- Mar 5, 2014
- 83
- 117
The 'Cheerleader' and it's family are a delicate species. They battle mentally and physically to become the peak of there species, sacrificing many things for their survival. One of the most trying times for the cheer- homo-sapiens is tryouts, when individual members of the pack come together as one to create bigger and better things. These things cannot be accomplished without it's hard-working, bill-paying and encouraging family and of course, the necessities for the most stress-free tryout possible. So, without further ado, from one of the parents of the modern cheerleader, here is a survival guide to making tryouts as stress free as possible. *feel free to add to my list 
Before your CP can strut their stuff and kill it on the floor, you must first acquire the knowledge required to get them there. Having picked the gym or gyms you'd like to tryout for, make sure that you know everything you can about the tryout process and the season. How many times a week will they practice? Does this include tumbling or should I sign them up for additional classes? How many competitions a year, and are they out of state? Will this cost more? How much will the year cost altogether? What skills does my CP need to make the team? These things and more you should be able to find out from the clubs website or from giving them a call. Now, if you've never made the treacherous journey to the great unknown that is your chosen gym, you should figure out how much time it will take to get there. Will the traffic be worse during your practice times and how much gas will it take? You've figured out all this information and are feeling proud and excited to be in the know of what's required for the season. No surprises for you! You've the ultimate Alpha of Knowledge.
Tryouts are begin to sneak up on you but never fear, your CP is looking fabulous. Is there anything else they'd like to work on before evaluations? Perhaps a tumbling class or private, yoga or something fun will lift their spirits more and give them an extra edge? It doesn't have to be fancy; a froyo date to celebrate all their hard work and dedication can be the ultimate mood-booster!
You've done all you can, and there is only one last step before you release your Cheerleader to the world.
Packing for tryouts! (Make sure you're following the dress/attire code for the gym of your choice. Some gyms have special requirements like no half-tops, only white t-shirts, black shorts and white shoes. If you can't find out anything about this or the gym has no requirements, feel free to be a little creative. A fancy bow will surely draw some attention, when paired with a plain white tea / shirt from the gym with a fierce half-top underneath.)
Tryout Bag necessities for the Cheerleader, (try to pack these at least the night before as to avoid rushing the day of tryouts and causing more stress.)
Bags have been packed, gas tank filled and tires checked for excellence. You take them to the gym early, giving them a hug before letting them go. You've done all you could, preparing your CP for success and another great year on the mat. It's time to let them fly free. Be proud of yourself and them and don't let your worries show. Your CP is talented and they've got what it takes to do anything they can ever dream of!
...Congratulations, you've survived another year of tryouts as leader of your cheer family. Now, the real journey begins. Get ready for a crazy and fun-filled rest of the season! But don't worry, you're a Pro, you've got it all in the bag.
(*This is the result of not enough sleep, too much caffeine and three days straight in the gym. It's supposed to be a non-serious, a little bit funny guide to getting organized for tryouts. Please don't take anything too seriously in this post. & I hope you enjoyed!)
Before your CP can strut their stuff and kill it on the floor, you must first acquire the knowledge required to get them there. Having picked the gym or gyms you'd like to tryout for, make sure that you know everything you can about the tryout process and the season. How many times a week will they practice? Does this include tumbling or should I sign them up for additional classes? How many competitions a year, and are they out of state? Will this cost more? How much will the year cost altogether? What skills does my CP need to make the team? These things and more you should be able to find out from the clubs website or from giving them a call. Now, if you've never made the treacherous journey to the great unknown that is your chosen gym, you should figure out how much time it will take to get there. Will the traffic be worse during your practice times and how much gas will it take? You've figured out all this information and are feeling proud and excited to be in the know of what's required for the season. No surprises for you! You've the ultimate Alpha of Knowledge.
Tryouts are begin to sneak up on you but never fear, your CP is looking fabulous. Is there anything else they'd like to work on before evaluations? Perhaps a tumbling class or private, yoga or something fun will lift their spirits more and give them an extra edge? It doesn't have to be fancy; a froyo date to celebrate all their hard work and dedication can be the ultimate mood-booster!
You've done all you can, and there is only one last step before you release your Cheerleader to the world.
Packing for tryouts! (Make sure you're following the dress/attire code for the gym of your choice. Some gyms have special requirements like no half-tops, only white t-shirts, black shorts and white shoes. If you can't find out anything about this or the gym has no requirements, feel free to be a little creative. A fancy bow will surely draw some attention, when paired with a plain white tea / shirt from the gym with a fierce half-top underneath.)
Tryout Bag necessities for the Cheerleader, (try to pack these at least the night before as to avoid rushing the day of tryouts and causing more stress.)
- White gym or cheer shoes.
- A water bottle
- Hair ties, dance clips or bobby-pins. (For the long-haired CP.)
- Deodorant
- White socks
- Healthy snack and something a little sweeter for afterwards when blood-sugars low and your CP needs a treat.
- Survival Kit; bandages, pro-wrap, k-tape, Advil, some Ginger-Gravel for upset tummies, Icy-Hot or A535, sports tape, throat lozenges and of course, anything else your CP might need like their ankle or wrist braces.
- A hairbrush, some lip chap and hairspray.
- An extra pair of socks. (You can also add an extra t-shirt and such for emergencies. Eating in the car can be hazardous to your outfit.
) - A lucky charm or something that will give your CP that extra boost of confidence.
- Sassy and fabulous music for the drive to get your cheerleader(s) and fam into the mode. (We have a CD with music from past years, some workout music and a few tracks from Worlds. This always gets my kids super excited...not to mention I'm the cool yet not so cool parent, as I can mouth all the lyrics and sound effects from listening so much!)
- A fierce attitude.
Bags have been packed, gas tank filled and tires checked for excellence. You take them to the gym early, giving them a hug before letting them go. You've done all you could, preparing your CP for success and another great year on the mat. It's time to let them fly free. Be proud of yourself and them and don't let your worries show. Your CP is talented and they've got what it takes to do anything they can ever dream of!
...Congratulations, you've survived another year of tryouts as leader of your cheer family. Now, the real journey begins. Get ready for a crazy and fun-filled rest of the season! But don't worry, you're a Pro, you've got it all in the bag.
(*This is the result of not enough sleep, too much caffeine and three days straight in the gym. It's supposed to be a non-serious, a little bit funny guide to getting organized for tryouts. Please don't take anything too seriously in this post. & I hope you enjoyed!)
