Requirements for Junior Varsity Cheerleading

Junior Varsity cheerleading is the first step in becoming a professional cheerleader. Whether you’re in college or high school, Junior Varsity cheerleading prepares you to move on to Varsity cheerleading and perhaps even a career cheering for a professional sports team or competing in cheer competitions around the world. Junior Varsity cheerleading requires commitment and skill, both mentally and physically, and though requirements for making the Junior Varsity squad vary from school to school, a few qualities are almost always required.

  1. Grade Point Average

    • Many schools require all athletes, including cheerleaders, to maintain a specific grade-point average (GPA) to be eligible to train and compete. The requirement varies, but the lesson is clear: you can’t make or stay on the squad if you let your grades slip.

    Physical Skills

    • The skills used in cheer squads vary depending on the school, but any cheerleading squad interested in competing is required to learn a few basic moves. You must be able to keep a steady rhythm, both for cheers and any dancing that may be incorporated into routines. Cartwheels, flips, splits and other feats of strength and flexibility are also standard. Many of the more difficult moves will be taught after the junior varsity level, but you must be willing to train to learn the basics if you’re not already capable of doing them.

    School Spirit

    • You can’t be a cheerleader without school spirit. A cheerleader’s main goal is to rile a crowd and get them excited for the sports team and the school they cheer for. Cheerleaders should be happy, energetic and genuinely love the cause they’re celebrating; they should never have a bad attitude about their school.

    Commitment

    • You must be committed to be a cheerleader, as cheerleading takes a lot of practice and training, often before and after school. Cheerleaders are required to come to all school games and perhaps competitions and fundraisers. Missing even one training session may throw off the cheer, particularly if the cheerleading squad incorporates dance into their routines. It can also be dangerous to miss practice if learning any tricks and tosses, as these techniques can severely injure a cheerleader when done incorrectly.