Bethlehem Pop Warner

Welcome Bethlehem Pop Warner Cheer Parents,

My name is Bridget M. Cooke and I am the 2010 BPW Cheer Coordinator. I wanted to take a moment to introduce myself and to welcome you to the 2010 Season of BPW Cheerleading. Our season is right around the corner and we are looking forward to another fun & exciting year!

Practices

Our season will begin on Monday, August 2nd at 6:00 pm at Hamagrael Elementary School. Throughout the month of August, practices will be held Monday through Thursday* from 6 to 8 pm. at Hamagrael. (*After the first week, Cubbies and Mitey Mites do not practice all 4 days). The first week the girls will all practice together for the first couple of days before breaking off into squads. Once the school year begins, practices will be held 2-3 nights a week at a local school gym. Your Head Coach will determine your practice schedule.

Inclement Weather

Although we generally practice (and cheer) in the rain, practice may be stopped or canceled in the case of heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning. You will be contacted via phone or e-mail by one of your team representatives informing you of a cancellation. If you do not hear from someone, please assume that practice is still on. If threatening weather is in the forecast, please stay at the practice or at least close by; if severe weather does occur, your child will need to be picked up ASAP.

Games

Games begin the first weekend in September and the schedule gets posted at the end of August. Check this website or the Capital District Pop Warner website for information and game schedules. All cheerleaders must arrive at the field 1 hour before game time. Parents should be present for all games and are expected to volunteer 1-2 times at our concession stand for home games. A rotation schedule will be created once the game schedule is available.

Competition

Our first competition will be October 10th at the Glens Falls Civic Center. This competition is for all squads, but Cubbies and Mitey Mites do not advance after this date. Our girls at the Jr. Pee Wee level and above will have the opportunity to move on to further competitions if they qualify, with a chance of making it all the way to Disney World in December!!! It can be a long season but it is VERY exciting for all involved!! (Admission Tickets for competitions range from $15-30; travel expenses can occur if team advances).

Attendance

It is important that all participants try to make it to all practices. Our coaches will be working very hard to create routines for the upcoming season and competition. Within a competition routine, each child is assigned to a designated spot and there is a lot of movement into different formations. If your daughter is continually absent, three things occur: 1) she will not get the practice she needs to know the routine and where she is supposed to be; 2) the other girls get thrown off because they often determine their spot by looking see who is next to them; 3) coaches become uncertain whether the child will be participating in the competition, making it difficult to prepare the final routine. Therefore, for the safety and enjoyment of all involved, please make every effort to get the girls to all practice and games.

Conduct

Pop Warner was designed to be a fun learning experience to help instill team camaraderie in our children. For this reason we implement a NO TOLERANCE policy. Bullying and harassing will not be tolerated. Please review this with your child so that this incident does not occur.

Attire

For all practices and games, jewelry and nail polish are not permitted and hair must be worn up or in a ponytail. Girls should bring a water bottle to all practice/games. Practice attire is shorts, t-shirts and sneakers.

Game attire is the full cheer uniform:

* The shell (top) and skirt are provided by BPW and will be distributed in August. (A $100 deposit check will be collected for each uniform. This check will not be cashed and will be returned to you when your daughter’s uniform is turned in at the end of the season).

* The following uniform items must be purchased – prices are approximate: Sneakers-$40; Bloomers-$20; Bodysuit-$20; Jacket-$65 (jacket not required for Cubbies/Mitey Mites).

* Each girl will receive a hair bow.

On July 22nd we will be holding our first sneaker/apparel date at Bethlehem Town Hall 4:30 – 7pm. You will be able to purchase your daughter’s sneakers and bodysuit and place your order for bloomers and jackets. (The jacket will have your daughter’s name embroidered on it). Preferred payment is cash or credit card. *A Varsity representative will be present.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and support throughout the season!! I am really looking forward to working with all of you! I know this may seem like a lot of information at once. If you have a question or concerns, feel free to contact me!

Go EAGLES!

In Spirit ~

Bridget M. Cooke

cheer@bpwfootball.com

SAVE THE DATE! (details to follow)

July 22, 4:30pm-7pm - Bethlehem Town Hall: 1st Apparel/Sneaker Night

July 30, 4:30pm-7pm - Bethlehem Town Hall: 2nd Apparel/Sneaker Night

August 9, 6pm–7pm - Hamagrael: LAST Apparel/Sneaker Night (Can’t guarantee prompt delivery of bloomers and jacket if you order on this date).

August 1, 7pm-9pm - Hamagrael: Paperwork night

August 2, 6pm-8pm - Hamagrael: First night of practice

September 2 - Elm Ave Town Park: Pep Rally

October 3: Applebee’s Pancake Breakfast Fundraiser