Can anyone sign-up to play on a Swarm team?

Yes! We do have multiple registrations throughout the spring and summer. Our intent as an organization is to allow all kids to play football or cheer - therefore, we create as many teams as necessary to compensate our registered participants.
However, the more teams we try to field requires more volunteers to coach, administer, and help. Additionally, there are some limitations at each level around age and weight and what is allowed. Those guidelines can be found in the bylaws listed on the Pop Warner website.

How many games are played during the season?

There are 8 games played each season, 4 home games which are played at Hinsdale South HS and 4 away games. In addition, each team will cheer in one or two bowl games (practice games) prior to the Labor Day Kick off weekend.

Each team participates in the BGYFL Cheer Competition held in October. If they place high, there is the possibility of higher competitions.  In addition, each squad may participate in 1 additional competition during the season. These competitions will need to be paid for by the teams and are not included in the registration fees.

When do the girls have practice?

Practices are typically held on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 6 to 8 pm. Additional practices can be added at the beginning of the season prior to school starting or during the season to prepare for competitions.

Where are practices held?

Practices are held at Hinsdale South HS on August 1st. Dates are sent out as soon as we are informed of them.

What are the dates of season?

The cheer season will start on Aug 01 and end in mid October unless the cheer team attends the Regional Competition. The exact date is dependant on how your child’s football team performs and when the end of the year parties are scheduled.

What are my financial obligations?

The early bird registration is $275 for all other registrations. Your child will be provided the following items: cheer skirt; cheer top; 2 piece practice clothes; cheer briefs; cheer shoes; bow; and socks for competition. You will need to provide the following additional items: warm-up jacket and pants; shoes; no show socks for games.

What do I get for my registration?

Registration fees pay for the following: Cheer uniform top and skirt and use of poms, which is returned at the end of the season 2 cheer competitions.  It also pays for use of Hinsdale South facilities, competition fees, practice clothes, and bows. All remaining items will be kept by the cheerleader: practice clothes, bows, warm-ups and shoes.

I have heard Swarm may be in the Darien 4th of July parade this year. What if my girl is not going to be here?

The girls are encouraged to participate in the parades if their schedule permits. We do understand that these activities are in addition to cheering at football games and in competitions. It is a great way to promote the program, participate in the parade, and show the Swarm Spirit.

What if my daughter is not able to make every practice?

This is a sport. Each squad begins early in the season to develop a competition routine and the girls are expected to be at each and every practice. If you’re daughter is participating in another activity that will prohibit her from attending practices regularly you may want to consider if Swarm is another activity she should be involved with. We want this to be a positive experience for everyone so please consider this when you and your daughter make this commitment.

My daughter is very tiny I hear that she will be a mascot then, is this true?

The decision for each cheerleader’s role is up to the coaches. Size is not the only factor. We will not have a girl be a flyer if she is not comfortable doing it. We will also not hold back someone else who is willing to try.

It is my daughter's birthday, can I bring a treat?

Birthday treats are on a team by team basis. Please talk to your team manager and coach to determine if your team wants to allow birthday treats.

I have heard it is not encouraged to watch practices, when can I watch?

Some of the girls (especially the younger ones) become distracted when their parents stay to watch during practice, which can be a safety issue. We like to encourage parents to attend all of the football games and enjoy watching your daughter cheer on the sidelines and perform the halftime routine. Becoming involved as a coach or a team manager/administrator is also a great way to be at all practices and games with your daughter.

What will be the vehicle of communication?

We strive to have constant communication from the D.A.A. Board and the team administrators. The overall program will use the website www.darienswarm.com and email as primary communication vehicles. Each team will establish their own communication vehicle. We encourage email; phone; and paper communication depending on whether the entire team has email available to them.

I want to be involved with my daughter's team, who do I contact?

Please contact the Darien Swarm at cheerleading@darienswarm.com. This is a volunteer organization and we are always looking for extra help. Some of the positions available to volunteer for are: coach; team manager; team administrator; and registration help. All adults 18 and older are required to be ASEP certified (this is either a class the Swarm have or is completed online) and complete a background check.