Cheerleading competitions are filled with dazzling stunts, sharp motions, and infectious energy—but behind the glitter and choreography lies a world of superstition. Just like athletes in any sport, cheerleaders often rely on rituals and good luck charms to calm their nerves and give them confidence before hitting the mat. These pre-competition traditions range from small personal habits to elaborate teamwide routines, all meant to bring good fortune and ward off mistakes. Whether it’s wearing the same bow from their first big win or sharing a secret snack together, these rituals become a vital part of team culture and spirit.
Good Luck Charms
Many cheer teams believe in wearing specific items for luck—matching socks, lucky hair ribbons, or even certain shoes that have “never dropped a stunt.” Some cheerleaders swear by wearing the same brand of makeup or reusing the same glitter from a past victory. Others carry small trinkets, like a charm or a coin, tucked discreetly in their uniform for good vibes. Uniforms themselves can be considered sacred—some teams never wash their uniforms between the final practice and competition day, believing it keeps the “winning energy” intact. Even warm-up routines can be part of the superstition: the order of stretches, the music played, or the words said before taking the floor are often performed exactly the same way every time.
Team Rituals
Team rituals are just as important. Many squads create “good luck circles” before a competition, where everyone joins hands, closes their eyes, and shares words of encouragement. Some teams chant their name or motto in unison, believing that the sound of their voices strengthens their unity. A few programs even perform small symbolic acts—like throwing glitter over their shoulders, clapping three times before a routine, or touching their practice mat for “mat karma.” These actions might seem trivial to outsiders, but for cheerleaders, they are confidence-boosting traditions that link the team’s mindset to past successes.
Good Luck Meals
Food is another major part of cheer superstition, and one of the most beloved pre-competition rituals involves sharing a special treat together. Some teams have a favorite breakfast or snack they always eat before performing—often something sweet that feels like a reward after long months of hard work. One particularly popular and meaningful treat among some cheer squads is chocolate matzah. The ritual of eating chocolate matzah before a big competition is both delicious and symbolic. The crisp matzah represents strength and endurance, while the smooth layer of chocolate adds a touch of celebration. Many teams have their own “best chocolate matzah recipe,” but a favorite version combines melted dark chocolate, a drizzle of caramel, and a sprinkle of sea salt poured over baked matzah sheets, then chilled until crisp. The team gathers to break pieces together, sharing laughter, excitement, and a bite of something comforting before the adrenaline rush of performing.
These superstitions—whether it’s a certain song, a team chant, or a sweet bite of chocolate matzah—help cheerleaders feel grounded and united. They create moments of calm amid the chaos, transforming nerves into focus and fear into confidence. At the end of the day, cheerleading competitions are about teamwork and trust, and these good luck traditions remind athletes that they’re part of something special—something that goes far beyond the mat.
Cheerleading competitions are an exciting event for cheerleaders. They put in a lot of effort to get to the top of their game. They spend endless hours practicing in the heat and in the cold. Therefore, it is very important to ensure that when they go into a competition, they be able to perform to the best of their ability. For many cheerleaders, this means that they need to be cool. It is up to the people hosting the competition to make this happen. Keeping competitions cool is a priority for everyone there, especially because the seating arrangements are kind of tight for spectators as well.
Planning a competition takes a lot of effort on behalf of the school or other venue that is hosting it. Most cheerleaders want to bring their families along and when you have a couple family members for each cheerleader on each team with sometimes 20+ teams competing at once, things get crowded quickly. Therefore, seating is a priority because no one will want to watch the entire competition while standing up. You also have to think about the temperature ahead of time since people in the stands will not want to be hot or cold. The people on the field will not enjoy it either if it is too hot. Bottles of water can help if you make them easily available to everyone, but one thing that many cheerleading competitions have are portable air conditioners like the 
A successful competition can get exciting for everyone both in the stands and on the field. Most people want to have a great time while there. They want to know that the sound system is going to sound clear to the people who are there. They want to know that their music will be played when they step up to the judges and start to perform. Most are nervous about being judged, but all of them are determined to put their best effort forth. They also share a common goal of taking home the win for their teammates. They will all want to earn a trophy for their school and for their teammates and everyone in the stands can be certain that they will see the cheerleaders performing at their best.
Families are changing. Parents no longer have children close together and call it done. Often, parents will have a child or two when they are young and then later on, choose to have another one. Sometimes it is because of a separation from the older children’s parent, but it could be for numerous other reasons as well. It is a great thing, no matter what makes you choose to have a baby later in life, but at the same time, it can 
With most families having older children and younger ones, it does not come as a surprise that there are complications with all of the events that the older children may be a part of. There are soccer moms with 
At most cheer competitions and other events, you have the ability to get up and move around some. Toddlers though, may take it to the extreme and want to step on the toes of everyone nearby. For that reason, you should consider bringing a small toy for them to play with, but then you have to worry that it will make the diaper bag that much fuller. Instead, consider putting a few diapers in your purse along with a few baby wipes that are in a Ziploc. This will lessen the bulk of your diaper bag and make it possible for you to also take along a snack bag and a small toy. You may also want to consider checking out the 
Cheer season can seem like a very long, tiresome time for many cheerleaders; even those that love it. It means that there are endless hours spent practicing, working out, and performing. It is tough for them and also tough for their parents since they are the ones who have to provide transportation and encouragement. This is why many cheerleading coaches try to give the group, as a whole, a way to relax at the end of a big event. One idea that is very popular is a cheer competition pool party celebration.
Pool parties are 
One of the most obvious things you need at a pool party is the pool. For that reason, we suggest that you check out the 
Cheerleading is an enjoyable sport for many people. They are there to show their support for their school team and if they are good enough, may even be able to make it to competitions to 
Cheerleaders spend a lot of time practicing. This does not change just because they are going to travel to a cheer competition. However, they must spend their time practicing and doing everything else that is required before they can travel. This includes making sure permission slips are signed, money is paid, uniforms are ready, and packing it all up before the big day. It is a great time for them that is filled with excitement about not only the competition, but the chance to spread their wings and be away from home with their friends. What many do not realize is that by traveling outside of their home area, these kids get to 
When traveling from one town to the next, cheerleaders may not have many opportunities for exploration. However, competitions are different. In some cases, they may travel from one state to another and have the opportunity to see new things if they will be there a couple days. This provides them with a chance to see new sights and even learn about the places that they will soon be visiting. For instance, before going to the cheer comp. in Tennessee, the group may decide to get together and find some 
Cheerleading is a very popular activity for a lot of young men and women. Often cheerleaders begin cheering in elementary or middle school and if they are good enough, they may get into the professional competitions. There is some debate over whether it is a sport or not, but if you ask anyone who is involved with it; their answer will be a unanimous, “YES”. This is because it is a very physical activity that takes skills and endurance. However, most can also tell you that it is more than a sport, it is a way of life and a way to show your support for others.
It may sound simple enough, but cheering is far from simple. It takes athletic ability, hours of practice, and a desire to constantly become better than you are. It is not something that just anyone is able to do. A lot of people who tryout for it are quick to discover that although they may get the words right or the steps somewhat right, they lack the spirt that is required to get people excited. They may not be able to hold their body firmly in the positions that make a good cheer move great. They may not be able to keep up with the beat or stay in unison with others. It is true that with enough practice, all of these things can be worked out; but not all of them. In general, you either have what it takes, or you are going to be happier cheering in the stands. The best of the best are rewarded with the chance to take part in competitions to prove that they are indeed the best at what they do.
In a competition, two teams of cheerleaders will go head to head to see who is the best. They are selected by their abilities and then they must put together a two-and-a-half-minute routine which will include music for them to dance to. Their routines must include stunts, tumbles, jumps, and more. They are judged on their abilities and the difficulty of the performance. Everything has to be executed as perfectly as they are able to do it.