NBK Season Planning: What Families Should Expect

Additional Items Not Included in Registration

While your registration covers core program expenses, families should plan for a few additional personal and travel-related items throughout the season.

Personal Gear & Apparel
Athletes will need:

• Competition cheer sneakers (specific brand/style will be communicated by coaches)

• Black leggings for cold-weather games

• Black cold-weather jacket

• Optional NBK warm-up suit (available through our squad store)

• Team-required hair piece

• Any additional apparel or accessories required for specific competitions

Please note: Competition admission tickets and travel costs are not included in registration fees.

Competition & Travel Expectations

Families should be prepared for travel throughout the season.

Teams that advance may compete in regional and national events, and planning ahead financially is

strongly encouraged. If an NBK team qualifies for the AYC National Championship in Kissimmee, Florida,

families should expect airfare or driving expenses, hotel accommodations, and related travel costs.

Fundraising opportunities will be available to help offset expenses for athletes and families.

Practice & Safety Standards

Athletes are expected to arrive at every practice prepared and dressed appropriately:

• Athletic shorts

• T-shirt

• Athletic sneakers

For safety reasons:

• No denim, zippers, or buttoned shorts

• No camisoles or spaghetti-strap tops

• No jewelry (including earrings or piercings), except approved medical ID

• Hair must be secured in a ponytail

• Fingernails must be kept short

These policies are strictly enforced to ensure athlete safety during stunting and tumbling.

Uniform Responsibility

Competition and sideline uniforms are the property of NBK and are to be worn only at league-sanctioned events.

Care instructions:

• Wash on gentle cycle in cold water

• Line dry only

All uniforms must be returned at the end of the season. Any uniform that is not returned or is damaged beyond normal wear will be the financial responsibility of the parent or guardian.

NBK Team Structure & Competitive Pathways

At NBK, team placement is determined by age division and competitive track. Each level is designed to challenge athletes appropriately while building confidence, discipline, and team unity.

NBK Divisions

16U – Advancing
14U – Advancing
12U – Advancing
10U – Advancing
8U – Performance (Non-Advancing)

Performance Track (8U)

Our youngest athletes compete in a Performance Division designed to introduce them to the competition environment in a positive, development-focused setting.

Athletes will:

• Perform at select invitational and local events

• Gain experience on the competition floor

• Build confidence without advancement pressure

Performance teams do not progress to State, Regional, or National events.

Attendance at scheduled showcases is mandatory.

Beginning in September, practices are typically held two to three times per week, with additional practices added at the Head Coach’s discretion as competitions approach.

Competitive Advancing Track (10U–16U)

Our 10U–16U teams participate in the Advancing Competitive Division.

These teams:

• Perform judged routines

• Receive official placements

• Compete with the goal of qualifying for State, Regional, and National Championships

Advancing teams attend invitational and local competitions throughout the season.

Starting in September, teams practice 2–3 times per week, with potential increases leading up to major competitions at the discretion of the Head Coach.

Game Day Participation (Optional)

Athletes may also participate in football game sideline cheer throughout September and October, including potential postseason games in late October and early November.

Competition Schedule

Weekend competitions are a key part of the NBK experience. These events provide athletes the opportunity to:

• Showcase their hard work

• Represent NBK with pride

• Compete against surrounding programs

Attendance Commitment

Sideline and competition attendance are governed by our official NBK Attendance Policy.

This policy will be reviewed, signed, and upheld by both the athlete and parent/guardian.

Schedules

July & August 

Practices will begin July 28th

 Summer practice will be 4 days, Monday-Thursday, 6-8pm to ensure all athletes get their conditioning needs met (Each athlete is required to complete 10 conditioning hours to avoid injury)

​August will have MANDATORY Choreography days for advancing teams. Choreography dates will take place in August. (Team specific dates and locations are TBD and we will let everyone know as soon as possible)

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September & Beyond

Practices will be 2-3 days a week through the competition season

NO Practice on Labor Day (September 2)

Practice schedule may be adjusted based on Competition dates

All practice schedules are ultimately at the discretion of the team's head coach

Practice days, times and locations TBD

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​Competition Dates

10/4/25 Power in Pink ( Location TBD ) - ALL TEAMS

10/11/25 Cheer Xplosion ( Derry, NH ) - TEAMS WILL VARY

​10/19/25 EMASS Locals ( Waltham ) - ALL TEAMS​

​10/25/25 States ( Lowell, MA ) - ALL NATIONALLY TRACKED TEAMS THAT PLACE TOP 3 AT LOCALS

​11/8/25 & 11/9/25 Regionals ( Mohegan Sun, Uncasville, CT )  - ALL NATIONALLY TRACKED TEAMS THAT PLACE TOP 3 AT STATES

​​12/3/25 - 12/6/25 AYC National Championship (Kissimee, Fl) - ALL NATIONALLY TRACKED TEAMS THAT PLACE TOP 3 AT REGIONALS

(Athletes MUST arrive 12/2/25 and stay until 12/7/25)

There may be additional competitions added to this schedule. Date and time to be determined. Exact competition times are usually not available until the week prior to the competition. 

 *Competition dates tentative and subject to change, all are MANDATORY for competitive athletes.

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​​Behavior Policy

All Cheerleaders are expected to adhere to the code of conduct.

Fighting, intimidation, bullying, use of illegal substances (including cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vaping by minors) or disrespect for authority by any cheerleader or parent during practices, games or Taunton Youth Football & Cheer functions will not be tolerated. These activities may result in suspension and/or removal from the Taunton Youth Football & Cheer program without refund.

Please remember that each cheerleader is representing Norton Youth Football & Cheer and the Town of Norton. Cheerleaders and parents should always conduct themselves in a proper manner and display good sportsmanship to the organization, team members, coaches and opposing teams.