If you walked into a room of Cheer Coaches and asked this question, I can almost guarantee you that your brain would not be ready for the smart comments and snickers that would follow in response.
In all seriousness though, this is a very valid question.
The answer will vary through the different verticals of cheer – Town/School/All Star.
In All Star Cheerleading, routines are scored based on multiple factors which emphasize athletic skill, creativity, and precision. Scoring systems are aimed to be as consistent as possible across competitions, focusing on categories such as stunts, tumbling, jumps, pyramid, dance, and overall performance. Each category evaluates a team’s technical skills, synchronization, and creativity while adhering to safety guidelines.
Breakdown of Scoring:
Stunts: Teams earn points based on difficulty, execution, and creativity. Stunts involve lifting and balancing teammates in the air. Points are deducted for wobbles, incomplete skills, or safety violations. Judges look for clean lines, smooth transitions, and unique elements.
Tumbling: This includes both individual and synchronized tumbling passes. Scores are based on the level of difficulty, technique, and synchronization. Perfect landings and a consistent rhythm are essential for high scores.
Jumps: Jumps are evaluated for height, form, and synchronization. Teams perform toe-touches, pikes, and hurdler jumps, often in a sequence. Properly pointed toes, straight legs, and strong landings contribute to better scores.
Pyramids: These involve multiple stunts connected in a visually impressive structure. Judges reward creativity, difficulty, and seamless transitions. Teams must ensure safety and stability to avoid penalties.
Dance: This segment showcases choreography, rhythm, and energy. Points are awarded for synchronization, complexity, and creativity. Sharp, clean movements and enthusiasm help secure a strong dance score.
Overall Performance: Judges assess the team’s energy, confidence, and ability to connect with the audience. The overall presentation, including facial expressions (aka ‘facials’), sharp movements, and team enthusiasm, contributes to the final score.
Deductions: Teams are penalized for falls, mistakes, or safety violations. These deductions impact the overall score, emphasizing the importance of precision and preparation.
Scoring Systems:
Judges use score sheets with specific criteria for each category. Each aspect is scored on a scale, typically from 1 to 10, with different weightings. For instance, stunts and pyramids may carry more weight than jumps or dance. A perfect routine balances difficulty with flawless execution.
Judges also assess whether routines match the team’s declared skill level, ensuring fairness. Teams exceeding their level risk disqualification, while those underperforming may lose points for lacking difficulty.
Safety and Sportsmanship:
All Star Cheer comps follow strict safety rules to protect athletes. Coaches choreograph routines within these guidelines to avoid penalties. Sportsmanship, teamwork, and professionalism also reflect positively on a team’s overall impression.
All Star Cheer scoring rewards teams that combine technical mastery with artistic flair. Teams must practice relentlessly to execute complex routines flawlessly. By balancing difficulty and execution, teams can maximize their scores and leave a lasting impression on judges and spectators alike.
On top of all this, the constant hammering by All Star Coaches for their athletes to “PERFORM!!” is not unwarranted.
Difficulty and execution alone will not necessarily get you to the top placement during Awards.
Being able to confidently perform your routine, in a manner in which the judges truly see you enthusiastically having fun while doing so, is the secret that may help provide the edge, especially when competing against similarly solid teams with comparable difficulty and execution!
