CHEER FAQs

During the traditional season, our cheerleaders will cheer on the sideline for football games (usually 8-10 games) and also learn a routine to perform at the BuxMont league Competition (late September/early October). Our season runs from August 1 through early November and possibly December if team qualifies for Pop Warner Nationals. For competitive teams, if they place in the top 2 for their category and division at BuxMont, they will have the opportunity to advance to Pop Warner Eastern Regionals (November) and possibly Pop Warner Nationals (December in Orlando).

Cheer team categories are based on the Pop Warner age guidelines and the cheerleader's age as of July 31st. The breakdown of possible cheer teams are as follows:

Non-Competitive
Tiny Mites - Ages 5-6

Competitive
Mighty Mites - Ages 7-9

Jr. Pee Wee - Ages 8-11

Jr. Varsity - Ages 10-13

Varsity - Ages 12-16

Team Placement / Paperwork / Roles Required
All cheerleaders will be placed on teams in July based on age and the number of athletes registered in the program.

All paperwork must be received by June 30th.  If your paperwork is not completed and turned in, your player will not be able to start in August.  There are NO EXCEPTIONS.  Paperwork can be turned in anytime after your player is registered.  Do not wait or you will risk your player not being eligible.

Each team needs at least two (2) team parents who support the entire season.  This role will support activities such as uniform handout & collection, paperwork, team gifts/basket for BuxMont, etc.  These roles must be filled by August 1 or the team will not be fielded.  These roles work very closely with coaches.

Practice Schedule
All teams are required to participate in 20 hours of conditioning prior to the start of the traditional practice season. Conditioning is the first two full weeks in August.  Practices will be schedule for several nights a week between Monday-Thursday evenings. Following conditioning, all non-competitive cheer teams will practice two nights per week. Competitive teams practice at least two and possibly three nights a week. Beginning in September, cheer practice moves to indoor practice space.

Expectations
Cheerleading is a team sport and the team only succeeds when everyone is in attendance. Therefore, 100% attendance is expected at practices and games starting August 1 unless there is an approved absence (e.g., illness). Once choreography starts (August 14 and onward), it is important to note that no absences will be allowed unless medically-oriented. This applies to all divisions.  There is also a potential for Sunday afternoon/evening practice given choreography schedule.  Appropriate behavior, respect, and sportsmanship is expected at all times.

Fundraising and volunteering are part of Cheer and mandatory for all families.  More information regarding fundraising efforts and volunteer opportunities will be released in August.

Uniforms
Uniform try-on is currently scheduled for the evening of Thursday, June 15 - please mark your calendar and make every attempt to attend.  Each player will receive a Wayne Wildcat uniform & bow, pink Breast Cancer Awareness Month bow, and Wayne Wildcat tee-shirt to wear during hot weather games. The uniform shell and skirt need to be returned (in good condition) at the end of the season; players keep tee-shirt and bow.

Players purchase black skort, bloomers, bodysuit, sneakers, and high white socks.

Spirit wear
While not required, many of our cheerleaders enjoy the opportunity to purchase Wayne Wildcat warm-up jackets, backpack, and other spirit wear available throughout the season.

Questions
Have a question? We can help! Send an email to our Cheer Program Leader, Cara Wiechecki at waynewildcatscheer@gmail.com