Frequently Asked Questions
With so many options in cheer in Bay County, how do I choose what type of program works best for my athlete and our family?
There are many different types of cheerleading; Recreation cheer, Performance Rec cheer, Allstar Cheer - Novice, Prep, and Elite, Middle School, and High School cheer. There’s truly something for everyone and something for every budget.
Recreation (Rec) Cheer - this is what you typically think of when you see cheerleaders cheering on the sidelines for football in the younger ages. There are several amazing options for Rec cheer here in Bay County. Recreation cheer programs typically don’t have their own facilities and their program’s main focus is supporting their football program. This is usually a very affordable option for families for cheerleading.
Performance Rec Cheer - these programs are typically associated with a Rec Cheer program and often cheer both sideline and competition for their Performance Rec team. Again, they don’t typically have their own facilities and they focus on supporting their football program during regular season but then shift their focus to their cheer routines once football season is over. This is usually a very affordable option for families for cheerleading.
Middle school cheer - Middle School cheer isn’t offered everywhere but this is great option offered in Bay County for athletes to get the sideline experience cheering for their school before trying out for their high school teams. Our Middle School teams here in Bay County typically cheer for football games, a few volleyball games, some soccer games (depending on the school), and basketball games. They compete against other local middle schools once or twice per year. Many of our athletes cheer both middle school cheer and Allstar cheer. Middle school cheer is typically an affordable option for cheer but the costs are typically higher than Rec and Performance Rec.
High school cheer- High school cheer is offered throughout Bay County. Some high schools offered the opportunity for your athlete to cheer on football sideline or only basketball, or both on top of offerings of competition teams for their high schools. High school teams may compete in different categories, including Game Day and Traditional. Many of our athletes cheer both high school cheer and Allstar cheer. High School cheer tends to be more expensive than parents anticipate; with costs associated with uniforms/rentals, warm ups, camps, travel, and more.
Allstar Cheer - Allstar cheer programs have dedicated training facilities specifically geared towards Allstar Cheer. Allstar cheerleading offers something for every ability level and every budget. From half year teams to novice teams, to prep teams, and elite teams - there’s something for everyone, for every skill level and every budget. There is no right or wrong time to start Allstar Cheer - when athletes start at a younger age they start getting that training of skills earlier and advance faster than peers that started in other types of cheerleading. Allstar Cheer combines stunting, tumble, dance, and performance all in one so we see growth in our athletes in multiple areas of the sport. Half year, Novice, and Prep programs tend to be more budget friendly while Elite programs are more expensive due to higher uniform costs, competition costs, and travel costs.
Why Should I join Panhandle Hurricanes Allstar Cheer?
At Panhandle Hurricanes, you’re not just joining a team you’re joining a family. Our program is 100% focused on Allstar cheer, meaning every resource, coach, and training session is dedicated to helping athletes thrive in the competitive cheer world. We are veteran-owned and operated. Our coaching staff is comprised of 9 adult coaches with years of coaching experience, including coaches who are certified Allstar judges. Our coaches attending multiple coaching clinics each year which keep us current on the latest rules, safety protocols, and competitive standards. Located conveniently on the east end of Beautiful Panama City Beach, we offer Allstar cheer training in a supportive, close-knit environment. Once a Hurricane, always a Hurricane!
I'm having a hard time setting up my Sports Engine account?
For the best experience, all Panhandle Hurricanes families should use a computer for their first-time account setup. Once your account is set up, you can easily manage everything through the Sports Engine Motion (SE Motion) app which is the most reliable way to access your account on a mobile device. The webpage isn’t fully optimized for phone browsers.
How do I register or sign up?
Click the button or follow the link below. We have step by step instructions to get signed up.
https://www.panhandlehurricanescheer.com/how-to-register.html
There are many different types of cheerleading; Recreation cheer, Performance Rec cheer, Allstar Cheer - Novice, Prep, and Elite, Middle School, and High School cheer. There’s truly something for everyone and something for every budget.
Recreation (Rec) Cheer - this is what you typically think of when you see cheerleaders cheering on the sidelines for football in the younger ages. There are several amazing options for Rec cheer here in Bay County. Recreation cheer programs typically don’t have their own facilities and their program’s main focus is supporting their football program. This is usually a very affordable option for families for cheerleading.
Performance Rec Cheer - these programs are typically associated with a Rec Cheer program and often cheer both sideline and competition for their Performance Rec team. Again, they don’t typically have their own facilities and they focus on supporting their football program during regular season but then shift their focus to their cheer routines once football season is over. This is usually a very affordable option for families for cheerleading.
Middle school cheer - Middle School cheer isn’t offered everywhere but this is great option offered in Bay County for athletes to get the sideline experience cheering for their school before trying out for their high school teams. Our Middle School teams here in Bay County typically cheer for football games, a few volleyball games, some soccer games (depending on the school), and basketball games. They compete against other local middle schools once or twice per year. Many of our athletes cheer both middle school cheer and Allstar cheer. Middle school cheer is typically an affordable option for cheer but the costs are typically higher than Rec and Performance Rec.
High school cheer- High school cheer is offered throughout Bay County. Some high schools offered the opportunity for your athlete to cheer on football sideline or only basketball, or both on top of offerings of competition teams for their high schools. High school teams may compete in different categories, including Game Day and Traditional. Many of our athletes cheer both high school cheer and Allstar cheer. High School cheer tends to be more expensive than parents anticipate; with costs associated with uniforms/rentals, warm ups, camps, travel, and more.
Allstar Cheer - Allstar cheer programs have dedicated training facilities specifically geared towards Allstar Cheer. Allstar cheerleading offers something for every ability level and every budget. From half year teams to novice teams, to prep teams, and elite teams - there’s something for everyone, for every skill level and every budget. There is no right or wrong time to start Allstar Cheer - when athletes start at a younger age they start getting that training of skills earlier and advance faster than peers that started in other types of cheerleading. Allstar Cheer combines stunting, tumble, dance, and performance all in one so we see growth in our athletes in multiple areas of the sport. Half year, Novice, and Prep programs tend to be more budget friendly while Elite programs are more expensive due to higher uniform costs, competition costs, and travel costs.
Why Should I join Panhandle Hurricanes Allstar Cheer?
At Panhandle Hurricanes, you’re not just joining a team you’re joining a family. Our program is 100% focused on Allstar cheer, meaning every resource, coach, and training session is dedicated to helping athletes thrive in the competitive cheer world. We are veteran-owned and operated. Our coaching staff is comprised of 9 adult coaches with years of coaching experience, including coaches who are certified Allstar judges. Our coaches attending multiple coaching clinics each year which keep us current on the latest rules, safety protocols, and competitive standards. Located conveniently on the east end of Beautiful Panama City Beach, we offer Allstar cheer training in a supportive, close-knit environment. Once a Hurricane, always a Hurricane!
I'm having a hard time setting up my Sports Engine account?
For the best experience, all Panhandle Hurricanes families should use a computer for their first-time account setup. Once your account is set up, you can easily manage everything through the Sports Engine Motion (SE Motion) app which is the most reliable way to access your account on a mobile device. The webpage isn’t fully optimized for phone browsers.
How do I register or sign up?
Click the button or follow the link below. We have step by step instructions to get signed up.
https://www.panhandlehurricanescheer.com/how-to-register.html
What is Allstar Cheer?
Allstar cheerleading is a competitive team sport that combines stunts, tumbling, jumps, dance, and teamwork. Teams compete at local, regional, and national competitions based on age and skill level.
What age can my child start Allstar cheer?
Athletes can start as young as 3 years old in prep or tiny teams. We teams for all ages and skill levels, including beginner and elite-level teams.
Do you need experience to join?
No! Allstar cheer welcomes beginners and experienced athletes. Team placements help coaches assign athletes to teams where they can grow and be successful.
What are team placements or tryouts?
Team placements are in June.
Can I still join the team?
Yes! You can join any time before team placements, which are held in June. Even if you miss placements, we may still have a spot open, just reach out and contact us to check availability!
What’s the difference between prep and elite teams?
- Prep teams have less time commitment and cost, and they compete at local/regional events.
- Elite teams train more hours and compete at larger, often national competitions with higher skill expectations.
How often do teams practice?
Most teams practice 2 times per week, with an additional tumble class once a week. Novice teams practice once a week.
What should my athlete wear to practice?
For your first practices, sportswear and tennis shoes are perfectly fine! After team placements, we’ll order official practice uniforms and cheer shoes for all athletes. Just make sure your athlete arrives on time, wearing approved practice wear (once assigned), with cheer shoes on and tied, hair up bow in, and ready to practice.
What should I bring to practice?
- Water bottle – We have a water bottle fill station available! We do provide cups if needed, but we ask athletes to bring their own bottles so we can save cups for emergencies.
- No jewelry – All jewelry must be removed before practice for safety.
- Phones – Athletes can bring their phones, but we ask that they are stored in the designated phone pockets in the main gym during practice.
Are competitions required?
Yes. Allstar cheer is a competitive sport, and competitions are a key part of the season. Attendance is crucial for team success.
Is tumbling required to join?
Tumbling skills are not required to start, but athletes are encouraged to build them over time. Tumbling classes are offered for extra training.
Can athletes play other sports too?
Some athletes cheer for their school and we will work with school cheer schedules for football season, but cheer requires commitment, especially during competition season. If you are on an Elite team Allstar cheer is your priority.
Is Allstar cheer safe?
Yes, when taught and supervised correctly. Coaches are trained in safety, spotting, and progressions to minimize risk and build confidence, our coaches have attended multiple coach training clinics just this year alone. We also have certified Allstar cheer judges on staff.
Why are these guidelines important?
We want every athlete to have a safe, focused, and fun experience at Panhandle Hurricanes. Following our practice expectations every athlete is required to attend practice, when athletes are missing stunt groups cannot practice stunts and tumblers cannot work tumble timing, we want every team ready to perform at their best!
Why can't I post my athletes team routine on social media?
We love that our families are excited about what their athletes are learning — but full routine videos shouldn’t be shared online until the season is over (or we give the green light).
Here’s why:
- Intellectual property: The choreography belongs to the gym and the choreographer who designed it. Sharing videos without permission can give away elements we’ve invested time and money to create.
- Competitive advantage: Other gyms actively watch social media to scout skills, formations, and timing. Early posting can give competitors insight into our routine before we take the floor.
- Routine integrity & athlete focus: Keeping the routine private allows athletes to perfect details without pressure or outside commentary.
Why is choreography closed to parents and other onlookers?
Choreography sessions are working practices, not performances. During these long, detailed days, athletes learn complex stunts, pyramids, jumps, and tumbling that require focus, safety, and constant correction.
Keeping the space clear of parents and spectators helps us:
- Maintain athletes’ concentration and confidence while they try new skills.
- Give the choreographer and coaches room to teach, spot, and adjust without distractions.
- Ensure safety, since extra people around the gym can create hazards or interruptions.
- Protect the creative process and intellectual property — the choreography belongs to the gym and the choreographer. Releasing videos or photos too early can expose unique elements to other teams before the routine is ready.
Why isn't my athlete the point jumper or in every tumbling pass during elite team choreography?
Allstar cheer is first and foremost a team sport. When we bring in an elite choreographer, their job is to create the best routine for the entire team, not to spotlight any one athlete.
The choreographer is a neutral third party with years of industry experience and success at the highest levels. They’re paid well to give honest, unbiased feedback and to place athletes in the roles that will make the routine strong, clean, and competitive.
It can be hard to hear that your athlete isn’t the “point jumper”, isn’t in every tumbling section, or not flying in every stunt. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t valued. Roles are based on many factors: skill level, technique, consistency, performance quality, and how each athlete’s strengths balance the routine as a whole.
Being open to this process helps athletes grow, and helps the team develop a routine designed to win as one unit, not just highlight individuals.
Is Allstar competition cheer a good fit for every family?
Allstar cheer is a highly competitive sport that requires a significant investment of time, commitment, and finances. Tuition, uniforms, choreography, competition fees, and travel expenses can add up quickly. While we work hard to keep costs reasonable, families should carefully consider their budget and schedule before enrolling, it may not be the right fit for everyone.
What are the costs?
Below is a breakdown of the costs this is based on a 9 month season. So tuition and comp fees unless otherwise stated would span 9 months.
#gethurricaneshyped
