Competition Team

DHS participates in Varsity Level 1 School Show Cheer in the JAMZ Nationals Circuit.

• Preparation for Competition Team usually begins with JAMZ Camp in the Summer (July). Participating in Camp is not mandatory, however it is highly recommended to attend as it jump-starts high-level skills for the upcoming year. Camp attendees are usually better prepared and equipped with competition-level skills.

• Competition Team cheerleaders must have participated in the Sideline season as well. This is requirement that shows commitment to the school, the team, and keeps skills sharp and ready for the Comp season.

• Competition Team try-outs usually occur in early August. Selections are made based on many aspects: commitment, attendance, strength, experience, coachability, flexibility, versatility, and the need for certain positions within the group (base, backspot, flyer, etc.)

• Once the team has been chosen, Competition practices begin while the Sideline season is still occurring. Competition Team cheerleaders can expect to practice a minimum of 3 times per week, as well as perform at football games until the Sideline season has concluded. Some Comp practices are held on Saturdays.

• Competitions are primarily held on Saturdays, but State Championships and Nationals will require cheerleaders to miss 1-2 school days due to travel and the competition event schedules.

• Competition Team incurs higher costs than the Sideline season, and families should be prepared for costs surrounding uniforms, additional bows, shirts, jackets, professional choreography and music, transportation, and lodging. Competition Team also uses indoor facilities to practice on cheer mats, which cost nearly $10,000 per set of mats and require replacement every 5 years or so. Families should expect to participate in all available fundraising activities to offset as much of the costs as possible, and to help ensure the program can continue for many years.

All that said, this is one of the most rewarding activities you'll ever do!