2026 HB Rebels Cheer Handbook Highlights

Important points from the handbook are listed below, but  it is still your responsibility to read it in its entirety and sign/turn in the signature page to the Head Coach by the first day of practice.

• Parents/Guardians must have their child to practice and ready to begin on time. When not possible, agree to inform ALL coaches that athlete will not be attending a practice. Notification does not necessarily excuse the absence.

• A team member with three (3) unexcused absences from practices will be subject to removal from the team with no refunds provided. 

• The PW cheer season begins July 15. Head Coach of team will set start date and schedule.  

• The number of teams & divisions will be determined by the ages and number of registered athletes. Due to overlapping ages in divisions, the Board of Directors & Head coaches will determine the divisions and placement of athletes based on age AND skill level. Please note Pop Warner does not allow any “waiving” of athletes into different age divisions.

• No refunds will be given after July 15. 

• Parent Volunteering – we require a 5 hour minimum of volunteering with an additional 2 hours for a registered sibling (max 7 hrs/family)   A $125 Volunteer deposit check plus additional $50 per registered athlete will be collected at the beginning of the season.  If this commit is not met, the check will be deposited.

  • There are many volunteering opportunities available on our rebels website

• Anticipated costs for the season can include but are not limited to:

  • Cheerleading registration fee

  • Uniform $175 security deposit collected when uniform handed out.  Once uniform is returned  in good condition, uniform deposit check will be returned

  • Cheerleading sneakers

  • Cheer Apparel for practice and events. Coaches may opt for a practice “uniform”  

  • Spectator tickets for Local, Regional, and National Competitions. 

  • Travel associated with Competitions - mostly involve local and Regional driving. 

  • Regional Competitions - travel / hotel accommodation within the NE region  

  • National Competition - Airline ticket, hotel, rental car, and food.

• Competitions are mandatory (with Exception of Tiny Mites Team)

  • Coaches will select which competitions their teams will compete at

  • All teams are required to attend GSPW state/League competition. All teams (except TM) will attend Regionals and Nationals if they qualify

  • Any team placing  first or second in their division at Regionals must advance to the National Competition in Charlotte North Carolina in early December. There are also specifics regarding placing 3, 4 or 5 and requirements for this.

  • Cost is variable dependent on our fundraising.  Fundraising offsets cost of hotel/fees (Total cost could be up to $2,000/athlete) 

  • All cheerleaders attending must have a parent, guardian, or chaperone with them (their cost will not be covered by the organization)

  • School absence is to be expected and is excused

• Events - athletes & their families are expected to participate or volunteer at:

  • Old homes day (September)  march in parade, performance and man a booth

  • Applefest (October 4)- participate in various tasks and perform

  • Rebels Hosted Competition- Battle of the Bows (October 16-17) 

  • Rebels Community Showcase (Oct)

  • Team bonding events (typically 2-4 per season) 

  • End of season banquet (Nov or Dec)

Volunteer Opportunities for 2026 Cheer Season

Registration for the committees will be available during athletes' registration for 2026 cheer season.
All Board Members registering their athlete(s) Must select Board member opportunity during the registration process.

Apple Fest Committee:  Date of event Oct.  (Planning Aug through early Oct)
5 volunteers needed:  Communication with Hollis Town Band for planning; Seek donations; Organize apple crisp ingredients; Coord. of supplies and volunteer slots: and more!
If you don't want to be a committee member, there will be volunteer slots for serving, collecting payments and more

Battle of the Bow Hosted Competition in Oct  17
There will be many slots from planning to executing the competition.

End of Season Banquet Committee: (Banquet Held Nov or Dec)
3-4 volunteers needed: Plan and coordinate venue, sound system, decorations.  

National Coordination Committee: Mid Nov to Dec - (If teams place at Regional- they will go to Nationals in Charolette NC)
3-4 volunteers to assist with organizing team trip to Nationals in Dec.  It consists of hotel selection, room coordination, transportation and event coordination. Only teams placing at Regional will advance.