TRYOUTS 2016-2017
At FIU we look for great student ambassadors and sideline cheerleaders as well as competitive athletes. Additional attributes we look for in our team members are:
Strong knowledge of body, motion and jump placement
An athletic image
Superior showmanship
In turn for your dedication to the Spirit Program we currently provide priority registration, book scholarships and use of the athletics dept' academic and athletic facilities throughout the season.
Clinics are a chance for all prospective cheerleaders to get better acquainted with the tryout materials and process. We will use each clinic to teach and give feedback on the tryout requirements.
Clinic Date & Times: May 18th
6:00PM-9:30PM
Tryout Dates & Times: May 21st and 22nd
Registration 11:30 AM
Tryouts begin at 12:00 PM
Location: FIU ARENA
11200 Southwest 8th Street
Miami, Florida 33199
Due at Clinics and Tryouts for prospective team members will be the following:
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Complete and submit our online REGISTRATION FORM found here
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Pre-Participation Physical Packet for First Year Student-Athletes (First year athletes only)
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Returning Student-Athlete Physical Packet (Returning athletes only)
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$30.00 Non Refundable Clinic & Tryout Fee ($15.00 for returning Veterans)
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Doctor's Note indicating that you have had a physical in 2015 and are cleared to participate.
Tryout Eligibility & Suggested Skills
Anyone who is a full time student at FIU or has received a letter of acceptance may tryout. This includes incoming freshmen and transfer students. Current FIU students must have a minimum 2.0 GPA
There are NO REQUIRED SKILLS other than the ones highlighted below, prospective athletes will be evaluated on the following:
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Standing and Running Tumbling on a regular cheer floor (NOT a spring)This is not the time to master or learn a new skill. This is where you show the coaches what tumbling experience you have and where they can gauge your potential.
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Stunts (All Girl: Full up feet together and a heel stretch, Coed: Walk-in or Toss Chair, Hands or Extension) All participants will be asked to attempt and demonstrate the above stunting skills as either a Flyer, Base, Backspot or Sidespot. For those who’ve never attempted any of the above skills attendance at clinics is recommended so the coaches can see how well you adapt and learn.
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Motions (The fight song will be taught at clinics to both males and females)
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Your best Single Jump (ie Toe Touch, Either Hurdler, Pike, etc.) and a Pike, Right or Left Front Hurdler, Pike Triple Jump Combination.
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Ability to Lead and Engage a Crowd in a collegiate manner (do not underestimate the importance of this)
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Interview
Sideline Tumbling Skills
These are skills that are not required but often used at games and appearances:
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Standing Back Handsprings
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Standing Back Tucks
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4-Step Round Off Backhandspring Series, Backtucks, Layouts and Fulls
Competition Tumbling Skills
These are skills that are not required but if you express interest in competing you may be asked to perform:
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A Triple Jump Combo Backhandspring
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A Jump Backhandspring Series
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A Cartwheel Backtuck
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Roundoff Backhandspring Backtuck, X-out, Layout or Layout Stepout
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Front Walkover, Punch Front or Whip combo passes to a Backtuck, X-out, Layout or Layout Stepout
What To Wear
We request that everyone wear simple black apparel pieces to clinics for the sake of the instructors.
Our school colors are Blue (Navy) & Gold. These are the colors that we recommend you wear to the actual tryout. Our school bookstore offers a wide selection of FIU attire.
Men (Clinics & Tryouts) - Athletic shorts and a T-shirt or Tank for both clinics and tryouts. We expect to see a clean-shaven or trimmed and well-groomed look.
Women (Clinics) - Athletic shorts and a sports bra with an optional fitted tee or tank. (Nothing too loose or baggy). Females hair should be slicked back in a high pony tail (Bow to the front) with natural makeup.
Women (Tryouts) - Athletic shorts and a sports bra. Females hair should be worn with a bump and styled in either a high pony tail or half up half down with loose curls (Whichever suits your look the best but the bow must be worn to the Front). Makeup should include but is not limited to: Red Lipstick, Blush, and Eye Shadow.
EXAMPLE
*No jewelry of any kind is permitted including belly rings and other body piercings. We also recommend that you cover any tattoos.
Can I Tryout by Sending a Video?
Yes!
Due by May 13th will be the following:
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Complete and submit our online REGISTRATION FORM found here
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Pre-Participation Physical Packet for First Year Student-Athletes (First year athletes only)
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Returning Student-Athlete Physical Packet (Returning athletes only)
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$30.00 Non Refundable Clinic & Tryout Fee ($15.00 for returning Veterans)
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A link to an uploaded tryout video displaying the requirements listed below
Your video should include the following:
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An introduction not to exceed longer than 2 minutes that introduces yourself, tells us a little bit about you (you can include cheer history, interesting talents or abilities etc), Why you want to cheer at FIU and What you have to contribute to the program.
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Standing and Running Tumbling on a regular cheer floor (NOT a spring) Refer to the above guidelines for sideline and competitive tumbling.
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Stunts (All Girl: Full up feet together and a heel stretch, Coed: Walk-in or Toss Hands) All participants will be asked to attempt and demonstrate the above stunting skills as either a Flyer, Base, Backspot or Sidespot. For those who’ve never attempted any of the above skills attendance at clinics is recommended so the coaches can see how well you adapt and learn.
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Follow the link included here to view our Fight Song Tutorial
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Your best Single Jump (ie Toe Touch, Either Hurdler, Pike, etc.) and a Pike, Right or Left Front Hurdler, Pike triple Jump Combination.
Send a link to your tryout video via email to:
In the subject line specify the following: “YOUR NAME – TRYOUT VIDEO”
Please keep in mind that your tryout will not be deemed eligible until the above requested documents have arrived NO LATER THAN MAY 13th to the following address:
Coach Cory Hines
ATTN FIU Tryouts
12819 SW 135th Terr
Miami, FL 33186
