table of contents - garland independent school district...4. statement of acquaintance 5. basis 6....

Table of Contents I. PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE II. OBJECTIVES III. DEFINITION IV. TRYOUT ELIGIBILITY A. Enrolment B. Academic Grades 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. Video 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 M. Statement Concerning Disabilities N. Auxiliary Cheer Program

X. REPLACEMENTS XI. ELIGIBILITY XII. GENERAL CONDUCT A. Statement Concerning Conduct B. GISD Student Code of Conduct C. GISD Cheer Deduction System D. 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 Appendix 8 – Auxiliary Cheer Program

GISD HIGH SCHOOL CHEERLEADER HANDBOOK

I. PHILOSOPHY/PURPOSE

Being a cheerleader is an honor and special privilege and therefore are held accountable to a greater standard than that of the general school population. The cheerleader is a recognized representative of the individual school as well as the district and as such must demonstrate the highest levels of character and behavior. Cheerleaders and spirit groups exist to promote good sportsmanship, good citizenship, wholesome, and enthusiastic school spirit. 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.

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 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 If a student is ineligible according to UIL standards for extracurricular activities at the time of tryouts they cannot participate in any out-of- school workshops or pre tryout judging. They will be able to tryout but are limited to one day participation before the judges.

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 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 VAPA prior to May 15 of each year by the Varsity sponsor.

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 cheerleading squads. The

goal of the centralized tryout will be to provide a consistent, equitable and monitored tryout process for all cheerleader candidates across the district.

2. Tryouts will be held on each individual campus and will be scheduled during a window of time specified by the VAPA department.

3. Parents will not be allowed in the building during any phase of the tryouts. C. Tryouts 1. Packets Each sponsor 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 VAPA Department must approve this information prior to distribution. 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 VAPA 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 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 or principal to receive a tryout number. h. Each campus sponsor 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), and any type of white athletic shoe. Hair should be up and/or out of the candidate’s face. Schools will not allow any accessory or addition (rings, bracelets, hair bows, ribbons etc.) to the tryout outfit. 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. 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 on the tryout video. 6. In District Judges GISD Cheerleader/Drill Team sponsors may not serve as a judge for GISD cheerleader tryouts. G. Video Tryouts

Video tryouts will be closed to everyone except, principals, and principals' designees, a video technician and a sound technician. Sponsors will not be present in the tryout area. There will be no students, parents, or existing cheerleaders in the tryout 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 view each squad’s video at a remote location. They 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 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, principal, or the VAPA 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 VAPA 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 VAPA 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 VAPA 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 will make these guidelines available to judges if a video is used for tryout. K. Notification

No results will be distributed at the tryout site. After all videos have been reviewed and scored each sponsor will be contacted by the VAPA department. At that point results will be distributed in the manner determined best by each campus cheer sponsor.

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 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, principal, or principal designee. 3. Conditions Principals or sponsors 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. M. Statement Concerning Disabilities It is the goal of the GISD Visual and

Performing Arts Department to

provide every qualified student with

a disability an opportunity to tryout

for the cheerleading program on a

level that is equal to that of students

without disabilities. We operate

under the guidelines laid out by the

United States Department of

Education Office for Civil Rights

(OCR) to ensure that all GISD

cheerleading programs adhere to

the district’s responsibilities under

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act

of 1973.

The GISD centralized cheerleading

tryout process is designed in such a

way that every student is provided

with an equitable and

nondiscriminatory tryout experience.

The tryout process is designed to

access the required level of skill and

ability necessary for students to


participate in each school’s cheer

program. GISD cheer tryouts do not

operate on the basis of any

generalization, assumption,

prejudice or stereotypes about

disability generally, or specific

disabilities in particular. The tryout

process is open to all qualified

students.

Equal opportunity for participation is

afforded to any qualified student

seeking to try out for a spot on a

GISD cheer team. GISD will provide

reasonable modifications in order to

ensure that every student is afforded

an equal opportunity to participate in

the tryout process unless doing so

would be a fundamental alteration to

the tryout process. Requested

modifications must not alter

essential aspects of the tryout

process or provide any student with

an unfair advantage.

The GISD centralized tryout process

is designed to access fundamental

cheerleading skills that are

essentially necessary for the

cheerleading team of each campus.

The tryout process access a

student’s ability to learn and perform

a specific routine within a set

amount of time. The tryout process

accesses a student’s ability to

perform specific cheerleading skills

including tumbling, jumps, motion

technique, voice projection, timing

and memory. These skills and

abilities are scored according to a

standardized judging criteria which is

used to access every candidate

equally.

* See sections VIII.C and VIII.D

N. Auxiliary Cheer Program

*See Appendix 7

X. REPLACEMENTS

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.

XI. ELIGIBILITY

Cheerleading does not come under UIL rules, but the regulations regarding No Pass No Play are applicable. All issues regarding eligibility must be in line with the UIL standards of eligibility for extracurricular activities.

XII. GENERAL CONDUCT

* See Appendix 6 A. Statement Concerning Conduct Students selected as a Garland ISD cheerleader must recognize this distinction as an honor and privilege and must be held accountable to a greater standard than that of the general school population. The cheerleader is a recognized representative of the individual school as well as the district and as such must demonstrate the highest levels of character and behavior. It is the responsibility of the campus admiration and each cheer sponsor to maintain this high level of expectation. Mutual respect and politeness toward members within the squad are basic elements that contribute to the total success of the squad. B. GISD Student Code of Conduct GISD cheerleaders are expected to adhere to the standards laid out in the GISD Student Code of Conduct.


C. GISD Cheer Deduction System * See Appendix 8 D. Discipline Any GISD cheerleader will be subject to disciplinary action if he/she commits any violation of the GISD Student Code of Conduct, Cheer Deduction System, or written team rules. It is the utmost expectation of GISD that any and all disciplinary actions taken against any GISD cheerleader, first and foremost, consider the best interest of any student involved. A student has no ordained right to participate in cheerleading. It is a privilege that has been granted to you. Therefore, it is possible that the privilege can be taken away. This will be the decision of the cheer sponsor and could take place at any Level after a parent conference has been held. 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. Anyone given in or out of school suspension for any reason will be subject to the following additional actions: a. First Offense – Benched for one event. (This event may or may not fall within the suspension period). b. Second Offense – Sponsor/principal review and possible 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 The GISD Student Code of Conduct relating to conduct, possession and/or use of drugs, alcoholic beverages, or other illegal activities will be subject to review by the sponsor 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/parent/student review. Dismissal from the team may result from this review. 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 school/district purchased cheerleader attire. Any cheerleader removed from his/her squad for disciplinary reasons during the current cheerleading year on any GISD campus will be subject to a review before being permitted to participate


in the next tryout. 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.) Joint approval will be required from both the principal and sponsor.

XIII. RECOMMENDATIONS & GUIDELINES FOR CHEERLEADING

SAFETY

Students participating in cheerleading must comply with Chapter 38, Subchapter D, of the Texas Education Code related to the prevention, treatment, and oversight of concussions. Additionally, cheer sponsors will be required to complete training related to safety guidelines for cheer and other training programs designed to minimize risks associated with participation in the activity. *See Appendix 7

XIV. CHEERING ACTIVITIES

High school cheerleading squads are only permitted to cheer at one contest per school week. It would not be a violation for cheerleaders to cheer at a double header (two contests at the same site on one school night) or to participate in a pep rally prior to a contest and also lead cheers at the contest even though both occur during the school week. Friday night and weekend contest do not count toward the one contest 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 for the Varsity Cheerleaders. 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 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's discretion. D. OTHER ACTIVITIES All Squads It is the sponsor’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 sponsors.

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. The makeup of an individual campus’ competition squad will be left to the cheer sponsor 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 within the official regulations of a given competition.

XVII. INCLEMENT WEATHER

In the event of inclement weather, it will be the responsibility of the cheerleader sponsor, 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.

XVIII. TRANSPORTATION

CL squads attending games in the city of Garland/Rowlett/Sachse may furnish their own transportation with sponsor 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.

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

A. Cheerleader sponsors 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 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 Handbook Appendix 1

Centralized High School Cheerleader

Video 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 each year after the GISD Choice of School period. Each individual campus will

select and schedule their squad tryouts within a specific window of time that will be determined annually

by the Visual & Performing Arts Department. This window will not be during 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. Campus 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.)

During each school’s tryout:

• All filming will take place in the campus gym (or another secure area) and must be conducted

according to the tryout procedure developed by the GISD VAPA department.

• Each campus will ensure that they have a three-person tryout team that is present in the gym for the

video tryouts.

• The team will consist of a campus administrator (or principal designee), a video technician and a

sound technician.

• This team will not consist of any cheer sponsor or any student.

• Sponsors may be on campus for tryouts but should remain in the student warm up area or another

designated waiting area. Once tryouts begin, sponsors should not be in the gymnasium.

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

• It is suggested that each campus appoint someone to specifically be in charge of monitoring halls

and entrances to ensure that no outside distraction interfere with the tryouts taking place in the gym.

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

graduating senior or outgoing 8th grader cheerleader may escort the candidates to the gym for the tryouts.

UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE WILL THE STUDENT CHEERLEADER GO INTO THE

GYMNASIUM. Sponsors will wait in the designated waiting area.

Tryout Videos

Tryouts will be videoed on IPads which will be provided by the GISD VAPA department.

Each squad’s tryout will be videoed nonstop from beginning to end according to the

established VAPA guidlines. At the end of a campus tryout the VAPA IPad will only have

three videos in the camera roll.

It will be the responsibility of the gym admin to check with the video technician and

ensure that all three videos are on the IPad before releasing any candidates from the

campus.

After confirming that the video files are in the IPad camera roll, the administrator will

power down the IPad and seal it into the protected shipping envelop provide by the

VAPA department.

It will be the responsibility of the campus principal to determine how the IPad will be

submitted to the VAPA department.

Cheer sponsors will never come in contact with the Tryout IPad once tryouts begin.

Sponsors will not be responsible for returning the IPad to the VAPA department.

Videos will never exist anywhere besides the VAPA IPad until judging is complete.

Tryout videos will not be copied, emailed or uploaded in any way what so ever.

**If there are any technical issues or if a Video Technician failed to record a squad’s tryouts

properly, then all candidates will return and perform the process again from beginning to end.

This is why it is important to keep all candidates on site until all three squads have finished and

all three videos are confirmed. This is not an ideal situation but if, for an unseen circumstance,

it becomes necessary to re-film a tryout then every candidate will be affected in the same

manner and the second tryout will remain valid. An official report of the incident will be

obtained by the VAPA department but judging will proceed as planned.

Tabulation of the scores

Judging will take place in a remote location on a day separate form all campus tryouts. Each

squad’s video will be judged by a group of five judges. The judges will enter each candidates’ scores

into a digital calculation system. At the conclusion of the tryouts, a technical assistant will download

all of the judges’ individual score sheets into a master database. 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%.

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 videos have been reviewed and scored each sponsor will be contacted by the VAPA department.

At that point results will be distributed in the manner determined best by each campus cheer sponsor. NO

RESULTS WILL BE DISTRIBUTED AT THE TRYOUT SITE.

Final results for each school will be published to a campus specific private page on the GISD Website.

Campus cheer sponsors will determine how the link to this page is made available.

Requests for scores

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

be made through the school principal.

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


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.


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 Squad Rules and Deduction System

The following is the basic standard for a cheerleading squad decoction system. Each campus will create individual squad rules that lay out guidelines and consequences for infractions. Individual squad rules may expand upon the district deduction system in order to address campus specific priorities but will not exclude any district standard. Campus cheer rules and guidelines will be in line with the GISD Student Code of Conduct and all UIL guidelines. The conduct guidelines for each High School cheer squad will be approved by each campus principal and the district VAPA department. Each cheerleader and parent will agree to the team rules and be required to sign a statement attesting to their agreement. The rules and procedures are in effect from the time the student is selected to the cheerleading squad until the next tryout date.

Attendance

1. CL will attend all in/out of school practices, including summer practices. Any absence must be communicated to (as dictated by sponsor) & cleared by the sponsor prior to practice. Excused: personal illness, death in the family, illness in the family that requires out of town travel, funeral, mandatory court appearance, and religious holidays. Unexcused: Work, vacation, appointments (including doctor and dentist), non-UIL involvement (All-Stars, etc.)

Excused with notice: No consequence Excused w/o notice: Benched ½ game or event Unexcused with or w/o notice: Benched 1 game or event

2. CL will attend all in/out of school games, pep rallies, meetings, fundraisers, functions (including parades), and activities. Any absence must be communicated to (as dictated by sponsor) & cleared by the sponsor prior to the event. Excused: personal illness, death in the family, illness in the family that requires out of town travel, funeral, mandatory court appearance, and religious holidays. Unexcused: Work, vacation, appointments (including doctor and dentist), non-UIL involvement (All-Stars, etc.)

Excused with notice: Benched ½ game Excused w/o notice: Benched 1 game or event Unexcused with or w/o notice: Benched 1 game or event

Uniform Guidelines/Appearance

1. CL will not wear uniform to a non-CL function. (Eating out before or after a game must be approved by sponsor as an exception to this guideline)

Consequence will reflect GISD Student Code of Conduct

2. CL will not lend out uniforms, sweats, 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. CL is responsible for damage or loss of any part of a uniform.

Replacement of uniform or repair cost

4. No jewelry during practices, performances, games, or pep rallies.

2 pt. deduction

Behavior

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

No excessive talking among CL

No talking to people in crowd

Pay attention to game/pep rally

Stand in correct formation/stance

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

No taunting the other team

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

2 pt. deduction per offence

2. All CL will stay to clean up after each game/pep rally and will be dismissed by sponsor

Benched 1 game/event

3. CL will not engage in public displays of affection while in uniform.

Benched 1 game/event

4. CL will respect/respond to all sponsors at all times. Rudeness/insubordination will not be tolerated.

Benched 1 game/event per altercation

5. CL will not receive an office referral for any reason. Nature of offence will determine the severity of the consequence.

6. CL will not be given in or out of school suspension for any reason.

Nature of offence will determine the severity of the consequence.

1. After a 15-point deduction, the cheerleader will be benched for one game or event. 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. 2. Accumulation of three or more benchings will 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 doctor's note will be required. This note should state 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 will 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. 5. Any sponsor and principal review of student’s actions may result in dismissal from the squad. 6. 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.


2018-19 AACCA School Cheer Safety Rules Rule changes are in bold type and underlined. For the current version and rule interpretations, visit

http://www.cheerrules.com

The following rules are written for all elementary, middle school, junior high, and high school cheerleading teams as

a minimum standard. Note that elementary, middle school, and junior high programs have a specific set of restricted

skills under “F. Tosses”.

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 is connected to another top person.

Braced Flip: A pyramid in which the top person performs a hip‐over‐head rotation while not in contact with anyone on the ground.

Braced Inversion: A pyramid where a braced top person is in an inverted position, but the hips are not passing over the head.

Braced Roll: A pyramid in which the top person performs a hip‐over‐head rotation while in contact with at least one person on the ground.

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 cradle position.

Cradle Position: 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.

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 forward 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.

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 both feet on the ground.

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.

Swing Roll Down: A stunt in which the top person’s hands/arms and feet/legs are held while swinging forward and facedown into a roll where the head passes under the hips.

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

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 technical skills (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.

16. Cheerleaders must stand outside the free throw lane lines extended toward the sidelines throughout a basketball game.

17. Spirit participants must remain outside of the playing area during a 30‐second or less time‐out during a basketball game.

18. When standing at attention, apparel must cover the midriff extended around the body.

C. Partner Stunts

1. A spotter is required for extended stunts where the top person’s weight is being borne by the base(s). Example: “Show and Go” stunts, where the top person is not in an extended static position, do not require a spotter.

2. A spotter is required for tosses to single base shoulder stands and 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.)

3. 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.

4. The top person cannot travel over another person from Quick Tosses or Partner Tosses.

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

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

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

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

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 top person in a vertical position at prep level or above may be released to a stunt at any level provided the top person remains vertical, and the top person performs no more than 1 ¼ twisting rotations. Vertical releases from an extended position to an extended position may not perform more than a ¼ twisting rotation. *

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. Legal inversion releases under Rule D.

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 three bases that support the top person. 2) At least two of the bases must support under the legs of the top person. The third 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. This assistance must be sufficient to slow the momentum of the top person. If the dismount involves a skill (e.g. toe touch, twist, etc.) there must be an additional spotter who may, but is not required to, provide assistance.

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, pyramids, or tosses 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. Example: Basket toss flips are not allowed under this section, and are therefore prohibited.

2. An inverted top person may pass through an extended position, but must not begin, end, pause, or stop in a static extended inverted position.

3. Braced inversions in a pyramid that do not flip or roll are allowed provided the following conditions are met: a. The inverted top person must have two bases or a base and a spotter. b. If the top person is released from the base(s), all of the released pyramid transition rule E‐7 must be met.

4. Braced rolls in a pyramid are allowed provided the following condition is met: a. The bracer(s) must have two bases or a base and spotter (Exception: shoulder sits and thigh stands).

5. Braced flips in a pyramid are allowed provided all of 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 maintains continuous hand‐to‐hand/arm contact with two bracers who are in double base

preps with a spotter. Each arm of the top person must be connected to a bracer. c. The top person is not behind the bracers. d. There must be three people involved in the toss and catch of the top person either as a base or spotter. Any

new catchers/spotters must be in place when the flip is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not part of any other skill.

e. 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.

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

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

6. In all other inversions: a. Inversions may be released to the following provided there is a spotter:

1) Non‐inverted dismounts with no more than a ½ turn. 2) Loading positions below prep level with no more than a ½ turn. 3) Non‐inverted stunts at prep level or below. Twists not allowed.

b. In inversions where the base of support begins and remains below prep level, at least one person shall maintain contact with the top person until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the performing surface.

c. Inversions where the base of support begins at or passes through prep level require two people on the performing surface to be in a position to protect the head/neck of the top person, one of whom must maintain contact with the top person’s upper body (waist and above, which may include arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the performing surface. The contact shall be sufficient to stabilize/control the top person’s position. EXCEPTION: A foldover that begins at or below prep level and does not stop in an extended position is allowed without continuous upper body contact. 1) If caught in a cradle, load or stunt by catchers who are not original bases, the new catchers are in place

and are not involved with any other skill when the transition is initiated. 2) The top person must not go directly to an inverted position on the performance surface from a prep or

higher. d. When the stunt begins in an inversion and goes to a non‐inverted position, the upper body contact may be

released before the top person is no longer inverted.

7. 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.

8. A Swing Roll Down stunt is not permitted.

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 pyramids where one extended stunt braces another extended stunt, the connection must not be hand/arm to leg/foot.

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 to brace the foot/leg of 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 bracer(s) are at prep level or below. The bracer(s) must have two bases or a base and spotter

(Exception: shoulder sits and thigh stands). 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. When the catchers are not the original bases, the new catchers are in place when the transition is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not part of any other skill.

For braced inversion pyramids, see Rule D.

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 must not land in an inverted position. e. The top person may not hold any objects (poms, signs, etc.) during the toss. f. The top person cannot travel over or under another person or through a prop. g. 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 over, onto, or under a stunt, person or prop is illegal. Rebounding over a stunt, person or prop is illegal. EXCEPTIONS: a) Non‐aerial tumbling over a person or prop is allowed. (Cartwheels, rolls and walkovers with poms or over a person are allowed.) b) Aerials and standing back tucks with poms are allowed. (Back handsprings with poms are still 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.

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

Summary of Changes

Glossary change: The term “Suspended Roll” has been removed from the glossary. The term is no longer used in the

rules, and suspended rolls are covered by the inversion rules based on where the base of support is. A typical suspended

roll with a standing base or bases is considered to be a “prep level or above inversion”, so it requires two people, one of

whom must be in contact with the top person. In a suspended roll where the base is laying on the ground, the base of

support is considered to be “below prep level”, so the one person is sufficient and an additional spotter is not required.

C2. A spotter is already required for single based stands where the top person’s feet are being held. We added toss to

shoulders to this rule to require a spotter during a single based toss that lands on the shoulders. Once the top person

has safely landed on the shoulders, the spotter is no longer necessary and may leave. If the top person lands in the

hands, the spotter is required for as long as the top person is in the hands.

C12c. A top person in a vertical stunt may be released to a vertical stunt from shoulder level or above. The new

allowance for initiating the release from above shoulder level will allow extended “high to high” release skills such as a

tick‐tock as well as “high to low” or “high to load”. However, if the release is from extended back to extended, the top

person may not twist more than ¼ rotation. This would allow a lib, release to arabesque, but not a high to high release

full around.

D5d. In braced flips, we removed the requirement that the catchers must be the original tossers. This will allow any

combination of three people to be under the throw and the catch. It could be one or two new people or an entirely new

set of three. However, these new catchers must be in place when the flip is initiated.

D6a1. The term “non‐inverted” was added to clarify that an inversion cannot release to an inverted dismount.

D6b. In low level inversions, we removed the requirement that the base had to be in contact with the upper body. In low

inversions, the top person is very low to the ground, and body contact in general is sufficient since the top can put their

hands down to the floor easily.

E7f. Braced releases can now go to other catchers, or have new catchers involved in the catch. Any new catchers must

be in position when the release is initiated. They can still go no further than ¼ turn around the bracer.

For further interpretation, videos of skills will be uploaded throughout the year at cheerrules.com

GISD Auxiliary Cheer Program

GENERAL STATEMENT Garland ISD is inclusive of all students and provides an equal opportunity for all qualified students

who wish to participate in our open cheer auditions.

It is the goal of the district to provide every qualified student with a disability an opportunity to

audition for the cheerleading program on a level that is equal to that of students without

disabilities. We operate under the guidelines laid out by the United States Department of

Education Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to ensure that all GISD cheerleading programs adhere to

the district’s responsibilities under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

The GISD centralized cheerleading tryout process is designed in such a way that every student is

provided with an equitable and nondiscriminatory audition experience. The tryout process is

designed to assess the required level of skill and ability necessary for students to participate in

each school’s cheer program. GISD cheer tryouts do not operate on the basis of any

generalization, assumption, prejudice or stereotypes about disability generally, or specific

disabilities, in particular. The tryout process is open to all qualified students.

Equal opportunity for participation is afforded to any qualified student seeking to try out for a

spot on a GISD cheer team. GISD will provide reasonable modifications in order to ensure that

every student is afforded an equal opportunity to participate in the tryout process, unless doing

so would be a fundamental alteration to the tryout process. Requested modifications must not

alter essential aspects of the tryout process or provide any student with an unfair advantage.

The GISD centralized tryout process is designed to provide an opportunity for students to

demonstrate fundamental cheerleading skills that are essential and necessary for the

cheerleading team of each campus. The tryout process allows students to demonstrate their

ability to learn and perform a specific routine within a set amount of time. The tryout process also

assesses a student’s ability to perform specific cheerleading skills including tumbling, jumps,

motion technique, voice projection, timing and memory. These skills and abilities are scored

according to a standardized judging criteria which is used to assess every candidate equally.

THE AUXILIARY CHEER PROGRAM A Disabled/Special Needs candidate can try out for an auxiliary position on any GISD cheer

squad on any GISD campus.

The auxiliary position is not honorary or unearned and still requires a certain level of skill and

ability

The candidate will receive any physical accommodations needed in order to

participate in tryouts. The candidate will tryout with the team, completing all of the tryout requirements. The only real difference is that the candidate will not necessarily be competing against

the other candidates but against a minimum score set for their particular squad.

(These minimum scores are already in place and must be met by any student trying out in order to be on the team.)


Tryout Eligibility Any student meeting the official criteria for participation in the Special Olympics or the

Paralympics have the opportunity to try out for an auxiliary cheer position.

In addition, potential candidates must meet all GISD eligibility requirements laid out in the

Cheerleading Handbook.

Students/parents wishing to try out for an auxiliary cheer position will make the request to the

cheer sponsor during the initial sigh up period.

Pre-Tryout Activities Candidates will participate in the pre-tryout cheer clinic with all other candidates.

They will learn the team chant and dance routines at the same time as every other candidate.

Making the Squad If the candidate meets the minimum score requirement they will be added as an auxiliary

member of the team.

(So there would still be 12 members of a 9th grade squad and the school would be allowed to add the special needs cheerleader as an 13th member). The specific definition of the scope of the auxiliary position will be discussed and agreed upon by the parents, the cheer coach and the campus administration on a case by case basis.


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