Cheerleading is a sport children of many abilities can participate in at school, within community groups and at national competitions. It also requires dedication from both you and your child. You should make sure before your child begins cheering that you are ready to stand alongside her as you both learn the rules and regulations.
Rules and Regulations
In the United States, cheerleading for children is governed by the U.S. All Star Federation for Cheer and Dance (USASF), as well as American Youth Cheer (AYC), a division of American Youth Football. These organizations oversee cheerleading rules and regulations for each level and age group. All cheerleading squads for kids are required to have membership in AYC, which expects documentation of age from every participant. Individual schools and regions also might have additional rules and regulations.
Age Groups and Levels
The U.S. All Star Federation for Cheer and Dance and American Youth Cheer have different definitions of age group and cheerleading levels. USAF has a Tiny Cheer category for those 5 and under, while AYC groups 5- to 7-year-olds into the Mitey-Mite category. The next division at USAF is 11 and under, followed by 14 and under. AYC divides those participants into three groups: 10 and under, 12 and under and 15 and under. USAF also breaks kids down to Level 1-5; AYC has only a Red Skill level and a lower Blue Skill level.
Parental Involvement
It is important for parents to support their children in cheerleading, but they must be encouraging and not hinder the experience of the child. Offer help to the team when possible and respect the coach's decision about the level of your involvement. Remember that cheerleading -- especially competitively -- is hard work and if your child does not want to do it do not push her into something that requires dedication.
School Cheerleading
In addition to regional and national competition for children participating in cheerleading, many schools offer the opportunity for girls -- and sometimes boys -- to cheer. Cheerleading teams typically will be around whenever a school has a basketball and/or football team. In junior high and high school, the cheerleading team often will be the same for both sports. If your child excels in cheerleading, she might be able to continue into college, where cheerleading scholarships are available at some universities.
Special Needs
American Youth Cheer offers a division for children with disabilities who wish to become cheerleaders. Kids as young as 7 can participate in a special needs group, in which a higher ratio of teachers to students is recommended. Routines are limited to two and a half minutes and stunting and tumbling are allowed for those children who are able to do it. The AYC Special Needs Division stresses helping children improve motor and social skills.
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