Peters Township Middle School Handbook 2015 Football and Basketball Seasons GO INDIANS Head Coach: Jessica Carpenter Assistant Coach: Melissa Giaquinto!1
Table of Contents Coaches Letter.................................................... Page 3 Important Dates................................................... Page 4 Tryout Information................................................ Page 5 Cheerleading Rules and Regulations................................. Page 6-10 What is Expected of a Cheerleader.................................. Page 11 Jumps to Know................................................... Page 12 Basic Cheer Motions to Know...................................... Page 13 How to Reach the Coaches......................................... Page 14 FORMS THAT NEED TO BE RETURNED: Due on May 22, 2015 (Interest Meeting) Cheerleader Information Due on June 10, 2015 (First Day of Tryout Clinic) Why do YOU want to Cheer? Questionnaire Due on August 10, 2015 (First Day of Coaches Camp) Acknowledgement Form Emergency Medical Information PIAA Physical Form (MUST BE DATED AFTER JUNE 1, 2015)!2
Coaches Letter Dear Cheerleaders and Parents/Guardians, OUR TEAM GOALS: Have fun and create lifelong Thank you for your interest in joining the 2015-2016 Peters Township Middle School Cheerleading squad. friendships The Peters Township Middle School cheerleading Treat all members with respect program is about learning the basic fundamentals of Build team spirit cheerleading, promoting school spirit, and building Model good sportsmanship self-confidence. To be a PTMS cheerleader, you must Gain leadership abilities and be dedicated, willing to work, and excited to support build confidence our football and/or basketball teams. Strive to do their best as We have two seasons: football season (Aug-Oct) and student-athletes basketball season (Oct-Dec). Tryouts for both Learn fundamentals of cheering seasons will occur in June. Coaches will determine how to break down squads in each season based on number of girls. All cheerleaders interested in trying out for either season must attend the scheduled cheer camps in August. At this time, we will teach the required fundamentals including, but not limited to, proper conditioning techniques, motions, jumps, and stunts as well as chants, cheers, and dance routines. Outside organizations will be assisting in camp this year. Cheerleading extends beyond the field and gym. As a part of the cheerleading experience, girls will have opportunities to show their spirit around the school. We will create signs to welcome faculty and students back to school, wear Peters Township spirit gear on game days, and create locker decorations to celebrate the end of each season. Please read the following packet carefully and return all forms listed in the Return to Coaches checklist to Coach Carpenter and Coach Giaquinto by their assigned due dates. With Indian Pride,!3
Important Dates General Interest Meeting WHEN: TIME: LOCATION: Friday, May 22, 2015 6:00pm - 7:00pm PTMS LGI All Squad Tryout Clinic WHEN: TIME: LOCATION: Wednesday, June 10, 2015 10:30am-12:00pm PTMS Gym Thursday, June 11, 2015 10:30am-12:00pm PTMS Gym All Squad Tryouts WHEN: TIME: LOCATION: Friday, June 12, 2015 11:30am (8th Grade) PTMS Gym 12:15pm (7th Grade) PTMS Gym All Squad Cheer Uniform Fitting WHEN: TIME: LOCATION: Saturday, June 13, 2015 10:00am - 11:00am (8th Grade) PTMS LGI 11:00am - 12:00pm (7th Grade) PTMS LGI MANDATORY ImPACT Test WHEN: TIME: LOCATION: TBD TBD TBD Coaches Camp WHEN: TIME: LOCATION: Monday, August 10 9:30am - 12:30pm PTMS Gym Tuesday, August 11 9:30am - 12:30pm TBD Wednesday, August 12 9:30am - 12:30pm TBD Thursday, August 13 9:30am - 12:30pm TBD Friday, August 14 9:30am - 12:30pm PTMS Gym!4
Tryout Information Tryout Clinic: Wednesday, June 10 10:30am-12:00pm PTMS Gym Thursday, June 11 10:30am-12:00pm PTMS Gym Tryouts: Friday, June 12 11:30am /12:15pm PTMS Gym It is important for the cheerleader to be available on these dates. Permission must be obtained from the coaches in advance if the student cannot fulfill this obligation. There will be two seasons: football season (Aug-Oct) and basketball season (Oct- Dec). All interested cheerleaders will be required to tryout for both seasons in June. At tryouts, cheerleaders will determine whether they want to cheer for football, basketball, or both. Tryouts begin with a multi-day workshop which is conducted by the high school cheerleaders. Two to three candidates will try out at a time. All candidates receive a copy of the score sheets the judges will use in advance. It will explain the expectations listed in each category. The coaches, judges, and tabulators will be in the gym during tryouts. Judges will be brought in from other organizations to judge and score each candidate. In the event that a judge is unavailable, the coaches reserve the right to score the candidate. The coaches will post the audition numbers of those candidates chosen for the squads by 5pm on the day of the tryout. Only the cheerleader s number will appear, not her name or score. The score sheets remain the property of the coaches. In the event that a candidate is unable to attend the audition, through prior arrangement with the coaches, she may audition early/send a video.!5
Peters Township Middle School Cheerleading Rules and Regulations 2015-2016 School Year Students who choose to represent the school are expected to conform to a more rigid code of behavior than the general student population. Participation in activities that represent the school is considered a privilege, not a right. Those who choose to be a middle school cheerleader in the Peters Township School District choose to be part of an elite group. You are looked upon as a leader. Therefore, you have certain responsibilities and loyalties to your school. Your behavior and attitude in this school should only reflect your position as a leader. For this reason, this handbook is provided to you to make sure that you always put your best foot forward as a cheerleader. The cheerleading seasons will be separated into two seasons: football season and basketball season. The following rules apply to both squads. Requirements: Cheerleaders must obtain, complete, and return all of the forms and paperwork listed on the Return to Coaches checklist by their assigned due dates. Cheerleaders must maintain passing grades in all classes during their cheer season. Grade checks will occur before weekly practices. Cheerleaders must attend coaches camp in August, all practices, and all games within their season. Cheerleaders must be willing to work individually and as a group with the coaches, captains, and other cheerleaders. We are a family! Cheerleaders must set an example of good behavior at all times (whether in uniform or not) in class, games, and at all school and community functions. (Includes no drinking/drug use, appropriate social media, texts/pictures, etc.)!6
Attendance: 1. Cheerleaders must be on time at all activities and stay for the required amount of time. Only the coaches may allow early dismissals. 2. Coaches must be notified of all absences. Once the coach is notified, it is an EXCUSED absence. a. If a cheerleader is home sick, a parent must email, call, or text to notify the coaches. b. If a cheerleader is expected at a practice/game and does not show, parents will be notified immediately. 3. Missing a practice or game for non-emergencies are considered an UNEXCUSED absence. a. This includes, but is not limited to, hair/nail appointments, other team practices, vacations, visits with family, or non-emergency doctors appointments. Please try to plan these appointments and visits around the cheer schedule. b. Three (3) unexcused absences (practice or games) are cause for discipline. Uniforms: 1. All parts of the uniform will be selected by the coaches. a. Uniforms are property of Peters Township School District and are not to be permanently altered in any way. b. Uniforms will be returned at the end of the season. Parents will be financially responsible for the replacement costs of uniforms if not returned, lost, or damaged in any way. c. Any cheerleader who decides to leave the program will be required to return their complete uniform immediately. 2. Uniforms must be kept clean at all times. It is the responsibility of the cheerleader to keep their uniforms in good condition. Practices: 1. Cheerleaders must report to practice within 15 minutes of start time. Arriving late may result in the cheerleader being benched for a portion of the practice. 2. Cheerleaders must follow all PTMS rules.!7
3. Wear appropriate clothing: a. Clothing includes a t-shirt, shorts/pants, socks, and cheer shoes. No halter tops, spaghetti strap shirts, or just sports bras. No jeans or excessively baggy pants. No high-top shoes. b. Hair must be up and out of the face. A ponytail at the crown of the head is the preferred hairstyle. No headbands will be allowed unless hair is too short to put into ponytail. 4. Take out all jewelry before practice begins. This includes earrings, necklaces, watches, rings, body piercings, etc. 5. Cell phones will remain put away until practice ends. 6. Cheerleaders must have a water bottle at practice and remain hydrated. A water fountain may not be available. 7. All cheerleaders will not be allowed to leave until the area is clean. Grade Checks at Practices: 1. It is the cheerleader s responsibility to submit a grade sheet from PowerSchool to the coaches each week. a. The grade sheet must be within one (1) day of the practice date. b. A grade sheet can be: a. Submitted at practice b. Sent to a Coach Carp via text/email (MUST be sent by 9pm the night before practice) c. If a cheerleader does not submit an updated grade report prior to the start of practice, she will sit out of practice and games until the it is submitted to the coaches. 2. In the event that a cheerleader is unable to maintain grade requirements, the following consequences will take place: a. If one or more grades fall to a D, the cheerleader will be put on PROBATION. This means she will attend and participate in practices, but she will not be permitted to cheer with the team at games for that entire week. Once the grade reaches a C or higher and she presents this grade at the next Grade Check, she may participate in games.!8
b. If one of more grades fall to an F, the cheerleader will be put on SUSPENSION. This means that she is not permitted to attend or participate in practices or games for that entire week. If this occurs, the cheerleader must notify the coaches that she is ineligible to attend practices or games due to her grades. Once the grade is brought up to a D. she will be placed on PROBATION and permitted to participate in practices. 3. Probations and suspensions can only be lifted at practices at the Grade Check. Games: 1. Cheerleaders must report to games within 20 minutes of start time. Arriving late may result in the cheerleader being benched for a portion of the game. 2. Cheerleaders must stay for the entire game. 3. Cheerleaders must be completely dressed (in attire with hair in place) prior to arriving at the game. a. Uniform: vest, skirt, briefs, body suit, cheer socks, cheer shoes, hair bow, and poms. b. The following items should be in the cheerleader s bag for every game: leggings (dependent upon weather), jacket, and water bottle. c. Hair must be pulled up off the neck, away from the face, and secured tightly with bobby pins. Headbands are not allowed unless hair is too short to put into ponytail. 4. The following items are not allowed: jewelry, gum, food, fingernail polish/acrylics, glitter, or body art. 5. Cell phones will remain in cheer bags until the end of the game. 6. Remain in the cheering area during the game unless permission is given otherwise. When leaving the cheering area, stay in groups at all times and do not wander off. 7. Control and lead the crowd through positive cheers and chants. 8. After the game has ended, pick up your belongings and any trash. 9. No one is dismissed until a parent/guardian is visible to coaches.!9
Captains: 1. The coaches will select two (2) captains for the football season and two (2) captains for the basketball season. 2. Captains will be role models for the squad and will be responsible for maintaining the morale of the team. 3. Captains are responsible for: a. Understanding the game b. Starting practices on time and leading warm-ups and stretches. c. Deciding which cheers will be performed at quarters. This will be decided at practice each week. d. Deciding which chants to call during games and calling them at a good rate. e. Report any problems to the coaches so they can be handled in the best possible manner. 4. If either or both captains fail to perform their duties, have repeated disciplinary referrals, or are placed on probation or suspension for grades, they may be dismissed from their duties as captain. Parent Responsibilities: 1. It is the parents responsibility to provide/arrange transportation for his/her child to and from all practices/games. 2. Other activities (with exception of illness, scholastics, religion or emergency family obligations) should not interfere with the cheer schedule. Special circumstances will be discussed with the parent on a case-by-case basis. 3. Parents should not leave their child unattended if unable to locate a coach during practices/games. 4. Parents must notify coaches of any predetermined absences. Please email, call, or text one or both of the coaches as soon as possible. 5. Parents must provide WRITTEN permission if you allow your child to walk off the school grounds at any time. 6. Any disagreements with coaches or coaching philosophy will not be addressed at practices or games. All issues will be discussed in private.!10
What is Expected of a Cheerleader? Cheerleading is a commitment and takes a team effort just like any sport. To be a great cheerleader, one must be motivated to do their best while fulfilling their commitment to their team. All cheerleaders are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful manner and must abide by the rules and regulations set by the coaches. Appearance Knowledge Confident Enthusiastic Smiles (with teeth!) Neatly dressed Good posture Hair away from face No jewelry No gum No nail polish/acrylics No body art Dance Routine / Sideline Routines - Synchronized with other members - Energetic and full of enthusiasm - Has correct rhythm and timing - Knows the sequence and precision of movements - Does not look to others to prompt next motion - Makes few mistakes - Recovers quickly from mistakes without drawing attention - Confidently exhibits cheers/chants/jumps/motions/ dance - Knows the sequence and precision of movements - Does not look around to others to prompt next motion - Makes few mistakes - Recovers quickly from mistakes without drawing attention Jumps Knows the required jumps (listed on Jumps to Know page) Good height, straight back, exact position of legs Smooth prep, execution, and landing Chants and Cheers Sharp, precise movements Loud, audible voice projection Synchronized with other members Energetic and full of enthusiasm Correct arm and hand positions Has correct rhythm and timing!11
Jumps to Know Toe Touch Both legs straight with knees facing up Sit into the jump while keeping chest and head up Arms should be in T motion Keep back straight Land softly with feet together at the same time and on your toes Herkie One leg bends out to the side while the other remains straight out to the other side The bent knee faces down while the straight leg knee faces up Arms should be in Candlesticks Land with feet together at the same time and on your toes Pike Turn to one side (90 degree angle) Bring both legs up to chest in a pike position together Arms should be in a High V Land with feet together at the same time and on your toes Tuck Jump Face forward Bring arms into a High V and bend legs at the knees Keep your back straight Land with feet together at the same time and on your toes You can use this YouTube video as a great way to see the jumps! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lu-idhb6rg!12
Basic Cheer Motions to Know Beginning Stance/ Clean : Feet together, hands down by the side in blades, head down Cheer Stance: Feet shoulder-width apart, hands down by the side in blades Clasp: Hands clasped, under the chin, elbows in Clap: Hands in blades, under the chin, elbows in High V : Arms extended up forming a V, hands in big cinnamon rolls Low V : Arms extended down forming a V, hands in big cinnamon rolls Touchdown: Arms extended straight up and parallel to each other, hands in little cinnamon rolls Low Touchdown: Arms extended straight down and parallel to each other, hands in big cinnamon rolls T Motion: Both arms extended straight out to the sides and parallel to the ground, hands in big cinnamon rolls Half (Broken) T : Both arms are parallel to the ground and bent at the elbows with fists to shoulders, hands in little cinnamon rolls Bow and Arrow: One arm out to side, hand in big cinnamon rolls, and other arm bent at elbow in a half T, hand in little cinnamon rolls Overhead Clasp: Arms are straight, above the head in a clasp, and slightly in front of the face Daggers: Arms bent at elbow and straight up and down with fists to shoulders, hands in little cinnamon rolls Box Motion: Both arms up in a 90 degree angle, elbows at shoulder height, hands in little cinnamon rolls Muscle Man: Start with arms in T motion, move both arms into Box Motion Punch: One arm extended straight up, hand in little cinnamon roll, other arm on hip L Motion: Left/right arm extended to the side, that hand in big cinnamon roll, with other arm extended in a punch motion and hand in little cinnamon roll Diagonal: Left/right arm extended in a high V and the other arm extended in a low V, both hands in big cinnamon rolls Side Lunge: Lead leg bent with knee over the ankle, back leg straight, feet perpendicular to each other Front lunge: Lead leg bent with the knee over the ankle, back leg straight, feet parallel to each other!13
How to Reach the Coaches: We have an email address for PTMS Cheer. ptmscheer@aol.com Please use this email address for most correspondence. Coach Jessica Carpenter can be reached by: Email: coachcarp25@aol.com Phone (Call or Text): 724-249-3376 Coach Melissa Giaquinto can be reached by: Email: giaquintom@pt-sd.org Phone (Call or Text): 412-523-4398 Our website: http://ptmscheerleading.weebly.com Mailing Address for Peters Township Middle School: 625 East McMurray Road McMurray, PA 15317 Phone: 724-941-2688 LET S GO INDIANS!!14