CHEERLEADING PARENTS

Recreational Program
Ages 6 & Up

Why would I encourage my child to participate in the sport of Cheerleading?
“The Calgary STARS Recreational Program” is a wonderful opportunity for your child (boys and girls) to meet new friends, gain self confidence, have fun working in a TEAM environment and be physically active.   No experience is required.   The class will teach the fundamentals of athletic cheerleading: cheers, stunts, dance and gymnastics.

What is the commitment to the recreational program?
This program is recreational, however, it is a TEAM sport and it is important that the participants feel comfortable with their peers and learn the proper methods of performing stunts. For your child's own safety and that of their teammates, we strongly encourage that the participants attend each class unless ill.

What is the duration of the recreational program?
The program duration is 10 or 12 weeks long with each week consisting of 1.25 hours of practice time.

Does the class require special shoes, equipment, and clothing?
The participants will be required to wear clean, indoor running shoes – preferably white, and comfortable clothing in which they are able to dance, perform stunts, and do gymnastics (no jeans please).   There will be practice uniforms available to purchase but this is optional.   The participants will also have the opportunity to use the poms during practice and performances.

Do many boys get involved in the sport?
Boys are more than welcome to join the team and are encouraged to! Cheerleading is an incredibly athletic sport in which they can build strength, enjoy some great music and challenge themselves in avenues that they may not know they excel in.

Competitive Program
Ages 8 & Up

What is the goal of the Competitive Program?
The Calgary STARS strive to provide a competitive program that focuses on the athleticism of cheerleading and the positive aspects of the sport: FUN, fitness, the opportunity to perform and compete in front of a crowd, team work, learning the art of good sportsmanship and team camaraderie.

Why is there a mandatory attendance rule?
The Calgary STARS Competitive Program has put in place the mandatory attendance rule because Cheerleading is a team sport - all members play an important role on the team. The practices can be fast-paced and we want to give each team member the opportunity to learn the cheers, dances and stunts together.   If team members are not attending practice, the safety of the team is jeopardized as well as the final product.   If your child is ill or has previous school commitments please contact the office to notify the coaches of their absence.    Please note that practices prior to an event are always mandatory and team members must attend if they wish to participate in the event.

What is the cost of the competitive program?
The cost of the Calgary STARS Competitive Cheer Program is divided into 10 or 11 equal monthly payments, depending on the cheerleaders' summer attendance.  These equal payments include competition fees, workshops, guest instructors etc.  Contact the club to get the exact monthly payment cost.

Payment is taken in the form of post-dated cheques or credit card.  Credit card payments will be processed on the first business day of the month.

Unfortunately, we have had team members leave mid-season, leaving the team in a difficult position finding suitable replacements.  If one should choose to not continue with the team, the current month's payment will be charged along with two additional months.  This policy has been put in place to discourage cheerleaders and families from not fulfilling their team commitment.

Are there any other costs to the competitive program?
The Calgary STARS Competitive Cheer Program tries to keep the cost of the team as low as possible, however, there are additional costs that are not covered by the monthly fees.   Please note that some items are optional.