MADISON JR/SR CHEERLEADING Parent Information & Tryout Packet

MADISON JR/SR CHEERLEADING Parent Information & Tryout Packet Dear Parents, This year as we enter tryout season, we will truly attempt to give as many girls as possible the chance to become a High School Cheerleader. Please read the following rules and expectations for both the tryouts and the actual cheer seasons. Please make sure both the student and parent(s) are in agreement before signing the forms. Cheerleading tryouts will be held in the high school gym on Thursday, April 17th (times are to be determined). Current 8th-11th graders interested in trying out must attend 2 of the 4 practice clinics. However, it is encouraged that those interested attend all four. Sunday, April 13th, Clinics- 5:00-7:00 PM Monday, April 14th, Clinics- 6:00-7:30 PM Tuesday, April 15th, Clinics- 6:00-7:30 PM Wednesday, April 16th, Clinics- 6:00-7:30 PM Thursday, April 17th, Tryouts- Plan on beginning around 4:00 PM. All students trying out need to complete the following information: 1) Read and share with your parent(s)/guardian the cheerleading rules. If you or your parent(s) cannot abide by these rules, do not try out. Mark your choices of the squad(s). Have a parent/guardian sign the Tryout Permission Form and return it to Coach Brittany Flory, Coach Brittany Turner, or Coach Jenny Brown at the first practice clinic. Advisors may set additional rules specific to each season once the squad has been selected. 2) Read and share with your parent/legal guardian the Athletic Eligibility and Participant Code of Conduct Agreement in your student handbook. If you or your parent(s) cannot abide by this contract, do not try out. Practice Clinics: Practice clinics will be held at the Madison High School gymnasium. Clinics are mandatory and evaluations will be ongoing by the cheer coaching staff. No student will be permitted to practice without the attached permission form completed and turned in. Clinics and tryouts are CLOSED to parents, friends, and family. Candidates trying out to cheer will be the only students permitted in the gymnasium. What will coaches watch for that may result in losing points? Coaches will watch for those not participating, sitting or resting; hair loose and in face; unpleasant or uncoachable attitudes; tardiness; disrespect, rolling your eyes when corrected, using a cell phone during clinics. Tryouts: Thursday, April 17th, 2014 (times are to be determined) Results will be posted on Madisonmohawks.org after 9:00 p.m. on Friday, April 18th. Results will also be posted on main doors in the Commons. They will be removed prior to the start of school on Monday. Guidelines for the squad numbers are given on the next page. For each squad, the top candidates will be placed. Depending on numbers and abilities, underclassmen may be placed on higher squads. Even though we want to give as many a chance as possible, we will not keep candidates whose scores fall below the accepted minimum as determined by the coaching staff.

Tryout Guidelines JV Football eight or more will be selected Varsity Football eight or more will be selected Reserve JV Basketball eight will be selected Varsity Basketball eight will be selected Competition Cheerleading Squad Note: Mark your choices of which squad or squads you wish to try out for very carefully. If you make a squad and cannot fulfill your commitment to that squad for any reason (grades, discipline, quitting the squad), you will automatically loose 10 points towards next year s tryouts. If you want to try out for a sport during one season next year, or just wish to have a season off, you may wish to only try out for the other season in cheerleading. Also, trying out for both seasons doesn t ensure you will make both squads. Candidates achieving highest scores will be placed on the squad for the season. However, observations made by the coaching staff s ongoing evaluations during clinics will be taken into consideration. Please note that in the case of extremely close scores at tryouts, we will take grades and school attendance in to consideration. If you would love to cheer either season, mark both! Season Time Frames and Costs The two sports seasons are equal in length, about four months long. Football cheerleaders begin practice in July, and the season runs through November. Basketball cheerleaders begin practice in November, and the season runs through February or March, depending on tournaments. However, in preparation of cheerleading camp, High School will begin practicing 2 days a week beginning the first week of June. Competition squad begins learning choreography and practices beginning in the summer. The competition season ends early March. It is encouraged that girls who make the competition squad are enrolled in tumbling classes (may be squad tumbling class). Below is a summary of the cost of cheer. A price sheet and financial obligation agreement will be handed out during clinics. The financial obligation agreement must be signed prior to trying out on April 17th. We understand the cost of cheerleading is expensive. Fundraising opportunities will be available. A calendar has been provided with due date deadlines for uniform and camp prices. ALL cheerleaders are required to attend summer team camp. High School Camp will be held July 15-18th at Ohio Northern University and cost around $315. This does not include the cost of coordinating camp outfits. Fundraisers will be held to defray costs. All camp money is due no later than May 22 nd. All squad members will have to pay a participation fee as set by the school district. High School and Jr. High uniforms (tops, shoes, etc.) fittings will be on Monday, May 5th. Please see the financial obligation page for your appropriate age-group for cost and payment deadlines. It is our hope that this will lessen the burden on you as well as our athletic department. The High School squads will purchase their uniform and wear them throughout their high school cheering seasons.

Formal Tryout Format You will make cheerleading according to your score. Tryout candidates will be evaluated by all coaches at each nightly clinic and by outside judges on Tryout day. Girls trying out for high school should obtain three teacher recommendations. They will be returned to Coach Brittany Flory or Coach Jenny Brown by the teachers (not students). For the formal tryout, athletes will be split into groups of two or three. Students will be prompted to show cheerleading fundamentals and what they have learned at clinics. The judges will focus on specific elements of cheerleading and will evaluate each participant. Scores will consist of 1 5, 1 being poor but attempted, and 5 being superior. Coaches and judges will tally the scores following tryouts. Each sheet is checked to avoid discrepancies. Tumbling/Gymnastics scores will be weighted by difficulty. In other words, a cartwheel, while considered a gymnastic skill, will not be worth as many points as a round off. Back handsprings and tucks will be more than a round off. If you use a gymnastic skill to make a certain squad you will be required to perform that skill throughout the season. All scores from tryouts, along with deductions (if any) from clinic practice, will be added together to make the final determination in squad selections. Grades and attendance from first semester will be checked for eligibility. Attendance at 2/4 of clinics and final tryout is mandatory for high school, unless previously excused by the coaches. Any questions regarding results of tryouts will be handled by Mr. Stevens, the MHS Athletic Director, and only after a 48-hour grace period following tryouts. Parent meetings will not be entertained. All decisions are final. v Judges will score candidates on sharpness and placement of motions, technique, voice projection, contagious spirit, cooperation and timing with group, and overall cheerleading ability. v Athletes will perform a series of required jumps including, but not limited to: *hurkies, *toe touches, *side hurdlers, pikes, and abstracts. (*Required jumps others are optional) v Athletes will perform a series of tumbling stunts including, but not limited to: *cartwheels, *roundoffs, back handsprings, tumbling passes, splits, front rolls, and standing tucks, layouts, etc. (*Required stunts - others may be used to show your ability and to gain extra points) v On jumps, judges will score height, pointed toes, precision, technique, approach and landing. v On tumbling, judges will score on technique, precision, legs together on back handsprings, rebound, and confident execution. v Athletes will perform a short dance taught during clinics. Judges will score on rhythm, execution, timing with group, contagious facial expressions, flexibility, and clean basic dance moves.

v Athletes should prepare a sideline cheer for the day of tryouts. Examples will be provided at practice clinics. v A sample judging sheet will be sent home the week of clinics so all participants have an idea of what will be expected. Misc. Tryout Information It's important to look your best the evening of tryouts. For tryouts, you should wear pressed red or black shorts and pressed plain white shirt (tucked in tightly), gym shoes, white socks, hair up and off face, no jewelry, and minimal makeup. Judges will be instructed to deduct for jewelry, bellies showing, hair in face, or other inappropriate clothing. For practices, you should wear comfortable gym clothes, white socks, and gym shoes, and you should wear your hair up or off face. You should come to all practices ready to work and prove yourself in all areas of cheerleading. Punctuality, attitude, effort, behavior, and work ethic, as well as skill level, will all be observed by the advisors as part of the ongoing evaluations. No jewelry will be allowed at practice clinics. Any lost point(s) during clinic practices is a risk you take. Madison Jr/Sr Cheerleading Rules Cheerleaders are chosen representatives of the student body; they have the opportunity and a significant responsibility for promoting good sportsmanship. The most aggressive and vocal voice does not always make the best cheerleader. By setting a good example, cheerleaders can influence and help control the reaction of student and adult spectators. They are often seen as the representatives not only of a school, but of a community as well. Cheerleading is a recognized sport by the Ohio High School Athletic Association, and will be held to the same standards as all other athletes. Cheerleaders should embody athletic ability, but enthusiasm, spirit, leadership, ethics, integrity, sportsmanship and friendliness. Take this responsibility seriously. During the season, coaches may use the demerit system. A copy of the demerit system will be distributed during clinics so that all expectations are clear.

1. Dress Cheerleader Rules and Responsibilities for Practices and Games A. Uniforms are to be kept neat and clean. B. No jewelry (earrings or other body jewelry) is permitted at practice, games, or competition. C. Hair must be pulled up (including bangs and lose sides) for all practices and games. D. On the day of a contest, the full uniform or other outfit designated by the squad with the advisor s approval is to be worn to school. E. Uniforms should not be worn at any other times besides game day, unless previously approved by the advisor. This includes the warm-up suit. If an athlete discontinues participation on the squad for any reason, or is removed from the squad for disciplinary reasons, the uniform may not be worn to any remaining school functions. F. Makeup should be minimal and only clear fingernail polish is allowed. 2. Transportation A. All cheerleaders will ride school transportation to and from any and all away games and contests. 3. Practice A. Be dressed and stretched out by the start of every practice. B. Practice attire is gym shoes, socks, and loose-fitting clothing (clothes should be school appropriate). C. Regular practices will be established by the advisor/advisors, and a schedule will be given out regularly. D. An unexcused absence from practice may result in a one game denial of participation. E. Repeated tardiness may result in a one game denial of participation. F. If on the Competition Squad - Competition practices may extend past regular season. 4. Scholarship Refer to Code of Conduct regarding eligibility. 5. Attendance A. You must be at school to practice or cheer that day. B. Practices and games are required, for the entire time, unless previously approved by the advisor. Exceptions happen rarely. If you are absent from a game you will be required to sit for the first half of the next game. Please plan all vacations and activities accordingly. Check madisonmohawks.org for appropriate schedules. C. Habitual absence from school or continued absence or tardiness from practice may result in denial of participation from the squad. 6. Conduct

A. School regulations are to be followed at all times. B. Practice good sportsmanship and manners at all times. C. Work together as a squad and with other squads in season. D. Be enthusiastic. E. Do not leave the cheering area except in an emergency, unless excused by the advisor. F. Do not chew gum, at games or at practices. G. Be on the floor or field before the team, or with 2 minutes on the warm-up clock. H. Know the required cheers and be aware of the game at all times. I. Conduct yourself at all times as a representative of Madison High School. 7. Behavior A. A suspension from school will result in a denial of participation from cheerleading for the same number of days. B. Any action that reflects negatively on your squad or school, wherever it occurs, may result in disciplinary measures. 8. Discipline A. The Advisor/Coach may counsel, warn, and discipline members of the squad.

Tryout Permission Form I/participant (Printed Name) and parents have read the tryout information packet. We agree to the tryout guidelines and to the rules and regulations of a cheerleader for Madison Jr/Sr High School. Student Signature I agree to the above and give my permission for my Student to tryout and participate in any squad she/he is chosen for. Parent Signature Please print name Phone: Please choose which squad and/or squads you are interested in trying out for Football Basketball High School Competition (must check basketball or football also) Grade you will be in the next school year (2014-2015)

Teacher Evaluations for Cheerleading Tryouts Teachers, please complete the following form as soon as possible, so that we will have time to tally prior to the tryout date. Teacher evaluations will be averaged together to count for a portion of each candidate s score. It is very important to give the student an honest rating based on your knowledge of that individual student. If you have not had this student in class within the past year please refer them to a teacher who has. These evaluations will not be shared with the student. Please complete this form and return it to one of the following locations before Wednesday, April 16 th : High School/Jr. High Teachers: Jenny Brown s mailbox Butler Tech: Please place in student s envelope and have student return to coaches. Thank you for your time and cooperation. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Brittany Flory at Brittany.flory@madisonmohawks.org. Sincerely, Brittany Flory and Jenny Brown Madison Cheer Staff Name of Student Class(es) Taught Teacher Signature Please rate the student in each of the following areas below on a scale of 1-3. (3-Outstanding, 2-Satisfactory, 1-Poor). Cooperation with others Work Ethic Leadership Responsibility Positive Attitude Attendance and punctuality Respect /21 Total Score

High School Financial Obligation Form The cost of cheerleading can be very expensive. We try to work with parents the best we can to allow adequate time for parents to make payments as needed. The price sheet below is an estimate of what you will be expected to pay if your child makes the High School Cheerleading Squad. Keep in consideration; you do not buy a new uniform and warm-up every year. Uniform Costs: Shell $120.00 Body Liner $66.00 Skirt $75.00 Shoes $60.00 Warm-up $80.00 Total Cost of Uniform: $402 (payment options may be discussed, fundraisers are available) Pay to play fee is $50 per squad you are participating on. Camp will be held at Ohio Northern University in Ada, Ohio. This is a team camp and all girls are required to attend. This is where we will learn our new material for the 2014-2015 seasons. Cost: $313, due May 22nd. We will also be purchasing matching camp outfits. Camp gear has not been finalized. It will consist of matching outfits that can be worn as a squad for fundraising events, pep rallies, game days, etc. Please allow $120.00 for this. Money deadline to be announced. If you can agree to these terms, sign and return the form below with the tryout permission form. I understand that if is selected for the cheerleading squad, that we (the participant and parent/guardian) accept all financial responsibilities. Money must be turned in no later than deadlines. Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Important Dates April 13th- Clinics 5:00-7:00pm @ MHS Gym ü Bring signed permission form ü Bring signed financial obligation form April 14th- Clinics 6:00-7:30pm @ MHS Gym April 15th- Clinics 6:00-7:30pm @ MHS Gym April 16th- Clinics 6:00-7:30pm @ MHS Gym April 17th- Tryouts TBA @ MHS Gym *** Teacher Evaluation Deadline (must be recevied by the end of the school day) April 18th- Tryout results posted no later than 9 PM on Madisonmohawks.org April 22nd- Parent Meeting Yankee Candle Fundraiser Begins May 5th- Uniform Fittings @ MES Commons Time-TBA May 9th- Uniform payments due in full May 22nd- Summer camp payments due for High School and Jr. High Cheerleaders