1. How much does it cost to participate?
Football: $250
Cheer: $175
Dance/Step: $50
Spring Football: $125
Note: We do offer pre-season discounted rates, payment plans, and sibling discounts. Cheer registration does not include accessories. These will need to be purchased separately.
2. What is included in the registration fee?
The High Ridge Chargers will provide all necessary football equipment and uniforms; with the exception of cleats, protection cup and supporter, or other personal type pads. All equipment and uniforms must be returned to the High Ridge Chargers at the end of the season. The cost of this equipment is valued at over $500 per player; so it is imperative that all equipment and uniforms be returned, and should be clean and washed. Please follow washing instructions carefully.
3. Are there payment plans?
Yes; however, all fees must be paid by August 1st
4. What forms of payments are accepted?
We accept cash, money orders, and credit/debit card payments. No personal checks!!!
5. Are there tryouts?
No; there are no tryouts to make any of the High Ridge Chargers teams. We are a community based organization, and we believe all kids should be able to participate regardless of their skill level. While we are a competitive travel organization, we are also committed to participant development and outreach. Positions are assigned at the discretion of the coaches. Participants are assigned to a position that best suits their ability and needs of the team.
6. Does everyone get to play?
Yes; every child plays and participates. The High Ridge Chargers have a minimum mandatory play rule. (Not including special team’s plays: kickoffs, punts, extra points, etc).
7. When does practice begin?
The season officially begins on the Monday of the last week of July. The High Ridge Chargers do offer a summer mini-camp that is FREE to all registered participants in June.
8. If all the paperwork is not turned in, can a player still participate?
A player will not be allowed to receive equipment or participate in practice until all necessary paperwork has been received. Such players must observe practice until the required paperwork is turned in.
9. How often is practice and where is it held?
Practice is held five (5) evenings per week, Monday – Friday during the months of July and August. The week after Labor Day, practice is three (3) days per week. Practices for all football teams will be held at Rogers Park. Until the first game, practice times are as follows:
- Football: Monday – Friday > 5pm until 7:30pm
- Cheer: Monday - Thursday > 5:30pm until 7:30pm
- Saturdays: 9am – 12pm or 3pm – 5pm (depending on field availability)
After Labor Day, practice times are as follows:
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 5pm until 7:30pm
- Saturdays: 9am – 12pm or 3pm – 5pm (depending on field availability)
Note: If game day is Saturday, the Saturday practice will be on Friday.
10. What equipment is needed?
The High Ridge Chargers will provide all necessary football equipment and uniforms; with the exception of cleats, protection cup and supporter, or other personal type pads. All equipment and uniforms must be returned to the High Ridge Chargers at the end of the season. The cost of this equipment is valued at over $500 per player; so it is imperative that all equipment and uniforms be returned, and should be clean and washed. Please follow washing instructions carefully.
11. How long is the season?
The season officially begins the last week of July. The first games are usually played the last weekend in August. From that point, there are eight (8) games over a eight (8) to nine (9) week span that run into late October. The local conference/regional playoffs (for playoff eligible teams) are usually another three (3) weeks, with the championships and cheer competition ending in early November. The national tournament and cheer competition is held the first week of December in Florida.
12. How do the participants get to away games?
The High Ridge Chargers do not offer transportation to away games. Parents must provide or arrange for their child’s transportation.
13. Who covers the cost related to National championship games?
Should any team advance to national championship games, all travel and lodging expenses are the responsibility of each family with seasonal fundraising support.
14. How can I help?
Volunteers - The High Ridge Chargers Youth Football and Cheerleading is run entirely by volunteers and your help is greatly appreciated. Please contact us here to get more information on volunteering.
Donations - The High Ridge Chargers are greatly dependent on donor funding in order to help run our programs and maintain low fees. We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) charity. You can make your tax deductible donation here
Amazon Smile - You can donate to the High Ridge Chargers simply by shopping on Amazon Smile. You can elect to support the Chargers with a portion of your Amazon purchases here
15. What do I need to bring to registration?
1. Child’s birth certificate.
2. State of Illinois I.D. (all football players on levels 8U and older must have a State of Illinois ID)
3. Copy of your child’s physical or letter from the doctor approving participation to play football. Must be from the current calendar year.
3. Copy of your child’s most recent report card from the last semester of the previous school year
4. Payment
16. What if my child decides they no longer wish to play?
Refund Policy
Drop Outs – No refund will be issued to a participant if he/she is a “drop out” after August 1st. If a “drop out” occurs prior to August 1st, and the participant is in good standing, and has attended all sessions, a partial refund may be requested. The refund shall not exceed the total amount paid, less a $50 processing fee.
Dismissal – no refund will be issued if a participant is dismissed for either poor attendance or misconduct by the player or guardian. Poor attendance is defined as missing or being late for three (3) practices without a note or prior approval of the coaching staff.
Unusual Hardship – A partial refund will be considered due to unusual hardship. To be considered, the guardian must make a written request stating the specific hardship. The Executive Board of Directors will review the request, and, if approved, will grant a partial refund not to exceed the total amount paid, less a $50 processing fee and the cost of any equipment not returned in good order.
Players who do not qualify for league certification – A partial refund will be considered if a player fails to qualify for the league certification for reasons other than absence, missing or falsified personal records. The Executive Board of Directors will review the request, and, if approved, the High Ridge Chargers will grant a partial refund not to exceed the total amount paid, less a $50 processing fee and the cost of any equipment not returned in good order.
18. Are there any extra costs I will be responsible for throughout the season?
Fundraiser – We are requiring all parents to participate in fundraising. We will have two fundraisers throughout the season. Each player will be responsible for selling a minimum of $50 for each fundraising effort that is a total of $100 for the season. More information will be passed out in the upcoming weeks.
Team Pictures – This is not mandatory, but can be purchased at your discretion.
