Practices: June 24th-28th: Mandatory Practice July 24th-28th: Mandatory Practice July 29th August 2nd: Camp Report Date: August 26th Parents Day: September 19th CO-ED School Year Practice SCHEDULE **YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICES, WEIGHTS, AND GAMES Fall: TBD Spring: TBD Special Events/Appearances Each Spirit Squad member is required to attend additional Athletic Department appearances. When we are preparing for a National Competition, there will be additional practices including two-a-days during University breaks. Our activities do not stop during the Holiday seasons or Spring Break. Scholarships: (the University of Minnesota does not award athletic scholarships in cheerleading) All cheer team members are given an allotment of money for school books each semester. A limited number of scholarships may be available to third and fourth year team members. Expenses for both teams: (team members are able to keep whatever items they are required to purchase) Bodysuits, briefs, poms, megaphones, outdoor attire about $300.00 This $300 check is due at the first practice, separate from the $40 tryout fee. In the event you choose not to honor your commitment and finish the season or you are dismissed from the program, you will be required to reimburse the U of M for the payments that have been made on your behalf. CO-ED CHEER TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS ELIGIBILITY: Spring tryouts are open to individuals who have been accepted by the University of Minnesota Twin Cities, Fall Semester 2013. All participants, including transfer students and current team members, must have a minimum 2.0 4

Grade Point Average and have graduated from high school. Incoming students must bring a copy of their letter of acceptance on the first day of tryouts. Current U of M Students must bring an unofficial transcript. TRYOUT PROCESS: Throughout the week of clinics and the final tryout you will be observed by the U of M Coaching Staff as well as a selection committee. There will be a pre-tryout cut at any time during the clinics. At the final tryout you will be asked to individually perform specific skills; however, there is not a point system. The final decisions are made by the Coaching Staff and a Tryout Selection Committee. SKILLS: You will be asked to execute the skills listed below for tryouts. If you haven t mastered all skills, do not be discouraged. We are not necessarily looking for perfection at this time, but we do want you to concentrate and perfect the skills that play to your strengths. In addition to the skills listed, you will be observed throughout the clinics on your attitude, ability to learn and make changes, enthusiasm, projection and overall performance. We will be looking for current and potential skills to become a collegiate cheerleader. (NOTE: requirements are subject to change; you will be informed of any changes at the first day of clinics.) TRYOUT MATERIAL AND REQUIREMENTS: Interview with coaches Fight Song - Minnesota Rouser Fight Song- Minnesota Fight A Sideline Cheer Toe Touch Tuck Tumbling: o Standing: Handspring, Tuck, BHS-Tuck, BHS/BHS-Full o Pass: Round-off followed by three consecutive skills Co-ed Partner Stunts: o Walk-Up (i.e. walk up liberty) o Toss (i.e. toss chair, heel stretch) or Low to High o Elite partner stunt sequence (suggested: 1-Arm stunt or flipping stunt) SMALL CO-ED CHEER TEAM SMALL CO-ED ( SMOED ) CHEER TEAM This team consists of men and women who cheer for football and women s basketball games with an opportunity to train and perfect skills. They also perform at a variety of off-campus appearances and they participate in all Spirit Squad fundraisers. These cheerleaders may also train for local competitions. This team has a year-round time commitment beginning at tryouts. The spring and summer commitment is as follows: 5 Summer and Spring (Exact dates and times TBA) Mandatory Practices: June 24th-28th: Mandatory Practice July 24th-28th: Mandatory Practice July 29th August 2nd: Camp Report Date: August 26th Parents Day: September 19th School Year Practice SCHEDULE **YOU MUST SCHEDULE CLASSES AROUND PRACTICES, WEIGHTS, AND GAMES Fall: TBD Spring: TBD

Special Events/Appearances Each Spirit Squad member is required to attend additional Athletic Department appearances. Our activities do not stop during the Holiday seasons or Spring Break. Expenses for both teams: (team members are able to keep whatever items they are required to purchase) Bodysuits, briefs, poms, megaphones, outdoor attire about $300.00 This $300 check is due at the first practice, separate from the $40 tryout fee. In the event you choose not to honor your commitment and finish the season or you are dismissed from the program, you will be required to reimburse the U of M for the payments that have been made on your behalf. UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA INFORMATION FIGHT SONG: THE MINNESOTA ROUSER : The University's main fight song was written in 1909 by Floyd M. Hutsell for a contest sponsored by the Minneapolis Tribune. The Minnesota cheer Ski-U-Mah, pronounced sky-you-ma, is more than 100 years old: the word "ski" (which, according to legend, was an American Indian victory cry), and "U-Mah" (represents "University of Minnesota") were created by two rugby players as an easy-to-remember team cheer. The phrase stuck and was incorporated into the "Minnesota Rouser.": Min-ne-so-ta, hats off to thee! To our colors true we shall ever be. Firm and strong united are we! Rah Rah Rah for Ski U Mah Rah Rah Rah Rah Rah for the U of M (repeat) M - I - N - N - E - S - O - T - A! Minnesota! Minnesota! Yeaaaaaaah Gophers! FIGHT SONG: MINNESOTA FIGHT Minnesota Fight is one of several school songs of the University of Minnesota. It was written by a University graduate, Truman E. Rickhard, in response to a contest to find an additional fight song for the school. The piece was originally entitled Minnesota! Let s Go! but is now known as Minnesota Fight. Minnesota Fight has stood the test of time and continues to be performed regularly by the Minnesota Band. Minnesota, come on, let s go! It s a loyal crowd that s here; With a Sis-Boom-Ah and a Ski-U-Mah, For the varsity we cheer! Rah! Rah! The old fight gang, on your marks, Slam! Bang! Hit em hard and hit em low, So fight, Minnesota, fight! 6

Minnesota! Come on, let s go! ALMA MATER: HAIL MINNESOTA "Hail! Minnesota" was written in 1904 by Truman Rickard for a class play. The song was performed again at commencement that year and continued to gain in popularity. It eventually became the school song, and in 1945 it became the official song of the state of Minnesota: Minnesota, Hail to thee! Hail to thee our college dear! Thy light shall ever be a beacon bright and clear. Thy sons and daughters true will proclaim thee near and far. They will guard thy fame, and adore thy name; Thou shalt be their Northern Star! 2015-2016 Gopher Football Schedule Date Opponent / Event Location Time / Result 09/03/15 vs. TCU TCF Bank Stadium TBA 09/12/15 at Colorado State Fort Collins, Colo. TBA 09/19/15 vs. Kent State TCF Bank Stadium TBA 09/26/15 vs. Ohio (Homecoming) TCF Bank Stadium TBA 10/03/15 at Northwestern * Evanston, Ill. TBA 10/10/15 at Purdue * West Lafayette, Ind. TBA 10/17/15 vs. Nebraska * TCF Bank Stadium TBA 10/31/15 vs. Michigan * TCF Bank Stadium TBA 11/07/15 at Ohio State * Columbus, Ohio TBA 11/14/15 at Iowa * Iowa City, Iowa TBA 11/21/15 vs. Illinois * TCF Bank Stadium TBA 11/28/15 vs. Wisconsin * TCF Bank Stadium TBA 7

2015-2016 Spirit Squad Application Please place an X next to the team you wish to try out for, or rank the teams if you are interested in more than one: All Girl Cheer Team Co-Ed Cheer Team Small Coed Cheer Team Please attach current photo PERSONAL INFORMATION: Name: (First) (Last) (Middle) Cell Phone: Email address: Parents Name(s): Parent # 1Address: Parent #1 Phone: (First) (Last) / (First) (Last) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) Parent # 2 Name: (If different from above) (First) (Last) Parent # 2 Address: (If different from above) (Street) (City) (State) (Zip Code) Parent #2 Phone: SCHOOL INFORMATION Year in College for the 2015-2016 School year: Fr So Jr Sr 5 th Year Major: U of M School ID Number: Social Security Number: Date of Birth: In reviewing the spring and summer time commitment, will you have any conflicts over the summer? If so, please explain. Are you currently employed? If yes, where? Will you be working while you are in school? If yes, how many hours per week? 8

INJURY WAIVER FORM 2015 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA SPIRIT SQUAD TRYOUTS May 15-16 th, 2015 I,, in consideration of the University of Minnesota giving me the opportunity to tryout for the University of Minnesota's Spirit Squads, agree that the University of Minnesota shall not be liable for any damage or injury sustained to me as a result of my participation during the tryout dates. I acknowledge that by participating as above mentioned, I voluntarily assume all risks and dangers known or unknown, foreseen or unforeseen, attendant to my attendance and participation at the event. I further declare that this release contains the entire agreement between the parties and that I have read the foregoing release and fully understand it. PARTICIPANT NAME PLEASE PRINT PARTICIPANT SIGNATURE PARENT/GUARDIAN SIGNATURE (If under 18 years old.) DATE 9

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA ATHLETIC MEDICINE SPIRIT SQUAD TRYOUT WAIVER FORM I acknowledge my voluntary participation in activities associated with the Spirit Squads at the University of Minnesota during practices, clinics, and try-outs. I understand that while I am participating in Spirit Squad selection practices, clinics, and try-outs, there is a risk of injury. I understand that such an injury can range from a minor injury to a major injury. Such injuries could cause permanent disability such as paralysis, permanent bone or joint injury, permanent scars, other chronic disabling conditions and even death. I hereby waive any and all claims, causes of action, rights to entitlements, suits or damages against the University of Minnesota, the Intercollegiate Athletic Department, or any of its employees, agents or representatives, as a result of or occurring in conjunction with, my participation during the Spirit Squad selection practices, clinics, and try-outs. I also waive any and all claims to any other services, uniforms, equipment, medical or training services, academic services, tutoring, computers and the like. I must provide proof of medical insurance and an athletic participation physical, signed by a physician and dated within six months of the start of my participation in Spirit Squad selection practices, clinics, and tryouts. All students must undergo a full pre-participation history and physical upon selection to the Spirit Squad for full clearance. I verify that I have no physical disabilities, impairments or chemical dependencies that inhibit my participation in sport activities. I do not know of any medical reason why I should not participate in Spirit Squad selection practices, clinics, and try-outs. I hereby accept and assume the risk of injury and understand the possible consequences of such injury. I, the undersigned, have read this form carefully and understand all its items. Participant Signature Printed Name of Participant Student ID Number (if applicable) Parent/Guardian Signature (if a minor) Date Date of Birth Age Date MDN 8/07 10

University of Minnesota Department of Intercollegiate Athletics Student-Athlete Alcohol and Drug Education & Drug Testing Program Consent Form I,, hereby acknowledge that I have received a copy of, read and been given the opportunity to ask questions regarding the Alcohol and Drug Education & Drug Testing Program implemented for the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics at the University of Minnesota. I understand the policies, procedures and my responsibilities as described in such policy. As a condition to my participation in intercollegiate athletics at the University of Minnesota, I consent to participate in the Alcohol and Drug Education & Drug Testing Program. I understand that my participation in this program includes the collection and testing of my urine at various times during the calendar year, including summer, for drugs, alcohol, and/or other banned substances. For health and safety reasons as well as for the purposes of determining my eligibility, I further consent to the release of the results of any drug test to the Director of Athletics or his/her designee, Director of Athletic Medicine, appropriate sport administrator, Medical Director, my Head Coach, the sport specific athletic trainer, Team Physician, Appeals Committee and/or my parent(s) or guardian(s). I acknowledge and understand that a copy of this consent form may be sent to my parent(s) or guardian(s) along with a copy of the Alcohol and Drug Education & Drug Testing Program. To the extent set forth in this document, I waive any privilege I may have in connection with such information. I fully understand that the University of Minnesota Alcohol and Drug Education & Drug Testing Program is separate and distinct from NCAA and conference drug-testing program and their sanctions, however, I also understand and acknowledge that sanctions may be imposed by the University of Minnesota under its Alcohol and Drug Education & Drug Testing Program upon a positive result under the NCAA drugtesting program. Finally, I fully understand and acknowledge that any and all specimens I provide become the property of the University of Minnesota. The University of Minnesota, its officers, employees, and agents are hereby released from legal responsibility and/or liability for the release of any information and/or record as authorized by this consent form. I fully and forever release and discharge the aforementioned parties from any claims, demands, rights of action, or causes of action, present or future, whether the same be known or unknown, anticipated or unanticipated, resulting from my participation in the University of Minnesota s Alcohol and Drug Education & Drug Testing Program including those claims, demands, rights of action, or causes of action arising out of any positive result under such Alcohol and Drug Education & Testing Program. Student-Athlete Signature Printed Name of Student-Athlete Date Date of Birth 11

APPLICATION CHECKLIST The following is a checklist to help ensure you are prepared for tryouts. Please follow these instructions carefully and bring your completed packet/application with you to tryouts. You will not be able to tryout with incomplete forms and/or any missing information. 1. Application/ Picture/ Payment a. All Applicants must complete. b. Please attach a current photo. c. $40.00 Tryout Fee (Checks made out to the University of Minnesota.) 2. Waiver Form a. All Applicants must complete and sign the attached Waiver Form no substitutions. b. All applicants must complete the Athletic Medicine Waiver Form can be found here: http://www.gophersports.com/sportsmed/spiritsquad.html c. If you are under the age of 18, you must have a guardian s signature. 3. Medical Insurance Form a. All Applicants must complete both pages of the Demographic/Insurance Form found here: http://www.gophersports.com/sportsmed/spiritsquad.html b. Attached to this form, all applicants must provide a photocopy of the front and back of your medical card c. Be sure to complete the form out in full i.e. Policy Holder Information, DOB, etc. and it must be signed. d. Must complete the U of M Insurance Form no substitutions will be accepted 4. Physical Form a. Must be completed within the past year from tryout date. b. Must include a physician s signature! (A nurse practitioner or physician s assistant will not be accepted!) c. Must indicate or be marked, Cleared for Participation. d. If Applicant is under the age of 18, it must be co-signed by a guardian. e. Form can be found here: http://www.gophersports.com/sportsmed/spiritsquad.html 5. Acceptance Letter to the University of Minnesota (incoming freshman or transfers) or transcripts. ***THIS PHYSICAL EXAMINTATION MUST BE SIGNED BY A PHYSICIAN (MD or DO)*** If it is done/signed by anyone other than a MD or DO you will not be able to participate in tryouts! Members who were officially part of the 2014-2015 Team(s) do not need to have the physical repeated; however, after tryouts they must report to the Training Room to complete their annual health appraisal. Anyone added to the team after tryouts must have this competed as well. 12