Competition Checklist

Competition season is exciting, but there can be a lot to think about and every squad approaches competition from a slightly different angle. Here are a few points that everyone can use to help you have a great competition experience.

• Look over competition score sheet – Go over the score sheet with your squad prior to the competition. You and your squad need to understand what the judges are looking for.
• Review the rules for time, Boundaries & Legality of Stunts – Make sure all of your skills are legal and your routine and cheer are within the time limits.
• Build Confidence – Practice like you perform. In the weeks leading up to the competition, run through your practices like you would on competition day. For example, warm-up as you would on the warm-up mat; do your skills in the exact same order. If there is a 10 minute gap between warm-up and your performance, also include that same 10 minutes between your practice warm-up and practice performance.
• Perform in Front of a Crowd – Give yourself a chance to work out some of the nerves. Do it more than once if possible.
• Make sure you have Backup copies of your Music – After you are positive your times are under the limit and your music works in several different players, make a few copies of the music and put different people in charge of it. Bring more than one way to play it as well (mp3, multiple CDs, etc).
• Packing list – Create a packing list of everything you will need for the competition in advance. This way everyone will be prepared.
• Have Fun – Work as a team, rely and lean on each other. Remember, competitions should be fun!

Each squad is different; make sure your preparation works for your team.