Junior High School Cheerleaders

Junior High School cheerleaders have taken the first step into what can become an integral part of their high school, college or even professional life. The mission of a squad of junior high cheerleaders is the same as most squads: supporting the teams and getting the fans enthusiastic during the games. However, even for youth in junior high, other activities can be required. The selection process alone can be grueling and stressful. In the end, the name of the game is spirit and teamwork, and the benefits to those dedicated cheerleaders will serve them a lifetime.

Selection Process for the Cheerleading Squad

Just like the athletes they cheer for, most junior high schools require that their cheerleaders maintain at least a C average in order to even try out for the team. Other academic requirements may also apply, as well as behavior guidelines. Junior high school cheerleaders are expected to be role models for the other students, and disciplinary problems do not work well within a squad.

Tryouts

Usually schools will announce a three to five day "clinic" for the aspiring cheerleaders to learn and participate in cheer activities. It's a kind of "boot camp" for the hopeful squad members. Parents and other students are usually not allowed to observe. This experience is a pressure-cooker of learning to show spirit, yell cheers and move in routines as a team.

Candidates are usually judged by professional coaches or other members of the UCA or other cheer organizations. These judges are looking for the following qualities in junior high cheerleaders:

• Enthusiasm and spirit
• Synchronized movement with the group
• Vocal technique (volume)
• Dance technique, including jumps and splits
• Team work in group cheers
• Poise and presence for individual cheers
• Appearance (not so much physical as clothing and hygiene)

These qualities will be evaluated during several activities, both as part of a learning process and also as a final "tryout" where any or all of the following will be required:

• Group and individual cheers
• Jumps
• Dance routines
• New cheer and "spiriting"

Depending on the size of the junior high school and the available slots on the team, many of the people trying out may have skills yet still not make the team. Usually these hopefuls are either put on a "reserve" list (in case a cheerleader is injured) or invited to try out again the following season. Either way, the skills learned in the clinic will serve them well in future tryouts at the high school level if they so desire.

The lucky few who make it will receive their uniforms and pom pons, and usually go out with parents to purchase their first real cheer shoes. They've joined an exclusive club that will reward them as much as it helps them grow.

Activities of Junior High School Cheerleaders

Once the squad has been chosen, the real work begins. The cheerleaders will usually be required to do things like:

• Attend practices (sometimes as often as every day)
• Attend the scheduled athletic events
• Plan and perform at school pep rallies
• March in parades and other community events
• Attend a summer camp especially for cheerleaders

If they are lucky, the cheer pep squad will be sponsored by the school or some other community organization. More often, though, cheerleading squads spend a lot of time fundraising by selling candy or other items. This helps fund the uniforms, the shoes, and also field trips to see other cheerleading squads. It can also defray the cost of attending clinics and cheer camp. This can turn junior high school cheerleading into a year-round activity. Often, schools will reduce the demands of game or practice attendance for students who are involved in more extracurricular activities than just the squad.

It is not unusual for high school cheer coaches or even squad members to attend games at the junior high level to see how the younger cheerleaders are doing. Junior high is every bit as important a time for cheerleaders as high school or college. It is where they begin to learn and develop the skills they will need for their future as cheerleaders.

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