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Preparing for Competition
by Katey Rock
CheerRock All*Stars
Newbury Park, CA
By now you have your teams established and are getting ready for
competition. Here's a checklist to help you prepare.
3 months before first competition
Verify uniforms are on schedule and will be ready at least 3 weeks
before your first competition to allow for any last minute alterations.
Make a list of stunts, pyramids, running tumbling and standing
tumbling that your team has learned and can execute safely. At this
point, it only has to be safe, not perfect.
If you plan to use premixed music, choose your music now and begin
to plot your routine using the skills list you made. Make sure the
music conforms to the time restrictions of the competitions you
plan to attend. Most routines are 2½ minutes. Its better
to be a little under that time than to be penalized for going over,
so leave a 5-10 second buffer.
If you are having music custom made for your routine, plot the
routine first and begin teaching it to your team.
2 months before first competition
Prepare and distribute a tentative competition schedule to your
parents. Stress the tentative nature of the schedule as competitions
are sometimes cancelled or rescheduled.
Complete the routine including the dance/cheer portions. This is
when you should start "tweaking" the routine. Look at
it as a whole; does it flow? Does it contain all the requirements
of the competitions' rules and comply with the restrictions of your
level?
Check registration deadlines and get your forms and payment in
on time.
1 month before first competition
At this point, your team should know their routine. Have them polish
the transitions and perform the entire routine "full out"
with stunts and tumbling several times at each practice. Video tape
it and have the team watch it. Help individuals spot parts of the
routine that can use some extra attention.
2 weeks before first competition
Have a dress rehearsal in full uniform with hair and make-up. Invite
parents, friends and family. This is an opportunity for your team
to perform the entire routine in front of an audience 2-3 times.
They will perform their entrance, exit and floor placement. Have
them treat it like the real thing. Now, make some "adjustments"
to the music. Have them wait in place for several minutes before
starting the music. Then, on the next performance, stop the music
in the middle and have them continue without it. These are scenarios
you should prepare them for before it happens. During a competition,
a problem may occur, make sure they're ready for anything!
1 week before first competition
List and distribute detailed information including: directions,
time and meeting place and your cell phone number just in case.
Have your team members' emergency information with you at all times.
Prepare your team for the stress and excitement of the upcoming
event and consider all that your cheerleaders and parents do to
prepare for each competition. They go into it with very high expectations,
just like all the other teams. Everyone goes to competitions with
the hope of winning, but we know only some will win and the rest
will …lose?
Along with the strength conditioning and routine rehearsal, it
is essential to prepare your team for what to expect, especially
if you have some first timers.
The first competition of your season should be considered a "practice"
run. Explain to the team and parents that this one is to give everyone
the chance to get their butterflies out and experience the event.
Choose a small regional/local competition so as to minimize the
pressure. You should go with the attitude that everyone will do
their best and what ever happens, happens. It will be a learning
experience. This is especially important if you have kids younger
than high school age. Encourage them to cheer for all the teams
in their division and wish the other team members good luck.
The team and parents need to know that regional competitions are
valuable because of the feedback you get from the judges. This information
is used early in the season to make adjustments to your routine
and to focus on areas that need improvement.
1 day before first competition
Encourage everyone to get a good night sleep. Discourage sleep-overs.
Tell the team that after the event is a better time to get together.
Confirm that you have all release forms and necessary registration
paperwork for the competition.
The big day
Be positive and encouraging. Praise everyone for their efforts,
including parents and coaches.
Competition season is a very exciting time for everyone. Remember
to guide them all through the process. Good Luck! |
