Competition Day

Being late to warm-up or report can result in a team missing their slot entirely. These times are firm.

• Check-in & wristbands

  Early arrival

  Teams check in at the event registration table when they arrive at the venue. Coaches verify the roster, collect wristbands or credentials for athletes and team staff, and receive the final warm-up and performance times if they haven't already.

• Warm-up floor

  Warm-up time

  Each team is assigned a specific warm-up slot — typically 6 to 10 minutes on a dedicated mat. Athletes stretch and loosen up, run individual skills (tumbling passes, jumps), then move into stunt groups and pyramids. Coaches use this window to build confidence and fix any last-minute issues.

• Staging & report

  Report time

  A few minutes before performing, teams report to a holding area near the competition floor. This is where final adjustments happen — hair, makeup, uniform checks. Athletes line up in their opening formation and wait for the cue.

• The routine

  Performance time

  The team takes the floor and has exactly 2 minutes and 30 seconds. The clock starts with the first movement or the music — whichever comes first. Going over time results in a deduction. The crowd cheers, but the athletes are laser-focused on hitting every skill.

• Watch other teams

  After performing

  Once a team performs, they're free to watch the rest of the session. Many athletes and coaches study other teams in their division — it's part of the culture. Teams often cheer loudly for each other regardless of gym affiliation.

• Awards

  End of session

  After all teams in a session perform, awards are held on the floor. Scores are announced and plaques, trophies, or bid certificates are awarded. At larger events, awards may be broken into multiple sessions — check the event schedule to know when your division awards are.

• Cheer loudly. Crowd energy genuinely matters to athletes, and it can boost a score in the performance category.
• Arrive before your team's compete time, not their warm-up time — spectators typically aren't allowed in the warm-up area.
• Stay for awards. Your team's awards session may come well after they perform. Check the event schedule so you don't miss it.
• Don't rush the floor after a routine — wait for the designated floor access time between performances.