Cheerleading is a very physically demanding sport. In order for all players to have a safe, fun and successful season, it is imperative for our athletes to participate in all practices. Head Coaches determine the exact practice schedule and attendance policy for his/her team. Cheer season begins August 1st. During the month of August, teams practicing 10 hours a week. This is usually 4- 2.5 practices, with the first 2 weeks dedicated to conditioning. After Labor Day, the practice schedule is reduced to 6 hours per week. With weeks running Monday through Sunday.
Games will be scheduled for Saturday or Sunday. The game of play season is 8 weeks long. Games are the Labor DAy weekend and run until the middle of October, unless your team makes the play-offs. Travel to away games is the responsibility of the parents. There are 19 Associations in our Southern Connecticut League. The furthest travel points are Hartford and Danbury. The 10U, 12U and 14U (Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee, Jr. Varsity) divisions are all eligible for post season play based on record and can last through the first full week in December. In addition, to the commitment to sideline cheering for football, cheer will compete in no less than 2 local (CT) competitions during the month of October, with the possibility of advancement to a Regional competition in Massachusetts. There is the potential of advancing to the National Championship, the second full week in December the 7th-14th at Walt Disney World Resorts in Orlando, Florida. Finally there is the potential to advance to World's, a competition held February 8th in Atlantic City, NJ.
The league is not responsible for travel costs for the players but will assist in a monetary donation to the teams when possible. Mitey Mites and Tiny Mites are eligible for a post-season jamboree, which is usually the first or second weekend after the regular season ends. Tiny Mite and Mitey Mite Cheer will participate in an exhibition fashion at the two local competitions in CT during the month of October.
Costs for the local competitions spectator tickets are additional ($15-$20 per event/person). Costs for competitions in at Regionals include spectator tickets ($20-25 per event/person), hotel fees ($125-$200), and meals ($50-100). The cost for the National competition is expected to be a minimum of $600 per person (hotel, and 3 day park pass, meal plans are optional and add an additional cost), plus airfare +$230. You must stay for a minimum of 3 nights, and up to 5 depending on number of team entries (competition cheer and sideline cheer are held on different days). The cost for World's is an entry fee of $25per girl, spectator tickets and Hotel room and travel expenses.
Dates to remember for 2019-2020
Exhibition- Thursday, October 3rd at West Shore Rec. Time TBD- A chance for friends and family to see our Cheer teams perform their routines for an audience before their first competition.
State Competition- Saturday, October 5th at New Haven Field House. Team standings do not determine any further advancement.
SCPW (Local) Competition-Saturday, October 12th at New Haven Field House. Teams placing in the top 2 for their age, size and skill division will advance to New England Regionals.
New England Regional Cheer & Dance Championships- Sat. & Sun., Nov. 2nd & 3rd in Massachusetts. Teams placing in the top 2 for their age, size and skill division will advance to Nationals.
National Super Bowl and Cheer and Dance Championships- December 7-14th. ESPN Sports Complex @ Disney in Orlando, FL
World Cheer Championships- February 8th. Atlantic City, NJ