Table of Contents - Garland Independent School District · E. Judging Criteria 1. ... in all of the...

Table of Contents I. PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE II. OBJECTIVES III. DEFINITION IV. TRYOUT ELIGIBILITY A. Enrolment B. Academic Grades C. Conduct V. COMMITMENT VI. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY VII. COST COVERED BY THE GISD VIII. STUDENT COST IX. SELECTION A. Basis B. Location C. Tryouts 1. Packets 2. Procedures D. Squad Makeup E. Judging Criteria 1. Scoring Breakdown 2. Minimum Scores F. Judges 1. Number 2. Minority Judges 3. Certification 4. Statement of Acquaintance 5. Basis 6. In District Judges G. Panel Tryouts H. Score Tabulation 1. Entry 2. Score Calculation 3. Minimum Requirements 4. Score Retention 5. Statement of Finality 6. Ties I. For Varsity Candidates Only 1. JV Deficiency 2. Stipulations J. Exceptions 1. Ties 2. Injury 3. Video Usage Guidelines K. Notification L. Request for Scores 1. Candidate Request 2. Parental Request 3. Conditions

X. REPLACEMENTS XI. MAINTAINING ELIGIBILITY A. Eligibility Concerning Credits 1. Conditions 2. Regaining Eligibility 3. Summer School B. Eligibility Concerning Grades 1. Academic Requirements 2. Academic Suspension XII. GENERAL CONDUCT A. Statement Concerning Conduct B. Statement Concerning Social Media C. Discipline 1. Suspension 2. Expulsion/Alternative Education Center 3. Drugs, Alcohol, Tabaco and Illegal Activity 4. Removal/Resignment XIII. RECOMMENDATIONS & GUIDELINES FOR CHEERLEADING SAFETY XIV. CHEERING ACTIVITIES A. Football 1. All Squads 2. Varsity Cheerleaders 3. Junior Varsity Cheerleaders 4. Freshman Cheerleaders B. Volleyball C. Basketball D. Other Activities XV. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES/BOOSTER CLUBS XVI. COMPETITION SQUADS XVII. INCLIMENT WEATHER XVIII. TRANSPORTATION XIX. BOOSTER CLUBS XX. MONIES COLLECTED BY SPONSORS Appendix 1 – Student Cost Estimate Appendix 2 – GISD Centralized Tryouts Appendix 3 – GISD Cheer Judging Criteria Appendix 4 – Jump/Tumbling Scoring Criteria Appendix 5 – Stipulations For Placing Varsity Candidates on JV Squad Appendix 6 – GISD Deduction System Appendix 7 – Safety

GISD HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADER CONSTITUTION AND PROCEDURES

Revised 2/2016 www.garlandisd.net/cheerleader

I. PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE

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.

II. OBJECTIVES

Cheerleaders are expected to be physically and mentally skilled in learning and remembering cheers. They are also expected to be able to publicly demonstrate a skill level suitable for the team position and the timing necessary for group performance. Off the field, they are to enthusiastically support all athletic teams through advertisement, personal attitude, and attendance at events chosen by the sponsor/coach and approved by the principal.

III. DEFINITION

Cheerleading year: The rules and procedures outlined in this constitution are in effect from the time the student is selected to the cheerleading squad until the next tryout date. This does not include the academic guidelines. Because of TEA rules, the academic policies are in effect for a school year.

IV. TRYOUT ELIGIBILITY

A. Enrollment 1. A student is eligible to try out for cheerleader if either of the two conditions is met: a. At the time of the tryout, the student is enrolled in the Garland Independent School District and is trying out at the school where the student is registered to attend for the next school year. or b. If the student is not currently enrolled in the GISD, but is registered to attend a GISD campus for the next school year, the student may try out at that campus. 2. A student may try out at only one GISD school. B. Academic Grades 1. Students must have passed all subjects the preceding grading period in order to participate in all of the out-of-school workshops and judging. 2. If a student failed one or more course(s), he/she may try out for cheerleader. The tryout for a student who has failed a course is limited to one day participation before the judges. 3. If a student is academically ineligible for any two grading periods prior to cheerleading tryouts, that student is not eligible for cheerleading tryouts without joint - approval from both the principal and sponsor/coach. C. Conduct 1. Any student who has an excessive number of disciplinary referrals, has been placed in in- building suspension, suspended from school, or has been placed in an Alternative Education Center by any GISD campus administrator will not be eligible to participate in tryouts without



joint-approval from both the principal and sponsor/coach. 2. Areas to be reviewed will include but not be limited to the reasons for the referrals, academic grades, other discipline records, student attitude, and any other factors deemed relevant by the principal and sponsor/coach.

V. COMMITMENT

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/coach will not be allowed to try out for the next year on any GISD campus.

VI. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

It is the responsibility of each cheerleader to meet all financial obligations. Every effort is made to make all expenses minimal. A list of expenditures and their possible value is listed in the constitution. Failure to meet the stated financial obligations will result in a principal review which may lead to removal from the squad.

VII. COSTS COVERED BY GISD

A. Uniforms The purchasing of new uniforms is on a three-year rotation basis. The uniform provided by the GISD will include 1 skirt (female) or 1 pants (male), and 2 shells or sweaters per squad within the given budget year. B. Campus Cheer Budget A minimum cheerleader supply budget of $1,500 will be provided by the principal. This budget will cover items such as paint, paper, tape, etc. C. Letter Jackets Letter jackets will only be provided to Varsity cheerleaders who have not received a jacket in another sport or in academics. Orders for letter jackets must be turned in to the Director of Fine Arts prior to May 15 of each year by the Varsity sponsor/coach.

VIII. STUDENT COSTS

*See Appendix 1

IX. SELECTION

A. Basis The procedures for selection are based on the Board Policies of the Garland Independent School District and from the guidelines in this handbook. B. Location * See Appendix 2 1. The Garland Independent School District will hold a centralized tryout for the selection of the high school cheerleading squads. The goal of the centralized tryout will be to provide a consistent, equitable and monitored tryout process for all high school cheerleader candidates across the district.



The tryouts will be held on a Saturday in the Spring to be determined by the principals and Fine Arts Department. The date will not be during the week of the

State-mandated testing. 2. The principal of the school hosting the tryouts will chair a committee composed of the host school varsity cheerleader sponsor/coach, and the following year varsity sponsor/coach and a member of the Fine Arts Department. The committee will be responsible for facilitating the tryouts. The host sponsor/coach and Director of Fine Arts or his designee will be present during the entire process. Building principals will be present during the tryout for their school. 3. Parents will not be allowed in the building during any phase of the tryouts. C. Tryouts 1. Packets Each sponsor/coach will be responsible for the preparation and distribution of a packet of information to be made available to all candidates. This information will include specific tryout dates, times, attire, and procedures. The building principal and the Fine Arts Department must approve this information prior to distribution. Cheerleading packets from all secondary campuses will be posted on the GISD cheerleader website. Candidates and parents must sign a form stating that they understand and will comply with all information in the packet before the student is allowed to participate in the tryout process. 2. Procedures The following procedures are to be followed to the letter. Any deviations require approval

from the Superintendent or Fine Arts Department. a. Tryouts cannot take place prior to the date stated in the Operational Information for the Campus Implementation of the GISD Desegregation Plan handbook published by the Division of Administration. b. High school cheerleaders shall be selected by a scoring method that assigns a weight of 100% to the ratings assigned by a panel of certified judges. Students wishing to try out for the cheerleading squad must file an application and parent permission form with the team sponsor/coach by the first day of the clinic before the clinic begins. Schools may elect to set an earlier date for turn in (ex. at the parent meeting), but no student will be penalized as long as the information is turned in by the clinic date before the clinic begins. c. There will be no application fees or tryout fees for students trying out for cheerleader at the high school level. e. Cheerleader candidates wanting to participate in an optional cheerleader workshop may be charged a small fee, not to exceed $10.00, if the school chooses to host a pre-tryout workshop. f. Cheerleader candidates are required to submit the Pre- participation Medical Evaluation-Medical History form prior to tryouts. The form outlines in detail the questions which, if answered yes, require the candidate to show proof of a physical exam. Once a candidate is selected as a member of the cheerleader squad, the cheerleader will be required to complete the physical form. ALL cheerleaders must complete this form each year. Per UIL rules the physical must be dated after May 1. Most schools will offer low cost



physicals through the athletic department during the month of May. g. If a candidate is academically ineligible or does not attend the clinic for any reason, it is the responsibility of that candidate to make arrangements with the sponsor/coach or principal to receive a tryout number. h. Each campus sponsor/coach and principal will establish a uniform tryout outfit. Every item of clothing should be carefully considered to insure equity, affordability, and safety for the students during the tryout procedure. This uniform should be limited to plain white polo- style shirt with no visible logo, a solid colored short (style to be determined by the sponsor/coach), and any type of white athletic shoe. i. Mats will be available in all tryout gyms. It is each candidate’s choice to use or not use the mats. Certified judges will be instructed to score each candidate on the difficulty and execution of the candidate’s tumbling skills. j. Any student who arrives at the tryout site after the tryouts for that campus have started will not be allowed to try out D. Squad Makeup 1. The varsity squad will be made up of 16 cheerleaders. They will be the top scoring four seniors, the top scoring four juniors, and the eight highest scoring candidates of the remaining juniors and seniors. 2. The junior varsity squad will have 12 cheerleaders. It will be open to sophomores only. 3. The freshmen squad will consist of 12 incoming freshmen members. All candidates must meet the minimum scoring requirements in order to be placed on a squad.

4. In the event that there are not enough candidates who earn the minimum score, the squad makeup may be smaller than indicated above. 5. Combining squads for various purposes is at the discretion of each campus. 6. Candidates that make the minimum score, but are not in the top V.16/JV.12/F.12, may not be placed on an inappropriate grade level squad for any reason. 7. Exception see JV Deficiency IX.I.1. E. Judging Criteria * See the Appendix 3 1. Scoring Breakdown Entrance Presence/Poise (5) Tumbling during run-in (10) Spirit/Enthusiasm (5) Jumps Toe Touch (10) Right Hurdler (5) Left Hurdler (5) Optional Jump (5) *See Appendix 4 Cheer Motion Technique (10) Voice/Projection (5) Incorporation (5) Chant (5) Motion Technique (10) Timing (5) Projection (5) Dance Motion Technique (10) Timing (5) 2. Minimum Scores Each candidate must score a minimum percentage of points in order to be placed on a cheerleading squad. 7th grade – 30% 8th grade – 35% Freshmen – 40% Junior Varsity – 45% Varsity – 50%



F. Judges 1. Number There will be five judges on each panel. 2. Minority Judges Every attempt should be made and documented to secure a minority judge on each panel. 3. Certification Judges will be officially certified by the USASF, NCA, UCA or ACA. 4. Statement of Acquaintance Judges should not be hired to judge tryouts if they have tutored or taught the cheerleader candidates during the current school year. Every attempt should be made to hire judges who have not worked with students in the GISD 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. 5. Basis Judges will be instructed to judge the candidates based only on the mastery of the skills that they see demonstrated during the tryouts. 6. In District Judges GISD Cheerleader/Drill Team sponsors/coaches may not serve as a judge for GISD cheerleader tryouts. G. Panel Tryouts Panel tryouts will be closed to everyone except judges, principals, and principals' designees. Sponsors/coaches will not be present in the tryout room/area. There will be no students, parents, or existing cheerleaders in the tryout room/area, nor will they be involved in the collection or tabulation of scores. Any deviation by the

candidates from the tryout requirements may result in the disqualification of the candidate. H. Score Tabulation 1. Entry Each of the five judges will enter each candidates’ scores electronically. At the conclusion of the tryouts, a technical assistant will download all of the judges’ individual score sheets into a master database. It will be the responsibility of the building principal or his/her designee to bring the student names and numbers to the tryout site. Candidates will then be ranked from high to low and the appropriate number selected for each squad. The District-wide formula for tabulating final scores should be as follows: a. Each judge may award up to 100 points total per candidate b. The high and low judges’ scores will be dropped c. The remaining three scores will be averaged together to get the judges’ average score. d. This number will count 100%. 2. Score Calculation Scores will be calculated to two decimal points. 3. Minimum Requirements Each candidate must score the minimum percentage of points for their squad in order to be placed on a cheerleading squad. * See section VII.E.2. 4. Score Retention Scores will be left in the office of the principal until winners and non-winners are notified. Original scoring sheets will be retained for 30 days following the tryout date. 5. Statement of Finality Scores given to a student by an individual judge will not be changed by a sponsor/coach, principal, or the Fine Arts



Department. Complaints about any aspect of the tryout process are subject to the requirements of GISD Board Policy FNG (LOCAL), Copies of such policy may be obtained from the school principal. 6. Ties In the case of a tie, see section VII.J. I. For Varsity Candidates Only 1. JV Deficiency In the event that there are fewer than 12 candidates trying out for Junior Varsity cheerleader, the campus administrator will have the option of offering the available positions on the JV squad to the Varsity candidates who were not selected to the Varsity squad. 2. Stipulations. a. The Varsity candidates must have scored the JV minimum score of at least 45%. b. Varsity candidates and their parents must sign a letter of intention to be considered for this option BEFORE the day of tryouts. *See Appendix 5 J. Exceptions 1. Ties a. In the case of a tie, both students shall be selected. b. The Fine Arts Department must be notified prior to the announcement of winners when a tie is involved. 2. Injury a. In the case of physical injury prior to the tryout, the Fine Arts Department must be notified for permission to have any deviations in the tryout procedure. b. A video can only be used after notification of the Fine Arts Department, and only in the case of an injury that impairs a student from participating in a “specific skill” of the tryout. If a video is used, only a small segment of the video that

shows the “specific skill” done by the student prior to the tryout may be judged. c. A medical doctor's note indicating the specific skill the student is incapable of performing will be required prior to video use. 3. Video Usage Guidelines a. The judges shall be instructed to consider "absence of pressure," lack of physical/respiratory exertion, vocal ability, and note if a cheerleader is using a hard or spring floor when performing specific skills" on video. b. The candidate must perform each individual “specific skill” required in the tryout to receive credit/points. c. No score reduction or credit shall be exercised due to the claimed injury. However, in light of the above considerations, a perfect score for any “specific skill” or category should be rare. d. Sponsor/coaches will make these guidelines available to judges if a video is used for tryout. K. Notification After all tryout scores for a school are tabulated and confirmed by the principal and sponsor/coach, each candidate will be given an envelope with instructions to candidates on how to find out the results of the tryouts. No results will be distributed at the tryout site.

Final results for each school will be published on the GISD internet website. Candidates will be given the website address at the conclusion of the tryouts. Other acceptable forms of notification include the use of a call-out/call-in system and/or posting the results at the school. This list should be in alphabetical order with no indication of ranking.



L. Request for Scores 1. Candidate Request Any candidates wishing to receive their scores quickly should provide a stamped, self- addressed envelope to the sponsor/coach prior to the tryouts. Individual score sheets will be mailed no later than the Monday following tryouts. Other requests for scores can be made through the school principal. 2. Parental Request Parents may request to see their own child's score (no rank scores) from the principal or his/her designee. By law, all other student scores are protected and cannot be shared with anyone except the sponsor/coach, principal, or principal designee. 3. Conditions Principals or sponsors/coaches may release the composite scores/tally sheet of all students to any parent under the following conditions: a. No names or identifying numbers that would indicate the tryout order or results of individual students will be released. b. No judge’s names or identifying numbers that would indicate which judge gave which score will be released. c. The cut off number may be released. d. The final tally sheet may be released as long as they cannot identify individual students or tryout order cannot be identified. e. The original judge's score sheets will not be released to parents or students.

X. REPLACEMENTS

If a member of the cheerleading squad moves (or there is an opening for any reason), the principal and sponsor/coach

may fill the opening based on the tryout rank scores. Any replacement will take place on or before the first day of the first school term and is at the principal's and sponsor/coach's discretion.

XI. MAINTAINING ELIGIBILITY

A. Eligibility Concerning Credits 1. Conditions To be eligible at the beginning of the school year students must have earned the accumulated number of credits in state approved courses indicated below:

a. Beginning of the tenth grade year - at least 6 units toward graduation.

b. Beginning of the eleventh grade year - at least 12 units toward graduation or a total of 5 units that count toward graduation that have been earned during the 12 months preceding the first day of the current school year. c. Beginning of the twelfth grade year - at least 18 units toward graduation or a total of 5 units current school year. 2. Regaining Eligibility Lost due to Credits A student who lacks the prescribed number of units shall remain ineligible for all extracurricular competition or performance for the first grading period of the fall term. If at that time the student has passed all classes for the grading period, the student becomes eligible. 3. Summer School Students may apply credits completed in summer school or by correspondence toward eligibility requirements.



B. Eligibility Concerning Grades 1. Academic Requirement In order to be eligible for any grading period following the initial grading period of a school year, a student shall not have a recorded grade average lower than 70, on a scale of 0-100, in any course for the preceding grading period. 2. Academic Suspension A student whose recorded grading period average in any course is lower than a 70 at the end of a grading period will be placed on Academic Probation and suspended from competition or performance. A suspension continues for at least three weeks and is not removed during the school year until the student is passing all subjects taken. This suspension shall become effective seven calendar days after the last day of the period during which the grade lower than 70 was earned. a. Refer to Local FM policy for list of courses that are exempt from this policy. b. A student who regains eligibility at the end of a grading period or three- week grading period shall not become eligible until the end of the school day seven calendar days later. c. Students on academic probation must continue to attend classes and all practices, must sit out of all performances, and may not sit with or ride with the team to appearances or performances. Ineligible students are not allowed to wear the cheerleading uniform. This state policy does not apply to social activities. d. If an average of below 70 exists for two (2) grading periods in the same course or in different courses during the school year, the student will be removed from the

cheerleading squad for the balance of the school year. This will not include the courses designated in board policy as exempt from the ineligibility rule.

XII. GENERAL CONDUCT RULES

* See Appendix 6 A. Statement Concerning Conduct Cheerleaders are expected to behave in a manner that is becoming to the individual, as well as to the organization they represent. They should be aware that in or out of uniform they are representatives of the cheerleading squad and the high school they attend and should act accordingly. Proper manners should be used at all times to address adults. Mutual respect and politeness toward members within the squad are basic elements that contribute to the total success of the squad. B. Statement Concerning Social Media Maintaining a higher standard of conduct will also include ensuring that cheerleaders’ maintain an appropriate online presence. The internet is a worldwide, publicly accessible form of communication. Any social media content appearing on the internet is public domain, even if it is marked private. Cheerleaders are responsible for their personal websites social media accounts and postings as well as for postings on other students’ social media accounts. The area 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.



C. Discipline Any cheerleader removed from his/her squad for disciplinary reasons during the current cheerleading year on any GISD campus will not be eligible to participate in the next tryouts without joint approval from both the principal and sponsor/coach. Areas to be reviewed will include but not be limited to a review of the reason(s) for removal and student records since removal (academic grades, discipline records, attitude, etc.) 1. Suspension Students given in or out of school suspension may not perform, wear the cheerleader uniform, or practice with the squad while in the Reassignment Room or while suspended plus one calendar school day. Anyone given in or out of school suspension for any reason will be subject to the following actions: a. First Offense - Benched for next event, Principal/Sponsor/coach Review, placed on probation for duration of school year. b. Second Offense - Removal from squad.

2. Expulsion/Alternative Education Center

Any member who is expelled from school will be removed from the cheerleading squad for the remainder of the school year. Any member placed in the Alternative Education Program will be removed from the cheerleading squad for the remainder of the school year. 3. Drugs, Alcohol, Tabaco and Illegal Activity Any member failing to abide by published school rules relating to conduct, possession and/or use of drugs, alcoholic beverages, or other illegal activities will be subject to review

by the sponsor/coach and principal. Dismissal from the group may result from that review. The possession and/or use of alcohol, tobacco, illegal drugs or other illegal activities are expressly forbidden and will not be tolerated. Any infraction, on or off campus, will result in a principal/director/parent/student review. Dismissal from the team may result from this review. A second infraction will result in the immediate dismissal from the cheerleading squad. 4. Removal/Resignment Any student removed from the cheerleading squad must also be removed from the class. Students who have been removed and those who voluntarily quit retain no rights to team awards, recognitions, etc., which are received after dismissal, although they may have accrued over the duration of the school term. They lose all privileges associated with cheerleading membership, including attending cheerleading only events, using cheerleading facilities, and wearing cheerleader attire.

XIII. RECOMMENDATIONS & GUIDELINES FOR CHEERLEADING

SAFETY

*See Appendix 7



XIV. CHEERING ACTIVITIES

High school cheerleading squads are only permitted to cheer at two sporting events per school week. This does not include pep rallies, assemblies, etc., held during the school day. Friday night and weekend performances do not count in the two activities per week. A. FOOTBALL 1. Varsity Cheerleaders a. CL will cheer at all varsity games. b. Busses are available for all Varsity games. 2. JV and Freshmen Cheerleaders a. CL will cheer at all JV/Freshmen games. You may choose to cheer A or B team. b. Busses will only take you to out of Garland/Rowlett/Sachse games. 3. Playoff Games a. Playoff games will be covered by the Varsity Cheerleaders. b. If JV and FR squads attend varsity playoff games, they must ride with the VR squads. B. VOLLEYBALL 1. VR, JV and FR squads will split their individual squads to cover district HOME varsity volleyball games. 2. JV and Freshmen will select JV/Freshmen games to cheer at during the volleyball season when not cheering Varsity. 3. Playoff games should be covered. C. BASKETBALL 1. All Squads DISTRICT GAMES ONLY a. No out of town games on Monday through Thursday nights. b. No cheering during the holiday break. c. Playoff games should be covered. 2.Varsity Cheerleaders a. All VR boys and girls district games should be covered.

b. If VR CL are at VR boys game, then JV or FR CL should cover the VR girls game and vice versa. c. JV Cheerleaders JV will cover Girls’/Boys’ Varsity district games. d. When not cheering at a VR game, they will cheer the JV game at Sponsor/coach's discretion. 3. Freshmen Cheerleaders a. Freshmen will cover Girls'/Boys' Varsity district games. b. When not cheering at a Varsity Game, they will cheer the Freshmen game at Sponsor/coach's discretion. D. OTHER ACTIVITIES All Squads It is the sponsor/coach’s discretion as to what other activities the cheerleaders will cheer. You are required to attend each of these events.

XV. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES/BOOSTER CLUBS

These activities are at the discretion of the principal and coaches. Thus, a dollar sign cannot be assigned to this category.

XVI. COMPETITION SQUADS

Competition Squads are neither encouraged nor discouraged, but this activity should not interfere with the regularly scheduled activities of the cheerleaders. Competitions events, including UIL Spirit, are beyond the realm of the standard Cheer requirements. Whether to have a squad that enters competition is a decision to be made by the campus principal and sponsor/coach. The makeup of an individual campus’ competition squad will be left to the cheer coaches and the approval of the campus administration. Competition squads may consist of any combination of the Varsity, JV and Freshman squads and may include members that are not part of the schools official cheer squads.



XVII. INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather, it will be the responsibility of the cheerleader sponsor/coach, in collaboration with the building principal, to make the decision to leave the event. The decision will be based on what is in the best interests of the students and their health and welfare. If a parent or student voluntarily leaves a cheerleading event, they will be subject to the penalties as outlined in the cheerleading constitution.

XVIII. TRANSPORTATION

CL squads attending games in the city of Garland/Rowlett/Sachse may furnish their own transportation with sponsor/coach and principal approval. All games out of the city of Garland/Rowlett/Sachse will require bus transportation.

XIX. BOOSTER CLUBS

A. Booster clubs are optional, but may be allowed at the discretion of the principal and sponsor/coach. B. Booster clubs are formed by school patrons to help enrich an organization's participation in extracurricular activities. This should be their primary focus. C. Fund raising activities should support the educational goals of the school and cheerleading squad, but they should not exploit students. D. Booster clubs should have a board of directors made up of at least a President, Vice-President and Treasurer. There should be at least two signatories on booster club checks. A detailed list of income and expenditures should be published by the Treasurer for the membership on a monthly basis. E. Cheerleaders shall not be required to pay dues to a booster club. F. Cheerleaders shall not be required to raise money if a parent prefers to pay the students' cost.

XX. MONIES COLLECTED BY SPONSORS/COACHES

A. Cheerleader sponsors/coaches collecting monies from students will give receipts to students stating the amount of monies collected and what the money is to be charged toward (trip, uniform, spring show, banquet, etc.). B. Sponsors/coaches WILL keep a detailed accounting of income and expenditures of students' monies and make it available to parents upon request.

Student Individual Cost Estimate

A. TRYOUT/APPLICATION FEE There will be no tryout/application fee. B. SUMMER CAMP 1. Camp Fee $300-350 2. Transportation $50-75 3. Camp Wear $200-250 TOTAL FOR CAMP COSTS (ESTIMATE) $550-675 C. UNIFORM 1. Uniform Cleaning $30-50 2. Shoes $75-100 3. Socks $8-10 4. Sweatsuit $175-225 5. Sweatshirt $30-50 6. Briefs $20-25 7. Hair Bows $10-20 8. Shirt for Game Days $30-45 TOTAL FOR UNIFORM COSTS (ESTIMATE) $378-525 D. PROPS 1. Poms $20-25 2. Bag $50-60 3. Megaphone $60-80 TOTAL FOR PROPS (ESTIMATE) $130-165 F. TOTAL FOR ABOVE ITEMS (IF ALL PURCHASED) $1058-1365

GISD High School Cheerleader Constitutions And Procedures Appendix 1

Centralized High School Cheerleader

Tryouts

GISD Centralized High School Cheerleader Tryouts The goal of the centralized tryout will be to provide a consistent, equitable and monitored tryout process

for all high school cheerleader candidates across the district.

The tryouts will be held on a Saturday in the Spring to be selected by the principals and Director of Fine

Arts. If possible, this date should be determined in May of the previous school year and should not be

during the week of six weeks and/or State-mandated testing. SAT testing dates should also be avoided.

This date will be published in the GISD calendar that is prepared by the Communications Department.

The principals will make certain that it is published on each campus calendar and every attempt should be

made to avoid scheduling proms and other activities that may cause conflicts on this date. (If a choir

director chooses to plan a spring trip on this weekend, he/she must understand that there may be students

who will be unable to attend.)

School Warm-up Tryout

School 1 7:30 – 8:00. 8:00 – 9:30

School 2 9:00 – 9:30 9:30 – 11:00

School 3 10:30 – 11:00. 11:00 – 12:30

School 4 12:30 – 1:00 1:00 – 2:30

School 5 2:00– 2:30 2:30 – 4:00

School 6 3:30 – 4:00 4:00 – 5:30

School 7 5:00 – 5:30 5:30 – 7:00

**The school in the last time slot (7) will serve as HOST for the tryouts.

Note: Due to the fact that Garland High School is the only facility with three separate gymnasiums, the

tryouts will be held at this location each year.

The principal of the school hosting the tryouts will chair a committee composed of the Director of Fine

Arts, the host school varsity cheerleader sponsor, and the following year varsity sponsor. The committee

will be responsible for facilitating the tryouts. The host sponsor and Director of Fine Arts will be present

during the entire process.

Tryout Coordinator

responsibilities Work with the

GHS sponsor to secure:

• the three gymnasiums. (Any windows that could provide a line of sight from outside should

be covered with paper.) cafeteria for warm-up.

• a hospitality room for the judges.

GISD High School Cheerleader Constitution And Procedures Appendix 2

• a waiting area for the sponsors.

• a secured area with a Windows computer loaded with Excel for tabulation of the scores.

• Submit to the Director of Fine Arts a list of judges (UCA/NCA/UCA). Five judges will be

hired for each gym as well as an alternate. (Total of 16 judges)

Every attempt should be made to insure minority representation on each panel. The

alternate judge should be a minority if possible. Sponsor will make certain to document

steps taken to secure minority judges. The Director of Fine Arts will hire the final list of

judges.

• Secure the services of an athletic trainer or school nurse. This person can be on-call or on

site. If they are on site all day, they will be paid by the Director of Fine Arts.

• Make sure that there will be mats available in each gym. If GHS does not have enough mats,

you will need to put in a work order to have them delivered.

Host sponsor responsibilities

• Provide breakfast, lunch and snacks for the judges.

• Cover windows of areas that can be seen from outside.

• Secure a sound system for each of the gyms as well as a backup system. (You are not

expected to buy new sound equipment. Make arrangements to borrow from other campuses.)

• Hire one security guard.

During each school’s tryout:

• The principal or designee will be in the tabulation room to oversee the tryout process and the entry of

the scores into the computer.

• The principal or designee will provide three other administrators to be in each gymnasium to oversee

the judging. Another faculty member may be used to run the music and facilitate the tryout process.

This person should not be a cheerleader sponsor.

• Sponsors will have a designated waiting area, but should not be in the gymnasium.

• The Director of Fine Arts or his designee will oversee the entire process.

Parents will not be allowed in the building during any phase of the tryouts.

When a school is ready to tryout, the host sponsor will notify the candidates in the warm-up area. A

graduating senior cheerleader may escort the candidates to the appropriate gym for the tryouts. UNDER

NO

CIRCUMSTANCE WILL THE SENIOR CHEERLEADER GO INTO THE GYMNASIUM. Sponsors

will wait in the designated waiting area. Senior cheerleaders are not allowed in the tryout area or the

tabulation room.

Tabulation of the scores Each of the five judges will enter each candidates’ scores into an Excel

spreadsheet. At the conclusion of the tryouts, a technical assistant will download all of the judges’

individual score sheets into a master database. It will be the responsibility of the building principal or

his/her designee to bring the student names and numbers to the tryout site. Candidates will then be

ranked from high to low and the appropriate number selected for each squad.

The District-wide formula for tabulating final scores should be as follows:

Each judge may award up to 100 points total per candidate. The high and low judges’ scores will be

dropped


and the remaining three scores will be averaged together to get the judges’ average score. This

number will count 100%.

Scores will be calculated to two decimal points.

After the final tryout of the day, judges will be asked to stay on site until after computations are

completed.

All scores will be calculated to two decimal points. There will be no callbacks. In case of a tie, both

candidates will be selected as stated in the cheerleading constitution.

Notification

After all tryout for a school are tabulated and confirmed by the principal and sponsor, each candidate will

be given an envelope with instructions for how candidates can find out the results of the tryouts. NO

RESULTS

WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE TRYOUT SITE.

Acceptable notification options:

Candidates will be given an envelope with a telephone number to call to receive a recorded message

listed the cheerleading squad. For those schools with a telephone system that allows parent to call in and

access information, it is recommended that this system be used. By withholding the box number until the

day of tryouts, this will prevent other students from jamming the lines trying to call in.

Those schools with an outcall system may choose to use this. Each candidate will be given a card at the

conclusion for tryouts giving the times that the outcall will be made.

Final results for each school will be published on the GISD Internet Website. Candidates will be given

the website address at the conclusion of the tryouts.

Requests for scores

Requests for scores will be honored as outlined in the cheerleading constitution. Those candidates

wishing to receive their scores quickly should provide a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the sponsor

prior to the tryouts. Individual score sheets will be mailed no later than Monday. Other requests for

scores can be made through the school principal.

Timeline

May - Principals will set tryout date for the next school year.

January - Meeting of host principal, sponsor, and Director of Fine Arts to discuss tryout procedures.

February - Meeting of all sponsors and a principal from each campus at the tryout site (GHS) to discuss

tryout procedures.

February - Sponsors can begin preparing tryout packets according to the GISD tryout guidelines. All

packets must be approved by the Director of Fine Arts.

March/April - Clinics conducted on each campus.


March/April - Centralized tryout.

May - Follow-up meeting with Director of Fine Arts and sponsors to discuss tryouts and make

recommendations for revisions.

Schedule for Hosting Centralized Tryouts

1999-2000 Naaman Forest

2000-2001 South Garland

2001-2002 Rowlett High School

2002-2003 North Garland

2003-2004 Garland High

2004-2005 Lakeview Centennial

2005-2006 Sachse High



2008-2009 Rowlett High
















Cheerleader Tryout Scoring Criteria

ENTRANCE JUMPS CHEER CHANT DANCE Presence/

Poise Tumbling

(During Run-in) Spirit/

Enthusiasm Toe Touch Left Hurdler Right Hurdler

Optional Jump

Motion Technique

Voice. Projection

Incorporation Motion

Technique Timing Projection

Motion Technique

Timing

5 10 5 10 5 5 5 10 5 5 10 5 5 10 5

Presence/Poise *Start at 5 points and for each item missing or lacking, knock down a point

Shirt tucked in

Shoes tied

Proper Grooming

Hair pulled out of face

Energetic/upright walk

Positive Posture

Tumbling *Refer to the GISD Jump/Tumbling Scoring Criteria Spirit/Enthusiasm

1-3 No energy/No Smile/No spirit

3-5 Energetic/Smiling/ Loud Spiriting

Toe Touch Left Hurdler Right Hurdler Optional Jump *The Optional Jump may be any jump that the tryout candidate chooses to execute **Refer to the GISD Jump/Tumbling Scoring Criteria

Motion Technique

1-3 Motion levels off, lacking in sharpness, missed motions

4-7 Average motion levels, needing more sharpness (placing motions)

8-10 Good motion levels, sharp

Voice Projection

1 Soft

2 Speaking words

3 Saying words loud

4 Yelling words but lacks tone changes /enthusiasm

5 YELLING words with tone changes /enthusiasm

Incorporation *Refer to the GISD Jump/Tumbling Scoring Criteria

Motion Technique

1-3 Motion levels off, lacking in sharpness, missed motions


8-10 Good motion levels, sharp

Timing

1-2 Timing off throughout (unable to pick up or threw off rest of group)

3 Ok timing (able to pick up)

4-5 Good timing with group

Voice Projection

1 Soft

2 Speaking words

3 Saying words loud

4 Yelling words but lacks tone changes (levels)/enthusiasm

5 YELLING words with tone changes (levels)/enthusiasm

Motion Technique

1-3 Motion levels off, lacking in sharpness, missing motions


8-10 Good motion levels, sharp, popping dance, exhibits individuality

Timing

1-2 Timing off throughout (unable to pick up or threw off rest of group)

3 Ok timing (able to pick up)

4-5 Good timing with group

GISD High School Cheerleader Constitution & Procedures Appendix 3

Cheerleader Jump/Tumbling Scoring Criteria

Tumbling Jumps Incorporation *If a skill is not executed properly, then points

may be deducted into a lower scale 1-3 Below level jumps

4-6 Level jumps

7-10 Above level jumps

*Jump scoring can drop to the point category below if feet are flexed, if knees are bent or if landings are with feet apart.

1 Double toe connected (no whip)

2 Double toe whipped

3 Toe BHS

4 Toe Back

5 Toe BHS Back or better

Running Standing 0 None

1 Cartwheel

1-2 Round off

3-4 Round off BHS

5 Round off 2 BHS

6 Series (3 or more BHS)

7 Round off BHS Back

8 Series to back

9 Layout or whip to back

10 Full or specialty full

0 None

1-2 Back/Front Walkover or Cartwheel or

Aerial

3-4 BHS

5-6 BHS x 2

7-8 Standing Back

8-9 BHS Back

10 Standing Full

*BHS = Back Hand Spring


Placing Varsity Cheer Candidates on JV Squads

In order to give more students an opportunity to participate in the GISD Cheerleading Program,

the following revision to the tryout process has been implemented:

In the event that there are fewer than 10 candidates trying out for Junior Varsity cheerleader,

the campus administrator will have the option of offering the available positions on the JV

squad to the Varsity candidates who were not selected to the Varsity squad with the following

stipulations:

• The Varsity candidates must have scored the JV minimum score of at least 45%.

• Varsity candidates and their parents must sign a letter of intention to be considered for this

option BEFORE the day of tryouts. (A district form will be developed for this purpose.)

Questions and Answers

Question 1: There are 19 candidates trying out for Varsity cheerleader and 15 candidates trying

out for Junior Varsity cheerleader. Only 10 Junior Varsity candidates make the minimum score

which means that 5 candidates did not make the squad and there are 2 openings on the JV squad.

The 17th and 18th Varsity candidates have both scored the 45% required score. Can they have

the option of taking the 2 JV open spots?

Answer: No! Junior Varsity spots can only be filled if there are fewer than 12 candidates who

actually tryout.

Question 2: There are only 14 candidates trying out for the 16 Varsity spots and there are 14

Junior Varsity candidates. All of the JV candidates have scored the minimum required score. Can

the 2 JV candidates be offered the 2 Varsity spots?

Answer: No. Movement can only take place from Varsity to vacant Junior Varsity spots. No

other options will be offered.

Question 3: There are 19 candidates trying out for the Varsity spots. None of these candidates

have signed the required document indicating they are interested in taking a JV spot if available.

On Monday morning, the Varsity candidate who came in 19th place comes into the office and

announces that she would like to be placed on the JV squad. Can this be allowed?

Answer: No. The request to be considered for a JV spot must be declared BEFORE the tryout

date.

Question 4: There are 19 Varsity candidates trying out and all of them have completed the

necessary paperwork to be considered for a place on the JV squad. There are only 11 candidates

trying out for the JV squad which leaves one open spot. When the scores are tabulated, the

Varsity candidates who placed 17th and 18th have a tied score. Which candidate gets the JV

spot?

Answer: Just as in the regular tryout process, in the event of a tie, both candidates are selected.

Therefore, in this scenario, both Varsity candidates would be placed on the JV squad which

would mean that the JV squad now has 13 members.

GISD Cheerleader Constitution & Procedures Appendix 5

Question 5: There are 17 Varsity candidates trying out. All 17 have completed the paperwork to

be considered for the JV spot and all 17 have earned the minimum score of 45%. There are 12

Junior Varsity candidates trying out and all 12 candidates make the squad. During the summer,

one of the JV candidates moves to Oklahoma. Can the campus administrator offer the 17th

Varsity candidate the open position on the JV squad?

Answer: In this case, the same replacement policy that is currently in place in the Constitution

would be applied: If a member of the cheerleading squad moves (or there is an opening for any reason), the principal and

sponsor may fill the opening based on the tryout rank scores. Any replacement will take place on or

before the first day of the first school term and is at the principal's and sponsor's discretion.

Question 6: A parent complains that the Varsity and Junior Varsity candidates were not judged

by the same panel. They are concerned that movement is taking place between the squads that

were judged by different panels.

Answer: The GISD cheerleading squads are all judged on the same criteria by highly qualified

judges. Since no Junior Varsity candidate is being displaced or replaced by a Varsity member,

this is a non-issue.

Any varsity cheerleading candidate who would be interested in taking a JV spot should the

circumstance arise must turn in the form below with both signature by the end of the

school day on the Friday before tryouts on Saturday. There will be NO exceptions to this

deadline.


GARLAND INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT CHEERLEADING

PROGRAM APPLICATION FOR AVAILABLE JV CHEER

POSITIONS

VARSITY CANDIDATES ONLY!

This document must be signed returned to the cheerleader sponsor no later than the end of

the school day on the Friday before Saturday cheerleader tryouts. NO EXCEPTIONS!

Student's Name_______________________________________

GISD Campus________________________________________

The candidate and parents/guardian have read and understand the procedures and guidelines for a

Varsity candidate being placed in a Junior Varsity spot.

In the event that fewer than 12 candidates tryout for the JV cheerleading squad… _____

I would like to apply for an available JV cheer position.

_____ I do not want to apply for an available JV cheer position.

*All candidates applying for available positions must score at least 45%.

*All GISD cheerleader constitution rules apply.

Signature of Student_______________________________________ Date___________

Signature of Parent/Guardian_________________________________ Date____________


High School Cheerleader Deduction System

Games/Pep-Rallies/All Cheerleader Activities

1. CL must be in correct/complete uniform at school on

game/pep-rally days. Only letter jackets/designated

sweats/sweater may be worn with uniform or spirit

attire.

3 pt. deduction

2. Hair will be up and secure as per sponsor. 2 pt. deduction

3. No jewelry during performances games or pep-rallies. 2 pt. deduction

4. No chewing gum. 2 pt. deduction

5. No cursing/arguing. 5 pt. deduction

6. No colored nail polish. (clear only) 3 pt. deduction

7. CL will have required items upon arrival. 2 pt. deduction

8. CL will maintain proper sideline behavior at all times.

No excessive talking among CL.

No talking to people in the crowd.

Pay attention to the game/pep-rally.

Stand in correct formation/stance.

Cheer/spirit, jump and tumble the entire game or pep-rally.

Only one person out of formation at a time for drinks.

No taunting the other team.

CL will show respect during the National Anthem and both school songs.

2 pt. deduction

9. All CL will stay to clean up after each game/pep-rally

and will be dismissed by the sponsor.

2 pt. deduction.

10. CL will arrive on time in correct uniform at the designated meeting area and will remain for the duration of the game/pep-rally.

If a CL misses the bus he/she will not be allowed cheer

at the game.

5 pt. deduction

11. CL will be back on the field/court ready to cheer 1

minute before halftime ends.

Benched 3rd Qtr.

12. CL will stay on the field/court for the entire game/pep-

rally.

3 pt. deduction

13. CL will attend all in/out of school games, pep rallies, meetings, functions and activities. Any absence must be cleared by the sponsor prior to practice. Excused: Illness/doctor permit, death in family. Unexcused: Work/vacation, appointments non-UIL

involvement (AllStars, etc.) Note: An absence from

school does not excuse CL from the responsibility of

calling the sponsor.

Excused w/o prior notice will be ½ game/pep-rally. Exception: Death in the family. Unexcused will be

benched for 1 game

14. CL acting in an unsafe manner as determined by

sponsor.

First offense:

5 pt. Deduction

Second offense: Benched one game.

Third offense: Benched

2 games and

principal/sponsor

review with

possible dismissal

from the squad.

15. Leaving a cheerleading event early will result in a

benching equal to the time missed.

Uniform Guidelines

1. CL will not wear uniform to a non-CL function.

(Eating after a game may be approved by the

sponsor as an exception to this guideline.)

Benched 1 or

more games or

dismissed from

the squad.

2. CL will not lend out uniforms, sweats, letter jacket,

etc. to someone who is not a cheerleader.

5 pt. deduction

3. Uniforms may be altered, but no fabric may be cut

without prior approval from sponsor.

Replacement of

uniform

4. Uniforms will be turned in by the scheduled due

date. Uniforms must be dry cleaned with dated

receipt attached.

Loss of uniform

deposit

5. CL are responsible for damage to or loss of any part

of a uniform.

Replacement of

uniform or

repair cost

Practice

1. Cheerleaders (CL) must wear appropriate workout

clothing when practice begins.

2 pt. deduction

2. Hair must be up and secure. 2 pt. deduction

3. No jewelry during practices. 2 pt. deduction

4. No chewing gum. 2 pt. deduction

5. No cursing/arguing with anyone. 5 pt. deduction

6. CL will have required items (forms, signs, etc.) at

the beginning of practice.

2 pt. deduction

7. CL must be on time to cheerleading class (No one in

hallways after the tardy bell)

School policy

8. CL must be on time to all in/out of school practice. 2 pt. deduction

9. CL will not leave practice or the practice area

without permission.

2 pt. deduction

10. CL will attend all in/out of school practices. Any absence must be cleared by the sponsor prior to the practice. Excused: personal illness, death in family, illness in family that requires out-of-town travel, funeral, mandatory court appearance, and religious holidays. Unexcused: Work/vacation, appointments, non-

UIL involvement (All-Stars, etc.)

Excused w/o prior notice will be benched ½ game. Exception: death in the family. Unexcused:

Benched

1 game

11. CL cannot miss the last practice before a game. Benched 1 game

12. CL will attend all summer practices. Benched ½ game

per miss

13. CL will follow practice rules # 1-10 for summer

practice.

5 pt. deduction

Other School Functions

1. All CL will participate in the Labor Day Parade. Benched 1 game

2. All CL are encouraged to participate or support the

CL fund-raising activity which goes to support CL

functions/costs.

Those not

participating will

pay for their

portion from

their own funds.


General

1. CL hair will be a natural color. Benched until returned to a natural color.

2. No visible tattoos, piercings or spacers. Benched until no longer visible.

3. CL will not leave food, trash, or mess in the

dressing room, practice area, halls, or any

performance area.

2 pt. deduction

4. CL will not participate in any public display of

affection during school, at school activities or

while wearing the CL uniform.

5 pt. deduction /office referral

5. CL will follow all school rules and GISD policy,

including the dress code.

5 pt. deduction /office referral

6. CL will follow (not agree with) the head CL(s)

instructions at all times at CL activities.

Benched one qtr.

7. CL will respect/respond to all 3 sponsors at all

times. Rudeness/insubordination will not be

tolerated.

Benched

8. CL will respect all teacher/staff members at all

times.

Benched

9. CL will not receive an office referral for any

reason.

Benched and sponsor & principal or principal designee review.

10. CL placed in the Reassignment Room or given out

of school suspension for any reason.

First Offense – Benched for next event, Principal/ Sponsor Review, placed on probation for duration of school year.

Second Offense – Removal from squad.

11. CL receiving an N in conduct from any teacher. Sponsor & principal review

12. CL receiving a failing grade for any class. 3-6 wk. probation & sponsor/ principal or principal designee review

Summer Camp

1. CL will be on time to all camp activities. 5 pt. deduction

2. A CL may not leave the campus with anyone at any

time unless approved by the sponsor

Sent home, and possible squad dismissal me, and possible squad dismissal

3. CL may not talk to family/friends when engaged in a

squad activity. Absolutely no public display of

affection.

5 pt. deduction

4. CL will respond to both sponsors' directions. No

disrespect will be tolerated.

10 pt. deduction

5. CL will follow all NCA/UCA/ACA or other

professional cheerleading association & university

camp rules and respect all staff members.

10 pt. deduction

6. CL will respect each other and all other squad

members. No taunting/arguments or cursing will

be tolerated.

5 pt. deduction

7. Absolutely no smoking, drinking, or illegal

substances will be tolerated.

Sent home, reported to the principal and possible dismissal from the squad.

1. After a 15-point deduction, the cheerleader will be benched for one game. When games are not an option, sponsors will assign physical activities. (Laps, pull throughs, etc.) If he/she accumulates 25 points in different offenses, he/she will be benched for the remainder of the six weeks. After the individual is benched one game for accumulating 15 points, the points will continue to be deducted from the six weeks grade; to accumulate toward the 25 point total, and/or possible failure. Injuries: If an injury occurs that keeps the student out of two practices, a note from the student's parent or doctor stating the reason will be required. If the injury restricts the student from three or more practices, a doctor's note will be required. This note should state the nature of the injury, the length of time of the restriction, the specific task the student cannot perform, and any special instructions. Lack of participation will be categorized as missing practice if there is no note. 2. Accumulation of three or more benchings may result in a principal/sponsor review which could result in removal from the squad. 3. Injuries: If an injury occurs that keeps the student out of two practices, a note from the student's parent or doctor stating the reason will be required. If the injury restricts the student from three or more practices, a doctor's note will be required. This note should state the nature of the injury, the length of time of the restriction, the specific task the student cannot perform, and any special instructions. Lack of participation will be categorized as missing practice if there is no note. 4. Repeated/excessive offenses may result in a sponsor/principal review. Repeated/excessive is defined as repetition of the same offense three or more times during the duration of a season. Seasons are: Football--beginning of school until December 1 or the last football game, whichever is later. Basketball—December 2 until March 1 or the last basketball game, whichever is later. Violation of the same rule or guideline three or more times in a season will result in the CL being placed on probation for the remainder of that season. Violation of the probation by further misconduct could result in dismissal from the squad. 4. Any sponsor and principal review of student’s actions may result in dismissal from the squad. 5. Guidelines: these are general rules and guidelines for all GISD cheerleaders. Failure to comply may at times require judgment calls to be made. These decisions will be left up to the individual sponsors for each squad. Sponsors reserve the right to upgrade any penalty (immediate benching, office referral) depending on the severity of the situation.


2015-16 AACCA School Cheer Safety Rules Rule changes have a grey background. For the current version and rule interpretations, visit http://www.aacca.org.

A. Glossary Base: A person who is in direct contact with the performing surface and is supporting another person’s weight.

Basket Toss: A stunt in which a top person is tossed by bases whose hands are interlocked.

Bracer: A top person who stabilizes and/or assists another top person.

Braced Flip/Roll: A pyramid in which the top person performs a hip-over-head rotation while in contact with bracers.

Cradle: A dismount from a partner stunt, pyramid or toss in which the catch is completed below shoulder height by a base or bases with the top person in a face-up open-pike position.

Cupie/Awesome: A stunt in which both feet of the top person are in one hand of a base.

Dive Roll: A forward roll where the feet leave the ground before the hands reach the ground.

Downward Inversion: A stunt or pyramid in which an inverted top person’s center of gravity moves toward the performing surface.

Drop: Landing on the performance surface from an airborne position.

Elevator/Sponge Toss: A stunt in which the top person loads in to an elevator/sponge loading position and is then tossed into the air.

Extended Stunt: A stunt in which the entire body of the top person is extended in an upright position over the base(s). Chairs, torches, flatbacks and straddle lifts are examples of stunts where the bases’ arms are extended overhead, but are NOT considered to be extended stunts since the height of the body of the top person is similar to a shoulder level stunt.

Flatback: A stunt in which a top person is held face up or face down, in a horizontal position, with their hips and shoulders in alignment.

Foldover Stunt: An inverted stunt in which the top person bends at the waist and is caught on his/her back by multiple catchers while one or both of the top person’s ankles/feet remain in the grip of the base(s) (e.g., yo-yo, pancake, etc.)

Hanging Pyramid: A pyramid in which the top person’s weight is primarily supported by another top person. Examples of hanging pyramids are: a person being suspended between two shoulder stands; a “whirlybird” stunt where one person’s weight is being supported by the legs of a top person in a shoulder sit; and a “diamond head” where two persons are suspended from one shoulder stand.

Helicopter: A stunt in which the top person is tossed into the air in a horizontal position and rotates parallel to the ground in the same motion as a helicopter blade.

Inverted: A body position where the shoulders are below the waist.

Loading Position: Bases support a non-extended top person under the foot/feet in preparation for a stunt or toss.

Log Roll: A top person in a horizontal position or cradle is popped then twists parallel to the performing surface before being caught by the original base(s) in a horizontal position or a cradle.

Pyramid: Connected partner stunts.

Post: A person on the performing surface who may assist a top person during a stunt or transition.


http://www.aacca.org/

Prep: A stunt in which one or more bases hold a standing top person at approximately shoulder height.

Prep Level: When a top person’s base of support is at approximately shoulder height.

Prop: Any object which can be manipulated or used as a base (ex: poms, signs, flags, megaphones, etc.)

Quick Toss/Partner Toss: A toss technique where the top person begins the toss with at least one foot on the ground. The base(s) can apply an upward force on any part of the body other than under the foot. Quick Toss is the common term when multiple bases are used.

Released Pyramid Transition: A pyramid transition in which the top person is connected to a bracer while being released from their bases before being caught in a cradle, stunt or loading position.

Release Stunt: A transition from one stunt to another stunt (including loading positions) in which the top person becomes free from all bases, posts and spotters.

Spotter: A person who is responsible for assisting or catching the top person in a partner stunt or pyramid.

Stunt/Partner Stunt: One or more persons supporting one or more top persons off of the ground.

Switch Liberty: A stunt in which the top person begins with one foot on the performing surface, is released from the bases, and then lands in a stunt on the other foot.

Suspended Roll: A stunt in which one or more upright bases or posts hold a top person’s hand(s)/arm(s) while the top person performs continuous hip-over-head rotation.

Tension Drop: A dismount from a stunt or pyramid where the top person(s) are directed toward the ground while their feet are held by the base(s) until just before the landing.

Tick-Tock: A stunt that is held in a static position on one leg, the base(s) takes a downward dip and release the top person as the top person switches the weight to the other leg and lands in a static position on the opposite leg. The dip may or may not pass through prep level before release.

Top Person: A person who is not in contact with the performing surface and is being supported or stabilized by another person or has been tossed into the air.

Toss: A release stunt in which the base(s) begin underneath the top person’s foot/feet, execute a throwing motion from below shoulder level to increase the height of the top person, and the top person becomes free from all bases, spotters, posts or bracers. Note: This term applies when at least one base is under one or both feet of the top person. For other types of tosses, see “Quick Toss/Partner Toss”.

Tumbling: Gymnastic skills that begin and end on the performing surface, including rolls, inverted extended skills (cartwheels, handstands, walkovers, handsprings, etc.), aerials, twists and flips. NOTE: Jumps, leaps and side rolls on the performing surface are not considered to be tumbling.

B. General

1. These rules are to be in effect for all practices, games, competitions and other performances.

2. Cheerleading squads should be placed under the direction of a qualified and knowledgeable coach.

3. All practice sessions should be supervised by the coach and held in a location suitable for the activities of cheerleaders (i.e., use of appropriate mats, away from excessive noise and distractions, etc.).

4. Coaches should recognize a squad's particular ability level and should limit the squad's activities accordingly. "Ability level" refers to the squad's talents as a whole and individuals should not be pressed to perform activities until safely perfected.

5. All cheerleaders should receive proper training before attempting any form of cheerleading gymnastics (tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids and jumps).


6. Professional training in proper spotting techniques should be mandatory for all squads.

7. All cheerleading squads should adopt a comprehensive conditioning and strength-building program.

8. An appropriate warm-up routine should precede all cheerleading activities.

9. Prior to the performance of any skill, the immediate environment for the activity should be taken into consideration including, but not limited to proximity of non-squad personnel, performance surface, lighting and/or precipitation. Technical skills should not be performed on concrete, asphalt, wet or uneven surfaces or surfaces with obstructions.

10. Programs should qualify cheerleaders according to generally accepted teaching progressions. Appropriate spotting should be used until all performers demonstrate proficiency of the skill.

11. All jewelry is prohibited during participation. Religious medals and medical medals are not considered to be jewelry. A religious medal without a chain must be taped and worn under the uniform. A medical alert medal must be taped and may be visible.

12. Supports, braces and soft casts which are unaltered from the manufacturer’s original design/production do not require any additional padding. Supports/braces and supports/braces that have been altered from the manufacturer’s original design/production must be padded with a closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less than one-half inch thick if the participant is involved in partner stunts, pyramids or tosses. A participant wearing a plaster cast or a walking boot must not be involved in partner stunts, pyramids or tosses.

13. Squad members must wear athletic shoes (no gymnastic slippers).

14. When discarding props (signs, etc.) that are made of solid material or have sharp edges/corners, team members must gently toss or place the props so that they are under control.

15. The use of mini-trampolines, springboards, spring-assisted floors or any other height-increasing apparatus is prohibited for competition or performance. These devices may be used for skill development and practice under the supervision of a coach trained in their use.

C. Partner Stunts

1. Partner stunts (free-standing or as part of a pyramid) higher than shoulder stand level must have a separate, continuous spotter for each person over shoulder stand level.

2. The bases of any extended stunt must have both feet in direct weight-bearing contact with the performing surface.

3. Bases may not: a. Hold any objects in a hand that is supporting the top person. b. Assume a backbend, handstand or headstand position.

4. A spotter is required for single base shoulder level stunts in which the feet of the top person are in the hand(s) of the base. (This spotter may assist under the sole of the foot.)

5. In stunts requiring a spotter, a spotter: a. Cannot provide primary support for a top person. Primary support means the majority of the top person’s

weight. b. Must be in a position to protect the top person’s head, neck and shoulders when coming off a stunt or

pyramid or landing in a cradle. In most stunts this is behind or beside the top person. c. Spotters must have their attention focused on the top person. Momentarily looking away in order to assess

environmental safety factors (poms, signs, another stunt, etc.) is allowed as long as their focus returns to the top person.

d. May not have their hands behind their back.


e. May not support under the heel or sole of the top person’s foot in a single based extended stunt. They may hold at the ankle of the top person and/or the wrist of the base or any combination thereof.

f. May not hold any objects in their hands.

6. In all Quick Tosses and Partner Tosses the following rules apply: a. No one can apply force under the foot. If force is applied under the foot and there is a release, the rules in

the “Tosses” section apply. b. If landing on the ground, a catcher must control the top person back to the ground and the top person must

land with at least one foot on the ground. c. If landing in a cradle, one additional catcher is required. d. The top person cannot travel over or under another person. e. The top person cannot be caught in a single base horizontal position.

7. The total number of twists in a dismount from a stunt cannot be greater than 1 1/4 rotations.

8. Partner stunts and pyramids may not pass over, under or through other partner stunts or pyramids.

9. Cradle dismounts from partner stunts shoulder height or above to the original base(s) require an additional spotter in position to protect the head, neck and shoulders of the top person.

10. In all dismounts to catchers who are not the original bases, the following conditions must be met:

a. The top person must be cradled by two catchers and a head-and-shoulders spotter/catcher.

b. The new catchers must remain close to the original bases.

c. The new catchers must be in place and not involved in any other skill when the release is initiated.

d. The top person may not perform any skill (twist, toe touch, etc.) following the release.

11. In all cradle dismounts, the top person must not hold props that are made of hard material or have corners or sharp edges.

12. Unless listed below, a release stunt must either be cradled or connected to at least one bracer. a. Helicopters are allowed provided all of the following conditions are met:

1) The top person makes no more than a 180 degree rotation (half-turn). 2) Four bases must be in position during the entire release. 3) There must be a base at the head/shoulder area during the initiation of the toss as well as the catch. 4) The bases are not allowed to change positions during the release. 5) The top person must begin and end in a face up position. 6) The top person cannot perform a twisting skill.

b. A log roll is legal provided it does not involve more than one complete rotation and the top person is not in contact with a person in a release stunt. 1) In a single-base log roll, the top person must rotate toward the base and begin and end in a face-up

position. 2) In a multi-base log roll, the top person may begin and end in a face-up or face-down position.

c. A free standing tick-tock that begins at shoulder level is permitted. d. A top person in a horizontal position shoulder height or below or in a cradle may be released to a loading

position or stunt shoulder height or below. e. A top person in an inverted position on the performing surface can be released to a loading position below

shoulder height.

13. Non-braced suspended splits in a transition are allowed provided all of the following conditions are met: a. The top person must have both hands in continuous contact with a post or with both bases’ hands or, b. When transitioning to the split without continuous hand-to-hand contact:

1) There are a total of four bases that support the top person. 2) At least three of the bases must support under the legs of the top person. The fourth base may support

under the legs or make contact with the hands of the top person.


3) The top person must have both hands in contact with bases during the split portion of the transition.

14. Extended Straddle Lifts must have an additional spotter for the head and shoulders of the top person (similar position to a Double-Based Elevator/Extension Prep).

15. Single-based stunts in which the top person is parallel to the performing surface and the bases’ arms are extended must have a continuous spotter at the head and shoulder of the top person. (i.e. Bird, Side T, Single-Based Flatback, etc.)

16. A top person may be moved from a vertical position to a horizontal position (straight body or cradle) provided all the following conditions are met: a. The top person maintains contact with at least one original base or spotter. b. At least two catchers and/or bases catch the upper body of the top person. c. The catchers must be to the side or front of the person(s) moving the top person. d. When the catchers are not the original bases, they remain close to the original bases and must be in place

prior to the movement to the horizontal position. e. When the catchers are not the original bases and the top person begins or passes through an extended

overhead position, at least three catchers are required.

17. A single-base may not be the only primary support for two extended top persons. EXCEPTION: Double Cupies/Awesomes are allowed. If dismounted to cradles, there must be three people for each top person being cradled.

18. Dismounts to the performing surface from shoulder height or above must have assisted landings. If the dismount involves a skill (e.g. toe touch, twist, etc.) the assistance must be from two bases or a base and spotter. This assistance must be sufficient to slow the momentum of the top person.

19. A swinging stunt is legal provided all the following conditions are met: a. A downward movement is only allowed from below shoulder height. b. The top person is face up. c. The top person begins from the performing surface or a stunt that is below shoulder height.

20. A top person must not be in a face down suspended position between bases in which the top person’s torso is suspended below the arms and legs.

21. Single-based split catches are prohibited.

22. Tension drops are prohibited.

D. Inversions Note: Inversions are partner stunts or pyramids in which the top person has her or his shoulders below the waist. In

addition to the following rules, all persons involved in an inversion must follow all rules from the Partner Stunt and

Pyramid sections.

1. Unless allowed under the rules in this section, a top person must not be in an inverted position.

2. Suspended rolls are allowed provided: a. Two people on the performing surface control the top person with continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact to

a stunt, two-person cradle, loading position or the performing surface. b. A single base or post controls the top person with continuous hands-to-hands contact to a stunt, two-person

cradle, loading position or the performing surface. c. A single base/post suspended roll that ends on the performing surface requires a spotter. d. If caught in a cradle, load or stunt, the new catchers are in place and are not involved with any other skill

when the suspended roll is initiated. e. The feet/ankles of the top person are released.


3. Braced inversions in a pyramid that do not flip or roll are allowed provided the following conditions are met: a. The top person does not begin in an extended inverted position. b. Braced inversions that release must follow the Release Pyramid Transition rule E-7.

NOTE: Braced inversions that do not release are treated just like any other non-released braced stunt and must follow the Pyramid rules E1 – E5.

4. Braced flips or rolls in a pyramid are allowed provided all the following conditions are met: a. The top person begins in a multi-base loading position, stunt, cradle, or on the performing surface. b. The top person does not begin in an extended inverted position. c. The top person maintains continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact with a bracer on each side. d. The bracers are in double base preps with a spotter. e. The top person is between or in front of the bracers. f. At least three catchers (one base and two spotters or two bases and one spotter) who were the original

bases/spotters catch the top person in a loading position, stunt or cradle, or assist the top person to the performing surface. If the flip ends in a cradle, the bracers may release the top person once she/he begins to descend and is no longer inverted.

g. The top person ends in a non-inverted position. h. The top person does not perform more than one and one quarter (1¼) flipping rotations and no more than

one half (½) twist. i. The bases/catchers remain stationary except as necessary for safety adjustments.

5. In all other inversions: a. An inverted top person is allowed to pass through an extended position, but must not pause or stop while

extended. b. In inversions where the base of support begins and remains below prep level:

1) At least one base or spotter must be in a position to protect the head/neck of the top person. 2) The base or spotter must maintain contact with the top person’s upper body (waist and above, including

arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the performing surface. The contact must be sufficient to stabilize/control the top person’s position. EXCEPTION: A top person in an inverted position on the performing surface may be released to a loading position below shoulder height.

c. In inversions where the base of support begins at or passes through prep level: 1) At least two people on the performing surface must be in a position to protect the head/neck of the top

person. 2) The bases/spotters must maintain contact with the top person’s upper body (waist and above, including

arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the performing surface. The contact must be sufficient to stabilize/control the top person’s position. EXCEPTION: In a foldover stunt, the top person may initiate the inversion without upper body contact.

3) The top person must not go directly to an inverted position on the performance surface from a prep or higher.

d. Dismounts from inverted stunts to a cradle or an upright position on the performing surface are allowed provided the top person begins in a static or “pump and go” position (i.e., handstand) and does not perform any skill (e.g., toe touches, twists, etc.). Dismounts to the performing surface from shoulder height or above must follow Rule C-18.

6. An inverted top person must not hold objects (poms, signs, etc.) in his/her hands. EXCEPTION: During a transition from an inverted position on the performing surface to a non-inverted stunt, a top person can hold objects.

E. Pyramids Note: In addition to these specific pyramid rules, all persons and stunts involved in a pyramid must follow all rules from

the Partner Stunt and Inversion sections.


1. The top person in a pyramid must receive primary support from a base or be connected to a bracer who is on a base.

2. A bracer may not support a majority of a top person’s weight.

3. In braced pyramids, at least one bracer of each pair must be at shoulder height or below. EXCEPTION: Extensions (double- or single-based) may brace other extensions.

4. Partner stunts and pyramids may not pass over, under or through other partner stunts or pyramids.

5. If a person in a pyramid is used as a brace for an extended stunt, that brace must not be supporting a majority of the top person's weight. (To demonstrate this, the foot of the top person’s braced leg must be at or above the knee of their supporting leg.)

6. Hanging pyramids must have a continuous spotter for each shoulder stand involved in suspending another person. Hanging pyramids are not allowed to rotate.

7. In a Released Pyramid Transition the following rules apply: a. The skills before and after the release must be legal, including the required spotters. b. The top person must be in hand/arm to hand/arm contact with at least one bracer during the entire

transition. c. The top person and each bracer must have a separate spotter.

EXCEPTION: Bracers in shoulder sits and thigh stands do not require a spotter. d. The top person may not be supporting his or her weight on any other body part of the person(s) assisting

(i.e. Shoulders of the bracer). e. The released top person and bases make no more than a ¼ turn around the bracer in a continuous

movement in which the top person remains above the original base(s).The top person must be continuous in motion and cannot be supported so that they pause during the transition.

f. The top person must be caught by original bases.

For braced inversion pyramids, see Rule D3 and D4.

F. Tosses The rules in this section only apply to tosses where someone is under a foot, e.g. basket tosses, elevator/sponge

tosses, toe pitch tosses.

1. All tosses in this section are prohibited for Elementary, Middle School, and Junior High cheerleading teams.

2. In all tosses: a. No more than four tossers are allowed. b. Must be caught in a cradle.

1) The cradle must include at least three of the original tossers. 2) One of the catchers must be at the head and shoulders.

c. The toss may not be directed so that the bases must travel to catch the top person. (The bases can turn/rotate under the toss.)

d. The top person may not hold any objects (poms, signs, etc.) during the toss. e. The top person cannot travel over or under another person. f. The total number of twists cannot be greater than one and one quarter rotations.

EXCEPTION: Switch Liberties (also called Giddy Up or Tick Up) are allowed.


G. Tumbling and Jumps

1. Dive rolls are prohibited.

2. Flips greater than one rotation are prohibited.

3. Twists greater than one rotation are prohibited.

4. A forward three-quarter flip to the seat or knees is prohibited.

5. Tumbling or rebounding over or under a stunt, person or prop is illegal. EXCEPTION: Non-aerial tumbling over a person or prop is allowed. (Cartwheels, rolls and walkovers with poms or over a person are allowed. Back handsprings and tucks with poms are prohibited.)

6. A flip that lands in a partner stunt or cradle is prohibited. (Example : A back flip from a tumbling pass into a cradle is prohibited. However, rebounding from a back handspring into a cradle is allowed.)

7. Landings for all jumps must bear weight on at least one foot. (Example : A toe touch jump to the seat, knees, or landing with both feet back, or to a push-up position are prohibited.)

8. Knee drops are prohibited without first bearing weight on the hands.

9. Drops to a prone position (i.e. pushup) on the performing surface are illegal.

10. Airborne skills without hip over-head rotation may not jump from a standing or squatting position backwards onto your neck, shoulders and hands. (This rule only refers to a type of entrance into the “kip-up/rubber band” skill.)

H. Specific Surface Restrictions

1. The following skills are only allowed on a mat, grass or rubberized track surface. a. Basket tosses, elevator/sponge tosses and other similar multi-base tosses. b. Partner stunts in which the base uses only one arm to support the top person. c. Twisting tumbling skills (Arabians, full twisting layouts, etc.).

EXCEPTION: Cartwheels, roundoffs and aerial cartwheels are allowed on surfaces other than a mat, grass or rubberized track.

Copies of these guidelines should be distributed to all squad members and any administrators involved with the cheerleading program. All guidelines should be understood and accepted by all parties involved in the cheerleading program including coaches, assistants, squad members, parents, and administrators.

The above safety guidelines are general in nature and are not intended to cover all circumstances. All cheerleading gymnastics including tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids and jumps should be carefully reviewed and supervised by a qualified adult coach.

Cheerleading jumps, gymnastics and stunts may involve height and inversion of the body and there is an inherent risk of injury involved with any athletic activity. While the use of these guidelines in coordination with the AACCA Safety Course will help minimize the risk of injury, the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators makes no warranties or representations, either expressed or implied, that the above guidelines will prevent injuries to individual participants.

For more information, visit AACCA.org. If you have questions regarding a specific rule, contact us at 800-533-6583.


Summary of the 2015-16 AACCA School Rules Changes

Partner Stunts:

C.12.c) Single-base low-to-high tick tocks are now allowed in addition to multi-base.

C.20) The “mission impossible” position is not allowed in a stunt. The specific wording is that a top person must not be in a face down suspended position between bases in which the top person’s torso is suspended below the arms and legs.

Inversions:

D.3) Added rules regarding braced inversions that do not flip or roll, such as an inversion at shoulders that is braced and then transitions to another skill. These skills are looked at just like any other braced skill.

They only require one bracer, since the head does not pass under the hips like in an flip or roll.

If the inversion is released, the bracer(s) must have a spotter (unless they are a shoulder sit or thigh stand.)

If not released, the bracer does not require a spotter.

D.4) Braced flip changes:

The phrase “front and back” was removed, which will now allow sideways braced flips.

Braced flips may now perform up to ½ twist, like an Arabian.

Revised wording to show that the bracers must be in double base preps with spotters.

D.5) The wording for inverted stunts has been revised to make it easier to determine when one or two spotters are required. Instead of using the term “downward”, the determining factor will be the height of the base of support. In reality, virtually nothing changes from last year, but the difference in interpretation of when there is downward momentum will no longer be an issue.

If the base of support remains below prep level, only one person is required to assist the top person.

If the base of support begins at or passes through prep level, there must be two people assisting the top person. Note that this wording still does not allow foldover stunts, such as Pancakes or Waterfalls, to begin from a static extended position.

D.6 exception) Top persons in inversions that begin on the ground and go to a non-inverted position can hold props such as a sign.

Pyramids:

E.7.a) In Released Pyramid Transitions, the skill before and after the release must be legal. This removes the requirement for multi-based stunts in a Released Pyramid Transition.

Tumbling and Jumps:

G.9) A participant may land in a pushup position from the handstand phase of a back handspring. The wording restricting them was removed from this rule.


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