Red Springs High School

Basketball Cheerleading

Tryout Information Packet

November 10, 12, & 13, 2014

Cheerleading is a rewarding and exciting sport that teaches teamwork, dedication,

sportsmanship, leadership, school spirit, and hard work.

Dear Cheerleading Candidates & Parents/Guardians,

Thank you for your interest in trying out for the 2014-2014 Red Springs High School Basketball Varsity/Junior Varsity Cheer Squad. Being chosen to represent Red Springs High School as a cheerleader is both an honor and a privilege. As a RSHS cheerleader you will be in the forefront as a representative of our school and will be expected to adhere to a strict code of conduct with honor at all times, both on and off campus.

Please remember and consider the time and commitment this sport will require from both the student and parents. Your commitment will require active participation in after school practices pep rallies, one day clinics,summer camp, fundraisers, team bonding, weekly games and perhaps competitions.

In addition, to the time commitment you will need to take into consideration your academic requirements and financial responsibilities. It is also required that each student have an updated NCHSAA sports physical signed by a physician and any other required forms be signed before any participation in practice or tryouts. Sports physicals expire one year from the date signed by a physician. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made for this rule. These documents are contained in the Cheerleading Tryout Packet and can be found under “Forms” on the JV Cheerleading page on the RSHS Website. All students must turn in the provided forms and have a physical before the tryout date.

Please read carefully the cheerleading rules of conduct and performance regarding expectations for cheerleaders. Suspension from school, excessive tardiness to class, lunch detention, missing practices and games, and any violation of the rules of Red Springs High School can result in dismissal from Cheerleading at RSHS. This needs to be addressed before the fact and not after the fact.

Cheerleading Tryout Workshops and Tryouts have been scheduled for Nov 10, 12-13, 2014. All activities will be conducted in Rooms 216 & 218 (the Ag Shop). The pre-season Parent Meeting has been scheduled for November 3, at 6pm in the RSHS Media Center. We look forward to an exciting try-out session and wish every one of you the best of luck!

Please read the following packet carefully and return all other necessary forms to Coach Eckerson on or before – Wednesday, November 5, 2014.

Thank you and good luck!

Coach C. Smith & Coach G. Eckerson

910-843-4211

Red Springs High School

Cheerleading Tryout Dates

Pre-Season/Tryouts Parent/Cheerleader Meeting

When:Thursday, November 3, 2014

6:00pm

Where:Media Center

Tryout Mandatory Workout

When:Monday, November 10 and 12, 2014

3:15pm-5:45pm

Where:Room 216 & 218 (Ag Shop)

Tryouts

When:Wednesday, November 13, 2014

3:15pm-5:45pm

Where:Room 216 & 218 (Ag Shop)

Dear Parents and Cheerleaders:

Please read everything in the packet carefully. The rules and regulations are found within. All prospective candidates must return the following forms by Wednesday November 5, prior to tryouts.

Important Forms

  • Cheerleading Application
  • NCHSAA Sport Pre-Participation Examination Form
  • Athletic Eligibility and Permission Form
  • Concussion Form
  • Travel Authorization Form

The above four forms are good for one year and if current do not need to be resubmitted.

Forms can be found within or on the JV Cheerleading Webpage:

Conduct and Basic Attitude

•Squad members will be expected to follow all rules set forth in the PSRC & RSHS Student Code of Conduct Handbook.

•Smoking, drinking, and/or drug use are grounds for suspension or dismissal.

•Participation in other sports and activities that may conflict with cheerleading events must be discussed with the coaches prior to tryouts.

•Quitting the squad prior to the end of season may result in student not being allowed to return to the program the following year. If you have quit the program in the past, you are required to meet with the coaches prior to tryouts to discuss eligibility.

Attendance Standards

•ALL practices, games, and events are MANDATORY!

•Illness and family emergencies (i.e. funerals, etc.) that are approved by the coach are the only excused absences from a game, practice, or other event.

•Jobs will not be considered excused absences and if would be greatly appreciated if dental, doctor, hair and other appointments are made after school, outside of practice time.

•Except in the case of school-related or pre-arranged absences, cheerleaders will not be allowed to perform if absent from school. It is required that they at least come and watch if they are healthy enough.

•Varsity and Junior Varsity Game schedules and JV Basketball Cheerleading practice schedules are currently posted on the JV Cheerleading School Website (

•Like other sports, Cheerleading is a large time commitment and families need to be ready to make that commitment along with their cheerleaders.

Selection Procedure & Criteria

The two coaches, in agreement with other local cheer coaches’ if available, will be selecting and placing cheerleaders on a squad that best suits the candidate and the program. This is based on the criteria below:

  • Practice attendance, participation, and attitude – during tryouts and in previous years on the squad, if applicable.
  • Performance/Skills: including showmanship, confidence, effort, enthusiasm, ability to learn, memory of routine, athletic ability/condition, cooperation, spontaneity, and cheerleading skills.
  • Specific cheerleading skills to be evaluated: motion technique/basic motions, voice

Cheerleading Basic Motions, Chant & Cheer requirements for tryouts can be found on the JV Cheerleading website listed under Tryouts. Please take advantage of these videos and get a head start. And, don’t for get to warm-up, stretch, and condition before practicing.

One rating system which has been proven to be very effective is the following:

Component / Poor (1) / Fair (2) / Good (3) / Perfect (4)
Good Motion
Appearance
Vocal
Eye Contact
Energy
Enthusiasm
Group/Single Cheer
Overall

Tryout Procedures

The tryout process will consist of: (Attendance Mandatory)

  • A two days workout session, at which time skill/routines will be taught
  • A single tryout day

Appropriate attire should be worn to workouts each day:

  • Shorts (spandex can be worn under soffees) – appropriate length
  • Tee shirt
  • Socks and athletic shoes
  • Hair pulled back from face and shoulders
  • No jewelry
  • No gum
  • No wild nail polish colors

Appropriate attire for tryouts:

  • Shorts /spandex (no denim)
  • White tee shirt with number on the front and back (number will be provided)
  • White socks and athletic shoes
  • No jewelry
  • No gum
  • No colored nail polish

RSHS Cheerleading Rules and Regulations

Students who are selected to represent the school are expected to conform to a more rigid code of behavior than the general student population. Participation in activities, which represent the school, is considered a privilege, is subject to regulation, and is not an inherent right.

An RSHS Cheerleader is looked upon as a leader with certain responsibilities and loyalties to your school. Your behavior and attitude in this school should only reflect your position as a leader. Therefore, the following is to ensure that you, as a cheerleader will put your best side forward.

Qualifications:

  1. Candidates must obtain, complete, and return all tryout forms, on or before November 5, 2014. NO EXCEPTIONS! All candidates are required to submit an application regardless if physical, eligibility/permission, concussion, and travel forms are current.
  2. Candidates must attend all Tryout Workshops in order to tryout.
  3. Candidates must not be failing any classes.
  4. Candidates will be expected to abide by the PSRC & RSHS Student Code of Conduct.

Tryouts: The following rules will be observed during clinics and tryout.

  1. Coaches will determine what dance and/or cheer will be used and instructed for tryouts.
  2. Candidates must wear appropriate clothes and shoes for tryouts and practice. Tennis shoes, socks, shorts and t-shirt are appropriate. (Nothing that shows you were a cheerleader in previous years).
  3. All forms must be turned in prior try-outs (November 5, 2014 Deadline). You MUST attend all days of try-outs, in order to be considered.

Cheerleading Squads: The following rules will apply to all cheerleaders and managers.

1. Cheerleaders who fail 1 class in a 9-week period will be placed on 2-week probation. This is to ensure the Cheerleader will have no further grade problems. If more grade problems persist they will be handled individually. School comes first!!

2. Cheerleaders must submit report grades to coach within 2 days at the end of every 9 weeks and midterm.

3. All absences must be approved through your Coach. Do not tell someone else, tell your coaches. If you are home sick it is requested that parents e-mail or call coaches.

4. Three unexcused absences (practices or games) are cause for dismissal from squad.

5. Missing practices for non-emergencies are unexcused.

6. The coaches and/or squad will select captains.

7. Cheerleaders must be willing to work individually and as a group with the coaches, captain and other cheerleaders.

8. All parts of the uniform will be selected by the coaches. This will be discussed at the parents meeting for the 2014-2015 Winter Season. It is expected that uniforms will be provided for the 2015-2016 school year. Camp, camp outfits, shoes, socks, hair bows, bags, and any other required purchases are the responsibility of the cheerleader.

9. Uniforms MUST be kept clean at all times. It is the responsibility of each cheerleader to keep their uniforms in good condition.

10. Cheerleaders must be on time to all activities and stay for the required amount of time. Only the coach may allow early dismissals.

11. During practices the following rules apply:

_ Follow all RSHS rules.

_ Wear appointed practice outfit.

_ Wear sneakers.

_ Hair must be up off shoulders and out of the face. In a PONYTAIL and clips used to keep hair out of your face.

_ No jewelry will be worn. Safety is our first priority.

_ No eating or cell phones during practice.

_ Be in practice area at designated practice time.

_ Every cheerleader is responsible for contributing his or her share.

_ No one leaves until area is clean.

_ If you miss a practice before a scheduled game, excused or unexcused, you will not be allowed to cheer at the game.

12. It is our hope to schedule a Stunt Clinic as soon as the squads are selected. All cheerleaders are expected to attend Stunt Clinic. Attending an appropriate Cheer Camp selected by the coaches and having summer practices are expected.

13. Cheer schedules of practices and events will be provided prior to each season. No practices will take place without a coach present.

14. Due to the limited amount of players on other school teams, cheerleaders are asked not to participate in Volleyball or Basketball.

Please,if possible, schedule all doctors’ appointments, hair appointments, trips, non-emergency appointments around the schedule.

Officers: Captains (may be selected, but not necessarily)

1. Will be selected by the coaches and/or squads prior to the season.

2. Should be role models for the squad and are responsible for keeping up the morale of the team.

3. Responsible for starting practices on time and will lead warm-ups.

4. Use the phone tree when information needs to be distributed through to the squad.

5. Should decide which cheers and half-time show will be used during the game, prior to practice time and give a written list to coach before the game.

6. To call cheers at a good rate.

7. Report any problems to their coach, so they may be dealt with in the best possible manner.

Games:

1. All games are mandatory and you must stay for the entire game.

2. Cheerleaders must know all the cheers and routines for the game. Sitting out is unacceptable.

3. Cheerleaders are required to dress in full uniform.

4. Hair must be up off of shoulders and out of the face. PONYTAIL!

5. Hair bows must be uniform. No wild hairstyles.

6. NO jewelry will be worn in uniform.

7. NO body art (drawing on oneself)

8. NO nail polish is allowed in uniform. Nails need to be athletic length.

9. Neither chewing gum nor eating is allowed during the game.

Dismissal from squad:

1. Not paying for required purchases on or before scheduled date.

2. Suspension from school. (OSS)

3. ISS is at coaches’ discretion.

4. Failure to comply with school and cheerleading rules and regulations.

5. Lack of interest.

6. Failure to cooperate with other cheerleaders and/or coaches.

7. An act, which would cast a reflection on the person’s ability to be a leader and to be respected by fellow students.

8. Three unexcused absences

9. Any cheerleader who is removed or quits the squad will be prohibited from trying-out the next year.

**NOTE: If there is a problem within the squad, see the coach. Cooperation is expected at all times. At practice, the coaches or captains are in charge and must be respected at all times. Negative attitudes will not be tolerated.

General Rules:

_ It is the responsibility of the parents to provide transportation to & from school, before & after a game or practice. The cheerleader should be picked up within 15 minutes of pick-up time, he/she will not be allowed to cheer the following game.

_ Coach must have written permission if you are allowing your child to walk off the school grounds after a game or practice or ride home with a non-parent/guardian.

_ Cheerleaders will cheer at all home and away football and basketball games.

Any behavior that is considered to be inappropriate and disruptive to the cheering squad that may not be specifically mentioned in the PSRC & RSHS Student Code of Conduct, will be handled in a manner that the Coach and/or Principal feels is most appropriate for all concerned.

Red Springs High School Cheerleading

Tryout Application

Previous Experience

Please check any previous experience that you may have, and list where and years that you participated:

 Junior High Cheer:

 High School Cheer:

 All-Star Cheer:

 Dance:

 Gymnastics:

Tumbling Experience

It’s OK if you can’t tumble yet, but if you can please check all you can perform consistently w/out a spot:

 Forward Roll Round-off Rebound

 Cartwheel w/ straight legs  Round-off Back Handspring

 Standing Back Handspring Round-off Multiple Back Handsprings

 Standing 2 Back Handsprings Round-off Back Handspring Back Tuck

 Standing Back Tuck Round-off Back Handspring Layout

 Standing Back Handspring Back Tuck Round-off Back Handspring Full

Stunt Skills Inventory

It’s OK if you have never stunted before, but if you have please check all you can perform consistently:

 Prep Cradle Base Back FlyerFLYERS ONLY:

 Extension Cradle Base Back Flyer Straight Cradle

 Liberty Cradle Base Back Flyer Single Full Down Cradle

 Basket Toss Base Back Flyer Double Full Down Cradle

Please indicate which squad you would like to be considered for: (may mark both)

 Varsity Cheerleading Junior Varsity Cheerleading

Estimated Expenses & Due Dates

Agame uniform will be available starting in 2015-2016 school year which, at this point in time, will consist of one top and one skirt, will be owned by the school, and is checked out to each squad member at the start of the each season. There is no additional fee to “rent” the uniform. All other items that are required are paid for by the cheerleader and these items are for them to keep.

We will do our best to keep costs minimal. Squad members will be able to use items such as bows and shoes in the following years.

ItemEstimated Cost

Camp$350.00Held during Summer Months

Stunt Clinic$undetermined

3 T-Shirts*$30.00

2 pr. Shorts* $25.00

Boycut Briefs (Black)*$7.00-$10.00

Warmup Jacket**$35.00

Warmup Pants**$25.00

Black Zippered Sweatshirt$15.00

Shoes (Nike Sideline II) (required)*$30.00-$50.00

Bow$5.00

*Mandatory: Each cheerleader will need a red, black, and white T-shirt and one, a pair of black boycut briefs, two if possible pairs of black shorts (appropriate length) Please see photos; and cheerleading Shoes as indicated above.

**These items are optional, but highly recommended. However, a simple pair of black sweat pants and the black zippered sweat shirt will be just fine.

•All cheerleaders must have a pair of aerobic/cheerleading shoes for practice, summer practices and camp.