Desert Sky Middle School

Spirit Line

Information Packet

Includes:

Tryout Requirements/Rules & Guidelines

Tryout Application/Parental Consent & Release

DSMS Spirit Line Handbook

Spirit Line Member/Parent Contract

Teacher Recommendation Forms

DSMSSpirit Line2016- 2017 Tryout Requirements

Teacher Recommendations/Teach ability– 40 points per teacher/10points per day

Teacher recommendations need to be completed by candidate’s core academic teacher(s). For returning members, one of the evaluations will be completed by the coach. The recommendations will be averaged to arrive at the teacher recommendation score for try-outs. The teacher recommendation score will be combined with the attendance/teachability score (10 points per day). Total scores will be shared at the candidates/parents request but individual teacher recommendations will be completely confidential.

Cheer and Chants – 30 points per judge

Participants will learn one cheer and two chants during tryouts. The cheer will be performed in groups. Eachgirl will randomly select one of the two chants at the Cheer and Chant station during tryouts. The chant willbe performed individually.

Dance – 25 points per judge

Participants will learn one dance during tryouts. The dance will be performed in groups. All participants willperform the dance twice for judges.

Jumps and Gymnastics - 10 points per judge - (10 bonus points for advanced gymnastics)

Each participant will perform a jump and gymnastic skills individually.

Jump Requirements:

- Tuck

- Jump of participant’s choice

Gymnastic Requirements

- Single Gymnastic Skill – Cartwheel or Round-off

- Gymnastic Skill of participant’s choice. Participants receive bonus points for advanced gymnasticskills).

Coach’s practice clinic observations

During the practice clinic, each participant will be watched for their ability to follow directions, their attitude during practice, effort, their ability to work with others and their teachability and points will be deducted for bad attitude, disrespect, gum, or other mean girl behavior.

Tryout Rules and Guidelines

In order to assure your safety and to help you perform to the best of your ability, please follow the rules listed belowwhich apply to all practices and final tryouts.

  1. In order to make the team you must attend all practices. You will be expected to be dressed and in the practicearea by the time stated on the try out schedule. Points will be deducted from the daily points evaluation whichwill be apart of the final total of points used in selecting the team.(Exceptions can be made if an emergency arises and is approved by Ms. Koehnke prior to practice, including those in the band/choir.)
  2. Spectators are NOT allowed at tryouts!
  3. Your tryout number must be worn at ALL TIMES
  4. You must wear athletic shoes and socks, comfortable shorts and T-shirts to practice. The day of try outs, youshould wear blue or black athletic shorts and a plain white T-shirt.
  5. Hair should be up in a ponytail or braided (unless of course, it is too short). Bangs should be pinned back from face.
  6. NO jewelry (including earrings) allowed.
  7. NO gum, soda, or food allowed. You may bring a spill-proof water bottle with water or a sports drink in it. Therewill be scheduled water breaks. Do not ask to go get water. There will be times available to go.
  8. You must meet the requirements for grades, attendance and you must have positive recommendations from yourteachers.
  9. You must exhibit GOOD sportsmanship. Cheer and support each other on!
  10. No long fingernails or glitter on the body. Fingernails should not be seen from the palm side of the hand.

***Practice time is short and very valuable. Be prompt and ready to work hard. You may want to bring a pencil and paper to copy the words to the cheer and chants you have to learn.

TRYOUT APPLICATION

Personal Information:

Name______

Phone______

Address______

______

Date of Birth______

Present Age______Present Grade Level ______

First Hour Teacher ______

Parent/Legal Guardian______

Work/Cell phone______

E-mail address______

Number to call (other than home phone) in case of emergency______

Other information:

  1. Are you currently a member of any club, organization, or team requiring extra practice time? ______

If so, please list and tell how often the club, organization or team meets. ______

______

  1. Please list any other obligations that may interfere with attending daily practices.

______

______

  1. Briefly list what you are able to do gymnastically:

______

______

DSMS Spirit Line

Consent/Release Form

Applicant Release:

I, (applicant name)______have read all rules and regulations that govern the DSMS Spirit Line participants. I agree to uphold the handbook for DSMS Spirt Line. I realize that spirit line is a tremendoustime-consuming responsibility. If selected, I will cooperate fully with the coaches and all persons and organizationsconcerned to promote positive school spirit and good conduct. At all times, whether at school oraway from school, I will conduct myself in a manner that will positively reflect upon my school and myself.

Signature of Spirit Line Candidate

______

Date:______

Parental Release:

I, ______, the parent/guardian of ______give consent formy child to try out for DSMS Spirit Line. If selected, she/he has my permission to participateas a member of the spirit line during the 2015-2016school year. I have read and understand the rules and regulationsthat will govern my child if selected, as well as the roll I assume as parent/guardian of a spirit line participant. I will see thatthese rules and regulations are carried out.

I understand that the coach and school will try to prevent an accident. But if an injury should occur at anyspirit line activity, I am responsible for providing insurance and the school and coaches are not liable. Iunderstand that my daughter/son will be jumping, tumbling, and supporting or being supported by other girls/boys.I will not hold the school and coach accountable for any injuries or accident that my child may experience during tryouts or the spirit line season while practicing or performing. I, further, give my permission for my child toreceive medical attention in the event that I cannot be present or reached for any reason.

I understand that this is an extracurricular activity and that attendance at all practices, games, and special functions is a requirement of the elected participant. I will see that she/he attends all practices and games unlessexcused by the coach and is picked up promptly from the games and practices at the announced pick-up times.

As a parent/guardian, I realize that the cost of shoes, briefs, practice uniform (blue/black shorts and white t-shirt), and other essential items will beassumed by me, the parent/guardian. I understand that my child will help with and/or participate in all fund-raisers to help supportthe team. I also understand that failure from my child to follow the rules, maintain grades, good behavior in and outof the classroom or exhibit good sportsmanship may result in temporary or permanent suspension from the team, asdetermined by the coach and school administration. I understand that the coaches’ decision is final.

Parent/Guardian Signature:

______

Date: ______

Please sign and return no later thanFriday, October 21st. Candidates cannot tryout withoutthis form signed and given to Ms. Koehnke by the date stated. Verbal consents will not be accepted.

DesertSkyMiddleSchoolSpirit LineHandbook

  1. Purpose

The spirit line participants are to represent the school proudly, promote and uphold school spiritand develop a sense of good sportsmanship among our student body. This is accomplished throughdeveloping basic skills, practice, teamwork, cooperation, and discipline. Spirit Line members will set a goodexample throughout the school and community both in and out of the uniform.

  1. Tryout Procedures
  2. Tryouts will be held during the fall of each year to determine the squad for the academic year.
  3. Tryout scores will be computed in the following manner:

Try-outs 70%

Coaches Score 20%

Teacher Recommendations 10%*

Teacher recommendations will be sent to the candidate’s core academicteacher(s). For returning members, one of the evaluations will be completed by thecoach. The recommendations will be averaged to arrive at the teacherrecommendation score for try-outs. *Nationally teacher recommendations accountfor between 10% - 40% of the tryout score.

  1. The actual try-out portion will consist of a group cheer, individual chant, dance, and jumps.
  1. Selection and requirements
  2. There will be a team of no more than 20participants. Managers will be selected at the coach’s discretion. Coachreserves the right to make the squad any size up to 20 members. The coachwill determine the selection of captains.
  3. No Spirit line member will be automatically carried over from one year to the next. Everyone must tryout.
  4. A student must provide three teacher evaluations, two of which must be from core academic teachers (Math, Science, English, Social Studies), which are based on the following:attitude, cooperation, dependability, respectability, and self-discipline. These evaluations mustbe done by teachers whocurrently serve the candidate. In addition, the coach will evaluate current squad members.
  5. A student must submit a completed Application Form, ParentalConsent/Medical Release, Spirit Line Handbook Contract, an academic eligibility form and as well as have a current athletic participation packet on file with the school. All Candidate agreement forms must be signed by the student as well as the parent/guardian.
  1. Scholastic Requirements
  2. Spirit line participantsmust pass all classes and maintained a 75% average or above.

If the spirit line participant’s average drops below 75% during any grade checks, the participant willbe put on academic probation and will be given two weeks to pull up the average.

If the spirit line participant fails to earn and maintain an average of 75% or above after theprobationary period, the participant will be benched and prohibited from participating in any practices or games until they are academically eligible.

  1. It is the spirit line participant’s responsibility to present the coach with a copy of the cheerleader’sgrade every other week and all during all grade checks.
  2. Spirit line participants must earn and maintain aSatisfactory or above in classroom conduct on report cards andinterim grade checks. If the participant’s conduct grade drops below a Satisfactory, theparticipantwill be put onprobation and will have until the next two weeks to bringthe conduct grade up. If the conduct grade is not brought up after the probationary period,they will be suspended from the squad until it is brought up.
  1. Uniform
  2. The Desert Sky Middle School Spirit line uniform consists of

a skirt/top provided by the school

other items to be purchased by the member (cheer shoes, bloomers/trunks, socks,ribbons, body liners, any other items deemed necessary by the coaches)

any item which the school/program purchases and is issued to the spirit line participant should bereturned in the same condition at the end of the season. Any damage otherthan normal wear and tear will be deemed the member’s responsibility/fault. The participant willneed to replace the item or compensate the school/program. Replacement cost will bedetermined based on the actual cost of the uniform set and will be charged for anydamaged or unreturned school-owned equipment.

  1. The coaches will determine which uniform is worn at each game or performance.
  2. Uniforms must be kept neat and clean at all times.
  3. Spirit line participants will not lend out the uniform, poms, etc. to someone who is not on the spirit line.
  4. Uniforms will only be worn for events as designated by the coaches. Cheer shoes willonly be worn with the uniform, not street clothes. Bring other sneakers for practice. Youmust wear athletic shoes and socks, comfortable shorts and t-shirts to practice.
  5. If a spirit line participant is out of uniform for a game or any other public performance, she may notperform. She will need to sit on the sidelines with the coaches and will be disciplinedaccordingly.
  6. Spirit line participants should conduct themselves in a manner becoming a DSMS spirit line leader and looktheir best at all times, especially when in uniform.
  1. Appearance
  2. For safety reasons jewelry (including belly rings) or watches will not be worn with uniform or atpractice, except for small, flat earrings or small stud earrings. (No one will be responsible forholding any jewelry for you).
  3. Makeup should be kept natural and not excessive. Glitter, body lotion, etc. are forbidden. Nolong fingernails.
  4. All hairstyles must be neat and secured up out of the face, and not in need of attention (combing, etc.)while performing. No large plastic or metal hair decorations.
  1. Spirit line practices and games rules and guidelines

The following guidelines will be mandatory for all practices and games throughout the entirecheerleading season. Repeated violation of these rules will lead to suspension or dismissal from thespirit line.

  1. Regular practice will be Monday, Wednesday, andThursday afternoon from 3:15 to 5:00pm, and Tuesday morning from 7 to 7:45am. Allspirit line members are required to be on time and ready to work.
  2. Attendance to practices, games, and all other events sponsored by the DSMS spirit line ismandatory except in the case of illnesses or pressing obligations, which must be clearedbeforehand with the coach. Absences which falls in the excused category are: personal illness,death in the family and family emergency. No one may leave practice early for any reason exceptillness.
  3. No practice may be held on school property unless a coach is present.
  4. All absences from practices or games must be approved by a coach prior to the absence. Anote from the parents will be required for any absences from games or practices. A note froma teacher will be required for all tardies concerning academics. If a practice is missed, theabsent spirit line member is responsible for learning all material before the next practice.All appointments should be scheduled so they do not interfere with team activities.The coach may add practice at her discretion.
  5. Spirit line members will cheer during basketball season and will participate in the district competition.Spirit line members are required toattend rescheduled games, tournament games and competitions. Managers will attend all team events.
  6. Warming-up is not optional – you must warm up properly in order to cheer. The team warms upas a team at the beginning of practice. In order to participate in the complete warm up youmust be on time for practice.
  7. Material covered at practices MUST be practiced at home. All spirit line members should beknowledgeable of all cheers, chants and routines.
  8. Spirit line members will not stunt or practice any tumbling unless the coach is visibly present andhas given permission. Failure to follow this rule will result in sideline game suspension.
  9. Spectators are not allowed at practices!
  10. NO gum, snacks, and/or soda allowed at practice or games. You may bring a spill-proof water bottle with wateror a sports drink in it. There will be scheduled water breaks. Do not ask to go get water. Therewill be times available to go.
  11. Cell phones should not be used at inappropriate times, such as during practices, warm-ups, orgames. In an emergency, check with the coach for time to contact parents.
  12. Spiritline members will not be allowed back into the locker room at any time once they have changed. There will be an area designated for backpacks during practices and games. Spiritline members must come dressed for practice in the morning.
  13. You must exhibit GOOD sportsmanship. Cheer and support each other on!
  1. Half-time

Spirit line members will be back and ready to cheer for the remainder of the game at a time appointedby the coaches. If he/she is not back by the two minute marker, he/she will receive a verbalwarning the first time and be disciplined accordingly any following times.

  1. Captain/Co-Captain duties

To lead and direct her team in the performance of their duties.

To act as liaison between the coaches and the team.

To set an example to the rest of the team by following the rules and regulations.

To be at practice early and start practice on time.

To help prepare and plan pep rallies.

To notify team members concerning special practices, game cancellations, changes, uniformselections.

To keep a record of cheers and chants and assist in selecting cheers and chants to be usedat games.

To know the rules of the sports and to know all of the cheers and the proper time to usethose cheers.

TO SHOW NO PARTIALITY WITHIN THE TEAM

To act as a peacemaker in case of disagreements

To be responsible for welcoming visiting squads and setting a good example of friendlinessand sportsmanship to other spirit lines.

To keep the crowd cheering and your teammates in proper formation during games.

  1. Responsibilities of Coaches
  2. Attend all activities at which spirit line members are present as a squad.
  3. Keep track of all paperwork, fundraisers, and grades of all cheerleaders.
  4. Ensure fair and consistent enforcement of rules and regulations.
  5. Serve as an appropriate role model for students.
  6. Practice extreme safety in areas where the girls are concerned.
  7. Make, amend, and enforce any laws outlined in the constitution. If any deviation from thisconstitution is necessary due to individual circumstances, it will be at the discretion of thecoachand the school administration. It will involve consultation with the spirit line memberand parents. Appropriate documentation will be made.
  8. Communicate with parents, cheerleaders, and school officials about schedules, contactinformation, first aid, and fundraisers.
  1. Responsibilities of Parents

Stay informed of the rules, regulations, and procedures that are applicable to thecheerleader organization.