Rancho Mirage High School Cheer

Tryout Information Packet

2017-2018

Here is what must be turned in on or before Friday, March 31st , 2017 at 3:30pm to
Coach Green-Amadors box at Rancho Mirage High School:
1. Tryout Application and Acknowledgements Form
2. Waiver
3. Financial Commitment Contract
4. Personality Card
5. Teacher Recommendations (will be turned in by the teacher)
6. Athletic Clearance
If you have any questions please feel free to contact Coach Green-Amador at
rgreen@psusd.us .
Important Dates
Welcome Potluck and Team Meeting
Come join us for dinner and meet the other families in the program! This is mandatory for ALL cheerleaders
that make the team and at least one parent/guardian. We will distribute the first fundraisers and review
summer practice schedule and camp, uniforms and attire, and upcoming deposits for camp/uniform, as well as
uniform fittings.
Friday, April 28th at 5:00 pm
Rancho Mirage High School Cafeteria
Pot luck assignments TBD
Camp Deposit of $250 due. Cash or Money Order made payable to RMHS ASB.

Camp wear Fitting (MANDATORY)

Tuesday, April 25th at 3:30pm in the large dance room

Returner Meeting and Uniform Check

Returners need to bring in the following items for inspection:
4 bows (maroon, blue, white, and pink)
3 pairs of shorts (blue, maroon, and gray)
Rattler uniform shell and BOTH skirts
RMHS uniform skirt, shell, and liner
Warm up pants and jacket
Sweatshirt
Coaches need to see these items to determine if replacements are needed and what pieces they would like to sell
to new members.
Time/Date TBA
Coach Green-Amadors room 353

Varsity Uniform Fitting

Wednesday, May 4th
Beginning at 3:00pm in the Large Dance Room
**Cheerleaders who do NOT have a uniform yet or need to order replacement pieces need to attend.
Camp Wear Deposit of $250 due. Cash, credit card, or money order payable to Varsity Spirit Fashions If
you pay by credit card and it is declined, it will hold the entire order up. Cash or money orders preferred.

Cheer Camp
USA Camp at Cal State San Marcos in San Marcos, CA
July 7th to 10th

Completed Physicals
Completed Physical must be on record in the athletic office before the tryouts. Physicals will be offered at RMHS
day and time are TBA. Information will be provided as received.

Summer Practices
Practices are TENTATIVELY scheduled for every Monday through Thursday beginning June 26 th July 5th (until
we leave for camp: July 7-10)
Time and Location TBD
Expectations
Purpose
The purpose of the RMHS Cheer to:
Create school spirit, pride, good sportsmanship, and loyalty within school and the community.
Serve as a positive representative of RMHS both on campus and off, as well as be a good role model in
regards to behavior and academics.
Promote interest in school activities and perform at school assemblies, games, and functions.
Develop responsibility, teach self-respect, encourage honest effort and a drive for personal excellence,
and develop character.
Teach teamwork and pride in a quality performance through maintaining high standards.

Code of Conduct
Rancho Mirage Cheerleaders are ambassadors of not only the program, but also the school. They are expected to
display positive sportsmanship and take pride in their position as a Rancho Mirage cheerleader. Members of
Rancho Mirage Cheer will behave in a way that exemplifies respect, ethical behavior, and attitude, and remain in
good standing at Rancho Mirage High School when in uniform. The organizations goal is to work in harmony
with the administration, faculty, ASB, athletic teams, and all other organizations. Our primary goal is to support
interscholastic athletics and promote school pride, spirit, and unity.

Academic Standing
This program is an extracurricular activity. Your purpose at Rancho Mirage High School is to learn first, cheer
second. All Rancho Mirage cheerleaders must maintain a 2.0 GPA. If a members GPA is less than a 2.0 (quarters
or semesters), they will be benched from games and practices until their grades have improved on the next
reporting period (quarter or semester). If a student is placed on academic probation for two consecutive reporting
periods, the participant will be removed from the squad and ineligible to try out the following year. Students on
academic probation may not wear any part of their uniform (including warm-ups, jackets, and t-shirts)

Public Image
Cheerleaders are campus leaders and are constantly in the spotlight. They need to be aware that their actions and
behaviors are under scrutiny from administration, teachers, students, parents, and the community. With this in
mind, members of Rancho Mirage Cheer are held accountable for their actions in class, on campus, in the
community, and online. Their actions and image need to uphold the tenants of the PSUSD and RMHS Code of
Conduct at all times, but particularly when in uniform.

Team members must wear their required school lanyard, cannot chew gum per school-wide expectations, and
must follow PSUSD and RMHS Dress Code at all times.

When in class, you are expected to treat your teachers and other classmates with respect. If there is an athlete in
your class, whether it be a baseball player or a golfer, wish them good luck on their game days.

Please be aware that what goes online becomes public property. Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, etc. are checked
by the school and by other students. Please make sure what you post represents the program and more
importantly, you respectfully.
Discipline
It shall be squad policy that disciplinary action will only be invoked as a last resort, and that every reasonable
attempt will be made to avoid situations likely to lead to such action through squad discussion and positive
encouragement, leading by example, and by finding ways and means to correct negative trends.

Merits
Merits are a way to earn credits (merits) and reduce any accumulated demerit by members who go above and
beyond. Merits are given at the discretion of the coaches and can be based on any of the following:
Attending an additional event or game in uniform when not required
Attending other community service events
Good reports from another teacher on campus
Actively helping at another teams practice or game
Working extra hard at practice or game
Merits are not limited to what is listed. The coaches may give a merits for any reason that they see fit.

Demerits
Demerits will be used as a disciplinary tool that will only be invoked as a last resort. Every reasonable attempt
will be made to avoid situations likely to lead to such action through team discussion, positive encouragement,
leading by example, and by finding ways and means to correct negative trends. Only coaches will give demerits.
Demerits will be given for:
Tardiness (without notice) at any squad activity. This includes practices, performances, games, or
functions.
Chewing gum at practice after repeated warnings.
Disrespect toward Coaches, other squad members, or student body and staff. This includes poor attitudes,
talking back, or eye rolling.
Inappropriate practice, work out wear, or uniform.
This would include any piece of the uniform, shorts/t-shirts, or footwear.
This would also include inappropriate hair for performances and school activities.
Forgotten accessories, and/or uniforms.
Inappropriate performance makeup.
Use of inappropriate language in practice, uniform, or while at any performance, activity, or school
function.
Gossiping at practice, in uniform, or while at any performance, activity, or school function.
Unsportsmanlike behavior within teammates or other teams that poorly represent the Cheer Team
including things that could be classified as bullying either verbally, physically, or through social
media (Twitter, Facebook, etc.)
Inappropriate acts of PDA on campus and especially in uniform.
IMMEDIATE REMOVAL for:
Smoking, drinking, or doing drugs.
Suspension from school, including other disciplinary action.

Demerits are not limited to what is listed. The coaches may give a demerit for any reason that they see fit. Merit
records will be kept on all members. Merits will determine placement at games and in routines. Merit scores may
transfer over to the following years tryout score. Anyone on varsity with negative merits will not receive their
varsity letter.
Commitment
Being chosen as a member of Rancho Mirage cheer involves a comprehensive,
year-round commitment. Members must attend all scheduled games, practices, Practices: 2-3
CIF events, competitions, fundraisers, and any other event deemed necessary by days/week
the coaching staff. Due to the time commitment, Citrus Valley Spirit Teams Games: 1-2
members may not participate in fall or winter sports. Participants who are unable days/week
to meet the demands and voluntarily quit the program will not be eligible to try out Rallies: 4-5 per year
the following year. Fundraising: Year
round
Required Events
All members must be at all practices, games, and other events as noted on the calendar.
All Rancho Mirage Cheerleaders will be required to attend any CIF playoff games for any sport at
Rancho Mirage High School.
All members are encouraged, but not required, to attend social events.
Community service events will occur throughout the year. We participate in the Patriot Ride For Our
Heroes and Tour de Palm Springs annually.

Games
Varsity Cheerleaders will attend all Varsity Football games home and away and all home basketball games
both boys and girls. Junior Varsity Cheerleaders will attend all home non-varsity football games and all home
basketball games both boys and girls. Cheerleaders will also be cheering at volleyball, wrestling, soccer, and all
home CIF playoff games. ATTENDANCE IS REQUIRED AT GAMES. Cheerleaders will be allowed two
absences from games for the year. On the third absence, they will be removed from the team.

Competition
As a general rule, any squad wanting to compete needs to show maturity, responsibility, and readiness.
Individuals and teams will have to earn their right to compete based on attendance, attitude, and meeting
fundraising requirements.

Competition season runs from November-March. Please check with the coaching staff before making any
vacation plans during Thanksgiving, Winter, and Spring Breaks as practices may be necessary to keep the athletes
conditioned and prepared for regional and nationals competitions. If you would like to compete with us and with
an all-star or studio dance team, we need a copy of their competition/practice schedules in advance and we will
provide them with the same. If there is a conflict, you will have to choose which team to compete with.

Summer Commitments
All summer commitments must be listed on page two of the tryout application. Summer practices will start in July
and continue until the start of the school year. Exact times and dates are posted on the cheer website. This time
will be used to build technique, condition, and to work on routines for football season. The squad cannot grow as
a whole when people are missing, so please plan any vacations accordingly.

Camp is not mandatory, but highly encouraged. Camp is tentatively scheduled for July 31 st to August 2nd with
USA Camp at Great Wolf Lodge in Garden Grove. You may opt out of going due to financial reasons or
previously scheduled vacations. Please note that we reserve the right to arrange stunt groups based on who is
going to camp so that the participants that do attend can get the most out of the experience.
Attendance Policy
From the RMHS Student Handbook Pg. 7: We encourage all students to tryout regardless of their ability or
talent. Students are encouraged to talk to the coaches of the sport, PE teachers, or the Athletic Director at any time
during the year, if interested in participating in athletics. Students participating in the sports programs must ride
the bus to and from all athletic activities. A student must be present on the day of an event if they wish to
participate.

It is absolutely vital that every person is at every practice! We can practice more effectively if everyone is always
present. Please make sure your son/daughter is getting rest to stay healthy so they can be at all practices.

All doctor appointments, other activities that the student is involved in, and/or jobs should be scheduled so they
do not interfere with RMHS Cheer Team activities and performances. Emergencies would be the only exception.

All students who participate in school activities must adhere to the attendance policies as outlined in the RMHS
student/parent handbook. This must be fully documented with the attendance office. If a medical appointment is
scheduled during the day it will be excused as long as it is fully documented.

All members will attend all practices, games, competitions, or events unless pre-approved by advisor a week in
advance. We will not be differentiating between excused and unexcused absence. An absence is an absence. If
you are home sick from school and do not come to practice, it still counts as an absence. Each member is allowed
two absences per sport academic quarter. If absent, you need to call the team captain to ask what you missed.

If a member misses ANY practice the two weeks before a performance, he/she may have to forfeit the upcoming
performance or activity.

On the second absence, the coaching staff will contact the parent to inform them their child has missed two
practices. On the third absence, they may be removed from the team.

Exceptions include:
Prolonged illness or injury (doctors note required)
Vacations (need to be cleared at least two weeks in advance)
Religious observances and holy days
Death in family
Legal business
Unacceptable absences include:
Holding a job and other extracurricular activities is not a valid excuse. Plan your work schedule around
practices and games.
Homework. If you cant balance school and cheer, then you need to reconsider whether you can be a
cheerleader.
Being grounded or any other punishment by parent (see page 7 for explanation).
Any student who is not in attendance for a minimum of four class periods during the school day may not to
participate in any games, activities or practices that same day.
Uniform and Dress Code
All uniform orders are final. A parent or guardian should be present at uniform fittings to ensure proper fitting. If
a parent decides not to come, fitting judgments will be made by the Varsity Spirit Fashion uniform representative
and the coaching staff. There are not exchanges made if the uniform doesnt fit on arrival, so make sure your
son/daughter orders the appropriate size.

All teams will have assigned practicewear as part of summer practices. Please note on the calendar what should
be worn. Participants need to wear a plain shirt or any Rancho Mirage shirt in that color. Please make sure the
shirts are appropriate for working out in and have no brand logos.

You represent the school, program and yourself every time you put on your uniform. Please behave in a way that
is becoming. Additionally, remember that you are still a leadership figure on campus when not in uniform. You
daily dress and habits should reflect highly on yourself, as well as this program.

WHEN IN UNIFORM
Cheerleaders in uniform or wearing any item of squad or team identification must always conduct
themselves in a manner becoming to a Rancho Mirage Spirit Team member.
Uniform will only be worn for events as designated by the coaches.
Only official squad jackets or RMHS spirit sweatshirts may be worn over uniform. If you are wearing
jeans or warm up, the jacket/sweatshirt MUST be something representing the spirit program (not UCA,
USA, UDA or ASB, football, baseball, etc).
Uniforms must be worn with team cheer shoes.

CLOTHING
Cheer briefs are recommended to be worn under shorts (particularly for flyers and tumblers)
No sweatshirts with pockets.
No low cut tops.
Please do not wear clothing with inappropriate logos or sayings. If you do so you will be asked to change
or turn your clothing inside out.
Cheer shoes must be worn. No flip flops, skater shoes, platforms, bare feet, or loose laces while in
uniform or at practices.
Shorts may only be rolled once.

ACCESSORIES
NO JEWELRY! No exceptions! This includes ear, nose, tongue, toe, eyebrow and belly button rings.
Please remove before coming to practice. If you get your ears pierced before the season too bad, so sad.
No cell phones. If a parent needs to get a hold of you, they can call the coach.

HAIR AND MAKE UP

Hair must be pulled away from the face and left alone during practices, games, & events.
Fingernails must be kept short.
Makeup should be natural and not excessive.
No fake fingernails allowed.
No decals/tattoos on face or any other part of your body allowed; unless specifically designated as RMHS
related on game days.
Spirit and Parents
Notes for Parents
1. Cheerleading is a team sports. When one person is missing, practice sessions and games cannot be totally
successful Punishing your child by taking away practice, games etc. also punishes the whole team. If
you feel taking cheer away from your son/daughter is necessary, please discuss with the spirit advisor or
team coach first
2. The same things go for illness. We realize people get sick, but the whole team suffers when one person is
out. Please make sure your child is resting if they are starting to feel ill so they can recover quickly.
3. Please refrain from gossiping. This includes other schools, squads, or any other Rancho Mirage Spirit
Teams member.
4. Profanity or abusive language will not be tolerated by any Rancho Mirage Spirit Teams staff.
5. Practices may be changed throughout the season, especially during game season and before rallies. These
practices will count the same as any other practice and are to be attended. Please be prepared to be
flexible.
6. All Rancho Mirage Spirit Teams parents, relatives and accompanying friends will show good
sportsmanship during RMHS events at all times. This means no challenging officials calls, bad mouthing
opponents, yelling at opponents as the prep for a free throw, etc.
7. Do not call your son/daughter during practice time. If you do, dont expect them to answer. If an
emergency arises, call the coach.
8. No one is allowed in the practice area other than cheerleaders and coaches. Parents visiting a practice may
sit on the sidelines and observe. Please hold any team business questions for the coach either before or
after practice time.
9. If you ever have a problem with anything, please do not hesitate to contact the coaching staff.
10. If a serious issue arises, please allow 24 hours for all parties to cool down so the situation can be
handled calmly and effectively.
11. Follow the chain of command. Contact the Spirit Advisor first, then if the issue isnt resolved, contact
Assistant Principal Chris Calderwood.
12. The Rancho Mirage Spirit Teams Staff may add or revise any rule at any time.
Financials and Fundraising
Financial Obligation
Being a member of the cheer includes various financial obligations. The APPROXIMATE cost for uniform and
camp is $1,250.00, plus an additional $300.00 for anyone wanting to compete. The uniform company we use
allows you to pay the company directly (rather than through the school) and you may pay by credit card. You will
receive a statement after fittings. Uniform orders must be paid in full by ALL participants before the order is
placed. All parents and guardians are required to sign a contract agreeing to all the financial commitments set
forth by the Rancho Mirage High School Cheer.
Cost should NOT be a deterrent as every effort will be made to provide all members with assistance through
fundraising. Every attempt will be made to keep items from year to year to help minimize cost. When possible,
uniforms can be resold at 50% their original cost to new, incoming members. Financial concerns and/or issues
should be addressed with the coaches, so that arrangements can be made. Members will be expected to
participate in fundraising and/or seek donations/sponsorships to help fund their participation.
The school may provide a uniform if you opt out of purchasing a custom uniform. However, if you choose to use
a school uniform, the uniform must be checked out and returned to a coach prior to and after use. The uniform
cannot leave campus. If the uniform is not returned, lost, or damaged, the parents will be responsible for the cost
of the uniform. Additionally, if one person opts out of purchasing a custom uniform, no one will be able to get
their name embroidered on their uniform or warm ups.
Fundraising
ALL members are required to participate in ALL fund raising, which is generated by the team. Please do your
part so this program can grow. Your participation will help keep money in your checking account. Any funds
raised by a member will go directly into the cheer account and is nonrefundable in the event that a member quits
the team or is dismissed.
If a team member quits or gets kicked off due to accumulation of demerits or breaking any part of the constitution,
any owed money is still the responsibility of the cheerleader and parent(s)/guardian(s). Any balance owed will be
placed on their student record with the school and will remain until the balance is paid as a requirement of
graduation.
Payment Schedule
DUE FORM OF PAYMENT ITEMS
AMOUNT
DATE
Fri, Cash, money order, or check (made out to RMHS ASB with Camp deposit
$250
1 April cheer and your cheerleaders name in the memo line).
28th
Cash or Money Order (made out to RMHS ASB with Camp wear (4
cheer and your cheerleader's name in the memo line). shirts, sports bra,
Fri,
Approx. PERSONAL CHECKS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED FOR briefs), bag,
2 May
$200 THIS PAYMENT. bows
26th
You can also call the bookkeeper Lisa Thomas at 760-202-
6455 ext 2626
Payments made online through Varsity Spirit Fashions by Uniform (2
Fri, Approx. credit card. Please contact coach if you need to pay by shells, skirt,
3
June 9th $400 cash or check. liner), poms,
shoes
Cash or Money Order (made out to RMHS ASB with Camp Balance
Fri,
Approx. cheer and your cheerleader's name in the memo line).
4 June
$250 PERSONAL CHECKS CANNOT BE ACCEPTED FOR
30th
THIS PAYMENT.
5 Fri, Aug Approx. Warm-ups ($115): Payments made online through Varsity Warm-ups
11th $145 Spirit Fashions by credit card. Please contact coach if you (Jacket and pants

Balance statements will be
due (except the first
due based on fundraising
returners not needed
Tryout Expectations
The Tryout Process
Clinics and Tryout will be
School coaching staff.
not allowed and will get
of clinics is mandatory.
Each participant is
and will perform for the
be evaluating the number,
include two or three
Tryout Attire
For the clinics, please
tryouts themselves, all
colors. Other guidelines:
Ladies must wear
RMHS PE shorts
hide movement
Athletic shoes,
No clothing can be
cheer program
star clothing).
Midriffs must be
Hair should be
Scoring
Applicants will be scored
will be scored based on a
(average judges score).
following:
Sideline cheers (sharpness, rhythm/timing, voice, showmanship)
Sideline dance (sharpness, rhythm/timing, memory, showmanship)
Jumps & tumbling (technique, form)
Overall impression (energy, confidence, and enthusiasm), Appearance (posture, neatness).
Teacher evaluations will be given to four current teachers. Each evaluation is worth 5 points, for a total of 20
points. The evaluations need to come from the following teachers:
One from Math OR Science
One from English OR History
need to pay
Clinics andby cash or check.
Tryouts with name)
Schedule
Breast Cancer pack ($30): Cash, money order, or check Breast cancer
(made out to RMHS
Monday, April 3 Non-rdASB with cheer and your pack (bow, shirt,
cheerleader's
returners ONLY name in the memo line). poms)
You Warm
can alsoup,
callmotion
the bookkeeper Lisa Thomas at 760-202-
6463technique,
ext 2626 jumps, rally,
learn a chant (not the one sent out the week before each payment is
used for tryouts) payment) to show any change in amount
efforts, changes in price, or to reflect
Tuesday, April 4th Non-
certain items.
returners ONLY
Warm up, motion & Procedures
technique, jumps, rally,
learn a chant (not the one
conducted by the Rancho Mirage High
used for tryouts)
Private coaching by these individuals is
Wednesday, April 5th
you disqualified from tryouts. Each day
Warm up, learn tryout Please plan for appointments accordingly.
chant and dance assigned a number the day before tryouts
judges in groups of 3-4. The judges will
Thursday, April 6th not the name. The judging panel will
Warm up, review tryout cheerleading professionals.
chant and dance, Mock
tryout.
follow dress code guidelines. For the
Tryout groups will be
cheer participants must wear RMHS
announced.
Friday, April 7th
a sports bra!
Tryouts. Tryouts will be
will work fine for males; however, they
closed to everyone.
from the female participants.
Students need to arrive
at their designated preferably white
groups time and be worn that recognizes you as part of any
picked up when finished. (including RMHS, USA, UDA, UCA, all-
Results of tryouts and the
team list will be posted covered.
by Saturday morning, pulled back in a ponytail.
th
April 8 on the school
website based on a points system. Candidates
(www.ranchomiragecheer
score sheet of 80 points per judge
.weebly.com )
The score sheet is broken down into the
 One from E teacher*OR current coach (returners). If student is not taking PE, they need to get an elective
teacher (ASB, yearbook, AVID, choir, etc.) or a coach for another sport.
One from teacher of choice
Squad Composition
Cheerleaders are responsible for cheering at football, basketball, volleyball, and wrestling games as well as rallies.
Their emphasis is on stunting, chants, and using poms, megaphones, and signs to lead the crowd. Squads will be
based on a natural break with the top scorers making Varsity, the next group making JV.
Varsity Cheer: 11th-12th graders and select freshmen and sophomores (must have tumbling skills and score
in the top half of all varsity scores).
JV Cheer: 9th-11th Graders (Seniors cannot be on JV)