Cheer Information
What skills will Cheerleaders learn?
Cheerleaders will develop skills in tumbling, stunts, dance, and spirit cheer to complete a series of performance routines and shorter sideline spirit cheers. Pop Warner rules govern the type of tumbling, stunts and cheer routines that are permitted. The combined stunt and tumbling skill set of each team determines the skill level bracket (1, 2, 3 or 4) for competitions. Tumbling and stunt team assignments are based on each athlete’s skill progression and strength. Assignments to flyer, base and spotter positions are made at the discretion of the coaching staff only – the safety of all athletes is the number one consideration in determining stunt groups and tumbling routines. Most of all we expect cheerleaders to display good sportsmanship with their fellow athletes and respectful conduct with the coaching staff at all times.
How are Cheer team assignments determined?
There are no try-outs for Pop Warner Cheerleading. Athletes ages 5 to 15 at all skill levels are accommodated. Team placements are determined by each athlete’s age on July 31st and are designed to ensure the safety of the cheerleaders. Pop Warner also regulates that we may have only 30 people on each squad. MYFCA will make every effort to accommodate all cheerleaders who commit to participate.
What is the Practice and Game schedule?
Cheerleading is a team sport and everyone is expected to attend practice and games for the safety of all athletes. Stunts routines can not be performed unless all members of a stunt team (bases, spotters, and flyers) are present. We do recognize there are unavoidable issues, especially due to unplanned medical events and prior commitments (especially in August). Please clear all conflicts with your coaches or the commissioners. MYFCA will make every effort to accommodate all cheerleaders who commit to participate. However, athletes who can not commit to attend on a regular basis may be asked to leave the team for repeated un-excused absences. Please see the Practice and Game schedule tab for more information or check with your Coach.
What are the obligations of Cheerleaders for Football games?
Cheerleaders will cheer at one football game each Sunday during the regular eight-week season (see Practice and Game schedule tab for more information). Approximately half of the games are at home (MHS) and half are away (car pools are arranged). If the designated football team is eligible for post-season playoff games, cheerleaders will also cheer at playoff games. We cheer in all weather conditions (unless a game is called off by officials due to safety reasons).
What are the obligations of Cheerleaders for Competitions?
Cheerleaders at the Junior Pee Wee level and above will participate in Pop Warner competitions and other approved events. Mighty Might and Flag teams may perform in exhibition (non-competitive). MYFCA teams typically participate in three competitive events: Jersey Valley Conference, NJ State, and Pop Warner Eastern Regionals. The competitions are held in October and November – exact dates will be communicated as soon as they are available. Please do not make plans to travel over the teacher convention school break during the first weekend of November. Teams which place first or second at Regionals are eligible to advance to the Pop Warner National competition at Walt Disney World in Orlando during the first week of December. Montgomery Wildcat Cheerleaders aim to be high achievers, and the league has typically advanced at least one team to the National competition for the last several years. Fundraising events will be held to help manage the cost of sending any team to the national competition.
What should Cheerleaders wear and bring to practice?
Clothing should be comfortable for stunts and tumbling, and provide appropriate coverage (nothing provocative). The practice uniform is:
- Green or Black athletic shorts
- Solid White or White Montgomery spirit-wear tank top or t-shirt (with white sports bra - age appropriate)
- White no-show ankle socks
- Sneakers (any color) or Cheer sneakers
- Long hair should be worn in a high pony tail with practice cheer bow (if available)
- No jewelry is allowed at practice or games and please keep fingernails short and filed.
Please bring a sufficient supply of water, a healthy snack, a beach towel for outdoor practices, and small back pack to carry your gear. Cell phones must be stored in back packs during practice.
What type of equipment do the Cheerleaders need?
The league will provide each cheerleader with a uniform. Cheerleaders will need to purchase their own uniform shoes, shorts, and socks. There will be an option to purchase a team warm-up jacket and pants. Please bring your own water bottles and dry-goods snacks to practices and games. For warm outdoor events, please provide sunscreen, insect repellant, and a beach towel. For cold weather games, please wear black leggings, warm jackets (layers), gloves, and fleece headbands as needed.
