DOWNINGTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEERLEADING 2018-2019 Calling all 7 th / 8 th grade girls and boys who are interested in showing their school spirit. DMS Cheer team will be cheering at football games, basketball games, and attending roughly three to five competitions this season. If you are interested in being part of something extraordinary come to try outs. We are in need of highly motivated, dedicated, and fun candidates. Please look over the information below for more information! No experience needed. Tryouts All tryout dates are MANDATORY for all students who want to cheer. Please notify coach of any conflicts prior to tryouts. (More information about tryout material is under the tryout section of this packet on page 3) When: Wednesday, May 30 th 6:00pm-8:00pm (You will be learning tryout material) Thursday, May 31 th 6:00pm-8:00pm (Briefly review and stunt) Friday, June 1 st 6:00pm-8:00pm (Evaluations start) & Where: Downingtown Middle School AUX Gym What to bring: Cheerleader application, Signed agreement form, permission slip, and smiles!!! What to wear: Please wear a WHITE t-shirt and BLACK/BLUE shorts. Sneakers and hair must be up out of the face.
DMS CHEERLEADING ORGANIZATION 1. Program Goal: 2. Roles To create a FUN and SAFE environment for students to develop school spirit for Downingtown Middle School and learn the sport of cheerleading. Participate in school activities with respectful and confident attitudes Develop time management, goal setting, a good work ethic, support system and good leadership skills. Create a strong program to feed into our Nationally Ranked High School Downingtown West!! Coach The coach is hired by the Downingtown Area School District (DASD) and is responsible for the day-today activities of the cheer team. The coach is responsible for the administration of all disciplinary procedures Cheerleader Cheerleaders are chosen not only for exceptional skill and athleticism, but also for leadership potential. Student athletes are held to a higher standard and are expected to represent DMS and the Downingtown community by setting a good example at all times. High School Helpers- The Downingtown West Cheerleaders are willing to come and help out with the DMS cheer team. They are responsible to help assist any cheerleaders who have questions and need a better understanding of a skill and/or information given. School Administration and DASD All cheerleading activities must be consistent with the policies and philosophy of the Downingtown Area School District. It is the school s responsibility to schedule and supervise all activities, hire/evaluate/discipline the coaching staff,
and support the coaches in their administration of cheerleader discipline 3. Cheerleader Eligibility Tryout The Downingtown Middle School Coach will evaluate all participants during the tryout process and, when appropriate, place athletes on the cheer team based on tryout results and squad needs. ONLY 25 athletes will be taken and up to 18 will also be part of the competition team. Those who are not picked to be in the 18 will be competition alternates. Students and parents agree to abide by the decision of the coaches. o At Tryouts cheerleaders are expected to do 1 dance and 1 cheer (we teach on day one), tumbling (that athlete can execute safely by themselves cartwheels, forward rolls acceptable), toe touch and pike jump, and possibly basic stunting. o When trying out please remember this should be fun and relaxed! For all 25 athletes that are chosen to be on the DMS team. Will cheer at basketball and football games For the 18 athletes that were chosen from the 25 to compete at competitions Will still cheer at basketball and football games; however, will also compete at competitions throughout the season. For the 7 athletes that will be competition alternates Will still cheer at basketball and football games; however, you will only compete at a competition if one of the 18 athletes are injured or is no longer part of team. Once injured athlete returns, it is up to the coach s discretion on whether alternate athlete will remain on the competition team. Every athlete who attends tryouts will be evaluated on skills, attitude, and presence. Placement will be chosen by a combination of tryout scores, appearance and attitude. Please Note: Cheerleaders who
are competition alternates, please do not be discouraged, changes may be made throughout the season. Academic Each squad member must maintain academic eligibility as defined by the DASD. If a cheerleader fails to maintain these grade requirements, he/she will meet with the coach to discuss the terms of a probationary period and set a timeline for achievement of the required standards. Skill/Fitness Each cheerleader should strive to improve his/her skills throughout the season. The coach will assist in goal setting, but cheerleaders must take the initiative to not only maintain skills, but also to challenge themselves and improve in all aspects of the sport. Attendance and Participation Cheerleaders must attend all scheduled activities including, but not limited to, Downingtown West Cheer Clinics, games, practices, competitions, fundraisers, and community events (if given). Attendance will be recorded at all events and kept on file for the entire season. A cheerleader is only allowed to have TWO UNEXCUSED absences. If the cheerleader reaches two unexcused absences, he/she will be benched and/or pulled from competition if he/she is on the competition team. Please discuss with coach what an excused vs unexcused absence will be. If an illness or emergency prevents attendance at any event, the coach must be notified with as much notice as possible. (Coach will check email daily for this very reason) Games & Competitions Attendance and participation at all scheduled games and competitions is MANDATORY. Any potential absences must be notified in advance. Practices There will be practices at least two times a week (possibly Tuesday and Thursdays 6:00-8:00pm) with occasional Saturday practices (about 2 times a month). Saturday practices along with week day practices are Mandatory, unless given advanced notice.
Cheerleaders are expected to report at least 10 minutes before the scheduled practice time to roll out mats and stretch in preparation for practice. Cell phones and other electronic devices are not permitted in practice. They must be turned off and put away for the duration of practice. In case of emergency, Coach will have their cell phone with them at all times. Cheerleaders are expected to stay at the end of practice until all mats are rolled up and put away and the gym space is clear of all trash and personal belongings. Other sports/activities/cheer programs - As a coach I encourage cheerleaders to be part of other school sports. I expect the cheerleader to come to me with scheduling issues. I am willing to be flexible with the other sports schedules as well as expecting the other coach being flexible. Cheerleading for DMS should be just as important to the cheerleader as the other activities that they are involved in. Appearance and Uniform As representatives of Downingtown Middle School and the cheerleading program, cheerleaders are expected to maintain a good personal appearance that cannot be criticized. Uniforms are provided by the DASD for a cheerleader s use during the cheer season. Each cheerleader is expected to maintain this uniform and return it in the same condition in which it was issued by the end of season. The coaches reserve the right to have an obligation in the amount of $100 (replacement cost) placed on a cheerleader s school account if the uniform is not returned in a timely manner at the end of the season. Team members may not post inappropriate photographs of themselves or any other cheerleaders to social media while in uniform. Inappropriate language, behavior, and unsportsmanlike conduct while in uniform will be grounds for disciplinary action. Medical and Safety Each team member must turn in a completed PIAA Physical Exam form to coach or school by August 13 th, 2018. Each cheerleader is expected to follow all established safety precautions and report injuries to the coach the same day they occur. Team members
are expected to follow the advice and direction of the personal doctor to facilitate healing and prevent further injury. Link form for the Physical Form (This must be dated after June 1 st for PIAA regulations) https://www.dasd.org/cms/lib/pa01916467/centricity/domain/1644 /Full%20Physical%20Form.pdf Tentative practice schedule: Game day practices Tuesday s 6:00pm-8:00pm Just Competition practices Thursday s 6:00pm-8:00pm and occasional Saturday practice 9:00am-12:00pm Schedules are sent out in advance however, changes will be communicated as soon as possible. Thank You ahead of time for your flexibility. Tentative Game schedule: Football games are usually 3:00-5:15 on Monday and Wednesdays (September-October) Basketball games are usually 3:00-5:15 on Monday and Wednesdays (December-February) Tentative Competition schedule (Dates TBD): (If selected to be on the team all competition cheerleaders MUST attend!) Whippet Invitational Competition at Downingtown West High School Chester County Cheer Classic at Downingtown East High School Chesmont Competition at Unionville High School Possible 4 th competition location to be determined Possible 5 th competition location to be determined
*NEW* UCA Home Summer Camp I am pleased to announce that we will be doing a UCA Home Camp with local middle schools in our area. Dates for camp is July 31st to August 2nd, times TBD. This will include Day 1 team prep followed by UCA instructors coming in on days 2 and 3, August 1 st and 2 nd. This camp will open for all DMS Cheerleaders! More information to come post tryouts.
DMS CHEERLEADER FINACIAL RESPONSIBILITIES Items and Cost break down. An item sheet will be given out/ email after athlete makes the team. The parent will then fill out what item they will want and need money due date will be on the sizing sheet. Bodyliner $15.00 Bloomers $7.00 Poms $13.00 Game Bow $2.00 Half zip Warm-up jacket $25.00 Practice clothes set $30.00 o T-shirt o Shorts Competition Bow $11.00 Competitions/Music $20.00 o Alternates $10.00 Optional Home Summer Camp $72.00 o This is not mandatory Optional bag $35.00 o This is not mandatory REMINDER: There is also a separate fee for ALL athletes must pay. It is the DASD activity fee of $75.00. This is for the school and is not through the coach. The link is on the DMS Athletic page. Please contact coach if you any questions about this or any payments. Once athletes are selected, more information re: payments will be released. RETURNING CHEERLEADERS à only items that are different from last year will be practice clothes, competition bow. If you need any of the same items from last year due to it being lost or damage, please order another new one. You have the option of buying the half zip warm up if you would like. This is optional for returning members to buy this item. You will also need to pay the school activity fee, which is a separate fee through the school. NEW CHEERLEADERS à you will need all the items listed above. On the Competition Team Price: o Without Camp à $113.00 Comp. Alternates w/o camp à $103.00 o With Camp à $185.00 Comp. Alternate w/ camp à 175.00 o Reminder this does not include the school s activity. Again, that is a separate fee through the school.
**Items that are listed above do not include your personal responsibility items. ALL CHEERLEADERS will need the following items and parent/guardian must get by the end of the first month on making the team are Girl s Plain WHITE cheer sneakers (There is not certain brand that is required as long as they are white cheer sneakers, safe, and comfortable for the cheerleader) Boy s WHITE sneakers (can be any style, as long as predominantly white.) Girl s Plain BLACK boot cut yoga pants (this will be used as your warm up pants) Boy s PLAIN BLACK straight leg athletic sweat pants Girl s Please try to wear spandex shorts under your shorts for practice. If at an event, please keep this neutral (blue, black, gray). These are not to be worn as your shorts, must be worn under shorts. Boy s ROYAL BLUE Athletic Shorts (this can be purchased at any sport store, Walmart, and/or target. Brand does not matter as long as they are ROYAL BLUE and comfortable) If having trouble finding these items, contact the coach for guidance. Here are some good cheer companies that will have the items listed for personal responsibility. You do not need to use these companies; these are just recommendations to simplify the process. https://www.omnicheer.com/ https://shop.varsity.com/?utm_source=varsitydotcom&utm_medium=hea der&utm_campaign=shop-varsitydotcom
AGREEMENT FORM Character, Rules, and Behavior Each squad member must: Abide by the rules and standards set forth in the DASD Student Code of Conduct. Be leaders within the school and set a good example at all times. Be courteous and friendly to fellow squad members, other students, and members of other teams. Be respectful to the coach and to the school Discipline Policy Negative comments directed at the school, squad, or coaches on social media will be cause for disciplinary action up to and including removal from the squad. Failure to treat coach, team members, and fans with respect (including via social media) will be cause for removal from the team. Records will be kept of all rule violations and, when possible, at least one warning will be issued to the cheerleader and his/her parents before dismissal from the squad. Financial Responsibility Each cheerleader and his/her parents or guardians will be responsible for all costs associated with being a member of the Downingtown Middle School cheerleading squad. These costs include but are not limited to dues, clothing, accessories, and school fees. A detailed breakdown of estimated costs is included in this tryout packet on the document called 2018-2019 Cheerleader Financial Responsibilities. If a cheerleader quits the team or is removed from the squad for disciplinary reasons, all monies paid to DMS are NON- REFUNDABLE. It is not the intent of the Downingtown Middle School Cheerleading Program to prevent participation by any student who may have difficulty with these financial responsibilities. All concerns should be brought up privately with the coach so arrangements can be made for a flexible payment plan. I (PRINT NAME) as a Downingtown Middle School cheerleader understand the rules and regulations stated above. I promise to abide by the rules set forth by the DMS Coach, school administrators, and DASD. I promise to cooperate and follow the instructions of the cheerleading coaches, High School Helpers, and Guest. I have read, understand, and agree to the requirements of the Downingtown Middle School Cheerleading Program. / / Cheerleader Signature I (PRINT NAME), as the parent/guardian of (PRINT NAME) understand the rules and regulations stated above in the Cheerleading Organization. I promise to abide by the rules set forth by the DMS coach, school administrators, and DASD. I have read, understand, and agree to the requirements of the Downingtown Middle School Cheerleading Program. / /
DOWNINGTOWN MIDDLE SCHOOL CHEERLEADING APPLICATION 2018-2019 The following items must bring to DAY ONE of tryouts: 1. a copy (both front and back) of your medical insurance card 2. Permission Slip (Cheerleading Application/Questionnaire) 3. Constitution acknowledgement page Personal Information (PLEASE PRINT NEATLY) Name Parent/Legal Guardian Email(s) - (please put an email you check daily) Parent/Legal Guardian Parent/Legal Guardian Phone 1. Do you have any allergies? Y N If so, please list: 2. Are you currently being treated for any injuries? Y N If so, please describe:
Cheerleader Application 2018-2019 CANDIDATE QUESTIONAIRE (Please print neatly, handwriting that is not legible will not be reviewed) Name: Current Grade Please list all Cheerleading experience (none is OK)? What position were you? (please circle) Flyer Back Base Main Base Secondary Base Front Base Other Positions you have experience in: (please circle) Flyer Back Base Main Base Secondary Base Front Base None Tumbling Skills: Basic Skills Standing/Running Backhandspring Standing/Running Back Tuck Other: 1 of 3: What other sports teams or school activities do you participate in? 2 of 3: What do you feel are your greatest strengths in cheerleading (ex: stunting levels, tumbling ability, connected jumps, spirit etc.)? 3 of 3: Why do you want to be a Downingtown Middle School Cheerleader, and why should we select you for our squad?