FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Why are we buying a jacket and shoes this year when we register? In the past, some Sponsors required that girls buy "extras" such as wind-suits, sweatshirts, jackets and other big ticket items, while some Sponsors did not require their squads buy anything at all. Shoes were uniform from squad to squad, but not for JTA as an organization. So girls and parents would show up at the field and see one squad "all decked out" while another squad might only be wearing the basics. It caused a some animosity among squads, and generated a lot of complaints from parents on both sides of the spectrum. Parents complained that their Sponsor's were making them spend too much on the "extras", while other parents complained that their squads didn't spend enough to look sharp. This topic was the number one thing the Cheer Board got feedback on when we did the surveys at the end of last season. Couple all these "extras" with the other squad expenses, and we had some parents paying close to $500 extra each season! So.... in an effort to cut down on the "extras" so that no one breaks the bank to participate in JTA, the Board decided to add shoes and jackets to the uniform requirement. No time was spared in negotiating the best possible prices on these products... we are getting a $72 Nike, but because of our quantities we are able to provide it to our girls for $50. Same thing with the jacket... it retails for much higher than we are getting it for. While these prices may still seem high to some, it is important to note that we require a quality cheer shoe that will not only offer good foot support, but work well for tumbling and stunting. The jacket is an all-weather jacket that girls can also wear to school. The Cheer Board believes that by having all JTA Cheerleaders wearing the same gear, our squads will maintain a uniformity and consistency that was lacking and it will cut down on "extra" costs in the long run for all parents. And, because girls wear their uniforms and shoes to school on Fridays as well as to Saturday games, it only makes sense that they represent JTA as a whole, not individual squads. And yes... we are going to roll the jackets into the Used Uniform Sale and Buy Back next year. So if your daughter out grows it, or decides not to cheer next year, you will have the option of selling or trading the jackets if they are still in good condition. |
What is the general timeline for Cheer and Pom?
February
Used uniform sale March Registration opens Uniform, shoe, jacket and camp gear fittings June Registration closes July Squad Placement announced Sponsors have beginning-of-season parent meeting Pom Camp Cheer Camp August Mighty Mite Camp Squads begin practice schedules First day of school Team assignments announced Game schedules released Football season begins Trojan Preview and JTA Run-on September Cheer Pictures October Homecoming Parade Fall Break Play-off game schedules released Play-off games begin November Academic All Stars report cards due Post-season finals End-of-season cheer parties Competition season begins for squads who wish to participate |
Who or what is the INFC?
JTA is a member of the Indian Nations Football Conference (INFC). The INFC governs, coordinates, and enforces by-laws and regulations for its youth football and cheer member organizations. JTA Football Coaches and Cheer Sponsors are required to attend a conference held by the INFC each year, where these rules and regulations are reviewed. The INFC is also the entity that schedules all our 3rd though 7th grade games, and coordinates the play-off brackets. JTA does not coordinate the game schedules and has no control over when game schedules are released, game times, or games that are scheduled over Fall Break or on holidays such as Halloween. JTA also has no control over schedule changes. Violation of INFC rules can result in fines, forfeiture of games, suspension of Coaches and Cheer Sponsors, and even probation for the entire member organization. JTA upholds and abides by all rules and regulations released by the INFC. JTA Mighty Mite teams are not part of the INFC, and therefore do not play other youth sports organizations. That is why JTA Mighty Mite teams only play each other. JTA does all the scheduling for our Mighty Mite teams. For more information about JTA, visit the Football website at:
www.JenksTrojanAthletics.org |
How can I make sure my daughter is on a certain squad or cheers for a certain team?
During registration, you may request if your daughter would like to be with a certain Cheer Sponsor or girls. Every effort will be made to put your child on the squad that you would like. HOWEVER, as with any youth sports organization, there are all kinds of factors that are considered for squad placement, such as the number of football teams we have and how many squads we need to cover them. We also have to consider how many girls are new and how many girls are returning, and the number of girls we have to create complete and balanced squads. Squad placement has nothing to do with skill level or popularity. Sometimes squads that have been together for years are split, parents request their daughters not return to certain squads, Sponsors don’t return, and sometimes there are so many factors to consider, that things just don’t work out as easily as we would all like. We would greatly appreciate parent cooperation when girls are not placed on requested squads. There is no political agenda or spiteful intention to keep girls away from their friends. All decisions are made based on the information at hand and what is best for JTA as a whole. Squad placement is final for the season once girls have been assigned to a squad. It is also important to note: There are no squads for specific Jenks campuses. We often get requests for girls to be placed on the squad that cheers for the “East Campus Team” for example. All football teams and cheer squads are made up of kids from all Jenks campuses. JTA represents Jenks as whole, not individual campuses. We request that parents view this as an opportunity for their children to get to know the other kids from the other campuses. All these Jenks kids will come together in Middle School, and will have the luxury of familiar faces awaiting them. Squads are assigned to teams once the Football Board announces how many teams there will be for the season. While every effort is made to allow returning squads to cheer for the same team as the year before, this is not always possible. Parent cooperation on this matter is greatly appreciated. |
How much extra should I expect to spend on cheer related items in addition to registration fees?
There are many squad expenses that come up. Some approximate examples of these expenses include, but are not limited to: Adding on to half-time routine music $60 (for music mixing) per squad
Providing handouts to squad members and parents $15 per squad Banners or a hoop for the players to run though $15 per squad First aid kit $7 per squad Cds and batteries $12 per squad Treats for football players $20 per squad Homecoming decorations and parade application fees $30 to $50 per squad End-of-season gifts for Cheer Coaches and squad members $50 to $65 per squad Turtlenecks $20 per girl Gloves $12 per girl Headband ear warmers $12 per girl Hair bows $8 per girl Rewards for cheerleaders $10 per girl Competition fees $30 or more per girl End-of-season party $10 to $20 per girl We suggest that Sponsors figure out their squad expenses, then divide by the number of girls on the squad, and ask each parent to contribute their daughter’s part. Expect to pay anywhere from $85 to $150 extra per child per year toward squad expenses. Parents are also expected to pay admission to games (cheerleaders in uniform get in free) and some younger squads may require a rotating snack schedule. And, just like school teachers, your Sponsor will find that she has spent some of her own money to make things special for the squad. There are always extra little things that add up, that most parents never even realize. |
Why is Cheer camp so far away and how did my daughter's squad time get chosen?
The Cheer Board makes every effort to plan a cheer camp that will not only meet the budget we have per girl, but will also provide us with the best facility, coaches and other requirements we have for each squad. Finding a facility that will shut down their regular business and allow only JTA squads to come in for a week, takes a lot of planning and negotiating. It’s not a decision that is made lightly or with the intention of inconveniencing our cheer families. Cheer Sponsors are given a variety of time slots to choose from, on a first come, first served basis. Sponsors then communicate with their squads what time camp will be for their squad. The exact dates for Cheer Camp are usually released by the end of March, although exact time slots are not always known that early. Cheer camp is always (and has always been) planned for one of the last two weeks in July. Mighty Mite Cheer Camp is always in August. It is often suggested that we handle our 3rd though 7th grade cheer camp the same way we do Mighty Mite Cheer Camp: by having it at the High School and having the High School Cheerleaders run the camp. While this approach works well for Mighty Mites, it is not applicable to the older grades that need a tumbling facility and professional instructors to introduce and teach the proper techniques for stunting, spotting, and stretching. Mighty Mites do not require the same level of instruction, as they do not participate in the more challenging aspects of cheer. What should my expectations for cheer camp be?
Mighty Mites attend camp that is conducted by The Jenks High School Varsity and Junior Varsity Cheerleaders. Camp is generally a fun way for each squad to get to know each other, learn some new cheers, be introduced to the Jenks Fight Song dance, and to learn the beginning of a half-time routine. Once regular cheer practice begins, girls will continue to learn new cheers, learn the Fight Song dance in it's entirety, and continue to add-on to their half-time routine. 3rd though 7th grade squads attend camp to work on proper technique for stunting, tumbling, stretching, conditioning, and the beginning of a half-time routine. Cheer Coaches are encouraged to attend camp with the girls to make sure they also learn the proper techniques, spotting, and half-time routine as well. Once regular cheer practice begins, more focus will go into learning cheers (and brushing up on cheers learned in previous years) as well as the Fight Song dance. Adding on to the half-time routine will also be a big part of cheer practice after camp has been completed. |
Why do parents and siblings have to pay to get into the games?
While it may seem like JTA is making loads of money from registration fees, it is not. Your registration fees only cover the basics: uniforms, camp gear, shoes, trophies, processing and supplies. The money you pay at the gate goes into field maintenance, clean-up crews, electricity, trash and sewage, payment to referees, announcers, Cheer Coaches, concession stand maintenance, insurance, and so much more. If at anytime you would like to see exactly how the money is spent, just contact a Board Member. Both the Football and Cheer Boards try very hard to keep costs reasonable so that every family can participate in JTA. Businesses are invited to become “Banner Sponsors” by buying space along the JTA Field fence to advertise their products and services. The money generated by the support of these businesses help to defray the costs of the JTA program for our families. To become a Banner Sponsor contact
Kelly Roberts, JTA Fundrasing Director trojanstorage@netscape.net |
My daughter really wants to cheer,
JTA provides scholarships for those who qualify for financial assistance. Contact your JTA Grade Rep for more information and a scholarship application.but I don’t think we can afford it… help! |
Tell me more about the used uniform sale…
This uniform sale is GREAT for new girls to JTA and girls who have outgrown their uniform from the previous year. Used skirts and shell tops will be bought back, and then resold to at a discounted price. It’s great way to save money on the season ahead! An exact date and time for the next used uniform buy-back and sale will be announced. Why do we have new uniform fittings in March if football season doesn’t begin until August?
All uniforms are custom made for each girl by Varsity Spirit, and due to the volume of orders they receive from across the nation, they need about 3 months to turn around our orders. We have considered other vendors for uniforms, but Varsity Spirit has the highest quality uniform at the best price that meets all our specifications, especially consistency in color, style and durability. We advise that you allow some “growing room” when fitting your daughter in to insure a proper fit by August.
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What is the role of the Cheer Sponsor?
The Sponsor is the responsible adult in charge of the squad; she will coordinate and supervise, foster teamwork and cooperation from the Cheer Coaches, cheerleaders, and parents. She will try to create an atmosphere of constructive correction and positive reinforcement when the girls are learning new techniques.The Sponsor is responsible for selecting the location for cheer practices. Some sponsors prefer to have practice at a school, church or park, while others prefer to have it at her home. The Sponsor usually selects the time for practice based on the availability of the Cheer Coaches. Sponsors should have a set schedule for practice location and time, with no cancellations unless there is an emergency. You should expect your Cheer Sponsor to supervise all practices and games and intervene when necessary to keep things organized and running on schedule. Your Sponsor should be making sure that her squad follows all JTA and INFC rules, and makes sure they are enforced. Click on the tabs to the left for the Guidelines, JTA Regulations and Stunting Rules for more information. Your Cheer Sponsor will select two Coaches from a list of girls who have either been in JTA cheer when they were younger, or are currently in Jenks High School Cheer or Pom. These Coaches are paid $10.00 an hour by JTA. Your Cheer Sponsor oversees the Coach budget, and makes sure that the Coaches are staying on task by collaborating with them about the goals for the squad. The Cheer Sponsor is also responsible for providing you with a squad roster and other information as it is announced by JTA such as photography dates, the Trojan Preview event, and Homecoming Parade details. She will collect report cards from members on her sqaud who qualify for the JTA Academic All-Stars . Your Sponsor will also decide and coordinate extra cheer gear, squad expenses, competition paperwork and all aspects of the squad including the end-of-season party. Some Sponsors even coordinate extra tumbling classes for the whole squad, but this is not a requirement. Many Sponsors request the help of their cheer parents to facilitate certain aspects of the season, so if you are available to help, let your Sponsor know! All Cheer Sponsors are non-paid volunteers, who have been certified by the National Youth Sports Association (NYSCA) by taking a clinic and signing a code of ethics. JTA also conducts a background check on all Cheer Sponsors and Football Coaches. If you are interested in being a Sponsor, download an application
by clicking here: JTA VOLUNTEER APPLICATION What is the role of the Cheer Coach(s):
Cheer Coaches will be teaching the girls cheers, chants, the Jenks Fight Song dance, and adding on to the half-time routine learned at cheer camp. Cheer practice is and should be, a lot of repetition. Good Coaches recognize when certain moves are not coming together and make changes to accommodate the strengths of the squad along the way. If parents or girls have a problem with one or both of the Cheer Coaches, this should be discussed with the Sponsor after the practice or game and not during. As with all teenagers, Cheer Coaches sometimes have other obligations that may prevent them from attending practice and/or games. Communication between Coaches and Sponsors is imperative so that Sponsors can step in with “coach duties” when needed.
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Why can't my squad cheer more
All game schedules for 3rd through 7th grades are coordinated by the INFC. JTA football teams in grades 3rd though 7th grades play other youth football teams, and traveling to away games is just part of the program. If the boys are playing, the cheerleaders are expected to cheer, rain or shine, away or at home.at the Jenks Fields? Why can’t we get a sound system, announcer and scoreboard at the Track Field?
JTA does not own the Track Field; it belongs to Jenks Public Schools. We are guests renting this field and have no control over the amenities at this field. We generally use this field for Mighty Mite games because the High School Stadium and JTA field are booked with our 3rd though 7th grade games. Every effort is made to allow each Mighty Mite team a chance to play at least one game at either the High School or JTA Field per season.Will my daughter’s squad go to competition?
Participation in competition is at the discretion of each Cheer Sponsor. Going to competition is a great way to extend the cheer season and create a fun team building experience for squads who wish to participate. JTA will pay up to $20.00 per girl for one competition per season. Preparing for competition may require extra cheer practices and commitment on the part of the cheerleaders, parents, and the Cheer Coaches involved. Click on the Competition Info tab to the left for more information about going to Competition.What if I feel like I’m not getting all the information I need during the season?
Always check this website. It will be as up-to-date as possible. Announcements and upcoming events will be listed on the home page. There are also links and downloads for just about everything you could possibly need while participating in JTA cheer and pom. You can also call or e-mail your Sponsor or contact a Cheer Board member. We all want you to be informed and know what is going on, so if you feel you’ve missed any information, please don’t hesitate to contact someone, we are all here to help you.Who do I contact if I am having issues with my Sponsor or squad?
First, always go to your Sponsor if you have any concerns and try to resolve them with her. If you feel that the problems continue or cannot be resolved, you can contact your JTA Grade Rep, who can advise you on how to handle the situation. You are also always welcome to contact any of the JTA Cheer Board members. A complete list of the JTA Cheer Board can be found right here on this website.
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