Northern High School Cheer Tryouts 2014-2015 Season Dear Cheerleader Candidate: We are happy that you have decided to tryout for the Northern High School Cheerleading Squad. It is our sincere hopes that this years team will reflect the enthusiasm and pride of being a Northern High Patriot. Being a cheerleader means making the commitment to promote school spirit; this requires energy, dedication, ability, and a high degree of responsibility. Before you actually tryout for the squad, it is our responsibility to bring to your attention a number of different items that will be required of this team and its members. It is essential that each member of the squad understands and accepts her/his duties, responsibilities and commitments. Please feel free to contact us with any questions or concerns. After you read the items on the following pages, please discuss them with your parents. Be sure that your parents understand and are willing to accept these requirements. If you have any questions during the selection process, please feel free to contact us. Sincerely, Ellen Oldham Jennifer Burchinal Gabrielle King Cheer Coach Cheer Coach Cheer Coach
Tryout Dates to Remember Clinics - NHS Gym May 7 @ 3:45 to 5:45 May 8 @ 3:45 to 5:45 May 9 @ 3:45 to 5:45 Tryouts - NHS Cafeteria/Dance Room May 10 beginning @ 10:00 am Parent Meeting - NHS Cafeteria May 13 @ 7:00 pm Tryout Information Tryouts will be held on May 10th, following the clinic. The clinics will be used to teach the tryout material, as well as assess each individual s ability to work with others. Clinic attire should support and display school spirit. Please NO spirit wear that displays logos from other teams, schools, or organizations. Tryout attire should be: Solid Color Shorts White Top Athletic Shoes Ankle or No Show Socks Hair in a High Pony Tail Athletes should be Performance Ready. This means dressed in full apparel, hair neat and pulled back, make up natural and fresh ready to step in front of a crowd. Teams will be determined by the coaching staff. This includes both placement and size of each individual squad. The following will be used in scoring candidates during the tryout process: 1. Clinic Evaluations 2. Physical Tryout (see attached Skill List)
Try Out Skill Check List These are the specific things that the judges will be looking for at tryouts. Jump Technique o Pointed toes o Flexibility o Arm positions Jump Types o Toe Touch o Right & Left Hurdler o Pike Dance o Accuracy of choreography o Motion placement o Sharpness o Energy o Facials Cheer o Accuracy o Motion placement o Sharpness o Volume o Projection Overall Impression o Confidence o Projection of School Spirit o Determination o Firm understanding of Routines Tumbling (not mandatory but will be extra points) o Form o Speed o Flexibility
Year 2014 Number Section Focus Scores Cheer/Chant Motions 1 2 3 4 5 Volume 1 2 3 4 5 Projection 1 2 3 4 5 Jumps Toe Touch 1 2 3 4 5 Hurdler 1 2 3 4 5 Pike 1 2 3 4 5 1 Dance Motions 1 2 3 4 5 Energy 1 2 3 4 5 Accuracy 1 2 3 4 5 Overall Facials 1 2 3 4 5 Confidence 1 2 3 4 5 Accuracy 1 2 3 4 5 Tumbling BHS ROBHS ROT ROBHST Standing Tuck Elite Pass Comments: Total: / 60
Rules and Regulations Purpose Our Purpose is to serve as ambassadors for Northern High School. Athletes will be expected to create and promote spirit, pride, and loyalty. Athletes should encourage good sportsmanship by developing and sustaining positive relationships between schools. Athletes should be a positive reflection of Northern High School through superior representation and ongoing demonstration of school spirit, both on and off the field. Furthermore, the Cheer Program at Northern High School is designed to promote interest and involvement in school activities and athletics. As coaches we hope to help develop a sense of responsibility, encourage progression of skills, and aid in creating a sense of pride though quality performance. Eligibility Students must be enrolled at Northern High School during the 2014-2015 school year All candidates must have a physical on file before they are eligible to tryout. Members must maintain a 2.0 minimum GPA, they are Student Athletes. Being a Student comes first. Students must provide a copy of their 3rd quarter report card. Commitment This is a full season commitment. Athletes will be expected to cheer for the entire Football season. Members must be able to attend all events including: 1. Practices 2. Games 3. Summer Camp (June 17-June 20) 4. Fundraisers and/or Community Service Events 5. All Team Sanctioned events during the 2014 Football Season
Financial Obligation Athletes must be and remain in good financial Standing with the school Individual costs must be paid according to the payment schedule. Participation in Team Fundraisers is Mandatory All costs are estimated and may vary. Expected Cost CHARGE COST DUE DATE Camp (Includes: Food, lodging, transportation) $315 $100 Due May 20th $215 Due June 6th Practice and Camp Wear $140 Due May 26th Accessory Package (Poms, compression shorts, leggings, Bow) *Not all pieces will be needed by returning members Game Day Wear ( Team Shirt, Team Jersey, Pink Gear) Attendance $125 $50 Due July 1st Due August 1st Athletes are expected to attend all scheduled events. Any Athlete who will be absent from an event must notify a member of the coaching staff prior to the reporting time. All Absences must be documented by a parent, in writing through either email or paper. Please schedule doctor, dentist, and orthodontic appointments, etc.. so they do not interfere with team activities, including practices. All Members are expected to attend each activity in its entirety. All Members are expected to arrive to all events Performance Ready. More than 3 unexcused absences may result in dismissal from the team. Excused absences: 1. Contagious Illness 2. Death in the family 3. Pre-Acknowledged Appointments
Practices All Practices are mandatory. Missing practices for any reason, other than an authorized absence from school, will be unexcused. Being late is unacceptable, practices start immediately following the end of the school day athletes should report no later than 2:45. Athletes are strongly encouraged to wear issued practice wear to all practices. Hair must be worn in a secure high ponytail. Athletes will not be permitted to wear jewelry of any kind. Fingernails must be no longer than sports length, only clear nail polish or a traditional French manicure will be permitted. Games Athletes must bring all required attire and equipment to every practice; this includes poms. All Games are mandatory. Missing games for any reason, other than an authorized absence from school, will be unexcused. Athletes are expected to arrive 1hr prior to the start of the game. All athletes must arrive Performance Ready. Athletes are expected to wear their full uniform attire. Hair is to be pulled up in high ponytail with bow, out of the athlete s face. Nails should be sports length with clear or French manicure polish, only. Athletes are expected to attend games in the entirety, unless there have been prior arrangements. Discipline Discipline can be given by any member of the cheer staff or school administration. Excessive or repetitive discipline actions can result in suspension or even removal from the team. Other issues not addressed in the rules and regulations and/or the Calvert County Code of Conduct will be dealt with on an individual basis as they may arise.
Communication Good Communication between all will be the key to an enjoyable and successful season. Athletes are responsible for providing accurate contact information for both the athletes and guardians. Athletes and parents are strongly encouraged to provide cell phone numbers. We will be using a SMS Alert System to send updates, changes and general notifications. Athletes are strongly encouraged to communicate any issues with the coaching staff immediately. This is very important, it is impossible for coaches to address issues that they are not made aware exist. Rude, discourteous, or inappropriate communication from athletes and/ or parents via email, text message, social media or any other form of communication will not be tolerated. It will result in suspension and the possible dismissal from the team. Character Unbecoming of an Athlete Absolutely NO Alcohol, Drugs or Smoking will be tolerated NO Fighting NO Undesirable displays of affection Inappropriate, Abusive, or Harassing behavior displayed on social media will not be tolerated. Contact Information Coach Day Time Number Cell Number Email Ellen Oldham 410-257-1522 443-624-3364 oldhame@calvertnet.k12.md.us Jennifer Burchinal 443-404-0607 Jennifer_Burchinal@yahoo.com Gabrielle King 410-257-5255 443-486-8825 playday742@comcast
IMPORTANT REMINDERS TRY OUT DATES Clinics May 7th, 8th, 9th @ 3:45-5:45 Tryouts May 10th Beginning @ 10 am Parent Meeting May 13th @ 7:00pm in the NHS cafeteria CAMP - Save the Date June 17th June 20th (for those athletes who have made the team.) Items to bring to the first day of Clinics: 3rd quarter report card Completed Cheer Application Physical Form/AIDS Form/Insurance Waiver *Middle School students must bring a copy to the first day of clinics. *High School students who do not have a current physical on file must bring it to the first day of clinic. All Athletes should come to tryouts in a plain white shirt and dark shorts. Hair should be worn in a high ponytail. ~Supervision will be provided in the NHS gym for NMS and NHS students immediately following dismissal, until the start of clinics.~
Name: School: Grade: Address: Student Cell: Parent/ Guardian 1 Name: Number: Parent/Guardian 1 Email: Parent/ Guardian 2 Name: Number: Parent/Guardian 2 Email: Physician Name: Physician Number: Do you have any allergies? If yes, please explain Are you currently taking any medications? If yes, please list ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ What prior cheerleading experience do you have? What position(s) do you feel competent with in a stunt group? Please circle all that apply. Flyer Back Spot Primary Base Secondary Base Front What is your preferred position in a stunt group? Please circle the Tumbling Skills, if any you will be performing at Tryouts. (Skills must be performed without the use of a spotter.) Back Handspring Round-off Back Handspring Round-off Tuck Round-off Back Handspring Tuck Standing Tuck Specialty Pass:
What is one thing you think the Northern High School cheer squad can do to improve school spirit? Are you currently a member of any club, organization, or team requiring practice time after school or during the summer? Please list: Any additional information you feel the coaches should know? +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ I understand that the judges and coaches decision is final. I have read and fully understand and agree to abide by all information provided in the Northern High School Cheerleading Tryout Packet. If I make a team, I fully understand and accept that failure to abide by the Rules and Regulations may result in suspension or dismissal from the squad. I am aware of the time and financial responsibilities to be a Northern High School Cheerleader. As a representative of Northern High School, I agree to abide by all information given if selected as a member of the 2014-2015 Cheerleading Team. Student Signature: Date: Parent Signature: Date: