FAQ's

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Do you need cheer or dance experience to tryout?

A: No, you do not need experience, we've had athletes that made the team as a first year cheerleader.

Q: Do I have to attend open gyms to tryout? 

A: No you do not, but it is helpful in your success. Open gyms is a place for you to work on tumbling, stunting, motions, jumps etc. It is your time to ask questions, get feedback and meet athletes and coaches. You can come and go as you need. 

Q: What are you looking for during individual tryouts? 

A: We are looking for facials and stage presence, sharpness in motions, ability to pick up choreography, rhythm, form and height in your jumps, any tumbling, voice projection, and above all CONFIDENCE. 

Q: What other skills are needed to make the team?

A: A positive attitude, ability to take correction and be coachable, willingness to work hard, uplifting in words and actions, be able to work with anyone, willingness to practice at home, and above all you need to be KIND. 

Q: How many can make the team? 

A: This varies year by year and depends on skill. This year we are looking for around 26.

Q: How long is the cheer season? 

A: Cheer is considered a year round sport. It starts in the beginning of May and goes until the end of February. 

Q: How often do you practice? 

A: It varies throughout the year but you can expect early morning practices Tues-Fri starting in August through October.  And then we taper down to three days a week. 

June practices are three times a week with a cheer camp and multiple choreography days. Summer practices are not required but they are expected. Not attending camps or practices in June may exclude you from making mat but you can still be a sideline cheerleader. 

SUMMER BREAK FROM CHEER is June 28thth - August 12th.

Q: Is cheer expensive? 

A: The short answer is yes, you can expect to pay upwards of $1000 for an entire year of middle school cheer.

Q: What does "make mat" mean?

A: Not everyone who makes the team will actually compete. The most a team can compete with is 24. As coaches we may choose to have less than that. Only those who are "competition/mat ready" with their skills, attend practices consistently, have good positive attitudes and behavior, and show consistent improvement throughout the season will be able to compete. This is called "making mat" and refers to the cheer mat and competitions. Coaches choose who makes mat in August. 

Q: What is a "sideline" cheerleader? 

A:  A sideline cheerleader refers to an athlete that cheers at games, participates in assemblies and some game day performances. These athletes attend competitions with the team but are not on the mat. They are also called "competition alternates" meaning they must know all routines, be working consistently on their skills, and be ready to be put in on a moments notice. They are 100% part of the team and expected to attend every competition. 

Q: How important is tumbling? 

A: Tumbling is a necessary skill to be a successful cheerleader. While many have made the team without tumbling skills, it is required to take tumbling classes and to progress quickly. 

To "Make Mat" for competitions tumbling is a requirement for 2 of the 3 routines. Tumbling cost is about $35 per month for once a week classes taken at BCMS. A returning cheerleader (meaning they were on the team the previous year) is required to have a standing back handspring. 

Q: What grades do you need for tryouts?

A: Good ones! You are a STUDENT athlete and the student part comes first. 

Failing grades or negative teacher recommendations will exclude you from tryouts. 

We coaches have high expectations and look closely at grades and school behavior. 

Q: Do you allow boys?

A: Yes we allow anyone to tryout and encourage boys to do so. 

Q: Can I play other school sports while on the cheer team? 

A: Yes, we encourage multi-sport athletics. We work with other coaches and their schedules and do our best to allow cheerleaders to participate in multiple activities, but we can NOT guarantee a perfect outcome. Sometimes choices need to be made.

Outside sports or competitive dance and cheer are allowed as long as it does not interfere with our practices/games/competitions. If you choose another teams competition over ours you will be removed from the mat, but can continue to be a sideline cheerleader. 

Q: What can I do to get ready for tryouts? 

A: Start stretching every day, work on getting splits. Do 10-15 toe touches everyday. Work on your stamina and sharpness of motions etc. Below are videos to help you get started.