HILLSDALE HAWKS FOOTBALL & CHEER

2023 Cheer Expectations

Welcome to the 2023 Hawks Cheer Season!  We look forward to working with you and your child! Participation in Hawks Cheer provides children with an opportunity to perform in an organized, supervised, safety-oriented environment. Our program emphasizes FUN for all and encourages the development of qualities that will continue to be important long after children graduate from our program.

The Hawks Cheer Program is open to children entering 1^st-8^th grade. This year we will continue to welcome children in 3^rd-8^th grades from Montvale and Woodcliff Lake to our PeeWee, Junior and Senior Teams!  Please note that 1-2 grade children from Montvale and Woodcliff Lake are to register with Montvale Athletic League for the Flag Cheer Program based in Montvale.

Schedule and Time Commitment:

The information contained in this communication is meant to stress the time and personal commitment involved in this team sport.  Please note that our 2023 season will begin in August 2023!  The following information is meant to stress the importance that both cheerleaders and parents need to be aware of, when your child commits to joining Hawks Cheer.  We expect a high level of commitment for the team:

Safety check/Routine Clean-up will be on Tuesday, September 5, 2023 from 5-6pm for all levels.  This practice is mandatory as True All Stars will return to ensure the entire halftime routine (including stunting) has come together as expected, and no adjustments are needed.

Summer training dates with True All Stars are mandatory for all cheerleaders in order to fully participate in the half time routine.  Please reach out to Alison Fitzgerald (alison.mattessich@gmail.com) or Danielle McNair (mrs368@icloud.com) with any questions.

Please note that practices will be held 2x per week (usually Tuesdays and Thursdays 5-6pm at Memorial Field in Hillsdale; subject to change) beginning the week of 8/21/23.  Games will also typically take place 1x per week, typically on Saturdays, beginning in September through November.  A schedule for each team will be given prior to the season. They are subject to change due to school conflicts, and any issues with field use that may occur.  

Please note that practices and games should be considered mandatory as well. Once the season begins, if you must be absent from a practice or game, due to illness, school or religious reasons, you are to notify your Team Coach directly and promptly. Safety is our number one consideration. Each squad performs as a team – not as individuals. All cheerleaders are placed in a stunt group and if one girl misses, the entire stunt group cannot practice. Under no circumstances will a participant be allowed to participate in practice or a game without the required uniform, adequate practice participation and/or physician clearance to return to participation after an illness or injury.

Each year we typically participate in a Cheer Showcase. More information to come on this as the season gets underway!

Practice and Game Day Uniform:

Girls should arrive at all trainings and practices with appropriate attire. This includes appropriate athletic clothing, white (cheer) sneakers, and hair pulled back. 

Each cheerleader will be provided a game day uniform. The uniform will consist of a skirt, shell (vest), and bow. You child may also be provided with a jacket for cooler weather, depending on the age group. You must return all items, cleaned, at the end of the season. Uniforms that are not returned on the scheduled return date are subject to a replacement fee.

What to expect to purchase:

• Black Cart Wheel/Bootie shorts
• Black leggings for cooler weather
• Black Long Sleeve shirt for cooler weather
• All White athletic sneakers to be worn for games

Your cheerleader will be performing in all kinds of weather. It may be hot, cold, raining and even snowing.  Please plan for these conditions and know your cheerleader is expected to attend these practices and games (and stay to the conclusion) no matter what the weather or temperature, unless you are otherwise notified by your Team Coach.

Parent Expectations:

Please be cooperative and respectful of your coaches, both adult and student. All are volunteers! Parents, if you have concerns with any of your cheerleader’s coaches, please wait until after practice or game to address all concerns. Please encourage your child to say thank you to their coaches at the end of practices and games.

Parents are asked to volunteer or help throughout the season. It is extremely important that you partake in these volunteer opportunities so that we can run a successful program without having to raise the registration fee.  The current registration fee does not cover the entirety of the cheer’s operating budget. We require fundraising in order to have a successful, fun season and to keep the program going year after year.  Throughout the season, you will be asked to volunteer your time (bake sale, super bowl shake a can, golf outing, etc.). We appreciate each family participating in some capacity at one or more of these events!

We are looking forward to another successful Hawks season!  Thank you!