Coyle Middle School Cheerleading Tryouts 2018-2019

Step One: Read this packet in its entirety Step Two: Sign all forms included within

Confirmation of Understanding

GISD Middle School Cheerleading Constitution

Behavior Accountability

The Cheerleading Commitment

Information Sheet

Preparticipation Physical Evaluation

Step Three: Return all the requested information by 4:00 P.M. Friday, March 9th to Ms. McGill (Room 141). *Please feel free to begin turning in these forms as early as Monday, March 5th at the Mandatory Parent Meeting.

NOTE: IF THESE FORMS ARE NOT COMPLETE AND TURNED IN PRIOR TO THE CLINIC, YOU WILL NOT

BE ALLOWED TO TRY OUT.

If you need any additional information, contact: Meredith McGill

mmmcgill@garlandisd.net

BRING THIS PACKET AND ALL FORMS

TO THE PARENT MEETING

MONDAY, MARCH 6TH

Monday, March 5th Parent Meeting

C.M.S. Cafeteria 6:00-7:00 P.M.

Friday, March 9th

Application Deadline 4:00 P.M.

Tuesday, March 20th

Clinic C.M.S. Old Gym 4:00-6:30 P.M.

Wednesday, March 21st

Open Gym C.M.S. Old Gym 4:00-5:30 P.M.

Thursday, March 22nd

Open Gym (7th)/Mandatory Mock Tryouts (8th) C.M.S. Old Gym 4:00-6:00 P.M.

Friday, March 23rd

Open Gym (8th)/Mandatory Mock Tryouts (7th) C.M.S. Old Gym

4:00-6:00 P.M.

Saturday, March 24th

Tryouts Brandenburg Middle School

626 Nickens Rd. Garland, Texas 75043

12:00-1:45 P.M.

Monday, March 26th Mascot Tryouts

New Gym 7:45 A.M.

Friday, April 6th

Fitting

Room 141 and Room 174 4:15-5:45 P.M.

(A parent needs to be present to approve sizing)

Money Order: GTM Sportswear $245.00 7th Grade & 8th Grade

Money Order: Team Leader

7th Grade $157.47 8th Grade $163.44

Monday, April 2nd, 16th, 23rd, and 30th Monday, May 7th and 21st

Practice Tryout Attire

Old Gym 4:00-5:30 P.M.

Friday, April 20th

*** Money Order: Coyle Middle School $199.00***

June 11th - June 13th Camp

Cheer Athletics 1300 E Plano Pkwy C Plano, Texas 75074

9:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

Our Expectations

Before trying out for cheerleading, it’s imperative that everyone is well aware of

what we expect and the standards that we hold our cheerleaders to. The three most important requirements that both the candidate and his/her parents need to take into consideration for the duration of the 2018-2019 year are good character, financial deadlines, and our district’s constitution. If for some reason, you feel that you or your son/daughter cannot meet these expectations, you should reconsider trying out.

Displaying Exemplary Character

It is the belief of both coaches and our administrators that being a cheerleader is not only an honor; it’s a privilege as well. Therefore, should you be chosen to represent Coyle Middle School, it’s imperative that you follow all school rules and regulations as disrespect for authority, school personnel, school policy, fellow students, etc. will not be tolerated and may result in temporary or permanent dismissal from the squad.

Paying All Financial Obligations

Upon becoming a cheerleader, it is your responsibility to purchase the uniform and camp attire that have been selected by the sponsor, as well as pay for summer camp tuition. On April 6th and April 20th these fees HAVE TO BE paid in full by money order to GTM Sportswear, Team Leader, and Coyle Middle School. (Refer to the calendar for specific amounts.)

Reading and Abiding by the

GISD Middle School Cheerleading Handbook The GISD Middle School Cheerleader Handbook makes you aware of your rights, discusses our objectives, our philosophy and purpose, and specifically states what’s expected of every cheerleader in its domain. To avoid future conflicts, it is YOUR responsibility to become well acquainted with the contents of this document, especially the “Deduction System” because it will be strictly enforced and anyone who chooses not to abide will be held accountable.

Responsibilities

In addition to cheering for games, which include both football and basketball, other mandatory events include 6th Grade Orientation, parades, public appearances, and any fundraising activities scheduled by the sponsors. During football season, 7th grade games are Monday nights, and practices are on Tuesdays. The 8th graders practice Mondays and cheer Tuesdays. (In the event there is only one sponsor, practices for both squads will be on Wednesdays.) During basketball season, 7th grade cheers Mondays, and 8th grade cheers Thursdays. However, some game nights are subject to change.

Note: Everyone is responsible for his/her own ride to football games and must arrive no later than 5:00 P.M. Failure to do so will result in a 5 point deduction.

Selection Apparel

Cheer Clinic/Open Gym Mock Tryouts/Tryouts March 20th & 21st March 22nd, 23rd, and 24th

PONYTAIL PONYTAIL NO JEWELRY NO JEWELRY

T-shirt White T-shirt Knit Shorts SOLID Black knit shorts White socks White socks Tennis shoes Solid white tennis shoes

Cheer Clinic Only candidates who are academically eligible (refer to Fourth Six Week’s report card) may participate, and although it is not a mandatory event, we highly recommend everyone attend. If for some reason a candidate chooses not to participate, he/she will have to rely on another candidate to teach him/her the material (cheer, chant, and dance) that will be scored by the panel of judges and determines who makes the squad.

Cameras, camcorders, and picture phones are not permitted.

Parent Participation/Involvement Parents are not allowed in the building at any time on March 20th, 21st, 22nd, or 23rd while the candidates are assembled in the gym learning, preparing, or practicing their routines. This also applies to the actual tryout day itself at Brandenburg. Anyone choosing to enter the premises in spite of this warning will immediately be escorted out by a sponsor or the police, and some situations may require further action.

Day of Tryout Procedures

Afternoon All candidates should arrive at Brandenburg already dressed in the specified attire and report to the cafeteria by 12:00 to warm up. (If a candidate shows up after tryouts have already begun, he/she will be denied the opportunity to enter the building and therefore, will not be allowed to try out.)

Evening Notification

Once all the candidates have tried out and the judges have the opportunity to tabulate and verify their scores, everyone will be dismissed and given an envelope from the sponsor that contains specific instructions and a website address where the official results can be found.

Additional Information All candidates who make the squad will be required to have a physical AFTER May 1st and must submit a copy of the results to Ms. McGill no later than May 24th.

Judging

Cheerleader selections will only be based on a performance before a panel of 5 judges. The high and low score of each candidate will be dropped, leaving the remaining 3 to be averaged and then calculated to 2 decimal points by a district-wide, computer-generated program.

Performance: Sequence of Events

Before any judging will take place, all candidates (7th and 8th grade) will perform the cheer, chant, and dance for the judges so they have the opportunity to see what the material should look like. Afterwards, the contestants will exit the gym and tryouts will proceed as follows: In groups of 2 or 3, the candidates will execute the chant and dance. Then once every group has finished, in numeric order, each contestant will make his or her entrance, demonstrate three jumps, and then perform the cheer.

Who Will Make the Squad?

Each candidate will be scored on the following criteria: Entrance : Jumps : Presence/Poise (5) Toe Touch (10) Tumbling during run-in (10) Right/Left Hurdler (5) Spirit/Enthusiasm (5) Optional Jump (5) Cheer : Chant : Motion Technique (10) Motion Technique (10) Voice/Projection (5) Timing (5) Incorporation (5) Projection (5) -When executed perfectly: Back Tuck 5 pts., Flip Flop 4 pts., Toe Touch 3 pts., Other 2pts. Dance: Memory (5) Motion Technique (10) Timing (5)

The top ten 7th grade contestants who score 30% or higher and the top ten 8th grade contestants who score 35% or higher will be named as the 2018-2019 7th Grade Cuties and 8th Grade Tradition.

Disclaimers

Judges:

Every attempt is made to hire judges that have not worked with students in the Garland area. However, with the hundreds of camps in the state of Texas, attended by thousands of cheerleaders and taught by hundreds of instructors, it may be possible at some time that a member of the judging panel may have had some contact with a candidate who is trying out. Professional judges with outstanding credentials and references will be hired for all tryouts. They will be instructed to judge the candidates based only on the mastery of the skills they see during the tryouts. Tryout results will not be challenged because of prior knowledge of judges and candidates.

Judges’ Scoring

Scores and final results tabulated by a district-wide, computer-generated program will be non-debatable as every attempt of fairness has been attempted by having an administrator present at each phase of the tryout process.

Insurance:

As a cheerleader, your child is covered by the school insurance, providing that the proper GISD channels are followed. However, you are encouraged to have your own insurance or to take the additional school insurance.

Parent Meeting: Unless prior arrangements have been made with the sponsor, all candidates and parents are encouraged to attend the meeting on March 5th.

Candidate Eligibility: Even if a candidate cannot attend the Cheer Clinic due to ineligibility, they can however participate in the Panel of Judges portion of the tryout process.

Tryout information and packets for all GISD middle and high schools are also available at www.garlandisd.net Just go to

ProgramsAthletics & Spirit Groups Spirit GroupsCheerleading

Confirmation of Understanding I, the undersigned, have read the entire Coyle Middle School Cheerleading Application Packet and understand the contents within. I also acknowledge that:

1. Candidates must be registered to attend Coyle for the 2018-2019 school year and may not try out for another GISD squad,

2. Parents, family, and friends are not allowed in the buildings any day during the week of tryout activities. If we are, we risk sponsor or police removal and possibly other, further actions,

3. I will not contest the final decisions resulting from the Panel of Judges,

4. To receive my son’s/daughter’s scores in a timely fashion, I should turn in a signed request, as well as a self-addressed envelope along with the paperwork that’s due on March 9th. If I miss this deadline, I can contact the sponsor at a later date after tryouts are over,

5. I certify that all information I have provided to the sponsor is true and correct,

6. I understand the “Note to Parents,” and 7. Selected cheerleaders must:

a. display a positive attitude at all times, b. abide by the GISD Cheerleading Handbook or be subjected to the

consequences therein, c. abstain from making inappropriate posts on social media sites d. work hard in practice and in the classroom, e. attend scheduled events, f. provide their own transportation to and from games g. participate in the squad fundraiser

___________________________ ____________ Candidate Signature Date ___________________________ ____________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date ___________________________ ____________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Garland Independent School District Middle School

Cheerleading Handbook

I ,_________________________, a potential 2018-2019 cheerleader at Coyle Middle School, acknowledge that it is my responsibility to commit myself to my squad and at all times promote school spirit and good citizenship- both in and outside of school, and epitomize INTEGRITY. With this in mind, I place my signature below to illustrate my commitment to my teammates, the athletes, and the school I will represent provided I am one of the top10 scorers at the tryouts held on Saturday, March 24th. Not only have I been given a copy of the “GISD Middle School

Cheerleader Deduction System,” but I have read, understand, and agree with the contents therein. Therefore, on the ______ day of ________________, I pledge to be all I can be and to abide by this document. Should I choose to do otherwise, I WILL BE disciplined according to the information found in Appendix 5 which could result in benching and possibly dismissal from the squad.

__________________________________ Cheerleader Signature

___________________________________

Parent Signature

___________________________________ Parent Signature

As a parent, I have read through the constitution myself and know exactly

what can and will happen to my son/daughter should he/she deviate from the specified guidelines. I also pledge to do all that I can to help him/her be his/her best and to show respect for rules and regulations. At times this may require me to take responsibility for my child by calling the sponsor or by providing documentation, but this is my duty and my part in ensuring equality and fairness within the squad.

As stated on p.1 of the GISD Middle School Cheerleading Constitution

and Procedures, “Being a cheerleader is an honor and special privilege. Cheerleaders and spirit groups exist to promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, wholesome and enthusiastic school spirit and are first and foremost representatives of their school. Cheerleaders should exemplify both individual and group behavior suitable to their position and in accordance with the rules as stated in the GISD Student Code of Conduct. Members of these groups have a fundamental responsibility to play a leadership role in building teamwork and helping the school achieve its goals and objectives. Because of these responsibilities, members of the cheerleading squad will be expected to maintain a higher standard of behavior both on and off campus and academic achievement than that of their peers.” With that being said, detentions (for any reason) are unacceptable and will result in a 30 minute workout before, during, or after practice. The workout will include timed sprints, wall jumps, squats, push-ups, and crunches.

Additionally, maintaining a higher standard of conduct will also include ensuring that cheerleaders maintain an appropriate online presence. Cheerleaders are responsible for their personal websites, social media accounts, and postings as well as for postings on other students’ social media accounts. The areas of appropriateness will include, but are not limited to, language (abbreviated or alluding to), pictures, suggestive poses, clothing, reference to alcohol, drugs, and tobacco. Any question of appropriateness will be decided by the principal and sponsor/coach. In the event of such an issue, the principal and sponsor will determine and assign a suitable consequence, which could result in benching, suspension, or even dismissal from the squad.

___________________________ ____________ Candidate Signature Date ___________________________ ____________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date ___________________________ ____________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date

Behavior Accountability

Participation in the GISD cheerleading program carries both a significant time and financial commitment. Each cheerleader is expected to meet all financial responsibilities identified by their specific campus. Dedication to, and the prioritization of, cheerleading is obligatory from all cheerleaders to meet the objectives of the program. Candidates selected to be a member of the cheerleading squad are expected to maintain their commitment to the activity for the full cheerleading year. Prior to making commitments to be involved in other school activities, cheerleaders should carefully consider specific program requirements, as involvement in other activities may cause participation and time conflicts with cheerleading duties. Any cheerleader who voluntarily quits the squad before the end of the cheerleading year without the approval of the principal and sponsor will not be allowed to try out for the next year on any GISD campus. I understand the above portion of the handbook and confirm that I have not voluntarily quit any cheerleading squad at any GISD campus.

___________________________ ____________ Candidate Signature Date ___________________________ ____________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date ___________________________ ____________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date

The Cheerleading Commitment

Name: _________________________________________________________

Last First

Address: _______________________________________________________

Street

______________________________________________________

City Zip Code

Home # (___) _________________ Cell # (___) ___________________

Date of Birth _____________________

Month Day Year

Ethnicity: Hispanic/Latino

Not Hispanic/Latino

Race: American Indian or Alaskan Native

Asian

Black or African American

Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

White

T-Shirt Size: YM YL XS S M L XL 2XL

PARENT/GUARDIAN INFORMATION

Mother: ________________________________________________________

Last First

Cell Phone: (___) ___________________

Father: ________________________________________________________

Last First

Cell Phone: (___) ___________________

Family E-mail Address: _____________________________________________

Note to Parents…

It’s our sincere hope to have a successful and stress free

year. However, without your cooperation, it won’t be possible.

Therefore, we ask that you be mindful and respectful of the

following:

1. Practices are closed events. The only people who need to be

there are the athletes and their coaches.

2. Before, during, or after a game is not the time, nor the place

to approach a coach to discuss an issue. If you find yourself

unhappy about something that has occurred, e-mail your

concern to the sponsor, and if need be, schedule a conference.

3. Familiarize yourself with the “Deduction System” to avoid

having your son/daughter disciplined for something you might

have been responsible for.

4. Understand that your child is disciplined according to

GISD’s Cheerleading Handbook and not rules we make

ourselves. Consequently, there should be no need to question the

fairness of disciplinary actions that may be taken against

him/her. Note: You signed a statement acknowledging you had read and received a copy of the

“Deduction System” and that your child would abide by it or be subjected to the

consequences therein.

5. Any question that pertains to a child other than your own

will not be addressed.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation,

Ms. McGill

7th Grade Cuties & 8th Grade Tradition