Hull-Daisetta
High School
2015-2016
Mascot Tryouts
March 21, 2015
Dear Parents,
Tryouts for the 2015-2016 High School Mascot will be March 21, 2015 at 8:00 am. The tryouts will be
closed to the public. The students trying out and their families can wait in the commons area of the high
school. Results will be announced that day following the tryouts.
Mascot tryout forms are due back no later than March 6, 2015 by 9:00 a.m.
This year mascot will cost approximately $200 to $300 or more depending on what you order. Payment
plan (High School Mascot) $100.00 will be due on April 30th and $100.00 will be due on May 30th and $100.00
will be due on June 30th . If not paid in full, the mascot will forfeit the position. No refunds are given for any
reason, even if you are removed from the squad.
We hope to have fundraisers to help with the cost, but please don’t count on them to pay for mascot
because they don’t always turn out well.
I am excited about being sponsor and getting the opportunity to work with you and your child. As you
know (or maybe you don’t –yet) being a mascot is hard work, but it also can be a lot of fun—I am looking
forward to the upcoming year with much anticipation and with great expectations.
If you have any questions about tryouts or cost, please call at 536-6321 ext. 122.
Thanks,
Rhonda Johnson
TO ALL STUDENTS TRYING OUT FOR THE MASCOT
POSITION
Practices are closed to the public
Tryout practices will be held March61, 2015 and March 18, 2015 from 5:30pm to 6:15pm. We only have
these two days for practice due to other school activities. It is in your best interest to be at every practice.
Tryouts will be held on March 21, 2015 . You need to be at the high school in the commons no later than 7:45
am.
You will be required to learn the tryout cheer for individual and make up a skit no longer than 2 minutes even if
you are the only one trying out.
Tryouts will be as follows:
1. Each student will come out first individually and do a combination of 3 jumps, the cheer and their skit in
the mascot costume.(note a minimum of 2 props can be used)
2. You will return to the commons area until all students have tried out and results will be
announced/posted that day.
Agenda for practices:
March 16, 2015
1. Practice starts at 5:30 p.m. in the high school commons.
2. We will be going over the rules and requirements for being a cheerleader.
3. We will practice on one cheer.
4. Practice dismissed 6:15 p.m.
March 18, 2015
1. Practice will begin at 5:15 p.m.
2. We will be doing a run through for tryouts.
3. Practice dismissed at 6:15 p.m.
If there are any questions please feel free to call me at school 936-536-6321 ext. 122
Thanks, Rhonda Johnson
HULL-DAISETTA ISD
Mascot Try-Out Parental Form
2015-2016
I, the undersigned, have read and fully understand the rules and regulations, which will govern my
son/daughter if he/she is chosen to represent Hull-Daisetta as a mascot. I further understand that
this is an extra-curricular activity and that attendance at all practices, games, special functions, and
summer camp is a requirement of the selected mascot.
I hereby give my consent for my son/daughter ______________________________________ to tryout for
mascot at Hull-Daisetta and recognize his/her responsibilities and requirements as a leader of his/her
school. I understand that, if chosen, my son/daughter will be required to pay for summer
cheerleading camp, uniforms, and any other accessories that may be needed.
Parent Signature______________________________________________________
Address__________________________________________________________
Phone___________________________________________________________
If I am selected as a mascot at Hull-Daisetta High School, I shall fulfill all of the
requirements to the best of my ability. I have read these policies and understand that if I fail to
maintain these rules, I WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE
SQUAD.
Candidate’s Signature__________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________
Student’s Phone _______________________________________________________
TRY-OUT REQUIREMENTS
Students must provide a copy of their current report card. Students must maintain a 70 in all subjects
to keep participating in extra-curricular activities.
Must have at least an attendance of 90%
Students must have a signed permissions slip.
Students cannot have an ISS or Saturday School assignment for more than two disciplinary reasons.
Members will be selected based on points received from teacher evaluations, judges’ scores. Exact
criteria will be determined and explained prior to tryouts.
A student must be enrolled in Hull-Daisetta schools. The only exceptions will be students attending
Devers ISD.
Any student who wishes to try out will agree, in advance, to adhere to the judges’ decisions as being
final.
Results will be announced to the participants after tryouts.
MEMBERSHIP
 Our goal for the Varsity High School 1 mascot.
 There is a bench mark for the Varsity High School Mascot. The bench mark is one-half of their
overall score. Scores consist of evaluations from the judges and teachers. These two are combined
together to equal their score.
 The candidate with the highest score will be selected. If the bench mark is met.
High School Varsity Mascot will be selected from ninth through twelfth grade classes.
Judges’ decisions are FINAL!
Parent’s Signature ___________________________________________
Student’s Signature __________________________________________
RESPONSIBILITIES
 Mascot will be responsible for all costs associated with being the mascot. No refunds are given for
any reason, even if you are removed from the squad.
Members must attend all required practices (even if suspended from performances).
Expect to practice a minimum of two days a week, with time and days to be determined by the
sponsor. Practices are closed to the public. Be prepared with proper shoes and attire to practice,
stunts, tumbling etc.
Members must maintain a minimum 70 average in all classes. Any student receiving less than a
seventy will be placed on suspension (NO PERFORMANCES) under Senate Bill 1 provisions.
Any member who quits or is dropped from the organization for reasons other than medical issues
extenuating circumstances will not be allowed to try-out for the following year. This will be determined
by the administrators/sponsors discretion.
Members must actively participate in fund-raising activities. This will help with the cost of outfit,
shoe, poms (no cheerleading uniform or anything resembling and cheerleading uniform will be aloud
for the mascot) (remember you are a mascot not a cheerleader) accessories and other costs that may
occur.
 Members will be expected to perform at any school function where they might be needed.
 Members will learn all cheers, dances, routines, etc. that are assigned.
 Members will be responsible for painting fence signs, hall signs and run through signs.
 Members will each have assigned duties for the fence signs, run throw signs, poles, spirit items.
 Members must sign in at every practice and game.
 Pep Rallies will be performed for home games and play-off games.
 Members will perform for home varsity basketball district games and must
perform at half time.
Parent’s Signature ___________________________________________
Student’s Signature __________________________________________
GENERAL RULES FOR PERFORMANCES
Members must appear on time in the Mascot costume/outfit.
Eating and chewing gum will not be permitted except at designated breaks.
Excess talking and standing around or primping on the field is forbidden.
 No learning or teaching cheers at games. (This is done at practice)
Hair will be neatly pulled back from the face. If you have been told to pull your hair back and you
don’t. You will sit by sponsor in the stands for the remainder of the game.
Minimal makeup will be allowed.
No jewelry. This also includes all earrings. This will be fully enforced. (Do to safety reasons)
There is to be no public displays of affection.
Uniforms will be properly maintained.
Members will ride to out of town performances with the group. Any members wishing to ride home
with a parent must follow school policy regarding that issue. Cheerleaders/mascot will be required to
be signed out by a parent or legal guardian only.
Members will adhere to any other rules covered in their student handbooks.
Members will remember at all times that they are representing their school, communities and
families and will behave in a responsible, proper manner.
 Members of each squad will need to do at least ten cheers or chants per quarter at each game.
 Members will need to evenly spread out from the 50 yard line.
 Note If the mascot is sick or is injured prior to game/pep rally then the sponsor and/or principal may
let another student perform in the mascot costume.
Parent’s Signature ___________________________________________
Student’s Signature __________________________________________
DEMERIT SYSTEM
ONE DEMERIT
Failing to maintain a proper working environment, such as doing your fair share when painting or cleaning up.
Missing practice with an excused reason. (excluding doctor excuse or school event must have note from teacher)
 Being 1 to 15 minutes late to practice.
 Chewing gum at practice or any performance.
 Not calling sponsor if you have to miss prior practice 936-536-6323 ext 122
TWO DEMERITS
More than fifteen minutes tardy to practice.
Wearing jewelry during practice or performance.
Leaving practice or any performance early.
 Not having hair pulled back away from the face.
Leaving any of your cheerleading material behind after practices or games
Using cell phone or other electronic devices
THREE DEMERITS
Missing practice with an unexcused reason.
Tardy for game or performance.
Undesirable or inappropriate language.
Insufficient knowledge of performance material.
“N” in conduct from any teacher.
Public displays of affection.
Making decisions about attire, practices, etc. without consulting your sponsor.
Failure to appear in full-required uniform assigned by the sponsor.
 Not doing your assigned duties
 Teaching cheers at games.
FIVE DEMERITS
Missing a game or performance
Fighting at school.
FIFTEEN DEMERITS
 Having practice without the sponsor
Drinking alcohol while in uniform or while at any school function.
Smoking while in uniform or while at any school function.
Parent’s Signature ___________________________________________
Student’s Signature __________________________________________
CONSEQUENCES
Signing the demerit book.
 Mascots will run four up & arounds in the gym for each demerit they receive.
Five demerits will result in the member’s not performing at a game or scheduled performance the following week
(including pep-rally).
Ten demerits will result in the member again not performing at a game or scheduled performance assigned by the
sponsor this could be homecoming or playoff games.
Fifteen demerits will result in dismissal from the squad.
This constitution can be amended as needed by the sponsor and/or principal.
Parent’s Signature ___________________________________________
Student’s Signature __________________________________________
MASCOT GUIDELINES
PURPOSE
The purpose of mascot shall be to symbolize school and community spirit used to enhance the tradition and emotions of
its audience through exaggeration, characterization and entertainment.
GENERAL GUIDELINES
* Be a positive representative of school spirit.
* Must be participating in the routines.
* Know the rules applying to mascots in your district or conference.
* NEVER be distracting during the national anthem.
* NEVER degrade game officials.
* NEVER dress or undress in front of crowds.
* NEVER talk in costume.
* Only use polite and appropriate gestures.
* Only encourage the crowd in a positive and sportsmanlike manner.
* Attend cheerleading practices regularly to coordinate performances, special events and to receive pertinent
information.
SAFETY GUIDELINES
* Be aware of the limitations of the costume.
* Always set parameters in your performance area and stay away from dangerous or unstable areas.
* Stunts and pyramids involving the mascot should be practiced in these steps prior to performance: out of
costume, with cumbersome parts (feet, head, and hands), and then in full suit.
*Always drink plenty of water and/or sports drinks during and after performances. These are invaluable to
maintaining performance level. Stay away from sodas or jolt drinks. The carbonation, sugar and caffeine leads to
stomach cramps and fatigue, remember, nothing takes the place of water.
Parent’s Signature ___________________________________________
Student’s Signature __________________________________________
MASCOTS DO’S AND DON’TS
*Constant motions are a must! The crowd is always seeking entertainment and leadership from the mascot.
*Offer your assistance to the cheerleaders and the band. Attending cheerleading practice helps mascots stay
current on events to create a harmonious environment. Cheerleaders can help with skit ideas.
*Stay in character while costumed. It is easy to lose character while in costume if one is not careful. Be sure to
maintain a consistent walk and pay close attention to young children.
*Tactfully mimic situations. As part entertainer, the crowd will look to the mascot for comic relief. Remember,
mascots are family entertainers and audiences represent every age group, ethnic origin, religion, etc. Make a
special effort not to offend anyone.
*Uphold a positive image as school representative. As previously mentioned, mascots are symbols of community
and school spirit.
*Make time for fitness and take regular water breaks during performances.
*Exaggerate those motions! Remember:
a. The costume absorbs motion
b. The audience is far away
c.
You are not realistic; you are animated – larger than life!
Exaggeration will give you the appearance of being spirited and full of life on the field.
Normal movement will appear lifeless and dead.
*Imitation can also be an effective form of movement. Follow behind people with unusual walks and etc. It’s an
easy way to draw humor. Always remember to use good judgment when imitating other people.
*Never use lewd or obscene gestures. Be careful about reactions to “bad call” and remember that referees are
human and subject to error.
*Remember never talk in costume. Imagine walking up to a famous character and hearing a squeaky little voice!
Besides, animals do not talk. Learn to rely on pantomime and exaggerated motions to get across ideas.
*Only the mascot should see the character transitions. When changing into and out of the costume take care to
find a secluded area with convenience to your performance area. The crowd should never see a mascot partially
dressed. Mascot should try not to carry their costumes uncovered.
Parent’s Signature ___________________________________________
Student’s Signature __________________________________________
JUDGING
1. Teacher evaluations
2. Doing the cheer
3. Two minute skit (to be performed at closed tryouts)
a. Walk
b. Creativity
c.
Animation
d. Dancing
4. Improvisation (held on day of tryouts—no preparation necessary)
TIPS AND HINTS
*Pick a theme and stay focused.
*Music enhances acting, relieves boredom and clues the audience into your performance.
*Props are helpful in getting ideas across.
RELEASE FORM
I understand by the very nature of the activity, cheerleading and gymnastics carry a risk of physical injury. No
matter how careful the participant and coach are, how many spotters are used, or what landing surface is used,
the risk cannot be eliminated. The risk of injury includes minor injuries such as muscle pulls, dislocation and
broken bones. The risk also includes catastrophic injuries such as permanent paralysis or even death from
landing or falls on the back, neck, or head. I understand these risks and will not hold Hull-Daisetta ISD or any
of its personnel responsible in the case of accident or injury at any time.
___________________________________
Parent or Guardian Signature
_____________________________
Date
___________________________________
Student Signature
_____________________________
Date
EMERGENCY CARD
Student ___________________________________________ Phone _______________
Family Physician ____________________________________ Phone _______________
Health Insurance Co. _________________________________ Phone _______________
Medications student is allergic to: __________________________________________
If in the judgment of any representative of the school, the above named student should need immediate care and
treatment as a result of any injury or sickness I do hereby request, authorize, and consent to such care and
treatment as may be given said student by any physician, trainer, nurse or school representative. I do agree to
indemnify and save harmless the school and any school or hospital representative from any claim by any person
on account of such care and treatment of said student.
Student signature ___________________________________ Date ________________
Parent/Guardian signature ____________________________ Date _________________
Emergency Contacts
Please Print
Student Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Address:_______________________________________________________
Phone: ________________
Contacts
Name: ______________________Relationship _______________ Phone ____________
Name: ______________________Relationship _______________ Phone ____________
Name: ______________________Relationship _______________ Phone ____________
Name: ______________________Relationship _______________ Phone ____________
Name: ______________________Relationship _______________ Phone ____________
Name: ______________________Relationship _______________ Phone ____________