PRACTICE SCHEDULE, TIME COMMITMENT & SKILLS
There are no tryouts and no prior cheerleading experience is necessary. However, this is a highly competitive sport that requires energy, a positive attitude and commitment!
The cheer season begins on August 1, 2019 and runs through at least the end of October 2019. The season will continue through the next competition level as the team qualifies to advance. State Championships are in late October, Regional Championships are in early November, and National Championships are in early December. Competition dates are subject to change, but we make every effort to notify families of dates as soon as they are available and confirmed with Pop Warner.
During the month of August, practices are held 3 days per week. There is also a mandatory week-long choreography camp for teams except Tiny-Mite.
After Labor Day, the practice schedule is typically 2-3 days per week. Each practice is approximately 2 hours long.
The practice schedule will be determined based on facility availability.
The coaching staff provides instruction, training and conditioning for competition cheer routines. Routines include a traditional cheer along with stunting, dancing and tumbling.
ATTENDANCE
Due to the nature of the sport, a practice missed by one cheerleader has a significant impact on the team. Practices should only be missed for illness or other unforeseen circumstances.
Please schedule family vacations during June and July, as August is a critical month where skill sets are being evaluated and team positions determined.
COMPETITIONS & TRAVEL
The teams participate in 2 to 4 competitions based on advancement, except for Tiny-Mite (which only exhibits at Local and State Competitions). Competitions are as follows:
· Local Competition in mid-October
· State Competition end of October
· Regional Competition* in early November
· National Competition* in early December
*Must qualify for Regional and National Competitions
Competitions typically take place at venues in NJ, except for Nationals which takes place in Walt Disney World, Orlando, FL. Pop Warner assembles packages that include room and park passes, and require a minimum stay of 3 nights in Orlando.
There is an optional sideline cheer opportunity each year at Montgomery High School Pink Out Game.
There may be additional opportunities for teams to exhibit and/or compete during the season.
TEAMS for 2019
The Cheer Commissioner assigns participants to teams based on several criteria. When signing up, pick the team your daughter best qualifies based on age and you will be notified of changes. Teams and placements will be announced in July.
At this time, our program anticipates that it will have three (3) teams for the 2019-2020 year: Tiny-Mite, Junior Pee Wee and Junior Varsity.
Tiny-Mite Team
· Grades K through 2nd (Inclusive birth dates 8/1/11 through 7/31/14)
· Practice 2 to 3 times per week, including possibly some Saturdays
· Registration fee includes uniform top, skirt and bow; shorts and shoes are required but additional cost
· Participation in fundraisers is optional
· Team exhibits its routine at local and regional competitions (not Regional or National Competitions)
Junior Pee Wee Team
· Girls Grades 3rd through 5th (Inclusive birth dates 8/1/07 through 7/31/11)
· Practice 3 times during week – 2 days after school and 1 weekend practice
· Registration fee includes uniform top, skirt and bow; shorts and shoes are required but additional cost
· Mandatory choreography camp in August
· Mandatory participation in Sponsor T-Shirt Fundraiser
· Additional fundraising activities with team
Junior Varsity Team
· Girls Grades 6th through 8th (Inclusive birth dates 8/1/05 through 7/31/09)
· Practice 3 times per week – 2 days after school and 1 weekend practice
· Registration fee includes uniform top, skirt and bow; shorts and shoes are required but additional cost
· Mandatory choreography camp in August
· Mandatory participation in Sponsor T-Shirt Fundraiser
· Additional fundraising activities with team