Cheer Frequently Asked Questions
Who can participate in IYF Cheer?
Cheer is open to students entering 3rd - 8th grades living within the Issaquah High School boundary.
When does the season start and how long is it?
We are an intensive 3.5 month program. Our first three weeks are a critical learning period. We understand we will have cheerleaders involved in others sports during this time period. We need strong communication from these individuals about their other commitments. Coaches will evaluate each of these cases on an individual bases to make sure the individual cheerleader is successful as well as their squad.
Our season is August - mid-November. Youth football will play 9 total games, all on Saturday’s, leading up to the playoffs. We will cheer in the playoffs for our football teams that continue and play on home field or nearby away games.
Practices for ALL CHEERLEADERS (New and Returning) will begin August 11 (Monday). There will be 4 practices per week for the first 3 weeks (Mon-Thurs). The week of August 29 we will begin 2 times per week practices. Practices will be in the evenings for 1-1/2 hours. Exact times and locations TBA once schedule of fields is released).
What are the program's expectations through the season?
This program is intensive and we have a strong community of families who return each year. This sport requires a lot of parental involvement to be successful. We expect our cheerleaders and families to be committed through the full season, prioritize attendance and punctuality, assist with team needs, and attend games to support the squads.
Each cheerleader and parent sign a Season Code of Conduct R which provides clear expectations from coaches, and the program.
As a cheerleader, you represent the spirit, values, and pride of this community. We expect our cheerleaders to be responsible, respectful, kind and positive, and team focused.
What squad will they be on?
The cheer team will be divided into squads which will cheer for the football levels of: Rookie, Cub, Sophomore, JV and Varsity. 3rd – 5th grades will be divided to cheer for the Rookie, and Cub levels and the 6th – 8th grade cheerleaders will be divided to cheer for Sophomore, JV and Varsity levels. Our goal is to make sure each Issaquah Youth Football team has cheerleaders present for all home games . All squads will be supervised by a qualified coach.
Who coaches the cheerleaders?
The Coaches are parents and community member volunteers with a passion for cheerleading. All coaches complete a thorough background check, and the program directors are cheer stunt certified through WIAA. No cheer experience is needed to coach, we welcome any volunteers.
What is the cost of the program?
Our program is competitively priced with other rec cheer programs in the area. Our registration covers uniforms, equipment, practice gear, field rental space, and other admin needs for the program. New cheerleaders in the program can expect around $600-$800 to join, but returning cheerleaders have less expenses without needing new equipment and uniform pieces year after year.
How many summer practices does my child need to attend to perform at the first game?
Most curriculum is covered during summer practices so attendance is vital to be season ready for the first game. All cheerleaders can miss up to 2 practices during summer training to still perform at the first game or event.
How many practices does my child need to attend during the season?
Once school begins and our football season starts, cheer practices are reduced to twice a week. Each cheerleader is given two free passes to miss any practice during the season. These free passes can be used for school, family, social engagements, etc. Any absences beyond these 2 passes (including illness), the cheerleader will receive a game day consequence. For each missed practice, the cheerleader will sit out of the next game for 1 quarter. (example: 2 practices missed are 2 quarters sitting out)
What is the refund policy?
Registration fee is non-refundable. Uniform fee will be refunded prior to order being placed (June 1).
CANCELED SEASON: Should the season be canceled prior to the first practice, the registration fee will be refunded. No uniform fee will be refunded after June 1, but cheerleaders will receive the items they've ordered.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Send an email to cheer@issyfootball.org.