Cheerleading Program Mission: The CPLS Cheerleaders develop positive school spirit and good sportsmanship at athletic events, provide channels for students to demonstrate school spirit, encourage attendance at school events, and perform at a level of excellence so as to be a source of pride to the school, the squad and themselves. The Junior High Squad will consist of 6 th -8 th grade girls, and the Varsity Squad will consist of 7 th grade through Senior girls. The number of girls per squad and any exceptions to the squads will be decided through tryouts. Dear Cheer Applicant, Thank you for your interest in the CPLS cheerleading program! Please read James 3:17-18 and know that we ll strive to be hospitable and cheerful ambassadors for the school and (more importantly) for Christ! Clinic will take place 6:00-7:30 pm Tuesday, May 15. Tryouts (only for Varsity) will begin at 5:00 pm (probably ending around 6:15 pm) on Friday, May 18. Clinic and tryouts will be held in the school gym. Prospective varsity cheerleaders must attend the clinic, as that is when tryouts material is taught. Both cheerleader applicants and parents should read the contents of this packet carefully. Being selected as a Lion Cheerleader is an honor and privilege. Accountability to the Lord, your school, and the cheer squad members and coaches is imperative. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. Varsity applicants need to complete the necessary attached forms and bring completed forms to tryouts (May 18). Junior High cheer applicants need to turn completed forms into the office by May 25. Go Lions! Cheerfully, Lanell Griffith CPLS Cheer Coach Lanell.griffith@gmail.com 785-969-8051
CPLS Cheerleading Tryout Information Clinic Times and Location: 6:00-7:30 pm Tuesday, May 15 in CPLS gym. Tryout material will be presented at the clinic. Varsity Tryout Times and Location: 5:00 to ~6:15 pm Friday, May 18 in CPLS gym. (No tryouts for the Junior High squad. Girls in junior high not selected for Varsity will have the opportunity to be a member of the JH squad.) Announcement of Squads: The 2018-2019 Junior High and Varsity Squads will be announced via email by 5pm the day after tryouts. How to Apply: Complete the Application for Cheerleading and Cheerleading Agreement. Copies will also be available in the school office. Varsity applicants turn in completed forms at tryouts. You must be a student in good standing to cheer during your selected football and/or basketball season(s). You must be a student in good standing to cheer during your selected football and/or basketball season(s). Physical forms are due June 5, 2018, and may be handed into the Athletics Office in an envelope marked cheer physical or handed to the cheer coach. Cost for the 2018-2019 season is $160 for 6 th -8 th grades; $175 for 9 th -12 th. Cost is the same for cheering one or both (football / basketball) seasons. How to Prepare: All girls trying out for cheerleading will be required to perform an entrance, jumps and kicks, cheer, group dance, and group chant; and to undergo an interview with the coaches. During the tryouts, each individual will be judged on motions, voice, coordination, jumps and kicks, dance ability, athleticism and appearance. Scores are weighted 70% tryout points, and 30% interview and observation by sponsors during the week of tryouts. Physical Tryout Points (70% overall score) Entrance (exude confidence and spirit ) Cheer (will include toe touch jump; cheer motions must be sharp!) Simple dance (show ability to understand eight-counts and repetition) Tumbling Observation and Interview Points (30% overall score) Content & Character Humility & Confidence Poise & Presence Teamwork & Encourager
Attire and Appearance for Tryouts: T-shirts and shorts. Visible sports bras, short shorts, or immodest clothing will not be allowed. Cheerleading apparel should be neat, clean, and properly fitted as to not impede athleticism or safety. Please wear athletic shoes in which you can easily jump, kick, tumble, and dance. Gum and jewelry (with the exception of small stud earrings) will hurt your tryout score. Long hair should be pulled back into a ponytail or the like. CPLS Cheerleading Tryout Tips 1. Know why you want to cheer for CPLS... 2. Know how you see yourself supporting the CPLS Program Mission (hint: think about mission statement on front page of this packet; read James 3:17-18). 3. Be an encourager to others! 4. Make sure you thoroughly warm up and stretch before all workouts! 5. Listen carefully to any tips coaches and out-going cheerleaders tell you. They have experience that can help you a great deal. 6. Don t carry tryouts into the classroom. 7. Practice in front of a mirror or with a friend who can comment on your performance and apparel. Dress to avoid wardrobe mishaps. 8. To prepare for clinics and tryouts, choose simple clothing that will allow you to move easily so attention centers on your skill instead of your clothing. Avoid sloppy t-shirts that get in the way, halters, tank tops, jean shorts, and immodest clothing. Clothing should be flattering and clean. 9. First impressions count! Neatness and grooming are important considerations. 10. If wearing make-up, it should be natural (like everyday make-up) during clinics and like game make-up (neutral eye color, red tinted lips) for tryouts. 11. Be sure your athletic shoes are comfortable and clean. 12. Don t chew gum.
13. Don t wear jewelry other than small stud earrings. 14. Your hair should not get in your way. Make sure hair ties are secure. Your hair should look clean and natural. 15. A pleasant facial expression, sincere smile, and natural eye contact and voice projection will be assets to your total presentation. 16. Stand tall! Good posture will help your confidence and enhance your presence. Practice standing up straight so it comes naturally. 17. Plan and PRACTICE your entrance. 18. If you make a mistake, don t panic. Just go on with confidence. Don t over perform. The judges look for athleticism, coordination / skill, enthusiasm, confidence, technical ability and attitude. 19. Be poised and graceful. 20. Stay mentally alert. 21. Be positive about yourself and your ability. Visualize yourself doing everything perfect. 22. Be thoroughly prepared mentally and physically. 23. Smile naturally and be yourself. 24. Practice, Practice, Practice! 25. Feel free to ask for advice during clinics. 26. ENCOURAGE OTHERS!
Cheerleader Guidelines Commitments 1. CPLS is a relatively small school and is very challenging academically. Many participants are in more than one sport or activity at the same time. The Cheerleading Program recognizes that there will be occasional conflicts with other activities. However, in order for the program to succeed, it is imperative that the cheerleaders and their parents remain very committed to the program. Several aspects of cheerleading, such as stunts and routines, are very detailed every girl has a specific task. If one or two cheerleaders aren t at practice or a game, it greatly reduces what the squad can accomplish. 2. Cheerleaders may choose to cheer either football or basketball or both during the 2018-2019 school year. This is an experiment to build the number of girls participating in cheerleading. (Please help make this change successful by recruiting more female students to cheer!) 3. Cheerleaders will be cheering at ALL HOME football and basketball games. 4. Varsity will cheer at away games and special tournament games as requested by the Athletic Department. The attendance of away games for Junior High will be determined based on the dates and distance of away games. (Likely, JH will attend away games in Topeka only.) 5. Cheerleaders are permitted to play volleyball and basketball. If a cheerleader also chooses to play basketball she must be ready to cheer for the boys game by the end of the first quarter. 6. Cheerleaders must have all cheers, chants, and dance routines memorized by the date set by the cheer coach. 7. Cheerleaders must learn these AT HOME. Because of the limited practice time during the school year, practice time will be used to perfect not to learn. 8. Each cheerleader must pay the athletic fee each year as determined by the Athletic Department. Uniforms 1. The Coach will make the final decision regarding uniforms. If it is determined that new uniforms are necessary, the sponsor will make two or three sections based on budget restrictions, fundraising prospects, and adaptability of uniforms for different sports and modesty. 2. Each cheerleader assumes responsibility for her uniforms and pom poms. As property of CPLS, if any of these items are lost, stolen, or damaged beyond
normal wear and tear, the cheerleader is financially responsible for replacing the items(s). 3. Uniforms must be cleaned and returned immediately at the end of each school year. 4. Shoes, as determined by the coach, will be purchased by each cheerleader. Every effort will be made to ensure that this cost is reasonable. One can anticipate spending no more the $50. Handbook and Video Each cheerleader assumes responsibility for her cheerleading handbook and video. If either the handbook or video is lost, stolen, or damaged the cheerleader is financially responsible for replacing the item(s). The handbook and video must be returned at the end of the cheer season. Camps The coach will make the final decision regarding camp. If it is determined that a camp would be beneficial to the squad, all members of the squad will attend. Every effort will be made to keep the cost to a minimum for each squad member. Transportation 1. Each cheerleader is responsible for her transportation to Home Games. All out of town travel for the squad will be organized through the Athletic Department. Every parent will be required to volunteer for at least one event. 2. Cheerleaders are not allowed to transport each other to away games. Fundraising 1. All cheerleaders are required to fully participate in any necessary fundraising activities. 2. Fundraising money will be used to purchase items for the cheerleading program.
Pep Rallies All cheerleaders are required to fully participate in the planning and execution of pep rallies and spirit traditions. Rules for Practice 1. Cheerleaders are to support one another by attending all practices. 2. Cheerleaders are to be ON TIME, wearing appropriate practice clothes and shoes. (Bringing your own water bottle to practices is highly recommended.) 3. Practice Every Wednesday from 3:50-5:30 pm at the school gym during the school year. 4. Summer practices will be determined annually. Practices for summer 2018 are anticipated to be held twice per week. Any scheduling conflicts (such as family vacations, summer employment, etc.) should be communicated to the coach as far in advance as foreseen. 5. If a cheerleader chooses to be employed, this employment must not interfere with practice or games. 6. If an unforeseen conflict (such as illness) arises, the cheerleader or parent must inform the coach prior to the scheduled practice. 7. The cheer coach may schedule additional practices when deemed necessary. 8. We have fewer practices compared to other sports. Do NOT schedule appointments during practice time. 9. Do NOT chew gum or eat during practice. 10. Do NOT wear any jewelry (other than stud earrings) during practice. 11. Manicure fingernails to fingertip length (because stunting and tumbling can rip nails). 12. Take care of all personal necessities before practice. 13. Secure hair in a ponytail prior to performing a stunt. Rules for Games 1. Plan on cheering for ALL Friday night football and basketball games. 2. Cheerleaders are to meet with the squad 45 minutes prior to game time. 3. Cheerleaders must be on time! 4. If an unforeseen conflict arises, cheerleaders must inform the coach prior to the scheduled games. 5. If a cheerleader is employed, this employment must in no way interfere with cheering at games. 6. Do NOT chew gum or eat during a game. 7. Do NOT wear jewelry (expect coach-approved stud earrings) during a game.
8. Manicure fingernails to fingertip length (because stunting and tumbling can rip nails). Clear or silver polish is acceptable. 9. Stay with your squad before and during the game. 10. Take care of all personal necessities before the game and during halftime. 11. Do NOT arrive at a game hungry, thirsty, or unprepared. 12. Do NOT eat while standing on the sidelines. 13. Long hair needs to be tied back for safety. 14. Be back on the field/court three minute BEFORE the second half. You do not have to be in formation, but you should not be in the stands. Please be in formation and ready to cheer before the game resumes. 15. Please bring a water bottle with your name on it. Expectations A. Athlete Expectations of Coaches 1. Coaches who make it cheerful and fun! J 2. Coaches who lead and motivate members to bring out the best in themselves. 3. Coaches who model the behavior they expect. 4. Coaches who respect their squad and expect respect from the squad. 5. Coaches who teach fundamentals, game, and practice preparation. 6. Coaches who don t get mad at individual squad members. 7. Coaches who you can talk to about cheerleading or any other situation or topic. 8. Coaches who care about them beyond the sport. 9. Coaches who communicate clearly what is needed to improve. B. Parent Expectations of Coaches 1. Parents want information: practice schedule, game schedules, addresses to the games, rules, etc. 2. Parents expect a safe environment. 3. Parents expect the coaches to promote good sportsmanship. 4. Parents expect the coaches to promote developing healthy relationships between squad members. 5. Parents expect an adult to be supervising squad members at the practices and games. 6. Parents expect the squad s skill level to improve throughout the season. 7. Parents expect the coaches to be positive with their children and build their skill and confidence. 8. Parents expect coaches to treat squad members as though they were their own children.
9. Parents expect the coaches to set good examples for the daughter. 10. Parents expect the CPLS cheerleading mission (found on first page of packet) to be attained. C. Coaches Expectations of Cheerleaders 1. Coaches expect cheerleaders to be at ALL practices, games, and meetings and to be on time. 2. Coaches expect cheerleaders to keep their grades up. 3. Coaches expect cheerleaders to be committed for the entire season. 4. Coaches expect cheerleaders to be coachable (to listen, stay focused, give 100%, etc.) 5. Coaches expect cheerleaders to work on cheerleading at home, especially during the summer. 6. Coaches expect cheerleaders to let them know if there is a scheduling conflict as soon in advance in possible. (The sooner the better.) 7. Coaches expect cheerleaders to treat each other and the coaches with respect. 8. Coaches expect cheerleaders to encourage one another to a continuously higher level of camaraderie, skill, and sportsmanship. D. Coaches Expectations of Parents 1. Coaches expect parents to be a squad fan, not a my kid fan. 2. Coaches expect parents to get their daughter to practices and games on time and to pick them up on time. 3. Coaches expect parents to leave coaching decisions up to the coach and to be respectful of the decision made. 4. Coaches expect parent who have concerns to discuss them in an appropriate manner, time, and place. 5. Coaches expect parents to exercise good sportsmanship. 6. Coaches expect parents to encourage their daughter to speak to the coach if there is a concern. 7. Coaches expect parents to realize that coaches sometimes make mistakes, but that they are working hard for the overall success of the squad and the individuals on the squad.
Benefits of Cheerleading Participation 1. Learn individual and team goal setting 2. Learn teamwork skills 3. Learning to prioritize and develop time management skills 4. Furthering self-discipline 5. Learning to persist and endure 6. Learning to deal with wins and losses in a positive way 7. Fostering positive attitudes and team spirit 8. Learning to get along, work together, and work out differences 9. Learning your strengths and weaknesses 10. Learning to commit and finish what you have begun (no quitting) 11. Learning to accept constructive feedback 12. Building friendships 13. Developing good relations with students, faculty and staff which encourages their participation at games 14. Improving physical fitness and athleticism 15. Building on CPLS sportsmanship traditions 16. Becoming a better encourager-role model!