CHEER: FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is cheerleading?
Cheerleading is as much about who you as what you are. A Cheerleader is a leader, a role model, a friend, and an athlete. At times they are a teacher and at other times a student. They can be considered a sport participant or a spectator, depending on where they are and what they are doing. They are looked up to as a mentor by their peers and are expected to set an example of professionalism and sportsmanship. The skills you learn will not only carry with you throughout your lifetime, but will help shape who you are and what you become.

Is cheerleading dangerous?
Yes. Cheerleading has evolved over the last few years from being once considered a ‘popularity contest’ to, as many view it now, a legitimate sport. With this change comes the risk of injury. The main source of injuries results from the increased difficulty of stunts, also referred to as pyramids. Stunts are used at pep rallies and games, but are used more frequently at competitions. Most stunts involve one flier (person on top of pyramid) and two, three or four bases (people on bottom of pyramid). Common cheerleading related injuries may include:

• Ankle sprains
• Back injuries
• Head injuries (including concussions)
• Broken arms
• Knee injuries
• Elbow injuries

Cheerleader safety is our number one priority. Our coaches and mentors all take cheer safety courses and follow the perfection before progression mantra. That means we will perform the same stunt until it is performed with perfection before we progress to any more advanced stunts.

Is a physical required to cheer?
Yes. Our cheerleaders do participate in stunting throughout the season, as such, a physical is required in order for your child to participate in any aspect of stunting.

Who are the coaches?
The youth cheer teams are all coached by the Hillsboro High School cheerleaders. This allows the High School girls to accrue community service hours as well as learn how to work with children in a teaching environment. Our youth girls look up to the High School cheerleaders and love having them as coaches. The High School cheerleaders are mentored by their High School coaches who also run the youth program.

How often is practice?
Practice is 2 days per week for an hour a day. Additional practices may be added depending on the squad.

When are games?
Games are on Saturdays. Cheer teams are required to travel with their assigned football teams. Schedules will be handed out once the TVYFL has finalized the schedule. Travel does vary each week so some teams may have more home games than others. We will always have an assigned coach at each game to coach the girls.

When is the season over?
The season is over when your assigned football team is done playing. Some teams will continue to play through the playoffs and even into the Championship game. All cheerleaders are required to continue to travel to games throughout the playoffs and be there to support their team. Please be sure you make any travel arrangements needed to ensure your cheerleader is at all games throughout the regular and extended seasons.

Is it required that my cheerleader has cheered before?
No! Hilhi Youth Cheer is here to teach our youth what being a cheerleader is all about. Not only learning cheers and motions, but also learning how to behave and present yourself and your team in a positive light. There is so much more to cheerleading than just looking cute – although that is always fun too!

When is payment due?
Payment must be received for us to order uniforms. Payment should be made in full by July 1st, 2012. Cheer deadlines are very strict as uniforms have to be fit and customized which takes time.

Is the entire uniform included in the registration cost?
Yes. All aspects of the required uniform are included in your registration fee. All cheerleaders are required to look the same on game day and any other appearances. We will provide you with their uniform – it will be up to you and your cheerleader to be responsible for all items. The cost of replacing lost/ruined items is the responsibility if the parent.