A
cheerleading team that has solid relationships is going to have solid performances. Conflict might be ultimately inevitable, but it is completely manageable. Keep your
cheer team’s attitude healthy with the Cheerleading Uniforms Blog’s complete guide to conflict resolution and good sportsmanship for cheerleading coaches, captains, team members and parents.

Fill out the form below to get your free copy now, and easily save, print and share this guide with your cheer community!

Highlights

Tips For Coaches and Captains

Anybody that is or has been in a leadership role on a cheerleading squad knows that the job requires much more than just running practices. A team is like a family, and like every family, someone sits in the head seat at the table. Being a leader isn’t about being a bully though, it’s about being the type of person that people can and do look up to. Here are 8 tips for leading a cheer team by example.

Conflict Resolution Tips For Coaches & Captains

What should you do when your team goes from yelling on the sidelines to yelling at each other? As the cheerleading season gets into full swing, has your team encountered any conflicts? Keep your team attitude healthy with these tips!

Tips For Cheerleaders and Parents

Here are some tips on how cheer squad members and their family members can make sure they are supporting the team and showing good sportsmanship.

Conflict Resolution Tips for Cheerleaders & Parents

Recognizing, addressing and putting conflicts to rest is important for a team that relies on respect and trust during routines and stunts. Squad members and their parents can work on managing team conflicts to keep their cheerleading community positive using these tips!

Download your FREE copy of the guide now to access all the tips, and to see all 8 tips for leading a cheerleading squad by example!

There are many aspects of a
school’s spirit that work together to created a united atmosphere. One of the most animated elements comes in the form of a character known as a mascot, which is usually associated with the
cheerleading team.

Everyone is familiar with the mascot persona – usually a member of the schools that suits up in full costume, including a usually oversized head! Mascots are a part of high school, college and even pro sports teams. So why are mascots an integral part of sports? What gives them the magic that can bring an entire stadium to their feet?

A mascot is often thought to be a sort of good luck charm, and can be in the form of a person, object or animal that represents the common public identity or a group. The mascot for a school or team often reflects a competitive quality that a team wishes to embody, and sometimes also a regional trait. For schools and sports teams, mascots are present at their pep rallies and their games.

History of Mascots in Sports

The history of mascots is tied to the
history of cheerleading. Both began at colleges, where the sports teams were looking for a way to rally and unite their fans and to develop unique identifiers. Many colleges and pro sports teams were already named after and associated with an animal or historical figure, but that icon was not being utilized as a live-action school representation.

After premiering at Ivy League schools, the idea of live-action mascots started to catch on with other colleges and became a staple at games. It became common to see a mascot on the sidelines, interacting with the crowd and often supporting the cheerleaders on the sidelines by joining some of their routines. As individual mascot identities became household names,
cheerleading squads even started creating cheers to specifically incorporate their team’s mascot. They also fueled the mascot’s popularity by including an image of the mascot on their signage,
face paint and other cheer accessories.

By the 1960s, the world of professional sports began to debut mascots on their courts and fields. Today, mascots represent a proud association with and connection to a team, and the responsibilities of mascots have continued to grow with their rise in popularity.

A Mascot’s Duties

Each school and team’s athletic department has a unique culture, which reflects their mascot’s role. Many mascots are now a household name, and some of the more popular ones have even been included in sports video games and events like ribbon cuttings and fundraisers. Here’s a brief overview of some of a mascot’s duties:

Athleticism and Costumes. Being a mascot is physically demanding and requires just as much athleticism as cheerleading. Not only do mascots participate in
cheerleading stunting, they also have their own set of stunts that they perform – in costume! A mascot’s costume can weigh upwards of 20 pounds, and while wearing one a mascot may do jumps, kicks and tumbling. For more extreme teams, mascots might even use equipment like trampolines to jump through rings of fire or enhance a slam dunk.

Energize and Entertain. A mascot’s main purpose is the most important: energize the team and community’s spirit. One of the ways they do this is to use entertainment to gain attention and generate excitement. Mascots are a rally point for the team and school supporters, providing a symbol of pride and presenting the community as strong. Mascots also keep spirits up when a game isn’t going well, which can help the team bounce back!

Ambassadors and Incentives. Mascots are also known to do a lot of good in their communities. They
serve goodwill by partnering with cheerleading squads to volunteer with local organizations and raise awareness for charities and their events. They also show their ability to do whatever it takes for their team by doing things that help give incentive for the community to support and donate – such as a dunk tank or agreeing to jump in a body of water in the winter if a certain dollar amount is raised.

Official and Unofficial Mascots

Throughout history, sports teams have survived not only on their talent, but also on their supporters. While there are many official mascots these days, there are also unofficial mascots that have earned that title through the extreme measures they have taken to support the team. These fans may boast a perfect attendance record to games, have a tattoo of the team logo or have their own costume for games. In other cases, a team will adopt an unofficial mascot as part of giving back to charity, such as in cases where ill children are given mascot treatment and access to the team.

Controversy

Some mascot choices have not stood the test of time, and serve as a point of controversy in today’s athletic community. For example, there are several sports teams with names that directly tie to Native Americans, and imagery like feathers and headdresses have been the aim of critics’ complaints in recent years. Over 600 teams have dropped their connection to those kinds of mascots and slogans since 1969, when activists and associations within athletics started pushing for a change. Some teams, including the Washington Redskins, have been enduring court appearances for years. Many college and professional teams are hesitant to make major changes to their recognizable merchandise.

Overall, mascots represent school pride and team unity and help create an atmosphere that many sports fans and participants will remember fondly through all the years of their life!

The New Year brings a great sense of relief as we get a “fresh slate’ to start over, refresh, and revamp. Although most of us are probably in the middle of our competition season, now is still a great time to rethink and reorganize. As we focus on advancing our stunts and routines for nationals, or (unfortunately) are frantically rearranging our entire routine because someone got hurt last night at practice, we know that every ounce of practice time is c-r-u-c-i-a-l!

It’s frustrating, I get it. I get that nothing goes quite as planned, and I know that nothing is worse than spending hours repeatedly practicing that same skill and stunt sequence that just won’t hit. But, I also know there are a few key tweaks that you can incorporate that will help you advance your routine, improve your stunts, and do more‚ in less time!

As a fitness expert for cheerleaders, I want to share my top 3 tips to help you kick off the New Year right and get the most out of every practice.

CHEERFIT TIP #1: GET YOUR TEAM FIT

75% of the time a stunt doesn’t hit, a tumbling pass doesn’t go, or the routine falls apart and it’s not because your team isn’t trying‚ it is because they aren’t fit. The muscles required to stunt, tumble, and go full out are much different in cheerleading than in most other sports, and our exercise plans must be adjusted accordingly.

Cheerleaders need to focus on:

,      
Stability training to progress stunting

,      
Cardio to build endurance

,      
Strength training to advance tumbling

,       Core training to improve technique and body control

But don’t sweat it: if fitness isn’t your expertise, schedule a free consultation with our cheer fitness experts to discuss the best workouts for your team! www.cheerfittraining.com/freeconsultation.

CHEERFIT TIP #2: HAVE A PLAN

Yes, the New Year is here and it is the perfect time to reorganize and plan for the year ahead. Be realistic with your goals and have a plan to make it happen. Unfortunately, fitness often gets overlooked because most teams “have too much to do’ before even thinking about adding working out into an already jam-packed practice.

But, here is a secret: working out maximizes practice!

 

Plan your workouts, just like any other appointment. Add each workout into your phone calendar or planner, and commit to it. Whether you schedule workout circuits into practice or give your team a workout calendar to do on their own, remember that working out builds strength, strength builds confidence, and confidence is what makes that routine hit‚ the first time around!

I’ve even put together a free cheerFIT workout calendar to help you get started. Print out the calendar below and for the free cheerFIT workout logs and exercise videos, check out: www.cheerfittraining.com/freeworkout

CHEERFIT TIP #3: BUILD CAMARADERIE

There’s a good routine, there’s a great routine, and then there’s a firework routine. Every cheerleader wants that last one every time. This is the routine that gets your adrenaline pumping; you hit all your marks at the right time; you’re fierce, you’re loud, and you’re proud. The firework routine is what cheerleaders live for.

Here are 13 ways to achieve that one-in-a-million routine!

1. Practice, practice, practice. You’ve heard it before but you know it’s true. The squads that amaze the crowds and fellow cheerleaders are the ones that train and work hard.
2. Try again. Can’t nail a stunt that you feel you’ve been working on forever? It might be easier to replace it with another easier stunt but it’s worth it in the end to keep trying until you nail the harder one. Remember, there are other ways to improve stunts. Practice your balance and work on your flexibility!
3. Know your limits. While you should always push yourself to achieve what initially seemed as impossible, never force yourself to do something you aren’t ready for. Just because another cheerleader or squad is doing it, doesn’t mean you should. It’s better to nail stunts with which you’re comfortable rather than wobble on a more difficult stunt.
4. Get the perfect uniform. The crowd won’t just be watching you perform; they’ll be seeing your uniform too! Make sure everyone’s uniform fits well. If you really want to shine, choose a uniform with metallic details.
5. Be confident. Confidence plays a big role in having an amazing routine. Be pumped up to show the audience what you’ve got rather than worry about messing up or wondering if another squad has a better routine.
6. Show the world you’re fierce. The best routines start off with a bang. When you take the floor, field, or sidelines, show the audience how fierce you are. Make them believe you’re about to put on the best show ever (which you are!). The anticipation will encourage them to cheer even louder when you begin the routine.
7. What mistake? Did you make a mistake? Who says you did? If you stumble, trip, or miss a hit, pretend like it’s all part of the show. Keep smiling and act like nothing happened.
8. Smile! A smile goes a long way. What makes a routine amazing is the fact that it looks fun and enjoyable for both the performer and the audience!
9. Get spirited with your hair and makeup. Glitter makeup and a high ponytail can really pull a look together. Since the crowd won’t be sitting too close to you, wear more makeup than you normally would so everyone can see it from afar.
10. Bond with your teammates. By being close with your teammates, you’re more likely to enjoy practice, work harder, and want to win as a team.
11. Hit, hit, hit. Hitting stunts and motions with sharp precision can really take your routine to the next level. Basic stunts can look much more difficult and impressive when they’re all hit sharply and in unison.
12. Make the music count. Never underestimate the power of a good song or mix. Even the least-spirited of people will have trouble staying in their seats when a catchy beat is vibrating through the stands
13. Don’t forget the accessories! A jumbo bow adds the perfect final touch to a team look. Make sure it’s securely in place so nothing falls out during the routine.

What do you think a cheerleader needs to have the best routine?

A basic extension is an intermediate stunt in cheerleading that is most often used as the entry into more complex stunts, such as scorpions, bow and arrows and basket tosses. The basic extension is one of the most popular moves for cheerleading, and a staple for stunting teams.

Though a basic move, the extension still requires strength, agility, skill and
trust among squad members. This move should only be performed under proper, trained supervision to ensure the safety of everyone.

Set-Up

Stunt Groups: 1

Spotter: At least 1

Bases: 2

Flyer: 1

Level: Intermediate

Though the extension itself only requires one stunt group, having multiple stunt groups performing synchronized extensions will really take the visual aspect of your performance to the next level.

Before any group attempts a stunt, they should discuss and decide on a standard count series. Each and every stunt a group performs should be done on counts, and it is typically the responsibility of the spotter to keep the beat and call it out. Timing is
critical in stunting, and new teams need to practice their timing as much as they practice their actual stunts.

Many stunts begin with a two beat, “Ready, OK” count, where all positions bring their arms up and clap once on beat. This helps get everyone’s attention, lets them know to focus and assures the entire group that everyone is ready. From there the stunt group gets into formation, and the spotter begins the count series (typically based on an 8-beat count).

How To Perform A Basic Extension

Formation

Bases: The bases should be stand facing each other in a shoulder to hip width stance, with their backs straight and their arms against their sides.

Flyer: The flyer should face forward, in between and slightly behind the bases. The flyer’s arms should be against their sides.

Spotter: There should be at least one back spotter for this stunt. A front spotter can be utilized as well, but this guide will only cover a back spotter. The back spotter should be positioned directly behind the flyer, facing forward. The base’s arms should be by their sides.

Entry

Bases: On the right count, the bases should go into a half squat, keeping their backs straight and their heads apart. Each base should cup their hands, palms up, in anticipation of receiving the flyer’s foot. The main base will receive the flyer’s foot first, in a standard step-up. The assisting base will receive the flyer’s other foot from the lift off, so needs to be ready for a more intense impact.

Flyer: The flyer positions one hand on each of the base’s shoulders, keeping their arms bent and their elbows up, and transfers their weight from their legs to their arms. Simultaneously, the flyer lifts one leg to about a 90-degree angle, placing that foot inside of their main base’s cupped hands.

Spotter: The spotter should position their hands on the flyer’s waist and follow the movement of the flyer throughout the stunt. Their grip should be firm, but loose enough so that it is not restricting. Simultaneously, the spotter is calling out the count series clearly and loudly.

Momentum

Bases: The bases will hold their supporting position while the flyer gains momentum for the lift. The flyer and spotter will sink down during this series of counts, but the bases should hold steady.

Flyer: The flyer should straighten their arms to lift their free foot slightly off the ground or up onto the ball of their foot. Then, the flyer should bend their arms again, bring their foot back down and sink down. This should not be a bouncing motion; it should be a controlled move that will give the lift more power.

Spotter: The spotter will hold their supporting position while the flyer gains momentum for the lift, and continue the count series. As always, the spotter should be sure to follow the flyer’s movements, squatting and sinking with them.

Lift

Bases: As the flyer pushes of the ground and brings their foot into the assisting base’s waiting hands, the bases should dip down low with their legs, and drop their arms to about hip level. This is to build power for the lift. Immediately following the dip, the bases will begin to straighten their legs and extend their arms upwards to lift the flyer. The lift is
not a jumping motion. The bases should be lifting from their legs, using the power of coming out of their squat to help propel the flyer upwards, and supporting the flyer on their palms. The bases will need more power for a full extension then for an
elevator stunt, since they will be lifting the flyer past the chin level. For an extension, the bases lift the flyer all the way up, so that their arms are straight above them. Once they pass the elevator position, both bases should shift their forward hand to cover the front/ toe area of the flyer’s foot to give them more support and stability.

Flyer: As the flyer lands their free foot, they should repeat the push off but this time load their free foot into the hands of the assisting base. As they are loading their foot, they should also begin to dip with the bases. Then, the bases will begin to rise and lift the flyer. While the bases are rising, the flyer should begin to move into a standing position by pushing off the base’s shoulders and straightening their legs. The flyer should lock their legs and tighten their core once they are in the air and their legs are straight. Once in position, the flyer may choose to use a motion, such as a “T” or “high V” to add extra flare to the stunt.

Spotter: As the flyer brings their foot back down on the spotter’s count, the spotter should keep their hands on the flyer’s waist and dip with the stunt group. The spotter will help the flyer rise and keep stability during the lift. Once the flyer begins to stand, the spotter should release the flyer’s waist and firmly position their hands either at the tops of the flyer’s ankles or low on the flyer’s calves and help the bases lift the flyer to the full extension. When releasing the flyer’s waist, the spotter must be careful to pull their arms back and to the side so they don’t interfere with the flyer’s ascension.

Dismount

There are a few options for dismounting from an extension during practice, depending on your experience, skill and comfort.

The bases and spotters can work together to lower the flyer back to the elevator position, and then use a front walkout. If you choose to have a front spotter, they would hold the flyers hands as their stunt group lowers them.

If the stunt group is ready for something a little more advanced, they can use a cradle to dismount from an extension. Check out the step-by-step instructions and visual guide from the
Beginner’s Guide On How To Perform A Cradle article.

Tips For Performing An Extension

• All positions should have their eyes on the flyer at all times. This is a safety precaution, and also a requirement in competitions. The flyer’s eyes should be focused on something in the horizon during the stunt to help them keep their balance.
• Bases should stand as close together as possible without restricting the flyer’s space. If the bases create too much distance, the flyer is going to end up with sloppy form since their legs will be in a split position, which will strain and likely topple the entire stunt.

The shoulder sit is a beginner stunt in cheerleading, but will give you a taste of stunting and teach you skills that you’ll need for more advanced stunts. Practicing the shoulder sit is also a great way for your stunt team to work out any kinks in your stunts, get familiar with the count series and build trust.

Though a basic move, the shoulder sit still requires strength, agility and skill. This move should only be performed under proper, trained supervision to ensure the safety of everyone.

Before any group attempts a stunt, they should discuss and decide on a standard count series. Each and every stunt a group performs should be done on counts, and it is typically the responsibility of the spotter to keep the beat and call it out. Timing is critical in stunting, and new teams need to practice their timing as much as they practice their actual stunts.

Many stunts begin with a two beat, “Ready, OK” count, where all positions bring their arms up and clap once on beat. This helps get everyone’s attention, lets them know to focus and assures the entire group that everyone is ready. From there the stunt group gets into formation, and the spotter begins the count series (typically based on an 8-beat count).

How To Perform A Shoulder Sit




Click above to view large image

Set-Up

Stunt Groups: 1

Spotter: At least 1

Bases: 1

Flyer: 1

Level: Beginner

Base

• The base should get into a deep lunge position. While their main body will only angle slightly to the side, the toes of their bent leg should turn completely sideways. The bent leg will act as a platform for the flyer’s foot.
• As the flyer rests their foot on the base’s leg, the base should wrap their inside arm around the flyer’s leg at the knee, and secure the flyer’s foot with their outside hand.
• The base should hold this position as the flyer pops up and begins to swing their other leg onto the base’s shoulder.
• As the flyer’s leg is settling on the base’s shoulder, the base should release the flyer’s other foot and bring that now free arm behind and around the flyer’s leg, at about the knee area. The base should pull down firmly to give the flyer extra stability.
• Once the flyer is secure, the base should shift their body to face forward. If the stunt group is still new, the base should keep their hands on the flyer’s thighs, but if the stunt group is a little advanced the base can place their hands on their hips.

Flyers

• The flyer will start this stunt by standing behind the base and placing their hands on the base’s shoulders.
• The flyer should bring their inside leg (the one that matches the base’s lunged leg) up and around the base’s waist, and rest it on the base’s thigh.
• Once the base has a firm grip on the flyer’s leg, the flyer should dip down then pop up, shifting their weight from their legs to their arms. During this move the flyer should keep her core tight and lock the leg that is resting on the base’s thigh.
• When the lift has reached a point where the flyer’s arms are almost straight, she should begin to swing her free leg up and around the base’s shoulder.
• Once the flyer is in a seated position on the base’s shoulders and the base’s arms are wrapped around the flyer’s legs, the flyer should wrap her feet around the base’s lower back, so that the top of her feet will be against the base’s back. This will give the flyer additional stability.
• Once the flyer is secure, she can hit a high V or T arm motion.

Spotter

• The spotter’s main responsibility is to support and guide the flyer, and of course keep her from hitting the floor if anything goes wrong.
• The spotter should stand directly behind the flyer with her hands on the flyer’s hips. The spotter’s grip should be firm, but not restricting.
• The spotter should follow the movements of the flyer as she dips and pops up, and help lift her onto the base’s shoulders.
• Once the flyer is secure, the spotter should shift their body to face forward with the base. If the stunt group is still new, the spotter should keep her hands on the flyer’s hips, but if the stunt group is a little advanced the spotter can let go of the flyer. Letting go doesn’t mean the spotter’s job is over, they still need to stay directly behind the base and keep alert. They will also need to count out the series for the dismount.

Dismount

Check out our
step-by-step instructions for performing a back shoulder sit dismount, and visit the blog on November 4th for step-by-step instructions for performing a front shoulder sit dismount.

Cheerleading is difficult. Being successful in cheerleading takes a lot of hard work, commitment, and confidence‚ but that shouldn’t stop you from giving cheer a try! Cheerleading is an indescribable experience that benefits athletes in many ways.

Take this quiz to see if you could be a cheerleader:

The truth is anyone can be a cheerleader! 

Sure, it takes hard work, but everyone is capable of working hard. One of the many great things about cheerleading is that there are so many ways to get involved. You can join a youth rec squad, a school sideline squad, a competitive All Star team, etc. There’s room in cheerleading for athletes of all skill and experience levels, and cheerleaders welcome new members with open arms. 

So if you think you might want to be a cheerleader, don’t let anything discourage you from trying it! You might see videos online of amazing tumbling passes or gravity-defying stunts, but those athletes didn’t start out being able to do that. They started from the beginning just like everyone else and put in the work. 

If you want to be a cheerleader but aren’t sure about the whole tumbling and stunting thing, don’t worry. Plenty of squads focus more on cheers and chants with less stunting and tumbling. There’s room for everyone in cheerleading! But, be forewarned: joining a cheerleading squad comes with a few unexpected side effects. You’ll love every second of it though!

When did you decide to become a cheerleader?

If you are participating in your first-ever
cheerleading competition this season, you may be wondering what to bring with you and what to expect when you get there. Here’s a brief on what it’s all about.

Cheer Competitions 101

At cheerleading competitions, several squads perform their routines and receive points from judges based on unity, difficulty, creativity and other performance factors.

Cheerleading began as a college activity, and did not become competitive until the 1960s. There are several companies that hold multiple competitions annually, but these are all fairly new, and there are still new competitions being developed. Competitions and cheer events continue to form and gain popularity today – the US Finals just debuted 3 years ago in 2009!

What exactly is a cheer competition?

A cheer competition is just what it implies – a head-to-head, winner takes all, “this is what we have worked for” moment where the best of the best of cheerleading is showcased! For cheerleaders, competitions are a chance use the techniques and new motions, cheers, chants,
stunts and tumbling that they learned at cheerleading camp over the summer.

A competition is a great place for teams to rely on their unity and show off their skills. It is the place to get in
full uniform and makeup and go full out.

Some cheerleading teams compete for funding for their program, other compete so that they can move on to bigger competitions. It is also common for scholarships to be offered as an award for winning teams.

Competitions feature a panel of judges that can include cheerleading celebrities, coaches, and other individuals with an intense knowledge of cheerleading.

Who attends cheer competitions?

Your team, and other local and regional teams, will compete together in competitions – depending on which level you are competing at.

There are many different levels of cheerleading competitions, which means that each squad can compete with other squads at their level. A squad’s level may be based on its size, dynamics and experience.

Coaches, assistant coaches and choreographers will attend to lead their team and manage schedules. Some coaches and teams attend competitions as audience members so that they can decide if they want to compete during the next season.

Cheer parents and cheer siblings attend competitions and bring the noise when their team is on the mat!

Where are competitions held?

Cheerleading competitions are held all over the world, but most squads attend local or regional events.

If a team qualifies for a bigger event, they will likely end up traveling to another state, and if they advance far enough maybe even another country!

When is competition season?

Cheerleading competition season typically starts in October, and can run through April, depending on how many competitions a team participates in, and how far they advance.

What should I expect at my first competition?

If you are competing for the first time this season, don’t be nervous! You will work hard and push yourself, but you’ll also learn more about yourself and your team – while you create life-long memories!

Cheerleading competitions are crowded, loud and fast-paced. You may get confused about where you need to be, and when you need to be there, so make sure that you clarify anything that you are not sure about.

There will be practice space at the competition, so expect to work hard even before you hit the stage.

If your competition requires that your team stay overnight, you can expect some
fun team-bonding time! Most hotels have indoor pools that your team can visit to unwind and reward themselves after a long day.

What should I bring to a competition?

Pack your cheerleading competition bag with these essentials:

• Your team uniform
• Hairbows, hairspray and curling irons
• Poms, megaphones and signs
• Glitter makeup
• Socks and indoor cheerleading shoes
• Snacks and water

Help us expand our tips by leaving your advice in our comments!