Dragons Competitive Youth Cheerleading in Lake Orion

The attendance policy for the Lake Orion Dragons Competitive Youth Cheer program is designed to ensure commitment and team cohesion. Here's a summary:

1. Commitment to Attendance: Regular attendance is crucial as each cheerleader's presence directly affects the team's performance, especially in stunts and routines. When one cheerleader is absent, it can disrupt the entire group's practice and performance.

2. Absence Approval Form: For any pre-planned absences such as family vacations, special events, doctor appointments, school or religious activities, an Absence Approval Form should be submitted in advance. Absences not pre-approved will be considered unexcused.

3. Consequences for Unexcused Absences:

   • 3 Unexcused Absences: The cheerleader will have to sit out the first half of the next football game but must be present and dressed to support the team.
   • 4 Unexcused Absences: The cheerleader will have to sit out the entire next game but must be present and dressed.
   • 5 Unexcused Absences: May result in removal from further participation.

4. Late Arrivals: Cheerleaders who arrive more than 15 minutes late can disrupt the session and may be marked as absent.

5. Injured Athletes: Injured cheerleaders are encouraged to attend practices and games to observe and learn, unless their injury prevents them from participating in MegaCheer.

6. Communication is Key: It’s important for parents to discuss any scheduling conflicts with the cheer staff in advance. Participating in other sports or activities that result in a cheer absence does not automatically count as an excused absence.

This attendance policy is in place to foster a strong work ethic, discipline, and ensure the smooth functioning of the team, making sure every cheerleader has the opportunity to learn and perform effectively.

For the Lake Orion Dragons Competitive Youth Cheer program, the practice schedule is as follows:

1. Mascots (Ages 6-7):

   • Practices begin in July.
   • Limited practice schedule.
   • Practices will take place in Lake Orion and Oxford

2. Freshmen (Ages 8-9):

   • Practices start in July.
   • Regular practice schedule: 3 times per week.
   • Practices will take place in Lake Orion and Oxford

3. Junior Varsity (JV) (Ages 10-12):

   • Practices commence in July.
   • Regular practice schedule: 3 times per week.
   • Practices will take place in Lake Orion and Oxford

For all teams, the practices become more frequent and mandatory as the season progresses, especially after the Cheer Camp in early August. It's important for participants to attend these practices regularly, as they are crucial for skill development and team coordination, particularly in preparation for competitions and sideline cheering at football games. The exact locations and times for these practices are typically communicated to parents and participants closer to the start of the practice sessions.

For the Lake Orion Dragons Competitive Youth Cheer program, the sideline cheer games align with the Lake Orion Dragons Youth Football schedule. Here's a general outline of when and where these games occur:

1. All Teams:
   • Cheer at Lake Orion Youth Football JV games
   • Games are held on Saturdays
   • The season generally runs from the beginning of August through the end of October.

The exact dates, times, and locations for the games are typically based on the Youth Football program's schedule and are communicated to cheer participants and their families as the season approaches. The games are held at local fields or sports facilities within the Lake Orion area. Parents and cheerleaders should expect regular updates from the cheer program coordinators regarding specific game details throughout the season.