Tryout Procedures
The tryout process for each school is as individual as each cheerleading program. Listed below are samples packets and procedures to help in your approach for your next tryouts.
Tryouts 101 - Kara Lindberg, Central Kitsap High School, WA
STANDARDS/GUIDELINES
TRYOUT PROCEDURES
ADDED INFORMATION
Discipline & Accountability
Team discipline is essential to the overall success of any squad. Remember that discipline must be maintained on a day to day bases. It is one of the biggest challenges for all coaches. Plan ahead and have established standards and consequences. Reinforce positive behavior! Lastly, be a role model because the team will always follow what you do. Below are some ways to monitor and encourage accountability. Also check under "Tryouts" for constitutions, code of conduct and standards and under "Conflict Resolution" for problem solving.
- Athlete & Parent Expectations- Pam Headridge
- How to Build a Well Rounded Program - Pam Headridge
- Secrets to Coaching Cheerleading - Pam Headridge
- Mission Statement - A great book called "Championship Team Building" by Jeff Janssen recommends, as part of the inspirational and team-building phrase of your program, is to have the team come together and set a mission for the season. After all have agreed on the needs from each other in order to build a committed and cohesive team, write out the mission, have everyone sign it and put photos around the signed mission statement. Hang it in a place that each athlete can see everyday and review and reward their steps in meeting their mission. Here is an example of one by Burlington Edison HS Cheer.
- Being the Best...More Than Skills - Pam Headridge
- Cheerleading Guidelines - Pam Headridge
- Guidelines for Sending the Effective Messages - ASEP
- Merit Point Values - Alicia Patterson, Franklin Pierce High School WA
- Merit Tracking form - Alicia Patterson, Franklin Pierce High School WA
- Game Etiquette- Alicia Patterson, Franklin Pierce High School WA
- Individual Game Evaluation form- Alicia Patterson, Franklin Pierce High School WA
- Game Plan & Evaluation
- End of the Season Evaluation form - Robin Gohn
- Overall Evaluation form - Alicia Patterson, Franklin Pierce High School WA
- Probation Letter- Alicia Patterson, Franklin Pierce High School WA
- T.E.A.M. Approach to Sportsmanship
- Discipline with Review Board of Peers - Josephine Ivey
- Cheerleader's Creed - Varsity.com
- Time Management - ASEP
- Achievement Policies - ASEP
- Mistakes Worth Making - ASEP
- Confident Cheerleading (web site) - Dr. Pamela Enders
Character & Sportsmanship
Todays young people are bombarded from the media with samples of unsportsmanlike behavior and dishonesty. Many have not be taught the concept of honesty, respect and doing the right thing. Cheerleading provides many opportunies to teach these positive, character-building concepts.
