2020-2021 Tryout Information

Due to the COVID-19 related school closures, tryouts will be different this year. However, our mission, goals, and code of ethics remain the same.

The mission of the GPHS Cheer Program is to:

Promote and uphold school spirit, unity and pride.

Represent the school to the highest degree.

Set an example of good behavior and sportsmanship at all times.

Promote the development of lifelong values and skills.

The goals of the GPHS Cheer Program are to:

Stunt, dance, and sideline cheer at varsity football games.

Sideline cheer and dance at girls’ and boys’ basketball games.

Promote spirit for sports and clubs during all sports seasons.

Support and perform at pep and recognition assemblies.

Perform community service and participate in non-cheer community or school events.

The GPHS Cheer Program’s Code of Ethics

Emphasize the ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, integrity, accountability, and fair play.

Abide by all school, district, and league rules, as well as local, state and federal laws.

Show courtesy to all visiting teams, competitors, hosts and officials.

Respect the integrity and judgment of all sports and competition officials.

Participation in cheerleading is voluntary, not mandatory. It is a privilege, not a right, and may be revoked when a cheerleader violates the rules and regulations. Cheerleaders and mascots are expected to always give 100% commitment and dedication to their coaches, squad, and school. The advisor reserves the right to revoke any, or all, cheerleading privileges at any time. Just as in all other GP athletics and activities, the advisor has the right to determine whether a member participates in any given cheer activity.

Cheerleaders should always serve as ambassadors and representatives of Glacier Peak while at school and in the community. While making mistakes is human nature, those mistakes could reflect on the squad, the advisor, Glacier Peak, and the Snohomish community and thus may result in restricted or revoked cheer privileges.

We are often asked if we are a club or a sport. GPHS Cheer is technically an ASB club, but recognized by the WIAA as a performance activity.

Advisors have to meet coaching requirements of WIAA

Participants must adhere to sport contracts and rules of WIAA

Coach/advisor has ultimate control in the decision-making process.

ASB fund rules apply

Participating in cheer is a way to build one’s character & skills.

We have strict rules and expectations, for a reason! Consequences for not following them can be quite serious for both the individual and the squad.

Cheer is a pathway to growth. Criticisms are constructive & are necessary. One must be able to accept criticisms and follow instructions (without complaining!) in order to participate in cheer.

We are a team that works together. Those that want to cause or be involved in gossip or “drama” are not encouraged to join cheer.

Represent GPHS and greater Snohomish community at ALL times – in and out of uniform, in and out of school

Standards of acceptable behavior are higher than those of other students

It is difficult to coordinate Running Start and GP Cheer schedules at the same time.

It is difficult to do competitive cheer and fall season GP Cheer at the same time. If you want to do competitive cheer, we suggest you

try out for the fall season only.

During tryouts, candidates will have the opportunity to select the season(s) they’d like to participate in: fall, winter, or both. ALL members will attend spring uniform fittings, spring and summer practices, camp, and fundraiser activities regardless of which season they are participating in.

Practices 2 times a week, no longer than 2 hours each

ALL cheer events are expected to take priority Absences (excused or unexcused) affect everyone Take part in fundraisers, and to pay their bill in

full by the set deadlines Limited district funds (more out-of-pocket expenses)

Commitment from June through March June practices and camp are for everyone, then

split into “squads” in July/August Members must be adaptable, willing, and able to

learn and memorize material QUICKLY

If you make the squad, you are agreeing to make a full commitment to this program by putting cheer at the highest priority. If you are absent, it affects the entire squad and is unfair to those who make the full commitment. Driver’s education classes, work, illness, doctor’s appointments, vacations, etc. may not be avoidable, but still affect our squad. You must notify Ms. Zanol well in advance of an absence and be prepared to pay consequences for missing practice or an event (from benching for a single event to removal for repeated absences).

No positions will be refilled if a removal or benching occurs throughout the season.

This year, being a member of the GPHS Cheer Squad is expected to cost participants approximately $700. Some fundraising is possible through boosters, but some of the expenses will be out-of-pocket. Please be prepared for this financial commitment.

Additional information about the GPHS Cheerleading program can be found in the GPHS Cheer Handbook, such as code of conduct, attendance policy, and uniform expectations. Please email Coach Zanol if you have any questions or concerns. If selected as a member of the GPHS Cheerleading squad, you are committing yourself (and your family!) to participating in a time-consuming, thankless but very fun activity. It is a priority of this program to maintain the highest level of decorum, performance, and appearance throughout the year.

Your child has expressed an interest in becoming a member of the varsity cheer squad at GPHS for the2020-2021 school year. If selected, there are certain personal and financial responsibilities and obligations that your student must assume in order toqualify and remain a member in good standing.

A cheerleader must be able to attend all meetings, camps, practices, and games. If a cheerleader plans to hold a job or a position in another club, it is imperative that there are minimal, if any, conflicts with the cheerleading calendar. While absences may be excusable/valid or unavoidable, arriving late, missing or leaving a cheer event early for vacation, work, driver’s ed, doctor’s appointments, etc. may result in consequences. A calendar will be provided to assist in scheduling.

Cheerleaders must pay for uniforms, equipment, and other supplies. The squad coordinates with the cheer booster club to fundraise for many of the expenses, which may total approximately $700.

It is an honor and a privilege to be a Glacier Peak Cheerleader. As a cheerleader, participants will be expected to make sacrifices that other students and athletes are not required to make. Good leadership, sportsmanship, academics, and cheer skills all go together. Furthermore, a cheerleader is expected to be a positive, responsible young person who always displays appropriate teenage behavior, all while managing time appropriately so that academic standards are met.

Family involvement is important to the GPHS Cheerleading program. Cooperation among coaches, athletes, parents and school personnel is essential. Families must make commitments to our program to assure such cooperation. We ask that families:➢ attend meetings offered by the cheer boosters or coaching staff, as their schedule will permit.➢ work closely and cooperatively with all school personnel to assure an appropriate academic and cheer experience for

their child.➢ assist their child in attending all scheduled practices, performances and events.➢ require their child to abide by all rules and regulations of the Snohomish School District, Glacier Peak High

School, WIAA, and the GPHS Cheer program.➢ acknowledge the ultimate authority of the coach/advisor to determine squad organization and activities. Support their

decisions and actions, recognizing that they are trained professionals.➢ promote mature behavior from students and parents during athletic contests in accordance with the WIAA’s Just Play

Fair program.

Please read all tryout information carefully with your child before signing the Parent Acknowledgement and Permission Form. Note: Athletic clearance paperwork (RankOne) will only be required from those candidates that are selected for the squad.

Glacier Peak High School has established a tradition of excellence and the cheerleading squad is a significant part of that. We look forward to continuing this journey with the GPHS cheerleaders.

Currently registered / enrolled for the 2020-2021 school year in the Snohomish School District, entering grades 9-12 @ GP.

At least a D in 5 of 6 classes in the last grading period.

Good attendance, acceptable class performance and be in good standing with teachers and administrators.

Candidates shouldn’t have any significant school disciplinary or attendance history.

April 24: Tryout materials available May 1: Tryout application and parent

acknowledgement form DUE by 1 p.m. May 22: Tryout video DUE by 1 p.m. May 29: Fall and Winter squads announced June 22-24: Cheer camp @ GPHS (subject to

change...may be in August) 1st practice TBD July: Captains’ practices (TBD) August 3: Practices resume August: Student Start Up - $100 participation

fee and ASB card payment DUE

1. Finish watching this presentation with your parent/guardian. Email Coach Zanol if you have questions.

2. On your own, learn basic cheer skills and prepare the tryout materials provided.

3. Submit a complete application by deadline.

4. Parents: complete the Parent Acknowledgement and Permission Form by deadline.

5. Prepare a video performing the material and send to lisa.zanol@sno.wednet.edu by deadline.

FEMALES

Quarter break dance

Sideline chant

GP Fight Song

MALES

Partner stunt

Sideline chant

GP Fight Song

Sharp, precise movements

Loud, audible voice projection

Energetic and full of genuine enthusiasm

Correct arm, hand, and leg/foot position

Correct rhythm and timing

Memory - few mistakes, if any; recovers quickly and seamlessly

GPA Overall coach

impression (skill level, “coachabilty,” attitude/personality, genuineness, etc.)

Application (timeliness, completeness, responses, etc.)

FEMALES

Jumps: good height, straight back, position of legs, smooth prep into execution, soft landing, facial expression

Rallies: words, motions, genuineness

Kicks: straight arms and legs, pointed toes

MALES

Stunt has a spotter

smooth and strong prep into execution

holds stunt with confidence

clean, strong and safe dismount

GPA

Overall coach impression (skill level, “coachabilty,” attitude/personality, genuineness, etc.)

Application (timeliness, completeness, responses, etc.)

Be patient! As noted in “Important dates,” there is a week in between

when videos are due and when the squads will be announced. Allow time for review of applications and tryout videos, as we work very conscientiously to make the difficult decisions that will ultimately result in the squad announcements.

Be gracious! If you didn’t make the squad, please don’t take it personally!

There are only a few spots available to a large number of candidates and in the best interest of the squad and school, a cohesive squad is identified. If you have questions about your own tryout, please email Coach Zanol.

Be proud! You put yourself “out there” by trying out for the squad, and

for some people, that takes a lot! No matter the result, you should be proud of your efforts.

If you have questions, please email Coach Zanol (lisa.zanol@sno.wednet.edu).

Begin to learn tryout material while staying home /practicing social distancing.

You will find the tryout material on Coach Zanol'sYouTube channel in a playlist called "2020-2021 Cheer Tryout Material"

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLI2m_FhMy_EhX2Tw_rNUcYcuolV5WWdGu