Angelo State Cheerleading Tryout Information All information can be found on the Angelo State University Cheer webpage. 1. Go to the tryout webpage to get all the information, and use the quick link through the QR code provided below. 2. Sign up for tryouts online no later than 5 pm on May 20 th. 3. Look over the rules and policies for cheerleading. 4. Start learning the cheer and fight song for tryouts: you must know both by tryouts. 5. Tryouts: May 21 st at the Center for Human Performance a. Register at 8:30 am b. You must bring the following forms: i. Photography, Video, Sound Recording Release ii. Cheer Tryout Release Form iii. Medical History/Questionnaire Form iv. Sickle Cell Trait Test Waiver v. Cheer Tryout Risk Release c. Tryout meeting at 9:00 am d. Mandatory practice and interviews at 9:45 am until done. e. Judges at 1:00 pm. 6. After tryouts check the webpage to see the results. 7. If you made the squad, attended the mandatory meeting at 5 pm in the Center for Human Performance. Required forms for Tryouts A copy of the front & back of the health insurance Headshot coverage for participant Photography, Video, Sound Recording Release ASU Insurance Packet Cheer Tryout Release Form Student Activity Release Form Medical History/Questionnaire Form Student Activity Release Form Travel by Private Vehicle Sickle Cell Trait Test Waiver Student Driver Acknowledgement Statement Cheer Tryout Risk Release Student Life Traveler Profile Signed & Initialed copy of the Rules and Policies Web Profile Consent form for Students QR Code for a quick link Page- 0 -
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The following rules and policies have been provided as a guide for the qualifications and duties of the Angelo State University Cheerleaders. The qualifications must be met in order to maintain a successful and orderly organization. Page- 2 -
Requirements to Tryout for Cheerleader Student Eligibility Current Angelo State University 1. A current GPA of 2.25 or higher 2. Enrolled as a student currently taking classes 3. Be in good standing with the university Transferring to Angelo State University 1. Must have already been accepted to Angelo State University 2. A current GPA of 2.0 or higher Incoming freshmen to Angelo State University 1. Must have already been accepted to Angelo State University Former Angelo State University Cheerleaders 1. Must not have quit or been removed from the squad with in the past 12 months. Tryout Dates Open Gym: Sunday, May 15 th 1 4 pm in the CHP (must register online to attend) Sign up for tryouts online: Must be completed by 5 pm on Friday May 20 th Registration: Saturday, May 21 st at 8:30 am in the Center for Human Performance (CHP) Mandatory Meeting: Saturday, May 21 st at 9:00 am Practice and Interviews: Saturday, May 21 st from 9:45 until done Tryouts: Saturday, May 21 st, starting at 1 pm in the Center for Human Performance (CHP) Announcement of the new team: Saturday, May 21 st on the ASU cheerleading homepage approximately 30 mins after the conclusion of tryouts. New Squad Mandatory Meeting: If you make it, 5:00 pm in the Center for Human Performance Required forms for Tryouts A copy of the front & back of the health insurance Headshot coverage for participant Photography, Video, Sound Recording Release ASU Insurance Packet Cheer Tryout Release Form Student Activity Release Form Medical History/Questionnaire Form Student Activity Release Form Travel by Private Vehicle Sickle Cell Trait Test Waiver Student Driver Acknowledgement Statement Cheer Tryout Risk Release Student Life Traveler Profile Signed & Initialed copy of the Rules and Policies Web Profile Consent form for Students Questions after Tryouts: Please Contact Clint Havins: Phone Number: 325 942 2062 E-mail: student.life@angelo.edu Page- 3 -
Tryout Process Cheerleaders: Tryouts are a two-part process detailed below 1. Interviews are worth 40% of the overall score: During the interview process candidates will be questioned on their past experiences with cheer, their vision for the future of Angelo State cheer, and their knowledge of Angelo State history and traditions. 2. Evaluations by judges are worth 60% of the overall score. The judges score is made up of the following categories (please see point values below): a. Running Tumbling b. Standing Tumbling c. Jumps (must do one of each: Right-leg hurdler, Double toe, Left-leg Hurdler, and a Pike) d. Cheer (Link on the cheer webpage) e. Fight Song (Link on the cheer webpage) f. Stunting: Can be Co-Ed or All-Girl Point Values Running Tumbling Standing Tumbling Jumps Pts Skill Pts Skill Pts Description 1 Round off/cartwheel 1 Backhand spring (BHS) 0 Below level with mistakes 2 Round off to 1 BHS 2 3+ BHS connected 1 Below level without mistakes 3 Round off to 3 BHS 3 Series to a back 2 Level with mistakes 4 Round off to back flip 4 Standing back 3 Level without mistakes 5 Round off, BHS, Back flip 5 Series to a full 4 Above level with mistakes 6 Round off, BHS, Layout OR 6 Standing full 5 Above level without mistakes Combination pass to a lay out (must contain two flips) 7 Round off, BHS, full or more *FHS to a BHS pass or higher adds ½ a point Both running & standing tumbling will have an execution score of a max of 5 points also. Stunting All Girl Co-Ed Pts Skill Pts Skill 1 Extended 2 Foot w/ Pop off 1 Toss hands to extended 2 Foot w/ Pop off 2 Extend one foot w/out Variation Pop off 2 Toss hands to extend one foot w/out Variation Pop off 3 Extended 1 foot w/ variation with Pop off 3 Toss hands to extended 1 foot w/ variation with Pop off 4 Extended 1 foot w/ variation with Full Down 4 Toss hands to extended 1 foot w/ variation with Full Down 5 Extended 1 foot w/ variation with double down 5 Toss hands to extended 1 foot w/ variation with double down Fulling up or Rewinding into any stunt adds 1 pt Tossing to extended stunts adds 1 pt Page- 4 -
Attire for Cheer Tryouts Females Males 1. White Sports Bra 1. Form Fitting White Tank 2. Royal Spanks 2. Royal Shorts 3. Cheer Shoes 3. Cheer Shoes 4. Hair up neatly with a solid yellow bow 4. Hair neatly combed and clean shaven 5. Natural make-up: heavy make-up is discouraged Initial: Submitting videos at tryouts due to injuries: A candidate for cheerleader may submit a video of jumps and/or tumbling if the candidate is injured at the time of tryouts. The video must be from the current school year, must be accompanied by a letter of recommendation from a cheer/gymnastics coach validating the video as current, and the candidate must have a note from the doctor or licensed athletic trainer stating that he/she is unable to do the skills being submitted due to injury. All videos must be submitted to the coach at registration. Any videos submitted after this time will not be used unless the injury occurs at tryouts. The candidate must be healthy enough to perform the cheer and dance for the judges at the time of tryouts. Submitting videos at tryouts due to a conflict with the tryout date: A candidate for cheerleader many submit a video for tryouts with prior approval from the coach and the candidate meets the following requirements: 1. The candidate has contacted the coaches and has received approval to submit a video. 2. All paperwork is submitted and filled out correctly by the registration deadline. 3. The candidate must wear the required clothing for tryouts in the video(s). 4. The video(s) of the candidates requires skills and material is submitted by the registration deadline. a. Running and standing tumbling must be performed on a dead mat and submitted in the same video and performed without a break in the video. b. Required jumps must be performed on a dead mat and submitted in the same video and performed without a break in the video. c. The candidate s two best stunts must be performed in the same video without a break in the video. d. The candidate must perform the cheer and fight song required for tryouts and learned from the link online. Announcement of the squad(s): A list of candidates who made cheerleader will be post on the Angelo State Cheer website. Following tryouts there will be a mandatory meeting at 5 pm on the day of tryouts for any candidate who made the squad. Cheerleading Squad(s): There is not a minimum number of cheerleaders that will make the team. However, there is a max of 20 cheerleaders that can make the team. The final number will be composed of both women and men. Page- 5 -
Expectations for Angelo State Cheerleaders Behavior: Angelo State University, the administrative staff, cheer coaches, faculty, student body, community, and former members of the program take great pride in the cheerleading program. With that pride, comes big expectations. Angelo State cheerleaders are held to a higher standard than the student body and other organizations. As a cheerleader, you are not only representing yourself but also the city of San Angelo, Angelo State University, and the cheerleading program. Cheerleaders should be on their best behavior at all times, and remember you are always being watched by the community even when you are not in uniform. 1. Positive and appropriate personal conduct at all times. 2. Be respectful to others both on the squad and the community. 3. Be a positive role model both in person and on the internet/social media. 4. Follow all rules laid out in the Angelo State cheerleader rules and policies. 5. Agree to fulfill cheer duties from the date of tryouts until tryouts the following year. Social Media: While social media has become a popular way to socialize, a cheerleader must remember what he/she posts will be seen by more than just his/her intended audience. 1. Not to post inappropriate pictures of themselves or others. 2. Not to use inappropriate language. 3. Not to post any inappropriate comments about themselves or others. 4. Not to post any inappropriate pictures involving any school issued uniforms. Appearance: Even though we would like to believe that people do not make decisions based on appearance, we all know that is not true. Because you are held to a higher standard, there will be certain specifications regarding appearance you will have to adhere to. 1. Girls should have a natural looking haircut and color/guys should have a short haircut and natural color. 2. Clean shaven at all functions (Girls: legs and arm pits/ Guys: faces). 3. No visible tattoos. 4. No jewelry at any functions. 5. Hair must be long enough for girls to put in a ponytail. 6. Proper uniform/shirt at all functions/school. 7. Make up should be done at all times. Page- 6 -
Uniforms: Uniforms and some practice gear is issued to each cheerleader by the school. There are a limited number of uniforms and the coach will do his/her best to have the uniforms fit as properly as possible. Unfortunately, there will be some alterations that will have to be made at the cheerleader s expense. Cheerleaders are not allowed to buy uniforms. 1. Return all uniforms in the condition in which they were issued. 2. Pay for any damaged or lost uniforms. 3. Alter uniforms in an appropriate manner so they fit appropriately. Material cannot be cut when alterations are performed. Otherwise the cheerleader is responsible for the cost of a new uniform. Cheerleaders are responsible for the cost to alter any uniform. 4. Cheerleaders cannot let anyone use a school issued uniform/shirt for any reason with the exception of other squad members for scheduled functions (this does include poms). 5. Uniforms CANNOT be dry cleaned. They must be washed and hung up to dry. 6. May not do anything inappropriate in a school issued uniform. Attendance: Cheerleading is a team sport, therefore attendance is extremely important. Every cheerleader on the team is responsible to the team. Attendance is required at all practices, community/school events, and athletic events scheduled by the coach: 1. During the school year: Football games (home and away conference games and playoff games); Volleyball (home and away playoff games); Boys and Girls Basketball games (midnight madness and all home games, and away playoff games); Some soccer, softball, and baseball games (at the coaches and universities discretion) 2. Before school starts and during holidays: a. Rambunctious Weekend Events b. New Student Orientation c. Basketball games during winter break: The University will pay cheerleaders extra scholarship money of $25 per game. d. Work Week: The week before school starts e. Rambuncious: The week and weekend before school starts. 3. Cheer Camp: Every cheerleader must attend the designated summer camp set up by the coach. 4. Homecoming: Pep-rally, Bom-fire, parade, and any other functions the university see fit. 5. Family Day 6. Ram Jam: Alumni Association tailgate party before all home football games. Page- 7 -
Absences: The coach will have final approval/non-approval for all absences. Absences are approved on a first-come basis. Extra misses may be earned through the coach. 1. A cheerleader must give a 24-hour notice by filling out the online form. 2. A cheerleader will not take a miss when more than 1/3 of the squad has already turned in a miss form. 3. A cheerleader will not take more than 3 absences plus any earned extra misses during cheerleading year. 4. When requesting a miss, misses are counted by the game, not by the day. Skills: Cheerleaders will have to keep up their tumbling, jumping, and stunting skills. 1. A cheerleader will have to perform the same skills thrown at tryouts both at games and functions to be eligible to participate in the function. Academics: School is the reason you are here, and is the number one priority for both the cheerleader and the program. 1. Maintain a 2.25 GPA per semester and overall. 2. Must be a current ASU student who is attending classes. To receive the scholarship the cheerleaders must be a full time student (12 hours for undergrad and 6 hours for grad school) 3. Be on time and ready for all classes. 4. Bring proper materials. 5. Turn in all assignments on time. 6. If you are going to miss class for a cheer event, let your professor know ahead of time and make up any work or test BEFORE you leave. 7. Maintain academic integrity at ALL TIMES. Do not cheat, copy or share work. 8. As an ambassador of the university you should personally meet each professor before or after the first class of the semester to let them know you are a cheerleader. Page- 8 -
Life Style: Maintaining a healthy life style is important for you to give your all too fellow squad members. 1. Eat healthy: Only eat foods that help you maintain a healthy weight and appearance. 2. Illegal Drugs: NOT ALLOWED EVER! 3. Tobacco/Smoking: May not be used while in uniform or while wearing any clothing identifying you as an ASU cheer. Also, while attending any ASU event, including travel. 4. Alcohol: You must be 21, to consume alcohol. a. Cannot consume while uniform or while wearing any clothing that identifies you as an ASU cheerleader. b. Cannot consume anywhere on campus c. Cannot consume while on school trips d. Cannot supply to minors e. Cannot possess a fake ID Page- 9 -
Duties of Angelo State Cheerleaders When a cheerleader arrives at any function, they should be in the appropriate uniform/clothing, jewelry off, hair up, and ready to begin. Cheerleaders will have to meet standards set by the coach on the cheer/chant test, school and fight song test, skills tests, and rules tests over sports they will be supporting. If a cheerleader does not meet the standard on the test, he/she will not be allowed to cheer. Cell phones are not allowed at any function. Practices All practices are closed to family members, fellow students, and the community. Also, there are NO cell phones allowed in practice. When you arrive at practices be ready to start and your phone turned off (not vibrate). Practice during the school year will be Mondays 5:30-8 and Wednesdays from 5:30 7 pm. Some extra practices may be required when important or big events are coming up. Cheerleaders will be required to wear the scheduled practice clothes. Work week Work week will takes place the week before school starts. During the week, cheerleaders will prepare all material for the upcoming year, test over cheers and chants, fight song, school song, fitness, history and traditions of ASU and skills. Community Events Cheerleaders are asked to participate in community events throughout the year. The cheerleaders will participate in community events set up by the coaches and the university. Each cheerleader is required to attend at least one community event per month. After their required community event cheerleaders can earn extra misses by attending extra community events. Traveling Cheerleaders will travel to out of town conference games for football and any playoff games for football, volleyball and men s and women s basketball. Game Days When a cheerleader shows up to a game or bus they should have on the proper uniform/clothing designated by the coach at the proper following times: Football game: 3 hours before (all conference and playoff games both home and away) Volleyball and Basketball games: 30 minutes before (all home games and any playoff tournament games home and away) Traveling: 30 minutes before the bus leaves Page- 10 -
Scholarship Information Amount Each semester cheerleaders will be eligible for scholarship money up to $750 to be paid in equal monthly installments. Requirements 1. An active member of the squad. 2. Meet all requirements set forth by the rules and policies and the university 3. Maintain full time status as a student (12 hours for undergrad student and 6 hours for graduate students) 4. Maintain a 2.25 GPA per semester and overall Reduction in Scholarship If a cheerleader is suspended during the semester their scholarship for that month will be reduced by a prorated amount. Termination of the scholarship 1. If a cheerleader is removed from the squad their scholarship will be terminated as of the date they are removed. 2. If a cheerleader drops below 12 hours their scholarship will be terminated as of the date they dropped below 12 hours. Page- 11 -
Consequences for inappropriate behavior or not following the rules for Cheerleaders There will be no demerit or merit system. Instead, cheerleaders will be expected to make up physical conditioning, suspended, and/or removed from the squad by the coach. All make up physical conditioning must be completed by the next function. If the make-up physical conditioning is not completed by the next function, then the cheerleader will be charged with an absence which will count towards his/her total misses. If a cheerleader is removed from the team or he/she chooses to quit, he/she will not be allowed to tryout the following year. Some examples of absences that will not count as a miss: 1. With proper notification to the coach and submitted online, taking a miss due to a dr. note (A note must be turned in to the coach within 24 hours after the return of the cheerleader; otherwise it will be counted as 2 misses). 2. With proper notification to the coach and submitted online, death of a close relative. The cheerleader must turn in a copy of the obituary to the coach within 24 hours after the return of the cheerleader. Some examples of make-up physical conditioning, but not limited to: 1. Late to a practice or event 2. Jewelry still on/in when practice/event starts 3. Not having appropriate materials at practice (shoes, clothes, etc.) 4. Hair not up when practice starts 5. Eating or drinking (other than water) during a game, cheerleaders may eat during half time or between games for as long as they are out of sight of the crowd 6. Not in formation at an event 7. Not wearing the appropriate uniform/shirt on game days 8. 1 st inappropriate post to social media (He/she will have 24 hrs. to remove the post and will have 500 back handsprings or 2500 pushups 9. Not having the proper clothing (top, bottom, bloomers, shoes, socks, and bows) at practice or when showing up to the event 10. Showing up to an event where the cheerleaders are representing Angelo State while taking a miss or suspended Some examples of a single miss, but not limited to: 1. Not having the proper uniform/clothing (top, bottom, bloomers, shoes, socks, travel clothes, visible tattoos not covered and bow) when the event starts or the bus leaves 2. Not having poms at an event 3. Not meeting specific test standards to be eligible to cheer, the cheerleader will receive one miss for each function he/she misses until he/she has met the standard or is removed from the squad. 4. Getting sick the day of an event (must give notice as early as possible to the coach AND submit online) 5. Not following the proper appearance specifications (he/she will take a miss for every function until he/she complies or is removed from the squad due to misses) 6. Cheerleader unable to perform the same level of skills they performed at tryouts, the exception will be if the cheerleader is injured. 7. Missing any scheduled event for personal reasons with proper notification to the coach and submitted online 24 hours in advance. Page- 12 -
Some examples of 2 misses, but not limited to: 1. Not giving 24-hour proper notice before a miss 2. Taking a miss after it has been denied by the coach 3. Being more than 15 mins. late to any scheduled event 4. Not turning in a dr. note within 24 hrs. of returning from the miss Some examples of a one-week suspension, but not limited to: *When suspended, a cheerleader cannot attend an event where the cheerleaders are representing Angelo State 1. Insubordinate or disrespectful to sponsor, coach, faculty member, any adult, or other squad members. 2. Inappropriate behavior in or out of school. 3. Inappropriate gesture or foul language at school or planned activity 4. Taking/receiving a 4 th absence 5. 1 st offense for receiving an MIP, DWI, DUI, MIC, or any minor violation from the police, if they file the charges 6. Any inappropriate post on social media involving a school-issued uniform 7. Allowing someone else to use a school issued uniform who is not a member of your squad 8. 2 nd inappropriate post to social media (He/she will have 24 hrs. to remove the post and 500 back handsprings, 2500 pushups, or 100 rope climbs) 9. Not removing inappropriate material within 24 hrs. Some examples of probation: 1. Failure to maintain proper GPA at all times. Some examples of removal from the squad, but not limited to: 1. Any 2 suspensions (See lists above) 2. Getting arrested 3. Being suspended during camp or unable to attend camp 4. Taking/receiving a 5 th absence 5. Being under the influence or consumption of drugs or alcohol during school 6. The consumption or use of drugs/alcohol/tobacco at any school/cheerleading function, while in uniform, or while wearing any clothing that identifies you as an ASU cheerleader. 7. 3 rd inappropriate post to social media 8. Not meeting minimum grade and credit requirements after a probationary period 9. Leaving/dismissal from the University 10. The use of illegal drugs at any time with a police report Unable to tryout: If cheerleader has quit or was removed from the team in the previous 12 months. Page- 13 -
Cheerleader Rules and Polices Agreement: Copy of the Agreements from Online I understand and agree to follow the guidelines set out in the cheerleader rules and polices. I am fully aware of the consequences for not following them. I am also aware that there may be some personal expense involved. Cheerleader Printed Name Cheerleader Signature Date Page- 14 -