OYF Board of Directors Approves Dissolution of OYF Cheer

OCONOMOWOC, Wis. - Nov. 14, 2014 - PRLog -- In its November Board of Directors meeting, the Oconomowoc Youth Football Board of Directors approved a motion to end its offering of cheerleading as part of Oconomowoc Youth Football.

This vote followed a fact finding investigation and delivery of recommendations to the board by OYF Vice-President Chris Ireland.  After speaking with the interim OYF Cheer Director, Ray Hoffman, and several of the parents, Ireland recommended OYF ending its affiliation with OYF Cheer, but did strongly encourage Hoffman to form a standalone Cheer organization with the pledge of a partnership from OYF to ensure cheerleading continues at OYF games in 2015 and beyond.

“As OYF Cheer families have not historically participated in our fundraising events or served as volunteers at our games and held their own registration, it seems appropriate to offer them an opportunity to form their own organization with their own leadership" Ireland said.  "In addition, given the increased focus on athlete safety, our leadership team does not have the resources to monitor and ensure safety for both football and cheer.   However, I support, and I know our board supports the girls in our community being involved in cheerleading and to provide them opportunities to cheer during Bandits’ games”.

“I want to thank Chris Ireland for his efforts in working with our leadership team and our Cheer organization to ensure both parties had opportunities to discuss their thoughts” said Gary Wipperman, OYF President.  “Chris also did a great deal of research on other cheerleading organizations before delivering his recommendations to our team.  I believe his recommendation provides for the best interest of the children in our care.   The separation of OYF and Cheer provides an opportunity for each organization to focus on its core competencies to maximize the safety of our athletes.”

“I also wish to thank Ray Hoffman for his leadership and investment of time for working as our Interim Cheer Director this season.  Ray worked hard under very difficult circumstances to ensure the girls in our community had an opportunity to finish this season.   Our leadership team is fully committed to partnering with a new Oconomowoc cheer organization that ensures cheerleading continues at Bandits’ games for years to come.”

The OYF Board of Directors will seek approval to remove OYF Cheer from its bylaws in the Feburary 2015 general membership meeting.