Things to Know for Cheer Tryouts

The cheer tryout is your opportunity to get on your school's cheer team for the year, and as such it's not something to be taken lightly. You'll want to think about how you present yourself and your skills as you are performing, but also about how you act during the tryout period as a whole. Heading into a tryout without an idea of what's expected could hinder your performance.

  1. Know What's Required

    • How much information you're given and what you can subsequently find out can vary from one tryout to another, but you should try to learn what skills you'll be expected to demonstrate during the tryout. Practice what's required, such as tumbling or stunts. If possible, talk to the organizers of the tryout beforehand. You might pick up some pointers about the kind of thing they're looking for. Also find out if there are any pre-tryout events, such as practices or mock tryouts. These will help you hone your skills.

    Appearance

    • You need to be prepared to look the part, so ensure you're aware of any special dress regulations ahead of time so you can assemble any clothing required. It could be you'll need to wear your school colors, for example, if the tryout organizers want all participants in a specific kit. Don't wear jewelry to the tryout unless you're instructed to, and keep your hair tied neatly so it doesn't fall into your face. Act professional. For example, don't chew gum.

    Grades and Commitment

    • You shouldn't even consider trying out for cheerleading unless you're prepared to commit to it, which involves giving up free time on a regular basis to attend practices and games. You'll need to consider your grades, too, since participating in cheerleading in many schools requires a student to maintain reasonable grades. Your grades also might count toward your tryout score, too. So think about this as tryouts approach.

    General Conduct

    • The routine you perform will be a big part of the judge's evaluation of your skills, but don't think that's all there is to it. You'll be watched constantly during your tryouts, and the aspects of your personality and attitude that come through will be noted. Think about how you relate to others at the tryout, especially if you're asked to work with other applicants. The judges might be watching your teamwork skills. Look attentive and try to indicate your seriousness about cheerleading. This could involve asking coaches and judges regular questions, for example.

    Cooperation

    • You can jeopardize your chance of getting on the cheer team if you don't follow the instructions given to you by coaches or judges at the tryout. Work with both adults and other hopefuls to ensure that you show off your ability to cooperate. Don't practice any stunts unless an adult is around to supervise, and control your temper toward other hopefuls. Bad behavior won't be tolerated.