Cheer Info

Pop Warner sets limits on the size of each team, depending on the number of adult coaches. A large squad consists of 20-35 cheerleaders and requires 3 adult coaches. An Intermediate squad consists of ??-?? cheerleaders and requires ?? coaches. A small squad consists of 19 or fewer cheerleaders and requires 2 coaches. There are no tryouts. Team placements will be announced in mid-July. We cannot announce teams prior to that time. After August 1st, team placement will not change unless there is an eligibility issue.

PRACTICE SCHEDULE AND TIME COMMITMENT

The 2011 season begins August 1st. The regular season runs through the end of October. The season will continue through the end of November if the team qualifies for regionals or through mid-December if the team qualifies for Nationals.

No team squad may schedule more than 10 hours of practice per week before Labor Day. A week is defined as seven (7) consecutive calendar days (Mon-Sun). Not more than 2-1/2 hours of practice may be scheduled on any one day. During the month of August, practices are held 4 days a week. Each practice is 2 - 2.5 hours. It is not mandatory for a squad to practice the FULL 10 allotted hours. After Labor Day, the practice schedule is reduced to 3 days per week; 2 hours each practice (not to exceed 2 hours per day). It is not mandatory for a squad to practice the full 6 allotted hours. In addition, cheerleaders cheer at the football games, which are held on Sundays.

If a cheer squad qualifies for regionals, practices will continue throughout the month of November with regional competition held mid-November.

If a cheer squad qualifies for nationals, practices will continue for the first week of December, and travel to Orlando, Florida will take place in December.

The specific practice schedule will be determined based on facility available and team placement. Generally, participants have been able to manage participating in school activities held on an after school basis simultaneous with Pop Warner. No participant that is committed to Pop Warner for the Season will be allowed to participate in an ALL-Star Cheer/Dance Program starting from July 30th-December.

ATTENDANCE

Due to the nature of the sport, a practice missed by one cheerleader has a significant impact on the squad, particularly on that cheerleader’s stunt team. Please make an effort to schedule your family vacations during June and July. Though we allow some flexibility for pre-arranged vacations, August is a critical month where skill sets are being evaluated and positions determined.

EQUIPMENT AND GEAR

Each cheerleader will be required to purchase cheer shoes and socks, bodysuits and lollipops. Returning cheerleaders may be able to use some of their existing gear provided it is in good condition and is the same style as was used in the prior year. The Falcons will provide you with your cheerleading uniform. You will however be responsible to purchase the following items to accompany your uniform:

  • Lollipops (black) to be worn under your skirt
  • White cheer sneakers (your team will advise style chosen) to be worn on game/competition day
  • Black 1-piece bodysuit to be worn under your vest
  • Socks (your team will advise style chosen)

CARING FOR YOUR CHEER UNIFORM

Your cheerleading uniform should be well taken care of. Remember, this is Falcons Property and should be maintained and handed back in the same manner with which it was received. When washing your uniform, always pre-treat any stains. The uniform should be washed in cool/warm water, and then line dried. Falcon-issued uniforms should be worn by the cheerleader and for Falcons games/functions only. When it is uniform return time, you will be asked to return your skirt, vest, pullover (or sweater) freshly washed and folded. Failure to take proper care and failure to return all pieces at the end of the season will result in the forfeiture of your Uniform an Equipment Bond.

COMPETITIONS AND TRAVEL

There is a local competition in which all teams participate. MVC will hold a competition in mid- November. Flag and Mitey-Mite are exhibition-only. This offers the teams an opportunity to receive constructive feedback from a judging team in a non-competitive environment. This is also, a time to have fun and show off!

Regional Championships are held mid-October. In 2010, the Regional Competition was held in Trenton, NJ. First and second place teams at Regional’s qualify for Nationals.

National Championships are held at Disney World in Orlando, Florida in early December. Pop Warner provides some competitive travel packages to offset the cost of this trip, which typically involves a 4- or 5-night stay in Orlando, complete with a park-hopper pass and meal tickets. Four to five days of school will be missed, and Pop Warner provides letters to the schools to explain the absence.

Volunteers under 18 years of age- A Student Demo must be with a rostered coach, and must comply with the same procedures as a rostered cheerleader/player. A Student Demo can earn credit for volunteering as a Student Demo. A form may be required for the coordinator/ coach to approve their volunteered time. The Student Demo would then need to turn in this paper to their sports director.