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When is registration for the 2022 cheer season?
Registration opens April 1st.
What does the registration cost include?
Cheer registration includes cheer uniform (top, skirt and bloomers), (2) bows, pom poms, t-shirt and a backpack. Cost also covers league dues, field usage, certified athletic trainers at games, insurance, etc.
What division should we register for?
Cheer divisions are based on ages as of July 31st. If your child's age overlaps into 2 divisions, you are welcome to register for either.
How do I register my child?
Registration is done exclusively online (under the registration tab). In addition to registering, you will need to provide the following forms prior to the first day of practice.
When do we get sized for uniforms?
We will host (2) cheer uniform fitting days - dates TBD. You must attend one as uniforms are custom ordered.
Who will coach my child?
SWAPW is a 100% volunteer ran organization which includes head and assistant coaches. We love for our parents to volunteer as coaches (don't worry, we can help teach you the cheers) or other members of the community who love cheerleading and working with kids are welcome to help.
When do practices start?
Cheer practice will begin on August 1st 2022. This allows the teams roughly four weeks of practice before their first performance. Practice times and locations will vary based on team assignments and field availability however practices are held in the evenings. Cheer usually practices 2-3 days/week. The first 2 weeks of practice fulfill required conditioning hours; if any practices are missed, the player will be required to make up the conditioning hours under a coach’s supervision before they wiil be allowed to participate with the rest of the team.
Please schedule your August plans (vacations, day camps or other sports) around practice, so as to avoid any conflict with your ability to attend ALL practices. If you have questions concerning this, contact us immediately.
Once school starts, the expectation of each player is that they attend ALL practices unless they are ill or have a required school event.
Where will practices be?
TBD for 2022
How many regular season games are there in a season? Does cheer attend all of them?
There are usually 7-8 regular season games and yes, cheerleaders will cheer each week. Some games may be played out of Austin city limits (Georgetown, Leander, Buda, etc). Cheer will also attend local play-off games.
When do games begin and on what days are games played?
SWAPW home games are played at Burger Annex or Bowie High School, and away games are throughout Central Texas. Game times and locations are assigned by Hill Country Pop Warner. Historically, the game schedule comes out just prior to the first game and is subject to change during the season. SWAPW has no control over the schedule so we ask that our teams and families be understanding and flexible. Regular season games are played on Saturdays with the season typically beginning towards the end of August/first weekend in September and running through the end of October/early November, not including play-offs.
When/where does Cheer compete?
Hill Country Pop Warner hosts an annual Spirit Spectacular where each team will be able to showcase their talent. JPW and PW teams can qualify to move on to regional and/or nationals based on final standings.
Is there travel involved?
Yes, local travel for regular season and play-off games. If your cheer team decides to compete at the regional/national level, out of state travel most likely would be required.
Do you offer competitive cheer?
Yes, if we have enough interest, Mitey-Mite, JPW and PW teams are eligible to compete at regionals/nationals. A competition fee is required and out-of-state travel could be required. The Dawgs PeeWee cheer team made it to Nationals in 2017 and 2018 (Nationals are always held at Disney in Orlando in early December).
Is volunteering required. How do I sign up?
SWAPW is a completely volunteer-run organization that relies heavily on the support of our parents therefore YES every family is required to volunteer. We have many volunteering opportunities. If you would like to volunteer as a coach (head coach or assistant coach), team parent or team photographer, make a note of that when registering your player or send an email to us at [email protected].
All other parents are required to volunteer on game days. Cheer parents are required to volunteer at 1 game. Team Parents will notify parents of volunteer opportunities throughout the season.
What is the refund policy?
Full refund until July 1st; after such date no refund with the exception of medical conditions preventing play. Refund requests must be accompanied by doctor’s note and subject to board approval. Refund amount would be based on date in season.
Upon ANY refund request, players must surrender any uniform or accessories distributed for the upcoming season.
If we are unable to field enough players to form a team or can't secure volunteer coaches for your child’s preferred division, you will be eligible for a full refund.
How do I know if I am in the boundaries for SWAPW?
Southwest Austin Pop Warner is the Pop Warner franchise for all kids who reside/feed into Bowie High School, Crockett High School and Akins High School districts.
Is there required fundraising?
Yes, all participants are asked to help with a fundraising activity (vary each other). You can pay $50 during registration to opt-out.