2026 MASCO YOUTH CHEERLEADING

Masco youth cheer is open to all children entering grades K-8 in the fall.


TEAMS:
Teams will be broken up into 5 different divisions.  Each division is split into sub-divisions based on size and level. Teams will be assigned sometime during the month of June or early July. 

U6 athletes ages 5 and 6 in grades K and 1

U8 Cheer - athletes ages 5,6,7,8

U10 Cheer - athletes ages 7,8,9,10

U12 Cheer - athletes ages 9,10,11,12

U14 Cheer - athletes ages 11,12,13,14

**Age of divisions is determined by the Childs age of 7/1/26**

Local Competition Teams - Teams will participate in at least one to two invitationals and the NCYFC Local Championship. Additional invitationals may become available.

National Track Teams - Will compete in at least one to two invitationals, the NCYFC Local championship and the opportunity to Progress to states, regionals and nationals. Commitment contract required.

PRE-SEASON SUMMER SCHEDULE:
The AYC regular season begins 7/1.  Once teams have been assigned, coaches will reach out to their teams directly with their pre-season schedule for conditioning and outdoor practice dates/times.  Please be aware that each teams schedule may be different.  Camp will be mandatory for all teams 7/27 - 7/30 5-7pm.

PRACTICE/GAME SCHEDULE:

• Regular practices will be held at Sports Plex on RT-1 in Danvers, and will begin in August.  Teams will practice 2-3 times per week (depending on grade and mat availability) at 1.5 to 2 hours each practice.  

**Practice schedules will be finalized and sent out sometime in late June or early July**

• Games alternate between Saturday and Sunday.  This schedule will not be available until sometime late August.  As soon as the schedule is released to us, we will release it to the teams.  

FINANCIAL OBLIGATIONS
The registration Fee covers the cost of Cheer Bows, competition fees, and administrative costs to run the program.  The fee also covers the cost to rent our practice space for the season.

Registration DOES NOT cover the following required uniform items

• Uniform - This season we will be introducing a new updated and sparkly uniform for all of our teams.  Uniform cost will roughly $200, and consist of Top and skirt with shorts built in.
  
• Red Holloway Hooded Jacket (Required for 3rd Grade forward) - MUST BE ORDERED THROUGH SEWFORTH
• Cheer sneakers  (can be ordered anywhere, but MUST be WHITE CHEER SNEAKERS)
  
• Black Athletic leggings
• White NO SHOW socks

If your cheerleader has previously purchased items that match the current year requirements, still fit, and are in good condition, these items do not need to be purchased.


**Uniforms must be pre-purchased online prior to uniform fitting at the website address that will be sent in the coming weeks**

  **At the beginning of the season, coaches for each team may collect a designated amount (not to exceed $100) from each child on the team.  This amount will be used to cover various costs that each team will encounter individually throughout the season. Some of these costs may include, team accessories, competition music, choreography, additional practice space rental prior to competition or to hold choreography extended hours, pizza parties and/or snacks,  end of the year banquet gifts for the team, etc.  More information regarding this will be communicated by the individual team coaches.**

COMMITMENT 
Cheerleading is a unique sport in which each athlete's safety is dependent upon teamwork, trust and responsibility of the whole team. Attendance is essential to the success of each season.  Due to the nature of the sport, a practice missed by one cheerleader has a significant impact on the team, particularly on that cheerleader's stunt group, who are unable to stunt without every member present.  It also takes away from the other athletes when a coach has to step out during practice and teach what was missed.  
Any absences must be excused by the head coach BEFORE practice is missed.  Exceptions MAY be made for illness, family emergency, etc at the coaches discretion.  Coaches MUST be notified PRIOR to practices or games. THERE WILL BE NO EXCUSED ABSENCES THE WEEK PRIOR TO COMPETITIONS.  Failure to comply with attendance policy may result in the removal of competition routine. 

NON NATIONAL TEAM ATTENDANCE POLICY:
Cheerleaders will be allowed 2 unexcused absences for the entire regular season; Any absences must be excused by the head coach BEFORE practice is missed.  Exceptions MAY be made for illness, family emergency, etc at the coaches discretion.  Coaches MUST be notified PRIOR to practices or games. 

**Please note, any absence from October 1st through December will require a doctor’s note.**

Once the cheerleader exceeds 2 unexcused absences, they may not be eligible to participate in cheer competitions, however they may continue to cheer for games only. In addition, any absence the week before a competition could result in the athlete being unable to participate in that competition.

Games:
We expect full attendance at all games

NATIONAL TRACK TEAMS:
Teams on the National Track will be striving to compete at the State and Regional events, with the goal of earning the right to travel to the AYC National Championships in Kissimmee, Florida, from December 1st - December 6th. It is essential that we have full commitment from our athletes and their families to attend all required events.

ATTENDANCE POLICY:
To ensure the success of our teams, please note the following attendance policy for the National Track season:

• Unexcused Absences: Cheerleaders are allowed 2 unexcused absences from August 17th through September 30th.
• October/November Absences: Any absence in October or November MUST be excused and will require a doctor’s note.
• If a cheerleader exceeds 2 unexcused absences or is removed from the Nationals team due to behavioral concerns, they will still be able to cheer for games but may not be eligible for the Nationals team.

**Please understand that the attendance policy will be strictly enforced. Your child’s ability to participate in the National Championship will be dependent on meeting these requirements.**

COSTS AND FUNDRAISING:
Should the teams on the National Track earn the right to compete at the AYC National Championships, it will be a self-funded trip. In preparation, Masco Youth Cheer will be raising funds to assist with travel expenses. All cheerleaders are expected to participate in fundraising activities to be eligible for these funds.  

COMMITMENT AGREEMENT:
By agreeing to travel and compete at the National level, you and your family commit to the following:

• Your cheerleader will follow the attendance policy and understand that limited exceptions will be made for the Nationals teams.
• Your family agrees to adhere to the Code of Conduct signed upon registration.
• Your cheerleader will participate in ALL competitions, including States, Regionals, and Nationals.

A $100 Check deposit is required to confirm your commitment and must be submitted with your AYC paperwork and National Track commitment contract. This check deposit will be voided at the end of the Nationals season, provided your child meets the requirements and completes the entire season.

However, if your child does not fulfill Locals, States, Regionals, or Nationals commitments, exceeds the maximum allowed unexcused absences, or is removed for behavioral concerns, the deposit will be forfeited.