JCHS Cheerleading & Gymnastics Cautionary Statement

Jones County Competitive Cheerleading Program

March 29th , 2016

Cheerleading Candidates and Parents,

Thank you for your interest in the Jones County competitive cheerleading program. This packet serves as an introduction to the competitive cheerleading program and contains forms that must be read carefully and filled out completely before any cheerleading candidate is allowed to go through the try-out process. All dates, times, schedules, and requirements should be carefully considered before completing these forms.

Cheerleading is a sport. Therefore, it requires discipline and training. The goal of the Jones County competitive cheer program is to lay the necessary foundation of fundamentals that will enable each team member to be successful. Cheerleading is also a service provided to support another school team. Although the competitive program at Jones County no longer requires its members to “cheer a game” we are required to support and represent our school throughout the state at competitions. Perspective members of the competitive teams should be prepared to perform at competitions, school pep rallies, support local charities, and should also possess a desire improve his/her athletic skills in tumbling and stunting.

Cheerleading is demanding. A cheerleader must be prepared to devote time during the summer, after school, and on weekends. Cheerleaders will be required to attend practices, clinics, camps, special projects, and competitions.

JONES COUNTY COMPETITION CHEER  Varsity Squad**- will include16-20 members 9th through 12th grade. **Alternates will be chosen and may or may not compete  Junior Varsity Squad **- will include16-20 members 8th through 11th grade. **Alternates will be chosen and may or may not compete  Middle School squad will include 18-22 members 6th through 8th grade and will be composed of candidates from both GSMS and CRMS.

TRYOUTS Tryout instruction will be held April 11th-15th, 2016 from 4:00-5:30pm in the JCHS Cheer Factory. All teams will be chosen on April 15th. Candidates will draw a tryout time on Thursday. He/she will need to be present on April 15th from 4:00-4:20 for a group stretch and tumbling warm up AND for his/her tryout time. Tryouts will be judged by the coaches not a judging panel. The tryout routine is 1 minute and 30 seconds. Candidates are free to leave after their performance time. The 2016 team member’s names will be posted on the Cheer Factory door by 8:30 p.m. on April 15th, 2016.

The following will be considered in choosing each team: · Jumps – toe touch, pike, hurdler (series) · Cheer technique – strong and tight motions, shows capability of learning · Dance technique – rhythm and ability to learn dances · Spirit/Showmanship– smile, enthusiasm, voice, attitude, etc... · Academics- teacher recommendations will be requested · Attitude/Performance- previous year performance will be considered as well (we want to see growth) Tumbling Requirements: · Middle School – NOT REQUIRED, candidates should be prepared to work towards the following skills: round off BHS, standing BHS, round-off BHS series, and higher level skills · Junior Varsity Tumbling requirements – Round off Back-Handspring is highly recommended.  High School Tumbling requirements- AT least a standing back tuck and round-off back tuck. o Males – Must show skill of tossed hands o Females- Must show skill of layout o All candidates should be working towards a round-off back handspring back tuck, and tumbling passes with multiple handsprings ending in layouts and full twists

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the JCHS Competition Cheerleading Coaches: Kelly Roberson: [email protected] or 986-5444 Laura Stiles: [email protected] 986-5444 or Courtney Beaver: [email protected] between the hours of 7:30 am-3:30 pm

Thank you for your time and attendance,

Kelly Roberson, Laura Stiles, & Courtney Beaver~ JC Competition Cheerleading Staff “Breaking Down” YOUR Expenditures

Total expenses paid to JC program: Approximately $415.00 (MS&JV) and $440.00 (V) Program expenses can be paid by collecting program Sponsors using the official program sponsorship form or through fundraising. Fundraisers will be discussed at the first parent meeting after the team has been chosen and a detailed four month payment schedule will be given to each cheerleader and his/her parent. All checks should be made payable to JCHS Competition Cheer.

Team items include:  MS Three Day Summer Camp Choreography- $95.00 (lunch is included)

 JV Two Day Summer Camp Clinic/Choreography - $95.00 (lunch is included)

 Varsity Two Day Summer Camp Clinic/Choreography- $120.00 (lunch included)

 Camp clothes- $110.00

 Shoes- $65.00

 Bloomers- $10.00

 Bow- $10.00

 Warm-up- $100.00 (jacket & pants with embroidery)

 Back-pack-$ 25.00 (with embroidery)

Estimated Specialty Gymnastics total cost: $170.00 Monthly Gymnastic fees:  May, June, & July Gymnastics: $50.00 (An hour and a half TBA)

 August – November: Gymnastics at Cheer Factory $120

(Team gymnastic schedules for summer attendance will be given to parents at the April 19th Parent Form Night when schedule is finalized.) “Cheer” Dates to Remember

Date Event Location Time

Cheerleader & Parent April 19, 2016 JCHS Cafeteria 6:00pm until Meeting Varsity-3:30-4:30 MADNDATORY for all teams JV – 4:15 – 5:15 April 20th, 2016 Camp wear/shoes/uniform Cheer Factory Middle School- fittings 5:00-6:00

Jones County School Wide th 4-6pm April 27 , 2016 Physicals JCHS Gym

Varsity Wednesday 3:45-5:00 PM April-May 2016 Tumbling/Stunting Cheer Factory

Middle Georgia May – July, 2016 Pre-Season Gymnastics TBA Cheer

Middle School Mandatory June 6th-8th, 2016 Choreography Cheer Factory 10:00pm-3:00pm Dates are not flexible

June 13th-14th, JV Mandatory Choreography Cheer Factory 8:00am-4:00pm 2016 Dates are not flexible

Varsity Mandatory June 10th-11th, Choreography Cheer Factory 8:00am-4:00 pm 2016 Dates are not flexible

Aug 1, 2016 Practice Begins Cheer Factory TBA for each team

Practice Schedules for each team will be given at the Parent form night after the teams are chosen. Please keep Saturdays from September 10th through November 12th open; these could be competition dates. Parental Permission for Student Participation in Athletics for Jones County Competitive Cheerleading 2016-2017. This must be carried to all activities by the Athletic activity coach.

Current Grade Level ______

We, the undersigned, being the parents or guardian of ______, a student in the Jones County School System have read the Cautionary Statement and hereby grant permission for said student to participate in Competition Cheerleading in Jones County. It is understood that neither the Jones County cheer program nor the Jones County Board of Education, nor any employees of JCHS, GSMS, or CRMS is liable or shall be held liable for any loss, damage, or injury sustained for the participation of said student in any practice, game or contest, or in traveling to or from any practice, game or contest. This permission is affective as of this date and shall continue throughout the 2016-2017 year.

Given under our hands and seals, this ______day of ______, 20_____.

Signature of Parent/Guardian ______

If your child should be injured, it is imperative that we have on file written permission from you authorizing the Jones County School System cheer program to obtain medical treatment for him/her. Without such authorization, doctors will not treat your child. Please note that although the school will secure needed treatment for your child, the responsibility for meeting any expense incurred must be yours.

I hereby give my permission for a representative of the Jones County cheer program to obtain any medical treatment for my child, ______, as a result of his/her participation in the Jones County School System’s athletic program.

Parent/Guardian ______

Address/City/Zip ______

Work Phone (______)______Home Phone (______)______

Emergency Contact ______Phone (______)______

Family Physician ______Phone (______)______

MEDICAL INSURANCE INFORMATION: Every student must have documented evidence of insurance coverage and a valid physical on file with the school before student participation may occur in any activity requiring physicals.

Do you have medical insurance? ______Yes ______No

Name of person insured ______

Name of Insurance Company: ______Policy # ______

Medicaid: Yes or No Policy # ______

I understand that I may be responsible for meeting any expenses incurred for medical treatment for my child,

______,

Signature of Parent/Guardian ______Date ______Jones County Competition Cheerleading & Gymnastics Cautionary Statement

The purpose of this form is to inform you of the inherent risks and precautions involved with the sport of cheerleading and gymnastics. Cheerleading is an activity in which the risk of serious injury is high; that anyone of the routines involving your child’s participation in cheerleading activities in general could lead to injury, including partial or total paralysis, even death. Therefore, in signing this document, parents and cheerleaders understand the possibility of serious or catastrophic injury or death and the involved risks of cheerleading. It is also understood that your son/daughter will be required to travel to the location off campus for the purposes of participating in cheerleading activities and that transportation will be provided to him/her by the coaches and/or the school. We consent to such transportation. Please initial here: ______

The following recommendations have been designed specifically for the Jones County Middle School Cheerleading and/or Gymnastics program. Because of the physical demands required, squad members and parents are asked to read and understand certain cautions and responsibilities designed to improve the safety and enjoyment of the activity. Also, understand that horse playing, hazing, or initiations are expressly prohibited in the Jones County Cheerleading Program.

Due to the extremely competitive requirements of Competition Cheerleading, one practice per week will be devoted to the gymnastics enhancement of the squad. Due to GHSA rules it is understood that the squad’s coaches will not be present at the gymnastic practices taught by a gymnastics specialist (recommended by the JC Coaches & the Athletic Director). Gymnastics specialists will be working with the varsity squad as well as the middle school squad one day per week during the months of June, and July for the fee of $40.00 per month. The above monthly cost is the responsibility of each parent and/or cheerleader and should be paid in full each month directly to the specialty gymnastics provider. Gymnastic instruction will also be required one day per week throughout the season (August- November) for a total cost of $140.00 (in payment section).

Please initial here: ______

Preparing for Practice & Competitions:

1. All athletes must have an updated physical signed by a physician on file at Jones County High School before they will be allowed to tryout. GHSA ruling – Section 3 Part D. 2. Choose appropriate, comfortable athletic clothing that allows free movement. 3. Wear ALL braces, and supportive undergarments to ALL practices and competitions. This is the individual’s responsibility- not the coaches. 4. Select and change shoes for various surfaces to help reduce shock and stress. 5. Nails should be kept short! NFHS Spirit ruling-Section 3, ART. 2- Fingernails, including artificial nails, shall be kept at a length appropriate for safe participation. The appropriate length means the nails are not visible beyond the end of the fingers when viewed from the palm side of the hands. 6. Squad members with mental, seizure, neuromuscular, renal, cardiac, insulin/diabetic, or chronic skeletal problems, disorders or diseases must present physician’s approval to the coach prior to participation in any practice session. Failure to inform coach of such conditions will result in the immediate dismissal from the squad. Jewelry

1. According to the GHSA and the National Federation of High Schools Spirit Rule Book, Section 3, ART. 1… Jewelry shall not be worn except for religious or medical medals, which shall be taped to the body under the uniform away from the body. Section3, ART. 1- A participant is wearing jewelry in the navel, a stud, dermal, or spacer in tongue, fine line through the holes in the navel or tape over earrings. Ruling- All are ILLEGAL!!! The previous rulings apply to practice and competition. 2. According to the GHSA- Section 3, ART 7- Glitter shall not be on hair, face, uniform, costume, or body.

Preparing to Work out:

1. Members must complete all stretching exercises before and during practice. Take time to stretch leg, neck, ankle, and back muscles before each practice and performance. A group stretch is executed at the beginning of each practice session; it is the responsibility of each squad member to take this time seriously!!

Workout Expectations:

1. Think safety first. All practices, MGA gymnastic workouts, appearances, and games will follow GHSA and NFHS Spirit rules and regulations. 2. Always be aware of the proximity of others when executing large motor movements. Example: Don’t stunt or tumble on pavement!!  3. Stunts and routines should be practiced in a progression from simple to complex. 4. According to GHSA and NFHS rules book Section 5, ART.1- All mounts and/or pyramids are limited to two persons high, meaning the top person receives primary support from the base(s) that is in direct, weight bearing contact with the performing surface. 5. Always use proper spotting techniques when learning tumbling skills.

Emergencies:

Because of the nature of cheerleading, some injuries will occur. All injuries must be called to the coaches’ attention. Most will be minor and can be managed through basic first aid techniques. However, an occasional situation may require more intense management and may also necessitate involvement of squad members as follows: 1. Stop all activities, practices, or competition. Do not move the victim! 2. Put Emergency Plan into effect if necessary. (This plan will be discussed at the first practice session each year, and will be implemented when needed.) 3. The Coach will access the situation and determine actions. Squad members will assist by carrying out their assigned responsibilities. A. Calling 911 B. Getting Ice C. Finding an administrator D. Obtaining first aid supplies for the Coach E. Waiting and directing the Emergency Medical Technicians to the site of the injured squad mate. F. Captain’s will take all extra squad members to the side and work on the motion techniques. G. On lookers will be asked to leave. H. When situation is under control the parents will be notified. We certify that we have read, understand, and agree to adhere to the cautions, considerations and responsibilities required for participation in the Jones County Competitive Cheerleading program. We agree to, and by the signing of this agreement, release the coaches, assistant coaches, volunteers, staff of Gray Station Middle School, Clifton Ridge Middle School, Jones County High School and the Board of Education from any claim of negligence by ourselves, our son/daughter from any liability arising from claims of damages for injury and claims of loss or damage to his/her property which may arise out of his/her participation in the Jones County Competitive Cheerleading program.

______Athlete’s Signature Date

______Parent/Guardian’s Signature Date