Tryout Format and Information

The Sideline and Cheer both have ripples. It doesn't matter which ripple you learn as long as the ripple that you choose to perform for tryouts is consistent throughout the sideline/cheer. During clinics, we may group you with others to watch you perform the various ripple parts together.

Each Candidate will try-out individually.

You will spirit to the middle of the mat (panel 5)

Once you have reached the middle of the mat, turn around and show your tryout number (pinned to your back) to the judges

The judges will tell you when to turn back around

At this point, you may show any tumbling skills that you have. If you do not tumble, just let the judges know and move on to jumps. You will NOT be penalized for not tumbling. You can only earn EXTRA points for tumbling skills. Preferred skills include a standing back handspring, or a standing back tuck, but any skills (round-offs, aerials, running tumbling, etc) may be shown.

You will then be asked to show your toe touch, and then your two best jumps (not toe touches). These jumps DO NOT have to be connected. You may take as much time in between jumps and skills as you need.

After jumps, pick up your poms and put your hands (poms) on your hips. This will indicate that you're ready for your band chant music. Band chant music will begin and you will perform the band chant.

Immediately after band chant, spirit, catch your breath if needed, and then begin the sideline, then spirit, begin the cheer, then spirit out of the gym.

Tryout Tips!

Poms will be provided and will be placed in Panel 5. You DO NOT need to bring your own poms.

You will use Poms for the Band Chant only.

Do jumps, kicks, and tumbling during spiriting between sections of tryout material! That's a great time to showcase skills!

Yell ACTUAL WORDS and hit ACTUAL SHARP MOTIONS and CLAPS during spiriting.

DO NOT yell "WOOOOOO" or "WOOHOO," those are not words.

When practicing on your own, PRACTICE YOUR SPIRITING WITH THE TRYOUT MATERIAL (it's harder than it looks, and it's harder to catch your breath and cheer after spiriting)

If you need assistance with the call, you may ask a coach to call the sideline and/or cheer for you, and we will do so without any point deductions. Any further assistance needed with cheer or sideline words beyond the call will result in point deductions.

SMILE and look like you're HAVING FUN! Terrified or serious looking cheerleaders aren't fun, they're actually alarming and kind of scary. Be FUN, HAPPY, ENERGETIC, and SHARP!