All Star Cheer competitions are exciting events where athletes, coaches, and families come together to showcase their hard work and team spirit. While the main focus is on competing and performing at your best, it’s just as important to behave courteously throughout the event. Being courteous means showing respect, kindness, and good sportsmanship to everyone involved. Here’s how we can all do that…
Be Respectful to Everyone
Respect is one of the most important parts of being courteous. This includes respecting teammates, the other athletes in your program, coaches, judges, and even other teams. Listen to coaches and follow their instructions. They work hard to prepare everyone for competition, showing them respect shows you value their effort. Similarly, respect other teams by not making negative comments about their routines or performances. Everyone is there to do their best, just like you.
When it comes to judges, remember that their job is to evaluate performances fairly. Even if you don’t agree with their scores or rankings, it’s important to accept the results as gracefully as possible. Uncalled for complaining or arguing can show poor sportsmanship and reflect badly on yourself, team, and program.
Show Good Sportsmanship
Good sportsmanship is all about being a positive and supportive athlete. If another team performs well, clap for them and cheer them on. It doesn’t take away from your success to acknowledge someone else’s. In fact, supporting others shows that you have confidence in yourself and respect for the sport.
If your team wins, celebrate with humility. Avoid bragging or making others feel bad about not placing as high. On the other hand, if you don’t place as well as you hoped, don’t let disappointment turn into bitterness. Congratulate the winners and focus on what your team can do better next time.
Follow Event Rules
Every Cheer comp has specific rules and guidelines to keep things organized and safe. Make sure you and your team are familiar with these rules and follow them. For example, arriving on time for warm-ups and performances is crucial. Being late can disrupt the schedule and create unnecessary stress for everyone involved.
Also, be respectful of competition staff, such as security or event organizers. They work hard to make the event run smoothly, and following their instructions helps everyone have a better experience.
Be Polite in Public Areas
Competitions can get crowded, so it’s important to be mindful of how you act in public areas. For example, avoid blocking walkways or being too loud in places where others might need quiet, like near the warm-up area. If you’re in the audience, be supportive and positive. Clap for all teams, not just your own, and avoid booing or making negative comments.
Additionally, keep your belongings organized so they don’t create a mess or get in the way. If you see trash lying around, throw it away, even if it’s not yours. This small act of kindness helps keep the venue clean and pleasant for everyone.
Represent Your Program Well
When you’re at a competition, you’re not just representing yourself – you’re representing your ENTIRE program. This includes how you act when you’re not performing. Wearing your program’s uniform or gear means that people associate your behavior with your program’s reputation. By being courteous, you show that your program values respect, kindness, and professionalism.
This also applies to social media. Be mindful of what you post before, during, and after competitions. Avoid posting negative comments about other teams, programs, judges, or the event. Instead, use social media to share positive highlights, thank your coaches, or celebrate your team’s hard work.
Support Each Other
Remember to support your own teammates. Cheer them on, offer encouragement, and celebrate their successes. If someone is feeling nervous or upset, be there for them. A kind word or a hug can make a big difference.
When your team works together and supports each other, it creates a positive atmosphere that everyone can feel.
Behaving courteously at comp is about showing respect, practicing good sportsmanship, and representing your team in a positive way. By being polite and supportive, you help create a fun and welcoming environment for everyone. After all, competing is not solely about winning – it is also about teamwork, dedication, and spreading positivity!
