2010-11 NSU Cheer Squad Requirements
The Northwestern State Cheerleaders are the premiere spirit group for the University. The NSU cheerleaders serve several roles at the University. They have the opportunity to cheer at all home football, basketball, volleyball and soccer games and almost all away football games. They also represent the University at various alumni and community functions and events. There is a lot of work involved to maintain and hone skills required by the program.
Cheerleading is a full year commitment. Cheerleaders receive at least a $500 scholarship each semester that they participate on the squad. All applicants must have a cumulative 2.0 in order to audition at the time of audition. High school seniors or transfer students must provide a transcript or other proof of the cumulative GPA prior to the audition.
The NSU cheerleaders and the program follow the safety guidelines set and recommended by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors (AACCA) at all times. All applicants are expected to also follow these guidelines at all times during the clinic and selection process.
Requirements
- Collegiate Image
- Interview
- Stunts (Co-Ed)
- Chair
- Toss to hands Extension/ Toss Extension
- Toss to hands Liberty/ Toss Liberty
- You will be allowed to perform an optional stunt along with the stunts mentioned above.
- Cheer
- Fight Song
- Jumps
- Tumbling
- Standing Back Handspring or Standing Back Tuck (Tuck encouraged)
- Two (2) running tumbling passes consisting of round-off back hand spring (+)
Cheer
The cheer will be taught at the mandatory clinic on April 17, 2010. In the cheer, judges are looking for the ability to connect and lead the crowd in a game situation. Judges are looking for genuine enthusiasm and energy as well as overall ability to communicate positively to the crowd. The judges will be looking for your comfort level both in the face, as well as in your body. Eye contact and facial expressions will be evaluated in this section. We are looking for natural and NOT forced facial expressions. Motions will also be evaluated at this time; they will need to be sharp and clean.
Fight Song
Motions to the fight song will be taught at the mandatory clinic on April 17, 2010. This is a portion that will demonstrate the applicant's ability to keep a rhythm with the official fight song of Northwestern State University. In the fight song there will be a stunt not to exceed a toss liberty.
Jumps
The only required jump is a Toe-Touch. Jumps will be evaluated on approach, height, technique, flexibility and landing. We want to see a whip approach that starts with a high-V. Jumps that take off feet together will score higher than those that do not. The judges are looking for pointed toes and flexibility in the air. Jumps that land with the feet together will score higher than those that do not.
Tumbling
Standing tumbling is required. Applicants are encouraged to demonstrate a standing back tuck. In the event that a back tuck cannot be safely executed without a spotter, a back handspring will be evaluated.
Judges are looking at several elements of the standing tumbling in this section including take-off and landing. In both back handsprings and back tucks we want you to "stick" your landing. Running tumbling will be evaluated with one tumbling pass. This pass must be at least a round off back handspring or better. Scores of this section will be evaluated not solely on difficulty, but also execution.
Interview
During the interview section we want you to be yourself and relaxed. This is a chance for the judges to get to know you and your personality. We want you to be yourself.
Collegiate Image
Collegiate Image is defined as the "All-American" look. Individuals are expected to be in excellent physical condition and be well groomed. A good collegiate image also includes an individual's poise, confidence and charisma with respect to individuals encountered at any event. Visible piercing(s) and/or tattoos are not allowed while in uniform or while at or on a University function. At try-outs and any time in the practice room or during the selection process no jewelry or suggestive attire will be allowed.
Clinic Attire April 17, 2010 - 9am - noon, 1:30 - 5pm
Applicants can wear a T-shirt (fitted), sports bra, or any other athletic top and cotton athletic shorts at the clinic or the apparel required during the try-outs listed below. All clothing needs to allow for free movement and athleticism. It is recommended to wear bloomers under your shorts. Cheerleading shoes are recommended.
Try-Out Day April 18, 2010 - 8am until
Females need to wear a sports bra top allowing the judges to see your torso. Shorts should be biker or "hot pants" style. In other words the judges need to see your body type and how physically fit you are. The uniforms the cheerleaders wear during the year do show these areas of the body.
