Before you start, declare your expectations. Try and put yourself in the kids' shoes. They're all probably nervous and anxious to please, but they don't know what to expect. So, tell them. Describe a theoretical, ideal candidate. Don't use a real life example, or worse, one of the candidates. In fact, don't set any player above the others.
To give you an example, here's an opening address:
"Thank you all for attending tryouts. I know you are nervous, excited and eager to get busy, but let me take a minute to tell you what the coaches are looking for. We don't have very much time to look at you, so first impressions are very important. For that reason, don't hold anything back. Show us what you have. Any hidden talent or effort you take home with you will be qualities we don't know about.
First impressions include how you dress. Are you dressed to play or dressed for style? You get no points for style in the tryouts.
A second impression will be how willing you are to work hard. It means a lot if you are already in great physical shape. But it also means a lot if you're not in great shape, but are willing to get there. If you are still trying your best even when you are tired, we will notice that. If you give up easily when you're fatigued, we'll notice that, too.
Do you know how to listen? We will be asking to do a variety of skills, many of which may be new to you. Its OK if you don't know a skill, but its not helpful to you if you do not pay attention to directions.
Are you willing to perform the skills according to the coaches' directions?
We will be stressing fundamental techniques and may ask you to perform skills differently than you are used to. Its far more important to us that you attempt the skill properly and be awkward rather than repeat a bad habit that you are comfortable with. The point is that if you are not willing to change, we can't make you any better than you are now.
Finally, your cheerleading skills are meaningless if you cannot maintain your grades or get your paperwork in on time. Being on the cheerleading squad/team is a special privilege, and it requires a great deal of time and commitment. If your level of responsibility isn't mature enough to manage a busy schedule and cheerleading, then you shouldn't be in the program.
Further, if your grades are marginal, then there is a risk to the entire team that you may not be available at the end of the semester. The coaches will weigh that risk into the decision whether or not to select you as a cheerleader."
Observe candidates performing exact same skill sets. Be sure to cover basics such motions and jump technique. Young participants can learn to use their weaknesses within the course of a season. After that, they will correct themselves without a second thought.
Should you score every candidate on different skills? It's a nice idea and it would be great to have a list with the candidates sorted by score. The objective approach may quell some backlash as you have documents to back your decisions. However, most coaches would rather trust their instincts. It's difficult to measure people with numbers. How do you score gametime sideline sense or competitive nerves?
At best you could score candidates as good - fair - poor and various scores, but that doesn't really differentiate the individuals very well. Besides, it is really tough to run a tryout and keep track of scores.
Avoid putting too few cheerleaders on the team. Game time substitution rotations can be very simple at playoff levels where sideline participants are limited. Sixteen to twenty member teams are common and provide coverage for injuries and other contingencies. Having more guarantees satisfaction over the course of the season.
Maintain a balance of talents on your team, assuming there are enough candidates in the tryout pool. If all your cheerleaders are alike, there will be consistent weaknesses in your game plans. If your team can cheer, but not dance or can tumble, but not jump, your strategy will be compromised.
Decide if candidates have the will to do conditioning. If cheerleaders are out of shape, they may be worthwhile to pick up. Watch for those that quit easily during the tryout drills. If the members in your program do not want to train, it will be nearly impossible to be competitive.
Look for candidates who have already mastered fundamentals and show a good grasp of cheer sense. They have already proven they have a devotion to the sport and are coachable. Candidates who are physically appealing, but unskilled, MUST show a willingness to learn and change. Too often cheerleaders blessed with physical advantages are convinced they are good enough and only need try harder when the going gets tough.
Over the course of the season, however, cheerleaders with average ability eventually surpass the value of the gifted athlete because of their new skills and experience. Ultimately, the gifted athlete becomes a liability if he/she participates in a manner contrary to the team direction. Time invested in team strategies is wasted if one member elects to take ill-advised movements or is irresponsible. Cheerleading favors the advantaged athlete, however. All other things being equal, quickness to learn, commitment and character are hard to beat.
Do not waste time on candidates that are argumentative or cannot pay attention. End of story.
Insist on timeliness as a condition to staying in the program.
Consider grade point averages when making cuts. A marginal student may not be able to finish the season. There are many School District rules in Ohio that makes any student with less than a 2.0 gpa ineligible to play or practice. If you are coaching in a youth group league like the YMCA, grades are still an important factor. Some parents will not allow their child to play anywhere if their grades don't meet family standards.
Counter-point: If cheerleading can motivate anyone to improve their grades - it may be worth taking the risk.
