2016-2017

INFORMATIONAL PACKET

Please read through this packet thoroughly!

Clinic: April 26,28th 3:45-5:45 1st Round of Try-outs: April 29th 4

Clinic and Try-outs will be held in the high school fine arts room

Try- Out Clinic: April 26th and 28th 3:35-5:45 Fine Arts 1 YOU MUST ATTEND ALL SESSIONS!

st 1 Round of Try–Outs: April 29th beginning at 4pm

I. What to Expect 1. Clinic: The clinic is held in order to teach the skills necessary to try out for the BHS Squad. You must attend all clinic days to be eligible for Try- Outs on the 29th, EVEN IF YOU HAVE CHEERED IN THE PAST!! The clinic will be very intense and fast paced, so it is important that you come prepared to listen and learn. At the Clinic, you will be assigned, randomly, the order that you will try out in. 2. Try- Outs: The 1st round of Try- Outs will be held on Friday, April 29th beginning at 4pm. All candidates should arrive at 3:30pm, no matter when you try-out. Those who advanced from the 1st round, will be evaluated during the 2nd round on June 3rd. The final round will take place the end of July at this time final decisions will be made regarding which cheerleaders will represent BHS during the 2016-2017 school year. 3. Squads: Squad Season Max # Members Varsity Football 12-16 8 6 Sophomore/JV Football 8-12 Wrestling 6 Competition Fall 8-20 II. What to Wear 1. Clothing: A white short sleeve top that is not baggy. Wear black shorts that are made of a lightweight material. DO NOT WEAR CAPRIS or PANTS!! DO NOT WEAR SHORTS THAT ARE “SLICK!” Try-out: Plain white shirt and black shorts 2. Jewelry: DO NOT WEAR JEWELRY OF ANY KIND! This includes belly button rings or studs, earrings, rings, bracelets, or facial piercing. 3. Shoes: You need to wear sturdy gym shoes with the proper laces (tied). 4. Hair and Make-up: You hair must be pulled back away from your face. If it is long enough to touch your shoulders, it should all be braided or put into a pony- tail. Glitter and Stickers are not to be worn. III. What to Bring Water Bottle, Notebook/Writing Utensil, POSITIVE Attitude IV. How Your Score is Determined Skills necessary to try out for the BHS Cheerleading Program will be taught during the Clinics 1. You must attend all clinic days to be eligible to try out. 2. Your teachers will complete an evaluation of you as a student and citizen of Bettendorf High School. 3. You will attempt, or complete all skills taught at clinic (see the Sample Judges Sheet). 4. Your appearance will also be judged. Please remember the guidelines set forth in Part II. 5. During the try out, you are not to wear any clothing that says “Bettendorf Cheerleading” on it. V. Questions? E-mail: [email protected] Coach Wikan [email protected] Coach Gilmore

Expectations

The following information is being presented in order to understand the expectations of students participating in the Bettendorf High School Cheerleading program.

Goals of the program The overriding goal of the BHS Cheerleading Program is to build school and community pride and unity through supporting activities at Bettendorf High School. Each year the team will choose methods to meet this goal. These methods are met through individual, squad and team goals. Becoming a Cheerleader 1. All students who wish to participate in the BHS program will try out for the squad. 2. Students will cheer at their appropriate grade level. Underclassmen may sometimes be promoted, by the coaching staff, if their skills are developed enough to compete at the higher level. Time Involved Every event, practice, game, fundraiser and meeting is mandatory Most athletes will practice two days per week throughout the competitive season (September through May) and these practices are mandatory. You are expected to attend all practices, demos, weight lifting sessions, exhibitions and competitions. Our routines are coordinated around every team member. Therefore, one member’s absence has a negative impact on all team members. Be prepared to rearrange your schedules as needed. Although there are NO EXCUSED ABSENCES FOR PERFORMANCE/COMPETITION WITHOUT EXPRESS PRIOR CONSENT FROM THE STAFF. Excused absences for practices are as follows: - Death in the family - Pre-approved absence request form - Sick with a contagious illness - Family vacation (1 month’s written notice) - School activities (1 month’s written notice) - including school plays etc. Examples of unacceptable excuses for missing practice: - Sick and not contagious (can watch and not participate) - Birthday parties - Transportation issues - Homework or tests (please plan schedule efficiently- we practice after school 1-2 times a week) 3. Spring Season a. Try Outs and Informational meeting- 4 days total. b. Practice: 1-2 per week 4. Summer Season. a. Practice- There will be 2-3 practices per week. I. Cheerleaders may be excused from summer practices due to FAMILY VACATIONS ONLY II. A 2-week written and verbal notice must be given by parent/guardian III. Cheerleaders will be required to complete and fill out an absence form and complete summer workout log b. Camp- CSA @ Bettendorf High School c. Weightlifting: 2-3 per week 5. Competition a. Competition team(s) will be chosen on or before July 1st b. Camp will be July 6-8 & July 25-27 - Estimated cost $350

c. Practices will be two times/week early August, Sundays mid Aug - early Nov. d. Schedule of all practices & times (subject to change) will be provided by July 1st. e. Tumbling classes are mandatory May-Oct. Price, place, and time will be given at a later date 6. Fall a. Practices will be held after school. There is normally one event per week. b. Weightlifting c. Cheerleaders will be encouraged to participate in one event to support the athletic teams that we do not cheer for (, cross country and ). 7. Winter a. Practices will be held after school and prior to the event. b. There are normally 2-3 events per week. c. Weightlifting Rules 8. Students will abide by all school, conference, state, national and program rules. a. BHS Student Activities Manual b. Conference Rules c. High School Athletic Association Cheerleading Guidelines d. BHS Cheerleading Rules and Regulations 9. Cheerleaders who participate in other athletic programs and extracurricular activities must have coaches’ approval prior to summer season. Gymnastics and Stunting 10. All cheerleaders will be taught basic gymnastic and stunting skills. It is up to the coaching staff to decide how each cheerleader will use these skills, once they are developed. 11. Safety is the first factor considered when determining the level of participation in these activities. The coaching staff will decide each cheerleader’s level of participation based on the rule of “Safety First.” Cheerleaders and parents must realize there is still a significant level of injury that may occur because of the nature of this sport. Cost 12. The Athletic Department and Boosters provide uniforms to the BHS cheerleading program. Cheerleaders will purchase the following items on their own(NOTE: Prices are a round up estimation) a. Shoes $80 b. Black Boy shorts/Briefs $25 c. Camp uniform package $50 d. 3-day Camp $180 i. Hotel stay Tuesday night $25 ii. Food $10 e. 2 Bettendorf bows, red/white/blue, and a pink bow $80 ($20 each) f. Warm Ups $150 g. Poms $20 h. Liner $30 i. Socks $20 (3 pairs) j. Ear warmer/head band $20 Additional items: i. Cheer Bags ii. Spirit wear iii. Decals/yard signs

13. All items will be purchased through the coach to insure correct color, sizing and uniformity.

Skills to be Performed at 1st Round of Try- Outs Try-Out Requirements A teacher evaluation is also a requirement for try-outs. If your teacher evaluation score is less than 50 or you have any negative comments, it is an automatic disqualifier.

You will be expected to execute the following skills at try- outs:

a. Jumps Toe Touch (Difficulty & Cleanliness)

b. Chant Motions, Voice, Facial expression

c. Appearance Shirt must be tucked in, shoes tied, hair pulled back, shorts must meet the state guidelines.

d. Automatic Deductions Clothing, Jewelry, Glitter, Hair, Nails

e. Evaluations Teacher evaluation

Coaches will also be taking into consideration the following during clinics:

a. Cardio 1 mile timed run

b. Strength Timed push-ups, squats, wall sit

c. Flexibility Splits (all 3), backbend, standing heal stretch (both sides)* *Flyers only

d. Coordination/Memorization School song (including the words)

Cheerleading Parent Information

Please take this form home for parent/ guardian approval. It contains important information for all of you to review if you are considering applying for a cheerleading position at Bettendorf High School.

Important Dates: It is important for the student to be available on these dates. Permission must be obtained from the coach IN ADVANCE if the students cannot fulfill this obligation.

Tryout Clinic: April 26,28th 3:45 to 5:45 Fine Arts Room 1 High School

1st Round of Tryouts: April 29th 4 pm Fine Arts Room 1 High School

2nd Round of Tryouts: June 16-17th (after camp)

3rd Round of Tryouts/Team Placements: July 25th

First Parent/ Cheerleader Meeting: May 3rd 5:30-6:30 in the library Payment for camp and camp uniform will be due May 3rd Shoes, briefs, and socks would be recommended to be purchased for camp, but not a requirement Please see the Expectations Sheet for time requirements, costs, and camps.

Fundraising: We will be conducting fundraising events to help offset the costs of being a member of the BHS Cheerleading Squad, but each cheerleader will be responsible for all costs associated with being a member of the team. The costs listed on the Expectations Sheet are approximate.

Camp: June 13-15 in FA1

Questions? Please contact Mrs.Wikan or Ms. Gilmore if you have any questions or concerns.

E-mail: [email protected] [email protected]

Application for Cheerleading Tryouts

My child has my permission to be a cheerleader at Bettendorf High School. I understand that he/ she must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the coaching staff, principal and activities director and must be present for all clinics, events, games and practices. I have read the rules and regulations and understand that the violation of any of these rules may lead to temporary or permanent suspension from the team.

I understand that all forms attached must be completed and returned by April 26th or my child will not be allowed to tryout. I understand that my child must attend all clinic days (unless excused by a doctor) or my child will not be considered for a cheerleading position for the 2016-2017 cheerleading season.

I understand by the very nature of the activity, cheerleading and gymnastics carry a risk of physical injury. No matter how careful the participant and coach are, how many spotters are used, or what landing surface is used, the risk cannot be eliminated. The risk of injury includes minor injuries such as muscle pulls, dislocation and broken bones. The risk also includes catastrophic injury such as permanent paralysis, or even death, from landing or falls on the back, neck, or head. I understand these risks and will not hold Bettendorf High School, or any of its personnel, responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time.

Parent or Guardian Date

I wish to become a cheerleader for Bettendorf High School. I understand the risks stated above. I also understand that by becoming a BHS Cheerleader, I become a symbol of Bettendorf High School to the community. I understand that I must represent myself with dignity at all times and will not participate or be a bystander in any activity that would reflect badly on myself, family, school or the Cheerleading Program. If selected, I promise to abide by these guidelines, as well as the rules and regulations set for by the coaching staff, BHS Activities Department and the School Board.

Student Signature Date

Informational Sheet

Please complete the following information. Please write legibly!

Student’s First Name: Last Name:

Current Grade Level: School attended 2015-2016:

Home address:

Home phone Cell phone:

E-mail address: Birthdate:

Parent/Guardian Name:

Home address (if different from above):

Parent/Guardian phone (if different from above):

Mother’s/Guardian work phone Mother’s/Guardian cell phone

Mother’s/Guardian email

Father’s/Guardian work phone Father’s/Guardian cell phone

Father’s/Guardian email

Emergency Contact Name: Relation to student:

Emergency Phone: Emergency cell phone:

Allergies/Health Problems/Medications (Please describe in detail)

Cheerleading Participant’s Schedule and Preference Please list current teachers along with the class name. This form must be returned to Mrs. Wikan, activities office, before April28th.

Student:______

Spring of 2016 schedule Teacher’s name Class name/ title Current Grade

Please rank which squad you would prefer to be on from 1-3. Mark an “x” in the competition box if you are interested in competing. Mark NA if you are unable to cheer during one of the seasons due to a conflict, please indicate the conflict below. Football

Basketball

Wrestling

*Competition

*A cheerleader must cheer on at least one spirit squad to be considered for competition