Welcome 2016-2017 SHS Spirit Line Candidates! Page 1

Welcome 2016-2017 SHS Spirit Line Candidates! Page 1 Dear Spirit Line Candidates and Parents/Guardians, The SHS Spirit Line Program exists to lead the school in spirit and enthusiasm. The word cheer literally means, “To instill with hope and courage.” Our squad will do just that—instill our school with hope and courage through football games, basketball games, and pep assemblies. If you think that you possess the qualities to encourage the Safford High School Bulldogs on to victory, we look forward to meeting you at tryouts. The purpose of the Safford High School Spirit Line Program is to support various sports teams via attendance at events, to improve cheer technique and athletic ability, to develop strong student leaders and to help create a positive environment for the Safford High School community. That is what we will strive to foster throughout the season. During tryout week, prospective candidates will be evaluated on: splits, kicks, choreography, appearance, two jumps (toe-touch and choice jump), motions, voice, confidence, overall ability, cheer, dance, tumbling, personality & attitude, crowd appeal, current academic grades, current disciplinary infractions, and teacher recommendations. SHS Spirit Line is a full-time commitment that involves hard work and discipline. Team members cheer at every varsity home football and basketball game (both boys and girls), and some assemblies. Additionally, SHS Varsity Spiritline will be expected to attend any and all practices, clinics, camps, and other events scheduled by their sponsors from the date of acceptance on the Spirit Line through tryouts for the following season. As you can see, being a part of this program is a year-round commitment. Team members develop many positive traits during their time in this program. One of the most invaluable of these is self-discipline. It is extremely important that members develop their own self-discipline to keep themselves dedicated to the program all year. Dedication, responsibility and a good attitude are some of the most important characteristics of a Safford High School Cheerleader. We hope to instill these positive values in each member of the program and have fun along the way! Being a Safford High School Cheerleader is hard work, but it pays off in the end. The activities of a cheerleader promote a sense of pride and accomplishment in being part of a group that impacts Safford High School and the greater Safford community. Additionally, you MUST have a physical on file AND have completed the online Brainbook and Concussion Testing with the SHS athletic trainer prior to tryout or you will not be allow to participate in clinic NOR tryouts! Please take the time to carefully read through this information. If you have any questions, please contact Coach Wood. Again, thank you for your commitment to this program and we look forward to an outstanding season! Sincerely,

Lisa Wood [email protected] (928) 348-3504 (work) (938) 965-3382 (cell) *************************Please Detach and Return the Verification Below*************************** Spiritline Informational PowerPoint Viewing Verification 2016-2017 I have viewed the Parent/Candidate Pre-Tryout Spiritline Informational PowerPoint and understand and agree to all stipulations detailed therein. Should my students be selected as part of the Safford High School Spiritline, I commit to making sure that my student has procured $700 to pay for camp, uniform, and other Spiritline items by July 15, 2016 either through making a donation or assuring that my student obtains a minimum of 7 banner sponsors. I understand that my student is required to provide his/her own required cheer shoes, no-show white socks, and a flesh-colored sports bra which must be worn at all games and practices. I understand that Spiritline expenses for this season MIGHT exceed $700, and that if this occurs, my students will actively participate in all fundraisers to earn the additional monies necessary or I will pay the additional amount out of pocket.

Additionally, I understand that Varsity Spiritline is now classified as a 2-season sport (football cheer season and basketball cheer season) and that accordingly, my student will have to pay two sports fees, one per season. I understand the $60 fall sports fee is due before the first football game and that the $60 winter sports fee will be due before the first basketball game. I understand that it is the responsibility of both myself and my student to carefully read ALL forms contained in the SPIRITLINE TRYOUT PACKET which are also available under DOWNLOADS on the SHS Spiritline webpage.

I further acknowledge that I am aware that no student will be allowed to try out for Spiritline without a current physical being on file with the SHS athletic trainer and that they must have a current Brainbook certificate and Concussion testing on file with the athletic trainer as well. ______Printed Parent Name Parent Signature Date ______Printed Candidate Name Candidate Signature Date SHS Spirit Line Policies Contract 2016-2017 Page 2

The purpose of the SHS Spirit Line is to support the Safford High School athletic teams including, but not limited to, football and basketball, to promote school spirit at various sporting events and school activities (such as assemblies), and lead by example on and off the field/court.

Being a Safford High School Cheerleader is a privilege, meaning you ARE NOT:  Tarnishing the reputation of the squad through actions “while in uniform” NOR on your “own time.”  Partaking in drugs, alcohol, or any illegal substance.  Showing up late or not at all for any cheer obligation (practice, games, etc).  Allowing grades to slip below a C. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ The following policies, created by the coach & supported by the athletic director and administrators of SHS, must be agreed to and signed by both candidate and parent before being allowed to participate in Spirit Line. Participation / Attendance:  Spirit Line is a FULL YEAR COMMITMENT!  Participation requires attendance at all practices and games. Practices and games are MANDATORY. If you are unable to attend practice or a game, your parent/guardian must notify your coach 24 hours prior to the start of that event. Notification by a parent/guardian is MANDATORY but the absence will be considered unexcused unless you are in the hospital, under a doctor’s directive not to participate, or there is a sudden death of an immediate family member.  Other obligations such as a job, family function(s), doctor’s appointments (unless an emergency), additional school-related or community activities are not excused absences. Again a job IS NOT an excused absence. Dental, doctor, hair and other appointments should be made around your school, practice, and game schedule. These are not excused absences.  If a doctor forbids ATTENDANCE at a Spirit Line event you must turn in a doctor’s excuse that states that. If the doctor simply forbids participation due to an injury, you still need to be in attendance at all Spirit Line events. If the coaches see a pattern of absences/tardiness (unexcused or excused), this will result in a parent/coach conference and corrective action. Excessive absences/tardies may result in removal from the Spirit Line.  When medically excused from participation, you must have a release signed by the attending physician before you can return to action. Until the release is turned in, you may NOT dress out or sit with the squad at games. You do need to attend practices.  Camp and practices are mandatory during the summer AND the school year. Discipline: **For ANY type of suspension or ineligibility, Cheerleaders may NOT be dressed out or sit with the squad at games. **For ANY type of unexcused absence from practice, game, or mandatory event, the following consequences will apply.  A record of tardies and attendance at all Spirit Line events (camps/practices/games/fundraisers/etc.) will be kept.  Two unexcused absences will result in a warning of impending removal from the team. (3 tardies—up to 15minutes late-- equals one absence.) If you are over 15minutes late that is an absence.  The third unexcused absences will result in removal from the team.  Showing up unprepared to games/practices (that means dressed out in uniform or athletic practice clothing, shoes, hair up, cheer bow, no jewelry, etc...): This will be considered a tardy and again 3 tardies =an absence. Your team expects everyone to be prepared, ready and on time to all events and practices! Grade Checks:  Students athletes are required to pass all classes to remain eligible for participation in sports of any kind. Cheerleaders will not be allowed to practice or perform unless they are eligible in all classes. Ineligibility means you may NOT dress out or sit with the squad at games. 1st and 2nd time on an ineligibility list during the school year is strike one and strike two. The 3rd time on the ineligibility list you will be removed from the team. Drugs/Alcohol:  SHS Spiritline has a NO TOLERANCE policy on drug and alcohol use. If a cheerleader is discovered in the possession or use of drugs, illegal substances or alcohol, she will be removed from the team. Additionally, if a cheerleader is discovered having been in the company of someone participating in underage drinking and/or drug/illegal substance use, she will immediately be removed from the team. Conduct / Attitude:  A cheerleader’s conduct on or off campus should be of the highest caliber.  The highest moral, academic, and appearance standards are expected of you at all times on or off campus. You are considered to be a cheerleader by your peers from the time you are selected until a new team is selected for the following year. Therefore, you must adhere to the rules of this policy for the entire school year. You represent SHS. Page 3  Your conduct and attitude during the current year of Spirit Line will be evaluated, assessed, and at the coach’s discretion, will/can be put towards your next year’s tryout score. Uniform / Personal Appearance: **TO COMPLY WITH NATIONAL FEDERATION SAFETY RULES, These rules apply for practice and performances. During functions which require the squad to dress out, including at school on game days, the following is required as uniform for every member: - Sleeves/shell/and skirt OR warm-ups - Cheer shoes (not other shoes like flip flops or sandals, etc.—no exceptions) - Hair in a ponytail (unless pre-arranged with coach). Bangs must not be below eyebrow line. Hair must be secured away from the face. Anyone wearing shoulder length hair or longer must have it in pony tail. Hair should be secured with rubber bands, bobby pins, or small flat clips that will not fall out. - You may not have an unnatural hair color—if someone cannot be born with it, it is unacceptable. Only naturally occurring shades of blonde, brown, black and red are allowed. If you choose to dye your hair any other color you will be removed from the squad.  Uniforms need to be well maintained at all times . . . clean and stain free.  Uniforms are not to be worn outside of official activities or loaned out to anyone as a costume, etc.  For your safety and that of your teammates, at NO TIME are any of the following allowed at games or practice: - Acrylic, fake, or long nails (will be checked regularly) - Nail polish (has to be removed before games and events, otherwise sitting out) - Jewelry (rings, bracelets, watches, necklaces, earrings, navel rings, etc.) - Fillers for piercing(s) - Hair claws  Tattoos and other body markings: these must be covered. **If girls CHOOSE TO PAY for nails for a dance or to pierce anything, they must be prepared to have all of it removed before the next game or practice.* Insubordination With Coaches: (Failing to obey or cooperate, arguing, lying, profanity, defiance, disrespect, disregard for or questioning of authority, lack of cooperation)  1st Offense will result in an immediate conference with coach and parent/guardian. Could result in suspension from the team.  2 or more offenses will result in an immediate conference with coach, parent/guardian, and a school administrator. Could result in suspension or expulsion from the team. DECISIONS OF THE COACHES ARE FINAL. ONCE A STUDENT IS DISMISSED FOR INSUBORDINATION—THEY WILL NOT BE REINSTATED Conflict with Team Members: (Rude comments to/or about team members, dividing the team, arguing, profanity, issuing blame)  1st Offense will result in a conference with the coach, the Cheerleader involved, and possibly an administrator. Could result in suspension from the team.  2 or more offenses will result in an immediate conference with coach, parent/guardian, and a school administrator. Could result in suspension or expulsion from the team. Overview:  Please realize that as a Cheerleader, you are a visible and recognizable sign of Safford High School. This means expectations are higher for you, whether you are in uniform or not. We project spirit, dedication, modesty, and respect. Be prepared to act accordingly if you are a part of the SHS Spirit Line. ********************************************************************************************** **** SHS Spirit Line Policies Contract/Photo & Stunt Release Form As SHS Spiritleader, I understand that I am a visible and recognizable sign of Safford High School. This means expectations are higher for me, whether I am in uniform or not. I will project spirit, dedication, modesty, and respect. I am prepared to act accordingly if I am a part of the SHS Spirit Line.

By signing below, I am confirming/acknowledging that both myself and my parent/guardian have read and agree to abide by all of the terms and consequences outlined in the Safford High School Spirit Line Policy.

As the parent/guardian of a cheerleader for SHS, I understand that my student represents Safford High School, and that this policy is in place to insure a positive representation of SHS at all times. I am prepared to support the coaches in their attempt to maintain the character and unity of the squad. By signing below, I am confirming/acknowledging that both myself and my cheerleader have read and agree to abide by all of the terms and consequences outlined in the Safford High School Spirit Line Policy. By signing below I am also verifying a photo release allowing my student’s photo to appear on the SHS Spirit Line webpage and on any flyer, advertisement, banner, promotion, etc. affiliated with Spirit Line. By signing below I further acknowledge that the activities of Spirit Line can involve risk to the participant, and I grant permission for my student to participate in the act of stunting as part of the SHS Spirit Line. I understand that due to the nature of this activity, which involves inversion and rotation of the body, there is a possibility to sustain physical illness or injury (minimal, serious, or catastrophic) in connection with participation. I acknowledge and understand that my student is assuming the risk of such physical illness or injury by participation, and I further release Safford Unified School District and its representatives from any and all claims for personal illness or injury that my student may sustain during participation in any and all Spirit Line activities including but not limited to stunting. My student and I have read the above liability release and agree to the terms therein. ______Parent/Guardian Name (Printed) Parent/Guardian Signature Date ______Cheerleader’s Name (Printed) Cheerleader’s Signature Date SHS Spirit Line Application Page 4

Tumbling: (Check all you can perform consistently without a spot.) □ Standing Back Handspring □ Standing Back Tuck □ ______□ Roundoff Back Handspring □ Roundoff Back Handspring Back T □ ______Cheerleading/ Dance Experience: School/Organization______Years_____ Explain______School/Organization______Years_____ Explain______School/Organization______Years_____ Explain______What OTHER activities/commitments will you have during the upcoming summer/school year? ______

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All of your paperwork must be turned in by the deadlines indicated in the Informational PowerPoint to be eligible to participate in clinic and tryouts. Late applications will not be accepted. If you have any questions, please email Lisa Wood at [email protected] or call (928)348-3504/ (928) 965-3382.

**For pants, jacket, shorts, t-shirt sizes indicate adult extra small, adult small, adult medium, adult large, adult extra large. Shoe Size______Spandex Shorts Size______Warm Up Pants Size______Jacket Size______Shorts Size______T-shirt Size______Shell Size______Skirt Size______Sleeves Size______

My student, ______,has my/our permission to tryout for the Safford High School Spirit Line for the 2015-16 school year. By signing this form, I am verifying that my son/daughter has a current physical on file at Safford High School. Additionally, I assume all responsibility for my student (including medical costs), while my student is attending this event.

I also acknowledge that I have read and fully understand Safford High School Spirit Line Policy that will govern my student if chosen to represent SHS as a Varsity Spiritline Team Member. I further understand that Spirit Line is an extra-curricular activity and that attendance at all practices, games, special events, fundraisers, camps, clinics, and choreography practices are mandatory and I will ensure my student will be in attendance at these events. I commit to work, other activities and sports coming after cheerleading. I agree to pay all expenses on time, participate in all fundraisers, volunteer my time at selected fundraising events and provide transportation for my student to and from events. To the best of my knowledge, my student has no pre-existing medical issues that limit her full participation in the program. I understand that there are some expenses related to being on the SHS Spirit Line that are my responsibility (such as cheer shoes, socks, and sports bra which cheerleaders purchase and keep). I understand that there will be some opportunities for fundraising and that if my child does not participate fully in the fundraiser, I will be responsible for paying my child’s portion/balance of the item/event for which we were fundraising. An individual accounting will be kept detailing what each cheerleader earned FOR THE TEAM so that proceeds from each student’s efforts can be applied to her expenses. I understand that all funds raised for Spirit Line are deposited in our team account and under no circumstances can be refunded/reimbursed or applied to any other account. Should we do a “group fundraiser,” proceeds will be appropriated equally among all cheerleaders who fully participated in the fundraising event.

I will not question or dispute the final decisions made by the coaches regarding my student’s placement in the program. I hereby give my consent for my student (listed above) to try out for the SHS Spirit Line and recognize both my student’s and my responsibilities. I hereby grant unto any medical doctor or hospital my consent and authorization to render such aid, treatment, or care to my student as, in the judgment of said doctor or hospital, may be required, on an emergency basis, in the event my student should be injured, or stricken ill while participating in this school sponsored event. I certify we have medical and hospital insurance to cover my student. Below is my insurance information.

Name of Company______Policy #______Address of Company______Group #______Family Doctor______Doctor’s Phone______Location______Parent/Guardian Signature Parent/Guardian Phone #

______Parent/Guardian E-Mail Date In an emergency, if parent/guardian cannot be reached, notify (name)______at (phone numbers)______. Indicate any special health conditions______Permission form MUST be completed and turned in PRIOR TO TRYOUT CLINIC. Forms should be returned to Mrs. Wood at Safford High School. Please turn in to SHS main office staff or to Mrs. Wood directly. If permission form is not turned your child will not be allowed to participate in any SHS Spirit Line tryout activities until permission form is received.

Academic Reference Questionnaire for Candidate’s Current Teachers SHS Spirit Line Tryouts 2016-2017 **Due to Mrs. Wood at SHS by April 1, 2016

Please fill out the following information regarding a candidate for the Safford High School Spirit Line. We know this takes time and it is very much appreciated. If necessary, you may add any additional comments on the back of this form, as they are useful to us in making difficult decisions. Please return to Lisa Wood at SHS through inter-office mail or place in Mrs. Wood’s mailbox in the SHS office. These must be received by Mrs. Wood via e-mail, interoffice mail, or in person by the time and date listed above. Please DO NOT return this questionnaire to the candidate unless you place it in a sealed and taped envelope so that judges will know if the contents were tampered with. Feel free to email [email protected] for further information or questions. If you prefer to fill this out on your word processor, you can find this form under DOWNLOADS on Mrs. Wood’s webpage, and e-mail your questionnaires to her as an attachment. When using the 1-5 rating scale, 0 is the lowest (worst) and 5 is the highest (best).

Teacher’s Name:______Candidate’s Name ______

Relationship to candidate:______How long have you known candidate? ______1. In a difficult situation, would this candidate persevere through the situation instead of quitting or giving up? (0=immediately quit/give up 5=perfect perseverance) 0 1 2 3 4 5

2. How positive is this candidate? (Is he/she a person who is able to bring the best out of others or are he/she one to initiate negativity and/or continuously discuss frustrations?) 0 1 2 3 4 5

3. How well does this individual accept constructive criticism and direction? 0 1 2 3 4 5

4. How well do you think this individual would represent SHS as a spiritleader and role model for fellow students/peers? 0 1 2 3 4 5

5. When working in a group, how well does this individual contribute to the group’s success? 0 1 2 3 4 5

6. How reliable is this individual with consistent attendance? 0 1 2 3 4 5

7. How reliable is this individual with consistent punctuality? 0 1 2 3 4 5

8. Does this individual have a clean, well-groomed, presentable appearance? 0 1 2 3 4 5

9. Is this person a leader or a follower? (Circle one and feel free to explain): Follower Leader 0 1 2 3 4 5

10. How often do you see this individual display disrespectful and/or disruptive behavior with either yourself or his/her peers? This includes but is not limited to, inappropriate language, use of put- downs, criticizing others, engaging in unacceptable displays of affection, etc. (Feel free to explain) Never Rarely Occasionally Often Frequently Always 5 4 3 2 1 0

*Additional comments on back? (Circle one: YES NO) Thank you!