FAQs

Can anyone sign-up for Wheaton Rams cheer?
Yes! Our intent as an organization is to allow all interested girls to cheer- therefore, we create as many squads as necessary based our registered participants.  There is a minimum of 10 and a maximum of 35 girls per squad.   There are normally 2 squads per grade, although it depends on the number of girls that register and the number of volunteers that step up to coach.

I want to be involved with my daughter’s team, who do I contact?
Contact Rams Cheer Board President Karla Coolidge if you would like to help out with your daughter’s squad.

What are my financial obligations?  
The early bird registration is $210 (prior to March 1st registration) and $230 after March 1st.  Non-Resident fee is $315 prior to March 1st and $335 after March 1st. You will need to purchase cheer shoes for approximately $35 at uniform fittings.  At your squad’s parent meeting (or by the beginning of July), $40 dollars will be collected by your coach for the squad’s “slush” fund.  This fund covers music, homecoming gifts, additional competitions, squad treats, etc.  Cheer spiritwear items (including: jackets, sweatshirts, shorts, t-shirts, pants, and cheer bag) are sold at the time of Uniform fittings – none of the items are required purchases.

What do I get for my registration fee?
Registration fees pay for the following: Cheer uniform including: skirt, cheer briefs, shell, bodyliner, poms and bow.  New uniforms with new designs are ordered every year due to the size of the program – it would be impossible to try and “re-fit” 250 to 300 girls every year.  The registration fee also pays for the Bill George league fees and Bill George competition fees. 

Do you have any fundraisers?
Yes, there is one mandatory fundraiser.   Details will be sent to every registered participant by April 1st.

What are the dates of the season?
The cheer season will start on July 1st and end in mid-November unless the cheer team attends the State Competition, which is the 1st weekend in December.

What if my daughter is not able to make every practice?
This is a sport. Each squad begins early in the season to develop a competition routine and the girls need to be at each and every practice. If you’re daughter is participating in another activity that will prohibit her from attending practices regularly you may want to consider if Rams is another activity she should be involved in. We want this to be a positive experience for everyone so please consider this when you and your daughter make this commitment.

Are practices mandatory? 
YES, ALL practices are mandatory! More than 2 unexcused absences will result in the cheerleader not performing at half-time for the next game.  More than 3 unexcused absences will result in the cheerleader not performing at their squad’s next competition.

What are considered excused absences?
Illness, death in family, religious education, and vacations.   Your daughter’s coach must to be informed of vacations at least a week in advance.

When do the girls have practice?
Practices are held 2 to 3 nights a week for 1 to 2 hours each night at the discretion of the volunteer coaches.  Additional practices can be added at the beginning of the season prior to school starting or during the season to prepare for competitions.

Where are practices held?
Practices will be held at Hubble Athletic Center as well as local parks during the summer.  After Labor Day, practices will be held at Hubble Athletic Center and Wheaton grade schools. 

How many games are required to cheer for during the season?
The squads are required to cheer at a minimum of 6 regular season games.  The home games are played at Graf Park and away games are played in nearby towns.  In addition, each squad may cheer in one or two bowl games (practice games) prior to the Labor Day Kick off weekend and playoff games in October and November.

I have heard that Rams Cheer may be in the Wheaton 4th of July parade this year. What if my girl is not going to be there? 
The girls are encouraged to participate in the parade if their schedule permits. We do understand that these activities are in addition to cheering at football games and in competitions. It is a great way to promote the program, participate in the parade, and show Rams spirit!

My daughter is very tiny. I hear that she will be a flyer then, is this true?
The decision for each cheerleader’s role is up to the coaches. Size is not the only factor. We will not have a girl be a flyer if she is not comfortable doing it. We will also not hold back someone else who is willing to try.

It is my daughter’s birthday. Can I bring a treat?
Birthday treats are on a team-by-team basis. Please talk to your team coach to determine if your team wants to allow birthday treats.

I have heard it is not encouraged to watch practices, when can I watch?
Some of the girls (especially the younger ones) become distracted when their parents stay to watch during practice. We like to encourage parents to attend all of the football games and watch your daughter cheer on the sidelines and perform the halftime routine. Becoming involved as a coach or a team mom is also a great way to be at all practices and games with your daughter.

What will be the vehicle of communication?
We strive to have constant communication from the Rams Board and the team coaches. The overall program will use the website -  www.wpdathletics.org/pgs/cheerleading and e-mail as primary communication vehicles. Each team will establish their own communication vehicle. We encourage email, phone, and paper communication depending on whether the entire team has email available to them.

When is the Mandatory Parent Meeting?
You will be informed by your coach on time and location of the squad’s Parent Meeting, which will be held prior to May 1st.