Cheerleading Frequently Asked Questions and Season Information
Is Brighton Youth Football part of the Brighton School system?
No, BYF is a privately run non-profit, all volunteer program. The Board of Directors is elected each November, and consists of parents and others who are dedicated to the establishment of this organization for Brighton boys and girls. All persons associated with BYF contribute their time on a volunteer basis. Click here for a complete list of the current Board members.
How much will my child’s participation cost me?
The registration fee is $175 for the first participant for cheerleading. Additional children from the same family will receive a $25 discount for each additional registration fee. Registration fees are $125 for our young participants (ages 5-7) who are placed on the Jr. Freshman squad.
Estimated additional costs for cheer gear/clothing are approximately $40-$150, depending on what items the cheerleader may already own from previous involvement. Please click here for the “Cheer Gear” document or visit our registration page.
Do I need to buy a uniform? Are there other items I need to purchase?
Uniforms are provided by BYF.
What team (Varsity, JV, Freshman, Jr. Freshman) will my daughter be on?
BYF cheer is age based but we also take into consideration grade level to determine squad assignment, with the intention of keeping girls together with their classmates.
Squad assignments also depend on the number of registered cheerleaders each year. We attempt to avoid fielding squads that are very small or squads that are excessively large. At open registration, no definite assignment can be promised to any girl since numbers at that time are unknown however a basis assignment can be identified:
12 years old to 14 years old (7th and 8th grade) – Varsity
10 years old to 12 years old (5th, 6th or 7th grade) – JV
8 years old to 10 years old (3rd, 4th or 5th grade) – Freshman
5 years old to 7 years old (Kindergarten thru 2nd grade)– Jr. Freshman
What is the time frame of the season?
Brighton Youth Football begins cheer practice the first Monday in August, and proceeds with practices and scheduled games through the beginning of November, until the final cheer competition, scheduled in November.
What is the practice schedule?
In August, before the beginning of the school year, Varsity, JV and Freshman squads practice Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 6pm to 8pm. Jr. Freshman practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.
After the school year begins after Labor Day, we practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 6pm to 8pm or until we lose daylight hours, and the Jr. Freshman practice Tuesdays and Thursdays. Later in the season, practice hours may be altered slightly to compensate for less daylight hours, sometimes beginning a half an hour earlier.
Where are practices held?
The BYF cheerleaders practice on the grassy area in front of the front parking lot at Hawkins Elementary.
When and where are the football games?
Football games are played on Saturday or Sunday, beginning roughly the weekend prior to Labor Day (with Labor Day weekend off), depending on field scheduling and other factors. Home games are played at Brighton High School unless otherwise noted.
Is there an attendance policy?
Yes. As stated in the Guidelines, attendance at practice and games is mandatory and attendance is taken at all practices and games by the coach or other designated person. Please refer to our Cheerleading Guidelines in the registration download for specific attendance policy.
What are my responsibilities as a parent?
Brighton Youth Football is a not-for-profit entity and is run exclusively by volunteers. All coaches and Board members are volunteers. Parent volunteers are required to fulfill an extensive number of roles for the benefit of the boys and girls participating in football and cheer.
Parents must commit to at least 4 game halves of volunteer activities at home games. These activities range from working at the concession stand for a game half, working the chain gang on the field, or selling 50/50 tickets. Please see the volunteer page for volunteer assignments and job descriptions. Please contact a board member if you are interested in helping out with coaching, becoming a Team Mom, or any other contribution you’d like to make.
Does the organization have any rules or guidelines that my daughter and I need to be aware of?
Yes. The BYF Cheerleading Guidelines are part of the registration download. They are also handed out at Registration and again at the first day of practice.
Does BYF cheer permit/use stunting and tumbling in their routines?
BYF follows the approved league guidelines when it comes to stunting and tumbling for sideline cheering and performing competitive cheer routines.
It is also the intention of the BYF cheer organization to follow and adhere to MHSAA (Michigan High School Athletics Association) guidance and safety protocol.
Is there a cheer competition?
There is a league cheer competition held at the end of the season for Varsity, JV and Freshman squads. Jr. Freshman will perform as exhibition.
How will I stay updated on BYF information?
BYF e-mails and posts a monthly newsletter during the off-season and weekly starting the first week of August. Any immediate updates are sent out via e-mail by our BYF Secretary. BYF also has a hotline where participants can leave messages for any board member. The BYF hotline is 810-220-9422.
Who can I contact if I have questions?