POTOMAC CHEERLEADING
TRYOUTS
2015-2016
May 5-7, 2015
6:00-8:15 PM
&
May 8, 2015
3:00 PM
**If you have not had HIGH SCHOOL concussion training
this year you must attend a training prior to tryouts!
Concussion training will be held here at Potomac High
School on Monday May 4 at 6:00 PM. A parent must come
with the athlete.
2015-2016 Potomac Cheerleading
A Tradition of Excellence
Thank you for your interest in Potomac Cheer! A tryout clinic will be held Tuesday,
May 5 through Thursday, May 7 from 6:00 – 8:15 PM in the gym. The formal tryout in front
of judges is on Friday, May 8 beginning at 3:00 PM.
TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS
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VHSL Physical - Any physical obtained after May 1, 2014 is valid through June 30,
2015. Please DO NOT get a new physical in April, as you will then need to have a
new one dated after May 1, 2015! ALL Virginia High School League physicals become
invalid as of June 30th, they DO NOT run by the calendar year.
High School Concussion Training
Passing 5 classes at semester and NO U’s in conduct.
Appropriate attire: t-shirt, shorts, athletic shoes. Hair must be in a ponytail secured with a
bow. No jewelry should be worn…..this includes belly rings and cartilage piercings! All
tattoos must be covered. Nails must be fingertip length. You should look presentable and
neat.
Tumbling is Mandatory for all Varsity sideline athletes. Tumbling classes are
encouraged throughout the season. Be prepared to not only tumble for tryouts but ALL
YEAR long.
(Cartwheels, round-offs, & back-walkovers are NOT considered tumbling on the high
school level).
JUDGING
You will be evaluated in several categories during the tryout. In the cheer and chant category
there are communication skills (spirit, smile, voice, & confidence), motion technique (arm levels,
sharp motions, accuracy) and knowledge of the material. In the dance category there are
communication skills (spirit, facial expressions & confidence), technique (sharp motions &
rhythm), and knowledge of the material. For jumps you will be judged on pointed toes, accurate
technique, and height. For tumbling, you will be judged on technique. Your attendance at the
clinics, your attitude and cooperation while learning new material, and your potential to excel at
the sport will also be observed. Remember that a positive attitude and willingness to try are just
as important as your skill level.
SIDELINE CHEERLEADING
The Varsity squad is open to all grade levels, while the JV squad is open to grades 9-11,
and the Freshmen squad is comprised of 9th graders only. We will select between 12-25 members
for each team. Both males and females are allowed on the squads. Depending on the talent that
tries out, we may only have a Varsity and JV team.
The cheerleading season typically runs from May through March. We attend camp in the
summer, as well as cheer for football and basketball. The cheerleaders are responsible for selling
ads for the football program and to fundraise for squad necessities (uniforms, poms,
megaphones, etc.) There will be fundraisers throughout the season.
If you become a cheerleader you cannot participate in volleyball, step team, dance team,
football, wrestling, or basketball at Potomac due to the practice/game conflict.
VARSITY COMPETITION SQUAD
The Varsity competition squad consists of members of the sideline squads. Tryouts for
the competition squad will be held on August 3. More information will be provided over the
summer. All cheerleaders on the competition team must be members of one of the sideline
squads. The Varsity squad competes at the county, conference, regional, and state level in the
fall season. They typically practice five to six days a week in the fall and one day a week in
winter. Practices will be on Saturday mornings on occasion depending on available gym space.
ESTIMATED COSTS
The estimated cost for cheerleading is:
- camp at Great Wolf Lodge
- practice clothing:
-shoes:
TOTAL:
$275
$75
$50
$400
All female cheerleaders must also purchase bloomers ($9-$13), a sports bra ($10-$20) and a crop
top bodysuit ($21).
Other costs may come up during the year for ribbons, gloves, food, etc....
MISCELLANEOUS INFO.
Parents: It is proven that extracurricular activities are beneficial to adolescents. It increases selfesteem, peer relationships, a sense of responsibility, and academic performance. Please do not
use the removal of your child from the team nor suspend them from practice or games as a
punishment. We are a team and we need each person to function accordingly.
Students: If you quit or are dismissed from the cheerleading program, you will remain off the
team for one calendar year. This means you cannot try out the following school year.
Please read and sign the form to be turned in on the first day of tryouts. We look forward to a
fun and exciting year of cheerleading. Good luck at tryouts!
BRING THIS FORM TO TRYOUTS!
I have read and understand the information regarding tryouts and the financial and time
obligations regarding Potomac cheerleading. I understand the commitment to being on the
squad and I realize that if I cannot make this commitment, then I may be dismissed from the
team. I understand that practice times may vary and I do not have a problem with this. If for any
reason I must quit the team, I agree to give the team and the coach one week’s notice so that
changes can be made. If I quit or am dismissed from the team, I will be suspended from
Potomac cheerleading for a period of one calendar year.
Please consider me for the following squad(s):
Freshmen
JV
Print student name: _________________________________________________
Current school that you attend: ________________________________________
Phone Number where you can best be reached: ___________________________
Student’s e-mail address: _____________________________________________
Parent’s e-mail address: ______________________________________________
2015-2016 Grade Level:
9
10
11
12
Parent signature: ___________________________________________________
Date: _______________
Student signature: __________________________________________________
Date: _______________
Varsity