Dalton State Cheerleading Requirements

Cheerleading Squads
We will have two Dalton State cheer squads. Athletes will indicate at the time of tryouts what squad they will be trying out for. We encourage that you select both the Blue (Spirit) and Silver (Competitive) Squads. Squad #1 (Blue Squad) Coed o This is our Spirit Squad. It will consist of 12 to 24 team members, both male and female. The number of males and females on the team varies from year to year. o The primary objective will be cheering and performing at mens basketball games (home and away), supporting all athletics at Dalton State (cross country, womens volley ball, tennis, golf and soccer). o We will attend many events on campus and in the community. You will also do a lot of fundraising and charity work. o These members will perform cheerleading skills in cheer, dance, stunts, jumps and tumbling. o We will attend a College Camp in the summer. o You must be willing to commit to the determined practice schedule, games and special events. You are required to commit to the squad for a minimum of one academic year . o Squad #2 (Silver Squad) Coed o This is Dalton States Competitive Cheer Squad. It will consist of 12 to 24 members, both male and female, as well as up to 5 alternates. The number of males and females on the team varies from year to year. o Members of this squad will compete in selected competitions with the goal of Nationals! (If applicable) NCA, UCA, NAIA, Cheersport, Cheerltd, OneUp o We will attend many events on campus and in the community. We will do a lot of fundraising and charity work. o These members will perform elite and advanced cheerleading skills in cheer, dance, stunts, jumps and tumbling. o Members of the Dalton Silver Cheer Squad must attend all practices, workout sessions, competitions, events, and other promotional activities. You are required to commit to the squad for a minimum of one academic year.

Squad and Member Selection

We have some suggestions for what we will be looking for. Candidates will be selected on a variety of factors. We will be considering more than just current skill level. We will consider physical fitness, attitude, potential, commitment and work ethic. All returning squad members from the previous year must try out again. We encourage athletes of every kind to tryout.

Ladies: We will be looking for candidates who are in good physical shape, present themselves well, cheer with a great attitude, have potential to be pliable in the positions they will perform and who have tumbling experience on a variety of floors. Guys: We would like to see candidates who have tumbling and/or stunting experience. Guys who have little or no cheer experience may be selected if they have a strong athletic ability.

Tumbling
We will be considering athletes with a wide range of skills; however I would recommend having at least a back handspring. If you intend on trying out for Silver Squad, our skill expectations will be more demanding. The more skills you have, the more advantage you have over your competitors. A back handspring is generally the minimum, it is not required, so any athlete with the desire to cheer is encouraged to tryout. You will be asked to perform a variety of tumbling skills. I do not expect everyone to have all of the skills (depending on the program you are trying out for) so dont be intimidated by the list. (All tumbling will b e performed on nonspring floor. Most competitions will be performed on spring floor) Standing o Standing back handspring o Standing back tuck o Standing back handspring back tuck o Standing back handspring full o Standing full Combination Running/Series o Roundoff back handspring series o Roundoff back handspring tuck, layout or full o Roundoff back handspring tuck, layout or whip back handspring o Roundoff back handspring full back handspring

Stunting
All candidates will be expected to participate in partner, group and coed stunts, and also be willing to perform more than one position. If experienced in partner stunting, it is recommended that you stunt together throughout the Tryout process. We will be evaluating; Tosses Partner Stunts (Coed and all girl) One man Two leg stunts One leg/variations

*Flyers: We are looking for flexibility, body positions and technique. Single down from every stunt or potential to learn single and double down. *Bases and Back Spots: We are looking for Strength and technique. Athletes should be strong in basket tosses, multi-base and partner stunts. If you are not knowledgeable in these skills, be able to learn and pick it up quickly. *Males Must be strong and in good physical condition. We do not expect you to have mastered stunting but will observe you on your ability to learn quickly. If experienced, we will evaluate on walk-ins as well as tossing.

Cheer
We will evaluate you on motions, jumps, tumbling, enthusiasm, attitude and crowd involvement. Smile!

Jumps
We will be evaluating flexibility, height, form, technique and tumbling incorporated. Toe touch Double toe touch and triple toe touch Hurkie (right and left) Hurdler (right and left) Pike We encourage that all of the listed jumps be performed with a back handspring or tuck.

Dance
This Choreography is typically performed at halftime and pregame events. It incorporates the use of pom poms. This type of dance is often performed to a fight song or accompanied by a band. We are looking at execution, sharpness and projection. You will be judged on your ability to perform.

Choreography
Dance has a variety of rhythms, styles, ripples and motions. You will be judged on showmanship, attitude, form, control, your ability to learn quickly and perform..

Questions?
Who is the Dalton State Cheer Program looking for? *Team members for the 2014-2015 seasons. Athletes who have the desire to support our athletics, school and community while being a part of a team and mastering skills in one of the most challenging athletic activities there is. Why cheer in college? *It is a great way to meet new people and make lifelong friends. You will also get access to Dalton State sporting events and travel opportunities. Dalton State Competitive cheer has a firm foundation and plans to continue to reach success each year. Can you tryout if you have not yet applied to Dalton State College? *Yes, but we encourage you not to procrastinate on the application process. Although it may be announced that you have earned a spot on a Dalton State Cheerleading Squad, your place on the team is not secured until you have applied and been accepted to Dalton State College. Can you tryout if you are currently enrolled in another school (high school or college)? *Yes, but as it was stated in the previous answer, your spot on a Dalton State Cheerleading Squad is not secure until you have applied and been accepted to Dalton State College. Does Dalton State College offer Scholarships? *Yes, It is your responsibility to apply for any academic scholarships you desire. There is a possibility of receiving a cheerleading scholarship, in which case an athlete will be notified by Coach Newell.
Other Questions or Concerns please contact: Coach Robyn Pursley Head Cheerleading Coach Dalton State College 650 College Drive Dalton, Georgia 30720 (423)355-2979 rnewell@daltonstate.edu Or visit and LIKE our Facebook.com/daltonstatecheerleading Or visit dsroadrunners.com