What Is All Star Cheerleading?
All star cheerleading is competitive cheer performed by teams that belong to a gym or club rather than a school. All-star teams train year-round on routines of stunts, tumbling, jumps and dance, and they compete against teams in the same age and skill division. Unlike most school squads, the focus is competition, not cheering at games.
How all star differs from school cheer
A school squad represents its school, cheers at games and often competes as well. An all-star team belongs to a gym, trains on a competition schedule and travels to events to compete. Athletes can join based on skill and age rather than which school they attend, and many athletes do both school and all-star cheer.
Levels and divisions
All-star teams are placed in age divisions and skill levels, which set the skills each team is allowed to perform. This keeps competition fair between beginners and advanced athletes. See our guide to cheerleading competition levels and read how routines are judged in how competitive cheer is scored. For the official rules and levels, see USASF.
What a team needs
An all-star team needs a coach and a gym with the right space, athletes placed at the right level, a competition routine and music, and matching uniforms. Each season also involves entry fees, travel and practice wear.
Uniforms for all star teams
All-star uniforms are designed for stunting and tumbling and usually include rhinestones and sublimated designs that stand out on the floor. Gym owners can read our guide to cheer uniforms for all-star teams and see our custom cheer uniforms. Our minimum is 10 pieces per design. Texas teams can also read all-star cheer in Texas.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between all star and school cheer?
School cheer teams represent a school and usually cheer at games as well as compete, while all-star teams belong to a gym or club and focus on competition.
Do all star cheerleaders cheer at games?
Usually not. All-star teams are built around competition routines rather than sideline cheering at school games.
How are all star teams organized?
Teams are grouped by age and skill level, from beginner levels up to advanced levels, and compete against teams in the same division.
Who sets the all star rules?
Governing bodies and event producers publish the rules. For all-star cheer, start with USASF for the official rules and levels.
