Competitive Cheerleading

What do judges look for in cheerleading jumps?

At competition, the judges look for the height of the jump, they are pointing their toes and of course the flexibility if they are doing a toe touch. And also, a big smile.

What do judges look for in cheerleading stunts?

At competition the judges are looking for several things. There are different divisions but it does not matter what division you are in. What they are looking for is creativity, they are looking for the difficulty of the stunt, and also how solid it is.

How important is choreography in a competition routine?

Choreography is very important in a routine for competition. It has several different areas that you have to hit. You have to make sure you have the right music for that routine, it has to be exciting, has to be something that everyone will enjoy and respond to. Secondly, the Choreography as far as the dance, it has to be pumping, it has to be exciting and very energetic. As far as the stunt is concerned, it has to have different creativities, different transitions, it overall has to be very exciting and very entertaining, not only to the audience, but of course to the judge.

What is the most difficult cheerleading competition?

Depending on the area you're from, whether they're from the south, east or west, the state championship could be the most difficult competition, or the national competition. It just depends on where you're from.

How important is tumbling in a competition routine?

Tumbling's very important in a competition routine. It doesn't matter what level you are entering in. You could be beginning and just doing cartwheels and round-offs, or you can be at the advanced level doing layouts, double full's, or full's. It is very entertaining to the audience. It is, of course, very impressive to the judge. So it's very important to have that.