BLACK DIAMONDS CHEER & DANCE 

2015 – 2016

TRYOUT INFORMATION

Application processing fee: $20.00 Due 5/19/15 at check-in

 

The following items are the minimum requirements needed for tryout participation:

Application Form
Proof of Insurance
2.3 GPA Minimum requirement – (Current Report Card) 3.0 Preferred – Tutoring sessions required for less than 3.0 GPA
Birth Certificate
Copy of Current Physical (within the last 6 months) – Will be required by 05-19-15
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Tuesday, May 19, 2015
Application forms must be submitted to Secretary Alina Grigley by 6:00pm on Tuesday, 05-19-15. All remaining tryout documents (report card, birth certificate, copy of physical, and proof of insurance) may be turned in 05-23 -15. You will not be able to participate if you are missing any paperwork.

Email: dcorsey@Blackdiamondscheer.com

TENTATIVE CLINIC SCHEDULE:
HIP HOP 1:00 min personal routine preformed at tryouts

Day 1: Tuesday, May 19, 2015 (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
6:00 – 6:15 PM Check-in at Prima Dance Studio
6:15 – 6:30 PM Expectation for the week
6:30 – 6:45 PM Warm-up
6:45 – 7:15 PM Leaps and Turns and Jumps
7:15 – 8:30 PM Parade Pom Routine

Day 2: Wednesday, May 20, 2015 (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
6:00 – 6:15 PM Check-in at Prima Dance Studio
6:15 – 6:30 PM Warm-up
6:30 – 7:00 PM Leaps and Turns and Jumps
7:00 – 8:30 PM Parade Pom Routine

Day 3: Thursday, May 21, 2015 (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
6:00 – 6:15 PM Check-in at Promenade Park
6:15 – 6:30 PM Warm-up
6:30 – 7:00 PM Jumps and Tumbling
7:00 – 7:30 PM Parade Pom Routine
7:30 – 8:30 PM Cheer motions and voice

Day 4: Thursday, May 22, 2015 (6:00 PM – 8:30 PM)
6:00 – 6:15 PM Check-in at Promenade Park
6:15 – 6:30 PM Warm-up
6:30 – 7:00 PM Parade Pom Routine
7:00 – 8:30 PM Cheer motions and voice

Day 5: Tryouts @ Prima Dance Studio 10am to 2pm, Team and Routine Announcement via e-mail 05-25-15

 

 

TRYOUT PREPARATION TIPS:

  • Practice the following jumps/turns: Toe Touches, Hurkies, Pikes, Pirouettes, Channea Turns, Kicks
  • Familiarize yourself with Black Diamonds Mission Statement and what it means to you.
  • Clinic attendance is a tryout requirement.

METHOD OF EVALUATION:

The coaching staff will be looking for well-rounded athletes with a positive attitude, good work ethic, and strong skill technique during the two days of clinic. The first round of scoring will be completed by the coaching staff based on participation effort and attitude. The second and final round of scoring will be completed by the judging panel. All returning members must re-tryout every year.

TRYOUT APPEARANCE:

Black Diamond Cheerleaders are expected to present themselves in a professional and spirited manner at all times. All candidates trying out must wear athletic attire appropriate for a cheer-leading tryout:

Females: Black, purple, sliver or white tops are required during tryouts. Natural make up should be worn and hair should be in either a pony tail or bun, with a bow. Cheer shoes are recommended but not required. Finger Nails must be athletic length (short enough to where you cannot see the tips of the finger nails while the

individual’s palms are facing them). Jewelry of any kind is prohibited.

Males: Black, purple, sliver or white t-shirts are required each day of tryouts. Cheer shoes are recommended, but basketball, running, or cross training sneakers are also acceptable. Jewelry of any kind is prohibited.

TRYOUT FEEDBACK:

If you would like to setup a meeting to review your scores or to receive feedback via email contact admin@blackdiamondscheer.com after June 01, 2015.

VIDEO TRYOUTS:

Video tryouts will not be accepted. All candidates must attend the live tryouts on Clinic June 17th, 19th. Try outs June 21th.

ADDITIONAL TRYOUTS:

TBD

General Information

 

 

ELIGIBILITY:

All team members must be full time students with a current minimum GPA of 2.3.

SEASON OVERVIEW/PRACTICE SCHEDULE:

Tentative practice schedule: TBD

May: Tryouts/Teams Selected

July – September: Preseason competition practices and community events (example: 4th of July parade).

September – May: Regular season practices begin. Cheer competitions, community events, and athletic health/cheer clinics occur during these months as well. Additional Practices may occur as the coach see the need. All practices are mandatory a two week notice will be given for additional practices.

 

TEAM EXPECTATIONS:

  • Uphold and reflect the goals and image of Black Diamonds Cheer & Dance.
  • Set a goal to obtain/maintain a 3.0 GPA
  • Promote crowd and family involvement at Black Diamonds Cheer & Dance community events   using various cheers, stunts, and tumbling skills.
  • Participate in team Community service.
  • Attend all practices, competitions, and a select number of community events. Maintain a positive attitude, strong work/team ethic. Give 110% at all times
  • Adhere to all academic requirements and team policies.

TEAM DESCRIPTIONS:

Mascots ages 4 to 6 are not required to try out. The team ages are split by the following:  7 to 12  and 12 to 15 (teams are subject to additional age category changes depending on the amount of athlete participation or skill set, organization age limit 18) Both teams follow the same guidelines, require the same time commitment, and will perform/practice together frequently. Alternates may be selected for one or both teams at the discretion of the Head Coach.

BENEFITS:

  • The opportunity to represent Black Diamonds Cheer & Dance at competitions and in the community.
  • Academic Support Services.
  • Black Diamonds Cheer and Dance organizes peer to peer education  tutoring
  • Yearly Athletic Awards (awarded to student-athletes who complete a full year commitment
  • Good academic standing and scholarships offerings for awarded high school graduates:

Scholarships:

  • 1st year team members= $TBD
  • 2nd year team members= $TBD
  • 3rd year team members= $TBD
  • 4th year team members= $TBD

COMPETITION TRAVEL:

The Cheer competitions are hosted in Southern California by local competition organizations (example: JAMZ, Sharp International and USA).

COMMUNITY EVENTS:

  • 1 International community service volunteer event
  • 1 Southern California community service volunteer event
  • 2 Local community service volunteer event (Corona/Riverside)
  • Up to 4 Local Parades. Ex: July 4th and Cinco De Mayo
  • Attend 1 Athletic Sports health seminar hosted by Black Diamonds Cheer and Dance

 

Please bring a completed copy of the Try out application & Try out fee to the first day of clinic. CLICK the link below to download a copy:

 

UPDATED FORM WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD BY 03/15/15

 

 BDCD CAPTAIN AND CO-CAPTIAN TRYOUT INFORMATION BELOW:

DUTIES OF CAPTAIN AND CO-CAPTAIN*Primary contact for coaches and administration; Primary face of the

BDCD Pom, Cheer and Hip Hop routines. You will have a note book for the following information:

  1. Squad info–names, phone numbers, emails, parents name
  2. List of cheers
  3. List of dances
  4. Constitution & other important documents
  5. Competition Calendar
  6. Practice Schedule
  7. Fundraiser Dates
  8. Team Participation
  9. Weekly meetings with Coaches & Captains
  10. Other duties as decided on by the coaches & head cheerleader

*Note: This role may or may not be filled during each season. If not filled, the Coaches would fulfill the tasks in this list.

DUTIES OF CAPTAINS
Responsible for keeping up with routines to help others who are falling behind
Primary contacts for coaches/head cheerleader for schedule changes, information requests.
Formations–making sure formations are correct for all performances
Fundraising preparations; game planning
Weekly meetings with Coaches & Head cheerleader*
Leadership by example

WHAT IS LEADERSHIP?

Leadership is action.
Leaders focus on things that need to be done and do them.
Leaders do not shy away from challenges or responsibility.
Leaders go the extra mile for their team, doing more than expected.
Leaders take chances and take action

WHY HAVE CAPTAINS?
Teams with strong leadership have a decided advantage
All it takes is one person who is committed, focused and on a mission to spark an entire team into believing in themselves.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR ROLE AS CAPTAIN
Leadership is not a position that someone gives you; it is ultimately a privilege that you must earn and maintain.
COACHES EXPECTATIONS

Maintain a 3.0 GPA
Lead drills and or appoint fellow teammates to lead
Set mental and emotional tone of the team
Keep coaches informed about team issues
Provide input on team decisions
Talk to struggling teammates
Handle conflicts within the team
Plan team activities
Be loyal to the coaches and support their decisions
TEAMMATES EXPECTATIONS

Be spokesperson for the team
Be fair
Be a good listener
Keep it confidential

UNDERSTANDING WHAT PREVENTS YOU FROM BECOMING A GOOD LEADER
Insecurity
Fear of rejection
Fear of failure
Not being prepared
Moodiness and drama
Lack of motivation
Criticism
Stubbornness
Prideful

JOBS:
PUTTING THE TEAM FIRST
Be first to serve and last to be served
Be first to arrive at practice and last to leave
Create a climate of privilege to serve
Never let your own ego get in the way
LEADER BY EXAMPLE
Be first to lead by example and last to violate team standards
Display the behavior that you want from your teammates
Understand the team goals and be the first to display the needed behavior to make them successful
Be an example of attitude – “Understand and model the core covenants of the team. Be aggressive, enthusiastic, confident, disciplined and compete fearlessly. Be intelligent enough to listen and develop the ability to work and learn. Have faith in the people you are working with, don’t let your teammates down and always put the team ahead of yourself. Maintain integrity and your sense of humor.”
Be an example of poise
Be an example of a teachable spirit
Be an example of work ethics of the team
Be an example of excellence
Be an example of accountability
Be an example of initiative
Be respectful of teammates, coaches, and officials
ENCOURAGER
Be the first to encourage and the last to be discouraged
Be a confident-builder
Develop a relationship with each team player. Get to know them and their personalities
Assess each player for a better understanding on how to motivate them. (Teammate mental assessment form enclosed)
Remind them of their strengths
Give them permission to make mistakes. Explain that they are learning.
Encourage by being mentally tough – leaders who want their teams to be mentally tough must be mentally tough themselves. They must be wiling to accept and deal with challenges, to look at mistakes as learning tools. Do not let your spirit be broken.
Encourage by being motivated yourself – Walk into practice excited and ready to go
Encourage by keeping things in perspective – Learn to only worry about things that are in your control (your attitude, effort, preparation)
Encourage by being positive – Teams move toward positive behavior. Stay away from the cynical attitude and self-pity.
Learn to take the negative and turn it into a positive.
Help teammates accept their role
Emphasize that every role is important
TEAM BUILDER
Be first to protect and defend and last to criticize
Protect and defend by being loyal to your coaches and teammates
Welcome new people to the team
Bring out the best in others
ENFORCER
Be first to confront violations of team standards and be last to ignore problems
More encouraging leads to less enforcing
See how to handle conflict
MANAGER
Let them know what to expect
Set standards not rules
With the team, develop a team mission and have everyone sign it
Have each cheerleader sign a commitment pledge
LISTENER
Often teammates need someone to talk to.
Listen for understanding
Listen; do not judge
Listen; do not offer advise unless asked
Listen; keep information confidential
Listen; do not take sides
KEEPING TEAM POSITIVE
Be the first to praise others and the last to brag or draw attention to yourself
Have them focus on the message, not the messenger
Show appreciation with awards
HAVING FUN
Develop a team motto to start and finish practice
Play team bonding games
Develop different drills to develop skills
Plan team activities
Make rewards for teammates
Bring in treats
Post motivational signs
Take photos: post and give copies to teammate

References:

The Team Captain’s Leadership Manual, Jeff Janssen

Captains – 7 Ways to Lead Your Team , Bruce Brown

What it Means to be a Cheerleading Captain
The Responsibilities and Duties of a Cheerleading Captain and CO-Captain
The positions of Cheerleading captain and CO-captain are often the most coveted on a squad. And it’s important that these positions not be filled by a person’s popularity, but rather by their ability to fulfill the responsibilities and duties of being a Cheerleading captain or CO-captain. Although the duties of captain can vary from squad to squad there are some traits and skills that are normally looked at when selecting a Cheerleading captain. So, what are the responsibilities and duties of being a Cheerleading captain? And do you have the skills it takes to be your squad’s captain or CO-captain? Let’s see.
Skills and Traits of a Good Cheerleading Captain and CO-Captain
Good Communication Skills – You should be able to not only speak clearly, but also be a very good listener.
Responsibility and Maturity – You should be dependable, punctual, and emotionally mature.
Be a Good Role Model – Your behavior is a reflection on not only yourself but the whole squad. You should always set a good example in what you say and how you act.
Fair and Impartial – You should be able to separate your friendships from your responsibilities. Your decisions should not be based on favoritism and you should always do what’s best for the whole squad and not any one individual.
Helpful and Friendly – You should always be willing to do a bit extra for others or to get tasks accomplished.
Be Approachable – The squad should feel like they can discuss situations and problems with you.
Be Able to Delegate Without Being Bossy – Remember it’s not always what you say that’s important but the way you say it. Be tactful and respectful of others feelings.
Responsibility and Duties of Cheerleading Captains and CO-Captains
Start Practices – See that all materials and supplies are ready to go.
Call Cheers – You might be asked to plan what cheers are used and call them at games and events.
Organize Sign Making – This duty is sometimes assigned to the squad captain.
Help Organize Fundraising Events – Work closely with the Coach/Advisor on setting up any fundraising events
Help with Publicity and Advertising – You should act as your squad’s ambassador by greeting and making visiting squads feel welcome. Help with recruiting and any positive exposure for the squad.
Help Solve Conflicts – This is where your skill at being fair and impartial will come in handy.
Discuss Your Role and Duties with Your Coach – It should be made clear from the very beginning what exactly you’ll be responsible for and what is expected of you. Each squad and coach is different, so it’s best to have this spelled out clearly from the onset.
Be Able to Communicate with the Coach – You may sometimes be asked to act as a go between from the squad to the coach. You should realize this and not hesitate to do what is right for the whole squad.

 

The Tryout

 

Candidates that would like to be considered for the position of BDCD Captain or Co-captain, please complete the Coaches selection interview Questions and submit essay paper MLA formatted. Please take special note on spelling & grammar as this is similar to a job application. Each Candidate will also perform a 1 min routine to coaches song of choice and give a 2 min speech going over interview questions below. Must also obtain a 3.0 GPA and maintain throughout season.

Captain Selection Interview Questions

NAME:

  1. What three characteristics do you feel are most important for cheerleaders to possess?
  2. What is the importance of having a good GPA as it relates to an athletic program? Why?
  3. Why is it important to perform community service and participate in community events?
  4. What does commitment mean to you and how would you demonstrate your commitment to Black Diamonds Cheer and Dance if you were chosen as a captain?
  5. Name three rules or norms that the cheerleading squad should adhere to for practices, competitions and community events.
  6. Other thoughts to share?

Essay and report card Due 10-17-15 before tryouts begin. reviewed and scored by outside judges: 100 points

Performance scored by judges on following items:

Execution: 10 points

Face expressions: 10 points

Creativity: 10 points

Speech: points given by teammates. Up to 1 points per category (.25 .5 .75 or 1 point) earning up to 4 points. Coaches and Board member points will be multiplied by 2 earning up to 8 points.

1. Voice projection

2. Eye contact

3. Presentation

4. Will this person make a good leader?

Tie breaker TBD.

Tryout will take place on 10-17-15.

Results announced 10-24-15