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James E. Taylor High School JET Cheer and Mascot

Tryout Packet 2020-2021

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Dear Cheerleader/ Mascot candidate, To be a cheerleader at James E. Taylor High School is an honor and a privilege. Cheerleaders and mascots

are not only expected to promote school spirit by attending all required athletic events and extra-curricular

activities, they are held to a higher standard of character as they are role models both on and off campus. We

expect the Varsity and Junior Varsity squads to strive to be the absolute best in every aspect of life. Beyond

the jumps, tumbling, and cheers practiced as a member of JET Cheer and Mascots, one should also learn the

value of leading with integrity and working hard and effectively together as a team towards a common goal.

Cheerleading is a serious responsibility, and we hope that you will seriously and thoughtfully consider the

time commitment and integrity this role requires. If you make the squad, cheerleading must become a

priority. Since you, as a Taylor cheerleader and/or mascot are not only a performer, but also an ambassador

and leader, school cheerleading must take precedence over all other extra-curricular activities, including other

Taylor activities, jobs, and competitive cheerleading. Once you put on a Taylor High School uniform, your

reputation will be a direct reflection on the rest of the squad, and you must embody the spirit and habits of an

effective leader and role model. The entire squad will not only practice responsibility, self-motivation,

kindness, and maturity, it will be a daily expectation.

We wish you the best of luck with try-outs!

Sincerely,

Buffy Brummett

Lauren Rodgers JET Cheer Coaches

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2020 - 2021 James E. Taylor High School CHEERLEADERS & MASCOT APPLICATION

1. Candidates must be enrolled as 8th-11th grade students in a KISD school during the year of tryouts. 2. Applicants must have and maintain an overall 2.00 scholastic average calculated using six-weeks averages

(not semester averages) for the current school year in all classes as of the last grade-reporting period prior to tryouts. Any student who has failed more than one course in any six-week period this year is at risk. The cheerleading squad is an elite group; if one missing part is gone for 3-6 weeks, the entire TEAM and school suffer.

3. Students must earn 5.0 academic credits at the end of the year of tryouts in order to assume their

cheerleader role. 4. A candidate shall have no U’s and no more than one N in conduct for any six-weeks grading period during

the current school year prior to tryouts. 5. Applicants must have no more than two Level II or Level III disciplinary infractions (or a combination

thereof). Applicants cannot have an ISS (in school suspension) placement OR any infraction for which an OSS or OAC was served during the present school year. NO Level IV or V offenses. (Various levels of disciplinary infractions are listed in the Katy ISD Board-approved Discipline Management Plan and Student Code of Conduct.)

6. All applicants must be willing to give freely of their time for all Cheerleader and Mascot activities and

preparation for these activities. 7. Candidates must submit a statement from a physician prior to tryouts. The statement must indicate that

the candidate is capable of performing all the essential functions of cheerleader/mascot. The physical exam must be documented by the physician on the KISD Cheerleader Medical History and Physical Examination Form (see handbook).

8. Applicants shall not become involved in any questionable activities (No drinking, smoking, vaping, or

inappropriate websites/Twitter/Instagram/snapchat/Facebook/social media profiles). Doing so may result in immediate removal from the squad.

9. All applicants must participate in all fundraising activities. 10. All applicants must have access to transportation. 11. All applicants and their parents/guardians must be willing to meet all financial obligations on time. A

detailed item list and payment dates will be given out following the announcement of new squads. If there is a problem with payments, please contact the appropriate coach as soon as possible to make arrangements for alternate plans.

12. All candidates must attend all mandatory summer practices. NO EXCEPTIONS. A summer calendar will be

given out before the conclusion of the current academic year. 13. Candidates will not be allowed to campaign prior to tryouts.

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14. Candidates are strongly encouraged to attend each day of the tryout clinics in order to be as prepared as possible for tryouts. Should a candidate not be present during a clinic session, he/she is responsible for learning any missed material on his/her own time from other participants. Clinic leaders are NOT allowed to provide makeup instruction. (Other participants are NOT required to help you if you miss a session.)

15. Candidates are NOT allowed to obtain assistance from ANY of the seniors outside of clinic instruction time.

Doing so will result in immediate disqualification from the try out process. 15. Applicants must agree with and be willing to abide by all Cheerleader/Mascot Guidelines and Standards. 16. All applicants must wear appropriate clothing during tryout clinic days. Shirts should abide by dress code

(no spaghetti straps or sport bras) and shorts should cover all areas. Cheer shoes are mandatory. In addition, candidates cannot wear any jewelry or clear spacers on any body part, visible or not. Candidates cannot wear clothing that displays wording, pictures, etc. Any candidate not abiding by these rules must correct the incorrect item before admittance to clinic will be allowed.

17. All applicants must wear plain black shorts and a white t-shirt for tryouts. No tank, sleeveless, or tight

fitting attire. Shorts should cover all areas. Solid white cheer shoes must be worn. Shoes and socks must not have colored stripes or shoestrings, megaphone prints, or any cheer design or designation. Hair must be pulled back tightly into a high ponytail (no whispies) with a plain, solid white, forward facing bow. All candidates should wear a plain, unmarked/printed t-shirt and shorts during week of clinic. If candidate is not dressed according to guidelines on try-out day, she will be sent home to change. If said candidate misses her call time, she will be disqualified from tryout process.

18. Mascot candidates should wear the same attire as cheerleader candidates. Mascot candidates should

bring their props and skit idea to Coach Brummett on the first day of tryout clinics, and should be ready to tryout in front of UCA judges using the skit on the official tryout date (as published).

19. In the event of a tie for the last position, a call back procedure will be used. During the call back

procedure, each candidate’s score sheets will be destroyed and the judges will re-score candidates in question. Only the new scores will be used. This procedure will be used only IF there is a tie on the overall score of the three judges’ total AND the two candidates in question are #14 and #15.

20. Official results will be posted via social media upon conclusion of tryout and verification of scores. 21. All cheerleaders and mascots must attend a mandatory summer cheer camp and all pre-camp practices

(mandatory). UCA summer camp will occur in late July in College Station. Summer practices begin in July and are mandatory.

22. Captain(s) will be selected by the coaches upon completion of a tryout process. The process will be a fair

and equitable one that involves a panel interview and teacher recommendations, among other items, with consideration to the qualities of leadership, responsibility, and academic performance. All candidates will be evaluated using the same scoring rubric.

24. Cheerleaders and mascots serve as ambassadors of Taylor High School. As such, they are frequently asked

to participate in public service, community and inter-district activities. All squad members should be strong students who would not suffer by missing a class.

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The following scale will be used for selection of James E. Taylor High School Cheerleaders:

Standing Tumbling: Technique dependent

no tumbling 0 points

Single Back Handspring 1-2 points

Multiple Back Handsprings 3 points

Standing back tuck 4 points

Standing full or higher alternate skill 5 points

Standing tumbling disclaimer:

If a candidate touches down or does not land on feet, candidate will be asked to perform the next lower point

skill after completing remaining parts of cheer. This request will continue until a skill is met and can be judged

appropriately. Connecting skills must truly be connected or candidate will only be judged on first skill.

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Judges evaluation will be the sole criteria for cheerleader tryouts based on the following:

- Band Chant/Dance

- Cheer

- Fight Song

- Jumps

- Sideline Chant

- Standing Tumbling

Candidates will draw a participant number and divided into groups of three to four (depending on total

number trying out). During try-outs, tryout groups will enter and remain together for the tryout process.

Individual candidates will perform standing tumbling and jumps. After all members of a tryout group have

performed those items, each group will then spirit together to the front of the floor. One of the two sideline

chants will be called; group will perform chant. Candidates will then get set for the band chant. One of the

two band chants will be called, music will play, and group will perform. Cheer will be called, and the

candidates will perform as a group. Fight Song will be called, music will play, and candidates will perform as a

group. Candidates will remain in numerical order throughout the rotation. Tryouts will move rapidly, so

endurance is important. Mascots will draw among themselves for their number. All props and costumes must

be approved on the first day of clinics in order to be used during the tryout performance.

100% Judges Score (See attached Score Sheet)

- Up to 14 varsity cheerleaders and up to 14 junior varsity cheerleaders may represent James E. Taylor

High School for the school year.

- Up to 2 mascots may be chosen.

The selection process is based on the natural break system, with no more than 14 cheerleaders taken per

squad. There is no guarantee that there will be 14 cheerleaders per squad. We aim to uphold the standards

and technical ability of the James E. Taylor Cheerleading program.

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James E. Taylor Cheerleading Try Out IMPORTANT Dates

Tuesday, March 17 6:00 pm – MANDATORY Meeting for parents/guardians AND tryout candidates in the 9th Grade commons

Wednesday, March 25 ALL completed forms due to THS 9th Grade Center Front Office by 3:00 pm—

LATE FORMS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED (Forms can be submitted before this date. This is the last date to submit forms)

Monday, March 30 4:15-6:15 Cheerleader clinic in Performance/Competition Gym @ THS Learn full cheer, sideline dance 1, sideline dance 2 Tuesday, March 31 4:15-6:15 Cheerleader clinic in Performance/Competition Gym @ THS Review cheer and sideline dances, learn sideline chants Wednesday, April 1 4:15-6:15 Cheerleader clinic in Performance/Competition Gym @ THS Review all material, draw for order, practice with groupings Thursday, April 2 4:15-5:30 Open gym, review sessions in Performance/Competition Gym @THS Friday, April 3 12:45 p.m. Roll check in gym 1 and review of procedure for Varsity Candidates and mascots 1:00 p.m. Judging will begin

Varsity candidates dismissed upon conclusion of varsity tryouts after all scores have been tallied and no tie determined

1:45 p.m. Roll check in gym 1; review of procedure for Junior Varsity Candidates Junior Varsity candidates dismissed upon conclusion of junior varsity tryouts after all scores have been tallied and no tie determined.

All parents, guardians, and/or family members of current Taylor High School candidates, both varsity and junior varsity, must exit the building and surrounding premises prior to 12:30 p.m. All parents, guardians, and/or family members of current junior high student candidates must drop off student and exit the building and surrounding premises between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m. and are not allowed to enter the building or any of the tryout locations. ALL PRACTICES AND TRY-OUTS ARE CLOSED TO THE PUBLIC. ABSOLUTELY NO PARENTS OR FRIENDS WILL BE ALLOWED NEAR THE GYM AREAS OF JAMES E. TAYLOR HIGH SCHOOL. CANDIDATES WILL BE DISQUALIFIED.

Results posted via social media (twitter, Instagram) upon conclusion of tryouts

and verification of results. Monday, April 13 1:45-5:00 Fitting appointments for the 2020-2021 squads in 9th grade commons

of Taylor High School

5:30 mandatory meeting for 2020-2021 squad members AND parents in 9th Grade Commons

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CHECKLIST FOR FORMS TO TURN IN BY Wednesday, March 25, 2020, BY 3:00 pm, to 9th Grade Campus Front Office at James E. Taylor High School. _________Taylor High School Cheer Candidate Statement _________ Personal Student Information Form _________ Trip Authorization/Parent Consent to Treatment of Student **If insurance information is unavailable, please include the “Katy ISD Waiver” Form _________ Pre-participation Physical Evaluation 2-page Form (copy of current one on file) ** Candidates will only need to get a new physical if it is not already on file. ** _________UIL Concussion Acknowledgement Form _________ Student/Parent Agreement Form _________ Lettering Requirements Recognition _________ JETHS Cheerleader Demerit Guidelines Acknowledgement _________ Statements and Signatures Form _________ Copy of 4th grading period report card with all grades, classes, and conduct visible _________ Copy of Insurance card

**These papers should be in this order!!!**

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James E. Taylor High School CHEER CANDIDATE STATEMENT (1)

My parent and I have read the application and agree with the requirements to be a James E. Taylor High School cheerleader or mascot. If elected as part of the squad, I will do my best to honor the time commitment and will uphold the standards of integrity expected of me. At this time, I would like to place my name in the running for 2020-2021 James E. Taylor High School (JET Cheer and Mascot) cheerleader or mascot. Student Name: ____________________________________ Student Signature: __________________________________ Date: ________ Parent Name: ______________________________________ Parent Signature: ___________________________________ Date: ________ Please check the line that applies to you: _____ I am currently an 8th Grader trying out for the Junior Varsity squad. _____ I am currently a freshman trying out for the Junior Varsity squad. _____ I am currently a sophomore trying out for the Junior Varsity squad. _____ I am currently a sophomore trying out for both the Junior Varsity and Varsity squads. _____ I am currently a sophomore trying out for the Varsity squad. _____ I am currently a junior trying out for the Varsity squad. _____ I am trying out for the mascot position and am a ____________________. **Coaches will get the following information from your counselor and/or report card: Current GPA: _______ # of N’s in Conduct: ______ # of U’s in Conduct: ______

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Lettering requirements for James E. Taylor High School Cheer (JET Cheer and Mascots) According to the KATY ISD guidelines: “Each head coach is responsible for establishing and adhering to the criteria by which an athlete may letter. As the demands and expectations of each sport are different, so will be the letter criteria. Basic considerations such as attendance, eligibility, sportsmanship, citizenship, training rules, participation and general attitude will be included in each coach’s criteria. It is up to each head coach to inform his/her athletes of the Katy ISD athletic award guideline criteria prior to the start of his/her specific season. Lettering criteria for each sport should also be submitted to the campus athletic coordinator and communicated to the parents of athletes via pre-season parent information meeting.”

General Requirements for Lettering

1. Practice habits and attendance are criteria for lettering and are left up to the discretion of the individual head

coach.

2. If a cheerleader fails a class for any six weeks during the year season it could be considered grounds for not

lettering based upon the judgment of the head coach.

3. If a player is injured in a sport, it is up to the head coach as to whether that athlete will letter.

JETHS Cheerleader Lettering Requirements:

A. Must be a current member in good standing of the JET Cheer Varsity squad. B. Members must earn 35 points in order to be eligible to receive a letter jacket. C. Members must not be placed on demerit suspension at any time during the year in order to remain eligible for a

jacket during that year. D. Members who are placed on demerit suspension, therefore making them ineligible for a jacket during the

current year, will be required to complete 1 additional full semester without being placed on demerit suspension.

E. Members who do not earn enough points in their first year will carry their current points forward to the next year.

F. Members must be in good financial standing to letter. All accounts must be cleared. G. The Coach has the final recommendation and makes the determinations of who will and will not receive a letter

jacket. H. The opportunity to purchase a letter jacket and a JETHS cheerleader patch will be given to students who meet

the requirements listed above. I. Points are earned for performances only, not for attendance at an event. Points will be awarded as follows:

1. Football Performance 1 point per performance 2. Volleyball Performance 1 point per performance 3. Basketball Performance 1 point per performance 4. Pep Rally Performance 1 point per performance 5. UIL Spirit State Competition Performance 10 points for performance 6. Designated Camp Performance 10 points 7. No Demerits 2 per semester

J. After completing the requirements to receive a letter jacket, a cheerleader is still expected to uphold the high expectations of and commitments to the squad. If a cheerleader accumulates enough demerits to warrant removal from the squad (20), even after having received a letter, the letter and all cheer patches will be removed.

We have read the requirements to earn letters. We understand and support the requirements involved with earning a JET Cheer/Mascot letter jacket and a JET cheerleader/mascot patch. Candidate’s signature: _______________________________________________________ Date: _____________ Parent’s signature: ___________________________________________________________ Date: _____________

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JET Cheer and Mascot Responsibility and Accountability Guidelines

(Effective immediately after tryouts-through the end of the following academic school year) A. In order to maintain discipline, a responsibility and accountability (merit/demerit) system is set up for all

cheerleaders and mascots to follow. The coach is the ultimate authority regarding demerits, but the captains have permission to tell the coach about certain items that need attention.

B. This system will be used from the time the squad is determined at tryouts through the time the next squad is determined at tryouts for the following year.

C. All demerits will be recorded by the coaches.

Merit System:

1. Merits are offered to encourage and reward positive behavior.

2. Natural consequences are an important lesson in developing the character of young adults. Natural

consequences also deter negative behavior.

3. The coaches will offer merits to the entire squad as a whole. Individuals will not receive merit

opportunities not offered to the entire squad.

4. The coaches will determine both when merit activities occur and how many merits are possible per

activity prior to the activity.

5. Two merits will eliminate one demerit.

6. 20 merits is the most a squad member can earn during one calendar year. The following are minor infractions and will be addressed as follows: Demerit(s) will be issued for each occurrence; 1 demerit on first occurrence, 2 on second, 3 on third, etc. Squad member will be required to perform additional conditioning at the end of each event and/or practice on day of each occurrence and will lose points on weekly grade.

1. bow: missing or incorrect

2. cell phone use*

3. complaining and/or whining

4. disrespectfully questioning coach decisions

5. hair not worn in specified manner

6. incorrect practice clothing

7. incorrect uniform item**

8. incorrect/unapproved nail color+

9. incorrect/unapproved nail length

10. piercings or tattoos***

11. talking while coach is talking

12. tardiness of less than five minutes

13. visible bra (strap or color) in uniform

14. vocally or physically not cheering

15. wearing jewelry

16. wearing uniform in a public location while not

participating in an official JET Cheer event

*Ask permission to use phone during practice time and at all events. Phone use is prohibited during practices or performances without permission from coaches. ** Performance/participation will not be allowed until corrected. *** including, but not limited to, nose rings, cartilage piercings, belly button rings, and other non-visible ones + Exceptions: homecoming and prom

Three (3) demerits issued for each occurrence of the following: 1. ANY Level 2 disciplinary action from the

administration

2. negative teacher report

3. poor attitude or sportsmanship while in uniform

4. profane, inappropriate, detrimental, or

derogatory language and/or gestures

5. safety violations** 6. tardiness of five to ten minutes

*squad member benched for the first ten minutes of the next event **could include, but not limited to, not wearing proper eyewear during practice or at an event where performing, stunting, etc. (no performance without

proper eyewear), spotting issues during stunting, not following stunt expectations, etc.

Five (5) demerits issued for each occurrence of the following:

1. a level 3 or higher disciplinary action from the administration

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2. leaving a required function/event without approval of coach

3. refusal or inability to remove piercings**

4. tardiness of over ten minutes*

*squad member benched for the first half of the next event

**If squad member is unable to remove piercings, he/she cannot participate in the event/practice until the piercing is removed, regardless of whether or not

there is stunting occurring. Clear spacers, stickers, and/or Band-Aids cannot be worn over facial/ear/cartilage piercings. Clear spacers may be used for belly

button piercing as long as it does not show through t-shirts, uniforms, etc. If it shows, it must be removed.

Seven (7) demerits issued for each occurrence of the following:

1. missing a required event/function/performance/practice*

*squad member suspended for one week

Ten (10) demerits issued for each occurrence of the following:

1. wearing anything depicting or referencing alcohol, drugs, tobacco, weapons, nudity, gang affiliation, death,

violence, vulgar or obscene language or images, and/or insults to race, religion, gender, or ethnicity, or other

emblems or writing that may be expected to cause a material or substantial disruption of, or interference with,

normal school operations (this includes items such as but not limited to: t-shirts, homecoming mums or garters,

or other attire);

2. using any social media in an inappropriate or defamatory manner that brings disgrace, disrespect, disruption, etc.

to themselves, the school, the cheer program, other team members, team parents, coaches, school personnel,

etc.;

3. knowingly lying or being dishonest to a coach, teacher, administrator, or staff member;

4. deliberate disrespect to a coach or captain;

5. perpetrating or participating in any form of academic dishonesty (cheating) in any manner in any class at any

time.

Immediate Removal:

1. not attending required summer camp;

2. conduct unbecoming a cheerleader or mascot, on or off campus that includes, but is not limited to:

found or discovered stealing, fighting or assault

consumption or purchase of alcohol

smoking and/or vaping

use or possession of illegal drugs

use or possession of tobacco or tobacco related products, including electronic cigarettes

obtaining a legal warning/ticket/documentation by law enforcement officials

The coaches and/or administration have the right to give demerits for other offenses that may arise, but are not

specifically stated on this document.

If the coach and/or administration feels the offense is severe enough to warrant demerits, demerits will be issued, and

the coaches will decide on the amount.

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JET Cheer and Mascot Responsibility and Accountability Guidelines

Cheerleader/Mascot and Parent Agreement Form

As the parent or legal guardian of ______________________________, I am aware that as a member of

the James E. Taylor Cheerleading Squad, my child will be required to adhere to the JET Cheer and Mascot

Responsibility and Accountability Guidelines throughout the entirety of his/her time as a cheerleader or mascot.

My child and I have thoroughly read and completely understand these guidelines. My child and I

understand that upon the accumulation of his/her 20th demerit, he/she will be removed from the cheer team for

the remainder of the year, and that no refunds or credits will be issued for uniforms, fundraisers, supplies, etc.

We also understand that merit opportunities will be given throughout the year, and that my child will be

given the opportunity to earn a maximum of 20 merits during one calendar year. We also understand that two

merits will cancel out one demerit during the year.

I further understand that if my child is a captain of either JET Cheer Squad, he/she will be removed from

the leadership position upon the accumulation of the 10th demerit.

Parent/Guardian Printed Name ______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________________________________

Date ___________________

Parent Contact Number ____________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Printed Name ______________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian Signature _________________________________________________________________

Date ___________________

Parent Contact Number ____________________________________________________________________

Student Printed Name______________________________________________________________________

Student Signature__________________________________________________________________________

Date ___________________

Student Contact Number ___________________________________________________________________

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