How long is the season?
The 2011-2012 cheerleading season begins in July and continues through April, with competitions beginning in the fall. Team placement for the following season is held in the spring, and skill clinics may be held in May and/or June, for additional cost.
How often is practice?
Each new session begins in July and runs through April. Summer practices (July and August) are held twice a week for approximately 2 hours each. Beginning in September, practices are held twice a week; one 2-1/2 hour practice includes tumbling and one 2 hour practice. Minis practice one day a week for 1-1/2 to 2 hours and includes tumbling. Times and days of instruction are to be determined.
Is tumbling offered as part of tuition and when is that held?
Yes, weekly tumbling is included in the cost of monthly tuition and is held as part of the 2-1/2 hour practice. Additional tumbling classes and private lessons are available at an additional cost.
Who are the coaches?
Coaching staff consists of accredited USASF (United States All Star Federation) members, and are former All-American, high school, all-star, college and NCA cheerleaders. They have a deep understanding of the fundamentals of cheerleading and are safety certified.
Are competitions and practices mandatory?
Cheerleading is a team sport and needs to be practiced and performed as a team. Each cheerleader has a unique role in the routine: what one participant does affects the whole. Practices boost the participant’s confidence in the routine as well as the team’s confidence in it. Practice gives the coaches opportunities to have the athletes try new things to further their development and to master new skills. Adjustments are made for injury/emergency situations, but attendance is important for the overall success of the routine and the morale of the team.
Are the routines professionally choreographed?
Yes. Choreography takes place over the summer and is taught at the gym during practice. Choreography practices run longer than a usual practice and are mandatory. Additional cost may be added.
When are competitions?
How far away are competitions?
Most competitions are local and regional: Buffalo area, Jamestown, Fredonia, Rochester, Syracuse, Binghamton. A national competition is an anticipated season finale and is typically out-of-state.
How much does competitive cheerleading cost?
A yearly registration fee of $40 is due at the first parent meet-and-greet; typically the end of May or beginning of June. Monthly tuition is determined based on the number of hours the cheerleaders and coaches are in the gym over the course of the season. This figure takes into account predetermined breaks when the gym is closed and divides the total by 10 months. Tuition is estimated at $90/month. The overall average cost of competition entry fees is $350. Each participant must pay by cash or check (no credit cards), this non-refundable amount. If scheduled competitions cost less than $350, a credit for the difference will issued by the end of the following March, provided you are an active team member in good standing. If you leave the program before the season ends, the unused balance is forfeited. Fees/tuition is due by the 1st of the month, and no later than the 10th of the month, upon which late charges are assessed ($5.00 tuition, $10.00 non-tuition fees). Separate tuition/fee checks need to be issued and should be clearly marked in the memo with what’s being paid and for whom. Tuition is paid to Greater Buffalo Gymnastics and Fitness Center.
Depending on team size, Elite Heat may have a mini team ages 5-8 (Sparks), a youth team ages 6-11 (Blaze), a junior team ages 8-14 (Flames) and a senior team ages 13-18 (Inferno). Age is determined by the participant’s age on August 31st. Competition level is determined by the coaches and is based on the team’s skill level. Past seasons have included levels 2, 3 and 4.
How are travel arrangements made?
For competition(s) requiring an overnight stay, accommodation arrangements are coordinated and communicated by a parent volunteer. Each family is then responsible for booking accordingly and is free to make alternate arrangements if desired.
What about uniforms and warm-ups?
What does my child wear to practice?
Practice attire includes Elite Heat team T-shirts (purchased in June), red or black cheer shorts and cheer sneakers. Hair must be pulled into a pony tail. In accordance with federation rules, NO JEWELRY is ever allowed, including posts. Please leave jewelry, and all valuables (cell phones, iPods, etc.) at home. Always bring a labeled water bottle for water breaks and please refrain from sharing this with others.
What about registration?
Registration forms are available in the gym or can be downloaded here. A $40 yearly registration fee is due in May. Parents must be present to complete Registration/Medical Waiver forms prior to team placements.
How do team placements work?
Athletes, ages 5-18, are welcomed into our program, no prior experience necessary. Team placement occurs in the spring and is based on assessment of skills. This placement session will help us determine which teams setting each individual will best thrive in. Divisions include, mini (ages 5-8), youth (ages 6-11), junior (ages 8-14) and senior (ages 13-18), levels 2-4. Registration for team placement starts one-half hour before the first session. Please bring all completed paperwork and have participants ready to practice. After a warm-up and stretch, a short dance and cheer are taught to the athletes en masse. The cheerleaders then split into 2 smaller groups. Group A practices what was just learned, while Group B moves on to stunt evaluation. At the end of this session, Groups A and B switch and either practice or stunt. From there, each athlete has a short, low pressure evaluation of the material learned, as well as time to show their jump and tumbling skills.
Can I fundraise?
Fundraising is a great way to raise money to offset the cost of coaches’ time as well as expenses incurred at competitions, uniforms, choreography, and competition entry fees. Fundraising is encouraged.
What is the General Fund fee?
The General Fund is used to cover team expenses such as coaches’ incurred expenses at competitions. This includes mileage (or gas), time at competition and hotel accommodations, if required. It can also be applied to the year-end festivities for the cheerleaders.
What else is involved?
Community service is a great way for athletes to do some outreach service and to see and be seen in the community. There will be at least one mandatory community service event/project each season. Optional opportunities may be available. In the past, our athletes have volunteered at gymnastics meets, bottle drives, and were even in a WNY Food Bank video. Recruiting events and team bonding activities are also a great way to have fun together.
Will there be a meet and greet?
This meeting will be held at the gym on Monday, May 23, 2011 at 6:00 pm. This mandatory meeting provides an opportunity to meet coaches and gym staff. It provides a chance to ask questions that may not have been addressed at placements as well as time to suggest other fundraising ideas or to assist your team’s parent liaison.
What is the history of the gym?
Greater Buffalo Gymnastics & Fitness Center has been in operation since September 1993. Our staff helps recreational or competitive gymnasts reach their potential, while enjoying every aspect of our program. With such a strong gymnastic base, Greater Buffalo Gymnastics & Fitness Center welcomed Greater Buffalo Elite Heat All-Stars to the facility in 2007. Since then, our teams have been participating in local, regional and national competitions, placing at the top of their divisions, including earning National Championship awards in 2011. Along with our talented staff, enthusiastic athletes and dedicated parents, we look forward to a new season of Elite Heat Cheerleading, where “the fire begins!”