CATCH THE SPIRIT!

2011 Cheerleading Frequently Asked Questions

CHAA Cheerleading is a recreational cheerleading league run by the CHAA Cheerleading board and the Gwinnett Football League (GFL) in affiliation with Gwinnett Parks and Recreation. All children from grades  1st-8th are eligible to cheer.

How do I register my child?

Walk up Registration – Begins, Saturday, March 26th from 10am to 2pm at Collins Hill Library on Camp Perrin Road Online Registration – Begins, Saturday, March 26th at 10am and will continue until Friday, April 29th at midnight.

Directions for Online Registration: Go to www.chaasports.com. Click on the “Register Here” link on the left hand side of the website. Payment can be made by Visa, Mastercard or debit card only. You must have Internet Explorer 4.0 or Netscape Communicator 4.08 or newer. The site is not available on Apple McIntosh computers.

What are the age requirements?

Grades 1st – 8th. Your child must be registered for the 1st grade in the fall 2011 in order to be eligible to cheer.

What is the registration cost for my child?

The registration cost is $135.00 plus $50.00 Spirit Fee. This includes the camp T-shirt, camp shorts, sweatshirt, trophy, stunt clinic, camp fee, cheer off fee and t shirt, spirit fee and our administration costs. **(The Spirit Fee is normally collected at the beginning of the season by your coach to pay for parties, pep rally’s and other cost the coach deems reasonable for the squad. CHAA felt it would be best to collect it all up front at the time of registration as Football will be doing the same.) The registration fee is not refundable. There is an additional fee of $50 for out of county registrants.

What is the uniform cost?

This year is a new uniform year. We will wear this uniform for 3 years. Next year and the following year we will have a used uniform sale and you will have the option to purchase new pieces if needed. The new uniform this year will cost $210.00(this includes: shell, skirt, liner, briefs, shoes and poms) You can pre-pay for this on-line with a credit card or purchase it with cash or check on the day of fittings.  We will not accept credit cards on the day of fittings. We are no longer requiring the mandatory warm- up to be purchased with your uniform. If you have one from last year (2010) you are welcome to wear that, we will also have warm- ups to purchase at fittings, but it is not mandatory.

What if I cannot afford for my child to cheer?

There are limited scholarships available for those who are having difficulty obtaining the funds to cheer. This year we are having a Writing Contest through the CHAA Cluster Schools and the winners will be chosen by PE Coaches/Teachers. Winners will be selected by March 25, 2011 and notified by email no later than April 5, 2011. This will be for a free registration fee of $135.00.
We are encouraging families to find individual sponsors for your child from local businesses. We will gladly display that businesses name on our banner that hangs in the park as a thank you for their sponsorship.
 
What are fittings? Is it necessary to come if I already know my child’s sizes?
Fittings are when we have all of our apparel reps. available to try on size runs for each piece of apparel that we will order for your child. It is absolutely necessary to be at fittings to ensure a proper fit. Our uniforms are custom made to your child’s measurements. It is the parent’s responsibility to approve the recommended sizes. This is the only opportunity that we will have to have access to all of the size runs, so please make it a priority to attend. Fittings will be held Saturday, April 30th at North Metro First Baptist Church. Your particular fitting time will be printed on your registration receipt.
 
Can my daughter cheer for her brother’s football team?

This can only be accomplished if they are in the same grade. This is a GFL rule and strictly enforced. If you do have children in the same grade registered for both cheerleading and football, please let us know so that we may ensure that they are on the same team.

How long is the season?

The season will begin July 25th. The regular season runs through October. If the team that your child cheers for makes it to the playoffs, it can possibly run up until Nov. 14th.

What is cheerleading camp?

The CHHS cheerleaders coordinate and run a camp for our girls each year. This acts as their major fundraiser for the year.  Camp is one full day at Collins Hill High School on Saturday, July 30th. Stay tuned for final information regarding camp.

Where do the games take place?

The games are spread out around the various Gwinnett County parks. Every attempt is made to evenly distribute the home/away games. The game schedule and directions to each park will be provided by your team manager.  Transportation to each game is your responsibility.

How much do they practice?

Typically, teams practice 2-3 times a week, depending on the coach, with games on Saturdays. GFL rules limit 1st graders to only 2 practices a week, plus the games and all other grades are limited to 3 practices a week, plus games. There is to never be a Sunday practice.

Does my child have to try out for a team?

We do have assessments. However, every child is guaranteed a spot on a team. Assessments are an opportunity for the coaches to assess the skills of each cheerleader to fairly divide up the teams. Assessments are not mandatory, however, if your child is not assessed, their name will be blindly drawn from a hat and placed on a team. No exceptions! Assessments will be held July 20th (3rd, 4th & 5th grades) & July 21st (6th & 7th grades). There are no assessments for 1st, 2nd and 8th grades. There is no experience required to cheer on any recreational cheerleading squad.
Cheerleading is a great deal of fun both physically and socially for girls and boys of all ages. CHAA warmly invites you to join our Eagle family.