BYF Cheerleading
Frequently Asked Questions
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. As part of the Brighton community, BYF participates and collaborates with the High School Athletic department and BHS Varsity football and cheerleading squads for several events and mentoring throughout the football season.
Does Brighton Youth Football hold “try-outs?”
No. There are no tryouts for cheerleading. All interested participants may register for an age and grade appropriate squad. Registration is in early March each year. Squad sizes are limited and therefore, interested participants are encouraged to register at a young age (Jr. Freshman ages 5-7), as returning participants are guaranteed a roster position each year.
Is there more than one football and cheerleading league in Brighton?
There are 2 organized tackle football leagues in Brighton. Brighton Youth Football (BYF) is known as the “Bulldogs.” BYF participates in the MYFCC (Michigan Youth Football and Cheer Conference) which is a highly competitive league in Southeastern Michigan. Opposing teams can be found outside of the Brighton area and are the more competitive programs of their home towns. See the locations page on our website for more information. The football squads work each season toward play-offs and hopefully the MYFCC Superbowl, held in mid November.
The cheerleading program for BYF is also part of the MYFCC and squads work each season toward the MYFCC Super Cheer Competition. The cheerleader’s perform sideline and half time routines including stunting and tumbling at all home and away games. For more information about the BYF cheerleading program please see the Registration Page.
How are your coaches selected?
Coaches for all squads are volunteers with coaching experience. These volunteers have an active interest and involvement with Brighton youth, demonstrate a high level of integrity and have previous cheerleading experience. Coaches are trained in safe stunting techniques and are motivated individuals who strive to increase their own knowledge. We choose coaches that will focus on teaching and improving the girls' abilities and athleticism, while maintaining a fun and exciting environment. Each coach must submit an annual Criminal Records background application. All squads are supported by assistant coaches who are typically Brighton High School students and cheerleaders.
How much will my child’s participation cost me?
Registration fees are posted on the registration page and downloads each year.. Estimated additional costs for cheer gear/clothing are approximately $40-$150, depending on what items the cheerleader may already own from previous involvement. Please visit our registration page for the registration packet that includes a detailed list of additional cheer gear costs.
Do I need to buy a uniform?
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 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 mid 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. 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 Cheerleading 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 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 halfs 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 all squads.
Who can I contact if I have questions?