Half SeasonCheerleading
Half season is our competitive all-star program running November through April — a full competition experience in a shorter, more focused commitment window. Whether your athlete is brand new to cheer or a returning competitor, our program is built to meet them where they are.
We offer multiple age and skill levels, from Tiny Novice through our High School Half Season Elite program. Final team offerings depend on registration numbers following evaluations.
Not sure if cheer is right for your athlete? Want to sharpen skills before evaluations? Boot Camp is six weeks of tumbling, stunting basics, and cheer technique in a low-pressure environment — the perfect way to prepare.
Boot camp is separate from half season registration. Participating does not guarantee a team spot, but it's a great way to prepare and experience our program.
Registration opens September 18, 2026 and closes October 14, 2026. Complete registration through our customer portal or app. The $40 registration fee covers both your registration and your athlete's evaluation — you do not pay twice.
Our coaches use evaluations to place athletes on the team that best fits their age, skill level, and competitive readiness. We assess tumbling, stunting, jumps, and overall cheer technique.
Evaluation Sessions — Choose One
- Registration must be completed in the customer portal or app before attending
- $40 registration fee covers both registration and evaluation — you do not pay twice
- Arrive 15 minutes early for your session
- Evaluations are closed — athletes and coaches only
- Black top and black bottoms
- Hair in a high ponytail
- Cheer bow
- Red lipstick (competition look)
- Black cheer shoes (see note below)
Cheer age is determined by birth year per the USASF 2026–2027 age grid (member term June 1, 2026 – May 31, 2027).
| Division | Birth Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny Novice | 2019 – 2021 | Skill restrictions apply |
| Mini Prep | 2017 – 2020 | — |
| Youth Novice & Prep | 2014 – 2019 | — |
| Junior Novice & Prep | 2011 – 2018 | — |
| Senior Novice & Prep | Born on or after 6/1/2007 – 2015 | — |
| High School Half Season (Elite) | Born on or after 6/1/2007 – 2014 | Current competitive HS athletes only |
Verify eligibility at usasf.net. Age grid subject to USASF updates.
High School Half Season (Elite)
Our half season teams compete at three local events this season — all driveable from the South Shore/Tampa area. Team assignments are confirmed after placements are finalized.
| Date | Event | Location | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| March 6, 2027 | Coast 2 Coast | Lakeland, FL | 1 Day |
| March 27, 2027 | Jackpot Orlando | Orlando, FL | 1 Day |
| April 10–11, 2027 | Queen of the Nile | Tampa, FL | 2 Days |
Schedules are subject to change. All transportation and accommodations are the family's responsibility.
All payments are made via auto-debit on the 1st of each month. A valid card must be kept on file at all times.
Registration & Monthly Tuition
Gear — Uniform, Practicewear & Bow Split Nov & Dec
| Item | Tiny Novice | Novice | Prep | HSHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uniform | $250 | $250 | $250 | $500 |
| Practicewear | $90 | $90 | $90 | $90 |
| Bow | $20 | $20 | $20 | $20 |
| Total → Monthly (Nov & Dec) | $360 → $180/mo | $360 → $180/mo | $360 → $180/mo | $610 → $305/mo |
All Star Costs — Choreo & Competition Spread Nov–Apr
| Item | Tiny Novice | Novice | Prep | HSHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Choreography & Music | $100 | $150 | $160 | $200 |
| Competition Fees | $225 | $225 | $255 | $350 |
| Total → Monthly (6 months) | $325 → ~$55/mo | $375 → ~$63/mo | $415 → ~$70/mo | $550 → ~$92/mo |
Estimated Payment Schedule
Gear is added to November and December. All Star costs are spread across all six monthly payments.
| Month | Tiny Novice | Novice | Prep | HSHS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October Registration | $40 | $40 | $40 | $40 |
| November tuition + ½ gear + all star | $295 | $303 | $310 | $457 |
| December tuition + ½ gear + all star | $295 | $303 | $310 | $457 |
| January tuition + all star | $115 | $123 | $130 | $152 |
| February tuition + all star | $115 | $123 | $130 | $152 |
| March tuition + all star | $115 | $123 | $130 | $152 |
| April tuition + all star | $115 | $123 | $130 | $152 |
| Season Total | $1,090 | $1,138 | $1,180 | $1,562 |
Season totals include the $40 registration fee and all one-time fees. USASF membership ($50) not included. All payments are non-refundable. If an athlete leaves or is removed from the program for any reason, a $400 quitting fee will be drafted within 2 days of separation. If the athlete withdraws after December, all remaining season fees become due and the athlete will not be released to another program.
Financial Policies
- Auto-debit on the 1st of each month
- Valid credit/debit card on file at all times
- $25 late fee for payments after the 5th
- $25 service charge for failed/declined payments
- All payments are non-refundable
- Account must be current to participate in practice and competitions
- Delinquent accounts may be referred to a collections agency
- Fees must be paid before clothing or items are released
Attendance Policy
- Death in the family
- Severe illness (fever 100.4°F+ with documentation)
- Religious holidays
- Required school activities with teacher's note
- Special circumstances approved in advance by coach
- Lessons, dance, or other extracurriculars
- Non-emergency doctor/dentist appointments
- Family outings, vacations, or concerts
- Other sports or school teams
- Homework or transportation issues
- Mandatory attendance two weeks before any competition
- Missing practice may result in removal from the performance
- 10+ min late or leaving 10+ min early = tardy
- 3 unexcused tardies = 1 unexcused absence
Absence Fines
- $25 for the 1st unexcused absence
- $50 for the 2nd unexcused absence
- Further absences at coach's discretion
- Missing more than half of practice counts as an absence
- Late athletes must stay after to condition
- All absences must be submitted through the customer portal or app
- Requests must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance
- Submitting a request does not guarantee it will be excused
Athlete Code of Conduct
- Respect coaches, teammates, judges, and spectators at all times
- Phones away during practice
- No jewelry during practice or competition
- Hair in a high ponytail with a bow for practice
- No street shoes on the mats; no cheer shoes outside
- Strict no-bullying policy — violations may result in immediate dismissal
- Illegal substances, abusive language, or disregard for safety may result in removal
- Athletes represent Dream Athletics on and off the mat
Parent Guidelines
- Contact us by phone or email — info@dream-athletics.com
- Do not approach coaches during practice
- No texts or DMs to coaching staff via personal social media
- Parents are spectators only — no coaching from the stands
- Good sportsmanship is mandatory
- All transportation and accommodations are the family's responsibility
- Dream Athletics is not liable for cancelled event reimbursements
Please plan accordingly. No practices during the following periods unless otherwise noted.