Dear Parent/Guardian and Potential Mandarin High Cheerleader,

We are incredibly excited about the 2018-2019 school year and look forward to getting to know each of you over the next few weeks. Since our policies and procedures are structured to ensure that the team represents Mandarin High School in the best way possible at all times, we ask that you thoroughly familiarize yourself with our expectations and guidelines. Our tryout dates this year are Monday April 16th – Friday April 20th in the MHS gym. The clinic days of April 16th –April 19th are closed to the public. The final tryout day, April 20th, will be in front of judges and will be open to the public. During the clinic days, the cheerleaders will learn a cheer, a dance and a chant. There will also be time for experienced participants to practice both tumbling and stunting on the mats. To ensure participant safety, students should not attempt tumbling or stunting skills that they have not yet mastered. During the tryout process we consider attitude, work ethic, leadership, enthusiasm, sportsmanship, poise, discipline records, teacher recommendations and willingness to be coached. However, team selection will be primarily be based upon skill level and what is demonstrated during the tryout.

This year we are holding a pre-tryout clinic April 9th and 11th for interested athletes – both new and returning. We will cover motion drills, jumps, voice projection as well as stunting and tumbling for experienced athletes only. All participants must have an updated physical to attend the clinics. Clinic will be from 5:30-7:30 in the MHS Gym.

Before being able to participate in tryouts, participants must turn in the following items no later than Monday April 16th at 4:45 p.m.:

o Individual Photo – Head Shot (4x6) o Cheerleading Information Form/Signed Contract o Copy of FHSAA (EL2) Physical Form for 2017-2018 (please retain the original copy) o Insurance Verification Form o Teacher Recommendation Forms (5 total) from current teachers o Copy of 3rd nine weeks report card for 2018, showing a GPA of at least 2.0 (2.5 preferred) o $10 (Cash or Money Order) Tryout Fee

These items should be returned before tryouts begin on April 16th. Once you gather every document, you may put them in and sealed envelope and either drop them off at Mandarin High School to Coach Eldridge, or mail them to Coach Eldridge at 4831Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258. We will also be available to receive the paperwork from 3:30-4:45 in the gym before tryouts begin on April 16th. Following formal tryouts on April 20th, the athlete numbers will be posted on our website at 10:00 am on Saturday, April 21st. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact Coach Eldridge at eldridgec1@duvalschools,org. Thank you again for your interest in the Mandarin Cheerleading program!

Sincerely,

2018-2019 Mandarin High School

CheerleadingHead Coach: Lindsey Eldridge

Assistant Coach: Chelsi ForresterAssistant Coach: Alissa Kesterwww.mandarinhighcheer.com

MHS Cheerleading

Mandarin High SchoolCheerleading constitution, rules, and guidelines

2018-2019

Mission and VisionOur mission is to inspire our student body and lead other students in supporting our athletic programs. We strive achieve excellence and be role models in the classroom, athletics and in the community by demonstrating poise, kindness, leadership and athleticism at all times. Our season is nearly year-round, starting with practices and camp in the summer, cheering for football in the fall, and supporting basketball in the winter. Our vision is to keep school spirit and support first among our priorities, while also demonstrating our talent and skill at cheerleading exhibitions, community events, and FHSAA competitions.

JV, Varsity and Competition TeamsWe will have separate JV and Varsity cheerleading teams. The JV team will be responsible for cheering at JV sporting events (football and basketball), and Varsity will cheer at Varsity sporting events (football and basketball). Fundraisers and practices are generally held together. The teams are chosen according to skill level, willingness to be coached, grades and teacher recommendations. While stunting and tumbling are not required skills, both skills are highly considered when deciding team placement. The Varsity competition squad will compete at FHSAA cheerleading competitions during the winter season. Pep rallies are divided between the two teams, but the coach(es) ultimately determine which team will perform at various school and community events. (Seniors may not be on the JV team)

PracticesPractices are closed to the public. The coach will be responsible for determining practice dates and times. Since we are often asked last-minute to perform at an event, additional practices may be added with short notice. All practices are mandatory. The purpose of practice is to ensure a smooth performance. If an athlete misses a practice, game, or event, then they will be asked to sit out from the game or performance following an absence. See attendance/participation section for more details about absences.

Cheerleading CampAll team members are required to attend cheerleading camp over the summer. Varsity and Junior Varsity will be attending the UCA stunt summer camp at the University of Central Florida in Orlando this year from June 18th-June 21st

General Expectations and Behavior Guidelines:Cheerleaders and coaches are expected to follow the National Federation of State High School Association (NFHS) Spirit Rules Book. As a representative of Mandarin High School and Duval County Schools, you are also expected to abide by the DCPS Student Code of Conduct. Any cheerleader who engages inappropriate activities (in or out of school), behaves in a way to bring disgrace to the school or squad at any time he/she will be subject to immediate dismissal from the squad. This includes any photos, comments and general behavior deemed inappropriate on social media websites. Suspension or removal from the squad will not occur without the knowledge of the athletic director, activities director, and principal.

Game/Event Conduct Cheering a game is your job and privilege. Cheerleaders are expected to conduct themselves accordingly before, during and after the game. Be courteous and friendly to all fans at all times, avoiding gossip, negativity, and public displays of affection. You are expected to wear a smile and encourage the crowd with both your actions and words at all times—not just when you are performing a cheer. Improper conduct in uniform (practice, game, or performance) will result in an appropriate consequence (i.e. sitting out a following game or performance).

Uniforms and Game Day/Performance AppearanceMandarin High Cheerleaders are expected to appear poised and well-groomed at all times.

Cheerleaders must wear the shoes we purchase for this season. Shoes should be cleaned regularly NO jewelry is allowed for safety reasons. The only exceptions are medical or religious identification,

which should be secured so that it does not obstruct a stunt. For safety, natural nails must be trimmed to tip of finger; artificial nails may not extend more than ¼’’

from finger. NO nail polish may be worn for any competitive setting. Hair must be worn in a manner to minimize risk for the participant. Hair devices, if worn, must be

secure and appropriate for the activity. Cheerleaders must ALWAYS have hair tightly secured in a ponytail or half-up (no hair in the face; ears & shoulders must be visible). Hair and bow should be secured with a hair tie and/or bobby pins at both games and practices.

Make up should be natural and freshly applied for games and performances. Hair should appear clean and well-groomed.

Avoid applying lotion before a practice or game (especially flyers), as this becomes slippery when stunting.

No gum while in uniform or during any cheer event, including practice. No cell phone or cameras allowed during practice time or performance events. Treat everyone with respect and display good sportsmanship at every event. Be on time. All athletes are expected to arrive at practices and events already dressed, with hair up,

jewelry out and ready to warm up at the specified start time. No stunting or tumbling without a coach present and/or without necessary footwear and safety

precautions. Follow all rules and guidelines specific to practice and game time.

Other things to remember about uniforms are: Uniforms are intended for scheduled events and performances. All cheerleaders will have warm-ups and

other gear to wear outside of games and events. Mandarin High School cheerleaders are the only ones permitted to wear our uniforms and practice

apparel. Do NOT loan any cheerleading items to a friend or family member. Cheerleaders are responsible for returning school-issued uniforms by their due date. Failure to return

uniforms by the date they are due will result in cheerleader being placed on the debt list ($200 per uniform) and not receiving his/her letter.

Student is responsible for care of the school’s uniforms while they are in his/her possession. Please be respectful and handle the uniforms with care. Uniforms should be properly cleaned after each wear (wash-gentle cycle, line dry, cool iron if needed).

Cheerleaders are responsible for any lost or damaged school property (including uniforms).

TransportationCheerleaders must provide their own transportation to/from home games and practices. Please make arrangement to be picked up on time after an event, as the coaches must wait with you until you are picked up. All cheerleaders are required to travel to and from away games/events on the bus and remain with the team until they are dismissed. The coach must approve any exceptions to this rule with at least 24 hours in advanced, and proof of parent and coach approval must be in writing.

Academics and Classroom BehaviorAll student athletes are expected to maintain a 2.0 GPA throughout the year to be eligible to cheer, however, we prefer for our cheerleaders to maintain a 2.5 GPA. Progress reports and report cards should be copied and submitted to the coaches no later than one week after they are issued. D’s or F’s on any progress report or report card will result in immediate benching until the grade is brought up. It is expected that cheerleaders maintain satisfactory conduct in classes. Negative reports of an athlete’s grades, behavior, or attendance from teachers will result in appropriate disciplinary action to be determined by the coach. Every effort will be made by the student-athlete to attend class daily and on time to ensure academic success.

Attendance/ Participation1. Absences from games or practices are not allowed. The consequences for this offense will include being

benched, suspended from cheering, or dismissed from the squad. This also includes absences involving outside organizations and activities.

2. If you are absent from a practice—even if absence is excused ( i.e. religious holiday, death in the family, etc.)—you may still be benched from the following game/performance. This is to ensure a smooth and safe performance.

3. A phone call, text, or email to the coach will be required for any absence with as much notice as possible. Failure to notify the coach will result in a stricter consequence.

4. Excessive absences—excused or not—may result in sitting out and/or removal from the team. 5. Tardies are unacceptable and will be disciplined appropriately. If tardy to a game or practice, you may

be benched. Coaches should be notified beforehand in the event that you may be late.

Financial Responsibilities and Fundraising Cheerleaders are responsible for camp expenses, camp clothes, travel bags, shoes, pom-poms, uniform (1), and various incidental costs that may arise during the season.

All financial obligations must be paid in full by the due dates that are set. Failure to pay all money due by these dates may result in the cheerleader being benched, placed on the debt list, removed from lettering eligibility, and/or removed from the team. Cheerleaders must be in good financial standing in order to tryout the following season. If a cheerleader is removed from the squad or quits the squad, he/she is still held accountable for outstanding funds for items already purchased and is NOT eligible for a refund of any funds paid. Guidelines to fundraising are as follows:

Fundraisers are mandatory. Though fundraising efforts are tracked by the individual cheerleader, the funds go together in a general

cheerleading fund and are divided equally amongst the members of the team. We are a team and function as such—even with fundraisers.

Fundraising will begin directly after tryouts.

Money that is fundraised belongs to the Mandarin High School cheerleading team and not to the individuals who raised the money.

LetteringOnly Varsity competition athletes will be eligible to receive a letter in cheerleading. This includes Varsity competition alternates (if applicable). In order for the cheerleader to be eligible for an athletic letter, the cheerleader must have competed in at least one FHSAA sanctioned competition, finish the entire season, be in good academic standing, have no cheerleading debts, and have no unexcused absences from games.

Discipline/ConsequencesFailure to meet our team’s expectations mentioned in this contract will result in consequences determined and defined by the coaches including, but not limited to, extra conditioning, individual conference, parent conference, benching, and dismissal from team. Each disciplinary consequence will be dealt with on both an individual and situational basis. There is a zero tolerance policy in regards to bullying, profanity, and inappropriate behaviors. Failure to represent the Mandarin Cheerleading program with integrity and responsibility will result in any of the above consequences.

Cheerleading Tryout Information Sheet 2018-2019

Student name: _________________________________

Birthday: _________________ Circle class status for 2018/2019: 9th 10th 11th 12th

Student Email (Print clearly): _____________________________________________________Mailing Address: _______________________________________________________________City, State, Zip Code: ____________________________________________________________Best phone # to reach you: ____________________________________________

Parent Name Contact 1: ________________________________________________________Relationship to student (mom, dad, grandparent, etc.) ________________________________Best phone # to reach contact 1: __________________________________________________Parent Email (Print clearly): ______________________________________________________

Parent Name Contact 2: _________________________________________________________Relationship to student (mom, dad, grandparent, etc.) ________________________________Best phone # to reach contact 2: __________________________________________________Parent Email (Print clearly): ______________________________________________________

Have you cheered before? Y/N If so, where? ___________________________ How many years? ________Experienced stunting position(s) (Not required for tryout): _____________________________What is your favorite snack food? __________________________________What is your favorite color? ________________ T-shirt size? ____________

I have read the 2018-2019 Mandarin High School Cheerleading rules and guidelines. I agree to abide by these rules and regulations at all times and to uphold the integrity of our team. I do not foresee any reason why I may be unable to carry out the expectations and time commitment set forth by the coaches. I understand that failure to abide by these rules at any time can result in my/my cheerleader’s dismissal from the squad.

Student signature: ____________________________________________ Date: ____________

Parent Signature: _____________________________________________ Date: ____________

Name: ________________________________________________

Use the following space to explain your strongest attributes and why you think you will be an asset to the Mandarin High School Cheerleading Program. Please be thoughtful and thorough in your response.

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Teacher recommendation instructionsYou will be required to obtain 5 Teacher Recommendation Forms from your 2018-2019 teachers or administrators. These forms will be factored into your total tryout score.

It is incredibly important that we receive these from your teachers no later than Friday, April 17th to ensure proper processing time. Give these to your teachers right away to avoid delays – we prefer to have all forms in by the pre-tryout clinic on April 16th & 18th

To make submitting the forms easier for each of your teachers/administrators, we need for you to pre-label 5 envelopes depending on where you are currently a student. Please choose the option that applies:

Option 1: If you are coming from another Duval County school (MMS, Twin Lakes, etc.):

Option 2: If you are coming from a private school or a school outside of our county:

Option 3: If you are a current Mandarin High School student:

Mandarin High School#260

Attn: Lindsey Eldridge

WITH STAMP!

Mandarin High SchoolAttn: Lindsey Eldridge4831 Greenland RoadJacksonville FL 32258

Please seal and return form (main office) to:

Lindsey Eldridge

**This form must be completed and received by the coach by Friday, April 13th to ensure adequate processing time.**

Dear Teacher/Administrator,

The student listed below is trying out for the 2018-2019 Mandarin High School Cheerleading Squad. As coaches and teachers, we appreciate your input concerning potential participants. We are looking for true student-athletes. For this reason, we are factoring your ratings into the tryout score for the participant listed below. We want to keep the form CONFIDENTIAL, so we ask that you please mail the form back to us rather than giving it to the student. The form may be sent via Duval County School mail to Mandarin High School, #260, Attention: Lindsey Eldridge. If you are sending the form from a private school, the form may be mailed to Lindsey Eldridge — 4831 Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258.

Thank you for your valuable time,

Lindsey Eldridge

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Student Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Your Name: _____________________________________________ Position:________________________

What school year did you work with this student? ___________________ (Reminder: Must be 2017-18)

Please rank this student from 1-10 (10 being the highest) on the following criteria:

Reliability ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Leadership ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Charisma ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Academics ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Attendance ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

TOTAL: ______

Additional Comments:______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Teacher Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________

**This form must be completed and received by the coach by Friday, April 13th to ensure adequate processing time.**

Dear Teacher/Administrator,

The student listed below is trying out for the 2018-2019 Mandarin High School Cheerleading Squad. As coaches and teachers, we appreciate your input concerning potential participants. We are looking for true student-athletes. For this reason, we are factoring your ratings into the tryout score for the participant listed below. We want to keep the form CONFIDENTIAL, so we ask that you please mail the form back to us rather than giving it to the student. The form may be sent via Duval County School mail to Mandarin High School, #260, Attention: Lindsey Eldridge. If you are sending the form from a private school, the form may be mailed to Lindsey Eldridge — 4831 Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258.

Thank you for your valuable time,

Lindsey Eldridge

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Student Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Your Name: _____________________________________________ Position:________________________

What school year did you work with this student? ___________________ (Reminder: Must be 2017-18)

Please rank this student from 1-10 (10 being the highest) on the following criteria:

Reliability ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Leadership ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Charisma ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Academics ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Attendance ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

TOTAL: ______

Additional Comments:______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Teacher Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________

**This form must be completed and received by the coach by Friday, April 13th to ensure adequate processing time.**

Dear Teacher/Administrator,

The student listed below is trying out for the 2018-2019 Mandarin High School Cheerleading Squad. As coaches and teachers, we appreciate your input concerning potential participants. We are looking for true student-athletes. For this reason, we are factoring your ratings into the tryout score for the participant listed below. We want to keep the form CONFIDENTIAL, so we ask that you please mail the form back to us rather than giving it to the student. The form may be sent via Duval County School mail to Mandarin High School, #260, Attention: Lindsey Eldridge. If you are sending the form from a private school, the form may be mailed to Lindsey Eldridge — 4831 Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258.

Thank you for your valuable time,

Lindsey Eldridge

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Student Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Your Name: _____________________________________________ Position:________________________

What school year did you work with this student? ___________________ (Reminder: Must be 2017-18)

Please rank this student from 1-10 (10 being the highest) on the following criteria:

Reliability ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Leadership ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Charisma ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Academics ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Attendance ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

TOTAL: ______

Additional Comments:______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Teacher Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________

**This form must be completed and received by the coach by Friday, April 13th to ensure adequate processing time.**

Dear Teacher/Administrator,

The student listed below is trying out for the 2018-2019 Mandarin High School Cheerleading Squad. As coaches and teachers, we appreciate your input concerning potential participants. We are looking for true student-athletes. For this reason, we are factoring your ratings into the tryout score for the participant listed below. We want to keep the form CONFIDENTIAL, so we ask that you please mail the form back to us rather than giving it to the student. The form may be sent via Duval County School mail to Mandarin High School, #260, Attention: Lindsey Eldridge. If you are sending the form from a private school, the form may be mailed to Lindsey Eldridge — 4831 Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258.

Thank you for your valuable time,

Lindsey Eldridge

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Student Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Your Name: _____________________________________________ Position:________________________

What school year did you work with this student? ___________________ (Reminder: Must be 2017-18)

Please rank this student from 1-10 (10 being the highest) on the following criteria:

Reliability ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Leadership ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Charisma ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Academics ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Attendance ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

TOTAL: ______

Additional Comments:______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Teacher Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________

**This form must be completed and received by the coach by Friday, April 13th to ensure adequate processing time.**

Dear Teacher/Administrator,

The student listed below is trying out for the 2018-2019 Mandarin High School Cheerleading Squad. As coaches and teachers, we appreciate your input concerning potential participants. We are looking for true student-athletes. For this reason, we are factoring your ratings into the tryout score for the participant listed below. We want to keep the form CONFIDENTIAL, so we ask that you please mail the form back to us rather than giving it to the student. The form may be sent via Duval County School mail to Mandarin High School, #260, Attention: Lindsey Eldridge. If you are sending the form from a private school, the form may be mailed to Lindsey Eldridge — 4831 Greenland Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258.

Thank you for your valuable time,

Lindsey Eldridge

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Student Name:______________________________________________________________________________

Your Name: _____________________________________________ Position:________________________

What school year did you work with this student? ___________________ (Reminder: Must be 2017-18)

Please rank this student from 1-10 (10 being the highest) on the following criteria:

Reliability ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Leadership ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Charisma ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Academics ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

Attendance ______ Explanation, if necessary: _________________________________________________

TOTAL: ______

Additional Comments:______________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________________

Teacher Signature: ____________________________________ Date: ________________