Tryout Requirements
The main purpose of tryouts is to select the best individuals for the University of Hartford Cheerleading squad. It is important to note that individuals selected may not be the most experienced at the time of tryouts, but show the most potential to contribute to the squad and cheerleading program.
Tryouts are held in the spring, typically towards the end of April, and if need be in the fall, typically the first week of school. The tryout clinic is a two or three day process. Typically, the team is comprised of 18-24 members, male and female.
Each candidate is scored by a judging panel. All returning members are required to tryout with the exception of the pre-determined captains for the upcoming season.
Prior cheerleading experience required!
In Order to Tryout...
In order to tryout for the University of Hartford Cheerleading squad, Candidates must fulfill one of the following requirements:
1- A current full-time student at the University of Hartford (12 or more credits per semester) in good academic standing (a GPA of 2.0 or higher).
2- An incoming student, either as freshman or transfer students. If a candidate is a transfer student, they must be in good academic standings (not currently on academic probation). All candidates must be enrolled as a full time student at the University of Hartford, (12 or more credits per semester).
Tryout Clinic:
Prior to trying out, the University of Hartford Cheerleaders host a clinic in which the skills and cheers needed to tryout will be taught and/or reviewed. We do not teach tumbling at clinics. We do not teach basic cheerleading skills at tryouts. Prior experience is required. At tryouts, you will be judged on the following:
Motion Technique: A sideline and cheer will be taught at the clinic. It is required that candidates bring in a sideline of their own, as well.
UofH Fight Song: Our fight song will be taught at the clinic.
Dance: A dance will be taught at the clinic.
Stunting: Each candidate will be placed into a stunt group in which they will work throughout the clinic to develop the highest level of stunting, or stunt sequence, that time permits. Flyers are required to twist down from a one-legged stunt (i.e. lib, heelstretch, etc). We are a small coed team, so females who are currently bases and/or backs do not need to become flyers. Males who would like to tryout are required to have a toss-hands.
Jumps: Three jumps must be performed at tryouts: Toe Touch, Side Herkie or Hurdler, Double Whip Toe Touch.
Tumbling: Standing tumbling (back handspring or back tuck) or a tumbling sequence is not yet required, but is highly recommended (roundoff back handspring, roundoff back tuck, etc.). Tumbling spotters will be available for those who need a slight spot. The degree of spotting will be taken into account when being judged on tumbling.
Judging: Candidates will be judged on motion technique (through cheer and sideline), dance, stunting ability and technique, jumps and tumbling. All candidates will be interviewed by the coach and/or judging panel.