2020 GYAA Cheerleading Rules and Expectations

The following outlines the expected behavior of parents, cheerleaders, coaches, team moms, and commissioner(s) who participate in GYAA cheerleading. 

Parent Expectations

Parents have an important role in making the season a success.  Parents are expected to review the rules and expectations with their cheerleader often, respect the coaches authority, and strive to resolve any issues with coaches, commissioner(s) and as well as other parents directly and amicably.  Other key expectations include:

• Bring child to practices and games on time;
• Inform your child’s coach ahead of time if you are going to be late or will need to have someone else pick your child up at the end of practice.  If you need to leave practice for some reason, you must return for your child by the end of practice;
• Support activities outside of practice and game day (RCYFL, GYAA Night at GHS, Playoff and Championship Games);
• Maintain condition of the cheer uniform and return it at the end of the season.  A fee of $50 will be accessed for severe damages or unreturned uniforms;
• Do not attend practices or games if your child has a condition that would prohibit them from attending school.  We try to follow school policy in these situations; however, we may not always be informed and cannot be held responsible if a parent does not disclose this information.

Cheerleader Expectations

GYAA Cheerleaders are expected to be respectful of others at all times; to respect the rules and guidelines outlined in the RCYFLCode of Conduct and GYAA Code of Conduct; to be supportive of their teammates, and to always put forth their best effort in practice and games. 

THERE IS TO BE NO BULLYING, TEASING, OR FIGHTING.  This behavior will result in the cheerleader being suspended from a game or removed from practice.  Other guidelines include: 

Cheerleader Dress Code:

• Wear appropriate clothing for practice.  No sandals, flip flops, dress shoes, etc.  No restrictive clothing (i.e jeans).  No pockets on the clothing.
• No jewelry (earrings, rings, bracelets, necklaces) during practice or game day.  NO EXCEPTIONS. Girls with recently pierced ears can wear the plastic spacers during practices and games.  You can find them at Claire’s usually.
• No nail polish or make up on game day.  (Clear polish (not tinted) polish is permitted.)
• Hair is to be pulled back off of face into one ponytail at the back of the head.  (Exceptions for bangs)  Long hair must be off the shoulders.
• All cheerleaders must be dressed identically in order to cheer on game day.  Please make sure you bring all articles of clothing with you to every game and cheer event (Bodysuit, Warm Up Jacket and Pants).  Your base uniform (Top, Skirt, Socks, Bloomers, Shoes, and Hair bow) must be worn to each game and cheer event.  Any cheerleader not dressed to code cannot participate.  NO EXCEPTIONS. 

Role of Coaches

Coaches should be willing to take an authoritative position with their respective squad and maintain control at all times.  As a coach or assistant coach, you are empowered to enforce the rules and expectations outlined with your squad.  Other key expectations for coaches include:

• Be on time for practice and games;
• Lead effective practices;
• Be present for home and away games;
• Communicate scheduling conflicts with assistant coach, parents, and commissioner(s) to ensure coverage;
• Maintain copy of team roster;
• Maintain and return pom poms;
• Encourage positive behavior observed within the squad through recognition (i.e. – assign the cheerleader who consistently displays leadership and respect to captain for game day; award small tokens to cheerleader for displaying characteristics being highlighted that week. 

Role of Team Mom

Team Moms work closely with coaches to manage the squad during practices and games. Some key expectations include:

·         Coordinating snack schedule

·         Sending team announcements to parents

·         Coordinating homecoming activities for their respective squads

·         Disseminating and collecting information from parents to commissioners as needed

Role of Commissioner(s)

Ensure a safe, positive, learning atmosphere for all those involved in GYAA Cheerleading.  This involves enforcing the rules and expectations outlined; exposing cheerleaders to opportunities to showcase their skills / talent; providing opportunities for leadership; and providing coaches and team moms with tools and information needed to effectively manage their squads.

What to expect at the uniform fitting?

The fitting will consist of the following:

    -   Cheer Top and Skirt

    -   Body Suit (Sleeves)

    -   Bloomers/Lollies

    -   Warm Up Jacket

 All items will be ordered and delivered before our first scheduled game, provided all registration fees and extra item costs have been paid.

The following items should be brought to the fitting:

1.       1 pair of thick ankle socks (This will help to accurately judge the shoe size)

2.       A VA DMV issued Identification Card   
         (These will be collected at our schedule uniform fitting and must be turned in before first practice. It will be returned at the End of the Season Program, once your child's uniform has been returned.)

3.      Remaining balance for registration fee (Please check your account balance online)

4.       Payment for shoes and warm up jacket

              -   Shoes - 

              -   Warm Up Jacket 

All payments must be made in full no later than August 5th.  

Uniform includes: (Covered by Registration Fee)

         1.  1 - Skirt
         2.  1 - Vest
         3.  1 - Red & Gold Bow (Regular Season)
         4.  1 - Pair Socks (Regular Season)
         5.  1 - Long Sleeve Crop Top
         6.  1 - Pair of Lollipops

         To Be Determined:
         7.  1 - Pink Bow (Worn the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness)
         8.  1 - Pair of Pink Socks (Worn the month of October for Breast Cancer Awareness)
 
Extra Uniform Pieces NOT covered by the registration fee 

         9. Shoes
       10. Warm Up Jacket

***NEW FOR 2020 SEASON***
Each cheerleader is responsible for plain, black, cotton leggings to be worn under skirt and over lollies in place of warm up pants.


The Skirt & Vest MUST be returned in excellent condition.  If not returned or if damaged, there will be a $50 charge.
All other items are yours to keep.

2020 Cheerleading General Information

Thank you for your interest in GYAA Cheerleading!

We are a recreational cheer team open to cheerleaders of all skill levels and experiences.  We have 5 teams which are open to girls ages 5– 13.  Our goal is to provide all cheerleaders with a safe learning environment to develop skills, make new friends, and have FUN!

GYAA depends on the dedication of parents and community volunteers to make our program successful.  We have volunteer opportunities for coaches, team moms, and the Homecoming Committee.

Please review the General Information and FAQs for additional details about upcoming activities, registration, fees, and uniforms.  If you cannot find an answer to your question, please contact us at [email protected].

Cheer Commissioner –Stephanie Kiser
Assistant Cheer Commissioner- Margaret Parrish

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Cheer Program Overview, Registration, Fees, and Uniforms

Our cheer program consists of recreational cheerleading and our Expo cheerleading which will be optional this year.  At this time, we do not have a stand-alone competition cheer program; therefore, all registrants are to participate in recreational cheerleading. Expo cheerleading is completely optional and is open to cheerleaders ages 5 – 13. All registrants are to participate in our Homecoming and GYAA Night routine. If the registrant decides not to participate in our Expo cheerleading routine their practice schedule may be different than those who chose to. 

Registration Period

Due to the unexpected uncertainties of our daily lives resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic, we will not be opening registration until further notice. However, we are still planning our season to the best of our ability and will update you by this website, email and social media.

Registration and Payment Information

Payment is required at the time of registration in order to be added to a squad and receive the uniform.

NEW Cheer Requirement   A VA DMV Identification Card is required for registration of all cheerleaders.  These documents must be provided before our first scheduled practice.  They will be collected and held during the season and returned at the end of the season.

2020 Registration Timeline and Fees

Cheer Squad Assignments

Cheer squad assignments are determined based on the age the cheerleader will be by 9/30/19 for ages 5 - 13.  Age requirements are determined by River City Youth Football League and any exceptions to be placed on a different squad must be approved.

2020 Squad Assignments

ROOKIES (Ages 4 & 6) – must be 5 by 9/30/19

FRESHMEN (Age 7-8)

SOPHOMORE (Age 9-10)

JUNIOR (Age 11-12)

SENIOR (Age 12-13)

Cheer Uniforms

Cheer uniforms will be distributed in August to cheerleaders with registration balances paid in full. 

Uniforms (Tops and Skirts) must be returned at the end of the season in good condition.

Replacement fees will be charged for damaged or unreturned uniforms.

Additional payment for warm up jacket is required at the fitting.  Cheerleaders will keep these items at the end of the season:

Warm Up Jacket

Shoes

Uniform Fittings

Fittings will be held at the Parks and Recreation facility.

         Dates TBA 
      

Fittings include uniform, warm ups, body suit, and shoes.  Please bring a pair of thick ankle socks to try on with the shoes.

Additional Cheer Fees  (due at fitting):

Warm Up Jacket - $

Practice Schedule

Saturday Football Game Schedule

Start times will vary depending on how long the preceding game runs.  Generally, Rookie games start at 8:00AM or 8:30AM and run 45 minutes.  Allow 1.5 hours for all other games.

Cheerleaders should arrive 30 – 40 minutes before scheduled game time for warm up. This time will be set by the squad coach.