Waukesha West Cheerleading 2018-2019 Tryout Packet Please fill out all paperwork and return on April 16th at the parent-cheerleader meeting. Must have in order to tryout: *Cheerleading Application *Alternate Form *Teacher Recommendation from two teachers *Copy of latest grade report from Infinite Campus If you have any questions, please contact: Coach Katy or Coach Jenny at: waukeshawestcheer@gmail.com
WWHS Cheer Program Summary 2018-2019 Cheer Season This tryout packet contains information pertaining to the 2018-2019 Waukesha West High School Cheerleading Program. The WWHS Cheer Team is made up of dedicated and enthusiastic athletes. You must be willing to devote a significant amount of time to be part of a program that strives to be their best at home, at school, and on the cheer mat. The coaches have extensive experience coaching cheer. They are dedicated to excellence, both athletic and academic. Your daughter s education and cheer experience is of the utmost importance to the coaches, and they are dedicated to helping your daughters have a successful high school career. The size of the team(s) depend upon the talent level present at tryouts. Practices for the WWHS cheerleading squads are normally three to four times a week and will include Saturdays. Tumbling practices are held once a week. The cheerleaders and the cheer parents run several fundraisers during the cheer season. Some of our fundraisers include (but are not limited to) two kiddie clinics (one during football and one during basketball season) for elementary-aged kids, brat frys at Pick-n-Save and Marcus Movie Theater tickets. The cheerleaders and parents are expected to organize and participate in all fundraising efforts. There are several school and community service activities that the girls are expected to participate in as well (i.e.: Freshman Ignition Day at West, sponsoring a child through the Christmas Clearing Council, etc ) *Cheerleaders for Waukesha West may not participate in any other sport during the season (i.e. allstar cheer squad, swimming, etc.). If you would like to participate in a winter sport (i.e. basketball, hockey, etc.) you are more than welcome to just join the WWHS cheer team for the fall/football season. If for some reason a cheerleader decides to leave her squad during the season, she must address her teammates in person to give her explanation as to why she is leaving. She will also not be allowed to tryout again for WWHS cheer for one full school year.
WWHS Cheerleading Tryout Information Sheet 2018-2019 Cheer Season Mandatory Parent-Cheerleader Meeting: Monday, April 16 th at 6:00 p.m. West HS cafeteria Practice Dates & Times: Practices: Tuesday, Wednesday (April 17th, April 18th) 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. in the West cafeteria. Thursday, April 19th practice is 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. West cafeteria; tumbling from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tryouts: Friday, April 20th time slots begin at 5:30 p.m. in the West cafeteria What to expect: On the first day of practice, candidates will be introduced to the basic motions and jumps of cheerleading. This may be some candidate s first experience with cheerleading and that is okay! It is also a good review for returning candidates. If time, some other tryout material may be introduced. On the second day of practice, all candidates will practice jumps and learn a cheer, two chants and the dance as a group. The second half of practice will be split between tumbling and perfecting your jumps and tryout dance. The third day of practice will be an overall review. This will be a good time to practice and perfect your jumps, cheer, chants, dance, motions and tumbling skills. You may attend the entire time (which is recommended) or when you are able to come. On Tryout Day, candidates will perform material for selected judges. The coaches will not be judging but will be observing all tryouts. All cheer candidates will perform their tumbling, jumps, cheer, chants and dance in pairs. ***Candidates are required to attend the parent-cheer candidate meeting and at least two of the three practices in order to be eligible to tryout. If you have extenuating circumstances and cannot attend the required practices please speak to the coaches in advance. In addition, candidates must have all paperwork turned in (i.e. Cheerleader Application, Teacher Recommendation, etc ). Tryout Attire Practice: Candidates are required to be dressed in athletic clothing: shorts, t-shirt, sports bra and cheer/athletic shoes. Hair should be pulled back and no jewelry is allowed for safety reasons. Fingernails should also be trimmed to the required length. Tryout Day: Candidates are required to wear a t-shirt (but cannot be cheer related), athletic shorts and cheer/athletic shoes. Tryout Results Cheer-Candidates and at least one parent/guardian must sign up for a results time slot. Coach Katy and Coach Jenny will meet with each candidate and parent/guardian individually to go over the candidate s results. Results meetings will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 21st in the Trends Room. Post Tryout Meeting: All selected candidates are expected to attend a mandatory cheerleader/parent meeting on Tuesday, April 24th at 6:00 p.m. in the West cafeteria.
WWHS Cheerleading Attendance and Safety Guidelines 2018-2019 Cheerleading Season Cheerleading is a unique sport, wherein the absence of one team member affects the entire squad. Absences may lead to loss of participation, loss of awards, and ultimately dismissal from the squad. If you are going to be gone for any of the reasons listed on the time-table an absent form must be filled out and turned in according to the times listed. Forms will be available on our cheer website. * Each squad member is expected to be present at all practices, games, competitions, and tumbling practices. You will be excused only if you are absent from school due to an illness or a family emergency. If you do not attend the full school day you are not allowed to attend practice, even if just to watch. If you are injured, you are still expected to attend practice, even if that means you can only watch. * If you are absent due to a family emergency or illness, you (the cheerleader) must call/text your coach to notify them as early as possible. We want to hear from the cheerleader; not the parent. Parents are able to contact coaches ONLY if your athlete is too sick to contact their coach themselves. *If you are running late, you must text your coach stating this and when you expect to be at practice or a game. It is your responsibility as the athlete to contact your coach if you are running late. * All appointments and family activities should be scheduled around practice. If you miss a practice you are responsible for learning the material taught at that practice before the next practice. * If enough notice is given, squad members may be excused for other WWHS activities, at the coach s discretion. * You are expected to be in the gym, dressed, ready to run, and warm up 15 minutes before your scheduled practice time. *Practice attire must consist of bundies or Nike pros, a t-shirt, shorts at a reasonable length, socks, and cheer shoes. Loose fitting/tank tops/strappy shirts will not be allowed for safety reasons and the cheerleader will be expected to change. *Information regarding changes in schedule, etc. will be given to you at practice. You are expected to pass this information along to your parents. This information will also be updated online. *For safety reasons your hair must be up at all times, nails must be kept short, and there is no gum or mints allowed while participating in any cheer activity. Practice time is not the time to cut your nails. *You are responsible for keeping your uniform in good condition and only wearing them at cheer events.
*All jewelry must be removed before participating at practices, games, competitions, tumbling, and any other cheer related activity. If you would like any piercings; this should be done while cheer is not in season. Any violation will result in running extra laps, or for repeated offenses, sitting on the bench for a game or competition. Reason for Absence Family Dinners (birthday or special occasion) Scheduled Doctors/Orthodontist/Dentist Appointment School Events (choir & band concerts/field trips) ACT Testing Other WWHS Activities (Participating in plays, other sports, band, etc ) Family Vacation Church retreats, functions, VBS, etc Girl Scout Camp or other volunteer opportunities Return from half-time (football or basketball) Concerts/Shows/Movies Drivers ED 48 hours 1 week 1 week 2 weeks Timeframe to give the coach notice Please talk with your coach 2 weeks before auditions/tryouts for the other activity 6 weeks 6 weeks 6 weeks With 2:00 minutes left on the game clock 1 Week Do not schedule during practice times *An unexcused absence will be given if you fail to give notice according the table above, or you fail to notify a coach when running late. *If you miss a practice(s), and the coach feels that you are not prepared, you may have to sit on the bench at a game or competition. *The first two unexcused absences are considered a warnings. The third unexcused absence will result in sitting out one game or competition in full uniform next to their coach. The fourth unexcused absence could result in more time sitting out or dismissal from the cheer program. *If you become academically ineligible during the season, you will be expected to attend practices but will follow the consequences as described in the WWHS Athletic Code.
Elite Tumbling at Waukesha West High School Our West cheerleaders have many goals for this cheer season. But the main goal is to compete competitively as a team including qualifying for Regionals and State. This is an achievable goal and one that the coaches believe is very possible, but it s going to be very difficult without full team tumbling. Elite Tumbling is an integral part of cheerleading here at WWHS for the 2018-2019 cheer season. There will be an additional cost for this service. If your daughter has taken a class at Salto or another facility, you will be surprised to learn that this cost is actually less than any other gym. Elite charges $9.50 per tumbling session. Full payment is due at the beginning of each month and expected whether you tumble every Thursday or not. All checks are payable to Elite Tumbling. Elite will be here each Thursday working with our girls from 7:30-8:30 p.m. All tumbling dates and times are listed on the cheer calendar. Unless your daughter is medically excused, every cheerleader is expected to participate in tumbling. We will also need a note from your doctor if she is medically excused. Even if your daughter is medically excused from tumbling, she is required to attend each tumbling practice. Missing tumbling, even if medically excused, will result in an unexcused absence unless coaches are contacted prior. If financial obligations are an issue to you and your family, please contact the coaches personally and we will do whatever we can within our cheer budget to help you. We do not want any cheerleader to be left out due to financial constraints. If you have any other questions regarding Elite Tumbling, please contact the coaches.
WWHS Cheerleading Expenses 2018-2019 Cheer Season Below is a list of out-of-pocket expenses not covered by WWHS Cheer. Please note that the prices listed are only estimates and are subject to change. Expenses *Cheer Shoes (both game and competition; approximately $60 per pair) *Camp Clothes $60 *Warm-Up Pants $50 *Poms $20 *Bundies $15 *Body Liner $40 *Sports Bra $10 *Cheer Back-Pack $50 *Cheer Camp $110 *Elite Tumbling fee due each month **Each cheerleader is also expected to pay the West Athletic Fee of $150. This fee does not go to West Cheerleading or our budget. This fee is paid to the school for all athletes regardless of how many sports they participate in. **Please note that some items will not have to be purchased every year and unforeseen expenses can occur.
WWHS Cheerleading Parent Expectations 2018-2019 Cheer Season The cheerleading squad and coaches of Waukesha West are very grateful to have an active Cheer Parents group. Being involved with the Cheer Parents is a great way to get to know other cheer families and their athletes. It is also an excellent way to get involved in West Cheer and West Athletics in general. The Cheer Parents group meets once a month (date and time TBD after tryouts) and is usually held in the lower level of the West cafeteria during a cheer practice or the teacher s lounge. Parents of cheerleaders are expected to participate/supervise in all fundraising events. The Cheer Parents sponsor several fundraisers throughout the year such as: **Brat Frys at Pick-n-Save (two to three in the summer months) **Kiddie Clinics (we will be holding two this season; football and basketball season) **50-50 Raffle (held at each home football game and home boys and girls basketball game) **Marcus Movie Ticket Sale (usually around Thanksgiving) **Kwik Trip Gas Cards Sale (usually around Christmas) **Up to 2 junk food sales at school (i.e. Krispy Kreme donuts) Each fundraiser will require at least one chairperson to organize the fundraiser. Co-chairs are encouraged between parents so that fundraiser information is passed on throughout the years. All monies raised from fundraisers are used to pay for all competition fees and other fees experienced throughout the cheer season (i.e. t-shirts and poms for the Pink basketball game, new cheer mats, bowmaking supplies, etc...) The girls are expected to participate in the annual Booster Club Golf Outing in September. This is our time commitment contribution for any Booster Club allocation requested during the school year. Please note that there is only one account/budget for cheerleading. All money that is fundraised and deposited into the account is used for all athletes. It is imperative that all cheerleaders and their parents help with the fundraising events that occur during the cheer season. We will also need to have one or two Booster Club representatives to attend monthly Booster Club meetings on our (cheer) behalf. Booster Club meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m. and meet in the teacher s lounge.
WWHS Cheer Conflict Resolution 2018-2019 Cheer Season Being a cheerleader at WWHS also means being a cheer family. As with all families sometimes conflicts occur. There are two types of conflict: team conflict and individual conflict. When it is a team conflict, the coaches will address the issue(s) as a team/family. These conflicts will be addressed on the mat, with all members of the team and coaches present. All members will be able to state their issues and we will work together as a family to come to a resolution that is best for the team. If the coaches deem necessary, they will involve the Athletic Director. When it is an individual conflict, your daughter should approach their coach with their questions or concerns and set up a meeting after practice to discuss the issue. This is a part of growing up. If your cheerleader is not satisfied with the answers she receives through the discussions then a meeting between the Head Coach, the individual cheerleader and parent may be arranged. Please be advised that only issues regarding your cheerleader will be addressed. We as coaches are expected to model appropriate methods of conflict resolution and dealing with adversity. If a situation occurs with a student or parent, a 24 hour calming period is expected. After this time an in-person meeting will be scheduled to include all necessary coaches. Parents and athletes will be instructed to follow the same process. All meetings will involve the athlete; the coach(es) will not meet with the parent only. If the situation has still not been resolved after going through the proper channels, then we will involve the Athletic Director of WWHS. We appreciate direct questions and concerns from cheer parents. If you have a specific question or concern about a coach, please contact them directly or speak to our head coach, Katy Rice. From there we can involve the Athletic Director if needed. As we teach our girls respect and maturity in dealing directly and calmly about situations, we expect the same model from parents. Unsigned letters will not be tolerated and will be thrown away. In dealing with conflict and resolution, we as the cheer coaches are always looking out for the best interest of the cheerleading team and not a particular individual. You may not always like the answer, but parents and athletes will get an honest answer that is in the coaches view the best for our cheerleading team.
WWHS Team Divisions & Alternate Position(s) 2018-2019 Cheerleading Season Alternates: Alternates will be established to have a bench to draw from in cases of injury, ineligibility, or poor attitudes. Alternates are expected to follow the attendance policy; and must attend all practices, games, competitions, and events unless they are sick or they have a family emergency. Alternates are expected to learn the counts related to their position, and must be ready to be substituted for any position in the routine. Alternates are essential to the success of the team. If an alternate is substituted in for a team member, the substitution is only temporary. The original competition team member will return to the competition team, unless their skill level has dropped. If it is determined that an athlete on the competition team should be removed and placed on alternate status, the concerns will be documented and discussed with the athletic director. The athlete and their parents will then be warned of the issues and concerns to allow for the opportunity for the athlete to redeem themselves before a final decision is made. If no steps are made by the athlete to remedy the situation, the athlete will be asked to step down from the competition team. Alternate Selection: Will be based on numbers and the talent level available at tryouts. Alternates will be identified towards the end of football season. This will give the athletes time over the summer/football season to improve their cheerleading skills. Alternates or those that did not make the competition team are encouraged to schedule a meeting with their coaches to discuss the decision, but it will be understood that the coaches decision is final.
WWHS Alternate Form 2018-2019 Cheer Season Please select all of the below options that apply to you. This will help us decide our team(s). This will not have any effect on your scores. No, I do not want to be on the WWHS cheer squad if I might be placed as an alternate. Yes, I am okay with being on the WWHS cheer squad regardless of if I am an alternate or not. I am open to anything and just want to be a member of WWHS Cheer! By signing below, I hereby acknowledge that I have read the information above and agree to the Alternate Agreement. Candidate Name: Candidate Signature:
WWHS Cheerleading Teacher Recommendation (TWO teacher recommendations are required from each candidate) This recommendation is part of the Waukesha West High School Cheerleading Tryout. We are looking for hardworking, dependable individuals that act as role models for other students and who would make excellent representative of Waukesha West High School. Your opinion is very important to us! Please fill out and either drop in the cheer mailbox at Waukesha West HS or inter-office school mail to: Jenny Brown Waukesha West Cheer. Thank you for your time! Student s Name: (1=Poor, 5=Excellent and please elaborate if needed.) This student works well with other peers: 1 2 3 4 5 This student is respectful to adults & peers: 1 2 3 4 5 This student is hardworking: 1 2 3 4 5 This student has good attendance and makes it to class on time: 1 2 3 4 5 This student is respected by peers: 1 2 3 4 5 This student would make an excellent representative of Waukesha West HS: 1 2 3 4 5 In the space provided below, please tell us what is your overall opinion of this student? Name of Teacher Contact #/e-mail
WWHS Cheerleading Teacher Recommendation (TWO teacher recommendations are required from each candidate) This recommendation is part of the Waukesha West High School Cheerleading Tryout. We are looking for hardworking, dependable individuals that act as role models for other students and who would make excellent representative of Waukesha West High School. Your opinion is very important to us! Please fill out and either drop in the cheer mailbox at Waukesha West HS or inter-office school mail to: Jenny Brown Waukesha West Cheer. Thank you for your time! Student s Name: (1=Poor, 5=Excellent and please elaborate if needed.) This student works well with other peers: 1 2 3 4 5 This student is respectful to adults & peers: 1 2 3 4 5 This student is hardworking: 1 2 3 4 5 This student has good attendance and makes it to class on time: 1 2 3 4 5 This student is respected by peers: 1 2 3 4 5 This student would make an excellent representative of Waukesha West HS: 1 2 3 4 5 In the space provided below, please tell us what is your overall opinion of this student? Name of Teacher Contact #/e-mail
WWHS Cheerleading Application 2018-2019 Cheer Season My child,, has my permission to tryout for Waukesha West Cheer. I understand that he/she must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the coaches, Athletic Director and Principal of WWHS. She/he must also be present for all practices (including tumbling) and games and will be penalized if the coaches have not been made aware of an absence beforehand. I have read the tryout packet and understand what is expected at tryouts and what is expected if my child is selected to be a West Cheerleader. Any violation of expectations may lead to temporary or permanent suspension from the squad. I understand all forms attached must be completed by March 20th or my child will not be allowed to tryout. I understand that my child must attend 2 out of the 3 practice and tryout sessions as stated in the packet or my child will not be considered for a cheerleading position. *I understand that my child will be evaluated by qualified judges and we agree to abide by the decision of the coaches. *I have read the rules and regulations stated in the WWHS Parent-Student Co-Curricular Code of Conduct. *I understand that 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 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 Waukesha West High School or any of its personnel or coaches responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time. *I understand all costs involved as stated on the financial information sheet. *I understand that I will notify the coaches of any prescription medication that my daughter/son may take during the course of the cheer season. *I understand my role as a cheer parent and will help uphold all rules set by the coaches and this packet. *If for some reason a cheerleader decides to leave her squad during the season, she must address her teammates in person to give her explanation as to why she is leaving. She will also not be allowed to tryout again for WWHS cheer for one full school year. *If an emergency were to occur and I am unable to be contacted, I give my permission for the proper medical care to be given to my child by qualified professionals. Parent or Guardian Signature Date I am interested in being a cheerleader at Waukesha West High School. I understand the risks stated above. If selected, I promise to abide by the Waukesha West Athletic Code and the rules and expectations set forth by the coaches, Athletic Director and Principal of WWHS. I promise to cooperate and follow the instructions of the coaches and to display positive school spirit at all times. Student Signature Current School Date Current Grade Extra-Curricular Activities/schedule conflicts: Prior Experience with cheer, dance and/or gymnastics: