Rancho Mirage High School Cheer

Tryout Information Packet

2016-2017

Here is what must be turned in on or before Friday, April 8th, 2016 at

3:30pm to Coach Greens box at Rancho Mirage High School:
1. Tryout Application and Acknowledgements Form
2. Waiver

3. Financial Commitment Contract

4. Personality Card
5. Teacher Recommendations (will be turned in by the teacher)
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Coach Green at
rgreen@psusd.us.

Important Dates
Welcome Potluck and Team Meeting
Come join us for dinner and meet the other families in the program! This is mandatory for
ALL cheerleaders that make the team and at least one parent/guardian. We will
distribute the first fundraisers and review summer practice schedule and camp, uniforms
and attire, and upcoming deposits for camp/uniform, as well as uniform fittings.
Friday, May 27th at 6:00 pm
Rancho Mirage High School Cafeteria
Pot luck assignments TBD
Camp Deposit of $150 due. Cash or Check made payable to RMHS ASB.
Returner Meeting and Uniform Check
Returners need to bring in the following items for inspection:
4 bows (maroon, blue, white, and pink)
3 pairs of shorts (blue, maroon, and gray)
Rattler uniform shell and BOTH skirts
RMHS uniform skirt, shell, and liner
Warm up pants and jacket
Sweatshirt
Coaches need to see these items to determine if replacements are needed and what
pieces they would like to sell to new members.
Thursday, May 30th from 3:15-4:00
Room 353 (Coach Greens room)
Varsity Uniform Fitting
Wednesday, May 4th
Beginning at 3:00pm in the Large Dance Room
Campwear Deposit of $250 due. Cash, credit card, or money order payable to
Varsity Spirit Fashions If you pay by credit card and it is declined, it will hold the
entire order up. Cash or money orders preferred.
Cheer Camp
USA Camp at the Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove: Sunday, July 31st Tuesday,
August 2nd
Completed Physicals
Completed Physical must be on record in the athletic office before the end of the school
year June 9th. Physicals will be offered at RMHS day and time are TBA. Information will
be provided as received.
Summer Practices
Practices are TENTATIVELY scheduled for every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday
beginning July 11th until we leave for camp.
Time and Location TBD

Expectations
Purpose
The purpose of the RMHS Cheer to:
Create school spirit, pride, good sportsmanship, and loyalty within school and the
community.
Serve as a positive representative of RMHS both on campus and off, as well as be a
good role model in regards to behavior and academics.
Promote interest in school activities and perform at school assemblies, games, and
functions.
Develop responsibility, teach self-respect, encourage honest effort and a drive for
personal excellence, and develop character.
Teach teamwork and pride in a quality performance through maintaining high
standards.
Code of Conduct
Rancho Mirage Cheerleaders are ambassadors of not only the program, but also the
school. They are expected to display positive sportsmanship and take pride in their
position as a Rancho Mirage cheerleader. Members of Rancho Mirage Cheer will behave in
a way that exemplifies respect, ethical behavior, and attitude, and remain in good
standing at Rancho Mirage High School when in uniform. The organizations goal is to
work in harmony with the administration, faculty, ASB, athletic teams, and all other
organizations. Our primary goal is to support interscholastic athletics and promote school
pride, spirit, and unity.
Academic Standing
This program is an extracurricular activity. Your purpose at Rancho Mirage High School is
to learn first, cheer second. All Rancho Mirage cheerleaders must maintain a 2.0 GPA. If a
members GPA is less than a 2.0 (quarters or semesters), they will be benched from games
and practices until their grades have improved on the next reporting period (quarter or
semester). If a student is placed on academic probation for two consecutive reporting
periods, the participant will be removed from the squad and ineligible to try out the
following year. Students on academic probation may not wear any part of their uniform
(including warm-ups, jackets, and t-shirts)
Public Image
Cheerleaders are campus leaders and are constantly in the spotlight. They need to be
aware that their actions and behaviors are under scrutiny from administration, teachers,
students, parents, and the community. With this in mind, members of Rancho Mirage
Cheer are held accountable for their actions in class, on campus, in the community, and
online. Their actions and image need to uphold the tenants of the PSUSD and RMHS Code
of Conduct at all times, but particularly when in uniform.
Team members must wear their required school lanyard, cannot chew gum per schoolwide expectations, and must follow PSUSD and RMHS Dress Code at all times.
When in class, you are expected to treat your teachers and other classmates with respect.
If there is an athlete in your class, whether it be a baseball player or a golfer, wish them
good luck on their game days.

Please be aware that what goes online becomes public property. Twitter, Instagram, Snap
Chat, etc. are checked by the school and by other students. Please make sure what you
post represents the program and more importantly, you respectfully.

Discipline
It shall be squad policy that disciplinary action will only be invoked as a last resort, and
that every reasonable attempt will be made to avoid situations likely to lead to such action
through squad discussion and positive encouragement, leading by example, and by finding
ways and means to correct negative trends.
Merits
Merits are a way to earn credits (merits) and reduce any accumulated demerit by
members who go above and beyond. Merits are given at the discretion of the coaches and
can be based on any of the following:
Attending an additional event or game in uniform when not required
Attending other community service events
Good reports from another teacher on campus
Actively helping at another teams practice or game
Working extra hard at practice or game
Merits are not limited to what is listed. The coaches may give a merits for any reason that
they see fit.
Demerits
Demerits will be used as a disciplinary tool that will only be invoked as a last resort. Every
reasonable attempt will be made to avoid situations likely to lead to such action through
team discussion, positive encouragement, leading by example, and by finding ways and
means to correct negative trends. Only coaches will give demerits.
Demerits will be
given for:
Tardiness (without notice) at any squad activity.
This includes practices,
performances, games, or functions.
Chewing gum at practice after repeated warnings.
Disrespect toward Coaches, other squad members, or student body and staff. This
includes poor attitudes, talking back, or eye rolling.
Inappropriate practice, work out wear, or uniform.
This would include any piece of the uniform, shorts/t-shirts, or footwear.
This would also include inappropriate hair for performances and school
activities.
Forgotten accessories, and/or uniforms.
Inappropriate performance makeup.
Use of inappropriate language in practice, uniform, or while at any performance,
activity, or school function.
Gossiping at practice, in uniform, or while at any performance, activity, or school
function.
Unsportsmanlike behavior within teammates or other teams that poorly represent
the Cheer Team including things that could be classified as bullying either
verbally, physically, or through social media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
Inappropriate acts of PDA on campus and especially in uniform.
IMMEDIATE REMOVAL for:
Smoking, drinking, or doing drugs.
Suspension from school, including other disciplinary action.
Demerits are not limited to what is listed. The coaches may give a demerit for any reason
that they see fit. Merit records will be kept on all members. Merits will determine

placement at games and in routines. Merit scores may transfer over to the following
years tryout score. Anyone on varsity with negative merits will not receive their varsity
letter.

Commitment
Being chosen as a member of Rancho Mirage cheer involves a
comprehensive, year-round commitment. Members must attend
all scheduled games, practices, CIF events, competitions,
fundraisers, and any other event deemed necessary by the
coaching staff. Due to the time commitment, Citrus Valley Spirit
Teams members may not participate in fall or winter sports.
Participants who are unable to meet the demands and voluntarily
quit the program will not be eligible to try out the following year.

Practices: 2-3
days/week
Games: 1-2
days/week
Rallies: 4-5 per year
Fundraising: Year
round

Required Events
All members must be at all practices, games, and other events as noted on the
calendar.
All Rancho Mirage Cheerleaders will be required to attend any CIF playoff games for
any sport at Rancho Mirage High School.
All members are encouraged, but not required, to attend social events.
Community service events will occur throughout the year. We participate in the
Patriot Ride For Our Heroes and Tour de Palm Springs annually.
Games
Varsity Cheerleaders will attend all Varsity Football games home and away and all
home basketball games both boys and girls. Junior Varsity Cheerleaders will attend all
home non-varsity football games and all home basketball games both boys and girls.
Cheerleaders will also be cheering at volleyball, wrestling, soccer, and all home CIF playoff
games. ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED AT GAMES. Cheerleaders will be allowed two absences
from games for the year. On the third absence, they will be removed from the team.
Competition
As a general rule, any squad wanting to compete needs to show maturity, responsibility,
and readiness. Individuals and teams will have to earn their right to compete based on
attendance, attitude, and meeting fundraising requirements.
Competition season runs from November-March. Please check with the coaching staff
before making any vacation plans during Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks as
practices may be necessary to keep the athletes conditioned and prepared for regional
and nationals competitions. If you would like to compete with us and with an all-star or
studio dance team, we need a copy of their competition/practice schedules in advance and
we will provide them with the same. If there is a conflict, you will have to choose which
team to compete with.
Summer Commitments
All summer commitments must be listed on page two of the tryout application. Summer
practices will start in July and continue until the start of the school year. Exact times and
dates are posted on the cheer website. This time will be used to build technique,
condition, and to work on routines for football season. The squad cannot grow as a whole
when people are missing, so please plan any vacations accordingly.
Camp is not mandatory, but highly encouraged. Camp is tentatively scheduled for July 31 st
to August 2nd with USA Camp at Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove. You may opt out of
going due to financial reasons or previously scheduled vacations. Please note that we

reserve the right to arrange stunt groups based on who is going to camp so that the
participants that do attend can get the most out of the experience.

Attendance Policy
From the RMHS Student Handbook Pg. 7: We encourage all students to tryout
regardless of their ability or talent. Students are encouraged to talk to the coaches of the
sport, PE teachers, or the Athletic Director at any time during the year, if interested in
participating in athletics. Students participating in the sports programs must ride the bus
to and from all athletic activities. A student must be present on the day of an event if they
wish to participate.
It is absolutely vital that every person is at every practice! We can practice more
effectively if everyone is always present. Please make sure your son/daughter is getting
rest to stay healthy so they can be at all practices.
All doctor appointments, other activities that the student is involved in, and/or jobs should
be scheduled so they do not interfere with RMHS Cheer Team activities and performances.
Emergencies would be the only exception.
All students who participate in school activities must adhere to the attendance policies as
outlined in the RMHS student/parent handbook. This must be fully documented with the
attendance office. If a medical appointment is scheduled during the day it will be excused
as long as it is fully documented.
All members will attend all practices, games, competitions, or events unless pre-approved
by advisor a week in advance.
We will not be differentiating between excused and
unexcused absence. An absence is an absence. If you are home sick from school and do
not come to practice, it still counts as an absence. Each member is allowed two absences
per sport academic quarter. If absent, you need to call the team captain to ask what you
missed.
If a member misses ANY practice the two weeks before a performance, he/she may have
to forfeit the upcoming performance or activity.
On the second absence, the coaching staff will contact the parent to inform them their
child has missed two practices. On the third absence, they may be removed from the
team.
Exceptions include:
Prolonged illness or injury (doctors note required)
Vacations (need to be cleared at least two weeks in advance)
Religious observances and holy days
Death in family
Legal business
Unacceptable absences include:
Holding a job and other extracurricular activities is not a valid excuse. Plan your
work schedule around practices and games.
Homework. If you cant balance school and cheer, then you need to reconsider
whether you can be a cheerleader.
Being grounded or any other punishment by parent (see page 7 for explanation).
Any student who is not in attendance for a minimum of four class periods during the
school day may not to participate in any games, activities or practices that same day.

Uniform and Dress Code

All uniform orders are final. A parent or guardian should be present at uniform fittings to
ensure proper fitting. If a parent decides not to come, fitting judgments will be made by
the Varsity Spirit Fashion uniform representative and the coaching staff. There are not
exchanges made if the uniform doesnt fit on arrival, so make sure your son/daughter
orders the appropriate size.
All teams will have assigned practicewear as part of summer practices. Please note on the
calendar what should be worn. Participants need to wear a plain shirt or any Rancho
Mirage shirt in that color. Please make sure the shirts are appropriate for working out in
and have no brand logos.
You represent the school, program and yourself every time you put on your uniform.
Please behave in a way that is becoming. Additionally, remember that you are still a
leadership figure on campus when not in uniform. You daily dress and habits should reflect
highly on yourself, as well as this program.
WHEN IN UNIFORM
Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of squad or team identification must
always conduct themselves in a manner becoming to a Rancho Mirage Spirit Team
member.
Uniform will only be worn for events as designated by the coaches.
Only official squad jackets or RMHS spirit sweatshirts may be worn over uniform. If
you are wearing jeans or warm up, the jacket/sweatshirt MUST be something
representing the spirit program (not UCA, USA, UDA or ASB, football, baseball, etc).
Uniforms must be worn with team cheer shoes.
CLOTHING
Cheer briefs are recommended to be worn under shorts (particularly for flyers and
tumblers)
No sweatshirts with pockets.
No low cut tops.
Please do not wear clothing with inappropriate logos or sayings. If you do so you will
be asked to change or turn your clothing inside out.
Cheer shoes must be worn. No flip flops, skater shoes, platforms, bare feet, or loose
laces while in uniform or at practices.
Shorts may only be rolled once.
ACCESSORIES
NO JEWELRY! No exceptions! This includes ear, nose, tongue, toe, eyebrow and
belly button rings. Please remove before coming to practice. If you get your ears
pierced before the season too bad, so sad.
No cell phones. If a parent needs to get a hold of you, they can call the coach.
HAIR AND MAKE UP
Hair must be pulled away from the face and left alone during practices, games, &
events.
Fingernails must be kept short.
Makeup should be natural and not excessive.
No fake fingernails allowed.

No decals/tattoos on face or any other part of your body allowed; unless specifically
designated as RMHS related on game days.

Spirit and Parents

Notes for Parents
1. Cheerleading is a team sports. When one person is missing, practice sessions and
games cannot be totally successful Punishing your child by taking away practice,
games etc. also punishes the whole team. If you feel taking cheer away from your
son/daughter is necessary, please discuss with the spirit advisor or team coach first
2. The same things go for illness. We realize people get sick, but the whole team
suffers when one person is out. Please make sure your child is resting if they are
starting to feel ill so they can recover quickly.
3. Please refrain from gossiping. This includes other schools, squads, or any other
Rancho Mirage Spirit Teams member.
4. Profanity or abusive language will not be tolerated by any Rancho Mirage Spirit
Teams staff.
5. Practices may be changed throughout the season, especially during game season
and before rallies. These practices will count the same as any other practice and are
to be attended. Please be prepared to be flexible.
6. All Rancho Mirage Spirit Teams parents, relatives and accompanying friends will
show good sportsmanship during RMHS events at all times. This means no
challenging officials calls, bad mouthing opponents, yelling at opponents as the
prep for a free throw, etc.
7. Do not call your son/daughter during practice time. If you do, dont expect them to
answer. If an emergency arises, call the coach.
8. No one is allowed in the practice area other than cheerleaders and coaches. Parents
visiting a practice may sit on the sidelines and observe. Please hold any team
business questions for the coach either before or after practice time.
9. If you ever have a problem with anything, please do not hesitate to contact the
coaching staff.
10.If a serious issue arises, please allow 24 hours for all parties to cool down so the
situation can be handled calmly and effectively.
11.Follow the chain of command. Contact the Spirit Advisor first, then if the issue isnt
resolved, contact Assistant Principal Chris Calderwood.
12.The Rancho Mirage Spirit Teams Staff may add or revise any rule at any time.

Financials and Fundraising

Financial Obligation
Being a member of the cheer includes various financial obligations. The APPROXIMATE
cost for uniform and camp is $1,100, plus an additional $300 for anyone wanting to
compete. The uniform company we use allows you to pay the company directly (rather
than through the school) and you may pay by credit card. You will receive a statement
after fittings. Uniform orders must be paid in full by ALL participants before the order is
placed. All parents and guardians are required to sign a contract agreeing to all the
financial commitments set forth by the Rancho Mirage High School Cheer.
Cost should NOT be a deterrent as every effort will be made to provide all members with
assistance through fundraising. Every attempt will be made to keep items from year to
year to help minimize cost. When possible, uniforms can be resold at 50% their original
cost to new, incoming members. Financial concerns and/or issues should be addressed
with the coaches, so that arrangements can be made. Members will be expected to
participate in fundraising and/or seek donations/sponsorships to help fund their
participation.
The school may provide a uniform if you opt out of purchasing a custom uniform.
However, if you choose to use a school uniform, the uniform must be checked out and
returned to a coach prior to and after use. The uniform cannot leave campus. If the
uniform is not returned, lost, or damaged, the parents will be responsible for the cost of
the uniform. Additionally, if one person opts out of purchasing a custom uniform, no one
will be able to get their name embroidered on their uniform or warm ups.
Fundraising
ALL members are required to participate in ALL fund raising, which is generated by the
team. Please do your part so this program can grow.
Your participation will help keep
money in your checking account. Any funds raised by a member will go directly into the
cheer account and is nonrefundable in the event that a member quits the team or is
dismissed.
If a team member quits or gets kicked off due to accumulation of demerits or breaking any
part of the constitution, any owed money is still the responsibility of the cheerleader and
parent(s)/guardian(s). Any balance owed will be placed on their student record with the
school and will remain until the balance is paid as a requirement of graduation.
Payment Schedule
DUE
AMOUNT
DATE
Fri,
$150
1
May
27
Approx.
Mon,
$275,
2
May
but will
30
vary.
Approx.
Wed,
$300,
2
June 8
but will
vary.
3
Fri,
Approx.
July 1
$250,

Notes
Cash or check (made out to RMHS ASB with
cheer and your cheerleaders name in the
memo line).
Credit card or money order ONLY. Money
orders need to be made out to Varsity Spirit
Fashions. Grocery stores offer the best rates
for money orders.
Cash or Money Order (made out to RMHS ASB
with cheer and your cheerleaders name in
the memo line). PERSONAL CHECKS CANNOT
BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS PAYMENT.
Payments made online through Varsity Spirit
Fashions by credit card. Please contact coach

Camp deposit
Campwear,
briefs, shorts,
shoes,
backpack
Camp
balance,
bows,
sweatshirt.
RMHS
Uniform,

but will
vary.

if you need
pay by cash or check.
poms
Clinics
andto
Tryouts
Schedule
Cash or check (made out to RMHS ASB with
Warm ups,
Mon,
Approx.
thcheerleaders name in the
4
cheer
and
your
Breast cancer
Monday, April 11 NonAug 8
$150
memo line).
packs
returners
ONLY
Balance statements Warm up, motion
will be sent out the week before
each payment is due
(except the first payment) to
technique, jumps, rally,
show any change in
amount due based on fundraising
learn a chant (not the one
efforts, changes in
price, or to reflect returners not
used for tryouts)
needed
certain Tuesday, April 12th Nonitems.
Tryout
Expectations &
returners ONLY

Warm
up,
motion
Procedures
technique, jumps, rally,
learn a chant (not the one
The Tryout Process
used for tryouts)
Clinics and Tryout will
be conducted by the Rancho
Wednesday,
April 13th
Mirage High School
coaching staff. Private coaching
by these individuals Warm up, learn tryout
is not allowed and will get you
chant and dance
disqualified
from
tryouts. Each day of clinics is
mandatory.
Please
plan
for
appointments
th
Thursday,
April
14
accordingly.
Each
participant is assigned a number
the
day
before
Warm up, review tryout
tryouts and will perform for the
judges in groups of 34. The judges will be evaluating
chant and dance, Mock
the number, not the
name. The judging panel will
tryout.
include two or three
cheerleading professionals.
Tryout groups will be
announced.
Tryout Attire
Friday,
April 15th
For the clinics, please
follow dress code guidelines. For

Tryouts.
Tryouts
will
be
the
tryouts
themselves,
all
cheer
closed to everyone.
participants
must
wear RMHS colors.
Other
Students need to arrive
guidelines:
at their designated
Ladies
must
wear a sports bra!
groups
time
and
be
RMHS
PE
shorts will work fine for males;
picked up when finished.
however, they
hide movement from the female

Results
of
tryouts
and
the
participants.
team list will be posted
Athletic shoes,
preferably white
by Saturday morning,
No
clothing
can be worn that recognizes you
April 16th on the school
as part of any
cheer program (including RMHS,
website
USA,
UDA,
UCA, all-star clothing).
(www.ranchomiragehighs
Midriffs must
be covered.
chool.org) under
Hair should be
pulled back in a ponytail.
Athletics, Sport by
Sport, and Cheer.
Scoring
Applicants will be
scored based on a points system.
Candidates will be scored based on a score sheet of 80 points per judge (average judges
score). The score sheet is broken down into the following:
Sideline cheers (sharpness, rhythm/timing, voice, showmanship)

Sideline dance (sharpness, rhythm/timing, memory, showmanship)

Jumps & tumbling (technique, form)

Overall impression (energy, confidence, and enthusiasm), Appearance (posture,

neatness).

Teacher evaluations will be given to four current teachers. Each evaluation is worth 5
points, for a total of 20 points. The evaluations need to come from the following teachers:
One from Math OR Science
One from English OR History
One from E teacher*OR current coach (returners). If student is not taking PE, they
need to get an elective teacher (ASB, yearbook, AVID, choir, etc.) or a coach for
another sport.
One from teacher of choice
Squad Composition
Cheerleaders are responsible for cheering at football, basketball, volleyball, and wrestling
games as well as rallies. Their emphasis is on stunting, chants, and using poms,
megaphones, and signs to lead the crowd. Squads will be based on a natural break with
the top scorers making Varsity, the next group making JV.
Varsity Cheer: 11th-12th graders and select freshmen and sophomores (must have
tumbling skills and score in the top half of all varsity scores).
JV Cheer: 9th-11th Graders