Cambridge Junior Cheer
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the time commitment for middle school cheerleading?
Tryouts occur in the spring and practices start the first week of summer for the sideline teams. Sideline practices every Wednesday of the Summer and on Wednesday in August and September when we return to school. For the competition team, one-day-a-week practice starts in May, and in June thru October, the team practices two days a week on Tuesday and Thursday. There are camps for sideline and competition in the summer. Attendance at all practices and camps is mandatory. Games are played every Saturday from the second week in August after school resumes, with playoffs played through the month of November with the Championship played the first Saturday of Thanksgiving Break. Attendance at all Saturday games in the fall is mandatory.
What are the financial (estimated) costs per athlete?
The following information is for the 2026 season for sideline squads.
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Tryout fee: $60
Program fee: $500
Apparel Player Pack: $165
Cheer Shoes: $60-100
New Uniform: $520
Gym fees: $110 (+annual gym fee)
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Detailed information is available in the handbook, downloadable on the Creed and Expectations page.
Why is attendance mandatory?
Cheer is a team sport. Every voice is important and every cheerleader plays and important part in the halftime routine and their role is interconnected with the other members of their halftime formation(s). When even one person is missing, the whole team suffers because the halftime routine can not be practiced or performed. It is unfair to the other team members who have trained and shown up when a team member is absent, which is why the CJC Policy is for mandatory attendance at all practices, camps, and games.
When are tryouts?
Cambridge Junior Cheer has a tryout and evaluation process each spring for athletes interested in participation in the program. There is a new athlete-only clinic day, a clinic day in which all athletes (new and returning) attend, and the tryouts occur on the third day.
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See Season Calendar for details.
What is the tryout uniform?
The tryout uniform consists of a white, short sleeved tee shirt (not a tank), navy athletic/running shorts (not nike pros or bootie shorts), white no-show socks, white cheer shoes (or sneakers), and hair in a high ponytail with a white bow. A white bow is available for purchase during the registration process.
What are the evaluation criteria at tryouts?
At the tryout clinic, athletes learn two cheers. The cheers, along with standing and running tumbling, and jumps (pike, hurdler, toe-touch) are evaluated on tryout day. Spirit and enthusiasm, attitude, and appearance are all key components of CJC and are evaluated over the course of the tryout week--with last season's participation factored in (if applicable).
Are there any tumbling requirements?
We typically have all levels of tumbling on a team. What an athlete may need development on in one area, they may make up for in another! The Competition Team does require a higher level of tumbling skills. Tumbling ability is an important component to being selected to the Competition Team.
Are there cuts?
Yes. Selections are made on a natural cut line, which is the natural point where scores drop off. There is no set number of athletes that will be selected for squads, however, as numbers grow too large, we aren't able to accommodate all interested athletes.
Is there a separate tryout for the Competition Team?
There is not a separate tryout for athletes interested in the Competition Team. Athletes may be asked to do some extra stunting during the evaluation week. Evaluation scoring and the positions needed determines the athletes that will be invited to participate on the competition team.
We may need to buy cheer shoes, do you have a recommendation?
Plain, white cheer shoes are required (leather/vinyl). Shoes range from $60-150. Our recommended shoe is the nfinity Evolution. Cheer shoes from Academy Sports are also a good option. Athletes may reuse plain, white cheer shoes if in good, stain free condition.
Will we have the same uniforms as last year?
The 2024 Season began a new 3-year uniform cycle. The 2026 Season is the third year of this uniform. All athletes are required to purchase a uniform.
What other apparel
items are required?
After the teams are selected, there will be an apparel fitting. Athletes will be fitted for their uniform and the other items that are part of the annual player pack, including practice attire. The cost of these items are included in the required apparel fee. Navy practice shorts are available for purchase, or athletes can provide their own.
When does the football schedule come out?
The game schedule is set by the Georgia Middle School Athletic Association (GMSAA). Typically, the
schedule is released by early August. The Cambridge Junior Cheer Program cannot communicate firm
dates and times for the Saturday games to athletes until GMSAA has published the schedule.
Refer to the Team Schedules for more information.
What are the volunteer expectations?
When we all work together, no one job is overwhelming. In fact, just like our kids, we've made lasting friendships working together in support of CJC. All our families are expected to volunteer in service to the program; and there are lots of opportunities! Get involved as a Team Parent/Helper or join a committee for events or apparel. We have several events throughout the season such as the annual Powder Puff game, the Middle School Dance, the End of Season Banquet, and other special events during the season with CHS. There are also leadership opportunities on the CJC Board.
What can I do to prepare for the season?
The Cambridge Cheers can be found on our Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@cambridgejrcheer2024