The Salem Skip-Its are Salem Elementary's jump rope team and consist of several of our very talented, hard-working third, fourth, and fifth graders. They perform during many Salem Elementary and community functions like the Apex Christmas Parade
There are six different levels: red, orange,
yellow, green, blue, and purple. Everyone starts with the red level. There are no exceptions to this rule. You can work on two consecutive levels at a time. Coach Hager or a YMCA Super Skipper must check off
the asterisked (*) items. Also, any Salem Skip-It having completed the green level can sign off on asterisked items on skill levels they have finished. Otherwise, other team members, a Salem Elementary staff member, or a PEPI coach can check you off...Honor system.
Each Salem Skip-It will be given an all-white beaded rope. Upon completion of any individual requirement for each level, you will be given a colored bead (matching your level color) to put on your rope in exchange for a white bead. Beads will be passed out either during club time on Fridays, or Tues., Wed., and Thurs., mornings between 8:45 - 9:10 a.m.
The red and orange levels must be completed before a skipper can perform with the team.
A lost rope is $5.00 to replace. Lost colored beads are a quarter (twenty-five cents) each to replace.
Jumping on campus is only allowed in the gym or outside, not in the hallways or classrooms.
You must have your achievement level sheet (and a pen or pencil) with you for a skill to be checked off.
Skip-Its must complete at least two levels each year in order to stay on the team, and not have to try-out again the following year.
Skip-Its completing all levels before their last day in the 5th grade will be considered a "Salem Skip-It Legend". This list will remain posted in the gym for as long as this program runs.
Red Level
Performance Skills
Demonstrate your single routine with less than two mistakes (minimum of 10 tricks, and no more than two jumps between tricks). One trick must be a type of double under.
Two jumpers-one rope: create a "flawless" routine with at least 4 tricks. No more than two jumps between tricks. If a partner copies a trick the other jumper performed, consider this one trick.
Double Dutch: Turn for two different jumpers, each jumping at least 15 times consecutively, and exiting diagonally with no mistakes.
Be a jumper for turners completing number three. You must enter, jump 15 times, and exit diagonally, with no mistakes in the entire sequence.
Non-Performance Skills
Single Rope Speed (SRS): 75 (counting your right foot only in one minute).
Double unders: equal to your age plus 20.
Character Development
Exhibit responsibility by marking your two ropes (single freestyle, beaded achievement) with your name, and special marking. Both must reach your armpits, and have no knots.*
Tell Coach Hager five interesting things about your teacher: a) favorite movie, b) favorite sport or hobby, c) favorite book, d) a hero they have, e) their home town. Have this written down, but be able to recite it.
In one page or less: (1) Define perseverance. (2) Tell a story of a real-life example of perseverance; and then (3) tell me what it means to you, (4) why it's an important life skill, and (5) in what situation(s) it is hardest for you to persevere. Bring this to Coach Hager, signed with your name, teacher, grade, and date. Include at the end, the name of one person on the Skip-Its you've seen show perseverance and tell when.
"Obstacles are those frightful things you see when you take your eyes off the goal."
Orange Level
Performance Skills
Demonstrate your single routine with less than two mistakes (minimum of 14 tricks, and no more than two jumps between tricks). You must have at least two different types of double unders.
Two jumpers-one rope: create a "flawless" routine with at least 8 trickso No more than two jumps between tricks. If a partner copies a trick the other jumper performed, consider this one trick.
Double Dutch: Turn for a skipper completing number four below.
Jump into Double Dutch with your single rope, complete at least four tricks with it, and exit diagonally, with no mistakes in the entire sequence.
Demonstrate the team's parade routine, 3 times through, with no more than one mistake.
Non-Performance Skills
Single Rope Speed (SRS): 80 (counting you right foot only in one minute).
Double unders: equal to your age plus 30.
Character Development
Bring Coach Hager a copy of your report card showing no one's (1) or two's (2) on it.
In one page or less: (1) Define integrity. (2) Tell a story of a real-life example of integrity; and (3) then tell me what it means to you, (4) why it's an important life skill, and (5) in what situation(s) it is hardest for you to show integrity. Bring this to Coach Hager, typed with your name, teacher, grade, and date. Include at the end, the name of one person on the Skip-Its you've seen show integrity and tell when.
"A good reputation is more valuable than money." - Publilius Syrus
"The rotten apple spoils his companion." - Benjamin Franklin
Yellow Level
Performance Skills
Demonstrate your single routine with two or less mistakes (minimum of 18 tricks, and no more than two jumps between tricks). You must have at least three different types of double unders, and no more than 6 "basic 26" skills.
Two jumpers-one rope: perform "around the world" both as a jumper and turner; perform "skipper scoop" both scooping, and being scooped. Demonstrate both of these with the same partner. No mistakes.
Double Dutch: Demonstrate "figure 8" four times consecutively (no mistakes). You must have at least one other jumper completing this simultaneously with you.
Double Dutch: Complete a freestyle routine with at least five tricks (one must have both hands on the ground), and exit diagonally, with no mistake in the entire sequence.
Demonstrate the "12th St. Rag" routine four times through - no mistakes.
Non-Performance Skills
Single Rope Speed (SRS): 85 (counting your right foot only in one minute).
Double unders: equal to your age plus 40
Character Development
In one page or less: (1) Define respect. (2) Tell a story of a real-life example of respect; and then (3) tell me what it means to you, (4) why it's an important life skill, and (5) in what situation(s) it is hardest for you to show respect. Include at the end, the name of one person on the Skip-Its you've seen show respect and tell when. Bring this to Coach Hager, signed with your name, teacher, grade, and date.
"Treat others the way you want to be treated." - Golden Rule
"I have never been hurt by anything I didn't say." - Calvin Coolidge
Green Level
Performance Skills
Do single routine with two or less mistakes (minimum of 22 tricks, and no more than two jumps between tricks). You must have at least three different types of doubles, and one type of triple under. No more than 4 'basic 26' skills. *
Demonstrate 'Traveling' both as a jumper (four involved) and turner 'single' and 'double' maneuvers. No mistakes.
Double Dutch: Turn for the 'figure 8' maneuver in the Yellow level (#3).
Demonstrate a single rope pairs freestyle routine with at least 15 tricks, with no more than one mistake in the entire sequence. Must include double under combination series with at least four different types of double unders.
Demonstrate the '12th St. Rag' routine eight times through - no mistakes.
Non-Performance - Must complete both of these:
Single Rope Speed (SRS): 90 (counting your right foot only in one minute)
Double unders: equal to your age plus 55.
Character Development:
In one page or less: (1) Define responsibility. (2) Tell a story of a real-life example of responsibility; and then (3) tell me what it means to you, (4) why its an important life skill, and (5) in what situation(s) it is hardest for you to show responsibility. Include at the end, the name of one person on the Skip-Its youve seen show responsibility and tell when. Bring this to Coach Hager, typed with your name, teacher, grade, and date.
Teach a jumper in a grade below you two new single rope tricks:
'The wise does at once what the fool does at last.'
'Maturity doesnt come with age; it comes with acceptance of responsibility.' Ed Cole
*Except criss cross, side swing criss cross, 360 & double under. Any footwork skills beyond four must be performed in combination at a fast pace.
Blue Level
Performance Skills
Do single routine with two or less mistakes (minimum of 26 tricks, and no more than two jumps between tricks). You must have a rope release or wrap, at least three different types of doubles, and one type of triple under. No more than 2 'basic 26' skills.*
Demonstrate 'Rainbow' as one of the three inside jumpers, performing at least two different tricks. At least 10 consecutive jumps. You must show a clean entrance and exit. No mistakes.
Demonstrate the 'basic 26' single rope skills as they are called out to you.
___________Forwards ___________Backwards
Double Dutch: Complete a pairs freestyle routine with at least five tricks, exit cleanly with no mistake in the entire sequence. At least one trick must have both hands on the ground.
Demonstrate basic Chinese Wheel with a partner. Ten jumps at least(combined) - no mistakes, and demonstrate the 'roll around' maneuver.
Non-Performance - Must complete both of these:
Single Rope Speed (SRS): 95 (counting your right foot only in one minute).
Single Rope Speed : 55 in 30 seconds counting right foot only.
Double unders: equal to your age plus 70.
Backwards double unders: 10 or more.
Character Development:
In one page or less: (1) Define courage. (2) Tell a story of a real-life example of courage; and then (3) tell me what it means to you, (4) why its an important life skill, and (5) in what situation(s) it is hardest for you to show courage. Include at the end, the name of one person on the Skip-Its youve seen show courage and tell when. Bring this to Coach Hager, typed with your name, teacher, grade, and date.
'Adversity causes some men to break, others to break records.' - William A. Ward
*Except criss cross, side swing criss cross, 360 & double under. Any footwork skills beyond four must be performed in combination at a fast pace.
Purple Level
Performance Skills
Do single routine with two or less mistakes (minimum of 30 tricks, and no more than two jumps between tricks). You must have a rope release or wrap, at least four different types of doubles, and one type of triple under. At least five tricks must be performed backwards. Demonstrate in 5th grade. No 'basic 26' skills allowed.* Coach Hager or Mrs. Shaw must check this off.
Double Dutch: Turn and jump for at least 25 'pop-ups'. Must have a clean entrance and exit. No mistakes. Jump:____________ Turn for three people:
1st:________________ 2nd __________________ 3rd: ___________________
Demonstrate Chinese Wheel with a partner. Show at least four different tricks (4 together or 4 each individually does not include footwork) no mistakes.
Double Dutch handle switches: With a group of 3, perform 10 consecutive handle switches with no mistakes in the entire sequence.
Non-Performance - Must complete all of these:
Single Rope Speed (SRS): 100 or more (counting your right foot only in one minute). Must be completed in the 5th grade. Coach Hager or Mrs. Shaw must check this off.
Single Rope Speed: 60 in 30 seconds counting your right foot only. Must be completed in the 5th grade. Coach Hager or Mrs. Shaw must check this off.
Double unders: 100 or more!
Backwards double unders: 25 or more.
Character Development:
In one page or less: (1) Define self-discipline. Tell a story (2) of a real-life example of self-discipline; and then (3) tell me what it means to you, (4) why its an important life skill, and (5) in what situation(s) it is hardest for you to show self-discipline. Include at the end, the name of one person on the Skip-Its youve seen show self-discipline and tell how & when. Bring this to Coach Hager, typed with your name, teacher, grade, and date.
Teach at least one new trick to at least five other students at Salem Elem., all in a grade lower than you. Write their names & tricks on paper and have them sign next to their name. Bring this to Coach Hager.
'Conquer yourself rather than the world.'
Descartes
