Running the Tryout

Your organization up to this point is critical. All paperwork must be completed (applications, medical release forms, teacher recommendations, etc.). Each judge should be confirmed by phone and mail. The gym must be reserved and the lights must be on. Tables, chairs, forms, pencils, and calculators should be available for the judges and your score tally person.

First, understand that fewer problems will come up if you do not handle any score sheets, add scores or meet about the scores before announcing the new squad. Have your helpers run errands and get someone from the administration, possibly the principal or vice principal, to assist you in scorekeeping.

The judging can be open or closed to the school, depending on your situation. A closed tryout will be easier for the candidates and the judges, while an open tryout will give you a feel for how the candidates will handle crowds. All things considered, it is generally better to have a closed tryout.

Start by introducing the judges to the candidates and give their background and credentials.

Have your helpers demonstrate the format of the tryout. Have one of them enter the floor (tumbling is optional) and stand at the center. She may demonstrate the required tumbling and jumps, if they are required. She may then demonstrate the cheer. Two other helpers can join her to demonstrate the dance. This will allow the judges to start the first candidate’s scores with a knowledge of the material. Proceed to the actual tryout.

Have the first group of three or four candidates on the side. Candidate number one will enter. If the candidate is performing a tumbling series, he or she may do so as they enter. At the center of the floor, have them perform any standing gymnastic skills that are required or optional. After this, they can perform their jumps. Once they have all completed the entrance and jumps, they can all enter the floor for the cheer, dance or stunts, if they are using them. If you are using stunts in your tryout, you may want to evaluate their spotting skills as well. When they have completed the dance, they are finished! Give the judges ample time to decide on their score, then move on to the next group.

As each group is finished, the score sheet should go to the tabulator. They should fill in the judges scores and add them to any other scores (student vote, your scores, teacher evaluation, GPA, etc.), while the next group is being evaluated.

Once the candidates are finished, the judges can be dismissed. The candidates can be dismissed or they can wait for the rankings. Scores should be ranked immediately and the new team should be posted or called out in alphabetical order. You must stay with the decision made earlier about how many cheerleaders are to be selected.

Before announcing the new squad, take time to remind the candidates of common courtesy and sportsmanship. Also, announce the time of the first practice or parent’s meeting.

Make yourself available after the tryouts to speak with candidates that did not make the squad. Be prepared, through your own notes or the judges sheets, to inform the candidates that did not make the squad where they need to improve