Vista Ridge High School Cheer

Spring 2016

Congratulations! You have made a big decision to try out for the Vista Ridge High School Cheerleading Squad. We sincerely appreciate your interest in becoming a member of Vista Ridge

Cheer. This packet contains very important information for both your parents and you.

One of the most important things to note is the monetary commitment involved in being a cheerleader. Cheerleading is a three season sport and all uniforms, equipments, and camps must be purchased as a team/program. Uniforms, shoes, expenses for camps, camp clothes, bows, bags, and other cheer needs will cost participants approximately $1,200.00+- $2,200.00 depending on the team and if they are new to the program or not. Cheer payments will be made April, May & June to satisfy all balancesandseveral fundraisers will be made available to help offset some of the expense.

In addition to the monetary commitment, your parents and you must agree to follow the policies and expectations of the Vista Ridge Cheerleading Teams. Look at the guidelines that are attached and go through them with your parent(s) to make sure both your parents and you understand what is involved in being a cheerleader. It is hard work, but just like any major activity, it is worth it!

Thank you again for your interest in trying out for the VRHS cheerleading squad. Rememberwhat is important about being a cheerleader ... supporting the team, making new friends, representing the program in a positive light and showing off your talents.Being a member of the squad requires a lot of time and commitment, but alsoincludes a lot of fun!

If we have not already met you, we are looking forward to doing so during the tryout practices.

Good luck at the final tryout. We hope you are chosen to be a part of our fabulous program! Remember, on April 22nd, take a deep breath, relax and always keep a SMILE on your face!

Vista Ridge Clinics and Tryout Dates

Information Meeting: April 8th @ 7:30pm VRHS (Mandatory)

Tryout Clinic Day 1: Monday, April 18 3:00pm VRHS

Tryout Clinic Day 2: Tuesday, April 19 3:00pm VRHS

Tryout Clinic Day 3: Wednesday, April 20 3:00pm VRHS

Tryout Day 4: Thursday, April 21 3:00pm VRHS

Tryout Review: Friday, April 22 4:00pm VRHS

Tryouts: Friday, April 22 5:30pm VRHS

Frequently Asked Questions:

When and where will the actual tryouts be held?

  • Friday, April 22nd 5:30pm
  • Main Gym

Will tryouts be open to the public?

  • No- tryouts will be closed to the public

Is there a tryout fee?

  • All cheers will be given a Vista Ridge Cheer T-shirt that they will wear for tryouts as well as for additional events, activities, and practices throughout the summer. All athletes will need to bring $10 with their tryout packets which covers the cost of this shirt.

What will I need to wear at the tryouts?

  • All cheers will be required to wear the Vista Ridge Cheer tryout shirt this year
  • Comfortable athletic shoes
  • Comfortable ALL black athletic shorts
  • Hair in high pony tail- no hair in face
  • No jewelry

Will I have to try out by myself?

  • No. Everyone should choose a group of 3-4 for tryouts.
  • At the tryouts, your group will perform a dance routine, cheer and the fight song.
  • Individually, you will show flexibility, jumps and tumbling

What will I be taught?

  • A dance, cheer, jump sequence and the VRHS Fight Song.

In what order will people try out?

  • The order of tryouts will be randomly selected prior to tryouts.
  • Your group’s performance # will be posted on Thursday, April 21.

How many people will be selected?

  • COED: 16-20 Cheers
  • All Girl: 20-24 Cheers

What skills will be judged at tryouts?

  • Fight Song
  • Dance
  • Cheer
  • Jump series
  • Tumbling
  • Stunting
  • Flexibility

When will I find out if I made the program?

  • A list will be posted on the VRHS Cheer Website by Saturday, April 23 @ 11:00am
  • Please do not contact coaches to discuss your placement for 24 hours. A sign-up sheet formeetings will be available for those who wish to speak with coaches.

What else do I need or should expect for tryouts?

  • 2 Teacher Recommendations – 1 from your highest scoring class, 1 from your lowest scoring class
  • Last semester grades as well as current semester grades
  • Each athlete will have a brief interview conducted on Wednesday and Thursday of tryouts week.

Updated Guidelines for 2016-2017

By initialing below, you are stating that you agree to follow the guidelines set forth.

  1. General Liability and Assumption of Risk

Cheerleading is a vigorous, physical activity involving motion, rotation and height in aunique environment and as such carries with it a higher than ordinary amount of risk ofinjury. Be advised that serious, catastrophic injury, paralysis or even death could occurfrom a student’s participation. Coaches are trained and updated annually on the mostcurrent safety practices and do everything in their power to keep athletes safe and freeof injury. Like all sports, however, there is an assumption of risk when participating.By signing this contract, you voluntarily give consent for such participation by thestudent and acknowledge the inherent risks associated with such participation. Youalso release the coaches, volunteers and staff at Vista Ridge High School, School District#49 and the Board of Education, from any claims of negligence by you, your student, your heirs, from any liability arising from claims for damages for injury to your student and any claims for loss or damages to his/her property which may arise out of his/her participation in this school sponsored program.

Parent/ Guardian Initial ______

Student Initial______

  1. Respect towards Coaches and Teammates and Non-Team Members

Members of the Vista Ridge Cheerleading team are expected to conduct themselves asleaders and representatives of VRHS at all times, not just when wearing their uniform.

Athletes are expected to show respect towards coaches, teammates, and non-teammembers. They are also expected to be a good representative within the communityand to present themselves in a professional and appropriate manner. Because we do spend large amounts of time together, conflicts and disagreements are sure to happen but athletes are expected to maintain a high level of respect for one another no matter what. Disrespecting, back talking, or talking poorly about a coach will result in the automatic removal from the team. If there is a perceived conflict between athletes, the coach reserves the right to remove both athletes from the team until a mutual settlement can be reached. Disrespecting a non-team member (teacher, staff member, fellow student, etc) will result in a minimum one-event suspension and potentially more depending on theseverity of the situation. Blatant disrespect of teammates, coaches, and/or the VRHS Cheer program (whether it isthrough writing, phone calls, texting, social media, etc.) may result in the automatic removal from the team.

Parent/ Guardian Initial ______

Student Initial______

  1. Alcohol, Drugs, etc.

Alcohol and drug use of any kind is prohibited and not acceptable behavior. There is a zero tolerance policy in regards to drugs and alcohol and will be strictly enforced. Be mindful of this and plan accordingly when attending outside personal events. Even being present at a function in which drugs andalcohol are present could result in program repercussions.Cheerleaders who find themselves in a situation where drugs and alcohol are presentare expected to leave within a reasonable amount of time. If you drive, this should beimmediate. If you do not drive, you are expected to call for a ride the moment yourealize you are in a bad situation. Staying at the event to give someone else a ridehome is not considered a valid excuse.Please visit the school district 49 website for further information ondisciplinary actions for drugs and alcohol.

Parent/ Guardian Initial ______

Student Initial______

  1. Punctuality

Being punctual is your way of telling your coaches and teammates that cheerleading isimportant to you. If you have to be late for an extenuating circumstance, please be sureto let a coach know before practice or the event. If it is school related then you mustbring a note from the teacher you were working with. Recent studies have shown thatmany injuries result from improperly warming up.Thus for the safety of the athletes, if an athlete is late to practice they will be expectedto complete double the warm up requirement for the day. If an athlete is late to a game,they will automatically miss the first quarter of that game.Calling or texting to let a coach know you will be late is expected but does not excuseyou from being late.

Parent/ Guardian Initial ______

Student Initial______

  1. Attendance

You are expected to be at all practices and events. Even when athletes are sick orinjured, the expectation is that they will still try to be at practice and events to supporttheir team unless they absolutely need bed rest. Please do not schedule medicalappointments during practice times. In the event of planned family absences, pleasenotify the coach in writing well in advance so that coaches can plan accordingly. Anemail from a parent is expected.

If you miss a practice prior to an event, you miss the next event. Students, who miss apractice or event, whether it is excused or unexcused, are subject to losing theirpositions at games or events. Each cheerleader must be in attendance at school the fullday of the practice, performance or contest or forfeit the right to participate that evening, unless prearranged the day before the activity with the coach. Work is neveran excuse to miss, come late or leave practice and events early.They are NOT optional.You or your parents must notify a coach of an absence as far in advance as possible.You are not allowed to have a friend tell a coach.

Parent/ Guardian Initial ______

Student Initial______

6. Public Display of Affection

Vista RidgeCheer is taking great steps to address issues of Public Displays ofAffection (PDA). When students are guilty of PDA it directly reflects on the team andinstitution they are a part of. Whether in uniform or not, once an athlete joins Vista Ridge

Cheer they are expected to refrain from PDA, especially on school grounds or at schoolevents. Any violation of the PDA policy will result in the athlete missing the entire nextweek’s worth of events.

Parent/ Guardian Initial ______

Student Initial______

7. Grades

Our program goal is to have the highest team GPA of any of the sports and activities at Vista Ridge High School. Academics will be taken very seriously. You are a student first then a cheerleader. All cheerleaders are expected to maintain their grades. Grades will be reviewed every other Monday. If an athlete appears on the D/F list you will be given an opportunity to resolve the issue with the teacher and bring a note to the coaches by Wednesday at 3:30pm. If the issue has not been resolved the Athlete will sit out of all activities for the next two weeks and will be expected to seek out tutoring or extra help from their teacher. Multiple appearances on the D/F list is not acceptable and appropriate action will be taken up to and including removal from the team if this occurs. Please remember that part of being a student-athlete is time management. It affects the entire team when we have a member that has to sit out for 2 weeks due to grades.

If an athlete is struggling, it is your responsibility to communicate this with the coaches. We will make every attempt to get you the help you need. Remember, we want everyone to be successful!

Parent/ Guardian Initial ______

Student Initial______

8. Clothing

Athletes are expected to wear their uniform with pride and in a manner determined bythe Vista Ridge Cheerleading program. Any cheerleader not dressed appropriately forpractice or events (i.e. right color t-shirt, spandex/spankies, cheer shorts, and cheershoes) will not be allowed to practice and may be suspended for the first quarter of thenext game.Cheer shorts and spandex/spankies must always be worn together. Additionally women may not wear sports bras by themselves!

Uniforms (including gear given out) must be kept in good condition. No alterations can be made to uniforms and additional gear (i.e. cutting the sleeves off t-shirts ect.) If uniforms and/or gear are damaged, athletes will be responsible for replacing the damaged items. At no time are cheerleadersallowed to give out articles of their cheer clothing to non-cheer members.

Parent/ Guardian Initial ______

Student Initial______

9. Jewelry, Hair and Cell Phones

No jewelry, gum, or pocket T-shirts are to be worn during practice or games. Hair mustbe pulled back into a secure ponytail or braid. Fingernails must be kept trimmed, as asafety issue.

National Federation of High School Spirit Rules (Section 2-2-1) states that all jewelrymust be removed during practices and events. It is not only a major safety issue but isalso grounds for coaches to be disciplined and potentially fired. Jewelry is not allowedfrom the time an athlete steps foot into the practice room to the time practice is over.This holds true for events and competitions.

If a coach sees an athlete wearing jewelry at practice, that athlete must sit out theremainder of practice. If a coach sees an athlete wearing jewelry at a game they mustsit out the first half of that game or the entire next event.Cell phones are strictly prohibited in the practice area and should be left in one’s locker, bag or car. Once we beginwarming up for an athletic event, cell phones are off limits until the performance/ gameis over. Failure to cooperate will result in the removal from the current athletic contestas well as the following athletic contest. If parents need to contact their student duringan event they may call or text a coach and leave a message.During competitions and camps, cell phones and electronic devises will be taken bythe coaches and given back at the end of the event. In general, athletes will usually begiven their devises back for one hour a night at camp.

Parent/ Guardian Initial ______

Student Initial______

10. Payments and Accounts

There will be approximately $1200-$2200(depending on team and if you are a returner or new athlete) in costs for uniforms, practice clothes, shoes, warm-ups, accessories, competition, and campexpenses. While fundraising is being offered and all athletes will be required to participate, payment schedule for cheer items will be strictly enforced and all athletes will be expected to make timely payments as established by the payment schedule. As fundraising money comes available, these amounts will be deducted from each athletes balance and updated invoices will be made to reflect adjustments. Any hardships will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Please keep in mind that all balances must be paid in full by July 22nd or athletes will have to sit out and will not receive cheer items until it has been paid.

Payment Schedule is as Follows:

April 29th (Parent Meeting 6:00pm) First payment is Due- Camp & additional expenses paid t the school will be due Approx $600

May 27th Second Payment Due- All balances due to Rebel Athletics must be paid by this date.

June 24th Third Payment Due- All money due to Varsity Cheer (COED) and Warm-ups payment to Under Armour

July 22nd Fourth Payment Due- Any leftover balances owed to the school

Credit card payments will be accepted and if an athlete chooses to pay this way, please contact Mrs. Wheeler the school bookkeeper and she will process all payments.

Parent/ Guardian Initial ______

Student Initial______

11. Fundraising

Fundraising opportunities will be available throughout the year. All money received

from Vista Ridge High School cheerleading fundraisers will be deposited into the VRHScheerleading account. All fundraising efforts must be pre-approved by the head coach.

Money deposited will not be reimbursed if a cheerleader quits or graduates from theprogram. Cheerleaders must be prepared to earn monies for, or have parental supportto pay for, expenses. Fundraisers include:

  • Savings Card

May 2-May 28

Each Athlete will be Responsible for Selling Approximately 20 cards each with incentives being offered.

Card Blitz opportunities will be offered for cheers to sell unsold cards in groups at the local King Soopers and Walmart,

  • Pampered Chef Fundraiser

Saturday, May 21, 2016 @ 6:30pm

Vista Ridge High School Cafeteria

All Parents asked to bring at least one friend

Online ordering will be available for out of state family and friends

Athlete Fundraiser

  • PUP Squad

Each Athlete that refers a new PUP to sign up will receive $50 towards their account for each PUP!

PUP Meeting May 27 @ 6:30pm VRHS

  • Car Wash

June 25th

All proceeds will go towards athletes accounts for athletes that participate

  • Cup Fundraiser

Looking for business to purchase Cups- more details to follow

July

  • Email Campaign

August