WASHINGTON-LEE CHEERLEADING

Fall 2018 WASHINGTON-LEE CHEERLEADING Dear Parents and Students, Your son/daughter has expressed an interest in the Washington-Lee High School cheerleading squad for the Fall 2018 sports season. It is very important that you, the parents, and your son/daughter (if chosen for the team) share the responsibility. Perhaps the most difficult obligation that thrusts upon the parents is that of rearranging the family schedule to allow your child to attend his/her cheerleading responsibilities. Your assistance is greatly needed and we would like to thank you in advance for all the hours you will devote to the success of our program. We hope you find great pride and satisfaction in your cheerleader s accomplishments. Your son/daughter and you will need to read this packet and fill out the required information by signing where applicable. To be eligible for try-outs, all forms must be completed and returned on July 30, 2018. If you have any question or need additional information, please feel free to contact any of the coaches by phone or email. Thank you for your support and cooperation. Ghita Haronni, Head Varsity (703) 340-7994 Ghita.Haronni@apsva.us Chaimae Haronni, Assistant Varsity (703) 340-7995 Chaimae.Haronni@apsva.us Connie Williams, Junior Varsity (202) 749-6788 constance.williams@apsva.us Traci Garner, Freshman (410) 905-2970 traci.garner@apsva.us 1

CHEER TRYOUT INFORMATION The following dates are mandatory for those who wish to try out for the WLHS cheer program. You will be taught the material you will be judged on during these dates. It is in your best interest to attend all of the dates in order to learn all the material. Schedule Monday, July 30, 2018 Tryout Clinic 6-8:30pm All Forms Due Tuesday, July 31, 2018 Tryout Clinic 6-8:30pm Wednesday, August 1, 2018 Tryout Clinic 6-8:30pm Thursday, August 2, 2018 Tryout Clinic 6-8:30pm (Selection Day) (Quick meeting with new team after) Tryout Forms Required on Day 1 Signed Contract Completed Cheer Application Emergency Card Physical dated after May 1, 2018 on file with the Athletic trainer Tryout Material Cheer Chant Dance Jumps Tumbling (Optional back handspring & higher) Stunting Fitness (1 mile, sit ups, push ups) Attire for Tryouts T-shirt (plain, no writing) Rising Freshman = Gray Rising Sophomores = White Rising Juniors = Light/royal blue Rising Seniors = Black Dark Shorts or Spandex (no denim) No-show socks & tennis shoes Hair pulled back from face, bow (optional) NO JEWELRY (even new piercings), GUM OR COLORED NAIL POLISH (nails must be cut down) 2

TRYOUT FORMAT EXPLANATION OF CRITERIA The final squad selection will be determined by the coaches after observation during the four day tryout. The below criteria will be used to evaluate you during during tryouts. Become familiar with them. As you practice, you may want to have someone, a parent/guardian perhaps, evaluate you as the coaches would in each of the following categories. Your evaluation actually starts the very first day ATTITUDE, appearance, form, timeliness, following instructions, etc. Appearance/Knowledge (Overall Impression) Confident, enthusiastic, lively and positive Neatly dressed; good posture; hair away from face; no jewelry/gum/colored nail polish Confident exhibits cheers/chants/jumps/motions/dance Knows the sequence and precision of movements Does not look around to others for help Few mistakes; recovers quickly without drawing attention Chant/Cheer Sharp, precise movements Loud, audible voice projection Synchronized with other members Energetic and full of enthusiasm Correct arms, hand position Has correct rhythm and timing Dance Routine Synchronized with other members Energetic and full of enthusiasm Has correct rhythm and timing Knows the sequence and precision of movements Jumps Performs 2 required jumps (1 Toe Touch; 1 jump of choice); Connecting Jumps Good Height, straight back, exact position of legs (technique) Tumbling A minimum of a Round-Off BHS and/or a standing BHS is REQUIRED if trying out for varsity. While in general those with the tumbling requirement will receive first consideration it is possible that coaches may select someone without this requirement to address non-tumbling needs of the team. If the team is not filled with individuals who have the minimum tumbling requirement then remaining spots can be filled with other candidates based on their evaluation during tryouts and the needs of the team. Stunts Base: shows correct technique and strength to build and execute various stunts; must be able to execute stunts as both a side and main base Back spot: shows correct technique and strength to build and execute various stunts; must be un-afraid to spot and cradle from any level of difficulty Top: shows correct technique and strength to build and execute various stunts; MUST be able to express confidence and lead a crowd from a stunt; must be willing to try various levels of stunting and body positions. Potential Flyers will be asked to pull 3 BODY POSITIONS on the ground (Heel Stretch, Scale, and Arabesque). Fitness Timed one mile (9mins), Push ups, Sits ups 3

FALL 2018 CHEERLEADING EXPENSES VARSITY Camp/Practice wear (5 shirts): $60 Hair bow (practice) x 5: $22 Game/Competition bow: $15 Performance Shorts: $15 *Poms: $17.00 *Bra: $14.00 *Ladder $45.00 *Cheer Shoes (Option to Purchase one of two Choices) Infinity Shoes (Recommended) $91 or Chasse Shoes: $30 Cheer Bag (OPTIONAL): $18.00 Tumbling: $50 Navy Halftime Extravaganza = $24; Navy Halftime Extravaganza Shirt (Optional) = $12 Invitational/Competition Day Meals: $20 ***Cheer Gear Money (cash only) is due by Friday August 3, 2018 JUNIOR VARISTY Camp/Practice wear (4 shirts): $45 Hair bow (practice) x 4: $17 Game/Competition bows (2): $11 Performance Shorts: $15 *Poms: $19 *Bloomers: $5.00 *Turtle neck: $13 *Cheer Shoes (Option to Purchase one of two Choices) Infinity Shoes (Recommended) $91 or Chasse Shoes: $30 Cheer Bag (OPTIONAL) : $18.00 Tumbling: $50 Navy Halftime Extravaganza = $24; Navy Halftime Extravaganza Shirt (Optional) = $12 Invitationals Day Meals: $10 ***Cheer Gear Money (cash only) is due by Friday August 3, 2018 FRESHMAN 1. Cheer Gear Expenses Camp/Practice wear (4 shirts): $45 Hair bow (practice) x 4: $17 Game/Competition bow: $7 *Poms: $19.00 *Performance Shorts: $15 *Bloomers: $5.00 *Cheer Shoes (Option to Purchase one of two Choices) Infinity Shoes (Recommended) $91 or Chasse Shoes: $30 Cheer Bag (OPTIONAL) : $18.00 Tumbling: $50 Navy Halftime Extravaganza = $24; Navy Halftime Extravaganza Shirt (Optional) = $12 ***Cheer Gear Money (cash only) is due by Friday August 3, 2018 ALL LEVELS 1. Camp Expenses Varsity/JV = Skills/Choreography Camp = Amount TBA Freshman = Skills Camp only = Amount TBA ***Payment (cash only) due by TBA 4

Washington-Lee High School Cheerleading 2018-2019 Rules and Regulations Article I. Squad Members, Standards and Criteria The team shall consist of eligible students from Washington-Lee High School. Squad members will be selected by the Cheerleading Coach(s). Clinic evaluation and tryout will be used in the selection process. Freshman, sophomores, juniors and seniors are all eligible for the squad. Note: Seniors are eligible for Varsity only. Each prospective cheerleader will compete with all other candidates during tryouts. Tryouts will be held each school year. Attendance is MANDATORY unless prior arrangements are made for extenuating circumstances. Article II. Purpose To serve as a representative of WLHS at all times and to serve as a role model for other students. To build support for the athletic teams among the student body and community by promoting school spirit. To encourage good sportsmanship among students and adults. Article III. Supervision The cheerleading squad will be directed by a coach designated by the Principal and Activities Director of the school. The coach may have assistant coaches that are approved by the Principal and Activities Director of the school. The coach will approve all activities and actions taken by the squad. Article IV. Leadership The coach will choose captains and/or co-captains. The coach may at his/her discretion defer to the team for the selection of the captains and/or co-captains. Article V. General Duties, Rules and Regulations All squad members will: Promote an atmosphere of good sportsmanship. All squad members are required to attend all team activities including: All home athletic events as directed by the coach Away athletic events as directed by the coach Camp Practices Competitions Homecoming festivities Pep rallies Fundraisers Called meetings All squad members: Must know the cheers, chants and routines for all games and performances. Should always show respect and be courteous to faculty members, administration, officials, coaches, players, and visitors. Should always remember that their primary responsibility is to support the athletic program. All captains and/or co-captains will: Carry out direction given by the coach and administration; Provide positive and responsible leadership for the benefit of other team members. All telephone communications (i.e. phone calls and texting) between cheerleader/parent and coaches is restricted to the hours of 7am to 9pm. 5

Chain of Communication-It is understood that an athlete or parent may need to communicate a question or concern in regards to the cheer program. Please follow the chain of command below if a situation would arise. 1 st Contact the coach of the team. If your problem is not resolved 2 nd Contact the Activities Office If you are still not satisfied, the Activities Office will direct your concern to the principal if needed Article VI. Dismissal and Eligibility To remain on the squad, all cheerleaders must pass a minimum of 6 classes for each semester. All squad members must have the physical certification form submitted. A cheerleader who reflects unfavorably on the team or who behaves in a manner unbecoming or embarrassing to WLHS will be reprimanded by the coach and may be suspended from the squad for a period of time at the coaches discretion. Article VII. Conduct No cheerleader will, at any time or any location, use alcohol, tobacco, or drugs. Failure to comply with this standard will result in immediate expulsion from the Cheerleading squad. A cheerleader s conduct shall be held to a higher standard than that of other students since he/she represents the school and the squad. Article VIII. Uniforms and Appearance Shells and skirts are provided by WLHS. Other items required will be at the expense of each squad member. Uniforms must be kept clean and in good condition. Uniforms must be cleaned and returned to the coach within TWO WEEKS of the conclusion of the season or at a date specified by the coach. Lost uniforms must be replaced and damages to the uniform must be repaired at the squad member s expense. Uniforms may be altered at the cheerleader s expense. DO NOT CUT ANY FABRIC when altering because of the possibility of further alterations the next year. All articles decided upon by the squad and the coach, as part of the uniform must be worn or carried by the individual to every game. Uniforms are only to be worn in conjunction with school sporting events or as designated by the coach. DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO WEAR OR USE ANY PART OF YOUR UNIFORM. Scheduled practice uniforms must be worn on assigned days. (A schedule with dress attire will be provided). No jewelry will be worn at games or practice. Hair must be pulled back so as not to be an obstruction at games or practices. White no-show socks are required at games. Cold weather gear must be navy blue, gray/silver, or white. Including gloves, hats, coats, sweatshirts, pants. Warm-up s are provided by the school. It is at the coach s discretion if warm s-up will be worn. All team members are required to look uniform and wear the same apparel at the coach s discretion. No visible tattoo, body piercing or unusual colors of dyed hair (determined by the coach) is allowed. Only crystal clear nail polish is to be worn while in uniform. Colored polish is not allowed. Make-up must be kept to a minimum. Long nails need to be cut. Bra straps should not be visible. Must be ready for games and practices prior to scheduled time. Article IX. Attendance/Transportation Practice will be determined by the coach. A schedule will be provided to each squad member. Cheerleaders must attend every practice, game, competition, fundraisers, and related events. Cheerleaders will be fifteen minutes early to every practice. Continual tardiness is grounds to dismissal. Every cheerleader must be fully dressed and ready for practice at the schedule practice time (wearing the scheduled clothing attire, jewelry removed, and shoes on, etc.). 6

If a cheerleader requires assistance from the athletic trainer for tape, ice, or physical therapy, he/she must go prior to the start of practice. He/She should plan to arrive with ample time to get anything accomplished to be at practice on time. Missing practice for a club meeting is not allowed. All members must dress out for practice even if they are injured or sick. Cheerleaders may not leave practice early. If a cheerleader is to miss a practice, he/she must contact the coach. He/She should not relay the message through another cheerleader or parent. If a cheerleader does not attend school the day of the game or practice, that cheerleader will not participate in any activity, and it will be counted as an absence. If a cheerleader misses practice during the week preceding a competition, he/she will not compete and may lose his/her spot in the routine for other competitions. Cell phones must be off prior to the beginning of practices. If parents need to reach their child during practice for an emergency, please call your respective coach. If a cheerleader does not attend the practice before a game, pep rally, or competition, he/she is not eligible to participate. HOWEVER, he/she must dress out and sit with the coach on the sidelines. NO eating, drinking (other than water), or chewing gum during practice. Excused absences from school are to be e-mailed to the Coach. Excused absences include contagious illnesses or approved pre-planned absences. If a cheerleader checks out of school before the end of the day she/he is to notify the coach before leaving or a parent must e-mail and report the absence. The attendance office will not inform the activities office or the coach. Cheerleaders ARE NOT to have another cheerleader inform the coach of missing practices, checking out from school, being late to practices or games, etc. Absence or tardiness due to poor planning or study habits is not excused. Homework, studying for tests, completing major projects, birthday dinners, I don t have a ride, etc. are not excused regardless whether a parent's note is provided. Cheerleaders will travel together to and from away games on the school bus. If a cheerleader is not on the bus, he/she will not cheer. If a parent is going to pick up his/her cheerleader at an away game, the coach must speak to the parent at the game. Article X. Fundraising Raising funds for team is highly suggested. Cheerleaders are to seek out new opportunities to raise funds for teams. All fundraising activities are required. Article XI. Expectations and Consequences Expectations: Be respectful to parents, administration, coaches, and teammates. BE ON TIME AND READY Be at all practices and games. Be prepared to work as a team. Have a positive attitude. Consequences and Actions: Being disrespectful to parents, administration, coaches and/or teammates. 1 st Offense: Sit out 1 game. 2 nd Offense: Dismissal from squad. Missing Practices (without prior consent from the head coach): 1 st Offense: Sit out 1 game. 2 nd Offense: Dismissal from squad. Arguing with teammates or coaches: 1 st Offense: Sit out 1 game. 7

2 nd Offense: Dismissal from squad. Being tardy: (Tardy is being late to practice or game without consent of the Head Coach). 1 st Offense: Verbal warning and physical activity at coaches discretion. 2 nd Offense: Sit out one game. 3 rd Offense: Dismissal from squad. Cell Phones: (If cell phones ring during practices, games or other events) 1 st Offense: Verbal warning and physical activity at coaches discretion. 2 nd Offense: Dismissal from squad. The following are considered inappropriate behavior for a cheerleader: Inappropriate or extreme public displays of affection Smoking, drinking, or use of controlled substances not under the direction of the cheerleader s physician Insubordination to coaches, teachers, or other school personnel or officials in positions of authority in the school or at athletic events Use of profanity or making of lewd or profane gestures to another person Inappropriate school behaviors including but not limited to repeated tardiness, discipline issues, suspensions or chronic detentions, cutting class, not being in good standing with the VHSL according the Rule 28-1-3, not following dress code Not maintaining the required grades to participate in VHSL sports. Coaches may monitor and require cheerleaders to provide their GPA Failure to comply with these rules or any of the other above rules may result with a team physical activity at coaches discretion, decreased participation in games, and (in severe circumstances) removal from the team. Any and all rules are subject to review and may be modified based on extenuating circumstances at the discretion of the coach and/or the Athletic Director; as deemed necessary. 8

Washington-Lee High School Cheerleading 2018 Fall Season Parent/Student Agreement Form To be eligible, all forms must be completed and returned on July 30, 2018. Those students who have not returned a completed form on this date will not be eligible to try-out for the Fall 2018 cheer season. Parent/Guardian I, the undersigned, have read and fully understand the rules and regulations that govern my son/daughter if he/she is chosen to represent Washington-Lee High School as a cheerleader. I further understand that this is a sport, and that ATTENDANCE AT ALL PRACTICES, GAMES, AND SPECIAL FUNCTIONS IS A REQUIREMENT OF THE CHEERLEADERS. I hereby give my consent for my son/daughter to be a cheerleader at Washington-Lee High School and recognize his/her responsibilities and requirements as a leader of his/her school. I understand that if selected my son/daughter will be required to pay for certain items (see page 6 of information packet). Signature of Parent/Guardian Date / / ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Student I understand that if selected as a cheerleader that I will be required to attend practices, game and special functions for fall season. I understand that if selected as a cheerleader that I will be required to abide by all rules set forth by the administration of Washington-Lee High School. Signature of Student Date / / -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Emergency Contact In Case of an emergency please contact at (telephone number). I hereby give my permission; in an emergency room of the nearest hospital and medical staff my authorization to provide treatment, which a physician deems necessary for the well being of my child. Signature of Parent/Guardian / / Date 9

Fall 2018 Washington-Lee High School Cheerleading Application 1. Name: 2. Grade for the 2018-19 School Year: 3. Email Address: 4. Cell Phone Number: 5. Student ID Number: 6. Current GPA: 7. Please provide a copy of your grades from the 2017-2018 school (unofficial) 8. Please attach a headshot to this application 9. Skill Information- -- Tumbling: Do you have an UN-SPOTTED or w/ light spot back-handspring on a non-spring floor? Yes No Check what other tumbling you have un-spotted on a cheer mat (non-spring floor) Front walk-over Back walk-over Standing back tuck Standing back hand-spring tuck Toe-touch back handspring Toe-touch tuck Round-off back handspring Round-off back handspring tuck Round-off back handspring layout Round-off back handspring full Other: -- Stunting: Preferred Stunting Position (Please circle your top choice and note others you can do): a. Base (Main) b. Base (Side) c. Back d. Flyer e. Have Never Cheered f. Can you do others, if so which: 10. Interested in being evaluated for: Freshman (9th Grade) Junior Varsity (9th-11th Grades) Varsity (9th-12th Grades) 11. Why do you want to be part of the Washington-Lee Cheerleading program? 12. Are you currently involved in any other extra-curricular activities (in and outside of school)? If, yes, please explain and provide that schedule: 13. Are you interested in a leadership role on the team? If, yes, please explain why you would be a good person to represent your team in a leadership role. 14. What strengths and characteristics would you bring to the team? 10