Tryout Information - Cheerleader | Arkansas Tech University

Cheerleaders
2013 Tryout Information

Tryout Application

Thank you for your interest in Arkansas Tech University's Spirit Squads! Please see the information below regarding Round 1- Video Tryouts and Round 2 Final Tryouts. Should you have any questions, please contact Spirit Squad staff, at 479.968.0276 or spiritsquads@atu.edu
As you review our website, please be aware of the time commitments that are required as a member of Arkansas Tech University's Spirit Squads. Spirit Squad members are representatives of the University and are asked to be in attendance at a variety of events.

All home football games. (Tech Cheer travels to select away games.)
All home women's and men's basketball games. (Tech Cheer travels to any tournament games.)
All volleyball conference home games. (Golden Girls attend select games.)
Practices: 4 to 5 days a week for 2 hours
Conditioning: 2 to 3 times a week. These can be held outside of practice.
Study Hall: 4 hours a week
Special Events: Orientation events, Welcome Week, Family Weekend, Homecoming events, parades, University events, public appearances, etc.
Community Service

All interested participants should submit the following with their Round 1 Video Tryout. See below for details regarding Round 1 Video Tryouts.

Submit Spirit Squad Application online through the website
Copy of current primary insurance and policy number
Current Physical Examination (Additional physical exam will be required if selected before camp begins.)
5x7 headshot picture of participant only
Have a 2.0 GPA or meet the university entry requirements (Please send a copy of transcript.)

Freshmen/Transfer Requirements:

Proof of intent to enroll (letter of acceptance)

Current Student Requirements:

Must be full-time student (enrolled in at least 12 hours)
Be in good academic and disciplinary standing with the University

After Round 1 video submissions are reviewed, the Arkansas Tech Spirit Squad staff will contact you regarding Round 2 Final Tryouts. If invited, a tryout fee of $25.00 (nonrefundable) is due on the first day of clinics, May 9, 2013. Make checks payable to Arkansas Tech University. All tryout travel is at the personal expense of the participant.

*Videos and tryout packets are due Wednesday, April 10, 2013 by 5 pm. Please send tryout information along with video link to spiritsquads@atu.edu by this date.

Round1: Video Tryouts

All interested participants should submit a video to Arkansas Tech Spirit Squad staff via YouTube showcasing their skills and technique. On the video, please include your name, high school, the squad in which you are interested, and why you want to be a Golden Girl or a Tech Cheerleader. See below for the skills and technique that should be showcased on the video for each squad. All skills listed should be included on video and should be filmed facing the camera. Please feel free to showcase skills that may be more advanced that are not listed below. Skills can be in any order. All videos should be uploaded to YouTube. The link to the video must be sent with the required tryout information to spiritsquads@atu.edu at one time. Please use participant's name as the subject of the e-mail.
*When uploading video to YouTube, under privacy settings chose the private setting. Please use participant's name as the title of the video. Copy and paste the URL of the video to the e-mail being sent to spiritsquads@atu.edu.

Tech Cheer:
Performance:

Your School's Fight Song (One time through, do not repeat.)(Design own routine if not previously on a squad.)
Your School's Sideline Chant (One)

Jumps:

Triple-Whip Toe-Touch
Herkie (left and right leg)
Front Hurdler (either leg)

Tumbling: (No use of spotters.)

Standing Back Handspring
Standing Back Tuck (optional)
Toe-Touch Back Handspring
Running Tumbling Pass

Clothing:
Females: Please wear athletic shorts, a form fitting tank, and solid white cheer shoes or tennis shoes. Please wear hair up and off the face.

Males: Please wear athletic shorts, a t-shirt or tank top, and solid white cheer shoes.

*Note: Tech Cheer does have midriff tops that are worn throughout year.

Round 2: Final Tryouts

General Information:

Clinics: May 9, 2013 from 9:00am-12:00 pm and 1:00pm-4:00pm in Hull 111 and 112 (Dance Studio and Double Gym)
Interviews: May 10, 2013 from 8:00am-12:00 pm in Hull 115 (Participants will be given an opportunity to sign up for a 10 minute time slot.)
Tryouts: May 10, 2013 starting at 12:00pm in Hull 111 and 112 (Dance Studio and Double Gym)
Team will be announced shortly following the last group to tryout.
If participant makes the squad, one must stay following the announcement for team meeting, including fittings for uniforms and important paperwork. *All interviews, clinics, and tryouts are closed to the public.

Tech Cheer Minimum Required Cheer Skills

Performance Evaluation: (Motion Technique, Sharpness, Memorization, Voice Projection, Enthusiasm/Spirit)

Fight Song- Taught at Clinic (Must Have Back Handspring)
Band Song- Taught at Clinic
Sideline Chant- Participants will perform one chant chosen randomly by judges. Chants are taught at clinic.
- General
- Offense
- Defense

Jumps:

Triple-Whip Toe-Touch
Herkie (left and right leg)
Front Hurdler (either leg)

Tumbling: (Spotters will not be available.)

Standing Back Handspring
Standing Back Tuck (optional)
Toe-Touch Back Handspring
Running Tumbling Pass

Stunting:

Single
- Base
- Fly
- Back-spot
Group
- Heel-stretch
- Full Down
Partner
- Toss to Hands
- Toss to Hands Extension
- Toss Chair

Clothing:

Females: Please wear athletic shorts, a black form fitting tank, and solid white cheer shoes. Please wear hair up and off the face. Absolutely no jewelry should be worn. Any tattoos must be covered.

Males: Please wear athletic shorts, a black t-shirt or tank top, and solid white cheer shoes. Absolutely no jewelry should be worn. Any tattoos must be covered.

*Note: Tech Cheer does have midriff tops that are worn throughout year.