I see “Nationals Week” mentioned in some communications. What does that mean?
With the introduction of early registration, opportunities for more teams to participate in the experience, and another chance to qualify for Cheer & Dance Nationals, we’re more broadly referring to the event as Nationals Week to be inclusive of both Cheer & Dance Nationals and the new Queen City Crown Open.
What is the advantage of registering early if the region championships have not yet been held?
We made the change to early registration – as early as September 2 – to allow teams more time to plan and fundraise for Nationals Week. And, with regional events taking place on separate weekends, the early registration option puts every team on an even playing field in terms of getting their preferred hotel option.
Are there any financial incentives to registering early?
In addition to better planning, more time to fundraise and a chance at your preferred hotel, another key incentive is the deposit required for those who register in from September 2 through September 30 is only $1,000. Beginning October 1, the required deposit is $1,500 per team. All deposits will be credited to the first reservation on the rooming list.
What kind of payment plans are available to teams that register early?
There are several different payment plans based on when you register. More details will be shared as you work through the registration process. Generally speaking, the payment plans include:
- 6 Installments: 9/15, 9/30, 10/15, 10/31, 11/17
- 4 Installments: 9/30, 10/31, 11/17
- 3 Installments: 10/31, 11/17
- 1 Installment: 11/17
What is the Queen City Crown Open?
We introduced the Queen City Crown Open as a way to invite all teams to our national event, while keeping Cheer & Dance Nationals as the best of the best. The Queen City Crown Open will feature all the same divisions that are competing in Cheer & Dance Nationals. Plus, Pop Warner teams who win their division in the Queen City Crown Open will advance to compete in Cheer & Dance Nationals later that same day.
Our team intends to compete for a national championship; if we register early, are we automatically placed in the Queen City Crown Open?
If you’re a Pop Warner member and register as early as September 2, at any point before your regional championship, you are not registering for the Queen City Crown Open. Rather, you will simply be registered for Nationals Week. If your team qualifies to compete for a national championship based on how you place or score at your regional championships, then you will be placed in Cheer & Dance Nationals. If your team does not qualify for Cheer & Dance Nationals, you will be placed in the Queen City Crown Open.
If my team does not qualify for the regional competition through the league championship, are we still eligible to participate in the Queen City Crown Open?
Yes. You are still eligible to compete in the Queen City Crown Open. The Queen City Crown Open may include all members of Pop Warner that have not advanced to Cheer & Dance Nationals.
If I register early, make all my deposits, then do not qualify for Cheer & Dance Nationals at my regional competition, can I withdraw from the event and get a refund?
If you register early, you are committed to participating during Nationals Week, in either the Cheer & Dance Nationals or the Queen City Crown Open. If your team fails to advance to Cheer & Dance Nationals through the regional championship, the team will be placed in the Queen City Crown Open.
If my Pop Warner team wins their division in the Queen City Crown Open, will we advance to Cheer & Dance Nationals?
Yes. The Queen City Crown Open is one last chance for teams to punch their ticket to Cheer & Dance Nationals. If a Pop Warner team wins its division in the Queen City Crown Open, it will advance to the Cheer & Dance Nationals competition later that same day.
Just give it to me straight… how do teams advance to Cheer & Dance Nationals?
In the past, there were two ways to advance to Cheer & Dance Nationals. Starting this year, there are now three ways:
- Place in the Top 2 in your division at Regionals and automatically advance to Cheer & Dance Nationals.
- Finish 3rd, 4th or 5th at Regionals with a score of 80 points or more (within 5 points for first place) and automatically advance to Cheer & Dance Nationals.
- Win the division at the new Queen City Crown Open to advance to that evening’s Cheer & Dance Nationals.
Are non-Pop Warner teams allowed to sign up for the Queen City Crown Open?
Yes, we have opened the Queen City Crown Open to teams that are not currently members of Pop Warner. We feel that this is a great opportunity to introduce others to our wonderful event. But a team will only be accepted into the Queen City Crown Open if it follows the YCADA youth/rec standard.
Will non-Pop Warner teams be allowed to advance to Cheer & Dance Nationals if they win the division in the Queen City Crown Open?
No. The only teams that can advance to Cheer & Dance Nationals through the Queen City Crown Open are those that are Pop Warner members.
Will the Queen City Crown Open take place every year from now on?
That’s the plan! In fact, we’re planning an entire Crown Open event series to bring the excitement of a national Pop Warner event to several markets each year. The next event is the Windy City Crown Open on March 21-22 in Greater Chicago. Stay tuned for details.
Where can I find more information on registering for the event, booking hotel rooms and planning our trip to Charlotte?
There are many more details included in this year's Event Manual.