Parent Guide: Preparing for Your Athlete’s First Competition

The first competition is exciting—and sometimes overwhelming—for both athletes and parents. Here’s how you can be prepared while also helping your cheerleader stay calm and confident:

Pack Early

Don’t wait until the morning of—lay everything out the night before!

For athletes:

• Uniform, warm-up/jacket, bow

• Cheer shoes (on their feet, not packed!)

• Socks

• Hair and makeup done before meet time (we’ll touch up lips in warm-up)

• Hairspray, snacks, and water

For parents:

• Phone charger

• Spirit wear

• Comfortable shoes

• Jacket (venues can be chilly)

Being packed ahead of time takes the stress out of the day. Please—no pajama bottoms or slippers. We care about how our athletes present themselves, and being fully competition-ready is part of representing Liberty the right way.

Competition Weekend Reminders

Appearance & Attire

• Sport-length nails only in nude, natural, or pastel colors.

• Absolutely NO jewelry – it’s a safety hazard and an automatic deduction on the score sheet.

Day-Before & Day-Of Guidelines

• ❌ No swimming the day before or the day of competition. Swimming can dehydrate athletes and leave them feeling fatigued, which impacts energy and performance on the floor.

• ❌ No skating (roller, ice, or otherwise) during competition season. Skating risks falls, bruises, or sprains that could take an athlete out of the routine.

Why This Matters Every detail counts—safety, hydration, and presentation all affect performance and scores. Following these rules ensures our athletes step onto the floor prepared, confident, and competition-ready.

Double-Check Times

Competitions run on strict schedules, and “meet time” is usually much earlier than performance time. Plan your route, account for traffic, and arrive early. Walking in stressed because you’re rushing is the last thing your athlete needs before hitting the floor.

Hair & Makeup Done Before Meet Time

Athletes should arrive competition ready. That means hair and makeup completely finished before meet time so coaches can focus on warm-ups and team preparation. We’ll do small touch-ups—like reapplying lipstick—in warm-up if needed, but the full look should already be complete.

Sleep + Fuel

A well-rested and well-fed athlete performs better. Encourage an early bedtime the night before. In the morning, offer a balanced breakfast—nothing too heavy, but something with lasting energy (protein + carbs).

Be the Calm Energy

Your athlete is already feeling nerves. If you stay relaxed, smiling, and steady, it reassures them. If you look frantic, they’ll mirror that energy. Think: calm, confident, and encouraging.

Encourage, Don’t Add Pressure

It’s tempting to remind them to “stick that stunt” or “don’t mess up”—but pressure increases stress. Instead, focus on effort and teamwork:

“You’ve worked so hard—just go have fun with your team!”

They’ll carry that reassurance onto the mat. Let the coaches remind them of their job.  

Keep Routines Normal

Competition days are full of distractions, but familiar routines bring comfort. If they normally do their own hair with your help, stick to that. If they always listen to a certain song or say a quick prayer before performing, make space for that. Small rituals make them feel in control.

Show Up with Pride

Wear your Liberty Spirit, cheer loudly, and let them see you smiling from the stands. Knowing their biggest supporter is there and excited gives them an extra boost of confidence.

Celebrate Effort, Not Just Results

Once they’re off the floor, hug them, tell them how proud you are, and highlight something positive you saw—whether it’s their smile, their jumps, or how hard they fought. Scores fade, but the memory of your support lasts forever.

✨ The first competition is more than just a performance—it’s a milestone in your athlete’s journey. When you show up prepared and steady, you help them not only compete, but shine.