ANKENY HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING TRY-OUT INFORMATION 2018-2019 Tryout Clinic Dates: March 19 th, 21 st, 23 rd All from 6-8pm in the AHS Auxiliary Gym (open House Style. Come when you can, stay as long as you want) Tryouts: Saturday March 24 th from 9am-?? AHS Gyms Check in Starts at 8:30am Mandatory Post Tryout Parent/Cheerleader Meeting Monday March 26 th 6pm-? Dear Prospective Hawk Cheerleaders and Parents: We would like to thank you for your interest in Ankeny Cheerleading. Attached, you will find the paperwork that you will need to have completed and turned in the first day you attend clinics. If you do not have your paperwork completed and on file with us, you will not be permitted to participate. Please carefully review all of the information included in this packet and feel free to contact us if you have any questions. Please bring all completed forms to the first day of clinics you attend. DO NOT TURN THEM INTO THE OFFICE. Tryouts are CLOSED to the public; parents are allowed in the big gym the day of tryouts. However, once the applicant enters the first stage of tryouts you will not be permitted to follow. There are no exceptions to this. Tryouts will be held Saturday, March 24 th from 9:00 AM until everyone has completed their try out. You must wear: PLAIN white t-shirt, black/dark shorts, gym/cheer shoes and a bow/ribbon. Please have your hair pulled back off of your face and no jewelry. Squad lists will be posted at the school first on the doors you will be leaving through that day. Then we will post them on our School Fusion Page by Sunday morning. The roster will also be posted by the Activities Office at the High School and outside of the main office at Southview on Monday the 26 th. High School Cheerleading is a VERY demanding and time-consuming sport that begins in June and does not finish until March. We take great pride in coaching our athletes to their absolute highest potential. While building personal skills in tumbling and cheerleading are important, we are most proud of the character, personal achievement, teamwork, commitment, and resiliency that our athletes gain while being a part of our program. Each student needs to seriously consider the amount of time, hard work and dedication involved with cheering for Ankeny High School before deciding to try out for a team. Please read this packet and discuss the information with each other before signing the application and acceptance documents. Your signature indicates that you and your daughter/son understand that cheerleading requires time, energy, dedication, commitment, dependability, costs and a willingness to support our cheer program. Being a part of a squad means that there are people counting on you. You will be expected to keep your grades up and maintain your cheering eligibility. Many of Hawk cheerleaders combine good time management skills and study habits to maintain a 3.25 GPA, making them eligible for the CIML All- Academic Award. As coaches, we will accept nothing less than your best in both academics and cheerleading. Ankeny Hawk Cheerleaders are highly visible in the community. You will be expected to be a model representative of Ankeny High School, the cheerleading program, at home and at other schools. Always remember, little girls and boys are looking up to you and want to be just like YOU! We look forward to seeing you at clinics and tryouts. Cheerfully, Ankeny Hawk Cheerleading Coaching Staff
I. Coaching Staff: Head Coach Katie Bales: Head Coach All Levels Coach Britne Davis: Assistant Varsity Fall, Varsity Wrestling Coach Allie Ring: JV Fall, JV Winter Coach Kelly Ugolini: Freshman Fall, Freshman Winter II. Try-Out Procedures and Schedule: A. Appearance: All-American look, Iowa Cheer Coaches Association Rules Hair: MUST be fully pulled back (no bangs/whispies - including hair by ears) Jewelry: None Nails: well maintained, cut short (not visible above fingertip), no polish or acrylics Shoes: cheer shoes or athletic shoes Clinics: T-shirt and shorts (athletic style clothing) Try-outs: hair bow/ribbon, plain white t-shirt, black or dark shorts and Athletic Shoes Any violations to the rules will result in negative points. During the season if you do not abide by our dress code it will result in nonparticipation B. Clinics - March 19 th, 21 st, 23 rd from 6pm-8pm in the AHS Gym - Material: Stations- learn/review tryout dance, learn/review jumps, learn/review Cheer, practice current tumbling skills (no spots), cheer motions and game day skills, and possible stunting practice for varsity candidates. - Attendance: Open house style- Come when you can, stay for as long as you need. - Attire: Please wear any athletic clothing and shoes. No spandex shorts or midriff shirts will be allowed. Keep the 3 B s covered! C. Try-outs Date: March 24 th In the AHS gyms 9am -? -Check in times will be Those trying out for freshman and JV team as highest level check in will begin at 8:30AM Those trying out for Varsity as the highest level you will check in at 10:00AM - OPEN Review Time: Free Time to review in the big gym while waiting to try-out - Judging will begin around 9am. - Judged on: Tryout dance, Cheer, Chant (you will learn that day), jumps, tumbling (NOT REQUIRED), enthusiasm, poise, confidence, appearance, and leadership qualities. If you require an early tryout time, please talk to a Coach at CLINICS - not the day of tryouts. - Video tryouts will be available prior to this date if you are unable to attend the day of tryouts. You must schedule a time with Coach Bales during clinics. - You will bring all items with you to the tryout area. After you have concluded your tryout you will leave through the NORTHWEST doors and exit the building. You will not be admitted back into the gyms. - If you do not exit the building after your tryout has completed you will forfeit your scores. - You are not allowed to watch other tryouts. - Late tryouts are only permitted for students who are coming to Ankeny schools from outside of the district. Judging - Points: Score sheets will be used by the AHS Head Coach, Varsity Assistant, JV Coach, Freshman Coach, and guest judges.
Scoring: Judges Sheet is provided at the end of packet. This is not the exact document judges will use, but is a great tool to reference in order to know what judges are looking for. We will not be using any score sheets or videos from previous years. If you do not perform it at this tryout you will not get scored on it. We will be using Grade Reports this year We will be having the school run a grade check. For each Failing grade on your report card you will lose 1 point. - Results: The coaches will tabulate all cumulative ballot results. Results will be posted later Saturday afternoon on the Northwest doors and Sunday morning to the Cheerleading Fusion Page, Twitter Account and in the schools. - Calls: Please be aware Coaches may be making some phone calls prior to posting the results. If we have questions about your application or squad choices, we will be contacting you for clarification. Keep a phone close just in case! If you do not answer the coaches will make the decision. D. MANDATORY Post Try-out cheerleader and parent meeting: 1. March 26 th AHS Cafeteria 6pm-8pm This is a MANDATORY meeting for all those who made a squad. You will receive a lot of information about fundraisers, uniforms, camp and lots more! This is the Uniform fitting as well. If you are not there for the fitting there is no way to know your size. E. Declining a position- In order to decline a position, you must contact Coach Katie Bales prior to the meeting on Monday. Please note that if you decline a position you will not be offered a new one. Any time after the start of the meeting on Monday; if you decline the position after that time you will no longer be able to tryout the following year. F. Contacting Coaches after Tryouts- We will not be answering emails, phone calls or texts regarding tryouts and or squad placement until 2 weeks after our tryout date. 1. Please know that judging cheerleading tryouts is extremely difficult. There are so many who try out we cannot guarantee a placement on a squad for everyone. We really appreciate everyone who makes an effort to come to Clinics and Tryouts. If you would like to review your scores please make an appointment with the Coaches no sooner than two weeks after tryouts. We will be happy to go over any information with you about YOUR tryout and YOUR scores. Scores and information regarding other Candidates will not be discussed. III. Forms Necessary for Try-outs: Forms are due the first day you attend the cheer clinics in order to practice. If these are not turned in you are not eligible to participate. You will not be allowed into the gym without all of your paperwork. A. Cheerleader Application Done Online B. Concussion Form Print from AHS Cheer Website - signed D. Printed Copy of most current Report Card E. Printed and Signed copy of the Parent/Guardian Signature page found on our website. F. Emergency Contact Card Handed out tonight All this information will be posted on our School website. This will also be where we will post the squad list after tryouts.
IV. Ankeny Seasonal Squads and Competitive Cheerleading Season Squads A. Fall Squads a. Varsity will have a minimum of 12 members b. JV and Freshman squads will have a minimum of 8 members B. Winter a. All winter squads will have a minimum of 6 members State Maroon Squad (Music), State Gold Squad (Cheer), State Stunt: We will only have Competitive Cheer squad if there are enough interested. A. All Cheerleaders will have the opportunity to be placed on a Competitive Squad. B. Coaches will determine cheerleader placement during try-outs and squads will be announced along with season and level squads. C. State Stunt will be determined during camp and the fall season 1. Up to two different squads of 5 cheerleaders. D. Choreography: 1. Maroon Squad: i. Professional hired to choreograph music routine in June ii. AHS Coaches will choreograph cheer iii. Mandatory Choreography: June (Final dates TBA soon) iv. Tentative schedule Wednesdays during the summer from 5-6pm to practice 2. Gold Squad: v. AHS Coaches will choreograph cheer vi. Professional hired to assist with stunts vii. Mandatory Stunt Practice: July (Final dates TBA soon) viii. Tentative schedule Wednesday during the summer from 5-6 to practice E. Competitions: 1. All Day Events 2. Possible October Competition 3. Triton Challenge also normally held in October 4. State Competition held the first weekend in November V. Proposed Purchases If item has an * next to it - items will be the same as last year, returning cheerleaders may purchase a new version, or keep what you purchased last year. This will be discussed further at the post try-out parent meeting on March 26 th. All costs and items are subject to change or be added with or without notice Prices listed are estimates- finalized numbers TBA A. Mandatory Gear: *Game Day Bow: $18 *Maroon Briefs: $25 *Poms: $45 *Shoes: $65-$80 *Practice Clothing: 3 new items, 3 returning items *Warm-up Jacket: $150 *Warm-up Pants: $70 Uniform Rental: $50 *Sleeves for under uniform: $60 Cheer Camp $386 Varsity and JV Cheerleaders will have a 25$ fee to go towards Boosters. Uniform Rental and/or camp bus fee may decrease or go away depending on sponsorship totals. **If you are purchasing your own shoes they MUST BE ALL LEATHER. You will not be permitted to wear indoor competition shoes during ANY cheer events including practices. This started the fall 2017 season. If you do not have the correct shoes you will not cheer. If you wish to pay with a credit card, please talk to Coach Bales as the fees will be added to your infinite campus. Payment plans are available also!
You are not allowed to make any additions to any of the items Rhinestones, glitter and other items are ILLEGAL for cheerleading. You are not to add any of those to any pieces of your uniform, warm-ups or practice clothes. B. Cheer Summer Camp: a. Camp is an expected attendance unless cleared by the coach. The material learned at camp and the stunting will be used at the games during the year. The safety lessons at camp are required to be gone over each year. If you are not able to attend Camp you must sign up for a date for your 3-hour safety lesson with Coach Bales before the start of your season. Cost for the safety lesson material is $60 if you do not attend camp. If you do not pass this safety lesson you will not be cleared to stunt until you are able to retake the test and pass. 1. Camp Cost: $386 a. Camp dates 7/16-7/19 at the Double Tree in Cedar Rapids. We will leave around 9AM on the 16 th to head to camp and return after camp has concluded on the 19 th. b. Price includes the following i. All meals while camp is running ii. 1 Hotel room for 3 nights with 3 roommates from your team iii. Safety in Stunting Course required for everyone to pass in order to stunt at Games and Events iv. Cheer, Chant and Dance Classes v. Jump and Motion Technique vi. Partner Stunt Class vii. Pyramid Class viii. End of Camp Competition ix. 1 on 1 training with a Camp Instructor to help with squad s and individual needs x. Team Bonding and Team Goal activities 2. Bus: $60 May decrease depending on fundraising and sponsorship totals. VI. Expectations of an Ankeny Hawk Cheerleader: Details of expectations will be reviewed in greater detail at post try-out meeting March 26 th A. Program Book Overview (reference AHS Cheer School Fusion page) B. Responsibilities immediately following joining the program 1. Sponsorships: * These will directly impact some of your fees. (bussing and Uniform Rental) ALL LEVELS Everyone is to get $150 worth of sponsors. Those who reach this amount will be in our Sponsorship Photo for the poster. Sponsorship money goes to help pay for the upkeep of current uniforms, pay for new pieces as needed, upkeep of safety equipment, purchases of game day sign materials, purchase of Homecoming Decorations and other needs we have throughout the seasons. As everyone utilizes the items listed EVERYONE is to find sponsors for the Cheer Program. 2. Fundraisers: - Sell Cookie Dough and Coffee for your Personal Cheer Bill. 40% of your sales will go to your AHS cheer account bill - Work Carwash Date AUGUST 25 th Sign-up sheets will be provided - Face Painting at Games - Additional fundraisers may be added based on sponsorship total ** JV will have additional fundraisers as they will be trying to fund new uniforms for the year. Your Coach will go over this information at the Mandatory meeting on March 26 th.
3. Community/Squad service events: - Participate in at least 5 hours of service (Community/Squad) in order to letter or end season in good standing. - The cheerleading program will provide multiple opportunities to volunteer. VII. Summer Schedule: A complete schedule will be presented at post try-out meeting Monday March 26 th A. Tumbling 1. If you are interested in taking a tumbling class this summer - talk to Coach Bales. B. Summerfest Practice & Parade 1. Must attend practice to participate in parade 2. Expected to attend and represent Hawk Cheerleading in Summerfest Parade 3. Practice: Friday prior to Summerfest Parade 6-7 PM at AHS (parking lot) 4. Parade: Saturday of Parade- Roughly 8:00-11:00am. Northview Parking lot. C. Summer Cheer Camp 1. Expected to attend and represent Ankeny Cheerleading 2. We will use the material taught at camp during the season. 3. Reminder - must pass the safety in stunting section in order to stunt during your season. D. Cheers and Chants 1. Expected to be informally practicing all summer long. 2. Cheers and Chants are available on the AHS Cheer YouTube page (words and videos) i. A link may be found on the Cheer Fusion page. ii. You are expected to have an understanding of these cheers before we go to camp. VIII. Expected Fall Schedule: A. Pre-season events: Gatorade Game: 8/2_? (Varsity) Football BBQ: Early August B. School Practice: ALL LEVELS: Monday 4-6 Wednesday 4-6 C. Games: (Reference the CIML online for a more accurate schedule) Fall Freshman and JV: Thursday and Fridays Fall Varsity: Friday You MUST wear your uniform to school on game days. D. Homecoming: All levels: SATURDAY BEFORE homecoming week Decorating Schools Mandatory for ALL Fall Cheerleaders those who do not help will not be in the Homecoming assembly and will not cheer the first quarter of the game. Parents are encouraged to help! Varsity: Door Sign Painting VIII. Expected Winter Schedule: A. Practice: Practice will begin middle of November (Date TBD) and be held at AHS in the commons/cafeteria for all levels. ALL SPORTS ALL LEVELS: Monday 4-6 Wednesdays 4-6
In January we switch to MONDAY ONLY B. Games/Meets (Reference the CIML online for a more accurate schedule) 1.) Basketball: - All Levels: Tuesday and Fridays (occasional Saturday) - All Varsity B-Ball, JV Winter, and Freshman Winter will cheer Basketball Games. - Varsity: All home and away games - JV and Freshman: All home games 2.) Wrestling: - JV Winter and Varsity: Thursdays Meets, Saturday Tournaments (all day) - All Varsity Wrestling and JV Winter will cheer Wrestling Meets - Varsity: All home and away meets - JV: All home JV meets Follow us on twitter @AHS_HawkCheer Facebook AHS Hawk Cheerleading Instagram @hawkcheerleading If you have any questions Regarding Clinics or Tryouts, please contact the Head Coach Katie Bales Katie.bales@ankenyschools.org
ANKENY CHEER Try-Out Rubric Excellent 4-5 Above Average 3-4 Average 2-3 Unable to Score- Fair 0-2 Tumbling 5 pts Not Required You will receive 1 point for each of the following: Good Form Solid Landing Tight Throughout Skill Good Height Fast Paced Jumps 30 pts Technique includes: approach, landing, toe point, and motion execution in the jump Two or more advanced jumps performed with above level, above average technique* Must perform a jump sequence i.e. two consecutive jumps. Advanced jumps performed with level height, average technique* and variety (two different types of jumps) Advanced jumps (front/side hurdler, toe touch, pike, double nine) performed with below level height/technique* Minimal variety (two different types of jumps). Poor execution of combo jumps may be scored in this range Basic jumps (tuck, spread eagle, double hook) or poor execution/technique* of advanced jumps Dance 35 pts Out of 5 Sharp Motions Motion Placement Knowledge Facials Timing/Technique Confidence Involving spirit Multiple visual effects*, exceptional level of execution, fast pace, confidently mastered material. * Visual effects - Technique includes: sharp motions, on count/precise movements and footwork Multiple visual effects*, above average level of execution, fast pace, mastered material * Visual effects - Technique includes: sharp motions, on count/precise movements and footwork Basic visual effects*, average level of execution, average pace, basic knowledge of material * Visual effects - Technique includes: sharp motions, on count/precise movements and footwork Little to no visual effects*, below average level of execution, slow pace, poor knowledge of material * Visual effects - Technique includes: sharp motions, on count/precise movements and footwork Cheer and Chant 35 pts Out of 5 Sharp Motions Motion Placement Knowledge Facials Timing/Technique Confidence Involving spirit Confidently masters material. Strong voice, sharp motions, on count/precise movements and footwork. Can effectively involve spirit movements (jumps and/or standing tumbling), crowd appeal and involvement with motions Masters material. Projected voice, sharp motions, on count/precise movements and footwork. Attempts to involve spirit movements (jumps and/or standing tumbling), crowd appeal and involvement with motions Basic knowledge of material. Weak voice, not sharp motions or off count/sloppy movements and footwork. Attempts to involve spirit movements (jumps and/or standing tumbling), crowd appeal and involvement with motions Poor knowledge of material. Weak voice, not sharp motions or off count/sloppy movements and footwork. No attempt to involve spirit movements (jumps and/or standing tumbling), crowd appeal and involvement with motions Overall Impression 5 pts per Judge Demonstrates showmanship (crowd appeal) and strong voices. Confident in their skills. Have natural, excited faces and smiles. Show their personality and be enthusiastic. Has an All-American look Demonstrates showmanship (crowd appeal) and projected voices. Have natural, excited faces and smiles. Show their personality and be enthusiastic Lack of showmanship (crowd appeal) and has weak voice. Timid facials and limited expression Lack of showmanship (crowd appeal) and has weak voice. Limited to no facials or expression
Oversized T and Leggings Camp Outfit 2 Camp Outfit 3 New Everyone Needs New T Returning Shorts Returning Outfit Will have your Grad Year Maroon Spandex Maroon Sleeves 6 inch poms For under uniform For under uniform 1 Maroon 1 Gold Cheer shoes 2 styles to choose from Warm up Jacket Warm up Pants Reminder if Purchasing your own they must be ALL LEATHER upper