Cheer Handbook

Livonia Junior Athletic League (LJAL) Cheer

rev. January 2025

 

Operation

  • The LJAL Football and Cheer program is divided into four Units based on boundaries outlined at www.ljal.com:
    • Blue Jays
    • Eagles
    • Falcons
    • Orioles
  • The Cheer program is organized and overseen by Cheer Directors. The number of Cheer Directors per unit is determined by the needs of each Unit.

 

Cheerleader Expectations

  • Respect: Cheerleaders must be respectful to each other, Junior Coaches, Coaches, Cheer Directors, and Football Directors.
  • Game Attendance: Cheerleaders are required to cheer at all games, including sideline cheers and halftime routines.
  • Practice Attendance:
    • Attendance at every practice is expected. Cheerleading is a commitment that requires consistent participation for team success.
    • If absences, late arrivals, or early departures become frequent, a meeting will be held with Parents, Cheer Coaches, and Cheer Directors.
    • Continued attendance issues may result in the Cheer Directors deciding on participation for the next game day's halftime routine.
  • Community Support: Cheerleaders are encouraged to participate in community service activities, as schedules allow.
  • Have Fun!

 

Volunteer Requirements

  • Mandatory Participation: LJAL is a volunteer organization. All families are required to fulfill volunteer duties within their Unit each season to maintain veteran status.
  • Volunteer Roles: May include concession stand operations, field set-up/break down, clean-up, 50/50 raffle sales, and other duties as determined by each Unit.
  • Raffle Fundraiser: Participation in a mandatory raffle fundraiser within each Unit is required. Ticket sale requirements vary by Unit.

 

Uniform

  • Provided Items: Each cheerleader will receive a cheer skirt and shell for the season.
    • Items must be returned clean and in good condition at season's end.
    • If items are not returned or damaged, families will be billed for the total cost of the uniform.

 

Cheer Camp Pack

  • Mandatory Fee: A cheer camp pack fee is due at the start of each season, in addition to the LJAL registration fee. This fee covers items that are sized for each cheerleader and kept throughout the season.
  • Included Items:
    • Bow
    • Crop/Body Suit
    • Briefs
    • Cheer Shoes
    • Event T-Shirt
    • Cold Weather Item (e.g., sweatshirt or jacket)
  • Additional Items: Units may provide additional items at their discretion.

 

Cheerfest

  • Eligibility and Participation:
    • All cheerleaders enrolled in the LJAL Cheer Program are eligible for Cheerfest.
    • Participation is optional.
  • Purpose: Cheerfest offers cheerleaders a chance to experience cheer and pom at a competitive level.
  • Row Assignments: Determined by knowledge of the routine and overall performance as evaluated by the Cheer Coaches and/or Cheer Directors.
  • Practice Attendance:
    • Attendance at Cheerfest practices is mandatory.
    • Missing more than three (3) practices will result in removal from Cheerfest.
    • Individual Units may have additional attendance policies.

 

Rules

  • Compliance Requirements:
    • Follow Official SMYFA Cheerleading and Cheerfest Rules (available at www.smyfa.com).
    • Adhere to the LJAL Football & Cheer Codes of Conduct.
    • Comply with the LJAL Social Media Policy.

 

High School Camps (If offered)

  • Voluntary Participation: Open to all cheerleaders.
  • Purpose: Focus on fundamentals such as cheers, stunting, and formations.
  • Restrictions: Routines taught at camps are not eligible for use in Cheerfest competitions.
  • Facilitators: Camps are conducted by high school staff/students. LJAL adult coaches may assist if needed.

 

Coach Expectations

  • Practice and Routine Guidelines:
    • Follow approved practice plans and guidelines.
    • Teach fundamentals and routines, including:
      • Traditional unit cheers
      • Current season unit cheers
      • Family Day/Homecoming routine
      • Cheerfest pom routine
      • Cheerfest cheer routine
  • Music Selection:
    • Music for Cheerfest requires Cheer Director approval before routine creation.
    • Music must be age appropriate. Changes may be required if deemed inappropriate.
  • Certification and Training:
    • Attend Coaches Clinics.
    • Complete required online cheer coach certifications.
  • Communication: Notify Cheer Directors of any absence from practices or games.

 

Junior Coach Expectations

  • Selection and Approval: Cheer Directors select and approve Junior Coaches and determine their involvement level.
  • Participation Rules:
    • Junior Coaches are allowed at each level, with numbers determined by each Unit's needs.
    • Guidelines for attendance, dress codes, cell phone use, and code of conduct are provided by each Unit.
  • Responsibilities:
    • Assist in teaching skills to cheerleaders.
    • No disciplinary authority over cheerleaders.
  • Role Model: Junior Coaches serve as role models and are encouraged to enjoy their experience while positively influencing younger cheerleaders.

 

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