All Star cheer teams operate as highly structured competitive groups, distinct from traditional school or recreational cheer, focusing intensely on performance routines, skill progression, and competition. They are meticulously organized around a tiered system that accommodates athletes of every ability level, from beginner to elite, ensuring fair competition and appropriate skill development.
The Core Structure: Levels, Tiers, and Age Divisions
The fundamental principle of All Star cheer is its leveled system, which dictates the types of skills athletes can perform based on both their age and ability. All Star rules are specifically leveled according to progressions of skills commonly executed in cheerleading, ensuring that these skills are developmentally appropriate for the age of the competitor. This structured approach allows athletes to progress safely and effectively.
Skill Levels
All Star cheerleading categorizes skills into levels, generally from 1 to 7, with Level 1 representing foundational skills and Level 7 encompassing the most advanced and elite techniques. Each level has specific requirements for:
- Tumbling: From basic rolls and cartwheels (Level 1) to full-twisting layouts and elite specialty passes (Level 6/7).
- Stunting: Progressing from two-legged extended stunts (Level 1) to single-leg inversions, basket tosses with twists, and complex pyramids (Level 6/7).
- Jumps: Specific jump combinations and techniques.
- Dance: Choreography complexity and execution.
Age Divisions
Teams are also categorized by age, ensuring that athletes compete against peers of similar maturity and physical development. The combination of age and skill level determines a team's specific competitive division. Teams range from Tiny Novice Level 1, designed for the youngest beginners, all the way up to adults competing at Level 7.
Here’s a general overview of common age divisions and associated levels:
| Division Name | Age Range | Skill Levels Usually Competing In |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny | 6 & Under | Novice, Prep, Level 1 |
| Mini | 8 & Under | Novice, Prep, Level 1, Level 2 |
| Youth | 11 & Under | Novice, Prep, Level 1-4 |
| Junior | 14 & Under | Prep, Level 1-5 |
| Senior | 12-18 (High School) | Prep, Level 1-7 |
| International | 14+ (No Max Age) | Level 5-7 |
| Open | 14+ | Level 1-7 (various sub-divisions) |
| Collegiate | College age | Level 5-7 (university-affiliated) |
| Adult | 18+ (No Max Age) | Level 1-7 |
Note: Specific age cut-off dates and division names can vary slightly by organization (e.g., Varsity All Star, USASF)*
How Teams are Formed
Team formation typically occurs through tryouts held annually, usually in late spring or early summer. Coaches evaluate athletes on their current skills, potential, attitude, and ability to work as part of a team. Based on these evaluations, athletes are placed on teams that best match their skill level and age group. This process ensures that each team is competitive within its designated division.
The All Star Season
An All Star cheer season is rigorous and demanding, typically running for 9-12 months.
- Tryouts & Team Placement (May-June): Athletes are evaluated and assigned to teams.
- Choreography Camp (Summer): Teams learn their routine, which is a dynamic combination of stunting, tumbling, jumps, and dance, set to music.
- Practice & Training (Year-round): Teams practice multiple times a week, focusing on perfecting their routine, improving individual skills, and building stamina. This includes strength and conditioning, flexibility, and skill-specific training.
- Competitions (November-April): Teams travel to various competitions, ranging from local events to national and international championships. Routines are judged on execution, difficulty, creativity, and overall performance.
Elements of an All Star Cheer Routine
An All Star cheer routine is a highly athletic and synchronized performance, usually 2 minutes and 30 seconds in length. It seamlessly integrates several key components:
- Stunting: Group formations where athletes lift, hold, and toss flyers into the air. Stunting requires immense strength, balance, and coordination.
- Pyramids: Advanced stunting sequences involving multiple groups connected to create complex, multi-level structures.
- Tumbling: Individual gymnastic passes performed across the mat, showcasing power and agility.
- Jumps: Explosive movements demonstrating flexibility and height.
- Dance: A choreographed segment that showcases synchronization, precision, and energy.
- Transitions: The smooth and creative movements that connect all the different elements of the routine.
Coaching and Training Philosophy
All Star coaches are experts in cheerleading technique, safety, and performance. They are responsible for:
- Skill Development: Teaching and perfecting advanced cheer skills.
- Routine Choreography: Designing innovative and challenging routines.
- Team Building: Fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and dedication.
- Safety: Ensuring all athletes perform skills safely and within the rules of their level.
The focus is on continuous improvement, pushing athletes to master new skills while maintaining precision and synchronization as a team.
Competitions and Scoring
Teams compete against others in their specific division. Judges evaluate routines based on a detailed score sheet that covers all elements: difficulty of stunts and tumbling, execution, synchronization, overall effect, and deductions for errors. The ultimate goal for many teams is to qualify for and compete at prestigious end-of-season championships, such as The Cheerleading Worlds or The Summit, where they compete against the best teams globally.
All Star cheerleading is a demanding but highly rewarding sport, offering athletes a path for skill development, teamwork, and competitive excellence within a structured and progressive environment.
