Who can participate in cheer?
Any child between the ages of 4 – 13 can cheer.
Can my child cheer if they have never cheered before?
Yes.
How much does it cost?
Normal Registration - $125
Late Registration - $150
How is a cheerleader's age determined?
A cheerleader's age for a given season is their actual age by September 30th of the current year. 4 year olds must be by 5 by 9/30/19.
What are the different age divisions?
ROOKIES - Ages 4 - 6 (4 year olds must be 5 by 9/30/2019)
FRESHMEN - Age 7 & 8
SOPHMORE - Ages 9 &10
JUNIOR - Ages 11 & 12
SENIOR - Ages 12 & 13
Are there exceptions to cheer squad assignments?
Yes, on a case by case basis. Parents can request to have their child moved up to a higher age group under the following conditions:
- The child has 2 seasons prior cheer experience (this does not apply to 4 or 5 year olds) AND
- The child has demonstrated advanced cheer skills compared to other cheerleaders her age
OR
- Scheduling conflicts that require the cheerleader to be in the same age squad as a sibling playing football or cheerleading.
The GYAA Cheer Commissioner will consider exceptions under those conditions as long as the squads have enough cheerleaders to support a reduction in size. Please understand that ALL requests will not be granted.
When does the season begin?
Conditioning will begin July 22nd. The first game is Saturday, September 7, 2019
When does the season end?
The regular season will run through October and the Bowl/Play-off games will run into the beginning of November.
Cheerleaders are expected to support their team in any post season play off games. These games usually start the Saturday after the last regular season game.
How frequently are the practices?
Before school starts, cheerleaders meet 3 times per week on Mondays, Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00 – 8:00PM.
Once school begins practice is reduced to 2 days per week on Tuesdays & Thursdays 6:00 – 7:30PM.
What time are the games played?
Generally, the Rookies will play at either 8:00AM or 8:30AM and run for 45 minutes. The Freshman, Sophomore, Junior & Seniors will follow accordingly. These games are approximately 1.5 hours in length.
GAME SCHEDULE-TBD
NOTE – The times will be approximate game times. Please check with your coach each week to determine what time you are expected to arrive at the field.
Are there any other activities cheerleaders are expected to participate in?
Yes. Cheerleaders participate in a RCYFL annual cheer exposition which normally occurs in November. In addition, Cheerleaders will need to participate in a halftime performance for the GYAA Homecoming, and a halftime performance at a Goochland High School football game (GYAA Night).
The same choreography will be used for these events. Therefore, it is critical that coaches know as soon as possible if you are not able to participate so that the choreography can be arranged for the cheerleaders who can participate.
They will also be expected to support their division team at post season Playoff games and possibly Championship Games.
How do parents receive communications?
Communications will be sent by text or email from cheer commissioners, coaches, team parents, and/or the GYAA Communication Director.
Please always check your spam folder for misrouted communications.
Critical updates will also be communicated on both the GYAA Homepage & GYAA’s Facebook Page.