​That is a really long season. Can my daughter stop and start?
No. It takes everyone’s commitment to make each squad a success. Any other obligations that would conflict with regular attendance at cheer practice/games/competitions should be carefully considered before registering.



​How many days/hours do the cheerleaders practice?
4 or 5 days a week during August (10 hours per week maximum). After the Labor Day holiday, it goes down to 3 days a week (6 hours per week maximum). Each cheerleader’s practice time is tracked in early August. A cheerleader cannot begin stunting until she has completed 20 hours of conditioning. Each football team may participate in up to 3 scrimmages against other teams (from other cities). Cheerleaders will sometimes accompany the football team to their scrimmage—the head coach will make that decision. Scrimmages are considered a practice and may be held on either a weeknight or Saturday.



​Where are practices held?
Los Alisos Middle School, Glen Yermo Elementary, Del Lago Elementary, Newhart Middle School, El Toro High School, Laguna Hills High School and other schools as needed.



​What if we already have a vacation scheduled for August?
Please discuss this with your Head Coach as soon as possible. Regular attendance is preferred during August due to the fundamental instruction and mandatory conditioning that takes place during the first 2 weeks of August. Most teams will excuse absences during August, but will set an attendance policy once school starts.



​How many games will be played?
10 for tackle and 9 for Tiny Mite. Additional games will be played if the team makes playoffs (Jr Pee Wee levels and above).



​When and where are games played?
All games are on Saturdays. Home games are played at both El Toro High School and Laguna Hills High School. Away games will vary by location~~our conference covers all of Orange County and a few cities located in LA County (i.e. Long Beach, Lakewood, Montebello, Pasadena), so there is travel involved each week. Most cheer teams are required to arrive to their game site at least 1 hour prior to kick off. Your head coach will determine that time each week.



​Who does the scheduling of the games?
The Orange Empire Conference



​Is there a refund policy if my cheerleader changes her mind and decides not to participate?
No, SVPW does not give refunds. In very rare cases due to injury or illness, a credit voucher for the following season may be issued. Approval of said voucher will be determined by the Board of Directors.



​Why must I furnish a copy of my cheerleader’s report cards?
It is a National Pop Warner rule that each cheerleader provide proof of scholastic fitness in order to be rostered. It also qualifies those eligible to participate in local and national award ceremonies. Report cards are collected at cheer camp in July or on the first day of practice. Be sure to save all current school year report cards. If your cheerleader does not meet the minimum grades required by National Pop Warner, she will be allowed to submit an Academic Waiver, which will allow her to participate through the end of September. By October 1st, all cheerleaders under an academic waiver must furnish a Progress Report from their school. OEC will review those Progress Reports and determine if the cheerleader will be allowed to continue the season or not.



​Is a baptismal or hospital birth certificate sufficient to prove my cheerleader’s age?
No. The only acceptable proof of age is a certified county birth certificate or a passport.



​Why must my cheerleader have a physical & release form?
Pop Warner rules mandate that each participate is physically cleared to participate in our program. A free physical will be available at registration. In addition, SVPW will offer a one day free or low cost physical (typically in June or July). If you are unable to make that date, you can take our Pop Warner form to your physician for completion. Please be sure to discuss any medical issues (ie asthma, allergy to bee stings, etc) with your Head Coach prior to the season starting.



​What is Certification?
Certification of all cheerleaders takes place in August. Each team has a book that houses all cheerleader information (contract, proof of age, picture, medical release, etc) in individual sleeves. The book is checked, approved and sleeves sealed by a Conference Commissioner. The last piece of Certification is scholastic fitness (report cards). All cheerleaders must be scholastically eligible to participate.



​What uniform does the registration fee cover?
Your cheerleader will receive a shell (vest) and skirt that are checked out to you at the beginning of the season and then returned at the conclusion of the season. The Midget cheerleaders are also issued zebra sleeves that must be returned. All cheerleaders are issued sleeves and briefs (aka spankies) that do not need to be returned at the conclusion of the season.



​What else do I have to purchase/pay for?
You will need to purchase a Spirit Pack, which is our practice uniform (tee shirt and shorts). You will also need to purchase cheer shoes. Some teams also use a gym during competition season (one day a week) and there are fees for that usage that are split amongst the team. There are also some pre-season cheerleading camps that your daughter can attend.



​What else does my registration fee cover?
Our League is assessed fees by our Conference to cover expenses such as insurance, national charter fees, referee fees, etc. There are also field usage fees and general operating expenses that the registration fees cover. All cheerleaders receive a picture package and trophy, the costs of which are also covered by the registration fee.



​How much volunteer time is expected from parents?
Each cheerleader’s family is expected to work at the snack bar during the season.



​Why must parents participate so much?
SVPW is run exclusively by volunteers. All parents are expected to help out in some capacity.

​
Can anyone be a Head Coach? ​

No. Anyone wishing to participate as a head coach is required to submit an application and successfully pass an interview conducted by the Board of Directors as well as mandatory background checks.



​Can I request a certain Coach or Team?
No, we cannot guarantee any squad or coach.



​What happens if my cheerleader misses practice?
Each Head Coach sets their own policy on absences. If a cheerleader misses one or more practices during the week, they may have limited or no cheering time in that week’s game. This is a safety issue not only for your cheerleader, but for the rest of the team.



​Is it mandatory to participate in the “all cheer” fundraiser in August?
No. While we prefer that everyone participates, you can opt out of that fundraiser by submitting a check for $60. All proceeds from this ‘all cheer’ fundraiser are allocated for our end of season banquet, which is for all SV cheerleaders.



​Is it mandatory to fundraise?
Each team decides how they want to fundraise. Some teams require a ‘buy out’ of $40. Others require all parents to solicit a sponsorship or donation of at least $100, and other teams do fundraising activities. All fundraising at the team level goes towards each team’s individual expenses, such as competition bows, competition entry fees, etc. Check with your Coach and/or Team Mom regarding your own team’s fundraising goals.



​Who do I contact with questions about registration or if I want to refer a family to the program?
Please contact our Cheer Director, Debi Romo at svpwcheer@gmail.com.



​How are volunteers screened?
National Pop Warner rules dictate that all volunteers (coaches, team moms, and anyone who will have direct contact with the cheerleaders) must pass a background check each year. The submission forms remain confidential and are shredded at the conclusion of the season. The background checks are run prior to the start of the season and include both Megan’s Law and criminal background checks.



​Who can I talk to if I have a complaint?
There are plenty of people who are willing to listen! Always start with your Head Coach. The Head Coach has the final authority on how her team is run provided that she is operating under the rules of the local Conference and Pop Warner Nationals. If you are unable to discuss the issue with your Head Coach, the Cheer Director should be contacted.