Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
What is PAFA Spirit Cheer ?
We are a cheer sports
program open to athletes in Grades
1-8. We cheer or perform at
football games in support of PAFA
Football
and teams compete in local
competitions. Our program is
designed to prepare athletes for
junior high and high school cheer or
poms.
The sport of cheerleading
includes sideline cheers, stunting, motions, jumps, halftime routines
and competition routines. It is open
to athletes in grades 1-8.
We have offered the sport of poms
and flags in the past. When offered,
they are open to athletes in grades
6-8.
Is this a competitive cheerleading organization?
We are a recreational sports league
for cheer .
When offered, our squads compete locally in
the Fall during our
season with an
additional opportunity to compete at
a STATE competition in December.
At what age can my athlete participate in PAFA Spirit?
PAFA Cheer is for athletes going
into grades 1-8.
When does the PAFA Spirit season begin?
Our fall season begins in
July. Practices are held two
to three
times a week in July and August and
once a week once school starts.
Regular season football games begin
in late August and go into the
beginning of November. Football
cheer will cheer the whole season
UNIFORM SIZING
When is my athlete sized for the uniform?
Uniforms are available for
sideline athletes in 3rd-8th grade. Athletes
are fitted during the first week of
practice. A uniform deposit check of
$125 must be received in order to
receive uniform.
What should my athlete wear for Sizing?
Cheer
shorts and a t-shirt .
What if I miss Sizing?
If your athlete misses
- sizing will be the
following week by appointment .
There is a $25 sizing charge for
this.
SUPPLIES
When do I purchase my athletes supplies?
Supplies are purchased on line. A
link will be provided in May or June.
When do I receive thesupplies?
Supplies are usually received
during the first week of practice.
UNIFORMS
What makes up the uniform?
The uniform deposit covers the PAFA skirt and the PAFA shell. The complete uniform is the PAFA skirt, PAFA shell, PAFA hair bow, white no show socks and white cheer shoes. In the winter, a PAFA
turtle neck crop top is worn as well
as PAFA warm ups, black ear warmer
headband and black gloves.
When does my athlete receive the uniform?
Uniforms are handed out during
the first 2 weeks of practice.
How should the uniform be washed and dried?
Uniforms can be washed in the washing machine in cold water, on the gentle setting. To preserve the uniform,
DO NOT PUT IN DRYER. Please lay both the shell and the skirt out flat to dry. Do NOT dry clean,
spot treat, or iron.
When should the uniform be worn?
Your athlete should always and only wear
the uniform to PAFA football games
and to competitions.
My daughters skirt does not fit right.
The skirts are designed to sit at the waist and this means at the belly button. Please make sure the skirt is pulled up to the belly button and then assess the fit. You should be able to put two fingers into the waist band.
The shell does not cover the stomach, should we have a larger size?
Shells get wider not longer as you go up a size. Please make sure the skirt is pulled up to the belly button and this should alleviate the problem.
We recommend a black camisole for
all girls so that the stomach does
not show.
What should I do if the uniform still doesn't fit right?
Please notify your squad's team manager and she will address the problem.
PICTURE DAY
When is picture day?
Picture day is scheduled for
early in the season. Information
will be provided during the first
week of practice. Make ups are
not available.
What does my athlete wear?
Your athlete will wear the
assigned PAFA uniform. PAFA shell, skirt,
boy shorts,
white no-show socks and cheer shoes.
Hair may be worn any way for
pictures.
SQUAD ASSIGNMENTS
Do you put multiple grade levels on the same cheer squad?
Based on registrations,
multi-age squads may be formed.
Do you honor special requests?
There is a place on the registration to note special requests. We try to honor special requests whenever possible however there are many other factors that determine squad placement and this may not always be possible.
How and when do I find out what squad my athlete is on?
Squad assignments are usually
emailed in July.
PRACTICES
How are the teams coached?
The teams are coached by high school cheerleaders under the
supervision of a PAFA Team parent. All practices are attended by PAFA Team
Parents
(volunteers from each grade level) to ensure the safety of all participants.
How many times per week will my athlete practice?
Teams will practice 2-3 times a
week. until school starts. Squads will
practice one day a week once school
starts.
When will I know what day(s) my athlete will practice?
Practice days are usually announced in July with your squad assignment
email.
They are subject to change in late
August/early September depending on
space availability and coaches
schedules although we try not to do
this.
What should my athlete wear to practice?
Your cheerleader should wear the
PAFA t-shirt or another close
fitting t-shirt, cheer shoes, and
cheer shorts. Long shorts are a
safety hazard for stunting and are
not allowed. Jewelry and earrings
are not allowed.
How should hair be worn?
All hair is to be tied back securely in a pony tail. Fly aways and bangs are not allowed. Please use flat push clips or
bobby pins.
COACHES
How do I communicate with my athletes coach?
All communication with the squad coaches is to be done through your squads Team
Parent or the PAFA Spirit President
BANQUET (when offered)
What is the banquet?
The banquet is an annual event
that is held to celebrate the
successful completion of the season.
When is the banquet?
The banquet is held in November
or January. Please see our calendar for exact date.
Is there a dress code?
There is not a dress code however the banquet is a celebration so
participants normally wear party attire dresses, skirts,
slacks, etc.
Are there assigned seats?
Tables are assigned by squad. Each squad will sit together and the parents of each squad will sit together.
Can more than one parent attend the PAFA banquet?
Yes, most of the time.
If I have more than one child participating in PAFA can more than one parent attend the PAFA banquet?
If more than one child is participating in PAFA then both parents can
definitely attend. The parents will be split up and each parent will sit at the table that represents each child's squad.
PARADE
Does PAFA Spirit participate in any Palatine parades?
We have participated in the St.
Patrick's Day Parade and in
the 4th of July Parade.
Participation is determined each
year. Information is provided via
email to parents.