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Can anyone sign-up to play on a Panther team?
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Yes! We do have multiple registrations throughout the spring and summer. Our intent as an organization is to allow all kids
to play football or cheer - therefore, we create as many teams as necessary to compenstate our registered participants.
However, the more teams we try to field requires more volunteers to coach, administer, and help. Additionally, there are some
limitations at each level around age and weight and what is allowed. Those guidelines can be found in the bylaws listed on the Bill George website.
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How many games are played during the season?
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There are 8 games played each season, 4 home games which are played at Doerhoefer Park (Downers Grove) or Jefferson Junior High (Woodridge)and 4 away games. In addition, each team will cheer in one or two bowl games (practice games)prior to the Labor Day Kick off weekend.
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Do the girls compete in any cheer competitions?
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Each team participates in the BGYFL Cheer Competition held on 2 different Sunday�s in October. In addition each squad may participate in 1 additional competition during the season. There are additional competitions that teams may want to participate in up to and including the IRCA State Competition. These competitions will need to be paid for by the teams and are not included in the registration fees.
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When do the girls have practice?
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Practices are typically held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 � 8 pm. Additional practices can be added at the beginning of the season prior to school starting or during the season to prepare for competitions. |
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Where are practices held?
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Practices typically start at Ebersold Park (Main and 59th) in Downers Grove and then be moved to Memorial Park (Maple Ave between Main and Belmont) in Downers Grove starting in late August. The Park District dictates the dates after summer sports are completed. Dates are sent out as soon as we are informed of them. |
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What are the dates of season?
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The cheer season will start on July 27th and end in mid November unless the cheer team attends the State Competition. The exact date is dependant on how your child�s football team performs and when the end of the year parties are scheduled.
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What are my financial obligations?
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We generally offer early bird registration in March, and regular registration in April and May. The cheer package generally includes the following items: cheer skirt; cheer top; 2 piece warm-up; cheer briefs; cheer shoes; bow; and socks for competition,
but that may change from year to year. You will need to provide the following additional items: rain poncho or jacket; no show socks for games. Spiritwear will be selling rain ponchos or you can purchase them yourself. Each team also participates in a Homecoming Celebration. Each girl is also required to participate in a raffle of $100. Please visit the Fundraising Link on this page for additional information.
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What do I get for my registration?
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Registration fees pay for the following:
Cheer top and cheer skirt which is returned at the end of the season
2 cheer competitions, if available (1 BGYFL and a possible second)
All remaining items will be kept by the cheerleader:
Team Party including a trophy, a Panther T-Shirt
2-piece warm-up suit
Cheer Briefs
Cheer Shoes
Competition Socks and
Bow are generally provided each year. |
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I have heard Panthers may be in the Downers Grove 4th of July parade this year. What if my girl is not going to be here?
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The girls are encouraged to participate in the parades if their schedule permits. We do understand that these activities are in addition to cheering at football games and in competitions. It is a great way to promote the program, participate in the parade, and show the Panther Spirit.
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What if my daughter is not able to make every practice? |
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This is a sport. Each squad begins early in the season to develop a competition routine and the girls need to be at each and every practice. If you�re daughter is participating in another activity that will prohibit her from attending practices regularly you may want to consider if Panther�s is another activity she should be involved with. We want this to be a positive experience for everyone so please consider this when you and your daughter make the this commitment. |
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My daughter is very tiny�I hear that she will be a flyer then, is this true?
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The decision for each cheerleaders role is up to the coaches. Size is not the only factor. We will not have a girl be a flyer if she is not comfortable doing it. We will also not hold back someone else who is willing to try.
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It is my daughter's birthday, can I bring a treat? |
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Birthday treats are on a team by team basis. Please talk to your team manager and coach to determine if your team wants to allow birthday treats. |
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I have heard it is not encouraged to watch practices, when can I watch?
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Some of the girls (especially the younger ones) become distracted when their parents stay to watch during practice. We like to encourage parents to attend all of the football games and enjoy watching your daughter cheer on the sidelines and perform the halftime routine. Becoming involved as a coach or a team manager/administrator is also a great way to be at all practices and games with your daughter.
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What will be the vehicle of communication?
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We strive to have constant communication from the Panther Board and the team administrators. The overall program will use the website www.pantherjrfootball.org and email as primary communication vehicles. Each team will establish their own communication vehicle. We encourage email; phone; and paper communication depending on whether the entire team has email available to them. |
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I want to be involved with my daughter's team, who do I contact?
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Please contact the Vice President of Cheer at vpcheerleading@pantherjrfootball.org. This is a volunteer organization and we are always looking for extra help. Some of the positions available to volunteer for are: coach; team manager; team administrator; and registration help. All adults 18 and older are required to be ASEP certified (this is either a class the Panther�s have or is completed online) and complete a background check. |
