2018-2019 Niceville HS Cheerleading Sideline Cheer

Place correctly ordered paperwork in a sealed envelope with “Attention Herndon” on the cover by

Friday, April 20th, 2018 at 2:00pm to the Niceville High School front office. • Applicant Information/All forms included in this packet. • Emergency Medical Authorization Form • Consent and Release from Liability Certificate • Parent Permission Form (good for all sideline cheer activities: football and basketball) • FHSAA Concussion & Heat Related Illnesses Information Release Form • Concussion Exam release form • Current Physical *Students MUST have a current physical on file to tryout* • Affidavit of Compliance GA4(If you did not start 9th grade at NHS, or haven’t completed prior). • Copy of first semester Report Card • Teacher Recommendations (6) *No recs from outside coaches will be accepted*

o This will be handled via online link sent to all teachers at Ruckel, Destin, Niceville. If you attend a different school, please contact coach. You are responsible for asking your teachers to complete the form.

• Fee - $35 tryout fee; make checks payable to Niceville High School • All balances with Okaloosa County Schools must be paid in order to try out.

Sports paperwork listed above is available on the NHS website under the Athletics Tab. Late applications will have a ten-point deduction from the judge’s final score No applications will be accepted after Monday, April 23rd.

IMPORTANT TRYOUT DATES/PROCEDURES Wednesday April 18th Open Practice 3:30-5:30 @ NHS Gymnasium

(paperwork MUST be turned in to attend) Friday April 20th Paperwork Due Wednesday May 2nd Open Practice 3:30-5:30 @ NHS Gymnasium Saturday May 5th Tryouts

9:00am until finished, plan for 5:00pm final session end Gym will be open at 8:00am for check-in stretching and warm up

Saturday May 5th Fittings 5:30pm in the NHS Gymnasium

UCA Camp (June 11-14) and all Summer Practices are mandatory

Clinic and Tryouts are closed to spectators!!!

**Candidates moving to the area after try-outs, can tryout on May 5th via Skype. Time should be coordinated with coach ahead of time. Selection will be probationary until skills are performed in person. Attendance at camp is not optional.

TRYOUT ATTIRE

Clinic/Open Practices: • Maroon, Black, White, Grey of your choice. White cheerleading shoes. NO oversized T-shirts. • Hair must be pulled back in a tight ponytail. • Jewelry of any kind and gum will never be permitted.

Tryouts

• All black (shorts or capri leggings and a fitted tank or bra top) – solid, small logo permitted • NO T-shirts or oversized baggy tanks for females. Male candidates should wear a black t-shirt. • Females - Hair must be pulled back in a high and tight ponytail with respective bow

o Rising Freshman – White Rising Sophomore – Maroon Rising Upperclassman – Black • White cheerleading/athletic shoes. White no show socks OR “tall” calf high black socks • Jewelry of any kind and gum will never be permitted.

PROGRAM SELECTION

Niceville Cheerleading will consist of one team of approximately 30 members. This does not mean that there will be exactly 30 members. Grade level determines which football games he or she will cheer.

Grandfathering clause – a current position in the program does not guarantee future placement � Juniors and seniors must be in the top 50% of the sideline portion in order to be selected � Rising seniors that have been on the team for two immediately previous consecutive years will be

automatically selected for the sideline portion of our program so long as they have remained free of academic, social and athletic discipline, are able to perform the same skills from previous tryout, receive exemplary teacher recommendations and are present for the entire tryout process.

Football Games

� Juniors and Seniors will cheer for all Varsity football games. § Sophomores with a standing tuck that score in the top 30% of the sideline portion will cheer

for Varsity Football. This will not be revolving and will be determined at tryouts. � All Sophomores will cheer for Junior Varsity football home games

§ Away as designated by coaches � All Freshmen will cheer for Freshman football home games.

• Away as designated by coaches • Pending numbers, freshmen may be required to attend JV games

� Whole Program will cheer for Homecoming and home district games. (Also Crestview 2018) � Whole Program will cheer for Playoffs so long as funds allow for travel.

Basketball Games

� The team will be split into approximately 3 groups to rotate cheering for basketball � These will be determined at a later date with competition team and practices in mind. The idea is

that no one regularly cheers more than one basketball game per week, but that is not a guarantee at this time. Trades can be made 48 hours ahead of time. If no trade, you must attend.

Game Day Team selections will be available at the conclusion of tryouts on May 5th.

Competition team tryouts will be Saturday May 26th from 9am-12pm at NHS. *see addendum*

In order to be in 7th period for the spring semester, you MUST be on the competition or game day team either as an alternate or active member. Please select a second semester elective if applicable.

CRITERIA

Candidates will be evaluated in the following areas: Sideline Performance – Expectation of extremely sharp and precise motions, exceptional performance and crowd interaction capabilities, strong tone of vocal projection, consistent memory recall. Simple and short material will be learned the day of tryouts. Candidates should learn quickly and have immediate awareness of motion placement, also an ability to react quickly to what might be happening on the field. There will be game simulation and candidates will be expected to remember material. Skills – Technically correct jumps and tumbling. In Round 1, there is is a minimum requirement of a clean standing backhandspring, but a tuck is preferred. We will do a number of jump/tumbling combos and variations during the process. Candidates should always perform to their highest safe ability. Stunting – Candidates must exhibit versatility and tryout in two positions. We will spend time stunting in “preferred” positions. All will be expected to perform basic stunts in their secondary choice position. We are also looking for athletes that are teachable, take corrections and apply them, and also react quickly to adjustments while a stunt is in motion. Safety will always remain a priority. Academics – Candidates must meet the academic eligibility requirements specified by the Florida DOE and the Okaloosa County School Board affecting interscholastic athletic participation. Candidates must maintain a cumulative 2.0 GPA. An F on the most recent report card will render candidate ineligible. Teacher Recommendations – This will be handled via a link sent to all teachers at Niceville High School, Ruckel Middle School and Lewis School. If you attend a different school, please contact Coach Tanya so that she can send the link to the requested school. It is your responsibility to ask your teachers to fill out the simple online form. They can complete the form for as many athletes as requested. � Applicants must submit 6 teacher recommendations – ALL current core classes are required � Recommendations will not be accepted after Monday April 23rd 2018 – you will receive updates � Cheerleaders are expected to be model students and representatives. This does not mean straight

A’s, but consistent effort, respect and responsibility are required. Candidates receiving more than ONE teacher recommendation rating them as overall “poor” in these areas are not eligible to tryout.

Game Day competition showcases what traditional cheerleading is all about – leading the crowd!

We WILL be participating in this competition style for the 2018-19 season. Those that wish to participate in Game Day will travel to Birmingham, Alabama in December 2018 to obtain a bid to the national competition in Orlando, Florida in February. This is the same nationals that our FHSAA competition team will also attend. Those that are on the competition team may or may not also compete with the game day routine pending numbers. This “team” will only travel to those two competitions, but there may be more local performances. We are confident that Niceville Cheerleading can excel at this category. There are no elite stunt or tumbling requirements, BUT stunts and tumbling will play a part in structuring the team(s) and routine(s)

For this routine, we are looking for exceptionally sharp motions, dynamic performance energy and crowd appeal.

Game Day can consist of a maximum of 20 members. If we have a high interest level that matches the criteria we are looking for, we would potentially have TWO game day routines, a Varsity and a JV. This will be determined at tryouts, with a potential reconfiguration post competition team tryouts. The only requirement for JV is that there are no seniors. We will have additional fundraisers to help raise money for travel expenses and nationals fees, but these fees will also irequire some parent responsibility.

SELECTION PROCESS Tryouts are not intended to be a high stress event. The process will run very similar to any other sport and should feel more like a practice than an individual evaluation or performance. We will keep the flow very natural and low stress. We ask that each athlete try their best, keep a positive attitude and perform to their highest and most safe skill level, as we are looking for strengths in many aspects of cheer. This also allows us to see how well everyone works together, takes correction, etc. We will have a few rounds of tryouts with fewer members advancing to each round. Candidates will be notified of their advancement to each round in a private manner such as the “remind” texting system, or a letter, to be determined at a later date. Parents of those that do not drive should remain close by. We plan to take a short break between 11:30am and 12:00pm where we will ask everyone to leave campus until receiving further instruction heading into round 2. Round 1 will include an initial evaluation of motion work, memory recall and performance, as well as general jump and tumbling expectations. Round 2 will focus on more advanced choreography performance if needed, but also stunting. If necessary, a 3rd round may be held but this is not likely.

LEADERSHIP SELECTION ALL returners, especially upper classmen, are expected to be leaders at all times. Be a pace-setter.

Please do not inquire this matter or selection process with the coaches. The format of leadership will be determined by the coaches and will take the 2017-18 team survey into account. The following will also be considered

- All Superior Teacher Recommendations - Fall within a high level of excellence within judging selection. (seniors are still being evaluated) - Displays positive leadership skills with the capability to motivate and encourage

o No buying in to or joining in with negativity or complaining - Has evident respect of teammates and is likewise respectful towards ALL of them

o No bullying, singling out, slander of teammates, coaches, or peers, etc. - Has been a member of the NHS cheer team for at least one year and an upperclassman - Has proven consistency of character, positive respectful attitude, effort, encouragement, skill

o No “slacking,” excuses, half effort when coaches are not looking, is not bossy, etc. o Sets an example during practices and has a consistent, steady pace that is motivating

- Has proven capable of prioritizing NHS cheer and is always present, prompt and prepared o Not consistently tardy, do not frequently miss practice, are prepared and prompt with

appropriate attire, jewelry off, etc. Drama or conflict from athletes OR parents regarding leadership selection will result in no leadership at all. It is not about popularity or a title. It is about being able to lead and unify. The expectations are high, as is the responsibility and commitment of all leaders regardless of title or leadership roles. Anyone in a leadership position should be the first to arrive and the last to leave, the first to sign up, volunteer or help. Being a leader is about the best interest of the program. You will at times have to make an unpopular decision, or act positively when asked to do something by a coach that you would rather not. It has everything to do with the team, and nothing to do with you. A chosen leader(s) will be someone who sets an example in work ethic, integrity, positivity, promptness, and preparedness, is amicable across the full scope of our team and works respectfully with the coaches. We will not appoint a leader who appears to cater to one group of people or think that their job is to “run things.” We are looking for someone who puts the team’s preferences before their own, can respectfully advocate for the team in a mature way with coaches while also supporting the coaches’ decisions, an is a steady example.

IMPORTANT DATES Please keep this sheet for your records

April 18 Open Practice 3:30-5:30 April 20 ALL Paperwork Due to NHS Front Office May 2 Open Practice 3:30-5:30 May 5 Tryouts 9:00am-5:00pm – gym will be unlocked for check-in and warm up at 8:00am

Fittings for “new team” at 5:30pm – plan to stay until 7:30 as we will also issue uniforms Frist payment due - $400 camp fee

*practice dates, or extended 7th period to prepare for Spring Game are TBD at this time*

May 19 Spring Game @ TROY – 2:00pm

Returning members will cheer/new members have option to observe.

May 25 Last Day of School May 26 Competition Team Tryouts – 9:00am-12:00pm

Summer Practice Schedule May 27th Summer Vacation Week #1 June 4th Summer Practices Begin

June 10th we depart for Traditional Cheer Camp @ Auburn Univeristy 6/11-14 July 1st Summer Vacation Week #2 July 9th Summer Practices Resume July 23-26th is Choreo for both Game Day AND Competition – plan for 2-a-days There will be sideline prep practices sprinkled in as well as pep rally preparations July 29th Summer Vacation Week #3 Aug 5th Practices Resume *Summer schedule will primarily be 7:00-11:00am Monday-Thursday. Friday as needed. There will be variation in times and commitment based on sideline only, game day, or comp. sideline only - minimal game day – average competitive - maximm * “Maximum” will be comparable to what you are used to for summer practices, maybe less. *One day we will attend a skills class at ZGA. This is optional for athletes participating in sideline only. *Competition Team will weight train a few days per week as well.

School Year Practice – Fall Tentative Schedule

The schedule is still TBD pending facilities. Expect practice until 3 or 3:30, 2 or 3 days per week depending on pep rallies and or “game day” routine practices. Sideline only will typically leave around 2:00pm unless a pep rally needs more preparation. Tumbling contracts will be handled directly through Zero Gravity beginning in June. JV and Freshmen games are typically held on Tuesday and Thursday respectively.

2017-18 SIDELINE CHEERLEADING EXPENSES All payments must be made on time. Payments should be in cash or check form and in a sealed envelope with your child’s name. Payments will not be accepted at games or events. You will receive a detailed invoice similar to the one below. Once your balance is cleared, you will receive an email stating so. Description Amount Due Date Check Number 1st installment (Camp) $400 Saturday May 5, 2018 2nd installment $200 Friday May 18, 2018 3rd installment $200/remaining balance) Monday June 4, 2018 4th Installment $200/remaining balance) Monday June 18, 2018 Sponsorships $300 (Sideline Only)

$400 (Game Day) $500 (FHSAA Competition)

Friday July 13, 2018

*Alternative payment plans can be arranged. Please contact coaches regarding this matter. UCA Camp - $400 per cheerleader (includes extra night) Practice apparel, warm ups, cheer shoes, bows, poms – approximately $550 per cheerleader

• Cheerleaders may order multiples of items, which will increase overall fees. • Several items will be ordered individually off of amazon with a required date

SPONSORSHIPS:

• Sponsorship Letters –Each cheerleader is required to earn a minimum of the amounts noted above to go into the general cheerleading and competitive funds. More is always welcome as it alleviates costs throughout the season, such as playoff travel, t-shirts, meals, etc.

• If a member does not raise their required sponsorships, that member will incur the fee.

FUNDRAISING: • Team Fundraisers will supplement camp fees, bus fees, seasonal expenses, uniforms, playoff

transportation, team meals, incentives, marketing materials, etc. • The following fundraisers are tentative and not limited to these options. • Each cheerleader will be required to participate in ALL fundraisers. • Parent participation is required and lack of response will require contribution of monies eared.

Required Participation/Attendance • Sponsor Letters – Letters available AFTER Rock the Docks • Rock the Docks – May 19th 2018 – 5 ticket minimum paid up front • Boston Butt Sale – May 2018 – 5 butt minimum paid up front • Kiddie Clinic Prep Days and Performances – October 2017 • Booster Club Sales – Football Season • Walmart Bucket Drives – Year Round • Restaurant Benefits – Year Round • Community Appearances (example: Christmas Parade) • Chili Cookoff – Fall 2018

If a cheerleader quits/is removed from the squad, all financial responsibilities incurred will remain. There is a buy out option for parent involvement at fundraisers. This will be discussed at our first meeting. Cheerleader participation is not optional.

New Team Members will receive Rock the Docks tickets immediately following tryouts. You may begin selling or getting a commitment on sales anytime but tickets will not be handed out until AFTER tryouts. The same goes for Boston Butts. There will be social media posts available late April to begin your sales should you choose.

EXPECTATIONS OF A NICEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADER

General Responsibilities

§ Cheerleaders are selected to represent all sports designated by the coach and administration § Cheerleaders must be present during a minimum of 4 class periods to be able to participate in any pep

rally, game, or event on that day. § Cheerleaders are expected to participate in all practices, games and performances. If an absence is

necessary, the coach must approve 48 hours before the absence occurs. Not all absences that are approved will be considered excused. Any absence may result in a suspension from an upcoming performance, pep rally and/or game.

§ Cheerleading is always the first priority after academics. If a cheerleader chooses to participate in another sport, another competitive cheer team, or maintain a job, Niceville cheerleading should remain primary concern. The coaches support all athletic endeavors so long as they do not have a negative impact or hinder the progress of our program. Coach Tanya will communicate and work with other coaches as needed. YOU must communicate a need this to happen.

§ Cheerleading is a one-year commitment. (tryouts-tryouts) If a cheerleader is removed from the squad or quits the squad at any time (for reasons other than medical), he/she will receive an “F” as their semester grade (to include forfeiting Zero Gravity contract) and will not be allowed to tryout the following year. Participation in spring fundraisers is required of all team members including seniors. Seniors are expected to fully participate through the end of April. Sashes and senior gifts will not be awarded to those that do not remain an active member of the team.

§ Tumbling contracts will be in effect from June 2018-April 2019. § Participation is required. Your grade will reflect any lack of participation or preparedness, or

disciplinary issues. Behavior

§ Cheerleaders are expected to be leaders, not followers. This includes social media. Unacceptable

behavior on social media outlets including group text messages and photos that end up on other students’ phones will result in disciplinary action and could result in dismissal from the program.

§ Activities involving any substances such as alcohol, cigarettes,vape pins, JUUL’s, harder substances, or anything of the sort will not be tolerated and may result in dismissal from the team.

§ Arriving to a practice, team event, fundraiser, performance or game under any type of influence will result in probation OR immediate dismissal from the team per head coach discretion.

§ Cheerleaders are to be exemplary citizens and school representatives. Any legal trouble or arrests will result in an automatic dismissal from the team.

§ Absolutely NO PDA in uniform. Photos are okay, but no piggy back, lap sitting, kissing, etc. § Discipline in school or complaint from any teacher will result in consequences in cheer as well. § Cheerleaders are to accept all responsibilities assigned by the coach, captain or school official without

comment or complaint. Intentional incorrect relay of information, gossip, etc. will not be tolerated. Those with the intent or habit of starting drama need not tryout.

§ Cheerleaders are to be pleasant, respectful, courteous, and considerate of the members of their own squad, their captains, and their coaches. This includes gossiping, negative conversation about a coach or team member, or ill treatment in and out of practice. Negative attitudes and/or disrespect of any kind will not be tolerated. If a cheerleader is disrespectful in any way to any adult, parent, coach, choreographer or any other guest, he or she will be sent home and could receive further disciplinary action.

§ Bullying, out-ranking by classification or skill, hazing, or any other type of behavior that treats a member, or group of members, as inferior to yourself or the rest of the team will result in disciplinary action and may be cause for immediate dismissal from the team. There will be absolutely zero tolerance for the aforementioned behaviors.

§ Remember that you represent our entire program and reflect on our reputation at all times. Please act accordingly.

Participation

§ Cheerleaders are expected to attend the following (but not limited to): � All pre and post season football and basketball games assigned by the coach, home and away � Volleyball playoff games � Pep Rallies, Community activities and team fundraisers � Practices (including camps and clinics)

§ Absolutely no cell phones during practice and performances. It is must be in your bag on silent from practice start to end time. You are to be an engaged member of the team at all times.

§ Try to avoid scheduling appointments during practice, if absolutely necessary you must let a coach know 48 hours in advance.

§ Cheerleaders may miss afterschool practice one time per month for a club or organization without penalty if the coach was notified 24 hours beforehand. If you miss the day before a Pep Rally or performance, you will be removed. Exception: Class Officers and SGA

§ Cheerleaders must be on time and performance ready upon arrival, including correct uniform/apparel, shoes, etc. This pertains to practice, performance, 3rd quarter, and fundraisers.

§ ANY absence from 7th period or practice the week of a pep rally could result in removal from the routine. An unexcused absence will be automatic removal from the next performance and or game.

§ If a cheerleader misses more than one practice in a given week she will sit the game out in uniform. § Full participation is required. Injuries must be released for full range of motion before you will be

allowed to participate in performances and games. § Team members will try-out for all pep rally routines on a pre-set date and must exhibit knowledge of

material and mastery of expected skill. If not, he or she will not participate in our performance. **Probation will still require cheerleader to be in uniform/correct practice apparel and on time to all events. Cheerleader may be sent to tutoring when on probation for grades rather than sitting at practice.

Health and Injury

§ Be your own advocate. If you are hurt or sick you must let the coaches know. Sitting out for more than one day will require a physicians note.

§ Each cheerleader must have an up-to-date physical examination by a physician and proof of insurance on file with the school.

§ If a cheerleader is sick and misses school or gets checked out, he/she/or parent must give notice to the coach via e-mail. Telling a team member is not sufficient, as the memo is often not relayed.

§ If you are sick during the week of a pep rally, you will be removed from that performance. That is not to say “tough it out,” but we cannot fully practice without you.

§ If a cheerleader is injured with a detailed doctor’s note, he/she will sit out of active performances in uniform per the length of the injury and will not be permitted to participate until a note is sent outlining his/her being released. If no doctor’s note is on file the cheerleader will be required to participate in all activities, fundraisers, games

§ Coaches will adhere strictly to the recommendations and orders of physicians and therapists

Uniforms

§ Uniform alterations and upkeep are the responsibility of the cheerleaders. Uniforms are school property and may not be cut. Uniforms will be cleaned, hung up, and each cheerleader will be cleared by parents and/or coaches at the end of the season.

§ Uniforms and some cheer identifying items are property of NHS. Please do not loan any uniforms, shirts, jackets, etc. without first talking to the coach. Not everyone will uphold our reputation or take care of these expensive items as well as we would hope.

§ A fee of up to $50 may be charged if uniforms need to be cleaned or repaired when returned at the end of the year; however, the cheerleader will be expected to pay the current replace price for a uniform if it has been destroyed or lost.

Grades, Tutoring and Make Up Testing

§ Cheerleaders must maintain a 2.0 GPA. Cheerleaders with a D or lower at anytime in any class will be unable to participate until the grade comes up which may lead to suspension from performances.

� Exception: teacher hasn’t entered grades or make up assignments from excused absences § If a final grade of a D is obtained at the end of a 9-week grading period, cheerleader will be on

probation until the grade is brought up. Grades will be checked weekly on Fridays. If grade drops back to a D, cheerleader is on probation until the end of the 9 weeks.

§ If a final grade of an F is obtained at the end of a 9-week grading period, cheerleader will be on probation until the end of the next grading period. If the grade is not improved, cheerleader will be removed from the squad.

§ Cheerleaders will be given a stack of grade check sheets at the beginning of the school year. These must be brought to MONDAY practices filled out and signed by all teachers. Failure to do so will result in sitting out of practice, even it means missing that week’s performance.

It is very important that all cheerleaders fulfill academic responsibilities and do what it takes make good grades. The athletes are encouraged to get extra help from their teachers as needed, however this must be arranged outside of practice hours to include 7th period. You should make every effort to arrange for this to happen before school if possible. If your teacher is not available before school, Coach Tanya should be notified so that she can help you make arrangements for extra help/make up testing. If you cannot attend tutoring on a day/time that does not conflict with practice, Coach Tanya will help you arrange a tutoring time after 7th period but you will not be allowed to stay past 2:15. If you need more time, your academics do come first and you will be permitted to stay later. You will however be pulled from any performance taking place that week as a result of not being in practice. Cheerleaders cannot miss 7th period for make-up work or testing unless you have been absent for 2 or more days due to illness or family emergency. You will need to plan accordingly just as someone who does not have cheer 7th period. You are receiving a grade for a PE credit and you must be present and participating. You will receive the same number of allotted excused absences as any other class after which you will start receiving zeros.

Communication

§ There will be no excuses for mis-information. Everything will be listed and provided ahead of time, captain(s) and coaches will send out reminders, coach will send an E-mail and Remind text with any changes, especially if last minute.

§ Coach will notify captains of any changes so that they can also remind the team. § DO NOT ASK THE GROUP MESSAGE TO MAKE CHANGES. COACHES’ DECISIONS ARE

FINAL AND YOU WILL ONLY CREATE CONFUSION. § Please use E-mail to communicate concerns or schedule meetings with coaches. Matters such as these

will not be handled via text message. Coaches will respond to texts, phone calls, or emails within twenty-four hours. Please use E-mail as main line of communication with coach other than quick easy questions. cheer.niceville@gmail.com

§ Cheerleaders are to contact their captain or teammates with questions prior to contacting the coach § Parents please uphold the same respect for fellow parents that is expected of the girls for their

teammates. Games

§ Freshman and Sophomores should remember that you are still a representative of NHS Cheer on Friday

nights and should conduct yourselves accordingly in the stands. Make sure to dress, act and speak in a way that is a positive reflection of NHS Cheer. You will never be part of the crew that is yelling profanities, making inappropriate gestures or receiving discipline from admin.

§ You will at times be required to work at team tables, sell programs, etc. on nights that you are not cheering. No complaints.

NICEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADING DISCIPLINE SYSTEM The coaches will issue demerits and disciplinary actions. This system has been designed to build a disciplined cheerleading squad with a respectable reputation. The coach reserves the right to handle special cases. Each situation will be dealt with in a proper manner decided upon by the coach with assistance from the administration when needed. Demerits start the day following tryouts and end at the end of the cheer season. A cheerleader may be dismissed from the squad for repeated and flagrant violations of these rules, ill behavior, poor representation or disrespect.

MINOR OFFENSES Minor offenses include but are not limited to: being up to 5 minutes late to a game, practice or performance, not coming prepared to practice or performance (to include hair pulled back, jewelry off, socks and shoes on, knowledge of material, etc.), failure to meet deadlines for turning in paperwork and money, not accepting corrective criticism, not notifying coach of your absence 24 hours in advance (with the exception of unforeseen illness), gum, etc. 1st Minor Offense – Verbal Warning 2nd Minor Offense – Conditioning determined by the coach 3rd Minor Offense – Conditioning and suspension from a performance or game Excessive offenses will result in suspensions and grade deductions for 7th period. **We all have bad days. Poor effort or a disrespectful attitude will be considered a minor offense the first and second time. The first time, the athlete will be allowed to take a few minutes to step away, apologize where due and own up to his or her mistake. An apology and ownership of your actions in never an option. The second time the athlete will receive the conditioning and suspension from a performance or game. A third occurrence will be a major offense. **The first offense of dress code in school, poor representation of team or minor behavior issues will be treated as ”minor.” An additional offense will be treated as “major”

MAJOR OFFENSES Major offenses include but are not limited to: tardy to practice, game or event over 5 minutes, missing practices or outside skills work, social media violations, not following school rules, not conducting yourself in a manner that represents our school and our team in a positive light, lying, bad attitudes, disrespect, absence from a game or performance for any reason other than unforeseen illness or family emergency, bullying, not turning in Monday grade check, not being present at practice from start to finish, PDA in uniform and/or at any team related event/activity, failure to give 100% at practice, inappropriate language, etc. The Coach will handle major offenses. There will be a tier system starting with conditioning but that step may be skipped depending on the offense and will then go straight to suspension from performance(s) and will progress accordingly. Excessive offenses will result in dismissal from the team. The coach will have final determination on all discipline and consequences. Repeated offenses will also have an effect on your grade 7th period. Unexcused absence from a game, event, fundraiser or performance will result in a 5-point deduction form your final grade for the quarter. A 2nd occurrence of the same offense shows a flagrant disregard for the team and expectations and you will be removed. 7th period will start promptly at 1:05 at NHS. You will be expected to be in the gym 100% ready at this time. When 7th period is at ZGA, we will begin at 1:20. You will be on the mat in warm up lines at this time.

**IMPORTANT**

Thereisariskofinjuryinvolvedwithcheerleadingandpractices.Parentsmustunderstandtheriskofinjuriesandhavetheappropriateemergencymedicalformscompletedandnotarized.Anathletemaynotparticipateinanycapacitywithouttheseformsonfile.YoucanvisittheAthleticsportionoftheNicevilleHighSchoolwebsitetodownloadall2018-19athleticforms.Pleasemakesurethatbothcheerleadingcandidateandparenthavereadthispacketinfullandunderstandtheexpectationsandguidelinesoutlinedwithin.Allcheerleaderswillbeheldtothestandardslistedhere.TheNicevilleHighSchoolAdministrationandtheStudentActivitiesCouncilhaveapprovedallinformationdetailedinthispacket.Bysigningthisformyouacknowledgethatyouhaveread,areawareofandagreetoadheretothepoliciesandproceduresoftheNicevilleCheerleadingprogram.Welookforwardtoseeingyouattryouts!

TanyaHerndon–HeadCoach Charles Marello – NHS Principal

KimNihill-Taylor–NHSAssistantPrincipalAdministratorforCheerleading

For the Candidate I have read all of the requirements, rules (including the expectations and discipline system) and any other forms for participation in NHS Cheer (including respective competition and game day information) and understand that in order to be a part of this team I must adhere to these rules. I understand that I am required to attend all practices, games and performances and I will receive consequences if I am absent. My time commitment to the team will be of highest importance after academics. I also understand the time and dedication that it takes to be involved in such an organization and intend to devote the time necessary to make my team and our season a success. I am also aware that all clothing, shoes and accessories that I order must be paid in full before I receive them and I cannot perform with the team until I do so. Once practice wear is received, the same is true.

SignatureofCandidate Date

For the Parent/Guardian As a parent or guardian of an NHS cheerleading candidate, I understand all of the information listed in this packet (including discipline, game day, and competition information) and that an organization of this caliber has great opportunities. I will support my child in every way in her efforts to be a vital and active member of the NHS Cheerleading Program. I understand that my support of the coaches and of the team is crucial. I understand my financial obligations to the team and that if my fees are not paid by the set due date it could effect my cheerleader’s ability to perform/participate. I understand that I am responsible for paying all dues/fees outlined in the packet even if my child quits the team since most items cannot be returned. I understand that this program is a big time commitment and I am prepared and ready to support my cheerleader.

SignatureofParent/Guardian Date

FHSAA Competition Cheer This is additional information to go alongside the program pack for Niceville Cheer

Selections Tryouts will be May 26th from 9am-12pm – Location is TBD

• A tentative team will be selected. • Should an athlete wish to tryout over the summer or in October, he or she will be permitted to do so.

ONE team of up 16-18 will be selected.

• 12 in the routine, and hopefully 4 (a stunt group) of alternates = 16 • 16 in the routine, and 2 alternates = 18 • We will compete in the small or medium varsity division at both State and Nationals.

o Decision will be made after Masters camp as to how many we will compete with. It will be largely determined by how many of the SAME caliber of stunt groups we can put it in air and also making sure that tumbling numbers match up.

o We also have to take the number of candidates into consideration and their spread across all stunt positions. If we have a surplus of top girls, but barely enough bases to make 3 stunt groups, then we will remain small. We will make the decision that is in the best interest of the team and how we as coaches feel that we can achieve maximum program success

• Small Varsity (12) – preferable to have not more than ONE person that does not complete team tumbling • Medium Varsity (16) – preferable to have not more than TWO people that do not complete team tumbling

Team Selections will be made based on the following skills and level of importance

Stunts – The top THREE in each stunting position will be put into the routine if we are small, the top FOUR if we are medium. The next will be an alternate. Performance/Crowdleading – Exceptionally sharp motions, vocal projection, sign work, smiles, a high level ability to engage the crowd, and a contagious energy Jumps and Tumbling – Exceptional jump technique. A minimum of a toe-touch tuck and running pass ending in a layout or full is preferred, as well as cartwheel tuck and combination passes tumbling out of a tuck pass. Dependability, work ethic, team work, versatility, consistency in remaining coachable and stamina will all be a part of selections as well. The tryout process is conducted completely by the coaches and decisions are final. There is not grandfather clause in effect. In the rare instance that 4 candidates perform the same level and position of stunting, tumbling and performance, priority will be given to the returning member. Note - Keep is mind that this does mean that you might “feel” that as a flyer you are better than someone who is placed on the team as a backspot. Regardless, the team will be selected based on position within stunts as initial priority. The best way to secure a spot in the routine in terms of stunting is to be versatile and able to perform more than one position within a stunt. Any athlete who is removed or quits the team at any time other than by physician requirement will not be permitted to tryout the following year. This is a season long commitment and we rely heavily on consistency, dedication and a high work ethic. Finances/Fundraising Fundraising efforts specific to our competitive team will happen over the summer and throughout the season to help alleviate costs of the season and nationals. Alternate fees may look different if we are not able to fundraise the total amount. A more clear price list will be available once competition dates and fees are posted. All of this plays a factor into travel, hotels, registration fees, etc.

Summer Practice See practice information in the program packet. A more precise summer practice schedule will be ready in May. The entire team will practice as one over the summer to include stunts, weight training, tumbling and pre-choreography work. Competition team (to include alternates) will attend UCA Masters Camp, an elite stunting camp for competitive school teams, at the University of Alabama June 29th – July 1st. Alternates will be named closer to choreography. Expectations and Requirements Please refer to the program packet for all expectations as they pertain to competition cheer. The absence and 7th period policies will be even more strictly enforced. Attendance during 7th period and after school is not only mandatory, but vital to the success of stunts groups and our routine as a whole. Schedule Competition schedule is still in the works, as many brands will not released dates until late spring. We will definitely attend the UCA Birmingham Regional Competition, likely the second weekend of December. The FHSAA regional and state meet dates will not be available until mid-fall. Our official competitive season runs from October through Nationals in February. Alternates Alternates are not a separate entity, but a vital and actively involved member of the competition team and should never be made to feel as anything less. They will know the whole routine, multiple parts in a stunt and be ready to step in at any moment. In the instance that an athlete in the routine is not performing to standards and expectations, or is accruing absences or poor practice effort an alternate will be put into the routine. Alternates are absolutely vital to any elite completive team. Anything can happen at any time and we do not want to find ourselves in a position of not having alternates that know the routine and are trained with the same endurance as the rest of the team. The entire team will attend all competitions and events as one team. To put this into a more familiar context, all football teams have a backup QB. Even if he doesn’t play in the championship he still gets the ring. He is an active member of the team and they cannot perform without him. Alternates will be named closer to choreography. If you plan to tryout for the Competition Team, please make sure that you SELECT THE BOX NOTING THIS ON THE “applicant information” sheet prior to tryouts for sideline and game day. If you are not trying out for sideline and gameday, please fill out the “applicant information” sheet and make sure to mark the box “I am trying out for competition cheer only.” For those NOT trying out for sideline/game day, your packet and information due date is Friday May 18th. All of the same forms must be complete and turned in to be eligible to tryout.