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🏆 How does a cheerleading competition work? (S4.8)
Episode of October 20, 2026
First cheerleading competition coming up? Not sure what time to arrive, how to read the schedule, or why some teams seem to be doing much more difficult moves than others?
In this episode of the Kick's Cheer Podcast, Janie, Nadia and Keaven explain the basics of a cheerleading competition to help new parents and spectators better understand how a day unfolds.
Here are 5 things you need to know before your next competition!
đź“… 1. Understanding competition schedules
A competition can last one, two, or even three days. But that doesn't mean your athlete will be competing for the entire duration!
The first thing you need to know is your athlete's category/division. This information will allow you to locate their event in the schedule.
There are two important types of schedules:
The block schedule: published in advance, it indicates when the different categories will participate (e.g., Saturday morning, between 8 a.m. and noon).
The detailed schedule: usually available closer to the event, it specifies the exact time of each performance.
At Kick's, the goal is to publish the detailed schedule approximately two weeks before the competition, at the time of the opening of the ticket office.
Important! Your club's schedule remains your primary reference. Your coach may ask athletes to arrive earlier or stay to cheer on other teams.
And above all, don't be late! In cheerleading, performances start at very specific times.
🏅 2. How do blocks and categories/divisions work?
Contrary to what one might think, the teams do not all compete against each other.
Each team belongs to a category determined in particular by its age group and its level.
A level 1 team therefore does not compete against a level 3 team, even if they perform a few minutes apart.
The competitions are also divided into blocks of approximately four hours, generally including the performances and the awards ceremony.
There can also be several judges' panels. That's why teams in the same category don't necessarily perform one after the other.
The trick? Check the schedule or the screens on site to identify the teams that are actually competing against your child's team.
đź“Ł 3. The fan zone: an experience not to be missed!
The fan zone is one of the elements that make cheerleading competitions so special.
Imagine being able to stand right in front of the mat to cheer on your athlete, without having to buy an extra VIP ticket!
Here are some tips to help you make the most of it:
Prepare three or four teams before your athlete's turn.
Respect the designated entrances and exits to facilitate traffic flow.
Put your phone away for a few moments and fully participate in the encouragement.
Make some noise, sing along to the mix and cheer on your team!
An energetic fan zone can completely transform the atmosphere of a performance.
To go further, also check out our episode Myths and realities of the fan zone (S3.36) .
🎟️ 4. Why do you have to pay to attend a competition?
A question that often comes up among new parents: why pay for a ticket to see a routine that lasts about two and a half minutes?
Because a cheerleading competition is so much more than just a performance!
Behind the big competitions lie impressive productions: lighting, sound systems, sets, giant screens, spaces for spectators and technical teams.
Each producer also develops their own experience. Kicksmas immerses participants in the Christmas atmosphere, while Celebration offers a new theme each year.
Between the performances, the fan zone, the exhibitors and the awards ceremonies, it's a whole event that families come to experience.
đź’™ 5. Volunteers: essential to the success of competitions
Behind every competition, there is a team of volunteers working to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
Reception, traffic flow, organization and support: their involvement makes a huge difference in the experience of athletes and spectators.
Janie, Nadia and Keaven also remind everyone of the importance of respecting their instructions, even when the rooms are crowded.
Want to experience competition in a different way?
Becoming a volunteer is also an excellent way to discover what goes on behind the scenes in cheerleading! At Kick's, it is possible to get involved in one or more competitions, and the team does its best to allow volunteers to attend the performances of their loved ones.
🎧 Ready for your first cheerleading competition?
A first competition may seem intimidating, but once you understand the schedule, the categories and the sequence of the blocks, everything becomes much simpler.
The main thing is: get information from your club, arrive early and enjoy the experience!
Coaches and club owners: share this episode with your new parents. It might answer several of their questions before the season starts.
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