Sideline cheer game day guide for new cheerleaders and parents

What sideline cheer is for

Sideline cheer is about spirit. Cheerleaders encourage the players, lead the crowd and help create a lively atmosphere. That is different from competition cheer, where a routine is performed for judges. Many squads do both, so see cheer rules for beginners if you want to compare them.

The setting varies by sport and school or league. You might see cheerleaders at football or basketball games, wrestling meets, rec league events or community days. Each has its own space and traditions, so ask your coach how your squad usually works.

The space also changes how a squad works. A gym or court may have limited room along the baseline, while a field may give more space but more weather and distance from the crowd. Squads that cheer at several sports learn quickly that each game has its own rhythm, and good cheerleaders adapt by watching the game and the crowd.

Before the game

• Confirm the date, time, location and arrival time with the coach.
• Pack the uniform, shoes, hair supplies, water and anything the coach requests. The equipment checklist has the basics.
• Plan for weather if the game is outdoors, with layers for warm-up and rain gear if the coach allows.
• Know where athletes should meet and where parents can wait.
• Review the chants, signs and any cues the squad will use.

Arrival and warm-up

Squads usually arrive before the game starts so they can warm up, review the plan and set up. The coach may assign roles, such as who leads a chant, who carries signs and where each athlete stands. Warm-ups should be led by the coach, and athletes should follow directions. If something hurts or feels off, athletes should tell the coach before the game.

It helps for athletes to arrive with a plan for the day. Know the order of cheers, know who stands where and know what to do if the schedule changes. Written notes or a quick huddle with the coach can help new athletes feel ready, and veteran athletes can offer to help newer ones learn the cues.

What happens during the game

The exact plan depends on the squad, but a common pattern looks like this.

1. Pre-game. The squad may lead a spirit moment, hold a banner or greet the team.
2. Play stops. Many squads cheer during breaks in play, such as timeouts, between quarters or at halftime, and may use a stunt or short routine.
3. During play. Cheerleaders encourage the team with chants and signs, but they must also pay attention to the game.
4. Special moments. Squads respond to a score, a big play or an injury. After a score, the cheer is celebratory. If a player is hurt, the squad should be quiet and respectful.
5. Post-game. The squad thanks the team and fans, packs up and follows the coach's directions.

Learn the terms the coach may use in cheer terms for new parents.

Chants, timing and crowd leading

• Know the game. A good cheerleader knows when to be loud and when to be quiet. Quiet moments, such as a free throw or a kick, are often respected by both teams.
• Use a clear voice. Words should be easy to hear and understand from the stands.
• Stay positive. Sideline cheers support your team and never put down the other team or the referees.
• Keep eyes up. Smiling and looking at the crowd helps lead them in.
• Be ready for the cue. Chants are often timed to the clock or the coach's signal.

New cheerleaders often find that the hardest part is not the chant itself but the timing. Practice with the squad until the words, motions and starts come together without thinking. Many squads rehearse a set of chants for specific moments, such as a score, a timeout or a defensive stand, so the whole group can switch smoothly as the game changes.

Safety near the field or court

Cheerleaders are close to the action, so awareness matters. Squads should know where they can stand, stay clear of players, balls and sideline staff, and follow the rules of the venue. Stunts and tumbling at games should follow the squad's safety rules and be done only by athletes who have been taught them by qualified coaches, on surfaces and in spaces suited to the skill. If conditions are poor, such as a wet floor or uneven ground, coaches may decide to skip or change a skill. That is a good decision. See cheer safety basics for general principles.

How parents can help

• Be on time, and follow the coach's instructions about where to stand or sit.
• Cheer for the whole team, not just your own athlete.
• Do not call out to your child or coach from the sidelines during the game.
• Help with practical needs like water, snacks and spare hair supplies when asked.
• Be kind to officials, coaches and fans from both teams.

If you volunteer, ask what the squad needs before the season begins. Programs often appreciate help with transportation, snacks, signs or spare supplies, and a short chat with the coach can save everyone confusion. Parent volunteers should still follow the program's rules about where adults may stand and who may be near athletes.

After the game: ask your child how it went and what they enjoyed. If anyone is hurt or feels unwell, tell the coach, and ask a doctor or athletic trainer about next steps. Remember that sideline cheer is a long season of small moments, and each game is another chance to practice teamwork and confidence.

Common beginner mistakes

• Showing up late or missing the warm-up.
• Not watching the game and cheering at the wrong moment.
• Forgetting the cue or the words to a chant.
• Chewing gum, wearing jewelry or breaking the uniform rules.
• Trying new skills without the coach's approval.

To get ready for a season, read how to prepare for cheer season.

Sources and further reading

1. NFHS Spirit Rules NFHS
2. Spirit Coaches Responsibilities NFHS
3. Cheerleading Safety: How to Prevent Common Injuries HealthyChildren.org (American Academy of Pediatrics)

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Frequently asked questions

What do cheerleaders do at a game?

They lead chants, support the team, entertain the crowd during breaks and sometimes perform short stunts or routines, following the coach's plan.

When do cheerleaders cheer during a game?

Often during breaks in play and at key moments, and they stay quiet when the sport requires it. Your coach will explain the plan for your squad.

What should a cheerleader bring to a game?

Usually the uniform, shoes, hair supplies, water and anything else the coach requests. Check with your coach for specifics.

Is sideline cheer the same as competitive cheer?

No. Sideline cheer focuses on supporting a team and leading the crowd, while competitive cheer is a performance judged against other teams.

Can parents talk to cheerleaders during a game?

It is best not to. Let athletes focus on their coach and the game, and talk afterward.