2011-2012 Southview High School Cheerleading Tryout Information

TRYOUT CLINICS:
Wednesday, April 20 SVHS Open tryout practice
Wednesday, April 27 4-6 pm SVHS
Thursday, April 28 4-6 pm SVHS

There may be cuts made at the end of the 2nd clinic on Thursday. We will let the girls know by their numbers
those we want to come and tryout on Friday the 29th.

FINAL TRYOUT:
Friday, April 29 4:00-7 pm SVHS


It is important that you read and fully understand the attached information. Give serious thought to the level of commitment you must make if you are chosen to be a part of this program. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Coach Kortney via email at kortneykwinn@gmail.com
Thank you for your interest and GOOD LUCK!
This information is also posted on our website www.leaguelineup.com/cougarcheer

CHEER TEAMS
Varsity 12 Football 8 Basketball sophomores, juniors & seniors

Junior Varsity 8 Football 8 Basketball sophomores & juniors

Freshmen 8 Football 8 Basketball freshmen only

Competition must cheer both freshmen through senior + 2 alternates
Sylvania School District 5500.01 - CODE OF CONDUCT FOR EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES/ATHLETICS Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will not bring discredit to themselves or their school. They should not be involved in the use of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or tobacco. Failure to abide by the Code of Conduct, or other behavior derogatory to the individual or the program during the calendar year, will lead to denial of participation
No student shall possess, conceal, use, convey to another, be in the presence of illegal drug/alcohol activity, or offer for sale, or attempt to purchase any alcoholic beverage, illegal drugs, non-prescribed drugs, prescribed drugs illegally used, look alike drugs, or any mind altering substance. A student will abide by the rules, regulations, and policies of the Sylvania Schools and the laws of the community at large. Included in the prohibition are any substances represented as controlled substances, drug paraphernalia, and tobacco. A violation of this policy by any student who participates in and extracurricular activity shall be deemed in violation of the Code of Conduct, and the student shall be subject to the penalties described herein. Penalties for violation of this Code of Conduct shall apply to both athletic and extracurricular participation concurrently.
This Code of Conduct must be signed before the student participates in any extracurricular tryout, practice, game or event. The student will be subject to the Code of Conduct for the entire calendar year.

TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS
ELIGIBILITY:
Tryouts are open to individuals who are enrolled and will be students at Sylvania Southview High School for the 20011-2012 school year. All participants, including new and transfer students as well as current team members, must have a minimum 1.5 Grade Point Average. Your most recent grade card or a listing of grades by your current teachers must be attached to your application due at the first clinic. The SVHS Athletic Department Code of Conduct will be followed.

TRYOUT PROCESS:
Any questions regarding results of tryouts will be handled by Glen Gillespie, SVHS Athletic Director, and only after a 48-hour grace period following tryouts. At that time, any athlete who has a question may speak with Mr. Gillespie or Coach McKinley during available hours. Parent meetings will not be entertained.
Station one – Cheer/Chant
? Athletes will be taught and perform one chant, possibly several times.
? Athletes will be taught and perform the SV Fight Song, possibly several times.
? Judges will score candidates on sharpness and placement of motions, technique, voice projection, contagious spirit, cooperation and timing with group, creativity and overall cheerleading ability.
Station two – Jumps/Tumbling
? Athletes will perform a series of required jumps including, but not limited to: *herkies, *toe touches, *hurdlers, pikes, double toe-touches. (*Required jumps – others are optional)
? Athletes will perform a series of tumbling skills including, but not limited to: round-offs, cartwheel, backhand springs, running tumbling passes, and standing tucks. Points will be weighted depending on difficulty of tumbling.
? Mats and spotters will be provided and allowed.
? On jumps, judges will score height, pointed toes, precision, technique, prep and landing.
? On tumbling, judges will score on technique, precision, legs together on back handsprings, rebound, and confident execution.
Station three – Dance
? Athletes will be taught and perform, several times, a short dance taught during clinics.
? Judges will score on rhythm, execution, timing with group, contagious facial expressions, flexibility, and clean basic dance moves.
Station four – Stunting for JV/Varsity only
? Athletes will stunt in groups of four. Groups may be set throughout the clinics or chosen by the coaches.
? Judges will score on proper technique, teamwork, form, tightness, skill in each area: flyer, bases and backspot.
Station five – Interview – to be conducted on last day of clinic
? Athletes will answer various questions.
? Coaches will look for genuine personality in answers, inflection and range of voice, quality of answer, thoughtfulness, poise, intelligence of answer, and cooperation.
?
MISC. TRYOUT INFORMATION
For tryouts, you should wear shorts and shirt (tucked in), gym shoes, white socks, hair up with bow and off your face, no jewelry. Your shirt does not need to say “Southview” or “Cheerleader” but should be school colors. Sports bras should not show. Coaches will be deducting for jewelry, hair in face, shirts not tucked in, sports bras showing, or otherwise inappropriate clothing.
You should come to clinics ready to work and prove yourself in all areas of cheerleading. Punctuality, attitude, effort, behavior, cooperation, and work ethic, as well as skill, will all be observed by the coaches as part of the ongoing evaluations.
Cheerleading results will be posted Friday, April 29th, on our cheer website www.leaguelineup.com/cougarcheer and also on the back door at the high school. The results will remain there for a while, so you may check anytime that is convenient. There will be a mandatory special meeting for all girls making the squad on Saturday April 30th @ 12:30 pm. GOOD LUCK!
This tryout format is modeled after multiple OHSAA schools’ tryout procedures. It has been created with the help of The Ohio State University and Kent State University coaches in cooperation with the Southview High School coaches.
Cheerleaders are chosen representatives of the student body; they have the opportunity and a significant responsibility for promoting good sportsmanship. The most aggressive and vocal voice does not always make the best cheerleader. By setting a good example, cheerleaders can influence and help control the reaction of student and adult spectators. They are often seen as the representatives not only of a school, but of a community as well. Cheerleaders should embody not only athletic ability, but enthusiasm, spirit, leadership, ethics, integrity, sportsmanship, academic excellence and friendliness. Take this responsibility seriously. The decisions will be made by the Coaching Staff and are final.

SKILLS:
You will be asked to execute these skills for tryouts. If you haven’t mastered all skills, do not be discouraged. We are not necessarily looking for perfection at this time, but we do want you to concentrate and perfect the skills that play to your strengths. In addition to the skills listed, you will be observed throughout the clinics on your attitude, ability to learn and make changes, enthusiasm, projection and overall performance. We will be looking for current and potential skills to become a Southview cheerleader.
TRYOUT MATERIAL: Sample Evaluation Criteria (Not listed in any particular order of importance or weight)

• Interview with Coach
• Fight Song
• Chants
• Dance
• Jumps
• Tumbling
• Stunting
• Motions
• Voice projection
• Ability to learn material
• Ability to follow direction
• Balance
• Being responsible, dedicated and coachable
• Being a team player
• Having a can do, won’t quit attitude
• Projection of energy and enthusiasm from up close and at a distance
• Strength
• Showmanship – pizzazz

Examples:
AREA CRITERIA
Ability to learn and remember Learns quickly and retains material
Motions Sharpness, correct levels, no bent wrists, correct lunges, etc…
Showmanship Enthusiastic, strong voice projection, good facials; ability to lead crowd!!!
Jumps Good height and form, proper timing in cheers and dance, can do multiple jumps with good form and height
Tumbling Good height and form, proper timing when incorporated into material, level of difficulty, can do in combination with jump(s)
Physical Stamina and Strength Performs well on a variety of strength and conditioning tests
Stunting Skills Level of difficulty, proper techniques and form
Work Ethic Positive attitude, works well with others, self-disciplined, responds appropriately to constructive criticism
Appearance Short finger nails, no jewelry, athletic shoes, t-shirt, and athletic shorts; hair should be neatly pulled up so that it does not rest on shoulders

EXPENSES - approximate
• Pay to play for each season
• Camp wear $50
• Shoes $70
• Body liner $20

• Camp $339
• Warm up $50
• Brief (boy cut) $15

Two fundraisers may be held in the form of Cougar Cub Clinics, one during football season and one again during basketball. All cheerleaders will participate in the clinics. Sylvania Schools has incorporated a pay to play system. We will also hold three additional fundraisers over the summer (2 are mandatory).

PARENT MEETING
Once the squads are posted there will be a mandatory parent meeting scheduled. Every cheerleader and at least one parent must be present at that meeting. The summer practice schedule and camp date will be finalized and announced at that time. All cheerleaders will be sized for shoes, briefs, warm-ups and camp wear.

SUMMER PRACTICES
Practices will be scheduled over the summer as well as our camp. These are mandatory and you are expected to attend. Coaches must be notified and approve any absence PRIOR to the absence. Work and involvement in other sports and/or activities is not an excuse for missing practice, arriving late or leaving early. Although we cannot force you to schedule your vacations around cheerleading, missing practices regularly in unacceptable. It hurts the squads by preventing stunt groups from practicing and cheers to be prepared. If you are in town you are required to attend practice.

SPORTS SCHEDULE
Once school starts with class work, practices and games, time management becomes an issue for some. Please view the athletic schedule for each of the teams and be aware of the commitment. Athletes need to find a way to balance the responsibilities of academics with the duties of being a cheerleader.

The Southview High School sports schedule (and more) can be found at www.highschoolsports.net .













SOUTHVIEW CHEERLEADERS CONSTITUTION
The Squad shall be known as the Southview High School Cheerleaders and include Varsity, Junior Varsity and Freshman Cheerleaders as well as a Competition Squad.
1 PURPOSE:
1.1 It shall be the purpose of the SVHS Cheerleaders to promote and uphold team spirit for those we encounter, to develop good sportsmanship by example, to support good relations in the community and between teams and squads during events. The organizational goal is to work in harmony with each other, cheer for our Football and Basketball teams, and compete at OASSA regional’s and state, and cooperate with our coaches, administration, other athletic teams and sporting organizations.
2 ELIGIBILITY:
2.1 A cheerleader candidate must support the SVHS Cheerleading Program above all other teams.
2.2 A candidate must be neatly presented, medically fit, and if under 18 years old provide parental permission.
2.3 A candidate must be a student in good standing at SVHS.
2.4 Acceptance of a candidate shall be on the basis of ability, the coaches’ agreement, acceptance of the squad rules, and without prejudice of race creed or color. 2.5 All members must have a physical and signed contract on file with the athletic department before the season begins. 2.6 All members must sign and abide by the athletic code of Sylvania Schools and Southview High School. 2.7 Cheerleading must take priority over all other extra-curricular activities (including jobs) for the entire time of commitment.
2.8 If you were a member of the squad during the previous season and you chose to drop you will be ineligible to participate during the next season.
3 MEMBERSHIP:
3.1 The SVHS Cheerleaders are three squads. The Varsity will consist of 12 cheerleaders, 8 Junior Varsity and 8 freshmen. The Competition squad (number to be determined each year based on talent) will practice throughout both fall and winter seasons so cheerleaders must cheer for both football and basketball in order to be considered for the competition team. 3.2 Members may move up and be allowed to fill squad positions if vacancies occur, or temporary positions in the event a regular cheerleader is unable to perform her cheerleading duties. 3.3 Each squad will cheer for their respective football and basketball teams. All squads will cheer at Homecoming, NVSV game and cheer clinic events. Everyone will be involved in fundraisers, community and charity events when asked.
4 ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
4.1 All cheerleaders will attend all games and practices or events. In order to practice or cheer at a game a cheerleader must be in school that day. Practices and games are mandatory. 4.2 Summer Camp: All cheerleaders and coaches are required to attend annual camp as a squad.
4.3 Competitions will be optional and participation will depend on the location, cost and readiness of the squads as determined by the coaching staff. .
4.4 Social Activities: All members are encouraged to attend. Advance notice of non attendance is required.
4.5 Team activities other than Games: As social activities members are encouraged to attend. 4.6 Absences should always be avoided when possible. One person being absent affects the entire squad. It is important not to inconvenience the practice time of the entire squad by being absent. 4.7 Missing a scheduled practice the day before a game will result in the individual not performing at the game. 4.8 Attendance at a game or practice without proper shoes, clothes or uniform will be considered cause for disciplinary action. 4.9 The only excused activities or events are those that are school related.
5 FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
5.1 Annual Camp - Camp attendance is mandatory in order to participate on the cheer squad. Camp fees are the responsibility of each squad member. The cheerleader is responsible for the cost of attending. Camp is mandatory. 5.2 Transportation: The squads will be transported to and from games via school busses.
5.3 Competitions: If a competition is entered, the cost may be covered by fundraising. Transportation will be determined based on the location of the competition. 5.4 Squad members will provide their own refreshments when not provided by coaches or event organizers.
5.5 Each member will be required to purchase certain items of clothing/uniform for hygienic reasons. These will include, shoes, briefs, socks, warm-up and hair bow and depending on the item the cost may vary each year.
5.6 Uniforms are required for participation on the cheer squad and are provided by the school.
5.7 Uniforms are to be kept in good condition and clean at all times. The individual, at their own expense, will replace uniforms ruined, lost or stolen.
5.8 If a member is removed from or chooses to quit the squad, they are still responsible for payment of all items ordered.
5.9 Deposits made for cheer clothes, shoes, and/or camps are non-refundable.

6 TRYOUTS:
6.1 A Tryout will consist of performing designated skills in front of the coaching staff.
6.2 Tryouts will normally be held each spring and be conducted by the coaching staff and may include the help of the graduating seniors.
6.3 The format of the Tryouts will be decided by the coaches, and will be held in a fair and open manner conducive to allowing each candidate to show her best abilities and potential.
6.4 Competition team members will also be chosen during tryouts.
6.5 Decision of the coaches is final.
7 SELECTION of CAPTAINS:
7.1 Each Squad will have at least one Captain. Voting by each squad may take place but the Coaching Staff will make the final decision on Captains.
7.2 Other duties may be assigned by the Coaching Staff or Captain as needed throughout the season.
8 DUTIES OF CAPTAINS:
8.1 Set an example to the rest of the squad by following the rules and regulations of the SHS Cheerleaders. The Captain will set an example by doing more than her share.
8.2 Be at practice early and start stretching on time.
8.3 Assist in setting cheers and chants to be used at games and events. The squad should make suggestions, but the final decision shall be by the Captain and Coach.
8.4 Act as a peacemaker in case of disagreements
8.5 Co-ordinate the painting and hanging up of signs.
8.6 Be responsible for welcoming visiting squads and setting a good example of friendliness to other cheerleaders.
8.7 Keep the crowd cheering and your cheerleaders in proper formation during games.
8.8 Show no partiality within the squad.
8.9 In the event the Captain is not able to perform her duties the coach may select another squad member to stand in or replace the Captain.
9 PRACTICE:
9.1 Practice will be set by the coaches. . 9.2 All cheerleaders are required to attend all practice sessions. 9.3 Cheerleaders will NEVER practice without a coach present. 9.4 Safety is our first priority at all times during practice. All squads will never stunt without the coach present.
9.5 Cheerleaders must arrive to practice on time, wearing proper shoes and clothing.
9.6 Hair needs to be out of the eyes and in a secured ponytail if shoulder length or below.
9.7 Chewing gum or eating during practices is prohibited 9.8 No jewelry is to be worn at practice.

10 UNIFORMS & PRACTICE WEAR:
10.1 Uniforms will be provided but certain items will be purchased by team members such as shoes, briefs, socks, bow, camp wear and warm up. 10.2 Uniforms will only be worn for games or events as designated by the coaches.
10.3 Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of squad or team identification must always conduct themselves in a manner becoming an SHS cheerleader.
10.4 Uniforms are provided by the school and must be kept cleaned and pressed.
10.5 Team athletic shoes must be clean
10.6 All squad members must have the same uniform look.
10.7 No jewelry is allowed during practices, performances or games.
10.8 Fingernails must be sports length. Nail polish, if worn, must be clear or natural color
10.9 No gum chewing during practices, performances or games.
10.10 All phones must be turned off during practices, performances or games.
10.11 Hair must be in a secured full ponytail if shoulder length or below. Bangs must be out of the eyes.
10.12 Cheerleaders will not loan out any piece of their uniform to anyone. Warm-ups and sweatshirts are considered part of your cheer wardrobe and should not be worn by anyone other than you or at any other time other than cheer activities.
10.13 Cheerleaders must wear their uniforms or team-designated outfit to school on game days.

11 APPEARANCE:
11.1 For safety reasons no jewelry of any kind will be worn in uniform or during practice. 11.2 Uniforms must be kept clean at all times.
11.3 Makeup should be natural and not excessive.
11.4 All hairstyles must be neat and secured up out of the face, in a ponytail, not needing attention (combing etc) while at practice or at a game.

12 GAMES:
12.1 All games are mandatory.
12.2 Members are required to arrive at least 45 minutes before the game time.
12.3 All spirit squad members must know all the cheers and routines for the game. Sitting out is unacceptable.
12.4 Members are required to dress in full uniform.
12.5 Hair must be pulled back away from the face and secured in a ponytail if shoulder length or below. Bangs must not cover the eyes. Hair ties need to be uniform.
12.6 Make-up should be worn in moderation.
12.7 No jewelry or nail color is allowed. Nails need to be athletic length.
12.8 There is not chewing gum or eating during games.
12.9 Socializing with friends while the game is in progress is not allowed.

13 CONDUCT:
13.1 Squad members are required to maintain and uphold a positive reputation of Southview Cheerleaders through their own conduct and squad spirit.
13.2 Members are required to be courteous, polite, friendly, and try to have a smile for everybody.
13.3 All cheers and chants shall be of a positive and sportsmanlike manner.
13.4 Members will make every attempt to ignore or dissuade negative responses at events and not become involved in such action themselves. 13.5 Promoting good sportsmanship by way of example is required at all times. Members must not use foul language at practices, in school, at games, camp or competitions, etc. 13.6 Excessive public displays of affection are not appropriate, especially in uniform, at games or in school. 13.7 Proper appearance is required at all times, with clothing appropriate to the occasion 13.8 By being part of the cheerleading squad, you are accepting the fact that your actions are more prominent than those not associated with such an activity. Because of this, exemplary behavior is mandatory at all times, anywhere in the community and at all school functions where you are a representative of Southview High School. 13.9 Members must cooperate with all faculty members, squad members, game officials and coaches. 13.10 Cheerleaders must display proper behavior in class, including being on time, not skipping and not cheating. 13.11 A freshman or JV cheerleader who chooses to stay after their game or work time to attend a varsity game must have clothes to change into.
14 FUND RAISING ACTIVITIES:
14.1 All cheerleaders will participate in all fundraising projects. The money raised will be used to fund additional agreed upon expenses during the year. Two to three car washes, clinics during football and basketball and any others decided upon by the coaches and squads.
14.2 All fundraising activities will be approved by the Coaching Staff, Athletic Department and Administration of SVHS and Sylvania Schools.
15 DISCIPLINARY ACTION: The following policies have been developed as a tool to promote teamwork, equity, self-discipline and responsibility.
15.1 It shall be squad policy that disciplinary action will only be invoked as a last resort, and that every reasonable attempt will be made to avoid situations likely to lead to such action through squad discussion and positive encouragement, by example, and by finding ways and means to correct negative trends. 15.2 Participants are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will not bring discredit to themselves or their school. They should not be involved in the use of alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or tobacco. Failure to abide by the Code of Conduct, or other behavior derogatory to the individual or the program during the calendar year, will lead to denial of participation as outlined in the Student Code of Conduct and the Athletic Code of Conduct.
15.3 DISRESPECT for any team member or coaching staff at any time warrants dismissal. There will be NO talking back or rude comments.
15.4 If you are suspended (permanently or temporarily), or dismissed from SVHS, you will be dismissed from SVHS cheerleading. 15.5 Disciplinary action for failure to follow other rules will result in additional conditioning, community or campus service, or other assigned duties. 15.6 Disciplinary action may result from the following: tardiness, wearing jewelry (ALL JEWELRY IS INCLUDED NO EXCEPTIONS!), using profanity in uniform, untidy uniform, talking to fans or other cheerleaders excessively during games, not being in-line before game or after half-time, display of unsportsmanlike conduct, uncooperative attitude, eating or drinking on floor/field (during games or practices), absent from games, practices or other SVHS/Cheerleading functions, cell phones turned on at any SVHS sponsored event (practice, games, competition, community service, etc.) 15.7 A cheerleader may be benched from games/events for the following reasons:
Unexcused absence, excessive absence or tardiness, failure to cooperate with coaches, or failure to abide by squad rules and regulations. 15.8 During game suspensions, the squad member will sit in uniform with the coach/advisor for the entire game. 15.9 Each case of discipline will be judged individually. The advisor/coach, with the assistance of the administration if deemed necessary, has the final decision in any discipline situation. 15.10 Every attempt will be made to discipline fairly/equally, and to make consequences of actions known ahead of time. Parents will be kept informed of problem situations. Severity of, or repeated offenses may dictate harsher action.















This is to make sure you have all items that need to be turned in…
Checklist of Items to be turned in at the first clinic.

Application
Picture included on application
Medical Release
Application Release
Cheerleader Signature
Parent signature
Recent Grade report








2011-2012 Southview HS CHEERLEADING
SQUAD APPLICATION – FILL OUT COMPLETELY

Circle the team(s) you are trying out for.

Football Basketball Both Competition

Year in school for 2011-2012: Fr So Jr Sr


Name:
(Last) (First) (Middle)

Address:
(Street)

(City) (State) (Zip Code)

Home Phone: Your t-shirt size

Your Cell:

Your Email address:

Your Birth Date:

Are you currently employed? If yes, where? Hours per week?

Parent(s) Names: Mom Dad

Parent(s) Address:
(If different than above) (Street)
(City) (State) (Zip Code)

Parent Email: Mom_____________________________ Dad_____________________________

Mom Phone: Home Cell Work

Dad Phone: Home Cell Work

In case of emergency and unable to reach parent/guardian:

Please contact: ________________________________ Phone: ________________________________


Please list your cheer/tumbling/stunting skills and experience on the back of this sheet.
CHEERLEADER APPLICATION RELEASE 2011-2012
I, ____________________________, have read the Constitution including all rules and regulations that govern the Southview High School Cheerleading Program.
I understand the information as outlined in the Information Packet and constitution.
I further understand that this is an extracurricular activity and that attendance at all practices, games, special functions, and summer camp is a requirement if I am selected cheerleader.
As a representative of my school, I understand and agree to abide by them if selected as a Southview cheerleader for the 2011-2012 school year.
______________________________ ________________________________
Signature of applicant Date

PARENT/GUARDIAN RELEASE 2011-2012
I, _______________________________________the undersigned, have read the Constitution and fully understand the rules and regulations which will govern my daughter ______________________________if she is chosen to represent Southview High School as a cheerleader. I further understand that this is an extracurricular activity and that attendance at all practices, games, special functions, and summer camp is a requirement of the selected cheerleader.
I hereby give consent to my daughter, _________________________________, to
tryout for cheerleader at Southview High School for the 2011-2012 season and recognize her responsibilities and requirements as a leader of her school. I understand that, if chosen, my daughter will be required to pay for cheer camp and other uniform necessities as outlined within. I understand the decisions of the coaching staff are final. I understand that there is with cheerleading, as with any sport, a risk of injury. I will support my daughter as a member of the SVHS Cheer Squad. I give my permission for my child to receive medical attention for any reason in the event that I cannot be reached.
___________________________________________________________________________________ Signature of Parent/Legal Guardian Date:



MEDICAL RELEASE

PARENT RELEASE OF INSURANCE/MEDICAL INFORMATION 2011-2012

1. Does your daughter have a chronic illness which requires immediate attention? Explain.
Yes/No


2. In the last year has she had an injury or needed medical attention for any reason?
Yes/No


3. Medical Coverage:
Name of Company _____________________Group #________________________________


This medical release information is sufficient for tryout purposes only. If your daughter is chosen for a squad she must have physical exam/medical card filed with the Athletic Department prior to Camp.


4. I understand that there is with cheerleading as with any sport a risk of injury. By signing below I give permission for my daughter to receive medical attention in the event that an injury occurs at tryouts.
.

Parent Signature: _____________________________________Date:_____________________










The Southview High School sports schedule (and more) can be found at www.highschoolsports.net