The University of Notre Dame Leprechaun 2020-2021 Tryout Information STATEMENT OF PURPOSE The Notre Dame Leprechaun is part of the cheerleading program which is an athletic program supporting all athletics and realms of the University of Notre Dame. As a program it is of utmost importance to support and foster educational success for each athlete. The program should aid in the making of a responsible, mature, and well-rounded adult; physically, mentally, and spiritually. Through the cheerleading program members will develop: (1) leadership skills; (2) communication and teamwork; (3) time management; (4) the ability to adapt to new and evolving situations; all of which will foster personal growth. As a Leprechaun at the University of Notre Dame, athletes are expected to enhance and/or create spirit among fans, students, the general public, within the team, and to all people they should encounter. Representing the University in an honorable manner is expected at all times; on campus, during games, at practice, while visiting communities whether locally or while traveling, on social media, and as an individual in all walks of life. This should be done so by not only performing all cheerleading related activities (i.e. stunting, tumbling, dancing, and crowd leading) but through graciously partaking in public service and interacting with fans and the public in a professional and welcoming manner. LEPRECHAUN REPRESENTATIVES AND RESPONSIBILITIES Each year there are four leprechauns that represent the University of Notre Dame. Their responsibilities vary with their performance ability, seniority, and availability. The leprechaun represents Notre Dame Athletics at all football, men’s and women’s basketball, volleyball, men’s and women’s soccer, hockey, additional sporting events and events across campus and throughout the community. TRYOUT REQUIREMENTS • Leprechaun candidates must be a current ND student. • Students with a GPA above a 2.0 GPA are eligible. • Students must be enrolled in full-time (12 hours) to be eligible. • Students must be in good disciplinary and academic standing with the university. An in person interview will be conducted during the final tryout process. • The following paperwork must be submitted with video submissions which are due on March 27th. • Up to date physical (within 6 months) - this must be provided to participate in tryout clinics leading up to the official tryout date • Tryout Waiver • Tryout Form • Sick Cell Release Form • Tryout Questionnaire Form • Resume or list of activities/work experience/community involvement • Letter of recommendation - Please see information below • Personal Statement - Please see information below • Paper Copy of medical insurance card LETTER OF RECOMMENDATION The University of Notre Dame Cheerleading program is seeking well-rounded students-athletes and individuals who demonstrate required skills and are committed to: • Academic and athletic excellence • Community Service • Being an ambassador for the University in all aspects Please ask your reference (preferably a former coach) to demonstrate your willingness and ability to hold true to these ideals. For More information on the mission and values of the University of Notre Dame Athletic Department, please visit: UND.com. All letters of recommendation should be presented in a sealed envelope. PERSONAL STATEMENT The University of Notre Dame Cheerleading program is seeking well-rounded students-athletes and individuals who demonstrate required skills and are committed to: • Academic and athletic excellence • Community Service • Being an ambassador for the University in all aspects Please discuss, using examples, your willingness and ability to hold true to the ideals stated above. Please provide any information regarding any extenuating circumstances about which you feel we should be aware. For More information on the mission and values of the University of Notre Dame Athletic Department, please visit: UND.com SUBMISSION AND TRYOUT CLINICS Timeline: Cheerleading and Leprechaun Information Meeting: Mon. March 2nd 7 p.m., March 3rd 8 p.m., and Wed. March 18th 7 p.m. – Duncan Student Center (Midfield Commons) 4/1/20 - Leprechaun Applications with Video are Due to Program Coordinator, Delayna Herndon, [email protected] by 5 pm 4/6/20 - Leprechaun First Round Candidates Chosen 4/7-10/20 - Preparation Workshops with Former Leprechaun's 4/13/20- Final Tryout Candidates Chosen (If necessary) 4/14-16/20- Preparation Workshops with Former Leprechaun's 4/17/20 - Leprechaun Tryouts (Pt. 1)- The PIT (Joyce Center) - 7 pm 4/18/20 – Leprechaun Tryouts (Pt. 2) – Notre Dame Stadium – Blue & Gold Game – Time TBD Video Submission: The video should be a minimum of one minute and a maximum of two minutes. There is no content requirement for this video and it does not have to be of professional quality. We would like this to be used as a medium to display creativity express why you should be chosen as a candidate for the next Notre Dame Leprechaun. First round candidates will be chosen and invited to preparation workshops, all individuals who submit a video will be contact regardless of invitation to workshops or not. Following the workshops the final 10 candidates (maximum) will be invited to part one of the formal tryout. Candidates will receive an invitation to participate in the final round of the tryout on Saturday, April 18th at the Blue and Gold Game. TRYOUTS There will be information meetings for Cheerleading and Leprechaun Tryouts held on Mon. March 2nd at 7 p.m., Tues. March 3rd at 8 p.m., and Wed. March 18th at 7 p.m. in Duncan Student Center (Midfield Commons). Part 1. When: Friday, April 17th 7 pm Where: The PIT - This is open to the public Part 2. When: Saturday, April 18th Time TBD Where: Notre Dame Stadium, Blue and Gold Game - This is open to the public Tryout components: Pt.1 1. Media/On Camera Component 2. Mock Pep Rally 3. Community Involvement Skit - props will be given to each candidate and they will have two minutes to prepare 4. Formal Interview - Closed to the public Pt. 2 5. In Game Persona 6. Fan Interaction Tryout Scoring: The tryout scoring process is being reviewed and the candidates will be released after each has been informed. All final candidates must be available to reveal selections on Saturday, April 18th at 7:00 p.m. at a designated location. Results: Results will be released Friday Night or Saturday Morning. *Leprechauns chosen for the 2020-2021 Season must attend the team meeting and practice on Sunday April 26th from 4-7 pm* .