Q: What is the schedule of this year’s event?
A: This year's National Cheer & Dance Championships will be a three-day event from December 5-7. Saturday (12/5) will be a practice day for all teams, followed by competitions on Sunday (12/6) and Monday (12/7). In addition to competition, all participating teams are invited to the exclusive Pop Warner Celebration Party at Universal Studios Florida on Monday night.
Q: Where is this year’s event being held?
A: Competitions will take place at the world-class Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, FL. Visiting teams are staying at the beautiful Universal's Cabana Bay Beach Resort and Rosen Plaza Hotel. For more information on hotel packages, click here.
Q: How many teams are expected to be at this year’s event?
A: We are expecting approximately 200 teams from across the country, including Pop Warner and, for the first time ever, non-Pop Warner teams. Pop Warner teams who are holding a fall season are invited to compete in this year’s national championships, and will compete in 5 different age divisions (Mitey Mite, Jr. Pee Wee, Pee Wee, Jr. Varsity, Varsity & Challenger) and 12 different Skill Levels (PW 1, PW 2, PW 3, PW 4, Sideline Performance Cheer, Core Cheer, Non-Mount 1, Non-Mount 2, Non-Mount 3, Pom Performance, Theme Dance & Hip Hop).
Non-Pop Warner recreation teams will compete in an Open Division that is created for this year only. Teams entering the Open Division will have the opportunity to compete in four different age divisions (16U, 13U, 12U, 11U) and 11 different YCADA Skill Levels (Show Cheer 1-4, Sideline Performance Cheer 1, Non-Mount 1-3, Pom Performance, Theme Dance & Hip Hop).
Q: Can I watch my child/team perform?
A: Yes, you will be able to watch your child/team perform while they are on stage. Spectator tickets are available to purchase through the official team travel package for $10 per day or on-site at the Orange County Conventions Center for $15 per day. To maintain appropriate safety precautions, there will be standing room only and spectators must have a mask on at all times while in the spectator area. You may enter the spectator area at the start of your child’s/team’s performance and leave once the performance is over. We will also be live-streaming performances.
Q: What health and safety protocols will be in place?
A: Your safety and health at Pop Warner’s Cheer and Dance National Championships are top priority. Pop Warner, Universal Orlando Resort, Florida Citrus Sports and Orlando's Orange County Convention Center have worked together to create a safer environment for all guests, participants and staff members. Before arriving, participants and spectators are required to sign a COVID-19 waiver, disclosing any health symptoms and acknowledging the risk of exposure or infection. At the event, we have implemented safety and health measures that are in accordance with local, state and CDC guidelines. All guests, participants and event staff members are asked to comply with the following protocols:
- Personal Protective Equipment: Appropriate face coverings will be required for guests, participants and staff members at all times, unless performing or eating in a stationary location.
- Physical Distancing: In public areas, guests, participants and staff must practice physical distancing by standing at least six feet away from other individuals. No more than 10 people can be in a single group. No handshakes or other forms of physical greetings will be allowed.
- Temperature Screenings: Temperature screening will be mandatory at all venue entrances. Anyone with a confirmed temperature of 100° or higher will not be admitted and directed to an isolated area within the venue for further assistance
To learn more about the health and safety measures we are taking, visit:
Q: Can I order masks for my team?
A: Teams will have the opportunity to purchase masks from PW Authentic, the official uniform provider of Pop Warner football and cheer teams, ahead of the event. They will be able to customize their masks with squad colors and logos. For more information visit PWAuthentic.com.