FAQs Cheer

 

San Diego Lady Bolts 2024 Cheer FAQs


General Questions

When does the season start?

  • Last week of July, Monday

  • July 22nd, 2024


How long does the season last?

3-6 months

  • Regular season July-October

  • Post/Playoff season October-November

  • Competition Season October-January (depending on team goals & competition placements)


What are the practice days/times?

  • Practice starts off 5 days a week

  • Typically practices are between the hours of 6-8pm, times may change depending on team needs (head coach or admin. staff will notify the team via the Band App)

  • First 2 weeks are conditioning weeks and cheer camp

  • Head coaches will provide team specific practice days from week 3 on

    • Expect 3-4 day practices

  • Additional practices may be added if needed (Competition practices/choreography)

  • Practices are mandatory- missed practices can result in dismissal from competition team


How do I register for the SD Bolts Cheer?

We have a completely online registration portal


How/where  do I go to volunteer to help the association or a team?

  • Please contact the person in charge of the position (a part of a team staff:assistant coach, team manager) you are interested in.

  • Email the association noting your interest (board and Head Coaching positions)

  • Complete the online application with SDYFC

    • Pass a background check through the SDYFC website

  • Complete the SD Bolts online Volunteer form

  • Complete all requirements for the specified volunteer position within the allotted time


Where do I obtain preseason workout information?


If my participant has a learning disability, custody issues, so on, who do I provide this information to?

  • Please discuss any issues that may interfere with the participant’s ability to fully participate with the Cheer Eligibility Director and or the Cheer Director at the time of document collection

    • Provide a copy of any documentation relevant or requested

  • Always inform the Head Coach and Team Manager


When are the football games/competitions and where are they located?

  • AYF games are held on Saturdays 

    • Additional games that are team specific with different game days may be added to the team (pre-season, season, post season) schedule. These games and all related information will be provided by the team coaching staff and/or the Team Manager

    • AYF games/competitions can be local, and may require minimal travel during the season and postseason. Postseason may require travel possibly to other states (regional and national competitions)

      • Additional games/competitions that are team specific (pre-season, season, post season) schedule may require travel. All related information will be provided by the team coaching staff and/or the Team Manager



Registration & Spirit Pack Questions

What is included within the registration fee?

Participation in the following

  • Practices for games

  • 8 regular season games (in and out of San Diego County/ game counts are provided by county -SDYFC)

  • Playoff game potential

Registration includes

  • Association fees

  • Permit fees

  • Insurance fees

Uniform Pack 

  • Shell (New Cheerleaders)

  • Liner (New Cheerleaders)

  • Skirt (New Cheerleaders)

  • Game socks

  • 2 bows (game, competition)

  • Cheer shoes

  • Set of game poms (New Cheerleaders)

  • Cheer bag with cheerleader’s name

  • Bloomer

Pink/October Pack 

  • Bow

  • Socks

  • Set of pink poms (New Cheerleaders)


What documents are required for registration?

All documents are required to be submitted by the given association deadline

New Cheerleader

  • Completed full contract

  • 2 proofs of residency (2 copies needed) in the registering adult’s name

    • Must be a utility bill

    • Rental contract or mortgage document

  • Passport size head shot of the participant (2 are required)

    • Nothing covering the face

    • Head to shoulders

  • Current Physical

    • Original required with wet signature doctor, doctor office wet stamp

    • Must be completely filled out

    • Must be currently dated as to cover the current football/cheer season

  • Completed Code of Conduct

  • Liability and Image waivers

  • Birth Certificate (2 copies)

  • Current year End of the School Year Report Card (2 copies)


Returning Cheerleader

Must be from the current association and most current year prior only

  • Completed full contract

  • Passport size head shot of the participant (2 are required)

    • Nothing covering the face

    • Head to shoulders

  • Current Physical

    • Original required with wet signature doctor, doctor office wet stamp

    • Must be completely filled out

    • Must be currently dated as to cover the current football/cheer season

  • Completed Code of Conduct

  • Liability and Image waivers

  • Current year End of the School Year Report Card (2 copies)


Does cheer have residency boundaries?

No, we welcome participants from all over San Diego county


What is a Spirit Pack?

  • A spirit pack is a package that includes cheer in season items and fees that are not indicated within the REGISTRATION fees. These additions may include, not limited to

    • Cheer camp fee (vary year to year)

    • Cheer Camp bow and shirt

    • Practice Clothes (worn throughout the season & postseason, special events/requests)

      • Usually, but not guaranteed

        • 2 shirts

        • 1 short

    • Warm-ups (tracksuit) - used throughout the season and postseason

    • Competition Choreography

    • Competition Music

    • Gym time (some, but not all) for competition

    • Extra team specific gear (directed by the head coach)

  • The spirit pack fee is NOT included within registration (intended to be a fundraiser)


Do I have to buy the spirit pack?

  • The spirit pack is HIGHLY suggested, so that no participant is left out and parts of the spirit pack will be needed throughout the season.

    • If  spirit pack items are not ordered together with the team, it  may result in missing item items, additional per item fees, so on for your cheerleader

  • Fee for the spirit pack is intended to be a FUNDRAISER, if parents/ families do not want to fundraise for it they can purchase it in full  by the deadline provided


Can parents pick what parts of the spirit pack they want?

No 

  • The full spirit pack will be needed if the participant is on the Sideline and Competition team

  • The competition items will be removed from pack if the participant is Sideline ONLY (if the full amount is fundraised the competition items funds will be banked on the cheerleader’s behalf- for Sideline Only Cheerleaders)



Registration Payment Plan Questions

Do you offer a payment plan for registration and uniform?

Yes

  • Please see the registration portal for the current registration and uniform fee

  • Please see the registration portal for the current payment plan breakdown

    • The EARLIER you register the more payment plan options there are

  • Payment plans are only via electronic auto pay (card on file at the time or registration)


How is the payment plan structured?

  • All payments are deducted automatically on the same time every month until the payment plan is fulfilled


What if I miss a payment?

  • Payment will be attempted 2 more times within the next 2 weeks

  • After the final attempt you will be removed from the payment plan FULL payment will need to be made (including any fees)

    • Fees may incur

  • Contact the SD Bolts Treasurer for additional information

    • Account update needs



Fundraiser Questions

Are fundraisers mandatory?

  • The only mandatory fundraiser is the association fundraiser indicated within the registration portal

    • Participation total $100 worth of raffle tickets

      • Tickets will be provided at the beginning of the season with a deadline to turn in ticket funds

      • All tickets MUST be bought out 

    • You may opt to buyout at the time of registration within the portal

      • Currently you can opt out by selecting the ticket buyout option within the registration portal

        • Opt out via the portal prior to the start of the season  is currency $75 

      • You may opt to buyout during the fundraiser time

        • Opt out via the portal prior to the start of the season $75

        • Opt out during the season with returned full books of tickets $75

        • Opt out during the season WITHOUT returning  the full books of tickets $100

  • All fundraisers are highly recommended and put together to keep costs low as possible for parents

  • Any team additions are expected to be covered for all those participating

  • Fundraiser funds are NOT the parent or FAMILY’s funds. Once turned in, fundraiser funds will be used toward team/participant/s needs established by the head coach and cheer admin staff


Where does fundraiser money go?

Fundraiser money is used for the following in-season expenses, but not limited to:

  • End of the season gathering

  • End of the season trophies/appreciation items

  • Competition needs (extra gym time, competition registration fees, travel/team activities, team specific needs, so on)

  • In season team needs


Who tracks and keeps the team/participant fundraiser funds?

  • Funds are required to be given to team business manager or cheer admin staff directly via CashApp/Venmo to the Lady Bolts specific cheer account ONLY

    • CashApp Account

      • SD Lady Bolts ($SDLadyBoltsCheer)

    • Venmo Account

      • SD Bolts Cheer SDUAA Cheer (@SDBoltsCheer-SDUAACheer)

    • Cash is the VERY LAST resort when turning in funds. 

      • If cash is given it is your responsibility to request a receipt at the time of the  cash exchange. We cannot request a receipt once the transaction/exchange  has been completed

  • All cheer funds sent via the cheer electronic payment methods or cash are funneled into an SD Bolts provided Cheer Bank account, specifically for cheer use. It does NOT go into any staff members direct account (even if a name is listed on the Venmo/CashApp). 

    • SDUAA/SD Bolts, or cheer admin staff will not be held liable if any individual funds are given to any individual (staff or not) that is NOT directly indicated for the specific fundraiser

    • SDUAA/SD Bolts, or cheer admin staff will not be held liable if any funds are given that did not follow the above procedure

  • Funds are tracked and viewable to the coaching staff (head coach), cheer admin staff, and current board members (Treasurer)

    • Parents can request information on fundraising efforts via a written request to the Cheer Director & SD Bolts Treasurer


What are the projected fundraisers?

  • Only those that participate will benefit from ANY team or individual specific fundraisers

  • Most fundraisers directly benefit your participant, some are split amongst the team

    • You will be notified if it is a team, individual, program, or association driven fundraiser

  • Some fundraisers are cheerleader driven and/parent led fundraisers

Fundraisers may include but not limited to:

  • Association Mandatory fundraiser

  • Padres Cheer Night Ticket Sales

Can I get a sponsor for my participant/team/cheer program?

  • Yes, Please contact the cheer director for more information


Can I just Venmo or CashApp funds to help cover costs throughout the season?

Yes

  • Any fund sent in are no longer yours they are fundraiser funds

  • Always indicate your cheerleaders name and purpose when sending funds

    • Be sure to note cheerleader’s first name and team and donation as the purpose


Can we buy-out of fundraisers?

Yes

  • You can pay out of each fundraiser

  • You can opt to pay for what is needed as it comes (communicate with your team business manager) other than the spirit pack as it is to be cleared at the start of the season


What if we don’t fundraise at all?

  • Your cheerleader will miss out on things the rest of the team will have or participate in that your registration fees do NOT cover

    • The team or staff is not obligated to back track if you initially do not purchase or fundraise for items or events during the specified timeframe given


What if my cheerleader is in the negative at the end of the season or mid-season?

  • Your cheerleader’s contract can be pulled (meaning they will not be able to participate until all owed funds are cleared)

  • Your cheerleader may lose the opportunity to participate in things such as but not limited to- end of the season gathering, team activities, cheer items that may be provided, removal from the competition team

  • Complete removal from the team, association, and/or the ability to participate at other associations (registration and uniform funds not cleared prior to or during the current season)



Uniform Questions

How often do cheer uniforms change?

  • Cheer uniforms selection is dependent upon the needs of the program and the vision from the current cheer director. Typically uniforms can change with each new director or typically every 2 years. Uniform changes can be due to availability and or uniform turn times season to season. 

    • Currently new uniforms were ordered for the 2023 cheer season

      • The same uniforms will be kept at least for the 2024 cheer season


How long does it take to receive uniforms?

  • Uniform turn times are historically based on the time ordered. 

    • Closer to June-Sept. Turn times takes traditionally 10 or more weeks

  • We do not dictate turn times

  • Turn times are determined at the time of the association's payment turned in to the uniform vendor.

    • Turn times may exceed the original turn time due to vendor issues

      • The association cannot guarantee, they are projections


When is the best time to place my uniform order?

  • The optimal time to place your order with sizing complete is in May, during the first fittings and the first order placement. 

    • Any time after the first order means uniform turn times will push back further and further


Can my chereleader’s uniform be ordered if she has fitted, but I have NOT paid for the uniform completely?

No

  • Your registration (Registration and uniform) fees through the registration portal MUST be at least 75% paid off prior to order placement


Can I get a refund if I want, if my cheerleader changes her mind, or we decide not to participate?

  • Please refer to the SD Bolts refund policy for refund timelines and ways to request a refund

    • Once the uniform order is placed NO refund will be provided 

    • If a uniform is ordered and you drop please contact the Cheer Director 


Why does it take so much longer for cheer uniforms to come in than football uniforms?

  • Cheer vendors have different turn times then football

  • Associations turn times are at the mercy of  vendors, quantity ordered, order ahead of your association’s order, so on

  • There are not as many cheer specific vendors as football



Coaching/Staff/Team Questions

Who will be coaching for the 2024 season and beyond?

  • Coaches and coaching staff will be selected by the Lady Bolts admin staff and head coaches every season

  • There are NO guaranteed coaching positions from year to year. Coaches can/may not be asked back for the following season

  • Coaching staff can include one head coach, up to 4 assistant coaches, trainers/demos, and team business manager/s. 

  • Staff can be male or female

  • Staffing will be assessed by the admin staff per the needs of the program

  • Head coaches are the leader of their cheerleaders and team staff


What is the chain of command for the Bolts Cheer program?

  • SDUAA- President (only if issues are escalated)

    • SD Bolts- President (only if issues are escalated)

      • SD Bolts Vice President (only if issues are escalated)

        • Cheer Director

          • Assistant Cheer Director/ Eligibility (if applicable)

            • Head coach

              • Assistant coaches

                • Team Business Manager/s




Are all staff members background checked?

All staffed adults have to complete the following

  • SDYFC application and background check

  • CPR class

  • Complete all required coaching certifications (coaches)


How are teams formed?

  • Teams and participants are grouped by age and skill. 

    • 5-6 year olds (flag)

    • 7-8 year olds

    • 9-10 year olds

    • 11-13 year olds

  • Participants can be waived UP at the discretion of the cheer admin staff at the beginning of the season. 

  • Participants will ONLY be waived down to join a team if there isn’t a team within their age bracket

  • Cheer teams may follow 1 or more football teams (up to the cheer admin staff and cheer head coach). 

  • Parents CANNOT pick what team, coach, or football team their participant will have/follow


What are the expectations of Admin Staff, Coaches, Team Business Manager, Parents, Participants, & so on?

  • Adhere to the codes of conduct (parent, participant, and staff)

  • Be respectful of each other

  • Participate in team needs/ meetings/activities

  • Positive attitudes

  • Provide a safe and welcoming environment

  • Follow the guidelines and rules laid out by SD Bolts, SDUAA, SDYFC, & AYF/AFC



Cheer Sideline vs Competition Team Questions

What are cheer season participation options?

Sideline ONLY

  • Participate in game ready practices

  • Participate in regular/post season games

  • Participate in regular season team activities (fundraisers, cheer camp, team bonding, team outings)

  • Cover ALL per participant fees associated with the team needs (could include, but not limited to- spirit pack, team activities, cheer camp)

  • Participate in a team end of the season gathering


Sideline and COMPETITION team

  • Participate in game ready & COMPETITION practices

  • Participate in regular/post season games

  • Participate in regular season & COMPETITION team activities (fundraisers, cheer camp, team bonding, team outings)

  • Participate in ALL TEAM REGISTERED COMPETITIONS (local and travel)

  • Cover ALL per participant fees associated with the competition team (could include, but not limited to- travel, spirit pack, hotel stays, registration fees, practice/gym time, team activities)

  • Participate in a team end of the season gathering

 

Will costs be provided to join and participate in the competition team?

Yes

  • Projected fees based on current fees or past year’s fees will be provided to all parents within the first 2 weeks of practice

  • Reminder of fees can be provided via the team Band app when appropriate


When do we have to decide if our cheerleader will participate in the competition team?

  • 3rd week of practice

  • If you choose to decline competition team, there is no changing your mind after you have submitted your selection

    • If other arrangements are made, that is only to be done directly with the acknowledgement and approval of the team head coach and cheer director


What does the competition schedule look like?

  • A list of available competitions will be provided within the first 2 weeks of practice

  • Competition season is traditionally from October-January


Can I pull my participant from the competition team when I want?

This is HIGHLY discouraged as pulling effects the WHOLE team not just your participant

  • You will forfeit any already paid or projected fees for the current competition

  • You may forfeit your deposit as the team may need major adjustments

  • Your participant CANNOT rejoin at a later date



Communication Questions

What is the best form of communication?

Download the BAND App- this will be the number one form of communication for the 2023 cheer season

  • All teams will have a team specific BAND group and an all parent BAND group

  • Parents can direct questions to the team business manager if needed (they are the first line of communication)

  • If a coach is needed please communicate BEFORE or AFTER practice, not during practice

  • If there are concerns with the team or program please contact the cheer admin staff (director or assistant director/cheer eligibility coordinator) or Milton directly via in person, call, text, or email.


Will there be parent meetings?

Yes, 

  • This first season parent meeting will take place within the first 2 weeks of the season (during conditioning wees)

  • The rest of the meetings will be as needed and can be called per team needs

  • Most meetings will be conducted by the team business manager coaches may join if not with the team


How can parents provide feedback?

  • A feedback survey will be sent to all 2024 SD Bolts cheer parents at the end of the cheer season

  • An email or conversation can be had with the cheer admin. staff or Milton and Coop directly. Please see the cheer admin. staff first



Miscellaneous  Questions

What may cause dismissal from the cheer program?

The following may cause removal from the cheer program… not limited to

  • Unsafe conditions/situations (participant/parent)

  • Constant aggressive behavior (participant/parent)

  • Behavioral issues from the participate that cannot be resolved

  • Constant disruption to the cheer program and goals (participant/parent)

  • Not abiding by the established rules, regulations, code of conduct, cheer contract, so on

  • Excessive missed practices and/or games

  • Outstanding balances


Why is cheerleading more than football?

  • For the most part it is not more expensive depending on the program 

    • Cheer is front heavy and we have different needs than football

    • Football teams may also have in season team needs and/or travel and tournament needs

    • Football fees do not include safety gear (pads, helmets, shoulder pads, cleats, and so on)

    • Football parents buy additional items independently or as a team. Cheer has to be more uniform with almost all items


Important Information

  • If you do not receive information directly from the Cheer Director, Assistant Cheer Director, your Head Coach, or Team Business Manager (under the direction of the head coach) it is NOT VALID

  • If information is not placed on the Band App, in text, messaging, or email it is NOT VALID

  • Seek information in regards to cheer, or team information directly from the Cheer Director, Assistant Cheer Director, your Head Coach, or Team Business Manager ONLY

  • This FAQ is a document that is continuously updated every year or so


  • REMEMBER our staff are ALL unpaid volunteers and we are ALL HUMAN, mistakes can happen

  • Please keep a positive upbeat spirit