York Cheerleading

Frequently Asked Questions

 The skill level of the tryout pool determined the skill level of the top applicants. However, in the last few years we have seen a huge increase in the number of applicants at tryouts (about 50). These large numbers make the process much more time consuming. Many times there are several applicants that do not have the strength and experience necessary for our program. However, past on the past years requirement, we will be looking for the following minimum requirements for tryouts:

• Females must be able to do a standing back handspring (a light spot is acceptable)  
• Males must be able to hold a 15 second spotted handstand.  

In the event of a large tryout pool, we may choose to verify these skills as well as other minimum skills as the first part of the tryout clinic. Females will show their standing back handspring tumbling evaluation. Males will demonstrate their "over the head" extended arm strength during stunt clinics.

The York Cheerleading team size fluctuates from year to year based upon the tryout pool. Some years we've had as many as 24women and 7men. Our philosophy is to take talented and strong cheerleaders and let the team size determine itself. If we have a large number of talented applicants at tryouts we will take them. If we do not have talent pool at tryouts, we opt for a smaller team under the ultimate goal of having a small but excellent team. Often, the decision on team size is determined at tryouts.

Veteran members must try out like all other candidates. However, veteran members have a strong advantage at tryouts: they have at least a year of collegiate level cheerleading experience, they know the York Cheerleading "system" better, they are in top condition and practice (because tryouts are very close to the end of the previous year), and they typically are not as stressed at tryouts because they are in a familiar environment. No veteran is guaranteed a spot on the team for the next year, and veterans have been cut.

 The coaching staff of the York Cheerleading Squad opposes weight limits in cheerleading and encourages all cheerleading programs to abolish weight limits (Weight limits promote unhealthy nutrition habits which lead to a loss of strength and dangerous medical conditions. The York Cheerleading Program wants strong cheerleaders, not weak cheerleaders. A healthy lifestyle and body weight is essential for all athletic activities, including cheerleading. A healthy body weight is different for everyone. Being overweight or underweight is not healthy and both conditions reduce cheerleading capacity and reduce an applicant's chances for making the team simply because we require athletic individuals.

No. However, don't limit yourself. Most applicants who ask this question have only basing experience, so it is important to note that women who have had only base experience are often strong middle tiers in 2 and 1/2 high pyramids (college pyramids can be 2 and 1/2 high). This is a position that must be filled on a collegiate team, so don't necessarily limit yourself to only basing, but don't worry if that is all you are able to do. Many great cheerleaders were only bases in high school.

Tumbling is a significant part of modern Cheerleading. Currently, all females are required to do a standing back handspring and males are required to hold a 15 second spotted handstand. If you have never tumbled, tryouts are not the place to learn these skills or attempt something new. If you are athletic and strong, a few months at a local tumbling gym can reap a standing back handspring. Those who have never tumbled or come from non-tumbling schools should be proactive to achieve these minimum standards by putting forth the effort early enough to come to tryouts prepared. A person who shows up without this minimum requirement does not demonstrate a willingness to work hard to make a certain goal, or is not strong enough.

Yes. The vast majority of applicants at tryouts to have never partner stunted. We look at stunt technique and strength as indicative of a candidate's potential ability to partner stunt once coached in these skills. Obviously, applicants who come to tryouts with partner stunt experience benefit from that experience.

No. Uniforms will be provided, however practice clothes, warm-ups, shoes and personal items such as briefs, socks, etc. We strive to cover as many costs as possible, but may not always be able to.

 Like most cheerleading programs in Canada, there are no athletic scholarships that are offered.  However, you will be eligible for bursaries based on academic excellence and financial need.

Being a York cheerleader requires a great deal of time. During the school year, the team practices 3-3 hours a day 2 days a week. In addition, we have games on roughly the following frequency.

• Football: 4-5 home games through the fall. All members cheer all games. Football games consume about 8 hours of your time. This does not include travel opportunities playoff games.  
• Basketball: 6-8 games in the winter and early spring for both men's and women's basketball. We cover all the home games during the winter season.   
• Public Appearances: The team is often requested to perform at local or university events such as building dedications, booster luncheons, charity events, etc. Not everyone performs at all these events, but we try to "split" the work fairly evenly.

Forms to bring into tryouts:

Medical Information Form

York Waiver Form

Commonly Asked questions about the program