Q: Is any experience necessary?
A: No, there is no experience necessary. We get new participants at all levels each year. The coaches will work with anyone new to bring them up to speed. We want everyone to have the opportunity to participate if they want to do so, and we highly encourage new participants!
Q: When is registration?
A: Online Registration is open! You can access the registration site by visiting www.amherstpatriots.com/registration2.htm.
Q: What is the cost to play?
A: Cheer will be $225 per participant. If you have specific questions about costs, etc., please e-mail zvicepresident@amherstpatriots.com.
Q: What does my fee pay for?
A: Your cheer fee pays for your uniform (other than your windsuit). In addition, it pays for the uniform, sneakers, hair bow, bodysuit, bloomers, insurance fees for practice space, etc.
Q: When will practice begin?
A: The tentative first day of practice will be August 1st. During August practice will be each day 6pm – 8pm (except Tiny Mite which will be less).
Q: What can I do to get ready for cheerleading?
A: An important part of cheerleading is flexibility so we recommend that you stretch 15 minutes a day prior to practice starting.
Q: When is the first game?
A: The first game is tentatively scheduled for August 28th. There will also be scrimmages where the Cheer squads may participate and a pep rally before the season starts!
Q: What is the practice schedule after the first game?
A: Starting once school starts, practice will typically be Monday/Wednesday/Friday from 3:30pm – 5:30pm at Wilkins except for Tiny Mite and Mighty Mite which will only practice Wednesday/Friday.
Q: What level will my child play or cheer?
A: The level is typically determined by age.
Q: I hear that I will have to volunteer time during the season. How much time?
A: The Amherst Patriots rely heavily on volunteers to do many jobs. These range from Coach to Board Member to working in the snack shack. How many hours you will need to do will depend on the job you have chosen, and how many slots need to be filled. For example, the snack shack needs to be staffed from an hour before the first game until an hour after the last game. The team moms along with the volunteer coordinator will work with you to determine what jobs you can do and when you will need to do them. Remember that we cannot be successful without our volunteers!
Q: Who will be my child’s coach?
A: The teams will be set up based on how many are signed up, and their ages. From there we will determine how many teams we will have and then we will assign coaches.
Q: Our family goes on vacation during August every year, how will this affect my child?
A: The answer to that will depend on the level and age of your child. If your child plays Tiny Mite (5-7 years old) or Mitey Mite (7-9 years old) they will not be affected as much. However, if your child plays Junior Pee Wee (9-11 years old) or Pee Wee (11-13 years old), it can have a pretty severe impact on their ability to compete. Many of the skills used during the year are learned in August, and your child would be pretty far behind. Additionally, the first week is conditioning week where your child will receive 10 hours of conditioning in order to put pads on (for Football), or stunting (for Cheer). Missing all or part of that week can be significant. Should you cancel your vacation? No, unless it won’t cost you anything. Just be aware for future years and try to plan around that. Typically it is first year players that are affected by vacation in August…and unfortunately those are also typically the ones who need that practice the most.
Q: I would like to be a coach or assistant coach, who do I contact?
A: Please e-mail zcheercoordinator@amherstpatriots.com.