Helpful Hints

The "Crowd Appeal/Showmanship" category on our score sheets reflects the squad's ability to present a routine which is effective in cleanly executing all skills in that particular routine. Here are some helpful hints that might increase a squad's "overall effect" score.

Things Judges Like to See
o Natural smiles and facials
o Comfort and knowledge of the routine
o Variety of stunts and tumbling
o Clean and tight tumbling, stunts, jumps, motions cradles
o Smooth transitions
o Age appropriate music and dance
o Level changes in dances and cheers
o Flyers that ride their cradles, bases who use their legs to prop!
o High basket tosses that ride and snap
o Finish builds by placing your flyer, not "dumping or dropping"
o Having fun with the routine, showing spirit!
o Skills within teams ability (sometimes less is more)
o Confidence in self/team and in routine
o Flyers who fight to save a stunt (shouldn't bail)
o Creative routine and original music
o High energy throughout the routine
o Synchronization throughout the routine
o Well executed routine
o Hyper-extended jumps and pointed toes
o Combination tumbling passes

What to Avoid
o Sneering, jeering, mocking or taunting attitudes and gestures
o Inappropriate and/or sexually suggestive dance moves
o Inappropriate music
o Facial expressions—including poking of the tongue—to add “sexiness” (???) during dance
o Cheer choreographed (organized) squad entrances and exits
o Using the ‘warm-up’ time and locations to practice new stunts and gymnastic skills
o Exaggerated facial expressions including head-bobbing and flagrant mouthed smiles detract from the overall effect
o Substituting difficulty for cleanliness and consistency
o Crowding of the judges and judging table by coaching staff and parents—this is a distraction
o Displeasing uniforms and hair accessories should not be worn
o Throwing of signs and props (i.e. poms) throughout the competition area
o Rushing, cornering or approaching of the judging staff before, during and after a division or competition
o Always remember the cleaner the routine the better

We wish you all the best of luck as you prepare your team for the BCRDS Competition!!