Competition plays an important role for many cheerleading squads all across the U.S. and abroad. But, selecting the best competition for your squad can be a complicated and intimidating task because of all the different companies and institutions that host cheerleading events. So it's doubly important to ask the right questions to make sure your squad is choosing the most beneficial, and fun, competition for you. Keep these basics in mind:

What type of squad do I have?

The first category to consider is the type of squad you have (junior high, high school, collegiate, all-star, etc.) to make sure the competition features your particular category. Don't forget to double check any gender requirements, since some competitions are girls only, and others permit co-ed squads. Many competitions may also break down squads by size: small (12 or fewer participants), medium (13 to 16), and large (17 to 20). These numbers may change depending on who is hosting the competition.

How much do I want to spend?

Most competitions charge very reasonable fees, but the cost of getting there can sometimes add up rather quickly. Things such as an overnight stay, bus or airline transportation, and spending money should be looked at very closely to make sure that each of your participants can afford that particular competition.

Do I want to travel or stay local? When dealing with the location, be sure to look at things that conform to your squads needs. Is it a local, state, or national competition? Some squads are limited to when and where they can compete. You should always know in advance when and where the competition is to inform those parents and friends who want to attend and support your squad!

Who is hosting the event?

Different organizations sponsor these competitions and often have different sets of rules and regulations. Be sure to check with a representative of the sponsoring organization to cover all aspects of its rules and regulations. If you can, get a copy of their rules for yourself so that you have them to go by when making up your routine.