Pop Warner Cheer Tradition

Cheerleading was officially recognized in the 1970�s, but has been a part of the Pop Warner program for several decades. The first ever National Cheerleading competition was held in DeKalb County, GA. Today, 120,000 children are participating in cheerleading and dance around the United States.

Participation in the Pop Warner Cheerleading Program provides kids an opportunity to perform in an organized, supervised, safety-oriented environment. Pop Warner programs emphasize fun for all and encourage the development of qualities important long after Pop Warner days are gone.

The Cheerleading Program is growing in numbers each year due to the popularity of the sport. In an effort to keep pace with the many new changes in the cheer & dance industry, there are a few basic rules that are unique to Pop Warner Cheerleading Squads. For a complete list of Pop Warner guidelines, please download the Official Pop Warner Rulebook.

Click >>  2006 Cheerleading RULE BOOK  << to go to download page.

ALL COACHES WILL BE REQUIRED TO BE NYSCA CERTIFIED. Because of changes to the program this year from NYSCA, only new coaches will be required to attend the class. All coaches who have been certified previously must renew there certification each year, if you miss two consecutive years renewal you will have to be recertified.  If you have not received your renewal notice you can contact NYSCA through there web site at this address http://www.nays.org  The HLA will not provide NYSCA certification this year.  You will have to contact your city Parks & Recreation Department to be certified. All Cheer Coordinators will verify their coaches have been certified for this season. Class scheduled for August 2003 Location to be announced.

REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS to be announced.

Southeastern Virginia CHEERING COMPETITION will be held  Time and Date To Be Announced  This year, it is mandatory that all associations  participate as this is a scheduled activity. Each association may elect to compete or demonstrate but all squads will attend.   Flag and Mitey-Mite squads will only be allowed to demonstrate.

EMERGENCY PLANS are a necessary tool in preparing for the 2004 season. All Head Coaches are required to submit a general emergency plan in writing to their association Cheer Coordinator by August 25, 2004. The Head Coach should then discuss and review these procedures with assistant coaches, participants, volunteers and parents. The following are a few suggestions: (1) An Emergency Medical Authorization Form should be on hand for each participant at all times. (2) Prepare a list of emergency numbers. (3) Prepare and appoint specific roles for each staff member or volunteer in case of emergency. (4) Practice your plan at the beginning of the season and review periodically. This is a very important issue and coaches should not assume everyone will know what to do. Another safety concern is the number of coaches present for practices. Remember 1 coach is required for every 12 girls on the roster. If there are 24 girls on a roster and at a practice, 2 coaches are required to be present. Anything over 24 on a roster would mean 3 coaches must be present. Consult you rule book for age requirement for coaches, assistant coaches, coach trainees and student demonstrators.