Dear Parent or Guardian and Future DMHS Pommie, 2016-2017 Desert Mountain Pom Program Head Coach: Brie Dragonetti briedragonetti@yahoo.com JV Coach: Ashley Brack Please read the following packet very carefully Thank you for your interest in the Desert Mountain Pom Program. Membership on the Desert Mountain Pom team will require an extensive amount of time from the participants. Jobs, family obligations and social activities may often need to be rescheduled to provide for the responsibilities and obligations connected to this organization. There will also be the unavoidable financial commitment that goes along with participating as an athlete on the team. Please take time to read through the attached pages and discuss them with your daughter. If you grant permission for your child to participate in the tryouts, please sign the last page of the contract and the parent consent page. In addition to the last page of this contract, parent consent page and scheduled trips page, each interested pom member is required to complete and turn in the Desert Mountain pom program tryout application, a recent head shot and provide proper athletic clearance through Desert Mountain High School. You will not be allowed to tryout unless all documents are turned in on time and you have the proper athletic clearance from the school. All of this is due the first day of tryouts. Tryouts will be held at Desert Mountain High School the week of August 9-11, 2016. A clinic will be held in the aux gym and run from 6:00am-7:15am on August 9-10. The official tryout will be August 11th starting at 6:00am. Contract Order: Program Overview p.1 Go Pass p. 2 Teams and Requirements p.3 Clinic/Tryout Dates p. 4 Practice Schedule p.5 Mandatory Dates p.6 Financial Obligations p.7 USA Nationals Information p. 8 Program Expectations p. 9 Signature Page p.14 Parent Consent Page P.15 Scheduled Trips P.16 If you have any questions please contact Coach Brie Dragonetti at briedragonetti@yahoo.com P. 1
Go-Pass Physicals- all applicants must have a go-pass, with current physical, before attending any try-outs or practices. To get a go-pass you must return the completed Athletic Packet to Ms. Zaragoza, in the Athletics Office located in the front office of DMHS, prior to turning in your application. The Athletic Packet is available on the DMHS Athletic website. All applicants must have a go-pass to include with the application packet. ALL RETURNING SQUAD MEMBERS MUST HAVE A NEW PHYSICAL AND GO - PASS. P. 2
Varsity and JV Pom Requirements Varsity Pom JV Pom Freshman through seniors Freshman through juniors Must have a quad Must have at least a double pirouette 24 a la seconde turns 6 a la seconde turns Leg turn Leg hold Double toe touch Toe touch Strong and high jumps Strong and high jumps Must be able to execute sharp motions Must be able to execute sharp motions Must be able to demonstrate proper form and technique Must be able to demonstrate proper form and technique Must have a toe touch into the splits Must have a toe touch into the splits Flexibility Flexibility Athletic physique and healthy diet Athletic physique and healthy diet Cardiovascular endurance to complete routines Cardiovascular endurance to complete routines Ability to learn quickly and remember fast, complex routines Ability to learn quickly and remember fast, complex routines Motivation and enthusiasm Motivation and enthusiasm VARSITY POM: The Varsity Pom team s primary responsibility is dancing at games and performing pom, jazz and hip hop routines. Varsity Pom members are required to learn all cheers and sideline dances for the year. The Varsity Pom team will perform various styles throughout the season with a main focus on pom. A pommie dances with poms and competes with poms. Routines for pom are based on the AIA score sheets for the year which have a main emphasis on sharp technique and complex visuals. Not all members of the varsity squad may be selected to compete. JV POM : The JV pom team s primary responsibility is dancing at JV games and executing pom, jazz and hip hop routines. The main purpose of the JV pom team is to prepare the girls for varisty pom. JV pom will have the opportunity to compete in the JV division at competitions throughout the year. Not all members of the JV squad may be selected to compete. Just because a participant has the skills listed above does not guarantee them a spot on the squad. This is just one aspect the judges will be looking at while judging the auditions. It is important to understand that just because you get selected to compete it does not mean your spot is secure. If you are not keeping up with the routine and the technical elements associated with the routine you will be pulled. It is imperative to understand that just because someone competed with varsity the previous year, it does not guarantee them a spot on varsity or competition team the following year. Participants are required to audition every year for a spot on the team. P. 3
Tuesday, August 9, 2016 Clinic Dates/Tryout Details Clinic Day 1 6:00am: Arrive to AUX gym to stretch and warm up on your own/check in. 6:15am: Across the floor. 6:30am: Pom combination 7:15am: End of day 1 Wednesday, August 10, 2016 Thursday, August 11, 2016 Clinic Day 2 6:00am: Arrive to AUX gym to stretch and warm up on your own/check in. 6:15am: Across the floor. 6:30am: Pom combination 7:15am: End of day 2 Tryouts 6:00am Arrive to AUX Gym to stretch and warm up. 6:10am: Tryouts begin Tryout Attire Current DMHS students must wear ALL BLACK every day to tryouts/clinic 8 th graders must wear ALL BLACK every day to clinic/camp placements 1. Clothing cannot have any writing or colors on it 2. No bra tops 3. Shorts or leggings are okay... please no sweat pants 4. Wear whatever shoes you feel are most comfortable in. 5. Hair must be completely up and pulled away from the face. 6. NO jewelry, this includes but is not limited to earrings, all body jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, and rings The teams will be announced by 5:00pm on Thursday, August 11th. We will post the results on our new athletic website. If your daughter makes a team please be prepared to receive an email that day to collect payments for practice clothing, bows, uniforms, jersey and warm up jacket. The girls will be measured for their clothing the next morning. P. 4
Practice Schedules Varsity Pom Schedule (During competition season we may start between 5:00 AM and 5:30 AM) Monday ~ 6:00am-7:30am Tuesday ~ 6:00am-7:30am Wednesday ~ 6:00am-7:30am Thursday ~ 6:00am-7:30am - We may have two a days when competition gets closer if needed - Competitions and choreography sessions will be on Friday afternoons and Saturdays - Dates will be modified if there is a change in the school schedule All members of the varsity team will cheer at all home varsity football and basketball games. Performances will also be done during various school events and pep rallies. Not all members of the varsity team will perform at all competitions and halftimes. JV Pom Schedule Monday practices will get added closer to competition. We will also have Monday practices when school starts to cover all game material, sidelines and technique. Practice may start earlier during competition season. Tuesday ~ 6:00am-7:30am Wednesday 6:00am-7:30am Thursday ~ 6:00am-7:35am Not all members of the JV team will perform at all performances. The coaches reserve the right to extend, cut, or change any and all practices including adding practice days when needed. P. 5
Mandatory Dates (The dates listed below do not include mandatory games and rallies) (Could change due to choreographer s schedules, game changes or gym availability) August 9 th -August 11 th : Freshman tryouts August 12 th : Official practice starts for the season September 8-10: JV and Varsity Competition choreography (COMPETITION TEAM ONLY) October 12-14: Fall break practice (COMPETITION ONLY) October 14, 2016: Varsity football game (during fall break) November 5 th, 12 th, 19 th : Tentative competition days (will update once actual dates are posted) December 2016: Tentative competition days (will updated once actual dates are posted) Schedule vacations after December 20, 2016. January 2017: AIA State, UDA/UCA Cactus Cup Competition and Jambrands competition (will update once actual dates are posted) February 2017: Cheer for Charity Championship (will update once actual dates are posted) March 2017: Jamfest, Arizona State Cheerleading/Pom Tournament and USA Spirit and Dance Nationals Other competition dates will be added once competition schedule is available. Fall Break: We will have a football game during fall break that you will be required to cheer at. Please keep this in mind when planning any vacations. Winter Break: All vacations must be scheduled after December 20, 2016. You will have your entire winter break free from practice. Spring Break: The competition teams will be required to practice during all of spring break to prepare for Spirit Nationals. You must be able to attend all of these important dates as well as all weekly practices, games, and rallies. Please remember these are tentative dates and could be changed. Vacations are NOT allowed to be scheduled during practices and will not be excused. P. 6
Estimated Financial Obligations Varsity Pom JV Pom Practice clothing $244.62 Practice clothing $244.62 Black Game Uniform $261.92 Game Uniform $198.48 Maroon Game Uniform $177.24 Competition Top $175 (estimate) (competition only) Competition Top $200 (estimate) Warm Up Jacket $135.54 (competition only) Team Jersey $58.33 Team Jersey $58.33 Bows $45 (get more than one) Bows $45 (get more than one) Warm Up Jacket $135.54 Backpack $27 Backpack $27 Camp $500-$600 (estimate) Camp $500-$600 (estimate) Athletic Fee $150 Athletic Fee $150 *Prices are subject to change.* In addition to the items above, the girls will be required to have proper shoes. These are purchased on your own. Once we pick team shoes we will let you know what you will be required to get. If making a DMHS Pom team, you will be required to pay for practice clothing, uniforms, jersey, bows and warm up jacket on August 12 th. If selected to be on the competition team, you will have more expenses. The competition team will also be required to pay for pom choreography. The competition team may have the chance to compete more than pom. If selected to compete on the competition team, nationals will be required of each member and this will be an additional expense. Competitions are not optional. If we choose to compete hip hop or jazz, choreography fees and costuming would be added to the expenses. Please see the nationals breakdown schedule on the next page. P. 7
USA Spirit Nationals When is Nationals 2017? Nationals will be March 23-27. Nationals is located in Anaheim, California. What is included in the USA Nationals Package? - Hotel rooms at the Anaheim Hilton Hotel - All competition fees - 3 day park hopper to Disney When is travel decided? Travel will be decided as soon as we meet the requirements for nationals. Once approved by the school and school board we will find the best travel options. To qualify for this competition we must receive a 75 or higher at a USA regional competition. Where will the money go until it is time to submit money to USA? The money for nationals will be collected by the DMHS Pom Boosters. The money will be reserved for nationals and nationals only. Why collect money so early? We are collecting money each month to help breakup the payments for parents. USA Nationals Estimated Payment Breakdown: November 28, 2016: $200 due (or we fundraise to cover this) December 16, 2016: $300 due (or we fundraise to cover this) January 3, 2017: $300 due (or we fundraise to cover this) January 19, 2017: Tentative payment based on what is still left to pay for If we are able to fundraise and cover parts of nationals we will either cut a payment out of the payment schedule or refund parents if a payment was made that is no longer needed. *We will attend this national competition regardless if we attend UDA Nationals or not.* P. 8
Program Expectations COMMUNICATION This is a competition squad and communication on this squad is 100% coach to student. Primary communication will be conducted via e-mail with the students and the parents. Students are responsible for keeping track of dates, practices, performances, and costuming. Also, the student is responsible for informing the coach of any dates she may be absent and for checking them against performance schedules. Doctor appointments must be made in advance and the director must know about the appointment at least one week in advance. Not informing the director at least one week in advance will result in an unexcused absence and benched for the next performance. If a pommie is sick, she is responsible for emailing the director the night before or the morning of practice. It is expected that the participant will email the coach directly unless she is extremely ill and unable to contact the director the parent may email the coach. Emails or phone calls need to be received before practice starts or it is considered an unexcused absence. This means the phone call, text or email needs to be received before 6:00am in order for it to be excused. All communication must go through Coach Brie. If you are sick, going to be absent, running late, have an emergency, etc., you are required to contact Coach Brie. Texting a teammate to let them know you re running late or going to be absent does not count. Coach Brie keeps track of all tardies and absences and it is crucial that you contact Coach Brie if you are having an issue. PRACTICE GUIDELINES/RULES: - All cell phones are put in lockers or bags before practice starts. - Hair must be up when practice starts and remain up for the entire practice. - Hair color must be natural looking. - Participants are not allowed to have mohawks, shavings in their head, etc. - Hair needs to be able to be put in a bun and pony tail. - No jewelry is to be worn at practice (this includes but is not limited to earrings, all body jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, and rings). - No acrylic nails are to be worn during the pom season. No nail polish is to be worn to competition. - Nails cannot extend over the fingertips. This is an AIA rule. - The team is never allowed to practice without a coach present. - The team is not allowed to call their own practices at school, residence(s) or outside locations. - Our routines should never be rehearsed with outside dancers or choreographers. - When needed, the coaches will bring in people to choreograph and clean routines. P. 9
- Pommies must be wearing the designated practice outfit to every practice (if you are not in the correct practice outfit you will receive an X and lose participation points for the day). - Practice begins promptly at the time indicated by the coach please be on time. If you are late you will receive an X. - You must have the following items with you at EVERY practice: practice poms, jazz shoes/turners and correct practice uniform. - Practices are closed to the public and to family members. Only pommies, coaches and DMHS personnel are allowed in the gym during practice. X R ULE/CLASS RULE: - Participants can receive an X for being late to practice, not wearing the proper uniform or practice uniform, wearing jewelry, not having poms, not having shoes, not having paperwork in on time, hair is not properly up, etc. - Three X s will result in the student being benched at the next game/performance. - If you re failing a class during a grade check you will be benched from performing until the grade is brought up. - Participants who are late to practice, not wearing the proper uniform or practice uniform, wearing jewelry, not having poms, not having shoes, not having paperwork in on time, hair is not properly up, etc. will lose points in class in addition to an X. - You can receive more than one X in one day if you violate more than one rule (coming late and not having correct outfit, etc.). - Once a participant has received 9 X s (3 benchings), she will be put on a behavioral contract. If the behavioral contact is violated the participant will be removed from the team. GRADES - Grade checks will be done on a regular bases. - Any student with an F will be benched from any performances until the grade is brought up. - Students must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA to be eligible to perform and compete with the pom team. - If a pommie is failing a class for more than two weeks they will be required to attend after school tutoring. P. 10
DISRESPECT/INSUBORDINATION: - NO disrespect of authority or fellow squad members of any kind will be tolerated. - If this occurs, pommies will be given a warning. - If a pommie shows any disrespect after receiving a warning they will be removed from the team. - Participants do not make the decisions for this team. The coach makes all final decisions and arguing with the coach is not tolerated and can result in removal from the team. - The use/possession of alcohol or drugs is against the DMHS Student Code of Conduct and against DMHS pom rules. Anyone engaging in this type of activity will be removed immediately from the team/class. No exceptions. - The distribution/purchasing/sales of drugs or alcohol are against the DHMS Student Code of Conduct and against DMHS pom rules. Anyone engaging in this type of activity will be removed immediately from the team/class. No exceptions. - If any member on the pom team gets arrested they will be removed from the team immediately. - If a pommie member gets suspended at any time they will be put on a behavior contract. If they get suspended for a second time or violate their contract they will be removed from the team immediately. ABSENCES: - It is expected that DHMS Pom will take first priority as an activity. - If you are involved in another activity (for example band, color guard, sports teams, studios, or competitive gyms) this is NOT an excuse to miss practice or a performance. The coaches WILL NOT work around your practice schedule for another team/activity. - If a participant misses for any of the reasons above she will be removed immediately. - College visits as well as weddings, funerals and religious holy days, are excused upon PRIOR coach approval. The coach must know about any trips scheduled during the pom season. Documentation must be provided for the absence to be excused. - Please be mindful of the important dates and practices when scheduling any out-of-town trips. It is important for all team members to be at every practice and event. You are not allowed to attend vacations that are scheduled during practice/performance days. - One unexcused absence will result in being benched for the next performance. - Three unexcused absences will result in the participant being put on an attendance contract. - If a pommie is put on an attendance contact and it is violated, they will be removed from the program. P. 11
- If you are kind of sick or not feeling well you are still expected to be at practice. You may sit and watch if you can t participate. Exceptions are strep throat before 24 hours of antibiotics, a high fever, or the stomach flu. - It is not acceptable if you skip practice, but attend the rest of the school day. If you miss one you miss the other. This also goes the other way around. You cannot attend practice and then skip school. - If a pommie misses practice two weeks prior to competition they will be pulled. The week of a competition is crucial and all members must be present. - Please attempt to make all doctor and dentist appointments after school. - Doctors notes are required if missing practice or coming late to practice. - You will not be allowed to take make up tests during morning practice times. - Please note that if you are injured you are still expected to come all practices, games and events. Injured participants will be expected to watch practice and learn corrections and changes made to routines. - Pom is not allowed to be taken away as a form of punishment from parents. This hurts the entire team and becomes a team punishment rather than an individual punishment. - If choosing to participate in extra-circular activities (such as powder puff, going to concerts, doing plays, taking classes outside of the team, etc), you are still required to be at all of your pom practices. - Attending outside events will not excuse you from practice the next day because you are tired. - If a Varsity member misses more than 3 practices in one week she will not perform at that week s game. - If a JV member misses more than 2 practices in one week she will not be allowed to perform at that week s game. TARDINESS: - Test make-up and tutoring should be done after school (not during practice). - Participants are excused only with a doctor s note. - Students will not be permitted at practice if they do not have a pass from their doctor. - An unexcused tardy will result in a benching for the next game or performance. - Students are required to text or email Coach Brie if she is running late to practice or will be absent. - If Coach Brie does not hear from the student or parent directly, their tardy or absence will not be excused and will result in a benching. P. 12
UNIFORMS/PRACTICEWEAR: - DO NOT LOSE PRACTICE CLOTHING/UNIFORM PIECES/WARM UPS - You will be required to rebuy any items that you lose during the season. - If any items are checked out with the equipment manager/boosters they must be returned on time. If items are damaged or lost you are responsible for paying for these items. You will not be allowed to re-audition for the team until outstanding balances are paid. - ALL clothing items, uniforms, warm ups, etc. will be ordered by the coaches and coaches only. - The coaches will pick all clothing items, uniforms, warm ups, etc. Parents and pommies do not have a say in this. - You are not allowed to let friends or boyfriends wear any of your DMHS pom clothing. - Practice, performance and costume schedules for the week will be updated and emailed on a weekly bases. VIDEOS/FACEBOOK/TWITTER: - No videos of any kind will be allowed to be posted on youtube, facebook, or any other website. Our routines are strictly for DMHS and are not allowed to be publically shared. - You are not allowed at any time to take inappropriate pictures while wearing anything saying DMHS on your outfit or post any inappropriate pictures. Doing so will result in immediate removal of the team. - You are not allowed to have any pictures posted online with red cups or at parties. - There will be no negative words exchanged on facebook, instagram, twitter, snapchat, etc. Engaging in this activity will result in removal of the team immediately. Retweeting something inappropriate is also not allowed. - Everyone with a twitter, facebook or Instagram account will be required to follow DMHS Pom and must allow DMHS Pom to follow them. - All of your social media sites should be blocked and private. - All social media badges sent out to members promoting pom events will be required to be posted on all of your social media sites. P. 13
DMHS Pom Program Guidelines Contract Agreement Page If I do not like or disagree with the program, policy, schedule, or requirements, I am free to remove my daughter from the DMHS POM PROGRAM at any time with the understanding that any monies paid are not refundable. If a student quits/removed at any time they are still responsible for all payments listed on the payment page. I understand that the coach will NOT negotiate the program with parents or students at any time. I understand the coach will always be forthright and honest with squad members, especially regarding matters of technique and squad ability. This means that there will be constructive criticism of technique and ability in order to push the squad to its desired level. I understand that this packet is in addition to the DMHS handbook in which all rules and regulations must be adhered to by all team members. Rules and prices may be subject to change. Parent ~ Printed Name Student ~ Printed Name Parent ~ Signature Student ~ Signature PARTICIPANT INFORMATION Year for 2016-2017 School Year: FRESHMEN SOPHOMORE JUNIOR SENIOR Student Name: Student E-mail: Students Cell: PARENT INFORMATION Parent Name: Parent E-mail: Parent Phone #: P. 14
Desert Mountain Pom Program Parent Consent Page I,, parent/guardian of, give our permission for our daughter to tryout to become a member of the Desert Mountain Pom Program. We understand that our daughter is required to be in good physical condition and that the activities which she will be asked and expected to participate in, are strenuous and require physical and athletic agility. It has been fully explained to us that the dance choreography will include varied high level technique, skill, and flexibility. It has also been explained to us that pom activities have a high risk of injury and any of the routines involving the participation of my daughter could lead to serious injury. We understand that constructive criticism will be given at practice for the betterment of our daughter. We honestly state that, to the best of our knowledge and belief, our daughter has no physical, medical, or mental disability or other limitations that would restrict her ability TO FULLY PARTICIPATE in tryouts for DMHS Pom and the entire season. By signing this agreement, we acknowledge that we fully understand the risk of serious physical injury involved with the athletic activity and accept responsibility for this decision by giving our consent for our daughter to participate on DMHS Pom, including tryouts. We do not hold the coaches, Desert Mountain High School, or chaperones liable for loss or damage of personal property or injuries to our daughter. In addition, if our daughter is chosen to be on the team, we understand and agree to honor the time and financial commitment required to participate in the DMHS Pom Program as outlined by the coaching staff. We understand that the costs mentioned in the contract are estimates and can change. It is understood that if our daughter makes the DMHS Pom Program we will be required as parents to help with events throughout the year. We understand that our help with fundraising towards a minimum of three events per year will be required from us. We understand that the program rules, guidelines and expectations are not negotiable. Parents do not have a say in placement of teams, formations, practice schedule, competitions, camp, choreographers, uniforms, clothing, etc. If a parent has a concern they must come to the coach to discuss the issue. Parents must speak with the coach directly to resolve any issues or concerns. We understand that parents will not purchase or order anything for the DMHS pom team without the complete knowledge and consent of the head coach. Also, no decisions regarding the DMHS Pom team will be made by a parent or group of parents. To be clear, the coaches have the final say on everything related to the program and the coaches will not allow parents to run the program or make any decisions for the program. Phone calls and text messages will not be answered by the coaches after 6:00pm on weekdays. Phone calls and texts will not be answered on weekends. Please allow 24-48 hours when waiting for a response to an email. Parent/Guardian Signature Date P. 15
SCHEDULED TRIPS, PARTIES, GRADUATIONS, ETC Please fill in the boxes where you know you have something ALREADY planned for next year. JUNE 2016 JULY 2016 Team meeting/pick up camp clothing: July 5 Camp: July 6-9 AUGUST 2016 School starts: August 8 th Freshman audition: August 9 th SEPTEMBER 2016 Competition choreography: September 15-17 OCTOBER 2016 Competition Practice during fall break: October 12-14 NOVEMBER 2016 USA Regionals Nov. 5 th and 19 th Tentative AIA Nov 12 DECEMBER 20116 UDA Desert Southwest Dec 3 Possible AIA date if not in November JANUARY 2017 UDA Cactus Cup January 14 th Tentative AIA State Competition FEBRUARY 2017 UDA Nationals February 2-6 APRIL 2017 Tryouts for 2017-2018 season MARCH 2017 Nationals Practice March 3-12 Arizona State Cheerleading/Pom Tournament March 4 th USA Nationals March 23-27 MAY 2017 P. 16