College Cheerleading Tryout Requirements

Millions of people participate in cheerleading every year in the United States, and the numbers are growing despite increased expectations for higher levels of skill and athleticism. Cheerleading can develop teamwork, physical strength, coordination, flexibility and self-confidence. College cheerleading incorporates moderate-to-elite-level stunts and tumbling into intricate routines and cheers. Because skill levels and requirements vary from college to college, check with your prospective school for specific eligibility and tryout criteria.

Administration and Academic

You must meet several academic and administrative requirements before you can make a college cheerleading squad. To cheer in college, you must be enrolled or accepted at the academic institution for which you wish to cheer. You are usually asked to commit to the squad for a minimum of one academic year. Most schools designate a minimum grade point average that a prospective cheerleader must hold to qualify for tryouts. Maintenance of this average is required throughout the duration of your cheerleading days. On the day of tryouts, you may be required to bring a completed application form with you. This form may contain demographic information, emergency contact numbers, medical health insurance information, proof of physical examination and a waiver of liability.

Tumbling and Jumps

Required tumbling skills can range from moderate to very advanced, depending on the school. Most colleges require a standing back handspring. For elite-level cheerleading squads, such as those at the University of Alabama and the University of Kentucky, tumbling requirements include a standing back tuck, standing back handspring back tuck, and a running pass combination with a round-off back handspring back tuck, layout or full twist. Jumps frequently required at the college level include a toe touch, pike, hurkey and hurdler. Pointed toes, wide extension and good height are the characteristics of a well-executed jump.

Stunts

Elite-level cheerleading schools require stunts. Stunts are executed with a partner. Your role in the stunt will depend on whether you are a base, someone at the bottom of the stunt, or a flyer, someone at the top of the stunt. Required stunts may include an extension, a liberty, a heel-stretch, a cupie and an arabesque. Some cheerleading squads require a prospective cheerleader to execute a stunt with a walk-in mount, climbing into the position, and with a toss mount, thrown into the position. Dismounts may include a double twist down from a heel stretch and a full twist down from all other stunt positions.

Cheers and Fight Songs

During tryouts, you will likely be taught one or more cheers. The sharpness and accuracy of your motions are critical. A tumbling skill, jump or stunt may be incorporated into the cheer. Thus, coordination, fluidity and execution are all factors in the judging process. Most universities have a fight song, which is demonstrated by cheerleaders at football games, basketball games and other sporting events. During tryouts, a variation of the fight song with corresponding arm and leg movements may be taught. Tumbling, stunts and jumps are often incorporated into the fight song. The projection of your voice, spirit, execution and sharpness of motions can influence your overall tryout scores.