Cheerleading competitions are amazing and very stressful for everyone involved. Here are some ideas on how to keep your stress level down, whether you’re a competitor, a coach, or a parent.

First, get ready. The best way to combat the stress of competition is to have a routine that everyone on the court has mastered and feels confident in completing. From stunts to flipping passes, make sure everyone’s time is dead on several perfect runs before loading up the trucks to head to the competition. This means making sure that practices count and that everyone is present at every practice. No apologies. Even participants who may not feel very well can come in, watch, and observe to stay on top of last minute changes.

Second, make sure your team is prepared with what you need. Does the routine require props (posters, megaphones, pompoms, flags, etc.)? Make sure they are loaded into the transport the night before your departure.

Check everything three times!

Third, make sure the competitors have everything they need for the uniforms they wear. Buy the jumbo-size slip-on bags (2.5 gallons). Have participants bring what they need (shoes, midriffs, shells, skirts, socks, hair ties, spankies). Carefully pack each complete uniform in a slip bag. Label the bags with each participant’s name with a permanent marker. If available, also pack extra uniform pieces in different sizes. Keep all uniforms together! Don’t give them to participants until it’s time to get ready!

Fourth, pack the makeup kits. Make sure you’ve decided on a makeup color scheme and eye pattern before hitting the competition. Don’t experiment when you are on the spot! Do a dress rehearsal one night the week before the competition. If your squad wears hairpieces, include them in the rehearsal and pack them with makeup kits. If not, be sure to plan the rollers or curlers accordingly for the style your squad is using and pack plenty of hairspray. Go hot in uniforms and makeup. Run the routine several times for parents and students. Some squads charge admission as a fundraiser and invite the school and community. They may offer a spaghetti dinner or a hot dog dinner along with the entertainment. After rehearsal, it’s the perfect time to pack your uniforms. We are all together and that makes it so much easier.

Keep two accordion folders with copies of the registration information. Give one to a trusted assistant coach or parent. Make sure the schedules, payment confirmation and any other relevant information for the competition are kept in the accordion folder.

It is also important that parents feel as less stressed as possible. His children perform in front of a lot of people. They’ve probably invested a lot of time and money in cheerleaders at this point. They want a good comeback and a happy child when all is said and done. Make sure they have directions to the venue, a schedule for the events with your squad times and stages highlighted if possible, an established meeting place for before the competition and after the competition, a schedule of the ceremony prizes and a list of possible places to stay and eat if it is a nightly competition. Many parents like to “book” together when it comes to travel arrangements. Make sure they know in advance where the team will be staying so this is an option for them. Be sure to keep parents informed at all times of possible changes in times or locations. You can set up a phone tree, but don’t count on it always working. Use email, text alerts, and Facebook notifications to alert parents to what is happening with the event.

Preparation checklist:

1. The routine has been successful in practice several times without errors.
2. Each coach has at least two copies of the competition music.
3. All accessories are accounted for and packed.
4. There are two folders with all the registration information.
5. All uniforms are packaged and tagged and transferred together.
6. All makeup kits are packed.
7. All parents have several ways to contact them to keep them up to date with schedules.
8. Room reservations (if required) are paid in advance and confirmation is in hand.
9. The start time allows for delays, hair and makeup problems, and possibly some passes before the competition.
10. Participant exemption forms are on hand with insurance information. These are often shipped earlier with registration. Keep a copy with you!

Some useful tips for the multitasking trainer:

1. Use petroleum jelly on teeth to prevent lips from curling and sticking. It’s funny, but it works!
2. Use hairspray on upper thigh and buttocks to prevent spankies from riding up during routine.
3. Artist brushes work great when applying eye makeup. Longer handles allow you to work without being directly on the girl’s face.
4. Wear hairpieces if the team can afford it. They are much easier than trying to comb your hair for each competition.
5. Makeup is always the same for girls. Same colors and “designs” in the eyes or face.
6. Bring extra bobby pins, extra hair ties, and extra safety pins!
7. Don’t get excited in front of the team before the competition. Don’t panic when someone drops a stunt in practice time. Don’t start crying or laughing hysterically (whichever way you cope). Wait until they are off the competition track. If someone makes a mistake, try not to insist on it. They will feel bad enough when it happens.
8. If you can afford it or if the parents want to help, have a small gift for the children when they are done. Even if it is just a keychain or stuffed animal to help them commemorate their achievement of racing, it will mean a lot to them.

The more prepared you are, the more stress you will feel. The less stress you feel, the less stress the participants will feel!