The Hillsborough Jr. Raiders recreation cheerleading squads are organized into three catagories based on grade. Below, please find additional information on each age group.
Flag (K-2 grades): Flag cheerleaders will cheer for flag football games on Saturday mornings at the Triangle Football complex or a nearby location. There also may be occasional weeknight games under the big lights at the Triangle Football complex. The Flag cheerleading squads practice at the beginning of the season (mid-late August and early September) where they will learn their halftime dance and routine for their Cheer Rally performance at the Hillsborough High School with all of the Jr. Raiders squads in October.
K / TP – Itty Bitty
1st Grade – Flag
2nd Grade – Jr. Pee Wee
Pre-Comp (K-2 grades): The Pre-comp squad is offered to children who may be interested in the competition cheer program upon reaching 3rd grade. The pre-comp team gives families a chance to "try on" competition cheer and see if it's a good fit for them.
The Pre-Comp cheerleading squad practices at the beginning of the season (mid-late August and early September) as well as once a week until early December. This squad will perform at the Cheer Rally at the Hillsborough High School with all of the Jr. Raiders squads in October as well as attend around 2-3 competitions with the competition cheerleading squads between October-early December.
AYC (3-8 grades): Cheerleaders in grades 3-8 will be part of the Patriot division and will have games on Saturday afternoons. Home games are at the Triangle Football complex. Away games will be held at various locations within the Patriot football conference. The Patriot cheerleading squads practice at the beginning of the season (mid-late August and early September) where they will learn their halftime dance and routine for their Cheer Rally performance at the Hillsborough High School with all of the Jr. Raiders squads in October.
Teams are configured by grade and subject to change per registration numbers and director’s discretion.
3rd Grade – Pee Wee
4th Grade – Biddy
5th-8th Grade – Sr. Rec
*Grade levels may be combined at the director’s discretion.
Patriot/Flag Practice Policy
Because we have limited practice time, attendance to all practices is extremely important. It makes it very difficult for dance and cheers to be taught if attendance is not at 100%. Coaches may call extra practices if necessary. All practices are to be held at Triangle Field, no exceptions. It is up to each coach to determine if a cheerleader is ready to participate in the half time routine. Cheerleaders missing multiple practices during the scheduled practice weeks may be asked to wait on the sidelines until the coach feels it is safe for them to participate in the halftime routine. All cheerleaders will be allowed to participate in the sideline cheers. Cheerleading is a team sport. One of the important lessons cheerleading has to teach is teamwork. Please make every effort to be a good team member and make all practices.
Patriot/Flag Practice Gear
Cheerleaders should wear clothing that allows them to stretch comfortably and move without restriction. Jewelry of any kind is not allowed - this includes earrings and string jewelry. Please bring a water bottle to all practices. The coach will determine if poms are necessary for practices. All cheerleaders must wear their cheerleading sneakers at practice. You are responsible for your belongings. Please LABEL EVERYTHING.
Patriot/Flag Cheer Shoes
All Cheerleaders are required to wear white leather Cheerleading Sneakers. Village Shoes carries a large supply of cheer sneakers and offers discounted pricing to Jr. Raiders but may be purchased at any store that carries cheer sneakers.
Uniform
Uniform fittings are held in May each year. At that time uniform samples can be fitted to each cheerleader and ordered for delivery in August. If your cheerleader misses uniform fittings please contact the cheer director to arrange for a uniform for your child. The current recreation game uniforms were introduced for the 2017 season. We anticipate approximately 3-4 years with this uniform.
Games
We will cheer in a light rain provided that the field conditions allow for a safe cheerleading environment. This decision is made by the Cheer Director.
Cheer Rally
This event is held at the Hillsborough High School in mid-October. Each squad will perform a cheer and their half-time routine for family and friends.
Medical Form
This form must be turned in prior to the start of the first practice. NO CHEERLEADER WILL BE ALLOWED TO PRACTICE UNLESS THESE FORMS ARE TURNED IN TO THE COACH. They will be allowed to observe practice from the sidelines until the forms are handed in. Medical forms must be given directly to the coach or the cheer director.
