Q. What grades do athletes need to be in to participate in cheer?
Athletes must be going into grades K-8 to participate in the that year's squad.
Q. Are cheer athletes accepted and put onto squads depending on experience?
Bearcats welcome ALL athletes, regardless of experience or ability, going into grades K-8. There are 4 squads. Squads will be based on the athlete’s grade levels.
Q. When does the cheer season begin and end?
Regular cheer season begins the first week of August and ends the last week of October. Football playoffs begin the first week of November and the Championship Game takes place the Sunday before Thanksgiving Day. Cheer participation in these games will be determined as they are scheduled.
Q. What activities does cheer participate in during the season?
Cheer will participate in practices and sideline cheering during football games weekly. There may be other events scheduled such as parades, fundraising, and a league cheer showcase.
Q. When and where does cheer practice?
Practices start in August, with a 4-day schedule prior to the first day of school at Ahren’s Park in Granby, CT. Practice schedules will be made and distributed to the families via Sports Engine. The practice schedule is reduced to a 2 or 3-day schedule once school starts. Practice days and times may vary from season to season. As this may change on a weekly basis once practice is moved to Suffield High School. Practices are moved to Suffield High School once it starts to get darker earlier. Practices will be held outside. Every attempt is made to give as much advance notice of practice schedules and locations as possible
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Q. What equipment is provided to each cheerleader?
Cheerleader registration includes two bows, a uniform (top and skirt), long sleeved body liner, practice jersey, and warm ups (jacket and pant). Athletes keep all items with the exception of the uniform top and skirt that must be returned at the end of season.
Q. What additional items will each cheerleader need in order to participate?
Each cheerleader will also need to purchase a water bottle, black socks, black sneakers, black bloomers or boy shorts. Specific information will be provided once the cheer season starts in August.
Q. What are the Practice/Game Rules for cheer?
The following rules must be adhered to at all cheer practices, games, and events:
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Be Kind
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Be Respectful
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Have Fun!
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Warming Up is a Must for Everyone
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Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
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Participation
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Put Away Cell Phones
Q. What does each cheerleader need to bring to games?
Cheer athletes should wear or bring the following to every game:
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Water
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Required uniform and accessories
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Weather appropriate clothing
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Hair must be worn up and away from the face
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All jewelry must be removed
Q. What happens if an athlete cannot attend a practice or game?
Please give as much notice as possible to the cheer coaches so that they can adjust dances and stunts as necessary. The best way to contact them will be provided during the first week of practice.
Q. What happens if there is inclement weather during a practice or game?
Depending on the weather, practices and games may still be held during inclement weather. Cheer follows the same cancelations as football. If football is practicing or has a game, cheer will most likely have them as well. Every attempt is made to give as much advance notice of practice and game schedule changes as possible.