In All Star Cheer, one of the most repeated reminders athletes hear from coaches is: “Be at practice!” or “Practice is MANDATORY!”
At first, this might seem simple or even unnecessary — after all, isn’t it okay to miss one or two?
But in cheerleading, practice attendance is more than just showing up. It is the foundation that helps a team succeed, stay safe, and feel connected.
Missing practice doesn’t just affect the individual; it can impact the entire team.
Unlike sports where an athlete competes mostly on their own, cheerleading is ALL about teamwork.
EVERY stunt, pyramid, and formation requires multiple athletes to work together at the exact same time. If one person is missing, the whole stunt group can’t practice correctly.
Imagine trying to build a house but missing one brick — everything becomes weaker.
The same happens in cheer when someone isn’t at practice.
Consistent attendance allows every team member to learn their role and perfect it with their group.
Cheerleading involves lifting, flipping, and catching athletes in the air. This can be dangerous if everyone is not on the same page.
When someone misses practice, the group can’t safely work through things and substitutes may need to fill in. Those replacements may not know the exact timing or grips, which increases the risk of mistakes and possible injuries. By being at practice regularly, athletes build trust with their stunt groups and keep everyone safe.
Cheerleading isn’t only about hitting skills — it’s also about doing them together.
From motions to tumbling passes, routines need to look sharp and in unison. If athletes are missing, the group can’t practice timing as a full team. Even one person out of place can make the routine look uneven.
Repetition at practice helps everyone move as one unit, which is exactly what judges look for in competitions.
Showing up to practice isn’t just about skills; it’s about respect. When one athlete misses, it puts extra pressure on the rest of the team to cover or adjust. This can be frustrating for those who are working hard every day.
Consistent attendance shows commitment not just to the sport, but also to the teammates who rely on each other. It says, “You can count on me,” which builds stronger bonds within the group.
When competitions come around, the confidence built up in the months leading up to it is SUPER critical.
The only way to feel ready for high-pressure competition events is by practicing together over and over again.
If practices are missed, the team doesn’t get enough time to run the routine as a whole. This can lead to nerves or uncertainty on the competition floor.
On the other hand, when everyone attends regularly, the team feels prepared and confident, which often leads to better performances.
Attendance at cheer practice also teaches valuable life lessons.
Learning to commit, manage time, and follow through on responsibilities are skills that will help athletes in school, work, and beyond.
Being on time and present shows maturity and responsibility. It is not unusual to hear a Coach say, “How you show up at practice is how you’ll show up in life,” and that is very true.
Attendance is more than just being in the gym — it’s about building trust, safety, respect, and confidence.
Each practice adds up to make a team stronger, sharper, and more connected.
Missing practice doesn’t only hurt one person; it can slow down the entire group.
That’s why attendance is stressed so much: because success in cheer comes from the whole team working together, EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!
