Dalton State Cheerleading

Pre-Tryout
Decide what type of cheer you want to participate in.
Locate when and where the Dalton State Cheerleading tryouts
will be held.
Research information about the school, athletic program and
coaches.
Find out the required or recommended skills and qualifications
are to make the Dalton State Cheerleading Squad(s).
Compare skills and qualifications to those that you already
have.
Develop a practice, conditioning and training plan to better
prepare yourself for tryouts.
Register and apply for clinics organized by the Dalton State
Cheerleading Program. It is recommended to attend these. It
will give you the opportunity to learn more about Dalton
States cheerleading program, become familiar with the
Dalton State Cheerleading Coaches and provide the best
training to better prepare you for tryouts.
Get your tryout packet which should include all the Dalton
State Cheerleading tryout information, registration,
application and waiver.
Return your tryout packet by the date indicated to ensure you
can participate at tryouts.
Attend the Meet the Staff and Team day (juniors, seniors,
and transfers)

Dalton State Cheerleading

Tryout Information
Athlete must present his or herself well.

o Men: Athletic clothing and shoes must be worn. Female: Crop top/sports bra,
compression shorts and bows must be worn. Dalton State colors would be
appropriate (Blue, Grey Silver, and White). Please DO NOT wear any other
university, all-star, or high school clothing other than Dalton State apparel.
o Hair must be worn away from face (no bobby pins)

Participants must arrive on time each day and stay throughout the
entire clinic/tryout.

o Competition Clinic (mandatory for athletes trying out for Competition/Spirit)May 7 & 8, 2015
o Competition Tryout (mandatory for athletes trying out for Competition/Spirit)May 9, 2015
Roster will be posted on May 10, 2015 at 9:00am on the doors of
Ottinger Athletic Center doors. Mandatory team meeting for all names
on Roster at 10:00pm.
o Spirit Clinic (mandatory for athletes trying out for Spirit)- May 14 & 15, 2015
o Spirit Tryout (mandatory for athletes trying out for Spirit)- May 16, 2015
Roster will be posted on May 17, 2015 at 9:00am on the doors of
Ottinger Athletic Center doors. Mandatory team meeting for all names
on Roster at 10:00pm.
*If you attend the Competition/Spirit Tryout, you do not have to attend the Spirit
Tryout, but will be required to attend the Spirit meeting on May 17, 2015 at
10:00am.

Tryouts will be held at Bandy Gymnasium on Campus of Dalton State

650 College Drive Dalton, Georgia 30720
Be fully prepared to spend much of the time being active, so eat well
and stay hydrated.
o You will be given breaks during clinic days.

Bring your best attitude and skills!

***** Meet the Staff and Team on April 25, 2015 9:00am-12:00pm
at Ottinger Athletic Center, 730 College Drive Dalton, Georgia,
30720
(for juniors, seniors, and transfers)
Tryout and Scholarship Applications are due on May 1, 2015 by mail
or email
Dalton State College , 650 College Drive Dalton, Georgia 30720
Questions? Please contact:
Coach Robyn Pursley, Director of Cheerleading
(423)355-2979 Email at rnewell@daltonstate.edu or visit and LIKE our Facebook Dalton State
Cheerleading or visit dsroadrunners.com

Dalton State Cheerleading

Requirements
Cheerleading Squads
We will have two Dalton State cheer squads. Athletes will indicate at the time of tryouts
what squad they will be trying out for. We encourage that you select both the Blue and
White (Spirit) and Silver (Competitive) Squads.
Squad #1 (Blue and White Squad) Coed Spirit
o This is our Spirit Squad. It will consist of 20 + team members, both male and
female. These athletes will be divided into 2 teams (10 and 10) and will
alternate cheering home basketball games
o The primary objective will be cheering and performing at mens basketball
games (home and away) and supporting all athletics at Dalton State (cross
country, womens volley ball, tennis, golf and soccer).
o We will attend many events on campus and in the community. You will also
do a lot of fundraising and charity work.
o These members will perform cheerleading skills in cheer, dance, stunts,
jumps, and tumbling.
o We will attend a College Camp in the summer.
o You must be willing to commit to the determined practice schedule, games,
and special events.
o You are required to commit to the squad for a minimum of one academic
year.

Squad #2 (Silver Squad) Coed Competition

o This is Dalton States Competitive Cheer Squad. It will consist of 4 male, 12
female, and 2 alternates
o Members of this squad will compete in selected competitions with the goal of
Nationals! NAIA/NCA
o You will be required to participate as a Blue or White Squad member.
o We will attend many events on campus and in the community. There will be
fundraising and charity work.
o These members will perform elite and advanced cheerleading skills in cheer,
dance, stunts, jumps and tumbling.
o Members of the Dalton Silver Cheer Squad must attend all practices, workout
sessions, competitions, events, and other promotional activities.
o You are required to commit to the squad for a minimum of one academic
year.

Squad and Member Selection

We have some suggestions for what we will be looking for. Candidates will be selected on
a variety of factors. We will be considering more than just current skill level. We will
consider physical fitness, attitude, potential, commitment and work ethic. All returning
squad members from the previous year must try out again. We encourage athletes of
every kind to tryout.
Ladies: We will be looking for candidates who are in good physical shape, present
themselves well, cheer with a great attitude, have potential to be pliable in the positions
they will perform and who have tumbling experience on a variety of floors.
Guys: We would like to see candidates who have tumbling and/or stunting experience.
Guys who have little or no cheer experience may be selected if they have a strong
athletic ability.

Tumbling
We will be considering athletes with a wide range of skills; however I would recommend
having at least a back handspring. If you intend on trying out for Silver Squad, our skill
expectations will be more demanding. The more skills you have, the more advantage you
have over your competitors. A back handspring is generally the minimum, it is required.
Any athlete with the desire to cheer is encouraged to tryout. You will be asked to perform
a variety of tumbling skills. I do not expect everyone to have all of the skills (depending
on the program you are trying out for) so dont be intimidated by the list. (All tumbling
will be performed on non-spring floor.)
Silver Squad (Coed Competition)
* Indicates that this skill is required
Standing
o *Standing back handspring
o *Standing back tuck
o *Standing back handspring back tuck
o Standing back handspring full
o Standing full
Combination Running/Series
o *Round-off back handspring series
o *Round-off back handspring tuck, layout or full
o Round-off back handspring tuck, layout or whip back handspring
o Round-off back handspring full back handspring
Blue/White Squad (Coed Spirit)
* Indicates that this skill is required
Standing
o *Standing back handspring
o *Standing back tuck
o Standing back handspring back tuck
o Standing back handspring full
o Standing full

Combination Running/Series
o *Round-off back handspring series
o *Round-off Tuck
o Round-off back handspring tuck, layout or full
o Round-off back handspring tuck, layout or whip back handspring
o Round-off back handspring full back handspring

Stunting
All candidates will be expected to participate in partner, group and coed stunts, and also
be willing to perform more than one position. If experienced in partner stunting, it is
recommended that you stunt together prior to and throughout the Tryout process. We
will be evaluating;
Tosses
Partner Stunts (Coed and all girl)
One man
Two leg stunts
One leg/variations
*Flyers:
We are looking for flexibility, body positions and technique. Single down from every stunt
or potential to learn single and double down.
Silver Squad (Coed Competition)
* Indicates that this skill is required
*ALL body positions
*Double down
Coed and multi-base experience
Blue/White Squad (Coed Spirit)
* Indicates that this skill is required
*Heel Stretch
*Full down
Coed and multi-base experience
*Bases and Back Spots:
We are looking for Strength and technique. Athletes should be strong in basket tosses,
multi-base and partner stunts. If you are not knowledgeable in these skills, be able to
learn and pick it up quickly.
Silver Squad (Coed Competition)
* Indicates that this skill is required
*Full-up
*Two man
*Basket toss
Blue/White Squad (Coed Spirit)
* Indicates that this skill is required
*Full-up
*Full down
*One leg stunts

*Males
Must be strong and in good physical condition. We do not expect you to have mastered
stunting but will observe you on your ability to learn quickly. If experienced, we will
evaluate on walk-ins as well as tossing.
Silver Squad (Coed Competition)
* Indicates that this skill is required
*Toss Platform
Toss Lib
Blue/White Squad (Coed Spirit)
* Indicates that this skill is required
*Toss extension
*Full down
*Chair sit
Toss lib

Cheer
We will evaluate you on motions, jumps, tumbling, enthusiasm, attitude and crowd
involvement. Smile!

Jumps
We will be evaluating flexibility, height, form, technique and tumbling incorporated.
Toe touch
Double toe touch and triple toe touch
Hurkie (right and left)
Hurdler (right and left)
Pike
We encourage that all of the listed jumps be performed with a back handspring or
tuck.

Dance
This Choreography is typically performed at halftime and pregame events. It
incorporates the use of pom poms. This type of dance is often performed to a fight song
or accompanied by a band. We are looking at execution, sharpness and projection. You
will be judged on your ability to perform.

Choreography
Dance has a variety of rhythms, styles, ripples and motions. You will be judged on
showmanship, attitude, form, control, your ability to learn quickly and perform..

Questions?
Who is the Dalton State Cheer Program looking for?
*Team members for the 2015-2016 seasons. Athletes who have the desire to support our
athletics, school, and community. Athletes who desire to be a part of a team and master
skills in one of the most challenging sport there is.
Why cheer in college?
*It is a great way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. You will also get access
to Dalton State sporting events and travel opportunities. Dalton State Competitive cheer
has a firm foundation and plans to continue to reach success each year. SCHOLARSHIP!
Can you tryout if you have not yet applied to Dalton State College?
*Yes, but we encourage you not to procrastinate on the application process. Although it
may be announced that you have earned a spot on a Dalton State Cheerleading Squad,
your place on the team is not secured until you have applied and been accepted to
Dalton State College.
Can you tryout if you are currently enrolled in another school (high school or
college)?
*Yes, but as it was stated in the previous answer, your spot on a Dalton State
Cheerleading Squad is not secure until you have applied and been accepted to Dalton
State College.
Does Dalton State College offer Scholarships?
*Yes, It is your responsibility to apply for any academic scholarships you desire. There is
opportunity to receive a cheerleading scholarship (full and partial scholarships are
awarded), in which case an athlete will be notified by Coach Pursley.

Dalton State Cheerleading Scholarship Application

Name: ____________________________ Birth date: ________________

(Full name)
Present Address: _______________________________________________________________________
Cell Phone Number: ___________________________
Email Address: ___________________________
Year of High School Graduation: _________Are you a senior? __________
Have you applied to DSC for Admission? _______________
Have you been accepted to DSC? ______________________
Name of squad(s) you have cheered with:
High School: __________________________
All Stars: __________________________
College: __________________________
Number of years cheered: __________________________
G.P.A.: ___________________
Height: ____________________
Weight:________________________
I am trying out for:

Competition/Both

Spirit

Tumbling Skills/Experience:
Standing:_________________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________
Running:__________________________________________________________________________________________
________________________
Partner Stunting Skills/Experience:___________________________________ _________________________________
____________________________
Please list 3 contacts for recommendation including: name, phone number and email address (do not include family)
Name

Phone Number

Email Address

Name

Phone Number

Email Address

Name

Phone Number

Email Address

Checklist:

Completed and signed application

Signed liability waiver (parents signature if under 18 years)

Front and back copy of health insurance card

Copy of Current Physical

Copy of Roadrunner Card, Acceptance Letter, or written letter explaining intent to apply

$35 registration fee (cash only)

Head Shot

Name: __________________________
DS ID#_________________
Major: __________________________
G.P.A. _________________
Classification for fall: _______________
D.O.B._________________
Home Phone: _____________________
Cell ___________________
Address: __________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
Parents names: ___________________________________________
Parents address: ____________________________________________
___________________________________________________________
Parents phone: ______________________________________________

E-mail: ____________________________________________________
Shirt size:

XS S

Shorts size:

XS S M

XL

XL

Shoe size: _____________

Height: _____________
Weight: _____________
How did you hear about Cheerleading Tryouts?
(Please choose one)
Friend Website

DS student

High School

Clinic

Facebook

Other__________________
HAVE YOU APPLIED TO DALTON STATE?
HAVE YOU BEEN ACCEPTED TO DALTON STATE?
SCHOOL CURRENTLY ATTENDING?

LIST PAST CHEER EXPERIENCE:

HIGH SCHOOL: __________________________________________________________
COLLEGE: __________________________________________________________
ALL STAR: __________________________________________________________
TUMBLING SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:
Standing:
Running:
STUNT:
Position:
Stunting Skills:
I am trying out for:
(Please Circle)

Competition & Spirit

Spirit Only

WE WANT TO GET TO KNOW YOU

WHY DO YOU WANT TO BE A DALTON STATE CHEERLEADER?

HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR LEISURE TIME?

PERSONAL SKILLS THAT MAY CONTRIBUTE YOUR SUCCESS AS A CHEERLEADER:

WHAT ARE YOUR CAREER OBJECTIVES?

There are a variety of reasons why people do cheerleading. Please indicate how true each of
these reasons is for why you do cheerleading. (There are no incorrect answers so answer these
as truthfully as possible) Answer on following page.
The scale is:
1
2
not at all
true

4
somewhat
true

6
7
very true

Why do you practice cheerleading?

1. For the pleasure I feel when I practice cheerleading.
2. I used to have good reasons for doing cheerleading, but now I am asking myself if I should
continue doing it.
3. I would feel bad about myself if I was not taking time to do cheerleading.
4. It is a good way to get exercise.
5. My parents or the school will give me money or other rewards when I do it.
6. For the excitement I feel when I am really involved in cheerleading.
7. I learn valuable lessons from cheerleading.
8. It is absolutely necessary for me to do cheerleading to feel good about myself.
9. It is not clear to me anymore; I don't really think cheerleading is my sport.
10. My parents, other family members, or friends tell me to do it.
11. For the pleasure of discovering new techniques.
12. I'm not sure why I still practice cheerleading, I don't seem to be going anywhere in it.
13. I think cheerleading is a useful way to stay healthy.
14. My parents, family, or friends would be mad if I didn't practice cheerleading anymore.
15. I would feel awful if I didn't do cheerleading anymore.
Write numerical answers here:
1._____

4._____

7._____

10._____

14._____

2._____

5._____

8._____

11._____

15._____

3._____

6._____

9._____

12._____

Dalton State Cheerleading

Statement of Understanding
I hereby certify that I fully understand the following:
1. Cheerleading involves a variety of gymnastics, motions, partner stunts, rotations and heights;
therefore, participation in cheerleading involves some amount of danger of personal injury. I
totally assume the risks involved by participating in this cheerleading clinic. I further realize
that improper conduct of cheerleading activity could result in catastrophic injury, paralysis or
even death.
2. I hereby certify that I have read, am thoroughly familiar with, and will carefully
abide by the American Association for Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA)
guidelines for safety in college cheerleading (THIS WILL BE POSTED IN THE FACILITY
WHERE EVENT IS HELD).
3. I further agree to hold harmless Dalton State and the coaches, athletics, officers, directors,
staff, and cheerleading officials for any injury which I may incur by being a participant in the
cheerleading event.
Medical Insurance Company and Policy Number:
____________________________________
____________________________________
STATEMENT: I have read carefully this memorandum, and I understand and accept the
information and requirements contained in it.
Signature _________________________ Date ____________________
If under the age of eighteen years old a parent or guardians signature is required.
Signature _________________________ Date______________________