5 Basic Facts to Know About Cheer Competitions

Competition season is when it’s all about the cheerleaders. Teams start training months in advance, working on conditioning and perfecting their routines. Competitions are intense, but they’re an experience like no other. If you’re new to competitive cheerleading or just wondering what it’s all about, here are five basics for you to know: Competition season goes from about October to April, depending on how many competitions your team competes in and how far you advance. Competition isn’t just for all star squads. There are teams at gyms that only compete, but school squads that do sideline cheer can compete as well. Some sideline teams don’t attend competitions because they don’t tumble or because of budget constraints. All star squads only compete. You won’t find them cheering on a sports team. They emphasize gymnastics and tumbling skills. All star teams are organized by skill from level 1 to level 6, with 6 being the most advanced. Competitive cheer squads range in number from five members to 36. Whether you’re on a school, competitive, or all star squad, your competition will be judged by a panel of judges. These judges are cheer experts, from coaches to well-known former and current cheerleaders. You’ll be judged on things like skill, technique, creativity, and spirit. Does your team compete? What is your favorite thing about cheer competitions?