Cheerleader/Mascot Tryout Packet

Cheerleader/Mascot Tryout Packet January 28, 2016 1

Dear Parents/Guardian, Your child has expressed an interest in becoming a cheerleader or mascot. If he/she is selected, there are certain responsibilities and obligations that he/she must assume in order to qualify to tryout for and remain a member of the cheerleading squad. The attached pages contain the cheerleader/mascot tryout information. Any questions please email or call the school and ask to speak with the sponsor(s). Please note that the tryout permission form, the insurance information form, and the medical history/physical form must be completed and turned in before your child will be allowed to participate in any part of the tryout process. Middle school students and those transferring from other high schools must also turn in a copy of their last report card. Current students should return all completed paperwork to the sponsor. Eighth grade students may turn in all required forms to the main office at the appropriate high school. Any students transferring from another school system should return all completed paperwork to the main office. If we have not received your child's paperwork by the first day of the tryout clinic, he/she will not be allowed to participate and will be sent home. You will also find teacher recommendation forms attached. Your child should distribute one form to each of his/her first semester teachers as soon as possible. We must receive a completed teacher recommendation form from each of your child's teachers in order for him/her to be eligible to try out. Students in the past have received many beneficial experiences from cheerleading, and we hope that this experience will be enriching and worthwhile for your child as well. January 28, 2016 2

Please read the entire application packet then both the candidate and the parent/guardian must sign the permission slip and required forms. The forms must be completed in order for the candidate to tryout. IMPORTANT DATES All forms due: FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016 Tryout Clinic: March 16-17, 2016 Tryouts: March 18, 2016 Parent Meeting for Cheerleading Squad: March 24, 2016 Uniform Fitting (if applicable): TBA First Practice: TBA Cheer Kiddie Camp **Mandatory**: JUNE 6-10, 2016 NCA/UCA Cheer Camp **Mandatory**: TBA REQUIRED PAPERWORK 1. All cheerleaders must meet the Louisiana High School Athletic Association s eligibility requirements. All participants must have obtained a C average to tryout. Candidates from a middle school or another high school must provide a copy of their own report card. 2. All forms must be completed, signed by a parent/guardian and turned in by FRIDAY, MARCH 11, 2016. 3. All fees owed must be paid by the day of tryouts. Students will not be allowed to try out if fees are not paid. January 28, 2016 3

PROCEDURES DRESS CODE NOTES High School Cheerleading Candidates must be checked in by 3:45 p.m. Candidates should warm up on their own. Do not be late. If you are not at school before tryouts begin, you will not be allowed to participate. Participants must wear black shorts, a solid white shirt (no v-neck shirts/tank tops and shirts should not have visible logos), white socks, and tennis shoes for tryouts. Female participants must have all hair pulled back in a ponytail, if possible, for tryouts (no bows allowed). Anyone not in the complete and correct tryout uniform will not be allowed to tryout. Stick-on numbers will be given to each candidate. Numbers must be placed on the front of the shirt where it is visible. Failure to wear the proper number will result in disqualification. 1. Tryouts will be held before a qualified panel of judges who have no former associations with any participants or the sponsors. 2. Selection of cheerleaders will be based on the skill scores from tryouts and teacher recommendations. 3. When tryouts are completed, all participants will be dismissed. All participants must leave the school premises. The list of Cheerleaders will be available via the school website no later than 8:30 p.m. PARENT MEETING/UNIFORM INFORMATION 1. There will be a meeting for all newly selected cheerleaders and their parents. 2. All cheerleaders will have expenditures. This includes camp fees, clothing, shoes and other supplies deemed necessary by sponsors. 3. There will be a uniform fitting. Parents are encouraged to attend to assist in the fitting and ordering process. PRACTICE 1. The first practice for the Cheerleading Squad will be on_tba. 2. Regular after school practices will be through the remainder of the school year. Those cheerleaders who ride the bus will be dismissed to ride the activity bus. January 28, 2016 4

Cheerleader Tryout Score Sheet Tumbling 10 Correct execution, difficulty Standing Tumbling 5 points (only 1 attempt) Back handspring 1-2 points Toe-touch back handspring 2-3 points Back handspring series 2-4 points Back handspring (single or multiple) back tuck 3-5 points Standing back tuck 3-4 points Toe-touch back tuck 4-5 points Toe-touch back handspring back tuck 4-5 points Running Tumbling 5 points (1 pass only) Round-off 1point Round-off back handspring 1-2 points Round-off back handspring series 2-3 points Round-off back tuck 2-3 points Round-off back handspring tuck 3-4 points Round-off back handspring layout 4-5 points Round-off back handspring full/elite pass 4-5 points Spirit, Enthusiasm, Voice & Appearance 15 Crowd involvement, facials, eye contact, confidence, poise, grooming, volume, clarity, inflection, rhythm, memorization Cheer/Chant Motion Technique 15 Arm levels, sharp motions, correct fists Jumps 15 Correct execution, height Required (3 jump 5 points each): Herkie Toe-touch One optional jump Dance (Females only) / Stunts (males only) 15 Dance - Sharp motions, keeps beat, facial expressions, memorization, high energy/correct execution, Stunts - difficulty, strength Single Based Stunt (5) 1 leg extended stunt (5) Transition Stunt (5) Judge's Total 70 January 28, 2016 5

APPROXIMATE CHEERLEADER COSTS The following is a list of possible expenses that may be incurred. Not all activities and/or items may relate to each squad. We do host several fundraisers throughout the year to help with the costs. This is simply a guideline of the approximate cost of being a cheerleader. SUMMER CAMP UCA $350 UNIFORM (Please note: These are new item costs. Not all cheerleaders/mascots need all of the following) Practice Uniforms $60 Uniform Rental $70 Gray uniform $142 Windsuit $75 Shoes $75 Sweatshirt $33 Sportsbras $13.50 Biker Shorts $13.50 Cheer socks $5.95 Campus Tee $51.50 Bow $15 Sweater-Cardigan $76.95 TOTAL UNIFORM COST ESTIMATE $707.40 PROPS Poms $21 OPTIONAL ITEMS none of these items will be allowed to be worn over uniform during game times Megaphone Bag $17.99 Cheer Yard Sign $8 Cheer Bag $17.95 The total maximum approximate cost is based on students buying every item listed above. Most cheerleaders do not purchase all of the above items. TOTAL (APPROXIMATE) CHEERLEADER COSTS $_1047.34 January 28, 2016 6

APPROXIMATE MASCOT COSTS SUMMER CAMP UCA $350 UNIFORM (Please note: These are new item costs. Not all cheerleaders/mascots need all of the following) Practice Uniforms $60 Windsuit $75 Sweatshirt $33 Sweater-Cardigan $76.95 TOTAL UNIFORM COST ESTIMATE $244.95 PROPS OPTIONAL ITEMS none of these items will be allowed to be worn over uniform during game times Cheer Sign $8 TOTAL (APPROXIMATE) MASCOT COSTS $ 602.95 January 28, 2016 7

Criteria Varsity Officers *Captain: must be a junior or senior, must have been a member of the cheerleading squad for at least one year prior to trying out for an officer position. *1 st Co-Captain: may be a sophomore, junior, or senior, must have been a member of the cheerleading squad for at least one year prior to trying out for an officer position. *2 nd Co-Captain: may be a sophomore, junior or senior, must have been a member of the cheerleading squad for at least one year prior to trying out for an officer position. *Lieutenant: may be a sophomore, junior, or senior, must have been a member of the cheerleading squad for at least one year prior to trying out for an officer position No officers may be involved in any other activity (including work) that will take precedence over cheerleading. Those interested in becoming an officer should consider the extra time commitment and responsibilities that accompany an officer position. General Information Officer Tryouts will be closed. Scores will not be available for review. Officers may be determined by the following criteria: o Officer Questionnaire and Interview o Squad Tryout Score o Previous Performance on Squad and Merit/Demerit Record Tryouts Candidates for varsity officer may be required to complete a questionnaire during the week of cheerleading tryouts. All questionnaires will be completed in the presence of the sponsors. The questionnaire will ask questions about the candidates goals and plans as well as situational questions. Officer interviews will take place after squad tryouts. This portion of the tryouts will be in front of a panel of UCA/NCA judges and the sponsors. Tryouts may consist of the following components: 1. The judges will also assist the sponsor in asking a series of interview questions (based on the candidate s portfolio and other generic cheerleading questions) 2. Candidates should also be prepared to give a 1 minute (max) speech explaining why they think they should be captain (experience, ideas, etc). January 28, 2016 8

REQUIRED FORMS The forms that follow must be SIGNED and returned before the first day of tryouts. Please carefully read all material within this entire packet. By signing these forms, you are indicating that you have read and also agree to abide by all information contained within this document. Application for Tryouts Physical Form Medical Insurance Form Teacher Rec Forms St. Charles Parish Consent Form January 28, 2016 9

High School Cheerleading January 28, 2016 10

Cheerleading/Mascot Application/Permission Form for Tryouts Cheerleader s Name: Squad trying out for (circle all that apply): Varsity (10-12 th ) Mascot (9 th -12 th ) Grade Level for: Current School: Current Class Schedule: CLASS/TEACHER CLASS/TEACHER Parent Contact Information: Parents Names: Contact Phone Number: Email: Participation Release Student Agreement - I am interested in being a cheerleader. I understand the risks stated above. If selected, I promise to abide by the St. Charles Parish Cheerleader Handbook and the rules and regulations set forth by the sponsor and the principal. I promise to cooperate and follow the instructions of the cheerleading coach. I agree to participate in all required activities if selected as member of either the cheerleading squad or as the mascot. Student Signature: Date: / / Parent Agreement My child,, has my permission try out to be a cheerleader/mascot. I understand that all forms attached must be completed before the first day of tryouts, or my child will not be allowed to tryout. I understand that my child must attend all practices (unless excused by the advisor) and tryout sessions, or my child will not be considered for a cheerleading position. I understand that my daughter/son will be evaluated by qualified judges, and we agree to abide by the decision of the judges. I understand that, if selected, he/she must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the sponsor, the principal, and the St. Charles Parish Cheerleader Handbook. I understand that my child must be present for all practices and games. I have read the rules and regulations and understand that the violation of any of these rules may lead to temporary or permanent suspension from the squad. I understand all costs, as stated by the sponsor, are my responsibility and I must meet all payment deadlines set by the sponsor. I understand by the very nature of the activity of cheerleading carries 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 minor injuries such as 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 the school or any of its personnel responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time. I agree to indemnify the school and its employees for any claim which may hereafter be presented by my child as a result of such injuries. In the event that I am unavailable for purposes of providing parental consent, I authorize the staff, hospital, or emergency care center affiliated with the school or school district to provide such hospital care that includes routine diagnostic procedures and medical treatment as necessary to my minor child. I understand that consent does not include major surgical procedures. Parent Signature: Date: / / January 28, 2016 11

MEDICAL INSURANCE/EMERGENCY INFORMATION MEDICAL INFORMATION DO YOU HAVE A DISABILITY, ALLERGY, SPECIAL MEDICATION, OR OTHER MEDICAL CONDITION THAT YOU REQUIRE SPECIAL CARE? YES NO IF YES PLEASE EXPLAIN BELOW. PROOF OF MEDICAL INSURANCE PLEASE PROVIDE YOUR INSURANCE INFORMATION BELOW INSURED S NAME: NAME OF INSURANCE COMPANY: POLICY NUMBER: STREET ADDRESS: CITY, STATE, ZIP: TELEPHONE: IN CASE OF AN EMERGENCY: NAME: NAME: RELATIONSHIP: RELATIONSHIP: DAYTIME PHONE: DAYTIME PHONE: EVENING PHONE: EVENING PHONE: CELL PHONE: CELL PHONE: SIGNATURE OF PARENT/GUARDIAN: DATE: A COPY OF YOUR INSURANCE CARD MUST BE SUBMITTED ALONG WITH THIS PAGE January 28, 2016 12

Teacher Recommendation for Cheerleading Tryouts Student: These forms are to be presented to your first semester teachers. Please give one to every teacher. Teacher: These confidential recommendations make up 30% of a candidate's tryout score. It is very important that you rate the student according to how YOU feel the student does and has done in YOUR class or classes. Please be honest. The forms will NOT be shared with the students. Thank you for your time and cooperation. Please fill out each section, and return the form to the sponsor by. Do Not give the form to the student to return. Name of candidate: Class(es) Taught: On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, please rate this candidate in each of the following areas: Poor Average Strong Profile 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Ability to get along with others Attentiveness in class Willingness to help classmates Quality of work in or out of class Punctuality General disposition/attitude Attendance record Ability to accept criticism Ability to represent our school well Grand Total: Teacher s Name: Teacher s Initials January 28, 2016 13

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