S Springfield High School Cheerleading Tryout Packet MANDATORY Tryout Meeting: Wednesday, March 28th 5:30-6:30pm in the SHS Commons Tryout Clinics: April 10th-12th 5:00-7:30pm in the SHS gym Tryouts: Saturday, April 14th beginning at noon in the SHS gym The Springfield High School Cheerleading program is designed to promote school spirit and to support all athletics at Springfield High School. A cheerleader is considered a leader of the student body. Therefore the manner in which a cheerleader conducts him/herself in and out of the uniform, in school, on social media and in the community directly reflects the entire program, coaches and Springfield High School. The importance of making the commitment to cheerleading cannot be overemphasized. The cheerleading season begins with tryouts in April and ends at the conclusion of basketball season in March. It is a long season, with numerous responsibilities, that must be fulfilled in order to have a successful experience for everyone involved. These responsibilities include (but are not limited to) treating all teammates, coaches, teachers, administrators, and spectators with respect, attending all practices, games and performance events, maintaining eligibility, and meeting the established financial obligations. Members are also expected to be in good health and physically able to maintain the demands of cheerleading. Traditionally, the varsity cheerleaders perform at all home and away boy s football and basketball games. Junior varsity cheerleaders perform at all home and in-town away football games and all home and away basketball games. Selection of the squad members, size, and make-up of the squads will be determined by the coach. Every squad member must participate at every practice and every game. Work and various appointments are not acceptable reasons for missing practices. Additionally, vacations, out of town trips, and other activities must be planned around the cheerleading schedule. Scheduled performances and/or volunteer events are mandatory and include: Freshman Forward, The Illinois State Fair Twilight Parade, football and basketball games, our annual youth cheerleading clinic, the Muscular Dystrophy walk, Walk for a Cure, Run United 5K, SHS Open House, etc.
Poor behavior such as insubordination, tardiness, disrespect, instigation, lying, fighting, swearing, failure to adhere to the IHSA Drug & Alcohol Policy, ineligibility, failure to meet the financial obligations, etc. will result in disciplinary action. School and squad rules, with administrative input, serve as the basis for determining discipline. If a cheerleader cannot maintain the expectations set forth by the team and the schedule, he/she will be released from the team. In an attempt to curb the financial obligations associated with cheerleading, the uniforms, warm ups, and poms are owned by Springfield High School. Cheerleaders are assigned uniforms, warm ups, and poms for the year. If a cheerleader loses a garment and/or accessory, or it is damaged, his/her family will be held financially liable for the replacement. Cheerleaders must maintain grades in compliance with the Illinois High School Athletics rules. Eligibility requires that a student has passed five academic classes the previous semester as well as maintain passing grades in five academic classes during the performance season. The athletic office, as well as the coaches, will monitor grades on a weekly basis. A student found ineligible will be temporarily or permanently removed from the squad in order to allow their undivided time to be devoted towards academics. Selection of the team will be determined by the coach, with assistance from the panel of judges, using the following information: scores from tryouts, teacher evaluations, the permission form, application and questionnaire. Candidates must demonstrate cooperation and enthusiasm, positive behavior and attitudes, successful school attendance, and academic performance. Being part of the SHS cheerleading program is a special privilege, but one that comes with a lot of responsibility. Please take time to consider the expectations and commitment prior to going through the tryout process. Cheerfully, Coach Ashley Bryant If you have questions please contact me at senatorcheerleading@yahoo.com.
2018-2019 SHS Cheerleading Application Candidate Name: Next Year s Grade level: Years of cheerleading experience: Birthday: Parent/Guardian Name(s): Address: Best parent contact number: Student s cell: Parent s e-mail: Emergency Contact Name & Relationship to candidate: Emergency Contact Phone:
Please answer the following in complete sentences. 1. Why do you want to be a Springfield High School cheerleader? 2. What are the main roles of a cheerleader? 3. Explain the significance of sportsmanship. 4. Do you have any injuries or health conditions that could impair your participation? If so, please explain. Insert Headshot Here Photo is used for identification purposes only. Photo will not be returned after tryouts.
Please circle all of the following that apply. During stunting I have experience as a: Base Flyer Back spot I have no experience I am NOT willing to: If I could pick one position (although not promised) in stunting I would choose to be a: Base Flyer/Top girl Back spot If you are a flyer circle the following that you can perform IN THE AIR IN A FULLY EXTENDED STUNT: o Full down o Kick full o Left leg Liberty o Right leg Liberty o Heel Stretch o Scorpion o Scale o Arabesque o 360 o Bow & Arrow o Spike If you tumble, what is the most technical skill that you can throw without assistance? Please note that if you try out with tumbling, you will be expected to do so throughout the season.
2018-2019 SHS CHEERLEADING TRYOUT PERMISSION SLIP I, (Parent signature) verify that my child (Candidate s Printed Name ) has permission to try out for the 2018-2019 SHS Cheerleading squads. If chosen as a member of the team, my candidate will accept the position given. Both my candidate and I, as his/her parent/guardian, recognize and accept the responsibilities entailed with SHS Cheerleading. These responsibilities include but are not limited to: commitment to adhere to the calendar expectations, financial/fundraising obligations, academic and behavioral expectations and respect for the coaching staff and teammates. In addition to the above expectations, I confirm that my 2018-2019 SHS Cheerleading candidate and I CURRENTLY live within Springfield High School s district boundaries and my candidate is ALREADY a registered student at SHS for the 2018-2019 school year. Lastly, I understand that failure to adhere to the 2018-2019 Cheerleading contract s expectations, obligations and responsibilities may result in my child s dismissal from the squad. Parent Signature: Date: Candidate Signature: Date:
2018-2019 SHS CHEERLEADING TRYOUT TEACHER EVALUATION FORM (5 REQUIRED) Candidate: Next year s grade: School: Teacher: Course (Study Hall not allowed): The above student has filled out an application in hopes of becoming a member of the 2018-2019 SHS Cheerleading Squad. Please rate this student on a scale from 0-5: 5 being the highest. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM TO THE STUDENT unless it has been placed in a sealed & labeled envelope. If there is any sensitive information included, middle school teachers may send the evaluations to Coach Ashley Bryant via inter-school mail or to senatorcheerleeding@yahoo,com. This evaluation is counted as 150 points of each candidate s 250-point cumulative tryout total (per judge). We are looking for candidates who will represent our school with honor, pride, and dedication in athletics, academics and overall demeanor. Please give serious consideration when evaluating the candidate and return this evaluation promptly. Failure to have evaluations turned in or incomplete gives the candidate a zero. Thank you so much for your time (Possible points per element is 5 points; 5 being the highest) 1. Attendance/Punctuality: 0 1 2 3 4 5 2. Respect for authority: 0 1 2 3 4 5 3. Respect for peers: 0 1 2 3 4 5 4. Effort/quality of work: 0 1 2 3 4 5 5. Honesty & Integrity: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6. Demonstrates positive leadership: 0 1 2 3 4 5 (i.e. Does the right thing) Actual grade last quarter: Points Pointed earned: /30 Do you consider this candidate a role model and good representative for the squad and the school? Please describe any strong qualities or concerns. Teacher Signature: Date:
2018-2019 SHS CHEERLEADING TRYOUT TEACHER EVALUATION FORM (5 REQUIRED) Candidate: Next year s grade: School: Teacher: Course (Study Hall not allowed): The above student has filled out an application in hopes of becoming a member of the 2018-2019 SHS Cheerleading Squad. Please rate this student on a scale from 0-5: 5 being the highest. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM TO THE STUDENT unless it has been placed in a sealed & labeled envelope. If there is any sensitive information included, middle school teachers may send the evaluations to Coach Ashley Bryant via inter-school mail or to senatorcheerleading@yahoo.com.. This evaluation is counted as 150 points of each candidate s 250-point cumulative tryout total (per judge). We are looking for candidates who will represent our school with honor, pride, and dedication in athletics, academics and overall demeanor. Please give serious consideration when evaluating the candidate and return this evaluation promptly. Failure to have evaluations turned in or incomplete gives the candidate a zero. Thank you so much for your time (Possible points per element is 5 points; 5 being the highest) 1. Attendance/Punctuality: 0 1 2 3 4 5 2. Respect for authority: 0 1 2 3 4 5 3. Respect for peers: 0 1 2 3 4 5 4. Effort/quality of work: 0 1 2 3 4 5 5. Honesty & Integrity: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6. Demonstrates positive leadership: 0 1 2 3 4 5 (i.e. Does the right thing) Actual grade last quarter: Points Pointed earned: /30 Do you consider this candidate a role model and good representative for the squad and the school? Please describe any strong qualities or concerns. Teacher Signature: Date:
2018-2019 SHS CHEERLEADING TRYOUT TEACHER EVALUATION FORM (5 REQUIRED) Candidate: Next year s grade: School: Teacher: Course (Study Hall not allowed): The above student has filled out an application in hopes of becoming a member of the 2018-2019 SHS Cheerleading Squad. Please rate this student on a scale from 0-5: 5 being the highest. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM TO THE STUDENT unless it has been placed in a sealed & labeled envelope. If there is any sensitive information included, middle school teachers may send the evaluations to Coach Ashley Bryant via inter-school mail or to senatorcheerleading@yahoo.com. This evaluation is counted as 150 points of each candidate s 250-point cumulative tryout total (per judge). We are looking for candidates who will represent our school with honor, pride, and dedication in athletics, academics and overall demeanor. Please give serious consideration when evaluating the candidate and return this evaluation promptly. Failure to have evaluations turned in or incomplete gives the candidate a zero. Thank you so much for your time (Possible points per element is 5 points; 5 being the highest) 1. Attendance/Punctuality: 0 1 2 3 4 5 2. Respect for authority: 0 1 2 3 4 5 3. Respect for peers: 0 1 2 3 4 5 4. Effort/quality of work: 0 1 2 3 4 5 5. Honesty & Integrity: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6. Demonstrates positive leadership: 0 1 2 3 4 5 (i.e. Does the right thing) Actual grade last quarter: Points Pointed earned: /30 Do you consider this candidate a role model and good representative for the squad and the school? Please describe any strong qualities or concerns. Teacher Signature: Date:
2018-2019 SHS CHEERLEADING TRYOUT TEACHER EVALUATION FORM (5 REQUIRED) Candidate: Next year s grade: School: Teacher: Course (Study Hall not allowed): The above student has filled out an application in hopes of becoming a member of the 2018-2019 SHS Cheerleading Squad. Please rate this student on a scale from 0-5: 5 being the highest. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM TO THE STUDENT unless it has been placed in a sealed & labeled envelope. If there is any sensitive information included, middle school teachers may send the evaluations to Coach Ashley Bryant via inter-school mail or to Senatorcheerleading@yahoo.com. This evaluation is counted as 150 points of each candidate s 250-point cumulative tryout total (per judge). We are looking for candidates who will represent our school with honor, pride, and dedication in athletics, academics and overall demeanor. Please give serious consideration when evaluating the candidate and return this evaluation promptly. Failure to have evaluations turned in or incomplete gives the candidate a zero. Thank you so much for your time (Possible points per element is 5 points; 5 being the highest) 1. Attendance/Punctuality: 0 1 2 3 4 5 2. Respect for authority: 0 1 2 3 4 5 3. Respect for peers: 0 1 2 3 4 5 4. Effort/quality of work: 0 1 2 3 4 5 5. Honesty & Integrity: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6. Demonstrates positive leadership: 0 1 2 3 4 5 (i.e. Does the right thing) Actual grade last quarter: Points Pointed earned: /30 Do you consider this candidate a role model and good representative for the squad and the school? Please describe any strong qualities or concerns. Teacher Signature: Date:
2018-2019 SHS CHEERLEADING TRYOUT TEACHER EVALUATION FORM (5 REQUIRED) Candidate: Next year s grade: School: Teacher: Course (Study Hall not allowed): The above student has filled out an application in hopes of becoming a member of the 2018-2019 SHS Cheerleading Squad. Please rate this student on a scale from 0-5: 5 being the highest. PLEASE DO NOT RETURN THIS FORM TO THE STUDENT unless it has been placed in a sealed & labeled envelope. If there is any sensitive information included, middle school teachers may send the evaluations to Coach Ashley Bryant via inter-school mail or to senatorcheerleading@yahoo.com.. This evaluation is counted as 150 points of each candidate s 250-point cumulative tryout total (per judge). We are looking for candidates who will represent our school with honor, pride, and dedication in athletics, academics and overall demeanor. Please give serious consideration when evaluating the candidate and return this evaluation promptly. Failure to have evaluations turned in or incomplete gives the candidate a zero. Thank you so much for your time (Possible points per element is 5 points; 5 being the highest) 1. Attendance/Punctuality: 0 1 2 3 4 5 2. Respect for authority: 0 1 2 3 4 5 3. Respect for peers: 0 1 2 3 4 5 4. Effort/quality of work: 0 1 2 3 4 5 5. Honesty & Integrity: 0 1 2 3 4 5 6. Demonstrates positive leadership: 0 1 2 3 4 5 (i.e. Does the right thing) Actual grade last quarter: Points Pointed earned: /30 Do you consider this candidate a role model and good representative for the squad and the school? Please describe any strong qualities or concerns. Teacher Signature: Date:
2018-2019 Springfield High School Cheerleading Contract The purpose of the Springfield High School cheerleading program is to promote school spirit and to support all athletics of Springfield High School. All rules and expectations are established to ensure the best representation of the SHS cheerleading program and Springfield High School. I. Teamwork All squad members have the responsibility to work together with respect and support. Cheerleaders will respect their teammates, coaches, teachers, administrators, spectators, and peers at all times. Cheerleading requires ALL squad members to be on the floor or field at the same time in a coordinated performance. Teammates depend on one another within their stunt groups, and as a whole squad, to achieve success. All members must work together as a team. Team unity is more important than individual talents and no single individual makes a squad successful. Teams become successful through the collective talents and best efforts of everyone. II. Behavior Cheerleaders will abide by the school and team rules at all times. Cheerleaders are to avoid situations that could cause embarrassment to themselves, their families, Springfield High School and the SHS Cheerleading program. Including but not limited to: insubordination, tardiness, disrespect, instigation/fighting, lying, swearing/inappropriate language and behavior, inappropriate social media usage, use of drugs & alcohol, etc. o Failure to follow through on the behavior expectations could result in suspensions and/or dismissal from the team. Responsibility for behavior is part of being a cheerleader therefore adherence to all school rules and the cheerleading contract is expected and required year round, both in and out of sidelines.
III. Eligibility Policy: All cheerleaders are required to follow the rules and guidelines of the SHS handbook for academics. The eligibility policy is to be passing 5 of 7 classes while maintaining a minimum 2.0 GPA unweighted or a 2.4 GPA weighted during the season and the previous semester as well. If a cheerleader is ineligible he/she will be required to sit out in uniform with his/her coach at the following week s games. Habitual ineligibility may result in temporary or permanent dismissal from the team. IV. Drug and Alcohol Policy: All cheerleaders are required to follow the District Drug & Alcohol Policy. o 1st offense: 6 performances o 2nd offense: 12 performances & possible dismissal from the squad o Students are guilty by association and the district policies are the same for these students. o The coaching staff reserves the right to dismiss any cheerleader from the squad for such a violation. Such determinations are at the coaches discretion and are based on the severity of the offense. V. Financial Responsibilities Cheerleaders are required to pay the $85.00 athletic fee before the first game. The only exception is for those who qualify for a fee waiver & you must re-apply each year. Cheerleaders are required to purchase all required items. Anticipated expenses can be found on the 2018-2019 Financial Obligations handout. Failure to pay for items on time will prevent a cheerleader from participating in events and games if that particular item is needed, or is being worn, and has not been paid for in full. If a cheerleader is removed from the squad or chooses to leave the squad at any point in the year, no reimbursements will be made and payment for any outstanding dues will still be required.
VI. Practice & Game Attendance It is the responsibility of each cheerleader to notify the head coach in advance of any absence or tardy from practice. o This may be done by text message, voicemail, e-mail, or in person but not through a teammate. Excused absences: Include but are not limited to family emergencies, illness, summer vacations, and doctor s appointments. o The head coach will determine if an absence is excused or not. o Every effort should be made to schedule doctor s appointments so that they do not interfere with cheerleading. o Natural consequences, such as sitting out of performances or stunt groups, may still occur. Unexcused absences: Include but are not limited to car trouble, inability to find a ride, work, babysitting, involvement in other sports and/or activities, day/weekend trips. o Failure to notify the head coach in advance and/or not having a valid reason for missing practice is considered an unexcused absence. Unexcused Tardy: An unexcused tardy is given to an athlete who fails to bring a valid note at the time of arrival to practice. o Detentions, after school behavior consequences, etc. are not excused o If an athlete is tardy (unexcused) two times it will count as an unexcused absence. Excused Tardy: If an athlete is late for practice but brings a signed, dated, and time stamped note within a reasonable time, this is considered an excused tardy. o Tutoring, doctor s appointment, etc. are excused with valid note o Please note this is during the school year not during the summer. If a cheerleader is in attendance at school, he/she is expected to attend practice. Cheerleaders must be in attendance for the entire practice before a game (usually a Thursday) in order to be allowed to cheer.
VII. Attendance Consequences: o If a cheerleader has one unexcused absence, (or two unexcused tardies) he/she will sit out one game weekend o If a cheerleader has a second unexcused absence, he/she will sit out an additional two game weekends. o If a cheerleader has a third unexcused absence, he/she will be released from the team for the remainder of the season. VIII. Game Day Expectations Cheerleaders must attend school the entire day on game days to be eligible to cheer. o They are allowed to attend doctor s appointments with a note turned in to the attendance office but must attend school as well. Excused absences for games ONLY include extreme illness, death in the family, or a school activity required for a class. o Work or non-school activities are NOT excused absences nor are they reason to leave games early or arrive late. If a cheerleader misses a game for any unexcused reason, he/she will sit out one other weekend of games. Cheerleaders are to be dressed in the assigned game day attire (including the assigned bow and socks) the day of a game. Failure to do so will result in removal from game day participation. There will be no exceptions made for this. Please keep your cheer items together and ensure that you have everything that you need prior to the day of the game or event. IX. Fundraising Responsibilities All cheerleaders will be required to contribute to fundraising activities equally. Money raised will go towards the SHS Cheerleading fund that helps pay for uniforms, winter banquet, end of season banquet, senior night gifts, special team outings, and pays for any assistant coach s stipend. If your cheerleader does not sell items or work at a fundraising event a financial buyout is required to be made to the squad in lieu of participating in the fundraiser. Each fundraiser s buyout cost will vary depending on time, effort and amount of participants needed.
Opportunities for personal fundraising will be made available on an ifneeded and requested basis. There are no scholarships available to help cover cheer expenses. Please take advantage of all fundraising opportunities. X. Garment Care Each cheerleader is responsible for the care, maintenance and upkeep of his/her assigned SHS cheerleading garments and accessories. Cheerleaders will be held financially responsible for the loss and/or damage (beyond normal wear and tear) of school owned garments and accessories. Cheerleaders may NOT alter their uniforms in any way without the head coach s permission. XI. Competition & Competitive Squads Participation in competitive cheerleading is to NEVER conflict with any SHS practice, game, fundraiser or mandatory event; this includes leaving an SHS cheerleading event early and/or arriving late. o The same expectations for unexcused tardies and attendance apply. XII. Appearance The coach will designate each game day and event attire. All cheerleaders are to follow accordingly. The cheerleaders are expected to be uniform in their appearance for all events, when the cheerleaders wear their uniforms. Cheerleaders are expected to have natural looking makeup and hair color, short nails, and clean polished nails (no chips). All jewelry must be able to be removed for practices, games, and events. Hair must be pulled back from one s face for all practices and games. A ponytail is required unless the cheerleader s hair does not reach her shoulders, then it must be pulled back as much as possible. No visible tattoos allowed.
SHS Cheerleading Contract Acknowledgment I have read the 2018-2019 contract and will adhere to the continuous, revised and additional policies. Cheerleader s Printed Name: Cheerleader s Signature: Date: Parent/Guardian Printed Name: Parent/Guardian Signature: Date:
2018-2019 SHS Cheerleading Financial Obligations All items will be ordered directly by families from a Varsity Fashions Portal set up for our team. Please be sure to account for shipping, handling, and tax. Check #1 due April 26th Cheer Backpack $65.95+$14.00 for lettering * New members purchase Varsity Gridiron shoes $62.00 * New members purchase Cheer Bows x4 $7.95 * New members purchase S&H: $14.50 TAX: $11.77 (6.250%) Check #1 for new members: $200.02 Check #1 for returning members: Check #2 due May 24 th ZERO Team Wear $150.19 * All members purchase S&H: $14.50 TAX: $10.29 (6.250%) Check #2 for all members: $174.98 Check #3 due July 5th Sublimated pullover jacket $85.95 * All members purchase S&H: $10.50 Tax: $6.03 (6.250%) Check #3 for all members: $102.48
Check #4 due August 2nd Winter Coat: $135.45 * New members purchase S&H: $12.50 TAX: $9.25 (6.250%) Check #4 for new members: $157.20 Check # 4 for returning members: ZERO Check #5 due October 4th Basketball Season Cheer Shoes $62.00 * All members purchase S&H: $10.50 TAX: $4.53 (6.250%) Check #5 for all members: $77.03 Total for New Members: $711.71 Total for Returning Members: $354.49 Please note: A male cheerleader s financial obligations would be different and a financial obligation handout will be created & provided if any males try out.
2018-2019 SHS Cheerleading Financial Obligations The Springfield High School Cheerleading Account & Booster Club donation will be used to purchase the below item(s) for new members (as it has each year). Each cheerleader will own his/her items but is expected to ONLY use them for SHS Cheerleading events. All items will be used in future seasons therefore they should be well maintained and not lost. If a cheerleader loses, out grows or damages these items he/she will be held financially responsible for their replacement. Black Jersey $77.95 * New members will receive this season Total: $77.95 The below items should be purchased independently & are NOT included in the above cost per member. If cheerleaders already own these items they will not need to purchase new ones. Black boy-cut lollies White Crew fit Nike Socks Black Crew fit Nike socks Plain black gloves Plain black leggings Additional costs during the season include: Money for dinner/snacks at away games Buyouts for incomplete fundraisers Potluck items for summer BBQ, Holiday dinner and end of year season banquet Senior banners (displayed at home football and basketball games). Candy for the State Fair Parade and visiting squads Optional cheerleading garments (t-shirts & hoodies)
Winter party team gift exchange (participation is optional). Team accessories for City Tournament (usually around $50). This is applicable to varsity cheerleaders only. An exact payment due date will be communicated as we near city tournament. However, please expect it to be due the second half of December. Three shirt bundle for each night of city (usually $30.00).