Avon Middle School South Cheerleading Tryouts
Football & Basketball Season 2012-2013
Forms: All forms are due at the tryout clinic on May 17, 2013 at 5:30 pm. Candidates
may not try out if they are not turned in during registration.
 All candidates MUST have a new physical on file in the athletic office dated
after April 1, 2013. There will be no exception and you cannot tryout unless
there is a physical on file as well as all aspects of the physical packet
 Athletic Emergency Information form
 Constitution and Demographic sheet
 Squad information sheet
 Finance Contract
 3 teacher or coach recommendations in sealed envelopes with signatures
over seal.
Without all the forms turned in by May 17, 2013, you will be ineligible to
tryout. There will be NO exceptions.
Without the teacher recommendations, you will be allowed to tryout. However, this
will severely affect your score.
Example: out of 25 points
0 out of 3 recommendations – 0 points
2 out of 3 recommendations – 18+19+0=37/3=12 points
3 recommendations – 20+ 19+ 19=58/3= 19 points
Tryout Schedule:
Tryout Schedule
Cheer tryouts and the cheer clinic are MANDATORY.
May 17, 2013
5:30-6:30- Registration
6:30-7:30- Clinic and tumbling tryout
*Candidates trying out for competition will be required to perform tumbling
during tumbling rotation; no spotting will be available for tryout
May 20, 2013
5:30-7:00 PM Review Chant, Cheer, Jumps;
May 21, 2013
5:30-6:00- Stretch and group review
6:00-6:40- 7th Grade
6:45 (or immediately following 7 th grade) 8 th grade tryout
*Results will be posted on website by 9:30 pm on May 21, 2013. You can access the
website through the school site and going to the athletic page. Click on fall
sports/cheerleading, and it will be on the first page by this time.
*All aspects of the tryouts will be closed to everyone but the athletes
trying out*
Location & Attire:
Everything will be conducted in the gym at AMS South. Hair should be out of the
face with NO little strands hanging down and tennis or cheer shoes worn, and NO
jewelry. On tryout day, Avon apparel/colors should be worn with a bow in the hair
(game ready). Please wear a t-shirt and shorts and tennis shoes
Parent & Cheerleader Meeting:
May 22, 2012 – 6:30 pm
Mandatory Parent Meeting. Various topics will be discussed about the
upcoming season(s). We will review the constitution and answer any questions you
may have. A $180 fee will be due toward the AMS cheer account. This amount
covers the practice pack, shoes, and part of the camp fees. Girls won’t receive any
items until all fees are paid. Please contact Coach Kristen prior to this meeting with
any questions. Summer and Fall schedules will also be passed out.
AVON MIDDLE
SCHOOL SOUTH
CHEERLEADING
CONSTITUTION
FOOTBALL SEASON
2013 – 2014
COACH KRISTEN: (812) 240-6665 OR
coachkristendunbar@yahoo.com
Coaching Philosophy
My mission as the Avon Middle School South cheerleading coach is to
design a program in which our students and athletes can learn success in
aspects of this sport and in life. Success is not defined by winning. It is
defined by learning from mistakes and failures, becoming a leader on
and off the mat, setting and obtaining goals, while evolving into an elite
athlete.
The journey consists of bonding, practicing, and then winning. We bond
to gain trust and become a team. When we have trust and teamwork, we
practice. We practice to the best of our ability at all times, and victory
will follow.
We believe if we focus on these principles, our athletes will be successful
as individuals and as a team. It is our goal to become a positive
influence, role model, and mentor to our cheerleaders both on and off
the mat. It is our goal to change lives for the better.
Program Purpose
It shall be the purpose of cheerleading at Avon to promote and uphold
school spirit, to lead the spectators in cheering, to compete on various
levels, to develop a sense of good sportsmanship and to better the
relationships between our school and the schools with whom we
compete.
Goals
My goal for this program is to prepare future cheerleaders for the high
school program. These goals will be met by focusing on the basics of
cheerleading and increasing abilities with the various aspects of
cheerleading such as jumps, motions, tumbling, team work, and
stunting. Each season, I will do an evaluation on each girl to help with
meeting personal goals and help improve basic skills.
Avon Middle School South Cheerleading is made up of the following
squads:
Football Season
Basketball Season
Competition Season
I.
Eligibility
a. Prior to tryouts, as well as throughout your participation, you must meet
academic requirements as outlined by the athletic department. You must be
currently enrolled and passing all classes during your participation in
cheerleading.
b. You must have a current physical on file before tryouts.
c. Teacher recommendations, finance contract, athlete emergency info, and
constitution/demographic sheet, handed out in the tryout packet, is due prior to
the tryout at 5:30pm on May 17, 2013. If all forms are not turned in by the given
date, the candidate will NOT be allowed to try out.
d. Cheerleading is a top priority and requires much dedication. There should be
no conflicts with jobs, school clubs, or other non-school activities
including all-star cheer or other sports.
II.
Membership & Expectations
a. In the spring, a group of qualified candidates will be selected for the football
squads. Competition and basketball squads will be selected in the fall.
i.
Competition
1. The competition squad will consist of up to 20 members who will be
required late fall and winter practices and also cheer either football
and/or basketball season. Those cheering for competition will get first
consideration for which season to cheer. One season is required to cheer
competition.
2. It is highly encouraged for competition squad members to have
tumbling, although it is not required. I strongly encourage tumbling
lessons and am available for referrals to area programs.
ii.
Football Season
1. The 7th grade and 8 th grade squad will each consist of between 8 and 10
members per squad.
2. Each grade is required to attend the opposite grades game. (example: 7 th
graders sit through the 8 th grade game) They will be required to cheer
with their teammates and sit together.
3. Each cheerleader will be required to attend all practices and games.
Missing practice due to other outside commitments will not be allowed.
iii.
iv.
4. A captain and junior captain may be elected. Their duties will include
helping the coaches with duties and some decisions, keep positive
morale for the team, and communicate to the team information from
the coaches.
Basketball Season
1. The 7th and 8th grade squad will consist of between 8 and 10 members
per squad
2. Each grade is required to attend the opposite grades game. (example: 7 th
graders sit through the 8 th grade game) They will be required to cheer
with their teammates and sit together.
3. A captain and junior captain may be elected. Their duties will include
helping the coaches with duties and some decisions, keep positive
morale for the team, and communicate to the team information from
the coaches.
All Squads & Seasons
1. If a cheerleader resigns for anything other than family, schooling, or
medical reasons after their placement on a squad, she may become
ineligible to cheer in another season or year. If the cheerleader is an 8 th
grader, the high school coaches will be notified the following year and it
will be decided at that level about eligibility.
2. A cheerleader must be available to practice daily (Monday-Friday)
throughout the school year and be available to cheer games on any day
(Monday-Saturday) while in season. Competition practices may
occasionally take place on Saturdays. Missing any competition
practices will not be tolerated.
3. Please look at the tentative schedule provided and plan your vacations
and doctor visits during the weeks/days scheduled with no practices or
games. Pay close attention to the new balanced calendar; at times,
practices and games will be scheduled during the new allotted breaks
and all cheerleaders will be required to attend.
4. A cheerleader must be willing to cooperate with and be helpful to their
coaches at all times. The actions of all involved should reflect the
squad’s best interest.
5. At any time during the season, a conference may be arranged by the
cheerleader or coaches to discuss progress and means for improvement.
6. A yearly review, done mid-basketball season, will be done to help the
cheerleaders with their skills to improve and excel in the future.
7. Anytime a cheerleader has doctor restrictions for an injury, she must
have a doctor’s release to participate or it must be stated when activity
may resume. If I am approached with an injury, and find that it needs to
be further evaluated, I will refer you to the trainer or a doctor. I will not
allow the cheerleader to further participate to ensure safety for the
student and teammates.
8. Concussion injury must follow the following guidelines, as outlined by
law:
a. Sec. 4 A high school student athlete who is suspected of sustaining a
concussion or head injury in a practice or game:
i. Shall be removed from play at the time of the injury; and
ii. May not return to play until the student athlete has received a
written clearance under section 5(a) of this chapter.
b. Sec. 5 (a) A student athlete who has been removed from play under
section 4 of this chapter may not return to play until the student
athlete:
i. Is evaluated by a licensed health care provider trained in the
evaluation and management of concussions and head injuries;
and
ii. Receives a written clearance to return to play from the health
care provider who evaluated the student athlete.
c. Sec. 5 (b) A licensed health care provider who evaluates a student
athlete under subsection (a) may conduct the evaluation as a
volunteer. A volunteer health care provider who in good faith and
gratuitously authorizes a student athlete to return to play is not
liable for civil damages resulting from an act or omission in the
rendering of an evaluation, except for acts or omissions that
constitute gross negligence or willful or wanton misconduct.
III. Tryouts
a. Clinics will be conducted prior to tryouts to evaluate all candidates. Participation
in the clinics is mandatory to participate in tryouts. Tryouts will be held in the
Spring with two outside coaches/past cheerleaders as judges, in addition to the
middle school coach. Tryouts will be closed to any non-cheerleading participants.
b. Cheerleaders will be required to perform necessary skills. The coach will select
the teams based on these skills in regards to judge’s scores, the structure needed
to have a cohesive squad, and the athlete’s ability to work well with others
including behavior and attitude. Attendance and grades in school will also be
highly evaluated as well as the teacher recommendations.
c. Scores will be a combination of several factors including: teacher evaluations,
learning and performing a cheer, jumps, and tumbling.
d. A cheerleader must receive a commendable evaluation from his/her teacher.
Appropriate behavior in and out of the classroom is expected, as this/her
behavior is a reflection of the entire squad.
e. In an instance where a cheerleader is not selected to be on a team or on the team
of his/her preference, the coach will always make themselves and his/her scores
available for you to see and discuss.
IV. Practices
a. A practice schedule for the school year will be provided and all are considered
mandatory.
b. A cheerleader must be present at school for part of the in order to participate at
practice. Exceptions include college visits, funerals, and other school-related
events approved at the coaching staff’s discretion.
c. Doctor appointments should be scheduled around the practices so no conflicts
arise. Regular visits, dentist appointments, etc may not be excused. Exceptions
will be following up a cheerleading related injury incurred at AMS or school
absence for illness.
d. The school does not notify the coaches of absences so it is the responsibility of
each cheerleader to notify Coach Kristen via email, text, or phone message. If a
cheerleader is unable to attend a practice, the coach should be notified prior to
the practice. This includes, but is not limited to, illness and physical injury,
death in the family, academic commitment, etc. Notification of absence does not
necessarily mean this will be excused. This will be at the coaching staff’s
discretion. If I do not reply within one hour, please follow up to ensure that I
received notification.
e. A cheerleader is to give at least an hour prior to arrival time’s notice to the coach
for absence from practice or full consequences will be applied for missing.
f. Cheerleaders in season that have conflicts with all-star cheerleading practices are
to notify coach before their scheduled conflict. The coach will accommodate pre arranged absences or tardies that are within ½ hour of our practice and
compromise their all-star event equally with the AMS program.
g. Missing games will not be tolerated due to other activities.
h. The only exception to the above compromise will be those cheerleaders in
competition season. Any dates that are “block out dates” will be mandatory with
no all-star or other conflicts. Two weeks prior to competitions will be considered
block out dates and mandatory. Extra practices may be added due to necessity,
so please keep in mind that flexibility will be crucial.
i. Cheerleaders are expected to be dressed out at all practices unless prearranged
by the coach. This includes shirt, shorts, and cheerleading shoes, as well as hair
pulled up.
j. A cheerleader will be considered tardy if not dressed and ready to practice at the
scheduled time. In the squad’s best interest, tardiness cannot be allowed.
Discipline for tardiness and unexcused absences is outlined in the consequences.
Excessive tardiness and absences will be disciplined at the coaching staff’s
discretion.
k. Squad members are not released to practice stunts, tumbling, or jumps without
the direct supervision of a coach.
l. Cheerleaders may not leave practices early; it is the benefit of the entire squad to
get the same workout (Please schedule appointments before practice begins or
after practice is finished). The same consequences outlined by tardiness will be
applied.
m. No jewelry, food, or gum is allowed while cheering. Cell phones must be shut off
or turned on silent. Offenses of the above are outlined in the consequences.
n. No cell phones are permitted in the locker rooms.
V.
Game Expectations
a. Cheerleaders will cheer at all assigned games and participate at other events
requested by the coaches.
b. A cheerleader must be present at school for part of the day and completely
dressed on game day in order to cheer at an event that night. Exceptions include
college visits, funerals, and other school-related events approved at the coaching
staff’s discretion.
c. If a cheerleader is unable to attend a game, the coach should be notified at least
an hour prior to the game. This may include but is not limited to illness, death in
the family, academic commitment, etc. Notification of absence does not
necessarily mean this will be excused. This will be at the coaching staff’s
discretion.
d. A cheerleader is to give an hour prior to arrival time’s notice to the coach for
absence from game or full consequences will be applied for missing
e. Discipline for tardiness and unexcused absences is outlined in the consequences.
Excessive tardiness and absences will be disciplined at the coaching staff’s
discretion.
f. If constitution offenses occur on a game day and there are no future practices to
make up the consequences, the cheerleader will sit for one minute of game time
for every one minute of running consequence and will perform their push-ups or
frogs during halftime in a site away from the game.
g. At games, the following is expected:
i.
Have thorough knowledge of cheers and chants or you may be asked to sit
the game.
ii.
You are to be on time and game ready prepared when you arrive for warmup.
iii.
Warm-up includes stretching, tumbling, building, jumping, and preparing
time-outs and quarter cheers.
iv.
Squad members are not released to practice stunts, tumbling, or jumps
without the direct supervision of a coach.
v.
No jewelry, food, gum, or cell phones are allowed while cheering.
vi.
All bags and belongings will be put in the locker rooms during the game and
can be picked up at the conclusion of the game.
vii.
No bright or noticeable nail polish should be worn. You will be asked to sit
out until it is removed. Acceptable colors are clear, white French tip, or pale
pink/nude. Examples of unacceptable colors includes, but are not limited
to, black, neons, pinks, prints, etc.
viii.
Poms are required. A cheerleader without poms will sit the game and have a
consequence for being unprepared.
ix.
Squad must be cheering 90% of each quarter including cheers, chants,
spirit, etc. NO socializing during cheer time!!
x.
xi.
xii.
xiii.
Each squad is required to stay for each game (7 th and 8th) to support the
other squad throughout the games. This includes sitting during quarters
and cheering.
Cheerleaders are to return from halftime with 2 minutes remaining on the
clock, poms in hand.
Keep an equidistant, window formation on the sidelines, if space allows. Do
not gather in groups and socialize with each other. No talking is allowed.
When not cheering, stand with hands together behind your back to keep a
clean presentation of the squad at all times. Cheering begins during
pregame and ends after the final fight song.
VI. Transportation
a. It is the responsibility of all members to find transportation to practices and
home cheering events, or any other activity in which a bus is not provided.
b. In case of tardiness from a practice or game, a cheerleader is to notify Coach
Kristen immediately.
c. There will be a master roster of all cheerleaders passed out at the beginning of
each season. Cheerleaders should use this list for assistance with transportation.
d. For competitions, all cheerleaders will ride the bus to and from the location.
There will be no exceptions
VII. Uniforms
a. Uniforms will be fitted and distributed prior to the first game or competition of
their season.
b. Uniform selection for games will be the responsibility of the coach.
c. Uniforms are only to be worn on the day of competitions, games and during
games, unless approved by the coach. Failure to wear proper uniform will result
in disciplinary action by the coach.
d. Care of uniforms is the responsibility of each cheerleader. Uniforms must be
clean, pressed, and in good repair for every cheering event. If a uniform is
damaged or misplaced, the cheerleader is responsible for replacing or repairing
it.
e. ALTERATIONS MUST BE APPROVED BY THE COACH PRIOR TO THE
ALTERATION
f. If a uniform is to be altered, it cannot be cut, only sewn.
g. Uniforms must be returned to the coach, cleaned, and in good condition by the
specific time given by the coaches.
h. You may be subject to purchasing a new piece if not returned in good and
original condition.
i. Cheerleading shoes, socks, briefs, bodysuits, bows, and warm-ups must be
purchased by the cheerleader. A cheerleader may reuse any item that is in good
condition as long as those items stay in good condition.
i.
Cheerleading shoes will be chosen prior to the beginning of the season and
must match the entire squad. They should only be worn at practices, on
game days, and during other cheering events as designated by the coaching
staff.
ii.
Briefs are boy-cut style and bodysuits are half bodysuit style. A set of bows
will be put together for each girl so everyone will have matching bows. Do
not purchase these on your own.
iii.
Bags may be purchased. If you choose not to purchase a bag, we have some
that may be provided.
j. Any time your uniform is on, you need to wear your cheer shoes and hair up,
matching, with a bow.
VIII. Conduct
a. Warning and discipline will be issued for failing to follow any of the rules listed
in the constitution. Disciplinary action will result when the coach/athletic
director deems it necessary.
b. Disciplinary actions may be in the form of extra workouts, loss of game time,
conference, suspension period, dismissal from squad, or anything the
coaches/athletic director deems appropriate.
c. A cheerleader must:
i.
Follow rules in the AMS student handbook.
ii.
Follow rules in the AMS cheerleading constitution.
iii.
Attend school regularly and maintain the academic requirement of
athletics.
iv.
Perform all duties assigned by coach/athletic director.
d. As role models, cheerleaders must monitor any outside sources or images that
may jeopardize the reputation of themselves, this cheerleading program, and
Avon Middle School South. This includes monitoring Facebook, Myspace,
Twitter and all other social networks.
e. Consequences for misconduct such as the use of tobacco, alcohol, other illegal
substances or criminal activity will be enforced according to those defined in the
student handbook.
f. When a cheerleader is sitting out due to injury or as a cheer consequence, he/she
should be in full uniform or warm-up, sitting with the coach. No cell phones or
socializing, but cheering with his/her squad.
g. When a cheerleader is sitting out due to athletic code violation, he/she should
not be in any cheer apparel and sitting with the coach.
IX. Financing
a. The first payment of $180 is due at the parent meeting on May 22. After the
fitting is complete, I will submit individual invoices for remaining balance, which
will be due by June 7. If payments are not submitted, the cheerleader will not
receive the items until payment is made.
b. There is a form designating estimated costs for the program. Again, this is a
close estimate. There are also optional items that are available that will be added
to the balance as well.
c. In July there will be a fee of $20 for food, snacks, and prizes for camp. This will
be paid in cash at uniform and practice pack pick up. In October, there will be a
Breast Cancer Ribbon that the girls will purchase for $6 to wear at all October
games.
Payment Due Dates
May 22, 2013: $180
June 7, 2013: $180 (or remaining balance)
Cheerleading Consequences
Offense: Bright or noticeable nail polish at a game
Consequence: Sitting out until the polish is removed
Offense: Being late to a practice/game or leaving early without coach’s approval
Consequence:
1 lap per minute
After 10 minutes = 15 laps and 50 pushups; habitual tardiness will be disciplined at coach’s
discretion
After 30 minutes = unexcused absence
Offense: Not being prepared for a practice or game (includes wearing jewelry, wrong uniform,
forgetting poms, shoes, or any part of the uniform, etc.)
Consequence:
1st offense: 5 laps and 15 pushups
2nd offense: 10 laps and 30 pushups
3rd offense: coach’s discretion
*Not having poms will also result in sitting the quarters with use of poms
Offense: Disrespect to coaches or other cheerleaders
Consequence:
1st offense - Conversation about offense will take place with cheerleader and parents will be notified.
2nd + offense – Running and/or conditioning at coach’s discretion; possible meeting arranged
between cheerleader, parents, and athletic director; possible dismissal based on
seriousness of offense
Offense: Missing a practice with 24 hour notice, although unexcused
Consequence:
1st offense – 5 lap run at next practice and 25 pushups and 25 sit-ups
2nd offense - 1 mile run and 50 pushups and 50 sit-ups
3rd offense – coach’s discretion; may be dismissed from the squad
Offense: Arriving late to game warm-ups
Consequence:
Up to 9 minutes = 1 lap per minute
At 10 minutes = sit ¼ game time
After 10 minutes = Considered absent from warm-ups
Offense: Missing a game with 24 hour notice, although unexcused
Consequence:
1st offense – 1/2 mile run at next practice, 30 pushups, and sit out the next game with the coach
2nd offense – 1 mile run and 70 pushups, and sit out the next game with the coach
3rd offense – dismissal from the squad
Any combination of two unexcused absences or games may result in removal from the squad.
**Other serious offenses or offenses of the AMS Cheerleading Constitution will be dealt with on an
individual basis with parents, cheerleaders, coaches, and athletic administration if needed; Lying
will absolutely not be tolerated**
Turn the following pages in during registration at the
clinic on Friday, May 17, 2013
1.
2.
3.
Financial Contract
Constitution/Demographic
3 Teacher Recommendations (to be returned by
teacher)
Financial Contract
Please read through the following terms of the financial contract. By signing below,
you are acknowledging that you agree to its terms and payment schedule.
Please be sure to communicate any questions to Coach Kristen.
Also remember, these are close estimates and I will not have final numbers until I
am billed from each company. However, you will be given a final bill by May 31,
2013 for the remaining amount.
I understand that my daughter will not receive items until they have been paid for.
This may include her cheer uniform if balance is not paid prior to the first game of
their season.
Mandatory Fees
Payment #1 of $180 will be due at the first meeting, May 22
Payment #2 of remaining balance will be due by June 7
__________________________________________
Parent Signature: _____________________________________________
Printed Name: ________________________________________________
Date: ___________________________
_______________
Please give careful consideration to tryout out for a cheerleading position. All
cheerleaders must be willing to commit a great deal of time and energy into making the
program successful each season.
I have read and understand the rules and expectations set up in the
Cheerleader Constitution and agree to abide by them if selected as an Avon
Cheerleader.
I understand that if I do not follow these guidelines I may be suspended
and/or dismissed from the squad. I also understand that use of
drugs/alcohol/tobacco is strictly prohibited.
_______________________________
Cheerleader Signature
_______________
Date
__________________________________________
Cheerleader Printed Name
I have read this constitution and agree to its contents and provisions. If I
have any questions, I will contact the head coach or athletic director.
I also hereby state that my daughter has no medical restrictions or
previous injury which would prohibit her from the physical activity of
cheerleading in any position she is place in.
_________________________________
_______________
Parent Signature
Date
__________________________________________
Parent Printed Name
DEMOGRAPHIC INFORMATION
Cheerleader Cell: ____________________
Mom Name:
_________________________
Cell:
_______________________
Email:
_______________________
Dad Name:
__________________________
Cell:
_______________________
Email:
_______________________
**you only need to put the emails that you want cheer information or updates sent to, but I
need at least one parent email. This is my main form of communication!!
*I will text any cancellations in addition to email if time permits, so please indicate what
numbers to contact for text communication