How to Become a Cheerleading Judge for Competitions

Earn certification to judge cheerleading competitions.

Cheerleading competitions are visual, exciting events packed with athletic feats, exuberant chanting, bright colors and high energy. Participating as a cheerleading judge can be a rewarding career move for cheer coaches ready for the next step or for passionate fans of the sport. Becoming a cheerleading judge for competitions takes time and commitment, and you'll need to be prepared for last-minute assignments or schedule changes, since competition needs can quickly shift.

Things You'll Need

• Resume
• Certification
• Datebook

Instructions

1. Familiarize yourself with cheerleading, if you don't already have a cheerleading background. Watch broadcasts of national cheerleading competitions or attend local cheer contests to get a sense of how they're operated. Volunteer as an assistant coach for a middle school or high school cheerleading team to learn more about the names of stunts, safety and traditional routines. You can also volunteer to help with administrative tasks at lower-level cheer competitions to start building bullet points for your cheerleading resume.

2. Enroll in certification courses to become a cheerleading judge. Certification might involve online courses or in-person training, followed by an exam. You'll learn how to officiate, with practice judging teams using video footage and real teams. Topics might include where to stand when counting formations or observing complex stunts, professionalism and safety standards. You can earn certification to become an intern judge who works with more experienced judges at competitions, an intermediate certification to judge local competitions, standard certification to judge regional or state events, or full certification to participate in national championships.

3. Email your resume and certification to area cheerleading judge associations, high schools, community colleges and universities. Don't send materials to, "To whom it may concern." Instead, call ahead to learn the name of the human resources director, athletics department chair or cheerleading facilitator. This will increase chances that your application materials fall into the right hands. Indicate your willingness to work under the direction of more experienced judges to increase chances of being selected.

4. Purchase a datebook or calendar. Cheerleading competitions tend to be seasonal; you may be asked to judge multiple competitions within short periods of time. You don't want to build a reputation as someone who arrives late or cancels at the last moment because of double-bookings. As you begin to book competitions, carefully note dates and start times, as well as specific instructions related to assignments. Confirm addresses and contact telephone numbers.

Tips & Warnings

• Hardworking cheerleaders rely on impartial judges to make fair calls and penalizations during competitions. If there's a conflict of interest because you've worked closely with competing cheerleaders or their coaches, indicate that you wouldn't be an appropriate choice for the competition. Contest organizers will appreciate your forthcoming statement. It's understood that judges may come to informally or casually know some cheerleader competitors on the competition circuit, but close relationships should be identified.

References

• "ESPN Go.com"; Athletes Are Cheerleaders, Too; Wayne Drehs
• Cheer Ltd.: National Cheer Judges Certification
• Spirit Event Coordinators: Judges Section
• Michigan Cheer Judges Association: MCJA Judging Sheets
• Michigan Cheer Judges Association: Judges/Coaches Concerns
• Michigan Cheer Judges Association: Class Descriptions

Resources

• Michigan Cheer Judges Association: Sign Up To Be A Mentor
• Universal Cheerleaders Association: Selecting Judges