MCHS CHEERLEADING TRYOUT AND GENERAL SQUAD INFORMATION

Eligibility Requirements Grade Requirements : Grade requirements for cheerleaders will follow the same guidelines as required by TSSAA for other athletes Attendance Requirements : Candidates must have acceptable attendance records without a history of unexcused absences. Discipline Requirements : Students with three (3) or more infractions in the current school year that required disciplinary action by the school administration will need to meet with MCHS administration and coach to determine eligibility to try out. Expenses Parents must commit to paying the costs involved for their child to become a cheerleader.

Trying Out Only those students who meet the eligibility requirements above will be allowed to tryout for cheerleader. Independent judges will be provided from colleges or cheerleading associations. There will be three judges with a minimum of one minority. Judges must have no local connections.

Trying Out, cont. Judges will be provided a scoring sheet (attached) for each student. These must be marked in ink and signed by the judge. Scores will be tallied under the principal’s direction. Students with the highest total scores will fill the spaces available on the cheerleading squad. All score sheets and tally sheets will be kept in a file in the principal’s office.(attached) The principal is responsible for overseeing the tryouts, the calculations, and announcing the winners immediately following the tryouts.

Trying out, cont. In case of a tie, those students who are tied for a place on the squad will be asked to perform another cheer and will be ranked again by the same judges. These tryouts are for both the football and basketball cheerleading squad, therefore; those making the squad will not be eligible for December graduation.

Tryout Practice Dates April 3- 6:30 April 5- Mock 6:30 April 6- 10:00 a.m. Practice and mock tryout is not mandatory but highly recommended

Time Consuming Practice Making Signs and Run-Throughs Fundraising Supporting MCHS teams

Cost Cheerleading is Expensive $50 deposit due at tryouts if you make it $500 cheerleading fee ◦ covers camp, camp clothes, shoes ◦ due at Varsity fitting, May 3 rd. Fall order-this is an additional cost ◦ Pom poms, warm-ups, body suits, bags

Fundraising Participation of all cheerleaders is a MUST We are a TEAM and we expect all members to participate fairly in the fundraising process. The purpose of fundraising is to cover cost of run-through supplies, transportation cost, new uniforms, and camp related expenses.

Fundraising cont. The types of fundraisers that you can expect are: ◦ Mini Cheer Camp ◦ Car Wash(es) ◦ Great American Opportunities Catalog Sale ◦ Candle sale ◦ Doughnut Sale ◦ Corporate Sponsors

Risk Cheerleading involves many risks We take every precaution to make sure everyone is safe Accidents do happen Camp teaches proper techniques Stretching and weight training may also be done

AACCA Safety

Rules, policies, and Guidelines As representatives of the school, a major emphasis is placed on academics and good behavior. We will follow the procedures and policies of MCHS when dealing with any academic or discipline issues.

Attendance Varsity cheerleaders must attend and participate in all cheerleading activities Summer camp Summer practices Regular practices Pep Rallies Consequences for unexcused absences: 1 st Time - Benched (1/2 Game) 2 nd Time - Written Warning + Benched (1Game) 3 rd Time - Required meeting with MCHS administration and coaches to determine action

Attendance cont. The consequences for tardies and leaving early from events are as follows: 1 st offense: Written up 2 nd offense: Meet with coaches to discuss issue 3 rd offense: Benched (1/2 game) 4 th offense: Benched (1 game) 5 th offense: Evaluation of problem – determine resolution

Attendance, cont. Social plans, family vacations, other sports and school related events and commitments, doctor’s appointments, any other extra curricular activity such as, but not limited to, sub-deb, gymnastics, job schedules, etc. must all be worked around MCHS cheerleading and WILL NOT be considered allowable excuses unless extenuating circumstances exist and previous arrangements have been made with the coach.

Bullying/Cyberbullying The advancement of technology has increased the incidences of cyberbullying Bullying and/or cyberbullying will NOT be tolerated from any MCHS cheerleader at any time

Bullying/Cyberbullying cont. Social media network accounts will NOT be monitored by the coaches-we will leave that to parents If the issue is brought to the attention of coaches or administration then it becomes a school matter and will be addressed See for more informationwww.tn.gov/education...

General Rules Cell phones are to be turned off and put away during all cheer events (including practice) Jewelry is not to be worn at any cheer event (including practice) ALL hair must be pulled back during practices and games (FB-pony tail) (BKB-at least half) w/ribbon Sitting, leaning, or excessive talking during games or practice is prohibited

General Rules, cont. Not doing what is asked by coaches or captains is not allowed BE on Time for Everything Making derogatory remarks about the school, our opponents, the staff and administration, or any other cheerleader or student will not be tolerated. At anytime during the year you should decide to quit the squad, you will not be eligible to try-out for the following year.

Consequences 1 st offense: Written up 2 nd offense: Meet with coaches to discuss issue 3 rd offense: Benched (1/2 game) 4 th offense: Benched (1 game) 5 th offense: Evaluation of problem - determine resolution

Free Physical Marshall Medical Center provides a free sports physical for Marshall County students. Upcoming 10 th, 11 th, and 12 th graders will be April 17, 2013

Good Luck! Please contact one of us if you have any questions! Betsy Gentry, coach Melanie Stacey, Asst.Coach