2012 SEASON TRYOUT INFORMATION PACK
Be a part of the All Star Cheerleaders family!
All Star Cheerleaders is the most successful cheerleading programme of its type,
serving the top athletes from around New Zealand. From our first practise in 1999 to
our current status as New Zealand’s top cheerleading programme, All Star has
always striven to be a leader in providing high quality cheerleading classes to its
athletes. Our programme now enters its 13th season with more championship titles
and top three world championship finishes than any other programme in New Zealand and we invite you to
help us to build upon that this season.
The All Star Staff love what they do and realize the importance of teaching our athletes if they love and
believe in what they do, they will be successful not only in cheerleading but also in any endeavour they take
on in life. The primary goal of our staff is to teach growing athletes how to work together as a team. While
individual progression is important, it is our firm belief that teamwork, sportsmanship, problem solving and
working together to achieve a common goal are lifetime lessons more valuable than any stunt or tumble
skill.
All Star Cheerleaders is delighted that you and your daughter/son are trying out for one of our elite
cheerleading teams and would like to warmly welcome you to the All Star family.
Please read the following information carefully so that you are fully aware of the dedication,
commitment and financial obligations of all cheerleaders upon making an elite team.
Try Out Date and Important Dates
Friday 25 November 2011
5.30pm
Impact Alpha Gymsports
Birmingham Drive
Christchurch
Team placement will be notified by Tuesday 28 November 2011. Athletes will begin training in their new
teams term one 2012. Class schedule, coaches and venues will be confirmed by the end of term 4 2011.
Please note all team members will be require to attend routine camps 9 January 2012-12 January 2012 to
learn the team routine for the competition season. Sessions will be approximately 2 hours per team per day.
Classes will resume for teams training six hours per week beginning 16 January 2012. All other
teams run to recreational team terms. Elite teams training six hours per week train through all school
holidays with the exception of elite team holidays and public holidays. Please check the important dates tab
on our website at www.allstarcheerleaders.co.nz for all term dates.
Commitment to Practises
All practises are incredibly important as it is here that you learn new skills and routine for the competition
season. All scheduled practices, events and competitions are mandatory therefore a huge amount of
commitment is required from those wishing to be a part of any elite team. While we try to give as much
notice as possible of any practise schedule changes, practises may be added or cancelled at any time.
We understand that different things may come up from time to time that will conflict with our training
schedule. We ask, however, that you work these around our scheduled breaks. Where this is not possible,
please advise your head coach in writing at least one month in advance to allow coaches to make
alterations to the schedule or the necessary adjustments to your team routine.
Please note, however, that part-time jobs, concerts, parties, dinners and any non-school related activity are
inexcusable absences. Excessive absences will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the team.
In particular, there will be a zero tolerance to absences one month prior to any competition.
During practises, all cheerleaders are expected to be punctual, dressed in correct training attire, self
motivated and committed for the duration of the practice including when set on station work during tumbling
classes. Please alert your coach immediately if your child is not able to practise to their full capability due
to sickness or injury prior to the commencement of class.
Parents are welcome to attend practises throughout the competition season. Please note however that All
Star Cheerleaders has a spectator code of conduct to ensure a focused and supportive practise
atmosphere for all. As a spectator, by attending our classes, you agree to comply with the terms of our
code. To view the code of conduct please visit the home page of our website at
www.allstarcheerleaders.co.nz
Experience has taught us that having the right team attitude towards team members, coaches, practices
and rules is paramount to having a successful team. Any attitude issues, failure to perform or comply with
rules will result in athletes being asked to leave the programme.
Being a part of an elite sports team requires a huge commitment from both athlete and parent – please
consider carefully whether you can give this sort of commitment before accepting a position on the team.
For more information on team placement or frequently asked questions please visit the elite try-out page of
our website at www.allstarcheerleaders.co.nz or speak to your coach.
Financial Commitment
Before you consider becoming an elite cheerleader, please carefully consider the financial commitment
involved. Cheerleading fees are charged in advance on a per term basis. Cheerleading fees must be paid in
full on or before the first lesson of each term. Term fees correspond with the number of hours per week an
athlete trains as follows:
3 hours per week: $250 e.g Leopardz
6 hours per week: $400 e.g Kittenz, Cougarz and Jaguarz
Returning athletes should note that there is no longer an additional late fee. Term fees are not refundable
should you withdraw from a team mid term. Two months notice must be given of any team withdrawal by
email to office@allstarcheerleaers.co.nz . For a complete list of terms and conditions please visit our
website: www.allstarcheerleaders.co.nz
Other costs arising from accepting a place on an elite team are as follows:
Routine Camp: $90.00 per cheerleader (4 x 2 hour sessions approx)
Competition Entry Fees: $65 per cheerleader per ONE DAY competition
Uniform: $165.00
Shoes: $150.00
Tracksuit: $150.00 (optional, minimum order of 10 needed)
Team Bow: $8.00-$10.00 each
Team Make-up: $40.00 approx depending on number of items needed
Travel Packages: TBC, usually up to $200.00 approx per person per New Zealand competition (excl flights)
Please note all prices listed are subject to change.
If the commitment required for the elite programme is not for you, All Star offers a strong
recreational programme at all of its locations. Recreational teams train for a maximum length of an
hour and a half once per week at significantly less cost. To find out more about our recreational
programme please visit our website www.allstarcheerleaders.co.nz or email
office@allstarcheerleaders.co.nz
Elite Teams Offered in 2012
Leopardz- Age 12 years plus, Level 1-2, 3 hours per week
Kittenz- Age 11 years and under, Level 1, 6 hours per week
Cougarz- Age 14 years and under, Level 2, 6 hours per week
Jaguarz- Open Age, Level 3-4, 6 hours per week
Please note that teams offered, ages and levels may change dependent on number of new and returning
cheerleaders to the programme and skill level shown at try out.
Team Levels
TEAM LEVEL
CHEER SKILLS
Level 1 B
Beginner All Star Level
Basic Cheer Skill Knowledge
Beginner All Star Level
Level 1
Level 2
Level 1+ Jump, Motion & Stunt
Technique/Knowledge
Level 3
Intermediate Jump, Motion &
Stunt Technique/Knowledge
Level 4
Advanced Jump, Motion & Stunt
Technique/Knowledge
MINIMUM TUMBLING
REQUIREMENTS
No Tumbling Skills Required
Forward & Backward Rolls
Cartwheels , Roundoff &
Handstand
Working towards Front & Back
Walkovers
Standing Back Handspring
Round off Back Handspring
Series
Toe Touch Back Handspring
series
Round Off Back Tuck
Standing Back Tuck
Standing Back Handspring Back
Tuck
Round off Back Handspring
Layout
TUMBLING REQUIREMENTS
(To Max Out Score Sheet)
Forward & Backward Rolls
Cartwheels
Forward & Backward Rolls
Cartwheels
Front & Back Walkovers
Roundoff
Cartwheel Back Handspring
Back Walkover Back Handspring
Front Walkover Round Off Back
Handspring Series
Standing Back Handspring Step Out
and/or Front Walkover Round Off
Back Handspring Back Tuck
Standing Back Handspring Series
Layout
Running Whip Passes and/or
Punch Fronts Ending in a Layout
Flying Positions
Athletes trying out for a “flying” position will be required to show flexibility and body positions on the ground.
Body positions required for a “flying” position must include a “heel stretch”, a “bow & arrow”, a “scorpion”
and a “scale”. Flyers must master all body positions before being considered for a flying position in the
program.
Tryouts – What to Expect
The All Star staff will conduct an individual or group evaluation. The evaluation is very informal, we will ask
each Cheerleader to execute some or all of the following depending on their individual experience:
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Standing Tumbling
Running Tumbling
Jumps
Stunts
The tryout is an evaluation and is not based on a specific scoring process. We take notes during the tryout
regarding each athlete’s technique in executing the above skills. Each level of our program REQUIRES
minimum skills as described above.
Team Placement
We are often asked “What skill do I need or will my son/daughter need to make the team?” There is no
simple answer to this as we look at a number of different factors when putting our teams together. If you
have the tumble requirements set out above the answer is normally pretty easy – you will make the team
that best fits your tumble ability. In other words if you want to be on the level 4 team and you don’t have a
standing back tuck then you are unlikely to make that team. Likewise if you have never flown level 3 stunt
skills and you are wanting to try as a flyer on a level 4 team you are unlikely to make the level 4 team. It is
important to remember that competition score sheets are made up of several sections such as: jumps,
stunts, performance ability, and cheer skills. It is important, therefore, for each member to work on all of
these areas for the tryout.
There are a few exceptions to this rule. Experience, age, and stunting ability have to be taken into
consideration when placing cheerleaders on a squad. Stunting, like tumbling, is also a big factor when we
make our decisions – we look at how many team members we have on the team and how many back
bases, side bases & flyers we need. For example if it is a team of 12 we will only put 3 flyers on the team, 3
back bases and 3 sets of side bases that are relatively the same size that we know will stunt well together.
We do our very best to make sure everyone is placed on a team that they will enjoy. We base our decisions
on what is best for the cheerleader and most importantly what is going to build a succesful team.
Team Notification
All athletes who try out will make a team, however, please note that athletes are not guaranteed a spot on
their team of choice. The All Star staff will place all athletes in the team we think best suits the skills they
demonstrate. If you have any questions regarding team placement please email
claire@allstarcheerleaders.co.nz .
New to the All Star Family?
Upon receiving your team notification please visit our website to complete our online enrolment form at
www.allstarcheerleaders.co.nz