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🏆 Prep vs Rec vs All-Star (S3.22)
- janie724
- Feb 23
- 2 min read
Episode of February 10, 2026
In the Prep vs Rec vs All-Star (S3.22) episode of the Kick's Cheer Podcast, Janie takes the mic and sets the record straight: we explain the real differences between these branches of All-Star cheerleading, why they exist and above all how to make the right choices for the development of the athlete.
🎯 Understanding the branches of All-Star cheerleading
The Novice/Recreational: Introduction to Sport
The Novice, also called Recreational, is the ideal entry point into cheerleading.
No competitive pressure
Very affordable costs
Minimal commitment
Perfect for trying out the sport without an annual commitment
Novice teams can participate in competitions, but without rankings. Everyone leaves with a certificate of participation. The goal? To discover the sport, have fun, and fall in love with cheerleading.
It's clear: the novice level isn't there to create world champions. It's there to create happy athletes.
The Prep (Initiation): the transition zone
Prep level is somewhere in between. Neither totally recreational, nor completely elite.
Further technical development
Longer routines
First structured competitive experiences
Higher requirements, but adapted
Some prep categories (U6, U8) are not ranked, while others (U12 and over) are. The judges' sheets are different from the regular all-star: execution is valued more than difficulty.
Prep exists for one simple reason: to prepare the athlete technically, mentally, and emotionally for the more advanced competitive aspect.
And no, spending several years in prep school is not a failure. Sometimes it's exactly where the athlete needs to be.
The All-Star: Unapologetically competitive
All-star cheerleading is the complete competitive aspect.
Official rankings
Performance pressure
Significant annual commitment
Higher financial investment
It includes different divisions, with or without tumbling, routines of 2 to 2:30 minutes and a real competitive logic.
Making the all-star team isn't just about money or desire. It's a decision based on skill, the athlete's maturity, and their ability to handle pressure.
🧠The real issue: the athlete's development
One of the strongest messages of this episode is simple:
The right level is not the one that impresses, it is the one that respects the athlete's pace.
Forcing an athlete into all-star competition too early can hinder their progress, confidence, and enjoyment. Conversely, a well-structured progression — novice → prep → all-star — creates strong and sustainable athletes.
đź“Ś An essential episode to listen to
Whether you are:
New parent in cheer
Athlete who questions himself/herself
Coach or gym owner
This episode is a benchmark. Terms are explained, myths are debunked, and decisions become clearer.
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