Huntley High School
Cheerleading
Tryout and
Informational Packet
2017-2018
Huntley High School Cheerleading
Try-out Information 2017-18 Season
Clinic Dates: May 8th (3:30-6:00), May 9th (3:30-6:00) and May 10th (3:30-6:00) in East (Main) Gym
Try-out Date: May 11th (5:00-???) East (Main) Gym
Questions, please contact Renee Fowler: [email protected]
***You must have a physical on file with the HHS athletic office BEFORE Try-Outs***
Cheer Tryout Format
For the 2017-18 Cheerleading Season, there will be tryouts at all levels. The best cheerleaders will make up the Varsity
roster regardless of their class in school.
The first two days will be conducted in a clinic style format with Huntley’s outgoing Seniors teaching a new Dance, Floor
Cheer, as well as working on Jumps, Stunting, and Tumbling. The third day will be stunting try-outs and the fourth day
will be formal try-outs.
Each athlete is required to be here for all clinic days for the entire time. If there are any scheduling conflicts with Spring
Sports, or being out of town, please contact Coach Fowler as early as possible so that arrangements can be made. The
tryouts will be conducted by a panel of judges comprised of both Huntley High School Coaching Staff as well as IHSA
Cheerleading Officials.
Tryouts will be random groups of 3 starting at 5:00 P.M. On the fourth day of tryouts (May 11th), every athlete must
wear plain shorts (dark color) and a plain black t-shirt for tryouts. Please do not wear any clothing with HHS or gym
logos. Results will be posted on the Huntley Cheerleading Haiku Page on Friday, May 12th by 5:00 P.M.
Stunting
We will be testing/scoring everyone on their stunting ability/potential. This will be done during the third clinic day. It is
recommended that everyone trying out attempts as many stunting positions as possible so the coaches can see what
each athlete is capable of. Flyers will also be evaluated on flexibility/body positions in air.
Tumbling
Tumbling will be judged on the fourth day of try-outs, but it will be evaluated all three days prior so please come
prepared. Tumbling will consist of standing tumbling, jump to tumble, and running tumbling.
Tryout Criteria
Cheerleaders will be judged based on their tumbling, stunting, jumps, cheer, dance, attitude, and effort during try-outs
and performance from this past season. In addition to the items listed above, the athlete’s academic performance will
also be taken into consideration into making the squad. Athletes must be at tryouts to be eligible to make the team
unless you have prior permission from Coach Fowler.
Regardless of the team level made post-try-outs, a cheerleader may be moved up or down during the season
depending on their performance/need for that particular team.
Camps
Over the summer, all HHS cheerleaders are required to attend HHS cheerleading camp and our youth camp. These
camps are mandatory!



Varsity Only- NCA Speed Camp: July 7th- July 9th
HHS Cheerleading Camp: July 11th – July 13th (3 day camp) at HHS
HHS Youth Camp: July 24th-27th at HHS
For information regarding summer practices, Fall and Winter Season guidelines, and time commitments, please refer to
the letter to the parents/guardians on the following page.
March 1, 2017
Dear Parent(s)/Guardian(s),
We are excited to hear that your athlete is interested in trying out for the 2017-2018 Huntley High School Cheerleading
Squad(s). If your athlete is chosen to represent Huntley High School as a member of the squad it will not only be an
honor, but also a major commitment. The responsibilities are numerous and must be fully understood in advance.
Please read the following rules and expectations.
General Expectations of a Huntley High School Cheerleader
• Attendance at all practices, games, competition, spirit events, community events, and fundraising is mandatory.
Practice and game schedules are presented and announced in advance and therefore MANDATORY. Schedule
changes not in control of the cheerleading coaching staff will be made known to squad members as soon as
possible.
• Fall season is up to five 4-5 days a week with some weekend activities
• Winter season is generally 4-6 days a week. Practices Monday-Friday with competitions on the weekends.
• Tumbling outside of scheduled practice is HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.
• Members of all Cheerleading Squads will be responsible for (not limited to) the purchase of cheerleading
equipment, shoes, clothes, camps and clinics. This is outlined in the cheer packet.
• Additionally, all squad members will participate in fundraising activities, i.e.- camps and clinics, etc., and any
other events deemed necessary for the program.
• As a member of the squad, your athlete will be responsible for maintaining a good academic record. This is
monitored on a weekly basis in accordance with HHS and IHSA guidelines.
• All members are required to follow the rules set forth in the Cheerleading Contract and the Students Handbook/
Athletic Code. HHS Cheerleading squads follow IHSA rules and those set forth in the NFHS Sprit rules book.
• If a cheerleader is not acting becoming to what is expected of a HHS cheerleader the coach has the right to
suspend and/or remove the athlete from the squad. This includes, but is not limited to, social media activities,
negative attitude to coach and/or squad, not coming to practice ready and willing to work, disrespect,
insubordination and disturbance to the overall squad.
After you have discussed these requirements and reviewed the packet of information with your son or daughter and
agree to make the commitment, if chosen for a squad, please sign the attached permission form.
YOUR SON OR DAUGHTER MUST BRING THE SIGNED FORMS IN THE BACK OF THE PACKET TO THE FIRST DAY OF
TRYOUTS AS WELL AS FILLING OUT THE ONLINE FORMS.
Please contact Renee Fowler, at [email protected] with any questions.
2016-2017 Huntley Cheerleading
Fundraising and Costs
Fundraising:
As a part of the HHS Cheerleading program, each member will actively participate in fundraisers throughout the
season. One is for the cheerleaders themselves, the other two are for the program. All cheerleaders will have the
opportunity to do fundraising after try-outs to raise money for summer camp, camp clothes, warm-ups, crop top, briefs,
and all other purchases. This money goes directly to the individual and is optional. The other two fundraisers, the
youth summer camp, which is July 25th-28th and the Sweetheart Invitational, which is January 22nd, are mandatory.
NOTE: The Sweetheart Invitational on January 22, 2017 is also mandatory for all parents. Please mark it in your
schedule for both January 21st and January 22nd.
Cost of Cheerleading Breakdown:
We want everyone to be aware of the cost of cheerleading. Below is an approximation of the costs.
These costs will be broken down into 3 monthly payments over the summer (June, July, August).
Athletic Fee
All Squad
$75.00 paid directly
through the District Webstore
Summer Camp
1 Pair of Shoes
All Squads
Basketball/Competition Squad
$230.00
$75.00
Briefs (1 Pair)
All Squads
$25.00
Crop Top
All Squads
$95.00
Camp Clothes
All Squads
$100.00
Warm-Ups
All Squads
$110
Bows
All Squads
$30.00
Choreography
All Squads
$200.00
Mandatory Items
(Long sleeve, Hoodie, Jersey)
All Squads
$75.00
**If you have an outstanding balance from the season before, it must be paid in full in order to tryout. All bills must be
paid on time and in full before any clothing can be distributed.**
If a cheerleader quits, they will be responsible to pay for any pre-ordered items, re-choreography fee, and/or
outstanding balances. There are no refunds for any camp/clinics, clothing and or anything else ordered and not received.
If you sign up for a camp and decide not to go, there are no refunds.
Again these are approximate costs.
Exact costs will be given at the mandatory parent meeting following tryouts
MANDATORY Meeting will be announced after tryouts
1 parent & 1 cheerleader MUST be present
2016-2017 Huntley High School Cheerleading
Rules and Expectations
The purpose of the cheerleading squads of Huntley High School is to encourage school spirit within the student body,
to develop a sense of good sportsmanship, and to better relationships between schools during athletic events. To
maintain these standards, the following rules and requirements have been established.
Cheerleaders are representatives of Huntley High School both inside of the school and out. Anytime Huntley High School
Cheerleading apparel is worn, athletes are expected to be model citizens and follow both Huntley High School and
Huntley High School Cheerleading rules and expectations. This is ANYTIME and not just at practices, games, or
competitions. We want to be role models in our community and represent our high school well!
All Cheerleaders must participate in sideline cheerleading for football and basketball season. You cannot choose to
cheer only football or only basketball season. If you were on the team the year before, it does not guarantee you a spot
for the following year. A veteran can be cut, or a person who is on Varsity can be placed on JV for the following year.
If you are chosen as a member of this squad, you are making a major commitment. Any member of this team will not be
allowed to participate in any other spirit group (Poms) or any fall or winter sport at HHS or a club team (All-Star
Program) during the fall and winter season. Members are, however, encouraged to participate in a spring sport or the
spring play at HHS, or join a post season cheer team like ACE (Lake Bluff) or UA Majesties (Wauconda).
A cheerleader can get moved up or down levels within the program at the coaching staff discretion. You can start on
Varsity and get moved to JV or vice versa. If a cheerleader does not know the material or keep the required skills up,
they can be removed from the program. Competition teams will be determined during October’s re-evaluation.
ACADEMICS
The HHS Cheerleading program expects academics to be each participant’s first priority. HHS cheerleaders are expected
to follow the HHS rules for eligibility set forth by the IHSA. Tutoring however is not an excused absence for practices or
games. Cheerleaders must budget their time to balance academics, athletics, and family.
PRACTICES
Practices are closed to parents; all cheerleaders are expected to arrive at practice 10 minutes early to rollout mats.
Practice location may vary based on gym availability or space needs. Most after-school practices will run from 3:005:30pm. Schedules will be given out at the beginning of each season. Please keep in mind that practices may be changed
due to weather or added to aid in assembly/competition preparation. Attendance to all practices, games, competitions,
fundraisers, and community events are MANDATORY. NO CELL PHONES AND NO TEXTING DURING PRACTICES, AND/OR
GAMES. If an emergency in the family arises, parents may contact the coaches.
GAMES
Cheerleaders will cheer at all home and away Football Games in the fall season. Teams will only cheer at boys home
basketball games during winter season. Cheerleaders will not cheer at some basketball games when it conflicts with the
competition schedule or preparation. If a participant is absent from school on a practice or game day, he/she may not
participate in any event that same day.
If absent for any reason, it is the cheerleaders responsibility to contact their coach by text, e-mail, or phone call by
1:00pm. Any excuse other than sickness must be sent by the athlete’s parent or guardian. Failure to do so by the given
time will result in an unexcused absence.
ABSENCES
Cheerleaders and parents must do their best to limit the number of absences during fall and winter seasons. Adequate
time for family and travel will be given around the holidays. All doctor’s appointments are to be made without
conflicting the cheerleading schedule as much as possible.
Excused- doctor’s appointment-note must be given to coach upon return, excused from school, religious events, family
birthday, sickness, college visit-note must be given to coach prior to absence
Unexcused- no call prior to absence, missing paperwork, ditching school, complete no-show, detention/ Saturday
school, friend’s birthdays, concerts, pro-sports games, etc. ABSENCE CONSEQUENCES
Absence Consequences
Football Season
MISSED EVENT-EXCUSED
1st time – excused
2nd time – conversation with coach
3rd time – sit 1st quarter of game
4th time – sit 1st half of game
5th time – parent/athlete/coach/athletic
Director, potential dismissal
Basketball/Competitve Season
MISSED EVENT-EXCUSED
1st time – excused
2nd time – sit 1st quarter of game
3rd time – sit 1 game/competition
4th time – sit 1game/comp.: parent/coach/athlete
meeting
5th time – sit 2 games/competitions,
parent/athlete/coach/AD, potential dismissal
MISSED EVENT-UNEXCUSED
1st time – sit 1st half of game
2nd time – sit 1 game
3rd time – sit 1 ½ games: parent/coach/athlete/AD meeting,
potential dismissal
4th time – dismissal from squad
MISSED EVENT-UNEXCUSED
1st time – sit 1st half of game
2nd time – sit 1 game/comp., parent/coach/athlete/AD
meeting, potential dismissal
3rd time – dismissal from squad
All cheerleaders can and are encouraged to be in a spring sport or in the spring activity. Cheerleaders can participate in
an All-star program AFTER the season is over. This is an IHSA rule. If you have any further questions please contact
Coach Fowler.
Any sport or activity that is not sponsored through HHS is never excused from a HHS Cheerleading event, practice, game,
camp and/or any cheerleading function. Any absence due to attending a sport or activity that is not sponsored by HHS is
automatically unexcused
*If an athlete is absent from practice during Homecoming week, the athlete will not be allowed to participate in the
Homecoming performances!*
TRANSPORTATION
Cheerleaders must ride the athletic bus to events. In certain cases, if a cheerleader needs to leave early from an event a
note needs to be given to the coach 24 hours prior to that event. Cheerleaders will only be released to their
parent/guardian. NO cheerleader will be released to friends, friend’s parents, or sibling unless previously approved by
the Athletic Director.
They must be in full uniform or warm-up to travel in. We do not travel to any cheerleading function in street clothing. If
they do not have the on the proper attire, they will be sent home.
ATTIRE
Cheerleaders are representatives of HHS in school and out. Anytime HHS cheerleading apparel is worn, athletes are
expected to be model citizens and follow HHS and Cheer rules. This is ANYTIME and not just at practices, games, or
competitions. We want to be role models for younger cheerleaders in the community.
AT ALL PRACTICES AND GAMES:
NO JEWELRY Including watches, necklaces, rings, earrings, gauges, and anything else pierced. (If just pierced, they are to
be removed and will not be permitted to participate if not taken out.)
NAILS KEPT SHORT & NO ACRYLIC/FAKE NAILS - Any fake nails applied for dances must be removed before participating
in a practice or game.
NO GLITTER
NO GUM
Proper uniform for all games includes:
 Cheerleading uniform, brief/boy shorts, cheer shoes, appropriate socks, and hair bow.
 Hair pulled back away from face and secured tightly so that it does not fall out during game activity.
 Warm-ups should be worn to and from games during cold weather.
 During wet weather conditions, competition cheer shoes should not be worn outside.
 No uniform skirt may be worn over warm- up pants.
 Flip-flops, boots (Uggs/ Hunters) or other non-cheerleading shoes are not to be worn with a piece of uniform.
All cheerleaders should wear their Huntley Cheerleading uniform with pride on game days and at all regular season
games and tournaments (unless otherwise specified by the coach).
If you are sitting out due to non co-curricular reasons, you will sit out in full uniform. (This could be warm-ups, shirt and
shorts, and/or uniform; it is up to the coaches’ discretion).
Competition
*If an athlete is absent from school or practice the week of a scheduled competition they may not be allowed to
participate in that weekends competition*
All teams will compete in up to six competitions a year. In addition to the six competitions, Varsity will participate in the
IHSA State Series.
**There will be no practices November 22-26 and December 22nd - January 1st to allow holiday time with family or
travel.**
If an athlete misses the Mandatory practices over winter break , then they will not be allowed to participate in the
next scheduled competition!!***
Possible Competitions/ Dates (coaches will make final decision as to which ones we attend)
December
Crystal Lake Central: December 3, 2017
Rolling Meadows: December 17, 2017
January
Lake Zurich: January 6, 2018
Buffalo Grove: January 7, 2018
Grayslake North: January 13, 2017
Fox Valley Conference: (Crystal Lake South) January 15, 2018
Huntley Sweetheart Invitational: January 21, 2018
IHSA Sate Series (Varsity Only)
IHSA Sectionals: January 27, 2018
IHSA State: February 2-3, 2018
SPORTSMANSHIP
A HHS Cheerleader will: •
 Uphold the ideals of sportsmanship, ethical conduct, integrity, accountability, and fair play
 Respect and abide by all program expectations set forth by coaches and the IHSA Spirit Rules,
including, but not limited to proper attire, jewelry, hair, uniforms, and procedures.
 Respect and show courtesy to all coaches, teammates, visiting/home teams, competitors, hosts and
officials, and respect the integrity and judgment of all sports and competition officials, coaches and
school administration.
 Parent participation is appreciated. Decisions about team selection, coaching and program
management are solely the responsibility of the coaching staff. Any day to day concerns should be
directed to the cheerleader’s coach. All other parent concerns should be directed to the Head Coach.
 Each cheerleader will follow the Huntley High School Code of Conduct.
 If a cheerleader is not acting becoming to what is expected of a HHS cheerleader the coach has the
right to suspend and/or remove the athlete from the squad. This includes, but is not limited to,
social media activities, negative attitude to coach and/or squad, not coming to practice ready and
willing to work, disrespect, insubordination and disturbance to the overall squad.
 Each cheerleader will sign and adhere to the HHS Cheerleading Expectations and Regulations.
ATHLETIC PAPERWORK
For the 2017-2018 season(s), all athletic department forms need to be completed prior to season. Including
registration and registration payment through 8to18, concussion baseline testing, and permission to random
drug test.
 Current physical needs to be on file
ADDITIONAL ONLINE FORMS
Please see the HHS Haiku Cheer website and fill out the following google forms:
 Basic Info (phone, address, etc)
 Shoe and Clothing size list
 Summer Conflicts/Vacations
2017-2018 Huntley High School Tryouts
Information and Parent Release Form
(Slip must be brought with to the first day of clinics/tryouts for candidate to participate. Please PRINT)
NAME: ____________________________________________ Current Grade ___________
PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) NAME(S): ____________________________________________
ADDRESS: _________________________________________________________________
CITY: ________________________ IL ZIP ________________________________________
HOME PHONE NUMBER ______________________________________________________
PARENT(S)/GUARDIAN(S) CELL NUMBERS: _______________________________________
CASE OF EMERGENCY AND PARENT(S)/GUARDIANS CAN NOT BE REACHED – CONTACT:
NAME: ___________________________________________________________________
PHONE NUMBER: ___________________________________________________________
RELATIONSHIP: _____________________________________________________________
We have read the Huntley High School Cheerleading information packet. We understand the commitments
associated with becoming a Huntley High School Cheerleader. We understand the qualifying process and
respect the final decisions of the selection process for the members of Huntley High School Cheerleading
Squad. We understand that cheerleading involves physical activity and skills may cause injury.
___________________________________________
Cheerleader’s Name
____________________________________________ ______________________
Cheerleader’s Signature
Date
____________________________________________ _______________________
Parent(s)/Guardian(s) Signature
Date
This form must be signed and returned in order to participate/ tryout.
Huntley High School Cheerleading Tryout Questionnaire
If you have not filled out the google response please answer the following questions honestly. If you filled out
the google response you will not need to answer these questions.
Athlete’s Name ________________________________
Year in school (fall 2016)_____________
Tumbling Skills (circle all that apply):
standing back handspring (BHS)
RO-BHS-Layout
Specialty
forward roll
standing tuck
cartwheel
RO-BHS
roundoff
RO-Tuck
back/front walkover
RO-BHS-Tuck
RO-BHS-Full
How long have you been involved with cheerleading? ___________________________________________
If applicable, list the teams you have been a part of:______________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________________________________________
Freshman through Seniors can make JV and Varsity. Which team are you trying out for?
I understand that if I check Varsity only and I make JV, I will be cut from the program.
Freshmen only ___
JV only ____
Varsity only ____
Freshmen, JV or Varsity ____
Please answer the following questions (if you have filled out the tryout google doc this is not necessary):

Why do you want to cheer for Huntley High School?

What are your 3 best qualities that make you a great choice for the HHS Cheerleading Program and
why?
1.
2.
3.

What is your favorite part about cheering at games? Do you prefer football or basketball?

What is your favorite part about competitive cheerleading?
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What does the word alternate mean to you? Would you remain fully involved in the program if you
were selected as an alternate for competition season? (use back side if needed)