Welcome to tryout season! Spring is the perfect time to set your team’s foundation and plays a role in getting started on your road to nationals.

• Host your team’s tryouts. Be sure to look at the NCA divisions to start getting an idea of what division you would be competing in at NCA High School Nationals.
• If you have not already, be sure to register for NCA camp! Contact your State Director to get started.
• Plan a team parent meeting. Include your goals for the team and potential costs such as NCA camp, NCA regionals, nationals and more. The more you can share on the front end, the better prepared your families will be throughout the year!
• Start working on team technique and strength training to get ready for camp.

Depending on your team, you may or may not have already started planning for your national’s trip. Be sure to double check these key items throughout the summer and into early fall.

• Qualify for High School Nationals (see NCA site for qualification information).
• Get approval from administration.
• Hold a parent meeting to discuss details including dates, fees, timelines, etc.
• Solidify plans for travel based on your location.
  • Check out the Travel Tips & Discounts section on the NCA website!
• Contact your Varsity Rep to order any new uniform/pom needs.
  • Order early to ensure you have enough turnaround time to receive before Nationals.
• Start planning your team’s choreography if you have not already.
  • For more information on choreography through NCA or Envision, contact your State Director.
• Order your program’s music.
  • Be sure to save your licensing or proof of purchase to bring with you to Dallas for registration.

It’s almost time to register for NCA High School Nationals! Once you have registered, you can turn your focus to important details regarding the team and competition. This will be the busiest time of your cheer squad season with games and preparing for nationals. The more organized you are, the better!

• Register your team for NCA High School Nationals! Registration opens during the fall, so keep an eye out for an email headed your way with this information. Remember that rooms are based on first availability, so the sooner you register the better!
• Read the rules in full to have a clear understanding as these may be different than other events you have attended in the past.
• Review all score sheets and scoring information on the NCA website. The more you understand what the judges are looking for, the more prepared you will feel as a coach.
• Set team goals for Nationals. Having clear goals for the team can help them feel successful and understand the expectations you have for them.

It’s go time for you and your team! All the preparations up to this point will help you feel knowledgeable and ready as a coach and will help lead your team to success. Be on the lookout for email communication regarding event specifics. These emails will come throughout December and January.

• Pro Tip: Bookmark the NCA High School Nationals page to have easy access to updated schedules, email communication, scoring information and more!

Here are some important details you can expect:

• Block Schedule/Order of Competition
• Hotel Confirmation
• Ticket Information
• Coaches Webinar

Check the NCA website regularly throughout this time of year as all information and email communication will be posted there for you to review. Remember that your NCA State Director is there for you as a resource!

• Prepare itineraries for your team and your spectators. Providing detailed information about where to be at what times will help you feel less stressed once in Dallas.
• Send out a packing list. Be sure to include reminders for any poms, hair accessories, extra shoes, etc. that they might need.
• Complete all required event paperwork:
  • Athlete Medical Release Waivers (organized by first name)
  • Music Licensing (proof of purchase)
  • USA CHEER Membership for Cheer Coaches
    • Required for anyone that will be accessing the warmup room.
• Join the Coaches BAND for NCA High School Nationals! This link will be provided for you in our coaches’ webinar. Joining this group will keep you up to date throughout the event and will make it easy to ask any questions.
• Have the trip of a lifetime! While the main priority for your team is to compete, don’t forget to enjoy making memories as a team!

CLICK HERE for more information on NCA Divisions, Rules and Scoring.

CLICK HERE to learn more about Envision, Varsity Spirit’s dance choreography brand.

CLICK HERE to view the Varsity Spirit Fashion Catalog!

• To get started with your order, reach out to your VSF Rep.

CLICK HERE to learn more about our Varsity Spirit Fundraising partners.

Still have unanswered questions? CLICK HERE to ask your State Director for help!