Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Listed below are some commonly asked questions about our program. If you have additional questions after you have read all the materials provided about our program, contact our staff using any of the methods on the communication page.
Do we need to attend both days of the tryout clinics?
Yes. You will be taught the material that you will be evaluated on during tryouts.
What should I expect at the Cheer Tryouts?
Evaluations will be treated like a standard Memphis Pride Cheer practice. We will evaluate your current skill level, as well as your ability to pick up challenging skills quickly. The evaluations will be extremely informal, with the Memphis Pride coaches performing the evaluations. Individuals will be evaluated on their technical ability, attention span, and enthusiasm.
How are squads chosen?
After observations during the two-day evaluation, the Memphis Pride coaching staff will have discussions behind closed doors to determine the final placements of all candidates. Evaluations will be used to determine areas of strength for each participant. Squad placements will be based upon the needs of each squad to make the strongest teams possible for competitions.
Is tumbling required to make a team?
Tumbling is NOT required to make our teams. In fact, we don’t have any requirements to make our teams. We place athletes with similar skill levels on teams with one another. One squad may have athletes that all tumble, while another squad may have no tumblers. However, keep in mind that tumbling is an important part of all-star cheerleading. We have tumbling instruction for all of our athletes, and a good number of our athletes take additional tumbling classes and private lessons to improve themselves.
Are evaluations required for all teams?
No. Athletes who are interested in our Minis team are not required to have a tryout. You simply sign up and you are a member of the team.
My child is only interested in doing a specific position on the team. Can this be arranged?
No. Requests for specific positions on the squad cannot be honored. The coaching staff will assess and determine the best position for each squad participant based on ability, maturity and squad needs. Participants are encouraged to be open to all possibilities for positions on the squad and to work toward the team goals outlined by the coaching staff.
Do competitions require out of town travel and overnight stays?
Out of town travel and overnight stays are required of squad members on the Youth, Junior and Varsity squads. Transportation and lodging fees for these trips will be the responsibility of the cheerleader’s parent. Memphis Pride will reserve a block of rooms at a designated hotel, and parents will be responsible for all hotel expenses.
Can my child participate in other sports during the Memphis Pride competitive season?
It is extremely difficult to be a part of another sports team while participating on a Memphis Pride Cheer team. Our experience has shown that the athlete will end up missing multiple engagements, and often end up feeling burned-out because of their involvement in too many activities. The ultimate decision resides with parents, however, Memphis Pride requires dedication and commitment to the squad; requiring attendance at all scheduled events, including practice.
