2017-2018 Elite Cheer Season

Thank you so much for your interest, we are very excited that you may be interested in
becoming a part of the Wallkill Valley Elite Cheer Program!
Home of NATIONAL and US FINALS CHAMPIONS since 2010!

Hopefully, the following will help answer any possible questions and/or concerns about our program. However, please always feel free to contact any of our
Board Members and/or Coaches for clarification or additional information.

| Squad Placement: |
The break-down or division of squads is never finalized until after try-outs, as it is dependent on the ages/grades/skill levels of those trying out.
(the following grades are based on your child’s grade for the 2017-2018 school year and NOT their grade now)

| Mini Squad |
Age/Grade: attending Kindergarten, and up to age 8 by Aug 31st 2017
Try outs: This squad does not require try-outs and will be first-come, first serve, (priority to returning athletes, siblings, and oldest grades/age first)
Squad Size: "Mini" squad registration will most likely close at 15, but will NOT exceed 23 members.

| Senior Squad |
Age/Grade: Will most likely compete “8th grade & under” for the 2017 season.
Ideal Skills: In order to be considered for the Senior squad, athletes must be able to comfortably perform a front and/or back walkover with a one-handed spotter. A standing back handspring will not be required, however this will be a goal all athletes who make the team will be expected to work toward during the season.

____________________________

|Evaluations (Try-outs)|


• In order for us to give our squads a fair chance to keep competitive with the other teams out there, we need to be able to keep up with the ever-increasing difficulty levels that have come to be expected from competition squads.
• The only way that we can safely do this is to be sure that all members of our teams are capable of performing at these given levels, and are dedicated and committed enough to keep up with them. For this reason, Elite Cheer does have an evaluation and try-out process. While some skill and ability will be required, commitment and dedication will be our top priorities in choosing members for our squads.
• Before try-outs, each participant will be given a link to an online questionnaire. It is mandatory that it be filled out and returned at the start of the evaluation clinic, as these will become part of each athlete's overall try-out score. We ask that you please assist your child in filling it out, as it will give us a basic idea of the level of commitment you and your child are able/willing to offer to the program.
• Evaluation/ Try Out Clinics are free to attend, and will be offered for 3 days: Monday 5/8, Thursday, 5/11 & Monday 5/15 at 6:30pm. Each athlete will be required to attend at least 2 of these 3 clinics in order to try out for our 2017-2018 season. During the evaluation clinic, we will teach a short dance/cheer sequence and will also give basic instruction on motions, jumps, stunting and tumbling.

______________________

| Try Outs/ Evaluation Day Details |

Prospective Senior squad cheerleaders will be required to attend Try Outs/ Evaluations on Wednesday 5/17 at 6:30pm.

• It’s first come-first serve.
• They will perform in small groups of 3 or 4 for a panel of judges that will include members of the Elite Board/Coaching staff, Choreographers, as well as at least 1 outside, independent judge.
• As soon as your child is seen by the judges, you/they are free to leave. Squads will be posted on our Facebook page and website by Friday, May 19th after 4pm.
• Evaluations/try-outs are not required for "Mini" squad ages (8yr olds and younger). ANYONE 8yrs old or younger, entering at least kindergarten, may join the "Mini" squad without trying out, although the same dedication and commitment level will be required.
• 3rd graders can (but are not required to) try out for Seniors, but must have a back walkover, be able to handle the choreography - and will only be moved up to Seniors if they are needed for a position there.
• PLEASE understand that most, if not all, 3rd graders will most likely not make the Senior squad and if your 3rd grader is not put on Seniors, it does NOT necessarily mean they are not qualified, only that their skills may be better utilized on "Minis" and/or that the stunt position they are currently best qualified for is not needed at this time on the "Senior" squad.
• When making this decision, the success of ALL teams will be considered. All 3rd graders who try out will automatically be placed on the "Mini" squad if they are not needed on the "Senior" squad.
• Having your "Mini" try out is also good practice for next season when they may be required to try-out.
• A non-refundable evaluation/try-out fee of $20 (cash or check only) must be paid on Try Out/ Evaluation Day in order for your child to participate, try-out and be considered for the Senior squad.
• If you are a returning athlete, you MUST pay any previous season balance before being permitted to try-out!

____________________


| Registration fees: |

• Registration fee is $150. ($25 sibling discount available for each additional child)
• All cheerleaders will receive a free cheer makeup set with their paid registration. This will be the required make-up to be worn at competitions.

• IMPORTANT - Registration fees will be due by June 15th so we have yours and your cheerleader’s commitment for the season. If your registration fee is not paid by this date, your child’s place on the squad will be given to the child with the next highest score who did not yet make the team. League expenses must be covered, so we cannot hold places on a team for anyone who has not paid.
___________________

| Choreography and Competition fees |

Comp fee is $405 - or - $385 if paid in full by July 15th ($20 discount)
• Competition fees will cover music and the athlete/team's
registration fees for all local competitions and at least 1 National competition, cheer shoes and cheer bow.
• If a bid is earned, registration fee to the One Finale or the "US Finals" is paid by parents separately. Depending on the placement bid earned, this can be between $60-$95, unless a fully paid bid is won.
• If Competition fees, cheer shoes, or bow costs needs to be adjusted, once the items are ordered/ squad registrations completed, any difference will be charged/credited to the parents later in the season.

Choreography Fee - Due August 15th
$135 fee must be paid (by parent or sponsorship) by this due date.
We travel to an All Star Gym (Central Jersey Allstars in Kenilworth NJ) for a 2 day choreography/ stunting intensive over a weekend in September. Overnight stay is strongly recommended, as the cheerleaders will need to report back to the gym early on the second morning.

Uniform Fee- Due September 15th
New Uniform cost is still to be determined for the 2017-2018 season

Payment types accepted:
Checks submitted ahead or on assigned due dates.
Credit/debit card payments via our website *
* Please note: a processing fee of 4.3% per transaction will be charged with each payment)
Cash will not be accepted.

____________________

| Practices |

Practice for both squads will start the first week of school in September and are held in the Zoom Room of the Franklin Elementary School.
Practices will be 3 nights a week for the 2017-2018 season

Sample schedule: Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays
Minis 5:30-6:30pm
Seniors 6:30-8:30pm
This is subject to change depending on squads


| Competition Week Rehearsals/Practices |

Practices the week of a Competition are of the utmost importance as the atlete must be able to consistently practice the stunts that they will be performing - if one cheerleader is missing, an entire stunt group can not practice.
This is especially true for a scheduled "Rehearsal" practice before a Competition.
These "Rehearsals" are usually held at a gym for a nominal fee (usually $10-$15 per athlete ). This gives the squads an opportunity to practice on regulated competition sized mats.
Any child unable to attend a Rehearsal the week of a competition, will be unable to compete that week.
Any child unable to attend a regular practice the week of a comp, without a doctor note and prior League approval, will be unable to compete.
(ANY UNexcused absence, at any practice and/or rehearsal the week of a comp will make that child ineligible to compete, NO exceptions or approvals!)
_________________

| Competitions |

• Squads will start competing weekends in January (possible practice competition in December).
• The squads will be competing at approximately 6 - 8 comps throughout the season.
• Schedules will be made available as soon as possible, but please leave your child’s weekends flexible from Jan - May until schedules are available as all competitions are MANDATORY! Please do not plan vacations during cheer season unless it's during a school break.
• We do our best to keep “Local” comps within a 1 hour drive.
• We may attend a US Finals or The One Finals bid qualifier in Pennsylvania, Delaware or Connecticut that may require an overnight stay (families room-share when necessary/ possible to keep costs down) or take a ‘team bus’ trip. Since we never know what time the squads will perform until close to the competition date, we like to play it safe and make sure that at least our cheerleaders will be there on time.
• Any athlete whose squad wins a bid to Finals will have to pay the registration fee associated with the placement of the bid they win ($65-$95), unless a full paid bid is won. This US Finals or The One Finale registration fee is NOT included in the Comp fees paid for the season.
• A minimum one night hotel stay is mandatory for Nationals in March/April (we have previously done Philadelphia or Hershey Park, as an example)
• A minimum two night hotel stay is mandatory for the US Finals or The One Finale in April/May if the squads qualify.
• A block of rooms will be booked at a discounted rate, so the fee is usually only around $120/night (it IS mandatory to book within our room block).
• The U.S. Finals or The One Finale takes place in locations like: Virginia Beach, Providence RI, New Orleans, Pensacola FL, Chicago Il. We like to take parent opinions into account when choosing our Finals venue early in the season at our monthly League meetings.
• We will, however, do mandatory fundraising AND will be looking into optional fundraising to help parents offset the possible increase in costs associated with this change in venue.

_________________

| Absences |

• Excused absences include significant illness (doctor’s note), family emergencies, mandatory school functions (with proper notice) and similar previously approved reasons that were outside the child/family’s control.
• ANY absence may result in a loss of stunt group, tumbling and/or formation position.
• Please do not schedule vacations during competition season (January through May) unless during a school break. If you have a vacation scheduled, please notify the coach or board at the beginning of the season so schedules can be planned accordingly.
• ANY UNexcused and/or a total of 3 excused absences may result in complete loss of placement on the squad. This is not a punishment, but is for the safety and overall success of the squad as a whole.
• It is strongly recommended that practices are not missed as each cheerleader is a major component of their squad and each absence severely affects the entire squad.
• If your child MUST miss a practice, a coach MUST be notified as soon as possible so that practice can be planned accordingly. Not contacting a Coach BEFORE the start of practice is a No-call/No-show and is an unexcused practice.
• Should your child be “under the weather”, or become injured and unable to practice, he/she is still expected to attend practice to verbally/visually learn what is being taught and otherwise support her squad (unless doctor’s note/fever/contagious nature of illness prohibits)

_________________

| Injury at Practice |

• Should your child become injured AT or OUTSIDE of practice, it is your/their responsibility to immediately inform a Coach.
• In the event of injury at/from cheer, Cheerleaders must follow their primary insurance plan guidelines.
• Secondary insurance coverage is provided to each participant in the program. This insurance is invoked to cover any costs remaining AFTER payment is made by your primary insurance carrier.
_________________

| Dress Code |

ALL cheerleaders must come to practices and Competitions dressed appropriately.
Cheer shoes must be worn at all times (gym shoes are acceptable until cheer shoes are ordered).
• Hair must be worn back in a pony-tail for long hair or with a head-band for short hair.
• No jewelry of any kind will be permitted.
• Elite Colors (black/ silver/ white/ purple) are to be worn
• Form fitting shorts (similar to Nike Pros) or athletic leggings for bases only – flyers must wear shorts for safety reasons.
• Tank tops or form fitting shirts – no baggy shirts
• Anyone wearing a brace (wrist/ankle/knee/etc) must have a doctor's note to do so.
• Anyone in violation will have a half of an unexcused absence. Parent/ guadians must notify coach ahead of practice if there’s a reason for an athlete not being appropriately attired.
__________________

|Compeition Uniforms |

• A uniform will be purchased for each athlete; the uniform fee - uniforms go out for bid once we have a headcount per squad) - payment will be due September 15.
• Each child will be sized and will receive a full uniform that will be the property of that child.
• Cheer shoes and Cheer Bows are included in your Comp fees:
o Cheer shoes- between $50 and $100 depending on squad placement
o Hair Bow – Approximately $20-25

• Optional apparel items may be ordered throughout the season (warm up jackets, tee shirts, parent spirit wear). Items cannot be ordered by anyone who is not current in their payments.
___________________
| Fundraising |

• Fundraising for the 2017-2018 season will be mandatory.
• Funds will be used to help offset the cost of Nationals/ Finals, for things such as the "Send-Off" party/gifts, as well as gifts, prizes and family pizza party for our weekend at the US Finals/ The One Finals. Funds could also be used to purchase Hershey park tickets (if that is where we do our Nationals), as well as off-setting the US Finals or The One Finals registration fee that is normally covered by parents.
• For every mandatory fundraiser, if you choose not to participate, you can pay the "opt out" fee instead. The amount of the "opt-out" fee will be dependent on each individual fundraiser's expected income/participant. The due date for "opt-out" fees will be the same as the due date given for the fundraiser itself..
• Mandatory or "opt-out" fundraisers will be scheduled throughout the season and some (such as car washes) will have minimum volunteer hours required, as opposed to minimum products to be sold.
• Optional fundraisers will be scheduled throughout the season as well. Funds earned from these fundraisers will directly benefit the families that participated in them.
• Please notify the fundraising committee if you have ideas/suggestions for mandatory or optional fundraisers for the season or if you want to volunteer to chair or co-chair the committee.
• Getrude Hawk Candy will be sold as a mandatory fundraiser in August. If you choose not to participate or do not sell the 1 required box, you will need to pay the $25 “opt-out fee.
• The idea of the mandatory AND optional fundraising is to help parents offset the possible increase in costs associated with the change in venue for the US Finals.

| Sponsors/Donations |

• Sponsors and Donations keep our league going and also help cover things like equipment, mats and other items that are not previously budgeted for. Anyone (family, business, etc) who would like to donate to our League with a donation of $100 or more will be listed on our website.
• A web page, as well as a request letter will be available for you to help obtain these sponsorships/donations throughout the season!
_______________________

| Dedication/Commitment |

• Competitive cheerleading is a huge commitment and we want everyone who joins to fully understand exactly what that means.
• Stretching at home IS mandatory. Jumps, tumbling, stunts and even motions are all improved with consistent stretching. Improvements will not be seen if stretching is only done during 3 nights a week of practice!
• Every child is expected to work on their tumbling skills outside of practice. This does not mean that your child must pay for private lessons! Classes, "open gyms" and even privates are highly recommended, however they are not mandatory! At a minimum, however, all athletes must be willing to work on tumbling during practice! Tumbling is a HUGE part of our Competition scores and everyone must participate in the team tumbling skill required of their level. New athletes are not required to come to us with any skills (other than the standing back handspring with a one-handed spotter for Seniors), however they ARE required to be willing to learn and to continue working on their skills!
• If you make the team because you were able to pull a standing back handspring with a spotter at try-outs, it is because the assumption is there that you WILL have that back handspring to perform at the 1st competition! (or that you will at least put every possible effort into it!)
• We do require all of our athletes to consider Elite Cheer their priority in regards to other sports and activities. Please know that an absence will not be excused because you have a game or other commitment for another sport or activity.
• There are plenty of sports/activities where a back-up, replacement or fill-in can be used....Competition cheer is NOT one of them!! If we’re missing a child at a competition, points are deducted. If your child misses a practice, their entire stunt group cannot practice.
• By joining / trying out for one of our squads, you are committing to put Elite Cheer 2nd only to your family, your health and your school academics. In all other regards, Elite Cheer must be first and foremost!
• Dedication and commitment (and especially attendance) are detrimental in this sport and vital to the success of a squad!

__________________
| Miscellaneous |

• Physicals (note from Dr. stating “child is cleared to participate” is sufficient) and Birth Certificates must be turned in BEFORE the first practice.
• Our squads are typically invited to attend events throughout our communities throughout the year (parades, town days, wrestling tournament, etc). These events are not optional and all cheerleaders are expected to attend to support her squad, our League and our communities. More info will be on our website as it becomes available.
• All are welcome and encouraged to attend the Elite League meetings. They are held the 1st Tuesday of every month in the Franklin school cafeteria at 7pm (alternate locations are used on occasion, emails with location/times/details are always sent in advance).
• All are welcome and encouraged to participate on our fundraising committee as well. Please let a Coach, Board member or one of our Fundraising Coordinators know if you may be interested.
• Don’t forget to bookmark our League’s website - WallkillElite.com is a very valuable tool.
• The "Wallkill Valley Elite Cheer" Facebook page is kept updated as well and also provides tons of info!
• Once your child is placed on a squad, we will also add you to our Facebook "Elite Family" page (closed group). Practice, meeting and competition dates, times and locations will be posted on our website (and Facebook family page) as soon as they are scheduled and will be updated regularly.
• It is you and your child’s responsibility to check the website often and to be aware of all info posted.

____________________

| Fees and payments |

IMPORTANT!
• Please understand that due to difficulties in recent years, we will no longer be able to make exceptions regarding payment/fee due dates.
• Here are the payment rules...
• Regarding payment of previous season balances and/or try-out fees - These fees must be paid BEFORE your child steps in front of the judges or they will not be allowed to try-out and will NOT be considered for ANY squad.
• Regarding payment of registration - If your child's registration is not paid by the June 15th due date, their spot will be given to another child.
• Regarding payment for Uniforms, essentials or other "items" - We will NOT be able to order a uniform or any other item that has not been paid for in advance. If a required item was not paid for by the due date, and therefore not ordered, your child will not be able to stay on the team.
• Regarding Choreo/Comp fees -Anyone who has not paid in full OR set up monthly automatic billing to start BY July 15th will be removed from the squad.
• If at any point there is a problem with or you need to make a change to your auto billing (you changed banks/cards/etc, you will have 2 weeks to make any changes and submit the payment owed. If payment has not be made within the 2 weeks or you default in payments for any other reason, the full balance of the Choreo/Comp fee will then be due by the end of the month or your child will be removed from the squad.
• Regarding US Finals/ The One Finale fees - Anyone who has not paid this fee by its due date will be removed from the squad.
• In very extreme circumstances, if a family is suffering from an unexpected "hardship", a formal, written request can be submitted to the Board regarding a payment arrangement for some fees. Depending on the situation, approval MAY be given. However, this cannot apply to fees for actual ITEMS that need to be purchased (uniforms/essentials/etc). A payment arrangement will need to be agreed upon by the parent, League Treasurer and Accounts Treasurer and approved by either the President or Vice President. "Good Faith" payments will be required and any default in these payments will result in the child being removed from the squad.

We completely understand that times can become unexpectedly difficult; however the League is a Non-profit and does not have "extra" funds to cover those who cannot or choose not to pay. It is a very unfortunate loss to the League when a child quits owing the League hundreds of dollars or ends the season with a balance that doesn't get paid if they decide not to return the following season.

_______________________

| Overview of Fee Due Dates |

$20 Try-out Fee - Due at time of Try-out, May
$150 Registration - by June 15th to ensure spot on the squad.
$405 Comp fees (music, cheer shoes, bows and competition fees)
$385 If PAID IN FULL BY JULY 15th
Or
$67.50/month for 6 months beginning on July 15th – either via paypal ( has processing fees) or by check.
$135 Choreography Fee - August 15th.
Uniform fee TBD – by September 15th
$65-$95 US Finals or The One Finale reg fee dependent on the bid earned and will be - due April 1st

_____________________
And Finally………. Da Rules

We are a Competition Squad and must behave as such. While we all want your children to have fun and enjoy cheerleading to its fullest, there is a time and place for everything. We encourage our athletes to have fun, fool around, laugh and have a good time before and after practices, but when their feet hit the mat….it’s all business!
• Unacceptable behaviors: “Back sassing” coaches, not respecting the other cheer sisters, and rowdy and distracting behavior - especially during stunting, where it is a safety issue.
• Good Sportsmanship is critical. All athletes should desire for their opponent what they desire for themselves: a fair, hard-fought competition. Our athletes will be taught and expected to display the following...
o Show respect for the opponent at all times - Opposing teams should be treated with respect; greeted cordially; and accorded tolerance, honesty, and generosity.
o Show respect for the judges -Good sportsmanship implies the willingness to accept and abide by the decisions of the judges.
o Show respect for the host team/organization - Teams/organizations hosting a competition deserve our appreciation and should be thanked when possible.
o Maintain self-control at all times - A prerequisite of good sportsmanship is understanding that rational behavior is more important than the desire to win. Good sportsmanship is concerned with the behavior of all involved. (coaches, athletes, parents, and other spectators).
o Recognize and appreciate skill in performance, regardless of affiliation - Applause for an opponent’s good performance is a demonstration of generosity and good will. The ability to recognize quality in performance and the willingness to acknowledge it, without regard to team affiliation is one of the most highly commendable gestures of good sportsmanship.

Any Cheerleader OR Parent/fan not following any of the League rules will jeopardize theirs or their cheerleader’s position on the squad. Only one warning will be given before removal (serious and/or blatant disregard for rules will not require previous warning). These consequences must be implemented to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants and so that everyone can have the opportunity to benefit from a well-run program.
With that being said, please talk to your children and explain these procedures and the fact that rules, especially safety and sportsmanship, are a very serious matter. Your support and cooperation is greatly appreciated.
Should you have a concern/question/complaint, please feel free to speak to any Board Member/Coach.
Contact information can be found on our website.
Our League email is Cheer@WallkillElite.com

We look forward to an amazing 2017 – 2018 season
and to having you and your child(ren) as part of our Wallkill Valley "Elite" family!!

We know that you will all be very proud of your children!