by Jeannette Rodgers

Created on: September 10, 2010   Last Updated: April 07, 2012

Becoming a high school cheerleader requires long hours of training, discipline and self-confidence.  Watching my own daughter progress through the process of becoming a high school cheerleader I can say one should be prepared to put in the required hours that are necessary to prepare for this much desired school sport. It is a challenging activity that requires you believe in yourself, understand your capabilities and weaknesses, and believe you are a valuable individual and an asset to the team. Staying responsible with your grades, behavior and attitude is essential.

Becoming a high school cheerleader will require that you attend try-outs. You have to memorize chants, stunts, and tumbling that will assist you in making the team. For the most part, it seems that coaches look for those who seem confident in what they are doing, show forth a great attitude and are willing to uphold great standards as role models within the school environment and community. Obviously, you must pass the chant test along with whatever gymnastic ability they are seeking to incorporate into the cheer.

When trying out for cheerleading you should know that it is a serious committment and  schedule that will require great self-discipline and sacrifice on your part. Staying on a routine schedule is helpful in order to maintain family life, academics, practices and games. You should already be a student who cares about doing right, maintaining good grades and sharing a smile and integrity so others will look up to you. You will be a role model for younger cheer leaders and students alike.

Cheerleading can be alot of fun as you are in a position that is held is high esteem since you support the school and its athletic venues. Do your best and always keep a good attitude with your peers too.

Practice, practice, practice. Try to learn the chant they give you to learn. Practice tumbling, back handsprings, jumping, smiling and utilizing clear speaking for chants. All of these things will assist you in becoming a high school cheerleader.

If you are in middle school now is the time to get your experience in since middle school is not as demanding as it can be with high school. It can help you a great deal to transiition to the high school level if you start in middle school. Joining a cheer and dance school that offers tumbling classes can help you in conditioning and preparing for those routine stunts and moves that most cheerleaders participate in throughout the year in cheer. The average cost is about fifty dollars a month for one night a week with instructors that offer some great assistance and insight for cheerleaders.

At the high school level be prepared to spend most of your summer break attending cheer camps and practices should you make the team. Also, it is not an inexpensive sport. It can be quite costly; but you can utilize the many fund raisers available to raise the money you need to cover expenses of uniforms, poms, camp fees and other various costs. Most high school programs offer cheerleading for basketball, football and competition.

Get your smile, grab your confidence, stand tall, bring a good attitude, short nails, no visible distracting piercings, well groomed hair, respect for your coach, and a desire to follow rules, guidelines and a great opportunity to support your school athletic teams.

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