1. sports
2. cheerleading

Millikan High School
Cheer Tryouts 2015-2016
ORIENTATION and CONTRACT INFORMATION
Dear Parents/Guardians and Students:
It is imperative that you understand the commitment that cheer involves. The
Millikan Cheer Program is treated as a sports activity. It is therefore, highly
competitive and the overall commitment expected from both parents and students
is tremendous. I believe it is an honor and a privilege to be a part of the Millikan
tradition. We are recognized around the nation as one of the leading cheer
programs and I believe that the benefits of belonging to such an outstanding
program far outweigh the sacrifices...but read on and make sure you understand
exactly what you are committing to before you try out.
In the past, problems have arisen, different in nature each year but most having to
do with...”I really wish we had been told about this in the beginning.” To that end, I
am trying to communicate exactly what is involved, what the coaches,
administration, and I will be expecting of both you and your child if he/she makes
one of the two squads. There is no way that I can cover every situation, but this
contract is an attempt to make the demands and expectations of participation in
this program known BEFORE you sign up for the long term and invest what can be a
great deal of time and energy.
The Millikan High School Cheer Squads are recognized as a sports activity. Today’s
cheerleader is an athlete with special talents, which include gymnastics and dance.
Varsity members of our cheer squads will compete in local, regional and national
competitions, as well as all cheerleaders performing the duties of crowd leading at a
wide variety of sports events. They set an example for others in their school spirit, their
leadership, and commitment to their studies. This program is not for the faint
hearted!!!!
I sincerely hope that you understand that while we love every one of your kids, it is
impossible to make them happy all of the time, especially when it comes to selection
of squads. Competition seems to become tougher every year so no one is
guaranteed a place on the squad even though they have been on a squad this
past year. We bring in outside judges to make scoring as objective as possible. If
you look carefully at the scoring guide you’ll see that because of teacher
recommendations and GPA, talent alone will not determine if your child makes the
squad.
Prior to your child’s tryout, read the following conditions, rules and expectations. If
both parent and student agree to the following terms, the complete tryout packet
must be turned in. In order for your student to be allowed to try out, this packet must
be on file by the stated deadline. Once you turn in the packet, I will hold you
responsible to the agreed upon terms. I realize this is a lot to take in---especially
those of you who have never participated before, but at the same time, I’d like to
be as clear as possible to prevent misunderstandings later. If you have questions, I
can be reached at school at 425-7441 ext. 4808 ask to be transferred to the cheer
advisor and I will reply just as soon as I can. I promise this is a lot more fun that this
letter would lead you to believe. We are looking for students who can represent
Millikan High School as excellent cheerleaders and as excellent role models for the
student body!
Sincerely,
MHS Cheer Advisor
Cheryl Chambers
CHEER TRYOUT PROCEDURE-INFORMATION
_______ ______ 1. Tryouts clinics are Monday March 31st - Thursday April 3rd from 3-5pm, seniors
will stay until 5:30pm to provide additional help. Actual tryouts will be held on Friday
April 4th 3:30- 7pm. Participants will be judged on the material learned at the clinics. NO
OTHER DATES OR TIMES WILL BE AVAILABLE TO TRYOUT!
_______ ______ 2. All tryout packet information must be turned in and completed. THE COMPLETE
PACKET IS DUE ON FRIDAY, MARCH 20TH, 2015
_______ ______ 3. To try out, you need a G.P.A. of 2.5 or better at the completion of the semester
grading period. Your grades, teacher, and counselor recommendations are a part of
your total score and will be a part of the final decision.
_______ ______ 4. Participants at the tryout are expected to convey the Millikan standard for
dress code and conduct. Come in spirited attire, no visible bra straps, piercings, baggy
clothes etc.
_______ ______ 5. The order of tryouts will be at random. No special arrangements will be made to
insure that certain candidate’s tryout with others, in a certain order, or at a certain time.
_______ ______ 6. Tryouts may run several hours, so candidates must plan ahead and schedule
their time to fit the tryouts. Callbacks may be held after all participants have tried out,
DO NOT LEAVE! If you make the squad, you will be notified by phone the evening of
April 3RD by 9pm. We will arrange a meeting to get acquainted that night.
_______ ______ 7. We understand that all decisions of the judges at tryouts are final. If we have
not been notified by 9:00 pm, we will know that our student did not make the squad. If
candidate does not make the squad, here are plenty of activities at Millikan that they
can participate in and they are welcome to tryout again next year.
_______ ______ 8. There is a mandatory parent meeting April 13th - at 6:30 p.m. in the cafeteria for
all new and returning squad members and their parents This is the first meeting with
coaches as a new squad with information of expectations required as a cheerleader
here at Millikan High School. First “Parent Booster Meeting”is Monda, April 27th, 2015.
_______ ______
9. Uniform Fittings are MANDATORY.. DATE : TBA
TIME: TBA
_______ ______ 10. FAILURE OF THE PARENT TO ATTEND THE PARENT MEETINGS and/or ABSENCE OF
THE CHEERLEADER AT UNIFORM FITTINGS WILL RESULT IN IMMEDIATE REMOVAL FROM THE
SQUAD!
TRYOUT SKILLS AND EXPECTIONS
The following skills and expectations are part of the tryout process. If you have questions, please
talk to a coach or the advisor the week of clinic/tryouts.
Varsity Cheer:
The Varsity cheer squad is all girl or coed. A back-handspring and an elite level partner stunt are
REQUIRED for Varsity. The Varsity squad will be composed of student’s grade 9-12. We will select a
squad of 12-20+ students depending upon the results of tryouts. Alternates may also be chosen.
Junior Varsity Cheer:
Junior Varsity Cheer is all girl or coed for 9-11th grade only and depending upon the results of
tryouts may be composed of 12-20+ members depending upon the results of tryouts.
VARSITY and JUNIOR VARSITY CHEER SQUAD
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Points are awarded to those with gymnastic skills.
Toe touch jump (jump)
The ability to either “fly” or “base” a pyramid
Points are awarded for the timed mile run
Sharp, consistent cheer motions
Performance skills: eye contact, smile, enthusiasm, confidence, showmanship
GPA: minimum of 2.5 or above with NO “F” or “U”
Positive teacher/counselor recommendations
Good attitude—willing to take direction
Attendance and participation in cheer clinics
Millikan Cheer Contract
All matters not covered in this document shall be addressed as needed by the
advisor and administration. All rules and expectations are subject to change
without notice. Every situation will be handled to the advisor’s discretion. This
contract constitutes the rules; conduct guidelines, consequences, and
commitments that each cheerleader must follow while a member of the Millikan
Cheer Squad.
PARENTS AND STUDENTS: Please Initial EACH Item
A_____ _____Eligibility
1.
Student must maintain a 2.5 GPA, with NO “F” and NO “U’s” in conduct
2.
Education always comes first. A cheerleader who does not make the
2.5 requirement during the season will be given a probationary period in
which they must complete weekly progress reports. If the 2.5 GPA is not
met at the following grading period, these actions will be taken:
suspension from games, rallies, performances, competitions, and may
even result into the removal from the cheer team. This is at the discretion
of the cheer advisor, in consultation with the coach, and administration.
3.
Student must have an athletic clearance prior to participation
4.
Student and Parent/Guardian understand that there is the potential for
injuries in cheer and we agree to provide the necessary insurance
policy.
5.
Student and Parent/Guardian must sign and agree to abide by the
terms of this contract in order to participate in the Cheer Program.
B_____ _____ Code of Ethics
1.
Student and Parent/Guardian must willingly cooperate with the Advisor,
Assistants, Coaches, Captains and Administration.
2.
Student and Parent/Guardian are courteous and hospitable to
EVERYONE.
3.
Student and Parent/Guardian will graciously accept any decisions
made by the Advisor, Coaches, and Administration
4.
Student uses approved tactics and refrains from using profanity.
5.
Student controls his/her temper and maintains his/her poise.
6.
Student is a team player and as such, works at all times to maintain
harmony within and between the cheerleaders.
7.
Public display of affection is not appropriate at any time while in
uniform.
8.
Members of our squads are not encouraged to date other teammates.
C._____ _____ Responsibilities as a Cheerleader
Cheer is both a class and after school sport, therefore cheerleaders will be
receiving a grade that counts towards their physical education credit.
-Student’s grades are based on points earned for projects, assignments,
as well as attendance and participation, and basic citizenship grades.
Extra credit assignments may be given from time to time depending on
available materials and the need for refining skills in a certain area.
Students will be able to view their grades and understand their progress
at any time. This information will be provided with school grade reports
and grades will be posted online.
- Excessive tardiness and truancies will be treated as per school policy, no
makeup work allowed for unexcused absences. Unexcused absences will result
in laps, lower grade, the removal of the routine, benching from a performance
and in some cases removal from the squad
1.
Student will respect and support all other MHS teams.
2.
Student will be responsible for knowing all cheers and routines.
3.
There are major fundraisers; Student will be responsible to participate.
4.
Student must have excellent school discipline and be a role model.
5.
Being a part of the Millikan Cheer team takes a tremendous amount of
energy. All practices will be conducted full out, so as to ensure the safety of
teammates. Conditioning will be a part of daily practices including running
and other exercises to build team strength and fitness. Student will need to
meet the California State Fitness Requirements.
6.
Student is expected to be in the cheer period each day for roll and his/her
failure to do so will result in an absence and absences from class will result in
a lower grade. In addition to attendance, dress attire, participation, work
ethic and attitude are components to the cheerleader’s grade.
7.
Any work that is missed from absences should be made up immediately
upon return, as due dates will not be extended without prior arrangements
with the advisor.
8.
JV Cheer is expected to cheer for Freshman and JV Football, Frsehman,
Sophomore, JV Boys and Girls Basketball and other games as assigned.
They will also be required to cheer at several CIF playoffs and other games
as assigned.
9.
Varsity cheer will be required to cheer for varsity football and basketball
(girls and boys) games. They will also be required to cheer at several if not
ALL CIF playoffs and other games as assigned.
10. Student will be responsible to attend summer cheer camp learning stunt
safety skills & proper technique, dances and cheers.
D_____ _____ZERO Tolerance Policy: Drug/Alcohol/Inappropriate
Behavior/Suspension
1. Student must follow all school rules, (including dress code) and refrain
from any illegal activity.
2. If the student is selected this year, he/she will still have to try out again
next year and his/her position on the squad is NOT guaranteed.
Improvement, attitude, and talent--all play a part in whether or not
he/she returns. A bad attitude in the classroom will almost guarantee that
they will not be returning; a bad attitude at practice will probably assure
it.
In the event that any cheerleader is:
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Found with drugs or alcohol in their possession,
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Or under the influence of any drugs or alcohol,
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Or is suspended from school,
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Or if he/she is reported to be behaving in any inappropriate
manner, this also includes Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram,
E-mailing, texting, and all social media sites.
He/she will be removed from the Cheer Program immediately.
3. If student is removed from the Cheer Program it is to the Cheer
Advisor’s discretion, if the cheerleader can try out for the next school
year’s cheer team.
4. Inappropriate Behavior may include: bullying, inappropriate photos,
profanity, fighting, cheating.
E _____ _____ Enforcement of Contract Violations- The Zero Tolerance Policy
does not apply here.
1. First Violation will result in a warning.
2. Second violation will result in probation.
3. Third violation will result in the removal from a rally or game.
4. Fourth violation will result in removal from the Cheer Program. (If
student is removed from the Cheer Program, student will not be
eligible for any refunds).
5. Upon removal from the Cheer Program, under NO
CIRCUMSTANCES, may student be allowed to wear any uniform
affiliated to the Cheer Program on or off school time.
F_____ _____Time Involved
1. Practices begin in May, continue through the summer, break for 2 weeks
in August and resume again the last 2 weeks of August to prepare for
Football season and then continue throughout the year. Please plan your
vacations within the first 2 weeks of August.
2. Practices are long and demanding, sometimes involving last-minute
practices, evenings, vacations and weekends. Cheerleader will be
expected to develop time management skills in order to maintain his/her
grades.
3. Everyone must plan on practice after school and sometimes weekends
and evenings. The cheer program works around coaches’ schedules.
4. Cheer must become the 1st priority in terms of extracurricular activities.
Jobs, appointments, vacations, other clubs, organizations, etc., must be
arranged around practice and activities for Cheer. Failure to do so may
result in removal from a cheer squad.
5. Parent, cheerleader or a representative’s attendance is required at
mandatory monthly booster meetings
6. If student is new to the cheer program and is currently participating in
another activity/sport they need to complete their obligation before
becoming a part of cheer practices, however all conflicting
commitments must be communicated in advance.
G_____ _____Cheer Dress Code
1. Millikan Cheerleaders are representatives of the school and are expected
to abide by all requirements to ensure professionalism and safety. As such,
hair must be kept ponytail length, no extreme hair colors (which include
drastic two toned hair color), and visible piercings and tattoos.
2. Uniform pieces are only to be worn by current Millikan Cheerleaders. No
loaning uniforms, warm-ups, etc. to friends or family members unless
approved by the advisor. Uniforms including t-shirts, and WARM UPS are
NOT to be worn on non-game/performance days!
3. No special items should be added to the uniform (flip flops, tank tops,
jewelry, jeans etc)
4. Practice shoes must be worn every practice. Hair in ponytail, no jewelry.
Practice attire is as follows:
Mon. – Blue shorts/White t-shirt
Tues. – Gold shorts/Blue t-shirt
Wed. -Black shorts/Yellow t-shirt
Thurs. - Gold shorts/Black t-shirt
Fri. - Colors of your choice.
H_____
_____Competition Duties: Varsity Members, Varsity Alternates and
selected JV members and Alternates
1. All competitions AND practices that lead up to competitions are
MANDATORY. Any activities including but not limited to school sponsored
field trips or family commitments that conflict with competition and
practices are unexcused in the weeks prior to competition and will result
in the possible of removal from the routine.
2. Approx. 4-5 (depending on budget) competitions per year, first
competition begins in January
3. The squad may have the potential to travel to “away” competitions
depending on team progress, grades, funds, parent support and school
permission
4. The squad will learn routine in the summer, if they are absent during the
choreography practices they will not be placed in the routine.
5. Parents-Just a reminder to “hang back” at competitions, no back stage &
“no stage parents” please.
6. Parents-please attend, wear blue and gold and cheer! It helps our scores
I_____ _____Alternates
1. We understand that making the cheer squad does not mean that the
cheerleader automatically becomes a member of a competition squad - some
students may be designated as alternates. Coaches and the Advisor reserve the
right to determine the size of the squad that will compete.
2. Alternates must attend all practices AND competitions, this is so in the event of
an injury the alternate will be prepared and able to fill in the role of the injured.
J_____ _____Communication
1. Coaches and Advisor will be happy to discuss cheerleader’s strengths
and weaknesses in order to help the cheerleader increase his/her skills.
Please understand that the Coach and Advisor have to consider the team
as a whole rather than each individual. Should a concern arise
parent/guardian and cheerleader are asked to follow the proper chain
of commands to address concerns, DO NOT skip commands.
 Team mom, or Cheer Capt. Or Booster President
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Cheer Advisor
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Coach
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Assistant Principal Benjamin Martinez

Principal Dr. Jeff Cornejo
2. Business hours are Monday-Friday 7:45am-7pm, THIS INCLUDES TEXT
MESSAGES AND EMAILS! It is NOT appropriate to call, email or text all hours
of the night. Please consider that sending excessively long texts cost the
receiver financial expense. We advise parent/guardian to use the 24hour rule before calling/ emailing/texting in stressful situations; it will allow
all parties the ability to stay calm, level headed and respectful. If
repeated communication protocol is broken ex: not following office
hours, use of disrespect, etc. the student will face consequence strikes,
which can lead to the removal from the program.
3. We understand and agree that Coaches and the Advisor will not enter
into any discussion with parents regarding coaching decisions after
selection for the cheer squads. The Coaching Staff and Advisor make
every attempt to talk with parents on an individual basis if problems arise;
however, once decisions are made they are final.
4. We understand that in the case of cheerleader’s absence a phone
call/text or email to the advisor AND the coach is required, this will help
all parties decide what steps to take and it will allow the coach to make
adjustments to the practice plans for the day. If absence is not
communicated prior to the practice, it will not be excused regardless of a
readmit.
5. Practices are closed for “watchers”. Should Parent/Guardian have a
concern to discuss with the coach or advisor, they must schedule a
meeting according to the proper chain of commands. It is considered
disruptive conduct and a violation of proper chain of commands to show
up at any given time and expect to speak with the coach or advisor.
6. In order to promote student growth in communication skills and responsibility for
their role on the squad we ask that students first communicate concerns,
questions, problems etc. prior to parent/guardian communications.
K_____ _____Injuries
1. Injuries at practice during school hours- student will be taken to the nurse’s
office for treatment, and adult in charge will call parent/guardian to
inform. Injuries after school hours, adult in charge will provide 1st aide if
necessary, followed by a phone call to take student to chosen
doctor/hospital. Make sure emergency number is correct, have several
contact numbers family or a caretaker can be reached at. It is very
important if parent/guardian goes out of town to leave a caretakers
phone number.
2. Minor injuries, adult in charge will talk to parent/guardian after practice to
give signs to be aware of.
3. Doctor’s appt. for injuries are excused, however you must always bring the
Dr.’s note to give limitations, or excuse from practices, get a healthy note
to return to practice.
4. Injured cheerleaders are still expected to attend practice and cheer
events, however within the limitations directed by doctor.
L.____ _____ Quit Program
1. If a cheerleader is to quit the program for ANY reason she WILL NOT be
allowed to try-out in the future.
2. If a cheerleader is to quit under no circumstances will refunds be given.
CONTRACT AGREEMENT
We have read, understood and had the opportunity to ask any questions
regarding the rules, requirements and expectations of becoming a
member of the Millikan High School Cheer program.
All matters not covered in this document shall be addressed as needed
by the advisor and administration. All rules and expectations are subject
to change without notice.
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Cheerleader’s Name PRINT
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Parent Name PRINT
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Cheerleader’s Signature/Date
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Parent Signature/Date