High School Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting

A vital part of your high school cheerleading tryouts process will be the Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting. Being a cheerleader can requires a huge time commitment and financial commitment. By hosting a Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting, you as the cheer coach can share all of the important information before tryouts.

When athletes and parents understand the commitment of the cheer team, they will make a more informed decision as to whether or not they will try out. Some people don’t understand the level of commitment that a cheerleading team requires. You are looking for dedicated athletes, so it is okay if the Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting deters some athletes from trying out for cheer.

This meeting sets the tone for your season. The more information shared at this meeting, the less questions you will get later on.

High School Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting

1. Reserve the Facility for Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting
2. Include Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting Date on Cheer Tryout Flyer
3. Have Athletes and Parent/Guardians Sign In
4. Provide a Cheerleading Information Packet
5. Provide a Cheerleading Application Packet
6. Outline a Presentation
7. Be Ready for Questions

Check out my guide to high school cheerleading tryouts: The Ultimate Guide to Cheer Tryouts for Coaches

1. Reserve the Facility for Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting

The best place to have the Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting for cheerleading tryouts is on campus in a multipurpose room, cafeteria, gym, classroom, or library. If you plan on projecting a slideshow presentation during the meeting, check ahead of time that you can utilize a projector, screen, and computer.

We host our Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting in the multipurpose room where we also host the cheerleading tryouts clinics and evaluations. We have a couple of tables for athletes and families to sit at during the Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting.

2. Include Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting Date on Cheer Tryout Flyer

Emphasize the importance of the Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting on the Cheer Tryout Flyer. Having a Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting before tryouts will allow you to fully explain the commitment and expectations of being a cheerleader.

3. Have Athletes and Parent/Guardians Sign In

Create a sign in sheet that has space for the athlete’s name, parent name, and a form of contact such as a phone number or email address.

4. Provide a Cheerleading Information Packet

In the this packet, outline the time commitment, expectations, financial commitments, and fundraising opportunities. This is the packet you will give to families at the Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting. The more information, the better!

Include in your Cheer Information Packet:

• Cost of Cheer
• Fundraisers
• Payment Schedule
• Uniform Fitting Date
• Summer Practice Schedule
• Cheer Camps
• School Year Practices
• Additional Choreography Dates
• Football Schedule
• Basketball Schedule
• Competition Schedule
• Parades/Events
• Expectations such as grade eligibility, attendance policy, rules, and expectations

5. Provide a Cheerleading Tryouts Application Packet

Create a Cheerleading Application to gather important information about the athletes trying out for the cheer team. This can include their name, birth date, grade, contact information, parent name and contact information, etc.

If you choose to require letters of recommendation, include copies of recommendation forms for athletes to give to their teachers.

Include clear due dates for the Cheerleading Tryouts Application Packet.

There’s a cheerleading application and letter of recommendation forms included in my Editable Cheer Tryout Score Sheets and Packet.

6. Outline a Presentation

Dress professionally and prepare a presentation. Make sure to cover important information while keeping it concise. You can talk to the group with an outline or prepare a slideshow.

What to include in your Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting Presentation:

1. Introduce cheer coaching staff
2. Explain time commitment for the cheerleading team
3. Explain financial commitment (uniform, clothing, camps, fundraisers)
4. Explain rules & expectations of the cheerleading team
5. Explain the cheerleading tryout process

7. Be Ready for Questions

Be approachable and welcome any questions after the presentation. The Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting is often the first impression you will make on these athletes and families, so use this opportunity to make a great first impression.

To recap how to run the Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting for Cheer Tryouts

1. Reserve Facility for Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting
2. Include Cheer Tryouts Parent Meeting Date on Cheer Tryout Flyer
3. Have Athletes and Parent/Guardians Sign In
4. Provide a Cheerleading Information Packet
5. Provide a Cheerleading Application Packet
6. Outline a Presentation
7. Be Ready for Questions

You got this, Coach! If you’re looking for a resource to use for cheer tryouts, check out my editable packet: