Non-Competitive Cheer Teams

Instructional Cheer: Cheerleaders in first grade are eligible to be part of our instructional cheer program. The focus of this program is skill development and fun. Per OCYCA rules, instructional team cheerleaders will cheer sidelines at up four (4) home games at either the mighty mite or mite level.

Mite Game Squad:  Cheerleaders in grades 2-4 are eligible to be part of this team.  These cheerleaders will cheer at the home and away varsity Mite football games. Team structuring for grades 2-4 will be assessed on an annual basis and is contingent upon the number of registrations per grade. If warranted, the Executive Board reserves the right to include grade 2 on either the Mites Game Squad or a Mighty Mite Game Squad in any given year depending on total enrollment.

Pee Wee Game Squad:  Cheerleaders in grades 5 and 6 are eligible to be part of this team.  These cheerleaders will cheer at the home and away varsity Pee Wee football games.

Midget Game Squad:  Cheerleaders in grades 7 and 8 are eligible to be part of this team.  These cheerleaders will cheer at the home and away varsity Pee Wee football games.

 Non-Competitive Cheer Team Commitment (grades 2-8)

·      No cheerleading or gymnastics experience necessary

·      Ability to stay focused for approximately 120 minutes under the direction of student and/or adult coaches

·      Positive attitude and willingness to learn and execute cheerleading skills

·      Availability to participate in 2-3 practices/week in August and up to one practice per week September & October

·      Availability to cheer at weekly football games September-November

Competitive Cheer Teams (grades 2-8)

More than one team may be created at any level based on total enrollment, and determined on an annual basis by the Executive Board. If more than one level is created, squads must compete in different levels (bronze, silver, gold) per OCYCA rules. No cheerleader will be excluded from a competitive team; however, individuals may serve in the capacity of alternate at the discretion of the coach(es). The general commitment for competitive cheer teams include:

Mite Competition Squad(s):  Cheerleaders in grades 2-4* are eligible to be part of this/these team(s).  These cheerleaders will cheer at the home and away varsity Mite football games and participate in 3-4 competitions. Team structuring for grades 2-4 will be assessed on an annual basis and is contingent upon the number of registrations per grade. If warranted, the Executive Board reserves the right to include grade 2 on either the Mites Competition Squad or a Mighty Mites Competition Squad in any given year depending on total enrollment.
*In the event there is a Mighty Mites Competition Squad, first grade students may be invited to compete at this level dependent upon skill. This will be assessed on a case by case basis.

Pee Wee Competition Squad(s):  All cheerleaders in grades 5 and 6 are eligible to be part of this/these team(s).  These cheerleaders will cheer at the home and away varsity Pee Wee football games and participate in 3-4 competitions.

Midget Competition Squad(s):  All cheerleaders in grades 7 and 8 are eligible to be part of this/these team(s).  These cheerleaders will cheer at the home and away varsity Midget football games and participate in 3-4 competitions.

 Competitive Cheer Commitment (grades 2-8)

·       One or more years of cheerleading and/or gymnastics experience recommended

·       Ability to stay focused for approximately 120 minutes under the direction of student and adult coaches

·       Positive attitude and commitment to individual and team growth

·       Availability to participate in practices 3 times/week in August and up to 3 times/week August through November including tumbling sessions

·       Availability to cheer at Sunday football games September through November

Competitive Cheer Levels

RGYC strives to support its athletes in developing competitive, individual and team cheerleading and tumbling skills. Leveling teams according to individual and team skills will allow the greatest opportunity for growth and success. RGYC will use competition guidelines as our foundation for the creation of all teams. Coaches will determine their team level annually through an evaluation process.

Bronze Level:

·       Tumbling: comprised generally of forward/back rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, handstands, one-handed cartwheels, and a few front/back walkovers.

·       Stunting: comprised primarily of stunts and pyramids performed at shoulder height or below.

Silver Level:

·       Tumbling: comprised generally of front and back walkovers, aerials, back handsprings

·       Stunting: comprised primarily of stunts at should height (one and two legged) or extended on two legs; Pyramids may include extended one-legged stunts with hand support.

Gold Level:

·       Tumbling: comprised generally of aerials, front/back handsprings, tucks, layouts, and full twists.

·       Stunting/Pyramids: comprised primarily of stunts at extended levels including release moves and flips.