📣 Squad Placement & Team Formation

Squad placement is determined by the Directors of Cheer. Squads are formed by grade level, with a maximum of 15 and a minimum of 12 cheerleaders per squad. No exceptions. Squad assignments will be shared via TeamSnap.

🔁 Returning Cheerleaders
Returning cheerleaders will most likely be placed with the same squad they were on the previous year, unless a request is submitted otherwise.

📊 Enrollment & Requests
Last year, our program welcomed our highest enrollment to date—475 cheerleaders! 🎉 While we are incredibly grateful for the enthusiasm and growth of our program, the high number of athletes makes fulfilling all team and teammate requests extremely difficult. Please remember that we are a volunteer-run program, and many of our volunteers have children participating as well. 💙

👯 Teammate & Coach Requests
Each registrant may submit up to TWO teammate or coach suggestions. While we do our best, placement is not guaranteed.

🏫 How Teams Are Formed
In general, teams are formed by school first and then by grade. This approach helps simplify practice days and times for coaches. As a result, some squads may include a wider age range of athletes.

🏈 Football Team Assignments
Cheer coaches are the only individuals permitted to select which football team their squad will cheer for during the season. Parent requests for siblings to cheer for specific football teams cannot be accommodated. Families who need children on the same schedule are encouraged to consider coaching.

Spirit Cheer Practices 📣

Spirit Cheer squads will practice one day per week for approximately one hour. Practices typically begin two weeks before the first game, with games starting the weekend after Labor Day.

Practice days, times, and locations will be determined by each squad’s coach in August, once rosters are finalized. We recognize that many cheerleaders participate in other sports and activities. Coaches will do their best to select a practice schedule that works for everyone; however, please note that coaches are volunteers and have the final say on scheduling.

Practice Attire 👟

• Comfortable clothing (no jeans)

• Sneakers (no sandals)

• Hair pulled back

• No jewelry, candy, or gum

• Bring a water bottle to every practice 💧

📣 Cheerleading & Game Information

Spirit Cheerleaders cheer on the sidelines of the Park Ridge Youth Flag Football teams. We are a non-competitive program, and tryouts are not required.

👯 Squad Composition
Squads are made up of a maximum of 15 cheerleaders. Teammate and coach suggestions can be submitted during registration, though placement cannot be guaranteed.

🏈 Game Schedule
Flag football games are held on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings/afternoons at six local Park Ridge parks. Games last approximately one hour.

Inclement Weather: We typically cheer in the rain. If the football players are playing, the cheerleaders are cheering. Games may be delayed or canceled due to lightning or strong storms. Head Coaches will communicate with their squad via email or text regarding canceled games.

✨ Uniforms

Park Ridge Spirit Cheerleaders wear Black, White, and Silver uniforms. Cheer tops and skirts are borrowed each season with a $75 deposit.

💳 Deposit Information

• Deposit must be provided by check only — no exceptions.

• Checks are returned at the end of the season once the uniform is returned in good condition.

Checks are not cashed; they will be returned or destroyed at the end of the season when both the top and skirt are returned in excellent condition. Each cheer squad will also have a team set of pom poms to use as needed. Spirit Cheer will hold a minimum of TWO uniform fittings, usually mid-May, and early August. It is your responsibility to attend a fitting. Athletes will leave with their uniform directly from the fitting they attend.

Other items typically needed for the season are black shortie-shorts, white sneakers, white socks, white long sleeve turtleneck, and black leggings for those cold weather days. These items are purchased by the participant.

🌟 Code of Conduct

Squad members are expected to maintain and uphold the reputation of the Park Ridge Spirit Cheerleaders through their behavior and squad spirit.

😊 Participants are required to be:

• Courteous

• Polite

• Friendly

• Positive, always trying to share a smile with everyone

📣 All cheers and chants must be positive and sportsmanlike, reflecting the values of our program.