What Judges Look for in Cheerleader Tryouts

Cheerleaders dance, tumble and work up enthusiasm in the audience to help their team win. Fans in the bleachers may think it's all about being pretty and peppy, but a cheerleader must be physically fit and mentally sharp. Cheerleaders have to dance, jump, follow precisely choreographed routines and work with other squad members. Tryouts can be stressful and intense, as the judges carefully size up each candidate to pick just the right people for the squad.

  1. Appearance

    • Judges look for a professional appearance. A neat and pulled-together look shows that you're serious about joining the squad. Wearing school colors conveys your pride in your school, but black shorts and a white shirt make it easier for the judges to see your movements. People with long hair should pull it back in a ponytail, as the judges don't want to see hair in your face. They want high energy, eye contact and a genuine smile 100 percent of the time, including before and after the routine.

    Movements and Execution

    • Judges expect quality, coordination and precision in the execution of your routine. If you don't know your cheer and dance inside out, they will see it. Timing and rhythm matter, as judges look for movements on cue with the music -- neither delayed nor rushed, but tight and clean. The judges will dock points for bent wrists or thumbs sticking out from your fists. They expect your voice to be loud, clear and expressive, with proper annunciation.

    Stunts

    • Judges look for height, pointed toes and clean landings in the jumps, will take off points if you flail your arms or land with your feet apart. Some give points just for being able to tumble, and more points for complicated tumbles, according to the Total Cheer Gear website. For example, a back flip will earn more points, even if it's not 100 percent accurate, than a cartwheel executed correctly. The judges know cheerleaders can perfect their tumbling skills as the season progresses.

    Personality

    • Judges like to see enthusiastic cheerleaders having fun. They look for candidates who show leadership abilities and know how to carry on, even if they mess up. Judges don't want you to panic and start over if you make a mistake; they expect you to pick up where you left off. The judges might ask you to repeat a move -- if this happens, they probably just missed something -- it doesn't mean that you didn't do well.