The closing ceremonies have ushered out yet another Olympics, but the spirit will remain in athletes all over the world. It is called the Olympic Effect - reminding people around the world what hard work and dedication to a sport will garner and reigniting the fire in many people to pursue those sports about which they are passionate. After having been inspired by the amazing accomplishments of the Olympic athletes in China, many people are going to want to get out and challenge themselves physically in a sport or activity that they truly love.

Ever think about getting a workout in some cheerleading uniforms?

For those who are still in school, trying out for the cheerleading squad can be a great way to experience competition first hand, while encouraging school spirit and participation.

So you’re interested but where do you begin?

Follow the cheerleading uniforms around school. Well, the people wearing them at least. The best way to start out is by talking to a current cheerleader or cheerleading coach at your school. Ask them what the sport is all about.

Do you have what it takes to make the squad?

At most schools, cheerleading tryouts are open for anyone who wants to go out for it. A dance or gymnastics background is helpful when competing for a spot on a squad, but the real determinant is how competitive the squad is and what types of events and competitions it participates in.

How difficult is cheerleading?

Cheerleading is as great a workout as any other competitive sport. Contrary to some stereotypes, there is a lot more to the sport than simply holding cheerleading pom poms and shouting. Cheerleading is a fast paced and physical activity. With complicated stunting and gymnastic maneuvers executed by some squads, it’s a sport that can require a lot of physicality and training.

If this information sounds intriguing to you, take the time to find out what cheerleading is all about and you too can feed your competitive spirit.

Popularity: 52% [?]

Part 1 of The Cheer Captain’s Responsibilities focused on the general things that a new cheer captain is to be responsible for doing. That is, the role that the cheer captain will play. Part 2 is more a list of specific tasks that a cheer captain usually handles throughout their tenure as captain.

These are mostly written for cheer captains for school squads who in addition to competitive cheering also have an important role in the school. Amongst these tasks:

Lead stretches the beginning of practice: Before practice begins the coach is often still on their way and/or handling other business. The cheer captains role is to take attendance, make sure everyone is in proper cheerleading apparel and begin to lead the squad in stretches.

Choreograph/Assist in the choreography of routines: Captains are picked for their talent, their experience, and their leadership skills. A captain should assist the coach in creating choreography for the team for use in routines.

Call Out Cheers at Games: The captain is the leader of the squad and should be the one letting the squad know when they need to pick up their cheerleading pom poms and begin specific cheers throughout the game.

Go over business matters at the end of practice: After practice ends its time to handle any business matters that need to be taken handled. This is where things like making sure everyone’s money for the new cheer uniforms has been collected, information about upcoming trips is dispersed, etc.

Contact all the members of the squad with updates: Sometimes information will need to get out to all the members of the squad. Typically, the coach will leave this job in the hands of the cheer captain.

These are just a sampling of the duties that a cheer captain may need to handle during the school year. If it seems like a lot, don’t worry, you’ll get used to them. Just remember, the cheer captain that preceded you managed to handle it all, and you can as well!

Popularity: 48% [?]

For all those new cheer squad captains out there who are going into the new school year as a first time captain, there are always some nerves to overcome. You’ve probably spent your summer helping the coach figure out routines, helping plan the cheer camp trip and picking out new cheerleading uniforms for the squad. Now, with the school year beginning, the squad is going to look to you for more than just these things.

Knowing your role as captain is important to keeping the squad running efficiently and effectively. If you’re unsure, here is a list of the most important job responsibilities for the a cheer squad captain:

Conflict Resolution: It’s an unfortunate part of the job sometimes, but quarrels do erupt in between squad members from time to time. The role of the captain is to stay out of them personally and to mediate them in an impartial manner whether it seems trivial (like borrowed and unreturned cheerleading shoes) or more serious matters.

Stay in Touch with the Coach: The cheer captain is often the voice of the squad when it comes to dealing with the coach. The captain should be the one who brings the collective voice of the squad together and presents it to the coach.

Keeping the Squad Focused: The excitement of game time and during pep rallies can get some of the squad members off focus. Keep them on task, having fun, and keep the goofing around to a minimum.

Be Early/Stay Late: It takes extra commitment to be captain and it is the captain’s job to make sure everyone is in their cheerleading apparel and ready for practice each day. It is also their responsibility to stay late, making sure everything is put away and any concerns/questions are answered.

More responsibilities to come soon!

Popularity: 46% [?]

There is nothing wrong with operating on a budget. Budgets can actually be very helpful motivation tools to get the best quality at the best price. With more households and therefore more schools on limited budgets this year, purchasing those new cheer uniforms for the squad can seem more of a challenge than ever.

This doesn’t have to be a reason for stress though. With a little research and a little resourcefulness, your squad can get the cheerleading uniforms and accessories they want for a price that they can afford.

Go online: Cut out the brick and mortar stores and go online for the best prices. Online retailers don’t have to pay for the cost of maintaining and paying a retail staff; therefore they can pass the savings on to their customers.

Know What You’re Looking For. Shopping without a game plan is dangerous and can lure even the most conservative spender into paying too much. Start by doing some research into the type of cheer uniforms your squad is looking for. Compare brands like Chassé Cheerleading Apparel and ZOE Cheer to find out which styles the squad likes and what to expect pricing wise.

Look for Package Deals: Some retailers package certain skirt and top combinations into uniform packages that they sell for a special reduced price. Different packages will offer different combinations and some will even include extras like socks and cheer accessories, so always compare all of the options.

Purchase in a Group: Instead of sending each squad member online to order their uniform, order all them together to qualify for the free shipping minimum purchase amount.

Look for Specials Through Mail & Email: If you find a cheerleading apparel retailer online who offers a catalog or email updates, sign up. This will keep you up to date on all of the latest deals available.

Popularity: 52% [?]

News agencies around the country today are posting information about the upcoming 2009 International Cheer Union World Cup. This international competition will have American cheerleaders donning their team USA cheerleading uniforms in true Olympic-esque style. As of the August 13th posting on www.usacheer.net, 40 countries had committed to the event to be held in Orlando, Florida.

The USA Federation for Sport Cheering is organization responsible for organizing the US team. They will be holding tryouts for two teams that will represent the United States in the competition. Of these two teams, one team will be all females and the other will be a co-ed team.

The ‘World Cup,’ of Cheer is of course a term borrowed from the worldwide soccer spectacle that occurs every four years. Organizers of the International Cheer Union World Cup are certainly hoping a little of that worldwide excitement will rub off on this inaugural Cheer Cup.

The USA Federation for Sport Cheering is calling the athletes selected for the US teams cheerleading squads, the “Dream Team. ” This term harkening back to the Dream Team of team USA basketball which so dramatically dominated the 1992 Olympics.

Information on how to try out for the US Dream Team of cheerleading will be available at the usacheer.net homepage in the next few days. It will however involve submitting a preliminary application, complete with video and information, and the minimum age requirement is set at 18. From there, qualified athletes will go to one of the four regional tryouts. There is no word yet on exactly where the four regional tryouts will be held.

In total there will be 60 cheerleaders selected to wear the USA cheer uniforms and represent the country at the first ever International Cheer World Cup. No word yet on when Team USA cheerleading apparel may be available for the public.

Popularity: 60% [?]

You don’t need to be a technically savvy teenage cheerleader to get your cheerleading apparel online. Sure, it may have been that way at one point in history, but in today’s market there is no excuse for not utilizing the cost saving online marketplace. Cheerleading uniforms can now be found online with the best selection and lowest prices.

Would you like to know all of the people who can benefit from going online for their next cheerleading apparel order?

Coaches can benefit. Coaches can find a variety of cheer uniforms online and sized for every member of their squad. They can research color combinations and customization options too. Cheer coaches know how much energy their squad puts into fundraising every year and they can assist their squad by getting the lowest prices online for their uniforms.

Cheer Captains can benefit. Cheer Captains are often in charge of team spirit and squad participation. Captains can find a variety of great cheerleading apparel online at great prices. They can coordinate the purchase of fun cheerleading shirts and accessories with their squad to promote team spirit and unity.

High School Cheerleaders can benefit. High school cheerleaders can get all of their cheer accessories and gear online. From cheerleading shoes to pom poms, high school cheerleaders will find every style in a variety of sizes.

Competition Cheerleaders can benefit. By purchasing cheerleading apparel online, competition cheerleaders are able to select the athletic apparel and shoes they need to have to perform at the highest level.

Club cheerleaders can benefit. Young cheerleaders who are involved in cheerleading clubs or middle schools can find all of the smaller sizes they need by going online. Get the same high quality apparel as the high school crowd at a great price and in the perfect sizes for a younger cheerleader.

Popularity: 34% [?]

Cheerleading to be an Olympic sport? No, unfortunately the world won’t be debuting their country’s cheer uniforms just yet. Cheerleading will have to wait at least another four year to make its Olympic sporting debut. That’s not to say there won’t be cheerleaders in attendance this year though. A large number of cheerleaders will be out supporting the Olympians from around the world in their quest for gold.

For this year’s summer Olympics in China, the Chinese government has created an Olympic cheer squad comprised of 600 members selected from competitions and school squads around the country. These 600 get the honor of being official Olympic cheerleaders.

The 600-member squad has been trained by none other than the New England Patriots cheerleading squad. The Patriots cheerleaders are an NFL squad of the highest caliber. But don’t expect to see any of those New England cheerleading uniforms out at the events; the Patriots cheerleaders are only in town to train the Olympic squad.

The Patriots cheerleaders have been working with the Chinese squad members to learn various routines and dance moves. As a part of the training, the Olympic squad members are getting a course in cheer spirit, reminding them to keep a positive attitude and to keep a smile on their faces. These American cheerleaders hope to communicate the true nature of the sport and the positive sportsmanship that it facilitates.

This Olympic squad is yet another example of cheerleading’s growing significance in the world both as a sport in its own right and its role of energizing crowds at other sporting events. Even halfway around the world, sporting organizers knew they had a need for a well-trained cheer squad to get fans excited.

Turn on your TV now to see the Olympic cheerleading squad raise their cheerleading pom poms in the air during various events throughout the games.

Popularity: 76% [?]

Summers are no time to relax in the cheerleading world. With summer camps running into August and practice making perfect, it can be helpful to make a list of all the cheerleading apparel and accessories that you’re going to need for start of the season. It’s coming up quick, and orders need to be placed soon to guarantee on time delivery. To help you out here is a list of the cheer essentials that should top your list.

1. Cheer uniforms: Ask your squad captain or coach to find out the status of your squad’s uniforms. If your squad has yet to order cheerleading uniforms for all the members, get on it quickly. There isn’t much time left, especially for custom orders.

2. Body Basics to keep you warm. Temperatures in the evening are pleasant now, but they can drop down quickly. Some of the most essential cheerleading apparel is the layer that keeps you warm under your uniforms.

3. Cheerleading Bag: Arrive looking coordinated and professional to games with matching squad bags. It will intimidate rival squads and impress others.

4. Cheerleading Shoes: Take the pain out of stunting with a new pair of cheerleading shoes. Get the pair that fits your individual foot and get them in the right color to match your squad’s uniforms.

5. Cheerleading pom poms: Pom poms sometimes have a way of getting passed down without getting replaced from year to year. Update your colors with a new set of pom poms priced within any budget.

6. Cheer Accessories: This covers everything from hair ribbons, to socks, to megaphones (if your squad requires). It also means fun accessories like cheerleading t-shirts to wear around school and during practice. Show off your cheerleader pride in and out of practice this year with your new cheer accessories.

One last reminder: Get everything on your list ordered in advance and take the worry out of going back to school and back into competition.

Popularity: 36% [?]

More likely than not, your cheer squad is in the midst of shopping for your new cheerleading uniforms. If this is true, know your options for finding exactly what you’re looking for this season. Many squads still think that ordering from a local athletic store or sports superstore is the only way to get the apparel they desire. These squads are missing out on the many benefits of ordering from an online cheerleading apparel retailer!

What to expect with sporting goods superstores and local athletic shops:
- A lack of selection. These stores specialize in having a little of everything and not too much of any one thing.
- Higher prices. Because they don’t specialize in one area, they are not able to establish the same relationships with vendors that specialty retailers are able to. Therefore, they are not able to offer low price guarantees on all their products.
- Poor Service. The sales representatives often have to work in different areas of the store and aren’t going to be as knowledgeable on say, the best new cheerleading shoes on the market.

What to expect when you go online for your cheerleading apparel needs:
- The lowest prices. Close relationships with vendors allow online cheerleading apparel retailers to get the lowest prices and guarantee them.
- Quick door-to-door shipping. Orders are shipped as soon as possible to make sure that your squad has the cheer uniforms they need delivered right to their door, remember to allow extra time for customization. In addition, you can follow the progress of your order online at any time with provided tracking numbers.
- The best selection anywhere. Making cheerleading apparel a priority means putting the best selection of apparel online. Get a variety of cuts, colors and styles on all the latest cheerleading shoes, pom poms and apparel.

Shop online today and get everything you need for the upcoming school year!

Popularity: 61% [?]

There are too many sporting goods companies that there who only consider cheerleading apparel to be a small part of their business. The result of this kind of attitude is poor service and mediocre pricing. Not to mention a lack of customization and embroidering options.

Quality cheerleading apparel and uniform retailing has and always will be a niche industry. Those who get it right know exactly what they are talking about in terms of selection, quality and customer service.

Finding great customer service in the cheerleading apparel industry is easy, if you know what to look for.
Selection: Cheer apparel, cheer shoes, cheer bags, cheer basics. If they don’t offer it all they probably don’t know what a cheerleader needs.

Pricing: Knowing a lot about a product means knowing how to get it to the customer at the lowest price possible and guaranteeing that to them. Whether it be cheerleading shoes, cheer uniforms or a cheer keychain, a quality retailer can always offer the customer a lower price.

Customization: Ordering custom embroidered apparel instills pride in the squad members every time they don their cheerleading uniforms. Make sure you get the customization options your squad wants.

Shipping: Are there deals on shipping order over a certain dollar amount? Cheerleading apparel and accessories can get expensive. When you spend a good amount of your hard earned (often through fundraising) money, you should get free shipping.

Return Policies: These should be easy to find and spelled out easily as well. Good customer service means having no secrets from your customer, letting them know your policies and working with them to make sure they are happy with their order every time.

Keep an eye out for these hallmarks of quality customer service in the cheerleading retail industry and don’t except anything less on your next cheerleading apparel order!

Popularity: 80% [?]