Cheerleading Parents
The following information was prepared to offer our cheer parents an idea of what to expect during the cheer season. A lot happens throughout the season and as a new or returning member of our association, we would like to try and give you a high level overview of the typical season. It's first important to understand that Ravens cheerleading is governed and operates under the rules of the American Youth Football (AYF) and Cheer. Everything from the qualifying of coaches, game schedules, practice times, and how the kids are instructed is overseen by AYF. AYF and the Ravens are both deeply concern with you child's safety.
General Information About The Cheerleading SeasonIn the weeks of May, towards the end of registrations, we organize our coaching staff for our Tiny Mite, Mitey Mite, Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee, Jr. Midget, & Midget teams. Through June and July each of our teams are formed based on the results of registration. Exactly what level your child cheer on is based on his or her age.
All practices starts around the first of August. Teams will generally practice every day from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. Your coaches will contact you before August 1st to introduce themselves and provide you with any necessary information. More information will be provided to you about how the season will proceed in the first few practices.
Labor Day, generally marks the beginning of the season. Practices are adjusted at that time. As an official member of the AFY League, each of our teams will cheer at other AFY associations' fields around the Metropolitan Detroit area. This year all games will be on Saturdays. Usually 50% of your games will be at another association's fields somewhere in the area. The game schedule is prepared by Southeast AFY League, and is usually delivered to the Ravens the week before the season's games begin. There are roughly 8 to 10 weeks of games depending on your level and the number of teams in the league each year.
Dual ParticipationAFY does not allow cheerleaders in the AFY program to participate on any other cheer squad. If your child participates in any way with an All-Star squad or a school squad, they are not eligible to cheer in AFY programs. If it is discovered that your child is participating on another squad, they will be removed from their squad and no reimbursement for registration or merchandise will be allowed.
Just to clarify:
A child is permitted to be in a gymnastics class.
A child can participate in a cheer lesson class.
A child cannot PRACTICE with or COMPETE with a cheer/dance team even if their name is not on that team’s roster.
Disregarding dual participation rules will result in your child's entire team's disqualification and forfeiture of any AFY sanctioned competitions and titles achieved.
Playoffs and Championships
After the regular season ends and depending on how well your child's team performs through the regular season, the team may be eligible to go on to playoffs. Tiny Mite and Mity Mite teams do not participate 'competitively", and do not play past the regular season's games. There may be an opportunity for exhibition games during the competitive events, however, our Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee, Jr. Midget, and Midget teams can possibly go on to city, regional and National Championships.
If a team is eligible because of a winning schedule, the team will most likely participate and travel to other cities and possibly states in doing so. Also worth noting; competitive cheer teams cheer during the season's games and in title games for their fellow football teams. Should your team's fellow football team be eligible to participate in city, regional or national championships, AFY requires the cheer team to attend and cheer for their fellow football team. To help cover the cost of such travel and hotel expenses, both the football and cheer teams will conduct fundraisers during and after the regular season.
Questions/Concerns?
Coach Tanya: 313-433-1565
Coach Nita: 313-663-0631
Lead Team Mom Mechawn: 734-756-9909
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