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Get a free cheer tryout score sheet template, a simple rating scale and the skills coaches judge, from tumbling and jumps to spirit.
A cheer tryout can change a lot in a few minutes. An athlete may perform a strong toe touch but struggle with motions. Another may have less tumbling experience but show impressive energy and learn corrections quickly.
Coaches need a clear way to evaluate every athlete. A cheer tryout score sheet helps them compare skills fairly and make better team decisions.
A good score sheet does more than count jumps and tumbling skills. It can measure technique, effort, spirit, confidence and coachability. These qualities can show how an athlete may contribute to the team after tryouts.
A cheer tryout score sheet is an evaluation form that coaches and judges use during cheerleading tryouts.
The form lists the skills and qualities that coaches want to evaluate. Judges give each athlete a score for every category. They add the scores to calculate a final result. A standard cheer tryout score sheet may evaluate:
The categories can change based on the team.
A competitive cheer team may give more points to tumbling and stunt skills. A school sideline team may place more value on voice projection, crowd leadership and school spirit.
The score sheet should match the team’s goals.
You can use this simple score sheet for school cheerleading, competitive cheer or recreational cheer tryouts.
| Evaluation Category | Maximum Score | Athlete Score |
|---|---|---|
| Tumbling | 10 | _____ |
| Jumps | 10 | _____ |
| Stunts | 10 | _____ |
| Motions and Technique | 10 | _____ |
| Cheer or Dance Routine | 10 | _____ |
| Spirit and Energy | 10 | _____ |
| Coachability | 10 | _____ |
| Teamwork and Attitude | 10 | _____ |
| Total Score | 80 | _____ |
Athlete Name: ______________________
Tryout Date: ______________________
Judge Name: ______________________
Strengths: __________________________________________
Areas to Improve: ____________________________________
Coach Notes: _________________________________________
This score sheet gives every category equal value. Coaches can change the points based on their program.
For example, a competitive team may give tumbling 20 points and spirit 10 points. A sideline team may give voice projection and crowd leadership more points.
The scoring system should remain clear before tryouts begin.
Each judge watches the athlete perform and records a score for every category.
The judge should focus on what they see during the tryout. They should not score an athlete based on personal opinions or past experiences. For example:
An athlete may have a difficult tumbling skill but perform it with poor control. Another athlete may perform a simpler skill with clean technique. The coach may give the higher score to the athlete who performs safely and consistently. Clean execution often matters more than difficult skills that an athlete cannot control. A score sheet helps coaches record these differences.
A five-point rating scale can make scoring easier.
| Score | Rating | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Needs Improvement | The athlete needs help with the skill. |
| 2 | Developing | The athlete understands the basics but needs more practice. |
| 3 | Good | The athlete performs the skill with reasonable control. |
| 4 | Very Good | The athlete shows strong technique and confidence. |
| 5 | Excellent | The athlete performs the skill with high control and consistency. |
Coaches should explain the rating scale to every judge before the tryout starts. One judge may see a score of four as excellent. Another may see it as average. Clear scoring rules can reduce these differences.
Coaches look at more than athletic ability. A strong cheerleader needs skills but they also need focus, confidence and a positive attitude. Most coaches look for the following qualities.
Tumbling can include:
Coaches should evaluate control and technique. A clean cartwheel may show better body control than a difficult skill with unsafe form. Athletes should only perform skills that they can complete safely. Trying an advanced skill without proper control can affect the score.
Cheer jumps may include:
Coaches may evaluate:
A high jump does not always receive the best score. The athlete also needs clean technique. Strong arm placement and pointed toes can improve the overall performance.
Stunting requires strength, timing and trust. Coaches may evaluate an athlete as a flyer, base or backspot.
A strong athlete may struggle in a stunt group if they do not listen or communicate.
Sharp motions can make a cheer routine look clean and confident. Coaches may check:
An athlete should complete each motion with purpose. Loose arms can make a routine look untidy. Strong motions can improve the whole team’s appearance.
Many tryouts include a short cheer or dance routine. Coaches may teach the routine during the tryout. This helps them evaluate how quickly athletes learn. Judges may look at:
An athlete may make a small mistake but recover quickly. That response can show confidence and focus.
Cheerleading requires energy. Athletes should show enthusiasm while performing. Coaches may evaluate:
A cheerleader does not need to shout without control. They should use a clear voice and show natural energy. A confident performance can help the crowd respond.
Coachability shows how an athlete responds to instructions. A coach may correct an athlete’s arm position or ask them to change their timing. The athlete should listen and apply the correction. Coachable athletes do not treat every correction as criticism. They use feedback to improve. This quality can become important when two athletes have similar skill levels.
Cheerleading depends on teamwork. Coaches may watch how athletes behave while they wait for their turn.
These actions can show how an athlete may affect the team environment. A positive teammate can help others feel confident and motivated.
Competitive cheer teams may focus more on athletic skills. The score sheet may give higher points to tumbling, jumps and stunts.
| Category | Maximum Score |
|---|---|
| Tumbling | 20 |
| Stunts | 20 |
| Jumps | 15 |
| Motions and Technique | 10 |
| Dance Routine | 10 |
| Performance and Energy | 10 |
| Coachability | 10 |
| Teamwork | 5 |
| Total | 100 |
This format gives athletic skills a larger role. However, coaches should still evaluate attitude and coachability. A strong team needs skilled athletes who can work together.
Sideline cheerleaders lead cheers at games and help create energy for the crowd. Their score sheet may focus more on spirit and communication.
| Category | Maximum Score |
|---|---|
| Voice Projection | 20 |
| Crowd Leadership | 15 |
| Motions | 15 |
| Cheer Technique | 10 |
| School Spirit | 10 |
| Energy and Confidence | 10 |
| Coachability | 10 |
| Teamwork | 10 |
| Total | 100 |
Tumbling may still matter but it may not receive the highest score. A sideline cheerleader needs a clear voice and strong crowd-leading skills.
A fair score sheet should give every athlete the same opportunity. Coaches can improve fairness by following these steps.
Every judge should understand what each category measures. Do not use unclear categories such as “overall ability” without an explanation. Clear categories help judges focus on specific skills.
Coaches should discuss the scoring system before tryouts. They can ask:
Shared answers can create more consistent results.
Multiple judges can reduce personal bias. Each judge should score every athlete independently. Coaches can compare the scores after the tryout. Large differences may show that the judges need to review the performance.
Athletes should not see scores during the tryout. Private scoring can reduce pressure and protect athlete information. Coaches should store the score sheets safely.
Numbers do not explain everything. Judges should add short notes about strengths and areas for improvement. For example:
These notes can help coaches explain their decisions.
Good organization can help athletes perform at their best. A clear tryout schedule can also help coaches evaluate everyone fairly.
Coaches should:
Clear instructions can reduce confusion.
Coaches should give athletes enough time to warm up. They should explain each activity before it begins. A simple tryout schedule may include:
Coaches should watch athletes during every part of the tryout. They may learn a lot by watching how athletes behave between activities.
Coaches should review the scores carefully. They should compare scores from different judges. They should also review written notes.
A final score can help with decisions but coaches may need to consider team balance.
For example:
A team may need more strong bases or experienced backspots. The highest individual scores may not always create the strongest stunt groups. Coaches should use the score sheet as a guide while considering the needs of the full team.
Coaches should avoid these mistakes.
A strong tumbler may not always become the best team member. Cheerleading also requires teamwork, communication and coachability. Use several categories to create a balanced evaluation.
Judges should score the performance. They should not score an athlete based on friendship or past experience. Clear scoring rules can reduce bias.
Difficulty does not always mean quality. A clean skill can show more control than a difficult skill with poor technique.
Coaches should set the scoring rules before the tryout. Changing the system during the event may create confusion.
Athletes show their character during difficult moments. Coaches should watch how they respond to mistakes and feedback.
Athletes can improve their performance with regular practice. They should focus on clean skills instead of trying to impress judges with unsafe moves. Helpful tips include:
Preparation can improve confidence. Athletes who arrive ready can focus more on their performance.
A cheer tryout score sheet is a form that coaches use to evaluate athletes during tryouts. It may include tumbling, jumps, stunts, motions, spirit, coachability and teamwork.
Coaches often score tumbling, jumps, stunts, motions, dance routines, voice projection, energy and attitude.
The total can vary. Many score sheets use 50, 80 or 100 points. The total matters less than using clear categories and consistent scoring.
A five-point scale can make scoring simple. Coaches should explain what each score means before tryouts begin.
Yes. Coaches may evaluate attitude, teamwork, effort and coachability. These qualities can affect how well an athlete works with the team.
It depends on the program. Competitive teams may require tumbling skills. Some school and sideline teams may place more value on spirit, motions and crowd leadership.
Athletes can practise clean technique, improve flexibility, learn counts and respond well to feedback. They should also show confidence and positive energy.
Yes. Many teams need athletes with different strengths. Strong jumps, good motions, leadership, teamwork and coachability can also help an athlete earn a place.
A cheer tryout score sheet helps coaches evaluate athletes with clear and consistent standards.
The best score sheet looks beyond one skill. It measures athletic ability but it also considers effort, attitude, teamwork and coachability.
