How to prepare for cheer season

Choose a program carefully

Programs differ a lot: school teams, rec teams and all-star gyms each have their own schedules, costs and goals. Before you commit, ask:

• What are the coaches' qualifications and safety training, and how do they keep it current?
• How are athletes placed, and how do they move up a level?
• What is the practice schedule, the competition schedule and the full cost, in writing?
• Where do they practice, and what surfaces and mats do they use?
• How do they handle injuries and communicate with parents?

Watch a practice if the program allows it. You want to see coaches who are attentive, who teach skills in steps and who keep athletes with spotters and at a suitable level.

Tryouts

Tryouts vary. Some programs run a clinic, and others place every athlete. Most look at basic skills like jumps, motions, flexibility and tumbling, plus attitude and listening.

• Ask in advance what skills will be evaluated and what to wear.
• Remind your child that coaches want to see effort, a positive attitude and good listening. Perfect skills are not expected from a beginner.
• Your child should only show skills they have learned safely with a qualified coach. Never try new skills for the first time at tryouts.
• If your child does not get the placement they hoped for, treat it as information about where to start, not a verdict.

The first practice

• Arrive a little early with a water bottle, hair secured and jewelry removed.
• Expect warm-ups, stretching, basics of motions and jumps, and slow introductions to stunts or tumbling.
• Encourage your child to ask questions and to tell the coach if anything hurts or feels wrong.
• Introduce yourself to the coach and ask how best to reach them.

Simple habits and injury prevention

General fitness helps, but there is no single plan that suits every child. A few safe habits go a long way:

• Warm up before practice and cool down afterward, as the coach directs.
• Drink water through the day, and get enough sleep.
• Do not push through pain. Tell the coach right away.
• Do not practice stunts or tumbling at home without qualified supervision and a proper surface.
• Take breaks, and avoid practicing the same skill endlessly when tired.

Ask your coach or doctor: if your child has an injury, a medical condition or a concern about fitness, talk to a doctor before the season begins, and share any guidance with the coach. Return to practice after an injury only as directed by a doctor or athletic trainer and in line with the program's policy, and make sure the coach knows. Any suspected head injury, such as a hit to the head or a fall with dizziness or confusion, should be reported to the coach right away, and the athlete should stop and be checked by a qualified health professional.

Understanding your child's role

Learn what your child's role might be. See cheer roles explained for bases, flyers, backspots and tumblers. Remember that roles can change as skills develop, and that every role matters to the team.

Competition day routine

• Confirm the schedule, call time and location the day before, since schedules can change.
• Pack uniform, shoes, hair supplies, water, snacks and a spare of anything easily lost. See the equipment checklist.
• Eat a normal meal, and arrive early to allow for warm-ups.
• Let coaches handle the athletes' warm-up and preparation, and cheer from the audience.
• Celebrate effort and teamwork whatever the result. Judging is complicated, and scoresheets differ.

Being part of the team

Cheer is a team sport in a very literal way, because stunt groups depend on each member. Encourage your child to be on time, to listen, to support teammates and to speak up if they feel unsafe or unsure. Parents can help by following the program's communication rules, respecting the coach's decisions about placement and keeping comments about other athletes positive.

Keep learning

New to the lingo? Read cheer terms for new parents, and see the cheer page for more.