Varsity Spirit/NFHS Squad Credentialing Program

What is Squad Credentialing?

As the partner in building strong school spirit programs, the squad credentialing program has been developed in conjunction with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). Our history with the NFHS has spanned more than thirty-five years, and we share the same values. The Varsity Spirit/NFHS Squad Credentialing program is taught at camp every summer and focuses on the importance of safety, leadership, and the five key pillars of a successful spirit program: Ambassador, Athlete, Entertainer, Spirit Raiser, and Crowd Leader.

Roles of a Cheerleader and Dancer

Varsity Spirit Camp (Home Camp & Overnight Camp)

What does my team receive?
- NFHS Squad Credentialing
- Squad Credentialing Notebook / Certificate
Description of Squad Credentialing
- Physical education on the five (5) roles of the spirit leader (cheerleader or dancer) along with safety & leadership through practical application in our summer camp curriculum and classes. Camp Curriculum is supplemented with the Squad Credentialing notebook to provide additional written resources and activities to further train athletes.
Programming
- See camp charts (Material, Skills, 1:1 Coaching, Etc)
- All-American
- Spirit Sticks
- Team Bonding
Additional Details
- Provided at all camp types that are at least 2 or more days.

Spirit Leader Package (Choreography ALL Brands)

What does my team receive?
- NFHS Squad Credentialing
- Squad Credentialing Notebook / Certificate – NEW! For 2025
Description of Squad Credentialing
- Physical education on the five (5) roles of the spirit leader (cheerleader or dancer) along with safety & leadership through practical application in any of our brand’s Choreography Camps. The Spirit Leader Package prioritizes time spent with the Squad Credentialing notebook to further educate athletes on their role as a Spirit Leader using additional written resources and activities to further train athletes.
Programming
- Routine choreography
Additional Details
- Package Options:
  - Choreography & Skills + SL
  - Traditional & Game Day Selection + SL
  - Traditional & Game Day + SL

Spirit Credentialing Program

What does my team receive?
- NFHS Squad Credentialing
- Digital spirit planner and digital certificate
Description of Squad Credentialing
- Classroom-style education on the five (5) roles of the spirit leader (cheerleader or dancer) along with safety & leadership. Athletes will dive deep into each particular role through classroom education and individual/team planning & group work. The program is supplemented with minimal physical activities.
Additional Details
- 2 days (10 hours of instruction)
- 1 instructor per program
- Offered only on identified weeks during the summer

FAQs

Why is Squad Credentialing Required for Nationals?

Squad Credentialing is required for Varsity Spirit National Championships to ensure that teams are well-prepared, not just athletically but also in terms of safety, leadership, and embodying the roles of a cheerleader and dancer. This holistic approach ensures that teams are more than just competitors—they are well-rounded representatives of their schools.

What Does Squad Credentialing Entail?

The credentialing process focuses on three main pillars:

Safety: Proper techniques, progressions, and injury prevention are critical when performing at a high level.
Leadership: Cheerleaders and dancers develop key leadership skills such as communication, team building, and problem-solving.
The 5 Roles of a Cheerleader and Dancer: Athlete, Ambassador, Crowd Leader, Entertainer, and Spirit Raiser. These roles ensure that cheerleaders and dancers are versatile and excel both on and off the sidelines.

How to Obtain Credentials

75% of the team (with a minimum of 5 participants) needs to be credentialed to be eligible to earn a bid to compete at a Varsity Spirit National Championship.
Teams have two options to obtain credentials:
- Option 1: At our Varsity Spirit Summer Camp, where teams experience training in a fun, team setting. They will learn through physical instruction that prepares them for both nationals and their roles as spirit leaders in their schools and communities.
- Option 2: Enroll in a more in-depth, classroom-style Credentialing Program. This provides extensive training in all five roles of a cheerleader and dancer as well as in leadership and safety.

Why is Squad Credentialing Important?

As teams aim for success at the national level, safety cannot be overlooked. Higher-level skills mean higher risks, and it’s essential for teams to understand safety protocols and proper progression to avoid injuries.
Preparing for nationals requires more than just practicing skills. Understanding the key roles of a cheerleader and dancer ensures that teams are cohesive, well-organized, and can work together effectively—making the team stronger and more successful throughout the season.
Squad Credentialing also emphasizes teamwork, camaraderie, and leadership—traits that benefit not only the cheerleader and dancer on the team but also as a leader within the broader school community. Cheerleaders and dancers who complete the credentialing program will be equipped to inspire and uplift their peers and community.
Credentialing encourages a broader focus, teaching cheerleaders and dancers to become community leaders, not just athletes. It instills values that extend beyond the competition mat—fostering a sense of responsibility, teamwork, and leadership in their schools and communities.
The program is designed to equip cheerleaders and dancers with the tools they need to lead their teams safely and effectively. By participating in classes that emphasize leadership and safety, cheerleaders and dancers will become more responsible for their own safety and their team’s success.