Cheerleading is a demanding sport that requires endurance, teamwork and strength, but possessing those qualities does not make you a shoe-in for the squad. Coaches look for a specific type of person who is a good role model on and off the field. In fact, the National Cheerleading Association states that in 2011, 82 percent of cheerleaders maintained a B average or better in schoolwork, 86 percent played another sport and 68 percent held some type of leadership role at school. Before you try out for the cheerleading squad, make sure that you are able to demonstrate the physical, academic and emotional maturity that the sport requires.
Physical Fitness
Physical fitness is of the utmost importance when trying out for a cheerleading squad. The sport is physically demanding and requires you to have both stamina and strength to succeed. If you are trying out for a college cheer squad, you will most likely need to prove that you have adequate health insurance as well, in case of injury. In addition to good health, most squads look for people whose weight and height are proportionate, although the standards usually are less stringent at the high school level.
Agility
Most cheerleading teams require the people on the squad to perform a variety of jumps and other athletic moves, so you should possess a certain level of agility. If you are trying out for a high school cheerleading team, it most likely will not require much knowledge of the moves or jumps and will teach you basic skills. To make the grade for a college or professional squad, however, you should be able to perform basic tumbling. Florida State University's cheerleading team, for example, requires that potential cheerleaders demonstrate tumbling skills, such as handsprings, layouts and back tucks, as well as stunting moves, such as extensions and stretches.
Attitude and Personality
Anyone can learn tumbling, stunts and cheers, but what sets apart those who make the squad are their personalities and attitude. The cheerleading coach at the University of Texas, for example, selects applicants who have demonstrated leadership qualities, a very charismatic presence and personality, and those who exude confidence, independence and enthusiasm. As a cheerleader, you must be able to excite and involve the audience, even those in the highest bleacher seats, making it important that you have a strong personality that you can project.
Schoolwork
Coaches will take a look at your school record, particularly if you are trying out for a high school cheerleading squad. Most have a certain grade point average that must be kept for you to be accepted to and stay on the squad. Cedarcrest High School in Washington, for example, looks at a student's profile in general, including her ability to work well with others in class, attentiveness, grades, punctuality, attendance, willingness to help and overall disposition.
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