Cheerleading

CHEERLEADING
2009-2010

BRIEF OVERVIEW

The Athens Academy Cheerleading program is a division of Upper School Athletics and is a highly committed athletic activity. To become a member of the squad, you must be selected during the tryout process. In order to tryout, all students must provide their tryout application form as well as liability form. All other students, including transfer students, must be enrolled at Athens Academy at the time of tryouts in order to be considered for a position on the squad.

There are 2 Varsity Squads: Football Squad and Basketball Squad. Cheerleaders may cheer on one or both Varsity squads. The Football Squad will cheer at ALL football games, including the playoffs. The Basketball Squad will cheer at all girl’s basketball games and tournaments and all boy’s basketball games and tournaments. The football and basketball seasons will not be complete until the last game is played. Because cheerleading at Athens Academy goes beyond the physical aspect of cheering and inspires its athletes to employ greater responsibility; each cheerleader is expected to fulfill her commitments to the program.
Responsibilities include:
1. Maintaining good academic/disciplinary standing throughout the cheering season
2. Being responsible for adhering to a particular duty of the cheerleading squad (ie: signs, megaphones, handouts, etc…)
3. Attending at least 1 service learning project during the cheering semester
4. Mentoring and instructing at the Little Spartan Spirit Camp
Athens Academy Cheerleaders are representatives of the school and are expected to exemplify high character and demeanor at all times.

PHILOSOPHY AND MISSION
The Athens Academy Cheerleading program is an extension of the school’s mission statement and objectives created to further challenge and improve the student’s mental and physical well-being while striving for excellence with honor. It is a student-centered activity; therefore, the primary responsibility is to support the student and in no way compromise the student’s academic success. The program is designed to assist in developing responsible, mature, physically fit, and respected student participants. Cheerleading at Athens Academy is an activity where the student (1) will engage in leadership activities; (2) will contribute and promote spirit throughout the student body in every division of the school; (3) will develop the ability to work together and effectively with others on the team; (4) will overcome challenges by achieving both individual and team goals; (5) and will develop confidence in themselves by using their individual talents to the fullest.

The number one purpose of the cheerleader is to be a participant of a team whose primary goal is to provide enthusiastic support of all Athens Academy athletics as well as the school itself. The support is directed into the following areas: (1) to lead cheers and chants in an organized fashion; to gain support from Spartan fans and project that support to the school and its teams; to guide the fans in positive vocal support of the team (2) to participate in an entertaining athletic activity requiring specific skills such as, jumps, motions, pyramids/stunts, tumbling/acrobatics, and appropriate dance movements in order to keep the crowd attention centered on the field/court (3) to positively represent the school as Athens Academy ambassadors; to uphold the vision and standards set forth by the school and reflect those in an upbeat manner; to appear at school activities, functions, and programs in order to promote every aspect of the school.

RULES AND REGULATIONS

General
All cheerleaders are to abide by the policies set forth in the Athens Academy Handbook as well as the Athens Academy Cheerleading Contract.

All cheerleaders must not participate in other sports, activities, or work during their cheering semester if it will conflict with scheduled cheerleading requirements.

Practices
All scheduled practices are mandatory unless otherwise specified. Regular practices will be held after school on average 3 days each week. Practices are similar to that of other athletics at Athens Academy (1.5-2 hr long).

Games (see attached schedules)
Members of the cheerleading squad must attend ALL required games and should arrive at the time specified by the coach before the beginning of each game.
The Football Squads will cheer ALL football games; the Basketball Squad will cheer ALL basketball games and home or away tournaments, district games. The only EXCUSED absence from a football or basketball game would be a serious illness, death in the family and approved Athens Academy academic trips.

Travel
Football cheerleaders will travel on the bus to all away games as a team. Basketball cheerleaders will travel on the bus to the away tournaments/district basketball games. Parents may transport their cheerleader upon approval of the Head Cheerleading Coach!

Additional Costs
Cheerleaders will be responsible for purchasing items they keep as well as covering the cost of camp. Because we do not have a budget for these items, the approximate cost total is between $200-250 plus the cost of camp/clinics. See below:

NCA summer camp (June 22-25 @ UGA)
Uniform Rental $45.00
Poms Rental $10.00
Cheer Shoes $62.00
Uniform Bodyliner $21.00
Gloves (Football Squad only)
Bloomers $14.00
“Spartans” Warm-Up
Fleece Pullover or Hoodie Sweatshirt (All Squads)
Cheer Tshirts (Will be used for camp attire)

Returning cheerleaders will not need to repurchase same items from the previous year. All items will be paid for up front through out Cheerleading Budget then reimbursed as you are billed through your Athens Academy billing statement. Payments can be split up if needed and will be coordinated through Wanda Moon in the business office.

IMPORTANT CHEERLEADING DATES AND INFORMATION

April 22 INFORMATIONAL MEETING (Get Packets)
April 27 TRYOUT APPLICATION/ GUIDELINE PACKET DEADLINE
April 27-May 1 CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS
May 11 UNIFORM FITTINGS
June 17-19 ATHENS ACADEMY CHEER CAMP PREP WEEK
June 22-25 NCA CHEERLEADING CAMP @ UGA(MON-THURS)
July 27-29 LOWER SCHOOL CHEER CAMP (MON-WED 10am-3pm)
August 3-7 MANDATORY PRACTICE BEGINS (Football Squads)
August 10-12 MANDATORY PRACTICE CONT’D (Football Squads)
August 17 FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL/BEGIN REGULAR PRACTICE
October 12 BASKETBALL SQUAD PRACTICE BEGINS
October 24 BASKETBALL SQUAD STUNT CLINIC
October 26 BASKETBALL SQUAD REGULAR PRACTICE BEGINS

COACHES & CONTACT

Haley Whitley
Head Cheerleading Coach
hwhitley@athensacademy.org

Nita Woodruff
Assistant Cheerleading Coach
nwoodruff@athensacademy.org

ATHENS ACADEMY
CHEERLEADING TRYOUT APPLICATION

Parental Consent:

My child, ____________________________, has my permission to be a cheerleader at Athens Academy. I understand that she must abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the coach and administration of Athens Academy and be present for ALL practices, games, and mandatory functions. I have read the rules and regulations and understand that the violation of any of these rules may lead to temporary or permanent suspension from the squad. I understand and give permission for my daughter to ride with the coach and/or other parents when necessary. I understand that my child must attend all practices (unless excused by coach) and tryout sessions or my child will not be considered for a cheerleading position.
I understand if chosen, my child will be required to attend the mandatory summer camp, practices (June 17-19, 2009), and games. I understand that if my child makes the Football cheerleading squad, that mandatory squad practices begin on Monday, August 3, 2009.
I understand that the application tryout form must be completed and turned in by Friday, April 24, 2009 for my child to tryout.

Parent/guardian Signature: _______________________________________________
Date signed: ____________________________

(See Other Side)
Student Consent
I am interested in being a cheerleader at Athens Academy. If selected, I promise to abide by the rules and regulations set forth by the coach and administration of Athens Academy. I promise to cooperate and follow the instructions of the cheerleading coaches.
Student Name: ____________________________________________________
(Please Print Clearly)

Student Signature: ______________________________________________
Date: ____________________
Home Address: ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

Current Grade/Class at Athens Academy: _________________

Squad Preference
(Read Carefully and Check One)

_______ JV Football Only

_______ JV Football (1st Choice), Varsity Basketball (2nd Choice)

_______ JV Football and Varsity Basketball

_______ Varsity Basketball Only

_______ Varsity Football Only

_______ Varsity Football (1st Choice), JV Football (2nd Choice)

_______ Varsity Football (1st Choice), Varsity Basketball (2nd Choice)

_______ Varsity Football and Varsity Basketball

Athens Academy Cheerleading Tryout Checklist
Please make sure you have the following items turned into Coach Whitley by:

Friday, April 24:
________ Cheerleading Tryout Application Form (signed by parent and yourself)

________ Teacher/Former Coach Evaluation Sheet (Due NO LATER than Monday, April 27, 2009)

CHEERLEADING TRYOUTS 2009

All tryouts will be held at Athens Academy. You will meet at the specified time in the Spartan Center.

Please wear appropriate clothing for tryout practice sessions, ANY COMBINATION IS ACCEPTABLE:
- Black, Spartan Green or Grey shorts with bloomers/spandex shorts underneath
- White, Grey, or Spartan T Shirt
- Black, White, Spartan Green, Grey Sleeveless shirt (fitted or tucked in)
- White socks, and Cheer/Tennis shoes
- White bow

Please wear appropriate clothing for final tryout (Friday, May 1), ANY COMBINATION IS ACCEPTABLE:
- Black shorts with bloomers/spandex shorts underneath
- Solid White or Spartan T Shirt
- Solid White Sleeveless shirt
- White socks, and Cheer/Tennis shoes
- White bow
**Please note that for final tryouts, all shirts MUST be tucked in!**

NO “SPARTAN CHEERLEADING” SHIRTS ALLOWED, NO JEWELY SHOULD BE WORN; LONG HAIR MUST BE PULLED UP.
THIS IS STRICTLY ENFORCED!!

Tryout Requirements

• Forms
1. Application for cheerleading tryouts
2. Teacher/Former Coach Evaluations
3. Final Squad Choice (form is filled out during tryouts)

• Attendance
Attendance is required for all mandatory times of tryouts.

Judges & Scoring

There will be an outside panel of judges who will help judge the final tryouts.

The interview will be given by the Head Coach, Assistant Coach and additional Athens Academy staff.

We will take the TOP 16-20 Girls for the Varsity Football Squad, the TOP 12-14 Girls for the JV Football Squad, and the TOP 10-12 Girls for the Varsity Basketball Squad. These numbers will be based on preference of ranking by the cheerleader trying out.

Squad Announcement

The Cheerleading Squads will be posted online within two hours after the final tryouts on the Cheerleading website.

Athens Academy 2009-2010 Cheerleaders will meet Friday, May 1 at the Athens Academy Entrance on Spartan Lane at 8pm (subject to change) for the first prep for the 2009-2010 Cheerleading Season. The second Cheerleading prep will be Monday, May 11 (Uniform Fittings). ALL Cheerleaders will report to mandatory practice Wednesday, June 17, 2009 through Friday, June 18, 2009 at 10:00am. This practice for is all squads in order to prepare for Cheerleading Camp the following week.

Cheerleading Tryout Dates, Outline, and Times
(Exact times may change slightly)

*You may CHOOSE either Monday or Tuesday to learn the tryout material*

*Monday, April 27 Welcome/Group Stretch
Mile Run
Push Ups/Sit Ups
Material Overview
*Rotation 1*
VF: Learn Group Cheer
JV: Learn Group Chant
VB: Learn AA Fight Song
*Rotation 2*
VF: Learn Group Chant
JV: Learn AA Fight Song
VB: Learn Group Cheer
*Rotation 3*
VF: Learn AA Fight Song
JV: Learn Group Cheer
VB: Learn Group Chant
*Water Break*
Group Review
Final Remarks/Dismissal 4:15pm-4:30pm
4:30pm-4:45pm
5:00pm-5:15pm
5:20pm-5:30pm
5:30-5:45pm

5:45pm-6:00pm

6:00pm-6:15pm

6:20pm-6:30pm
6:30pm
*Tuesday, April 28 Welcome/Group Stretch
Mile Run
Push Ups/Sit Ups
Material Overview
*Rotation 1*
VF: Learn Group Cheer
JV: Learn Group Chant
VB: Learn AA Fight Song
*Rotation 2*
VF: Learn Group Chant
JV: Learn AA Fight Song
VB: Learn Group Cheer
*Rotation 3*
VF: Learn AA Fight Song
JV: Learn Group Cheer
VB: Learn Group Chant
*Water Break*
Group Review
Final Remarks/Dismissal
4:15pm-4:30pm
4:30pm-4:45pm
5:00pm-5:15pm
5:20pm-5:30pm
5:30-5:45pm

5:45pm-6:00pm

6:00pm-6:15pm

6:20pm-6:30pm
6:30pm

*Wednesday, April 29 Welcome/Group Stretch
Group Review of 1st Day
*Rotation 1*
VF: Jump/Tumble/Stunt
JV: Group Dance
VB: Cheer/Chant/Fight Song Review
*Rotation 2*
VF: Group Dance
JV: Cheer/Chant/Fight Song Review
VB: Jump/Tumble/Stunt
*Rotation 3*
VF: Cheer/Chant/Fight Song Review
JV: Jump/Tumble/Stunt
VB: Group Dance
*Water Break*
Group Review
Final Remarks/Dismissal
4:15pm-4:30pm
4:30pm-4:45pm
4:45pm-5:15pm

5:15pm-5:45pm

5:45pm-6:15pm

6:15pm-6:25pm
6:30pm
*Thursday, April 30 Interviews
Group Review of Material
Mock Tryout by ’09 Seniors
Final Remarks 4:15pm-5:45pm
5:45pm-6:00pm
6:00pm-6:15pm

6:30pm
*Friday, May 1 Final Review of Material
TRYOUTS!!!!!
Announce Squads 4:15pm-4:30pm
4:30pm-6:30pm
7:30pm (subject to change)

*The squads for the 2009-2010 seasons will be posted online at the Spartan Center.

OVERVIEW OF SCORING

Requirement Area Percentage of Points (%)
Fitness
Mile Run
Push Ups
Sit Ups 5
Toe Touch
Form
Flexibility
Height
Pointed Toes 5
Optional Jump
Form
Flexibility
Height
Pointed Toes 5
Athens Academy Fight Song
Sharp Motions
Timing/Rhythm
Projection/Facials 5
Group Cheer
Sharp Motions
Voice Projection
On-Beat 10
Group Chant
Sharp Motions
Voice Projection
On-Beat 10
Group Dance
Sharp Motions
Timing/Rhythm
Projection/Facials 10
Overall Spirit
Crowd Appeal
Energy
Enthusiasm
Smiles!!  25
Interview/Teacher&Coach Evals
Self Confidence
Overall Character 25
***TUMBLING BONUS***
None-0 pts
Cartwheel-1 pt
Round Off-2 pts
Standing Backhandspring-3 pts
Backhandspring Series-4 pts
Standing Back Tuck, Running Back Tuck Series-5 pts 5
**Veteran Points will also be awarded to all returning participants.**
3pts for every JV season cheered / 5pts for every Varsity season cheered.