Waxahachie Youth Athletic Association

WYAA Tomahawks Cheer FAQs: 
 

Q: Who can cheer?
A: Anyone aged 4-12 years old.

Q: Does my child have to try out? 
A: Not at all! We want to encourage any and all of our youth, ages 4-12 to come and join our team!

Q: When and how long do we practice?
A: We will begin our season with conditioning in July, and then transition to individual squad practices by August. Practices are held Tuesdays and Thursdays 6pm-7pm.

Q: When are games?
A: Our season games start in August and goes through November of each year with games held on Saturdays. We do attend away games with our football players, parent provides transportation. As soon as game schedules are posted, we will post in the Sports Engine app.

Q: What will my child be doing in cheerleading?
A:  Cheerleaders will learn many cheers, choreographed sideline routines, basic stunts, and basic jumps.

Q: Is the uniform fitting mandatory?
A: YES! The uniform fitting is mandatory for all cheerleaders and there are no make-up dates. These are typically held at least for 2-3 nights and will be by sign up slots only. This information WILL be announced and placed on our Sports Engine team application.

Q: Does WYAA Cheer offer payment plans for the uniform?
A: YES!! Please see the website for additional info on payment plans when signing up, and you may also email treasurer@wyaatomahawks.org and cheerpresident@wyaatomahawks.org to get more information in regards to a payment plan. All uniform payments must be completed by June 1st for us to place the order for your child's uniform to arrive on time for our first game.

Q: What are the associated costs?
A: BRAND NEW Cheerleaders: $725.00 (registration $195 + uniform package $530)

• Registration includes: insurance costs per cheerleader, field usage fees, facility fees, and referee fees.
• Uniform package: Shell, Skirt, briefs, season bow, bag, season poms, pink out poms, pink out bow, back pack and warm up.

Q: Are there any special events for Homecoming?
A: These will be set and determined by the football and cheer board each season. Information will be given as events are made.

Q: Does a parent or guardian need to be present during practice and/or games?
A: A parent does not have to be present during practice, but should be able to be contacted if needed. We gather emergency contact information during registration. Coaches will have cheerleader information of which they will reach out in the event of an emergency IF the parent is not present at practice. These general guidelines will apply to games. We do attend away games of which parents are responsible for getting their cheerleader to and from. Some cheerleaders may ride together for away games of which is parent discretion/supervision and the league cannot be held responsible for.

Q: Do you cancel practice if it is too hot or if it is raining?
A: Practice is only canceled due to heat if the heat index reaches a certain degree set by NWTYFA. In the event we have to cancel due to heat, we will always notify families in the Sports Engine chat normally by 5pm. This is also what we follow for rain. Rain will not cancel practice, only lightning. If you are not comfortable sending your cheerleader to practice due to heat you may certainly make that call based on your judgment.

Q: What should my cheerleader wear and/or bring to practice?
A: Cheerleaders should come to practice in “work out” attire- shorts, tshirt, tennis shoes OR cheer shoes, hair pulled back, poms and plenty of spirit . Please do not send with any food, gum or sugary beverages.

Q: What shoes do you suggest?
A: Academy sells their branded “BCG” cheer shoe for around $20 in store. This is a great starter cheer shoe for first time cheerleaders. However, you will find there are many different options for cheer shoes available depending on your budget.

Q: Do we have to pay to attend games?
A: Admission IS required for all spectators at ALL games. Only registered coaching staff with league administered badges AND cheerleaders will be granted admission at no cost.

Q: Where is practice - are there restrooms?
A: We will be practicing at Lions Park in Waxahachie, Tuesdays & Thursdays 6pm-7pm located at the very end of the paved road on the right hand side next to our football players. Restrooms are at our practice site and available for our use.

Q: How many practices can my cheerleader miss?
A: We understand that illnesses and emergencies happen, however, please understand that we are constantly learning new material and the girls are working together as a team. IF your cheerleader is a frequent absentee, she may be asked to sit out of certain routines for safety reasons and for respect of those who make full efforts to be in attendance at all practices.

*We believe in an open door policy and welcome comments, concerns, feedback and questions to be directed to- cheerpresident@wyaatomahawks.org.*

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