Season Overview

• We are a sideline and competition program for ages 5-14. All athletes must participate in sideline game day cheering in order to be eligible to compete at competition.
• The Fall Cheerleading season will begin in July 2026 and officially conclude after the required End-of-Season Championship in November. Participation in this championship is mandatory per the North Florida Youth Cheer Conference.
• Please plan for additional practices extending through December, if necessary, to accommodate post-season activities and/or additional competitions.

Team Assignments, Practice Expectations, & Game Days

• Athletes are assigned to teams based on age and skill level, prioritizing safety above all else.
• Practices will be held twice a week for approximately two hours each session. Full attendance at all practices is required.
• Absences disrupt the entire team. Cheerleading is a team sport, and stunts and routines cannot be safely practiced without full participation. Repeated absences will result in removal from the routine without refunds.
• All cheerleaders must participate in sideline cheering at the football games on Saturdays (home and away games) to be eligible to compete in the NFYCC competition.

Excused Absence Policy

• A doctor's note is required for absences due to illness.
• For school-related events, a minimum three-week notice is required. Unnotified absences will be considered unexcused.
• Transportation to practices and competitions is the sole responsibility of the parents.

Financial Obligations

• Parents are responsible for all costs beyond the registration fee (shell, skirt, and bow are included in registration), additional gear, and fundraising requirements.
• Uniform pieces include:
• Shell, Skirt, Bodyliner, Briefs, Shoes, Hair Bow (provided: shell, skirt, and game-day bow). Other items must be purchased by the parents.
• Uniforms must remain in excellent condition throughout the season. Lost or damaged pieces must be replaced immediately.
• Refunds WILL NOT be issued for uniforms once they are ordered, even if your child leaves the team.

Participation Rules

• Cheerleading demands full commitment. If your child participates in other activities that conflict with cheerleading practices or competitions, do not register them for this program.
• Safety is paramount. Extensive absences pose a risk to your child and their teammates. Non-attendance impacts the entire team and will result in removal from routines.
• Quitting the team mid-season forfeits all paid-for merchandise.
• Once competition routine practice starts, practices will be closed to parents. This is due to limited space in our indoor facility and to minimize distractions.

Fundraising Requirements

• Every cheerleader is required to participate in fundraising efforts to cover competition expenses.
• Failure to meet fundraising obligations or payment plans will result in temporary suspension from participation until all commitments are fulfilled.

Parent Obligations

• Parents are required to volunteer for a minimum of two 2-hour gate duty shifts per season, this is in addition to fundraising events.
• Failure to show up for your assigned day/time for gate duty will result in automatic suspension of your athlete and any team related activities, further failure to perform will result in your child being expelled from the team.

General Guidelines

• Orange Park Athletic Association is a nonprofit organization composed of 100% volunteer staff.
• Coaches and commissioners are extensively trained and background-checked to ensure athlete safety.
• Uniformity in dress is mandatory at all competitions and events.
• The program and guidelines are subject to change due to evolving rules, budgets, and regulations.
• Volunteer opportunities with OPAA are available.
• A doctor-signed medical release dated 2025 and the child's birth certificate are required for registration.

Contact and Updates