Alta Sierra Pep & Cheer

Alta Sierra Pep & Cheer 2016-2017 Tryout Packet APPLICATION PACKET IS DUE BY 3:15 pm FRIDAY, MAY 20 th TO ALTA SIERRA INTERMEDIATE- POLAR OFFICE (Pages 7-10 signed) LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! Please note that your teachers will be sent an evaluation via email and will be part of your final score. 1. General Overview 2. Clinic/Tryout Information 3. Tryout Guidelines 4. Criteria for Selection of Squads 5. Parent Student Consent/Disclaimer Form (must be turned in) 6. Application Form (must be turned in) 7. Applicant Questionnaire Form (must be turned in) 8. Grades/Attendance Form (must be turned in) 9. Code of Ethics Form (must be turned in) 10. Teacher/Coach Evaluations (we will send these by email/google docs) The Alta Sierra Intermediate Pep and Cheer squads are recognized as a sports activity. Today s cheerleader or pep girl is an athlete with special talents which include gymnastics and dance. All members of the game squads perform the duties of crowd leading at various sporting events. Members of the competition pep and cheer squads compete in local, regional and national competitions. This program is not for the faint hearted - it is demanding both in time and talent and we expect you to maintain the highest GPA you are capable of. This information packet is designed to answer questions about our program and provide you with necessary information you need to participate in tryouts. If you have any questions or need clarification of any item please ask a coach or the advisor the week of clinics --- or e-mail Paige Hill at paigehillasi@gmail.com General Overview: 1. If you are selected, you will be enrolled in 7th period P.E. class in the fall 2. You must have a physical (yes even those returning) completed by June 10th. This is for your protection as well as a school rule. Your daughter will not be able to do summer activities (post school year) until it is turned in. No exceptions! We strongly suggest you attend the physical 6/6 from 6-7:30 at Buchanan High School (East Gym). Cost - $25 3. Alta Sierra Pep and Cheer is composed of 3 game squad/2 competition teams: TEAM JV Cheer Varsity/Competition Cheer STUDENTS ELIGIBLE FOR SELECTION 7 th and 8 th graders 7 th and 8 th graders 1

Varsity/Competition Pep 7 th and 8 th graders *Must be on a game team in order to compete 4. This is an expensive program to run. In order to have uniforms, supplies, coaches, choreographers, etc. we must have money to pay for these items. We ask for your help in either the form of a monetary contribution or through the active participation in fundraisers. Our program does not function without your support! Suggestions for increasing our fiscal strength is always welcome! Fees for competition teams range from $1500-$2000, and game team fees run $1000-$1200. Specific breakdowns will be available at the post try-out meeting. 5. After school practice is MANDATORY and work schedules, doctor appointments, haircuts, homework and life in general must be planned around pep and cheer schedules. Crowd leading at football games, basketball games and other sport events as assigned are mandatory. Failure to attend practice or assigned games will result in consequences. The specific consequences will be discussed post-tryouts, however this can include becoming benched from practices/ performances, lower grades in 6th period and possibly removal from a game and/or competition squad. 6. Summer practices and summer camp are mandatory. 7. Everyone in pep and cheer must plan on practice after school and sometimes weekends and in the evenings. We work around coaches schedules. Ask questions --- don t wait until the last minute and then ruin your chances because you misunderstand. 8. Our program is built on a strong work ethic and a positive attitude. Girls will be held accountable for this. If the commitment level, work ethic, and a respectful and positive attitude are a problem, the member will be removed from our program. Please work with us and encourage your daughter to possess these traits. A coachable athlete is an employable adult. CLINIC AND TRYOUT INFORMATION ALL CLINICS AND TRYOUTS ARE CLOSED TO ALL SPECTATORS. CHEER TRYOUT INFORMATION The following teams will be selected: Freshman Cheer, JV Cheer, Varsity Cheer, JV Competition Cheer, Varsity Competition Cheer REQUIRED ATTIRE FOR ALL THREE DAYS: o NAVY blue cheer shorts (PE shorts are Navy- this way you can use them for PE as well) If you wear spandex under shorts- wear red, blue, black, or grey o White T-shirt (sports bra should be black, red, white, or neutral colors) o Athletic shoes o Hair in sleek, high, ponytail, white bow CHEER CLINIC AND TRYOUT DATES TIMES LOCATION MONDAY, MAY 23RD 4:00-6:00 MPR WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 TH (Try-outs) 4:00-5:00 MPR 2

PEP TRYOUT INFORMATION The following teams will be selected: Varsity Pep, Competition Pep REQUIRED ATTIRE FOR ALL ClLINIC DAYS: o NAVY blue cheer shorts (PE shorts are Navy- this way you can use them for PE as well) If you wear spandex under shorts- wear red, blue, black, or grey o White T-shirt (sports bra should be black, red, white, or neutral colors) o Dance shoes/athletic shoes o Hair in sleek, high, ponytail, white bow Pep CLINIC AND TRYOUT DATES TIMES LOCATION MONDAY, MAY 23RD 4:00-6:00 MPR WEDNESDAY, MAY 24 TH (Try-outs) 5:00-6:00 MPR CLINIC & TRYOUT GUIDELINES ALL STUDENTS MUST HAVE A CURRENT GPA OF 2.0 TO BE ELIGIBLE TO TRY OUT ONLY STUDENTS WHO TURNED IN A COMPLETE APPLICATION, ON TIME, WILL BE ELIGIBLE TO TRY OUT. ALL STUDENTS MUST WEAR THE PROPER ATTIRE (SEE INFORMATION ABOVE) NO GUM NO JEWELRY NO CELL PHONES NO FOOD it is NOT snack time. WATER ONLY Any disrespectful behavior, rude comments or unacceptable attitude/behavior during clinics and tryouts, the applicant will be asked to leave without warning. Shoes MUST stay on for the duration of clinics. Students are to come ready to listen and work If you have any questions about what to wear, about what is acceptable, or if you are unable to obtain the necessary attire, please notify Coach Moser immediately. CRITERIA FOR SELECTION OF SQUADS Alta Sierra Intermediate Pep and Cheer tryouts will be conducted in the same manner elementary and High School athletic teams are chosen. The candidates will attend clinic dates and will be evaluated over the course of the clinics by the coaching staff. The tryout process will be similar to a standard audition: girls will be assigned a number, taught material, and demonstrate skills in both large and small groups. There are numerous benefits to this type of audition: rather than one shot at demonstrating skills, they will have numerous opportunities to demonstrate talent, hard work, and coachability. The stress of waiting outside, going in just three at a time, and only getting one chance is both overwhelming and often leads to an inaccurate view of an applicant's ability. Our audition process is built to both mimic other high school athletic programs, as well as prepare our pep girls and cheerleaders for the college/pro team tryouts. Our program has hired skilled, experienced, and successful coaches who will make the final selection for their team. 3

CLINIC AND TRYOUT INFORMATION Cheer Clinics/ Tryout Girls will demonstrate the following: Technical skills o Motions, tumbling, and stunting ability Jump series Game action Short dance Pep Clinics/ Tryout Girls will demonstrate the following: Technical skills across the floor o Kicks, leg holds, leaps, turns, turns in second Kickline Toe touches Game action Short dance Pep and Cheer Applicants are evaluated on: Technical Ability Showmanship Coachability (corrections made, working towards improvement) Work ethic Grades, Attendance, and Student Services Behavioral Reports will be taken into account Teacher Evaluations will be done on Google Docs and will be taken into account Coach Evaluations will be taken into account Deductions: Each Code of Ethics received for the 2015-2016 school year will result in a (5) point deduction from overall score. Each step received for the 2015-2016 school year will result in a (5) point deduction from overall score. Missing information on tryout application will result in a (2) point deduction from overall score. Having GUM, JEWELRY, CELL PHONES, FOOD at clinics/tryouts will result in a (5) point deduction from overall score. NOT wearing proper attire (see information above) Missing paperwork will result in ineligibility to try out. CURRENT MEMBERS Unreturned uniforms or unpaid balances from the 2015-2016 season will result in applicants NOT being able to participate in Clinics or Tryouts. Final selections for squad membership will be based on the candidate s cumulative technical score AND the input from the administrator, coaches, and the program director. There is no set number for the amount of members on a team. The cut will be made at a natural break in the total scores. If you are 4

placed on a Varsity Pep or Cheer squad, you will not be guaranteed to compete with the team during the competition season. All participants must go through the try out process. Previous membership on an Alta Sierra Pep or Cheer squad does not guarantee placement on any squad for the next year. JUST AS EVERY OTHER SPORT ON CAMPUS, THE DECISION OF THE COACHING STAFF IS FINAL MANDATORY PARENT MEETINGS All Squads Wednesday, June 1 st, 6:30 pm Alta Sierra MPR/Cafeteria FITTINGS 8 th Grade Pep and cheer Tuesday, June 7th 3:00 Location TBA 7th Grade Pep and cheer Tuesday, June 7th 3:00 Location TBA SUMMER PRACTICES AND CAMP JV Cheer, Varsity Cheer, Varsity Pep Chorography and Practice July 31 st 1pm-4pm August 1 st 10am-4pm (Lunch 12:00-12:30) August 2 nd 10am-4pm (Lunch 12:00-12:30) JV Cheer, Varsity Cheer, Varsity Pep Buchanan Pep and Cheer Camp (Location: Buchanan Gym) August 3 rd 8am-12pm August 4 th 8am-12pm Competition Pep Chorography Competition Cheer Chorography Alta Sierra All Squads Work Week Days and Times TBA Days and Times TBA August 9-12th Times TBA 5

OVERVIEW OF PRACTICE COMMITMENTS: JV Cheer Tuesdays 2:50-4:30 (August-September -as needed in October and beyond) Fridays TBA (after school) Varsity/Comp Cheer Thursdays: 2:50-4:30 (August-September -as needed in October and beyond) Fridays TBA (after school) Varsity/Comp Pep Thursdays: 2:50-4:30 (August-September -as needed in October and beyond) Fridays TBA (after school) POLICY REGARDING STUDIO DANCE TEAMS AND ALL-STAR CHEER TEAMS: Participation in an outside program can be very beneficial for your daughter. However, please think carefully about whether or not you and your family will be able to manage both. This program will need to be a priority and you must be able to fulfill your game/practice/competition commitments. Letter from the Advisor: Dear Parents and Potential Program Members, It is imperative that you understand the commitment that of our program. The Alta Sierra Intermediate Pep and Cheer Program is treated as a sports activity. It is therefore, highly competitive and the overall commitment expected from both parents and students is tremendous. I believe it is an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Bear Nation tradition. Please read on and make sure you understand exactly what you are committing to before you try out. In the past, problems have arisen, different in nature each year but most having to do with... I really wish we had been told about this in the beginning. To that end, I am trying to communicate exactly what is involved, and what the coaches, spirit club and I will be expecting from both you and your daughter if she makes one of our squads. There is no way that I can cover every situation, but this letter is an attempt to make the demands and expectations of participation in this program known BEFORE you tryout and invest a great deal of time and energy. Prior to the tryout, read the following conditions, rules and expectations. If both parent and student can agree to the following terms, please sign (both parents where applicable) along with your student, and return the parent permission to tryout which is attached to this letter. 6

PARENT AND STUDENT CONSENT AND DISCLAIMER Student Name: _ Please initial each item: Parent Initial Student Initial Alta Sierra Pep and Cheer Parent and Student Agreements: We understand the decision of the tryouts IS FINAL and NOT negotiable. We understand that there is the potential for injuries in both Pep and Cheer and we agree to provide the necessary insurance policy and copy of the insurance card. We understand that there are several major fundraisers and that we will be expected to participate. We understand that making one of the competition squads does not mean you automatically will compete. Coaches and advisor reserve the right to determine the size of the squad that will compete. Some students may be designated as alternates at any point in the season. Alternates will be required to maintain their skills, attend all practices, games and competitions. We understand that our daughter may make a competition squad, however, by the time competition season begins, coaches have the right to select a squad that may include members of our game program replacing members of the competition team, if they feel that it will provide the team with the best possible chance of success. This would in no way impact your daughter s participation in football games, basketball games, pep assemblies, etc. We understand and agree that coaches and the advisor will NOT enter into any discussion with parents regarding coaching decisions about selection for the game and competition squads. We make every attempt to talk with parents on an individual basis if problems arise; however, once decisions are made they are final. We understand that the coaches and advisor will be happy to discuss our daughter s strengths and weaknesses with her, in order to help your daughter increase her skills. We also understand that we (the parents) are not always the best judge of our daughter s talents - we (the parents) think she is perfect - and that the coach and advisor have to consider the team as a whole rather than each individual. We understand that practices begin in May, continue through the month of June (plan your vacations in late June and early July) and resume again the last week in July and continue throughout the year. Members, who are not present during camp, will be either taken out of all football performances and or removed from the team (depending on the reason and duration). 7

We understand that pep and cheer must become the 1st priority in terms of cocurricular activities. Jobs, other clubs, organizations, etc., must be arranged around practice and activities for pep/cheer. Failure to do so may result in her removal from a squad or benching at games and lowering of grades. We understand that if our daughter misses a practice for an unexcused reason she may be benched for the following game and her grade will reflect the absence. Unexcused summer practices will result in removal from the program. We understand that our daughter is expected to be in 7th period each day for roll and her failure to do so will result in an absence and absences from class may result in a lower grade. We understand the grade of A for participation in pep/cheer, but it is not automatic. Absences from practice, forgetting correct uniform items, and attitude issues may affect our daughter s grade. We understand that if our daughter is selected this year, she will still have to tryout again next year and her position on the squad is NOT guaranteed. Improvement, attitude, and talent all play a part in whether or not she returns. A bad attitude in the classroom will almost guarantee that she will not be returning; a bad attitude at practice will probably assure it. We understand that cheering for school activities and representing Alta Sierra is a first priority. If crowd leading at games isn t something important to a member - there are all-star cheer teams and studio dance teams in the area which are made up of members who prefer competition only to also crowd leading at games and are not as concerned with school behavior and grades. We understand that the following actions can result in benching or removal from the Alta Sierra Pep and Cheer program: negative attitude (classroom and practice), excessive tardies (practice/games), missing games, showing up without proper uniform, lack of skill improvement, violation of code of ethics, and a violation of the pep and cheer handbook We understand that if you make a Varsity Pep or Cheer squad, you are not guaranteed a spot on the competition team and may be placed as an alternate. Please take the time to re-read this; once you sign and return the attached permission form, I will hold members responsible to the agreed upon items. I realize this is a lot to take in ---especially those of you who have never participated before, but at the same time, I d like to be as clear as possible to prevent misunderstandings later. If you have questions, I ll be at the clinics and tryouts. I can also be reached by e-mail: paigehillasi@gmail.com 8

I, (applicant), fully understand all the commitments, rules and regulations that govern the Alta Sierra Intermediate School Pep & Cheer Program. With some of these commitments, I realize I may have to alter my personal schedule. As a representative of my school, I understand and agree to abide by all expectations set forth in the Pep & Cheer Program policies, the Co-Curricular Code of Ethics, and the Clovis Unified School District. I have read these policies and understand that this is a binding contract and I am required to uphold the expectations of this program or be removed from it. Student Signature: _Date I, the undersigned parent/guardian, fully understand the rules and regulations which will govern my child if my child is chosen to represent Alta Sierra Intermediate as a member of the Pep & Cheer Program. I understand, like any sport, there is a possibility of injury to my child due to the nature of the sport. I hereby give consent for my child,, to try out for Alta Sierra Intermediate Pep & Cheer and recognize their responsibilities and requirements should my child be chosen to represent Alta Sierra as a member of the Pep & Cheer Program. Address: Phone #: Emergency #:_ Insurance Company: Policy #: Primary Doctor s Name: Phone #: My child has the following health condition(s): Parent/Guardian Signature: Date: All students who participate in the pep & cheer program will abide by the Alta Sierra Intermediate Code of Ethics and the Pep & Cheer Handbook. APPLICATION PACKET IS DUE BY 3:15 pm FRIDAY, MAY 20 th TO ALTA SIERRA INTERMEDIATE- POLAR OFFICE LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! 9

Alta Sierra Pep and Cheer Application--(PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY) Applicant s Name: Current Grade: 6 th 7 th Current School: Birthday: / / Applicant s Cell #: Applicant s Email: Parent/Guardian Name: Cell #: Parent/Guardian Email: Parent/Guardian Name: Cell #: Parent/Guardian Email: Parent Signature: Date: _ Do you participate in any other school or community activities? Do you take dance or gymnastics/ cheer lessons? Name of Studio/ Cheer Gym: Number of hours per week: Squad(s) trying out for (list in preferred order): 1. 2. 3. All students who participate in the pep & cheer program will abide by the Alta Sierra Intermediate Code of Ethics and the Pep & Cheer Handbook. APPLICATION PACKET IS DUE BY 3:15 pm FRIDAY, MAY 20 th TO ALTA SIERRA INTERMEDIATE- POLAR OFFICE LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED! 10

Please note that your teachers will be sent an evaluation via email and will be part of your final score EXAMPLE Alta Sierra Pep & Cheer Teacher Evaluation Applicant s Name: Date: Teacher: Class: The student listed above is a applicant for ASI Pep and Cheer program. Part of the screening process includes evaluations by the applicant s teachers. Please evaluate the student on the areas listed below. Your evaluations will be scored as a part of the selection process and kept in strict confidence. If you have any questions please direct them to ASI Pep and Cheer Director, Paige Hill. Email: paigehillasi@gmail.com PLEASE SEAL YOUR FORM IN AN ENVELOPE Thank you for your time and consideration. PLEASE RETURN TO THE STUDENT IN A SEALED ENVELOPE Evaluation areas High Low 1. Ability to get along with others 5 4 3 2 1 2. Ability to get along with teachers 5 4 3 2 1 3. Attentiveness in class (listens, follows directions) 5 4 3 2 1 4. Quality of work (on time, complete) 5 4 3 2 1 5. Leadership qualities 5 4 3 2 1 6. Attendance/punctuality 5 4 3 2 1 7. Personal qualities 5 4 3 2 1 8. Responsibility/dependability 5 4 3 2 1 9. Behavior/manners 5 4 3 2 1 10. Communication/social skills 5 4 3 2 1 I would would not recommend this individual for a leadership position such as an Alta Sierra Intermediate Pep and Cheer squad member. Comments: Teacher Signature: _ Date 11