Listed below are some Frequently Asked Questions. If you have any additional questions not answered here please feel free to contact Maria Morales at wappingersaycheer@yahoo.com.



Q. How old does my child need to be to cheer?

A. Cheer is open to children age 4 (entering kindergarten in the Fall) up to age 15.


Q. Does my child need to try out to cheer?

A. No. Every child is welcome to cheer.


Q. My child is 12 and has never cheered before, can I still sign her up?

A. Absolutely! Children do not need any prior experience to cheer at any age level.


Q. My daughter wants to try out for the school team, as well as cheer for the Wappingers Indians Cheer team, can she do both?

A. Yes, she can do both. However, Wappingers Indians will still expect a full commitment to the team.


Q. I see that I have to submit my child’s final report card as part of the registration. Why is this needed?

A. Wappingers Falls Indians and its National affiliation enforces a scholastic requirement that requires that a child must maintain a passing grade average or better in order to participate. If a child is not passing and is willing to put the effort in order to play, weekly progress reports from their teacher is required to ensure the child is striving to improve their grades. Our Conference also recognizes Academic Achievement for those who maintain a 93 average or above.


Q. When is the first practice?

A. Practice begins in August and your coach will contact you regarding specific days and times for each team.

Q. What time does practice start?

A. 6:00 PM

Q. How many days a week do Tiny Mites and Mitey Mites practice?

A. Our Tiny Mites and Mitey Mites consist of children in K-3rd grade(in the fall) and practice less then our competitive teams. They practice 2-3 times a week during the month of August from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. Once school starts, they practice 2-3 days a week indoors at a school from 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm. They also cheer for football games on the weekends starting in September. They attend competition in October as exhibition teams only. In July, your child’s coach will let you know the practice schedule for their team. Please note – days and practice times are approximate, may vary by team, and are subject to change due to inclement weather or practice area availability.

Q. How many days a week do competitive teams (Division 10, Division 13 and Division 15) practice?

A. Our competitive teams (grades 4-10 in the fall) practice Monday - Thursday during the month of August from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Once school starts, they practice 3 days a week indoors at a school or gym from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm. They also cheer for football games on the weekends starting in September. They compete at cheer competitions in October, November and possibly December (if the team makes it to Nationals). In July, your child’s coach will let you know the practice schedule for their team. Please note – days and practice times are approximate and may vary by team and are subject to change due to inclement weather or practice area availability.

Q. Will they cheer at football games and where are they played?

A. Yes they will cheer at a game on the weekends. Games are played on Saturday or Sunday. Home games are played at Van Wyck Jr High and away games are mostly played at the following: Brewster, Carmel, Cross River, Hudson Valley, Mahopac, Somers, Southern Dutchess and Yorktown.


Q. When will I be contacted by my child's coach?

A. You will be contacted in July by your child's coach. Your coach will let you know practice days and times.


Q. Do I have to purchase a uniform?

A. Wappinger Indians Cheer supplies a uniform top and skirt that must be returned at the end of the season. Each cheerleader must also purchase sneakers, bodysuit, boy shorts and hair bow to complete the uniform. These items are kept by the cheerleader and purchased through Wappingers Indians.


Q. What does my child need for practice?

A. Your child should bring water and a large towel to sit on for stretching. Tick and mosquito repellant should be brought or applied before practice. Your child should be dressed appropriately for practice wearing sneakers, cotton shorts and t-shirt and hair pulled back into a ponytail. No jewelry or nail polish, please.


Q. How long is the cheer season?

A. Most teams are done in November. However, if a competing team makes it to Nationals the season is then over in early December.


Q. I would like to coach...will I receive any training?

A. Yes. All coaches must attend a CPR/First Aid/Safety/AED class and a Cheerleading Coaching certification class. A background check is also done on all volunteers for a team. Our more experienced coaches will also help mentor any new coaches.


Q. My daughter would like to become a Student Demonstrator/Coach Trainee what are the qualifications?

A. Student Demonstrators are ages 14-15 and Coach Trainee are ages 16-17. These high school students are former or current cheerleaders who can help demonstrate proper techniques to the cheer squad. They must be available to attend the practices through the cheer season (August - November). They earn community service credit by volunteering with us.


Q. I would like to help out on my child's team who do I contact?

A. Wappingers Indians is a 100% volunteer organization and all help is welcomed. If you are interested in coaching, assisting or becoming a team parent, please contact Maria Morales at 845-264-1158 or wappingersaycheer@yahoo.com.