LMS Virtual Cheerleading Tryouts 2020-2021 Tryout Information Packet & FAQ's

LMS Virtual Cheerleading Tryouts 2020-2021
                     Tryout Information Packet & FAQ’s

Welcome to LMS Virtual Cheerleading Tryouts for the upcoming 2020-2021 season!

While we are certainly dealing with unprecedented circumstances, we are excited to holding virtual tryouts in
lieu of in-person tryouts for upcoming 7th and 8th grade students interested in trying out for LMS Cheer! This
will be a new experience for all of us, so please take time to carefully review the information provided in this
document to learn more about the expectations and requirements for cheer tryouts this year.

First, if you are interested in trying out for the LMS cheer squad for the upcoming 2020-2021 season, you must
complete the “LMS Virtual Tryout Information Form” by Friday, May 1st. Any forms submitted after May 1st will
not be accepted or considered for tryouts. The link for this form can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd6VmqslUnZgNjLXser2DyFWGCfDfY4RR9Nv0zI8cB7j2ifaA/viewf
orm?usp=sf_link

Next, After you complete the tryout information form, you will be invited via e-mail to the LMS Virtual Tryout
BAND group. Invitations to join the group will be sent out on Saturday, May 2nd to the athlete and parent e-
mails provided in the tryout information form.

The LMS Virtual Tryout BAND group will give you access to the tryout material athletes will need to learn for
tryouts. Parents and athletes will also be expected to review the “Cheer Constitution” and “Mandatory Dates”
documents prior to tryouts which can be found on the BAND group site. Athletes will have from May 2nd –
May 14th (a total of 2 weeks) to access and learn the tryout material.

Athletes will be expected to learn AND submit videos of them performing the following:
- Brief Introduction Video (required):
       o Clearly state your first AND last name
       o What grade and squad you’re trying out for (Example: “I will be trying out for 7th grade football and
          basketball cheer.”)
       o Why you are trying out for LMS Cheerleading
- Chant Video: Get Up and Get ‘Em (required)
- Cheer Video: Tigers, Tigers (required)
- Fight Song Video (required)
- Jumps Video (required):
       o 1 toe touch
       o 1 jump of choice (herkie, hurdler, or pike)
- Tumbling Video (optional):
       o 1 standing tumbling skill
       o 1 running tumbling pass
- NOTE: These should all be separate videos. One video for Introduction, one video for chant, one video
   for cheer, etc.…

Tryout Video Appearance Requirements
       - Must wear plain back shorts, plain white t-shirt, black or white sport bra, tennis shoes with no-
          show socks, and hair completely pulled back from face (Bow is optional)
              o Your white shirt cannot have ANY reference to Loveland Cheer or distracting logos. A
                completely plain white t-shirt is preferred.
       - No jewelry, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, rings, earring, nail polish etc. (Small studs are ok, if
          needed)
       - Ensure your videos are well lit and we can clearly see your full body (head to toe) during the entire
          video

Tryout Video Tips
       - Speak loudly and clearly- we will be judging your ability to project your voice
              o If we are unable to hear you, either due to lack of voice projection or issues with the
                  microphone, your results will be negatively impacted
       - Limit anything that may be a distraction (i.e. things moving in the background, other voices or
          background noises)
       - You should appear clean, polished, and professional. Eliminate anything that would cause a
          distraction to your appearance (for example: bright colored socks, sports bras, etc.)
       - Make sure the video is steady and of good quality. Avoid submitting videos that are shaky, blurry,
          etc.

Things we are looking for in your videos:

      Proper motion placement & technique
      Clean and proper appearance
      Confidence in performed skills
      Material memorization
      Confidence, Smile, & Spirit

We understand that this may take a little work on your part given the situation that we are in, but we ask that
you try your best. Remember, we are here to help. If you have any questions throughout this process, please
reach out to Coach Mo.

All tryout information and videos will be due on May 15th by 10pm. Any submission after 10pm on May 15th
will not be eligible for tryout consideration. The form to submit tryout information and videos can be found
here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3RWRn__tnBa7DILm7mPlI_0eoUX3eLmLRofwiDjOk30zLgQ/vie
wform?usp=sf_link

Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the dates of tryouts?
A: Athletes will need to sign up for tryouts by May 1st. Athletes will have access to learn the tryout material
from May 2nd – May 14th. Tryout submission and videos are due May 15th by 10pm. You are able to submit
your videos prior to May 15th, if you wish. You many only submit your tryout videos once.

Q: When are cheer practices and games?
A: For football season, there will be summer practices on Monday & Wednesday starting August 3 rd from 9am-
12pm. Regular season practices will be Monday & Wednesday from 2:30-4pm. Regular season practice times
start the first week of school and continue until the end of the football season. Football games usually fall on
Wednesday or Thursday nights. 7th grade generally cheers first, followed by 8th grade.
For basketball season, we will only have practice/games 2 days a week (days vary) *Note: This is a change
from last season, we will not cheer more than 2 games a week!

Q: How do you enforce rules during the cheer season?
A: Points are given to cheerleaders for various offenses. Points will result in consequences. Details about
points and consequences are listed in the “Expectations & Points” document posted on the LMS Virtual Tryout
BAND group site. Cheerleaders and parents are expected to review and know these expectations prior to
submitting their tryout.

Q: Is there a cost for cheer?
A: There is no cost to tryout. However, upon making a squad, cheerleaders and families are responsible for
paying a cheer fee for each season, as well as camp fees, spirit wear fees, and LAB fees. We will not know the
exact cost until closer to the start of the season. (Average cheer costs from last year included $105 per season,
$105 camp fees, $180 for spirit wear, and $67 for shoes, briefs and uniform crop top. These costs may vary for
the upcoming 2020-2021 season)

Q: When is cheer camp?
A: Cheer camp dates are July 28th, July 29th, and July 30th. These are all-day events. Lil Cheer Camp dates are
July 28th – July 31st (evening times). These are mandatory dates.

Q: What if I have summer vacation plans that interfere with camp/practices?
A: We know previous scheduled vacation plans may interfere with mandatory dates. You MUST list vacation
plans in the tryout submission form so we are aware of any issues upfront! If you are unable to change your
plans, cheerleaders will be responsible for learning ALL of the material missed at camp/practices prior to
returning to practice. It is essential cheerleaders understand this responsibility. They will not be permitted to
cheer at a game until their knowledge of ALL material is completed.

Q: What if I have other clubs/organizations I participate in?
A: We love to see our athletes involved in other extracurricular activities! However, upon making a squad,
cheerleaders are expected to honor their commitment to LMS cheer and need to consider how other activities
may interfere with practices, games, etc. Note: If you plan on trying out for LMS Revolution show choir,
you can only sign-up to cheer during the football season. The same applies with other fall sports/winter
sports/activities, such as volleyball, tennis, etc.

Q: Are there grade requirements for tryouts?
A: All student-athletes are STUDENTS first! We expect all of our cheerleaders to obtain passing grades
throughout the school year. We work closely with our athletes to ensure proper attention is paid to grades
and we will work with student-athletes who may be struggling in a class.

Q: When and how will we receive the tryout results?
A: Tryout results will be sent to the athlete and parent e-mail on file. Due to the nature of a virtual tryout,
tryout results will be sent via e-mail on May 22nd by 8pm, one week after tryout submissions are due. Please
do not inquire about results before this time! Everyone will receive an e-mail, so please be sure to enter the
correct and preferred e-mail on your tryout submission form. Lastly, please do not reach out regarding your
tryout results until one week after the results are sent (May 29 th).

Q: How should I make my videos for tryouts?
A: Please use any videoing device you choose to create your videos (smart phones, camera, iPad, etc.) We
recommend having someone either hold the phone/camera or setting up a tripod, if needed. Remember to
check your videos for quality before submitting them (i.e. good lighting, visible head to toe, steady camera,
audible, etc.). Your video should be uploaded as a file. We recommend uploading videos from your device to
your computer. Save the videos to your computer and rename them so you know which is which (Example:
Abby Jones Chant video). When you go to submit the videos in the tryout submission form, select the correct
video for the corresponding categories at the bottom of the form.

Q: What if I am having technical difficulties?
A: Do not wait until the last minute to address technical difficulties. We know this is an entirely new process
for parents, athletes and coaches, which is why we are significantly extending the time given to learn material
and “tryout”. Please communicate early if there are issues or questions with video submissions or forms. We
will be happy to make accommodations for any barriers or problems you run into, as long as this falls before
the deadline for submission. Please also work together to support others who are trying out as they may be a
support for learning material or navigating the virtual tryout process.

Q: Do you want separate videos or one video for tryouts?
A: SEPARATE VIDEOS! Each applicant will have a minimum of 5 videos to submit (Introduction video, chant
video, cheer video, fight song video, and jumps video). If you have tumbling to show for tryouts, you will
submit a separate tumbling video, giving you a total of 6 videos to submit.

Q: Will I lose points if I don’t have tumbling?
A: No, we do not give extra points for tumbling at the LMS level. Tumbling is optional and will only be used in
the case of a tie.

Q: Which ripple should I do in the cheer and fight song for tryouts?
A: Please do ripple 1 for the cheer and the fight song.

We know this is a new experience for all! Do not hesitate to reach out to Coach Mo if you have any additional
questions or concerns! We are here to help you in any way we can!

                                        GO TIGERS and GOOD LUCK!!
              Contact info:
                                         Morgan Liddic/Coach Mo
                                     Middle School Cheerleading Coach
                                         liddicma@miamioh.edu

                                               Jayson Bruce
                                              Athletic Director
                                        bruceja@lovelandschools.org