All athletes must submit:

• Completed player packet
• Original birth certificate (with raised seal) and one copy
• Most recent report card
• Current physical dated within the calendar year

Paperwork collection dates will be communicated through email, TeamLink, and social media.

Summer Conditioning - All athletes are required to complete a minimum of 10 hours of conditioning before they can stunt.

Fall Practices

Practice schedules vary by team and age division.

Typical Schedule:

• 6U & 8U: 1–2 practices per week
• 10U, 12U & 14U: Up to 3 practices per week

Additional practices may be added as needed, leading up to competitions.

All athletes on 10U, 12U, and 14U competition teams are expected to attend.

Cheerleaders support Franklin Youth Football throughout the fall season.

• Games begin Labor Day Weekend
• Most games are played on Sundays
• Occasional Saturday evening games may occur
• Home and away games are included
• Full schedules are typically released in August

All cheerleaders are expected to attend scheduled football games. Please note that football playoffs may continue beyond competition season and into November.

Tentative 2026 Schedule

• Power in Pink – October 3
• Cheer Xplosion – October 11
• Bay State Championship – October 17
• EMASS Locals – October 24
• Fall Classic – November 1
• Reggie Lewis Invitational – November 7

Competition schedules are subject to change.

• Athletes arrive at designated team meeting times
• Hair, makeup, and uniforms must meet team requirements
• Athletes remain with their team until awards conclude
• Parents may take athletes home after team photos and dismissal

Cheer is a team sport, and attendance is critical for athlete safety and team success.

Attendance Guidelines
• Excessive unexcused absences may impact participation
• Athletes who miss required practices immediately before a competition may not be eligible to compete

Medical Absences

A doctor's note may be required for illness or injury-related absences.

To be accepted, a doctor's note must:

• Verify that a medical provider physically saw the athlete;
• Include the date of the medical visit; and
• Indicate any restrictions or return-to-play guidance, if applicable.

Notes obtained without an in-person evaluation will not be accepted.

Submission of a doctor's note does not automatically guarantee an absence will be excused for competition eligibility purposes, as athlete safety and team readiness must also be considered.

Families should communicate conflicts as early as possible through TeamLink and directly with coaches.

Competition uniforms and bows are provided by Franklin Panthers Cheer and remain the property of the organization.

Uniform Guidelines

• Uniforms may only be worn at official Franklin Panthers events
• Uniforms are not to be worn to school, social events, or non-team activities
• Uniforms should be washed on a gentle cycle using cold water and line dried
• Uniforms, bows, and issued equipment must be returned at the end of the season

Lost, damaged, or unreturned items may become the financial responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Additional Family Expenses

Families should plan for:

We love seeing our athletes represent Franklin Cheer! Be sure to snap a photo and tag us on social media for a chance to be featured on our Facebook and Instagram pages.

Competition uniforms should never be worn to school and are reserved for official Franklin Panthers events only.

Franklin Panthers Cheer is a volunteer-run organization.

Families may be asked to assist with:

• Fundraising events
• Concession stands
• Competition volunteer shifts

Volunteer participation helps support athlete opportunities and keeps program costs affordable.

Athletes interested in participating in EMASS Elite may have the opportunity to try out for this regional cheer program. This is a nationally tracked team; additional costs apply.

All athletes and families are expected to uphold the Franklin Panthers Cheer Code of Conduct.

Fighting, bullying, intimidation, harassment, use of illegal substances (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, vaping products, alcohol, or drugs by minors), or disrespect toward coaches, officials, volunteers, board members, teammates, or other participants will not be tolerated.

These expectations apply at practices, games, competitions, team events, and on social media.

Violations may result in disciplinary action or removal from the program without refund.

Official communications are shared through:

• Email
• TeamLink
• Franklin Panthers Cheer Facebook & Instagram

Please ensure your contact information remains current throughout the season.

Rachael Lane
Cheer Coordinator
Franklin Panthers Youth Cheerleading

We look forward to welcoming your family to Franklin Panthers Cheer and an exciting 2026 season!