Wait… what
does that mean?

Competitive cheer performed through a club or programme rather than primarily for a school sideline team. Allstar routines combine building, tumbling, jumps, dance, choreography and performance.

The published age-eligibility chart used to work out which age divisions an athlete may be eligible for in a season.

The competitive category a team enters. A division can be defined by age, level, team type, programme stream and sometimes gender composition or other criteria.

A rules classification that limits which skills a team may perform. A team’s level is not a personal rank for an individual athlete.

The complete timed competition performance, including all choreographed sections such as stunts, tumbling, jumps, pyramids and dance where applicable.

The group of athletes entered together in a particular competition division.

The list of athletes officially assigned or entered to a team for an event or season.

An age division generally intended for older athletes and adults. Exact minimum age or birth-year requirements depend on the governing rules and season.

An age division used in many cheer systems for older youth/teen athletes. The exact age band and roster requirements vary by framework.

Short for Under 12, used as an age-division label. Eligibility is normally determined by the published season age grid rather than simply the athlete’s age today.

Short for Under 16, used as an age-division label under applicable domestic or international age grids.

A competition stream designed for developing or introductory competitive teams, usually with additional restrictions compared with higher competitive streams. Exact rules vary by provider or governing framework.

A competition stream between introductory and Elite pathways in many systems, with its own restrictions and scoring rules. Do not confuse this with the stunt position also called prep.

A competitive Allstar stream using the standard level rules and a fuller difficulty/scoring framework than Prep or Novice in systems that use those labels.

A cheer division in which tumbling is restricted or removed according to that division’s rules, while building, jumps, choreography and performance remain important.

A division classification for teams entered under all-girl eligibility rules. Exact eligibility language is defined by the relevant competition or governing rules.

A division classification that includes male athletes under the relevant coed eligibility and scoring rules.

An athlete who competes on more than one team at the same event or within a season, subject to the event’s crossover rules.

Short for Event Producer — the organisation that runs a competition or championship.

The athlete supported above the performance surface in a stunt or pyramid. Official rulebooks often use the term “top person”.

The official rules term commonly used for the athlete being supported in a stunt, pyramid or toss. In everyday gym language, many people say flyer.

An athlete who supports, lifts, catches or controls the top person in a stunt or pyramid.

A base who typically takes primary responsibility for one side of the flyer’s foot and helps control the stunt’s load, height and stability.

The base positioned opposite the main base in a traditional stunt group, sharing support and control of the flyer.

The athlete positioned behind a stunt group who assists with loading, lifting, stability and catches. Rulebooks may use broader terms such as spotter depending on the skill.

An additional athlete positioned in front of a stunt group to help support or stabilise the stunt when used.

An athlete whose primary responsibility is to help protect the top person during a stunt, pyramid or transition as required by the rules.

A skill in which one or more bases support a top person off the performance surface.

The athletes working together to perform one stunt, commonly including bases, a backspot and a flyer depending on the skill.

A two-foot stunt position typically held around shoulder/prep level by the bases. This is different from the competitive Prep division.

An extended stunt in which the top person is supported with the bases’ arms extended above their heads, subject to the level rules.

A one-leg stunt body position where the flyer stands on one leg and bends the free leg, usually with the foot placed near the standing knee.

A flyer body position where the free leg is extended high in front/side and held by the foot or heel.

A one-leg flyer body position with the free leg extended behind the body.

A flyer flexibility position where the free leg is extended behind and held, creating a strong line through the body and leg.

A flyer flexibility position where the free foot is pulled up behind the head, creating a curved back-leg shape.

An advanced flyer flexibility position with the lifted leg extended high behind the body, creating a near-vertical line.

A flyer body position where one leg is held extended while the opposite arm/position creates the characteristic bow-and-arrow shape.

The shape a flyer holds while supported in a stunt, such as a liberty, heel stretch, arabesque, scale or scorpion.

The way a base or spotter holds and supports the top person or another athlete during a building skill.

The entry into a stunt where the group takes the flyer’s weight and begins the building skill.

The movement used to bring a top person from a stunt to the performance surface or into an allowed catch, according to the level rules.

A dismount in which the top person is released and caught in a reclined cradle position by the required catchers.

A twisting cradle-style dismount in which the top person performs a full twist before being caught, where permitted by the rules.

A stunt entry or transition where the top person rotates one full twist while moving into the supported position.

A stunt transition where the flyer changes from one foot/leg to the other while moving into the target one-leg position.

A one-leg stunt transition in which the top person switches from one supporting leg to the other, often through a release where legal.

A stunt transition where the top person becomes free of contact with the bases for part of the skill before being caught or supported again.

A stunt or pyramid position or transition in which the top person passes through an upside-down orientation. Exact legality depends on level and contacts.

A flipping entry from the performance surface into a stunt. Rewinds are advanced building skills with level-specific legality requirements.

A connected building section involving multiple stunts/top people with bracing or contact that meets the rulebook definition of a pyramid.

A top person who maintains required contact with another top person during a pyramid skill or transition.

A clearly hit pyramid or building shape/position. Some scoring systems require a minimum number of distinct pyramid structures.

A toss where bases use an interlocked basket-style grip to launch the top person and catch them again, where legal.

A release skill in which bases launch a top person upward and catch them again. Toss rules vary significantly by level.

A basket/toss variation combining a kick action with a twisting rotation before the catch, where permitted.

A toss body position where the top person pulls into a tight ball/tuck-like shape before opening for the catch.

A stunt primarily supported by one base, sometimes with assistance or required spotting depending on the rules.

Floor-based acrobatic skills involving hip-over-head movement without being supported by a base. Rules separate standing and running tumbling in many systems.

Tumbling initiated from a stationary or non-running entry, such as a standing back handspring or standing tuck where legal.

Tumbling performed from a running entry, commonly beginning with a hurdle and roundoff.

A basic forward rotation over the shoulders and back, usually taught as a foundation movement.

A backward rotation over the back and shoulders, used as a foundation skill and progression.

An inverted position balanced on the hands with the body extended upward.

A sideways hand-supported rotation where the hands and feet contact the floor in sequence.

A cartwheel-like skill that finishes with both feet landing together, commonly used to generate power for backward running tumbling.

A slow frontward rotation through a split/bridge position with the hands contacting the floor.

A slow backward rotation through a bridge/split position with hand support on the floor.

A backward tumbling skill where the athlete jumps to the hands and pushes through the shoulders to land back on the feet.

A forward tumbling skill passing through hand support and driving off the shoulders to land on the feet.

A flip performed in a tucked body position with the knees and hips bent toward the chest. In cheer, “back tuck” is a common shorthand.

A compact body shape with the knees and hips bent toward the chest, used in flips and some toss/body-position descriptions.

A flipping skill performed with the body extended in a straight or nearly straight line rather than tucked.

Common shorthand for a full-twisting layout: a layout salto with one full twist.

A layout salto with two full twists, used in advanced tumbling where legal.

A fast backward, no-hands tumbling skill with an extended body shape, commonly used to connect advanced tumbling passes.

A front salto initiated from a two-foot punch off the floor, often used in running tumbling combinations.

A cartwheel-style skill performed without the hands touching the floor.

An advanced flipping skill that begins with a backward take-off and twists into a forward-rotating salto.

The running entry used to convert forward momentum into the take-off for a roundoff or other tumbling skill.

A cheer skill where the athlete leaves the floor and hits a defined airborne body position before landing.

A jump where both legs open wide to the sides while the athlete reaches the arms through a strong T-type position.

A jump where both legs extend together in front while the torso folds toward the legs.

A jump where one leg extends while the other bends, creating an asymmetrical shape. Front and side variations exist.

An asymmetrical cheer jump with one leg extended to the side and the other bent. It is less common in modern Allstar routines than toe touches and hurdlers.

Two or more jumps connected closely together as a choreographed series.

A connection where an athlete lands a jump or jump sequence and immediately initiates a tumbling skill, where legal.

A defined arm position used in cheer choreography, such as High V, Low V, T or Broken T.

A cheer motion with both arms extended up and out to create a V shape.

A cheer motion with both arms extended down and out to create an inverted V shape.

A motion with both arms extended straight out to the sides at shoulder height.

A motion with the upper arms out to the sides and elbows bent so the fists come inward.

A standard motion position with arms tight by the sides. “Clean” can also describe performing choreography sharply and without visible errors.

The rhythmic numbers coaches and athletes use to time choreography. Cheer routines are commonly taught in repeating sets of eight counts.

A block of eight rhythmic counts used to organise and teach cheer choreography. Coaches often refer to routine sections by their eight-count numbers.

The planned sequence of movements, skills, formations and transitions that make up a routine.

The athletes’ planned positions and spacing on the performance floor at a particular point in the routine.

The distance and alignment between athletes or stunt groups within a formation.

The choreographed movement from one skill, stunt, formation or section into another.

A choreographic effect where athletes perform the same or related movement one after another rather than simultaneously.

How accurately athletes perform skills or choreography together and in the intended place in the music/counts.

The degree to which athletes or stunt groups perform movements and skills at the same time.

The edited competition track used to structure and accompany the routine, subject to the event’s music and routine-time rules.

A practice run where the team performs the complete routine at full intended intensity rather than marking or reducing sections.

To rehearse choreography or timing at reduced intensity, often without throwing every full skill.

A slow or reduced-intensity rehearsal used to confirm counts, formations and transitions before performing at speed.

A rehearsal of a substantial section or the full routine from start to finish. It may or may not be a true full-out depending on the coach’s instruction.

A defined part of the routine, such as opening, jumps, standing tumbling, stunts, pyramid or dance.

Coach shorthand meaning to restart the routine or sequence from the beginning.

A coach cue meaning get into the ready/start position and prepare to perform the next skill or section.

Performed with fast, deliberate stops, strong lines and clear body positions rather than soft or unfinished movement.

The performance quality used to engage the audience and judges through confidence, energy, projection and appropriate expression.

Informal cheer term for deliberate facial expression and projection used during performance.

Encouraging words, cues or calls athletes use during a routine to support teammates, reinforce timing or maintain energy.

A common coaching cue telling an athlete to engage the body tightly — especially core, legs or stunt body positions — to improve control.

A coaching cue to fully straighten and stabilise a joint or body line where technically appropriate, commonly used for legs or arms in stunts.

Fitness work used to develop the strength, stamina, power and control needed to perform cheer skills and routines safely and consistently.

The document or scoring framework judges use to evaluate a routine across categories such as difficulty, technique, execution, choreography or performance.

The score awarded before deductions are subtracted or other event calculations are applied.

Penalty points removed for specified mistakes or rule breaches, such as falls or safety/legality issues, according to the scoring system.

To complete a competition routine with no deductions recorded. It does not mean the routine was perfect or automatically the highest-scoring routine.

The challenge and complexity of the skills performed, assessed according to the relevant score sheet rather than simply by level number.

How well a skill is performed, including control, body position, stability, timing and other category-specific execution qualities.

The quality and cleanliness of how skills and choreography are performed, including control, precision, timing and mistakes.

How many athletes or stunt groups perform a skill or meet a participation threshold used by a scoring system.

A scoring participation threshold meaning the minimum number defined as a majority for that team size or category. Exact numbers depend on the scoring chart.

A higher participation threshold used in some scoring systems. The exact number depends on team size and the category’s published chart.

A maximum-participation target used in some scoring systems for particular difficulty drivers. It is not used identically across every scoring framework.

A skill that qualifies as appropriate for a scoring level under the relevant rubric — often a skill first allowed at that level. The exact definition depends on the scoring system.

Whether a skill complies with the safety and level rules for the division being performed.

A deduction or penalty for performing a skill or setup that breaches the applicable safety/legality rules.

A building error where a stunt or top person comes down or loses support in a way that meets the scoring system’s definition of a fall/drop.

A fall by an athlete during individual skills, choreography, jumps or tumbling that meets the scoring system’s deduction definition.

Informal competition term for visible instability or a mistake that is recovered without becoming a full stunt fall. Whether it carries a deduction depends on the scoring rules.

Informal term for recovering a skill or stunt that is going wrong and keeping it from becoming a larger fall or collapse.

A score shown by some event systems after the raw score is adjusted according to that competition’s scoring calculation. Always check the event’s key.

The final score used by some event platforms for ranking after the relevant calculations, deductions or multi-round weighting.

A scoring framework used by participating event producers, with published rubrics and quantity charts for divisions including Elite, Prep and International streams.

The International All Star Federation, which publishes international cheer and dance divisions, legality rules and scoring materials used for IASF divisions and Worlds pathways.

An organised event where teams perform routines for judges under published divisions, rules and scoring.

The scheduled backstage practice period before performance, normally divided into areas for stretching, tumbling and/or building depending on the event.

The holding position immediately before a team performs, where athletes wait ready to enter the competition floor.

The scheduled time a team is due to take the competition floor. Event schedules can change, so teams should follow official updates.

The designated performance surface used for the routine. Floor construction can vary by event and discipline.

A performance or training floor with a sprung structure underneath to provide additional rebound compared with a non-sprung surface.

Informal term for a non-sprung cheer floor or mat surface that provides less rebound than a spring floor.

The published sequence showing when each team performs within a competition session or division.

The ceremony or results period where placements, titles, bids or other event recognitions are announced.

A team’s finishing position within its division, such as first, second or third.

The maximum or required length of a routine under the applicable division rules. Different divisions can have different time limits.

A qualification or invitation that gives an eligible team access to a later championship, subject to that championship’s rules and acceptance requirements.

A bid category that includes a specified level of financial support toward attending the destination championship. What is covered varies by championship.

A qualifying bid that gives access to a destination championship but generally carries less or no financial support compared with a Paid Bid. Exact benefits vary.

Common shorthand for a world championship. In Allstar cheer, the exact event matters — for example The Cheerleading Worlds and the Allstar World Championship are different championships.

The IASF/USASF world championship pathway for eligible bid-winning Worlds cheer divisions, held in Orlando.

The international Worlds championship pathway for eligible Allstar dance teams, held alongside the cheer Worlds period in Orlando.

An international end-of-season championship within the Open Championship Series pathway, distinct from The Cheerleading Worlds.

A major end-of-season championship pathway in Orlando for eligible teams that earn the required qualification through participating events.

A European end-of-season championship pathway for qualifying cheer and dance teams, held in Lisbon in the current cycle.

Current slang meaning to notice, recognise or call attention to something. It is not an official cheer term; its roots are in LGBTQ+ drag and ballroom culture and it is now widely used by younger athletes and online communities.

Current slang meaning someone performed something extremely well or looked especially strong doing it. Not an official scoring term.

Slang meaning someone delivered a strong look, performance or moment with confidence. It is cultural/informal language, not a cheer scoring term.

Informal praise meaning to perform, look or execute something impressively.

Slang for information, gossip or an observation people consider revealing or interesting. Not cheer-specific.

A coaching/athlete phrase meaning keep working to recover and complete a skill instead of giving up when it starts to go wrong.

A common cue meaning land or finish a skill securely without extra movement, steps or loss of control.

The completion of a tumbling or jump skill when the athlete returns to the performance surface under control.

Informal cheer shorthand for successfully performing a skill, position or routine as intended. “Hit zero” has the more specific no-deductions meaning.

Informal term for a stunt coming down unexpectedly or failing to stay supported. Scoring systems use more specific deduction definitions.

Informal term often used when hands touch the floor on a tumbling landing or recovery. Whether it is a deduction and how it is classified depends on the scoring system.

Playful performance slang used as encouragement or praise, especially around dance/performance sections. Not an official cheer term.

Praise meaning something was so good that the speaker has no corrections or criticism to add.

An emphatic way of saying a statement is final, obvious or strongly agreed with.

A phrase used to describe the vibe, impression or energy something gives off.

A playful way to tell someone to be serious, realistic or honest about what they just said.

To focus properly and give something your full attention. In the gym it is often used before a full-out, difficult section or performance.

Slang meaning exhausted, in trouble, finished, or unlikely to recover from a situation. Meaning depends on context.

A phrase meaning give someone space to continue what they are doing because it looks promising.

Playful shorthand for 'delusional', usually used jokingly when someone is being wildly optimistic or unrealistic.

Internet slang for someone’s perceived coolness, presence or effortless status. People jokingly gain or lose 'aura points'.

Slang for someone having a particularly noticeable, confident or cinematic moment.

Praise meaning someone delivered exactly what was wanted and did it particularly well.

Slang for being extremely impressed, surprised or stunned by something.

A joking expression of disbelief, suspicion or disapproval, often used online rather than literally.

Used when something stays in your thoughts long after it happened.

A joking way to describe an experience that feels inevitable or character-building.

Internet slang for dramatically losing patience, composure or perspective over a situation. Usually used jokingly.

Internet and queer-culture praise for a woman or performer seen as especially commanding, iconic or influential. It is not a cheer title.

Praise for something especially memorable, distinctive or impressive.

A phrase meaning 'I understand' or 'you don't need to explain any further'.

A joking internet phrase telling someone to step away from online drama and return to real life.

A memorable experience jokingly described as something that will stay with you for years.

Enthusiastic praise meaning someone really loves a look, skill, routine or moment.

A humorous phrase added to an observation for emphasis, often when admitting something is true.

A reaction meaning something is surprising, extreme or difficult to believe.

Used to soften a statement or mean 'somewhat' or 'quietly', depending on context.

The stronger opposite of low-key: openly, definitely or very much.

An informal response meaning okay, agreed, understood or challenge accepted.

Slang meaning reasonable, acceptable or worthy of approval.

Short for suspicious; used jokingly when something seems questionable or odd.

A short response meaning 'I strongly relate to or agree with that'.

A response meaning something strongly matches how the speaker feels or behaves.

A casual response meaning 'I feel exactly the same way'.

Slang meaning shocked, surprised or impressed.

Playful language for strongly hoping or imagining that a desired outcome will happen. It does not affect judging or results.

A casual phrase for positive energy, mood or atmosphere around a team or event.

Excitement and encouragement used to raise a team's energy before or during a performance.

In everyday gym language, the intensity, enthusiasm and projection an athlete or team brings to training or performance.

A coaching phrase meaning highly focused, prepared and performing with precision.

Informal exaggeration meaning extremely tired or overwhelmed, commonly after hard conditioning or full-outs.

A casual encouragement to commit fully to an attempt instead of hesitating. Coaches should still prioritise safe, prepared progressions.

A coaching cue meaning perform the prepared skill decisively rather than hesitating partway through it.

A performance cue meaning execute something confidently and deliberately.

A performance cue meaning make choreography look intentional, confident and convincing to the audience and judges.

A coaching cue to increase projection, range of movement or performance presence without losing technique.

A common building cue telling bases or the group to lift upward through the stunt rather than allowing weight to sink. Exact coaching meaning varies by programme.

A stunt coaching cue commonly telling a base or group to position themselves more directly beneath the flyer or load.

A coaching cue to continue generating force through a movement instead of stopping early, often heard in tumbling or building drills.

A cue to complete a movement or body position fully instead of moving on before it has clearly hit.

A cue to maintain a position for the required counts rather than moving out early.

A broad coaching cue reminding athletes to generate power through the legs. The precise technique depends on the skill being performed.

A common cue to maintain body tension and control rather than becoming loose through a skill.

A simple coaching reminder to avoid unnecessary tension, reset composure and keep breathing through demanding routines.

A cue to stop, regain the correct starting position or composure, and prepare to attempt a skill or section again.

Possibly the most familiar coaching instruction in cheer: repeat the skill, section or routine.

A famous coaching phrase meaning repeat it once more — although athletes may jokingly doubt whether it will actually be the final repetition.

A motivational gym saying encouraging athletes to make the final repetition their strongest rather than mentally switching off.

A coach reminder that athletes already know the choreography and should trust their preparation rather than relying on someone else to cue every movement.

A coaching cue to check that movements and skills happen at the intended moment and match teammates.

A cue to keep performing and recover mentally after a mistake rather than visibly giving up on the routine.

A cue to mentally move past a mistake or disappointing attempt and focus on the next job.

A motivational reminder to rely on practiced technique and preparation when nerves rise, particularly before competition.

A choreography cue meaning clearly show each intended body shape, motion or formation instead of rushing between them.

A coaching phrase meaning improve precision, timing, lines, spacing or execution rather than necessarily increasing difficulty.

An instruction to rehearse the routine while reducing or omitting full tumbling skills, usually to conserve energy or focus on choreography.

A coaching phrase meaning perform the requested skill or section at full intended intensity rather than marking it.

A cue to perform a skill, position or choreographic moment decisively and at the intended count.

An enthusiastic exclamation of encouragement or approval, related to 'werk' in performance slang.

Slang praise meaning perform with unusually high energy, confidence or success.

Informal encouragement or praise for someone performing confidently or impressively.

Online slang expressing strong amusement, shock or excitement; usually figurative rather than literal.

Online exaggeration meaning something is very funny, emotional or overwhelming; context determines whether someone is literally crying.

A playful internet construction used to call attention to one's own behaviour or mistake.

A playful phrase used to highlight the most noticeable, funny or impressive part of something.

Often added before or after an opinion to soften it — sometimes sincerely, sometimes humorously.

Informal praise meaning exceptionally impressive, or a reaction to something hard to believe.

Common informal praise meaning extremely impressive or intense. It is not a technical assessment.

Informal description for choreography or skills that look unclear, mistimed, unstable or inconsistent. It is not a formal scoring category.

Informal description for something that feels awkward, unstable, makeshift or not quite right.

Informal description for a skill or attempt that looked uncertain or unsafe. If safety is genuinely in question, athletes should stop and follow their coach's progression.

The overall feeling, atmosphere or energy associated with a routine, team, event or moment.

Informal shorthand sometimes used by athletes for their main team, main role or primary routine, depending on context.

A competition-day kindness tradition where athletes decorate wooden clothes pegs with positive messages, names, team colours or designs, then secretly clip them onto another athlete’s clothing or bag.

Swapping collectible team, programme or event pins with other athletes, particularly at large national and international championships.

Collectible pins designed to be swapped with athletes from other teams or programmes at competitions and destination events.

Small gifts, sweets, notes or keepsakes exchanged between teammates or teams before a competition or important performance.

Gifts given to athletes by a programme, coaches, teammates or families to celebrate a competition, milestone or season.

A team-bonding tradition where athletes are secretly assigned a teammate to encourage or give small gifts to over a set period. Names vary between programmes.

An informal buddy system pairing athletes to support, encourage or help one another during competition day.

Friendships formed through cheer, including athletes from the same programme and friends made with athletes from other teams at competitions.

An affectionate phrase programmes and athletes use for the close community formed among teammates, coaches and families.

Activities designed to strengthen relationships, trust and communication between teammates away from simply drilling routine skills.

A performance event where teams present routines to families, supporters or the wider programme, often before competition season or at season end.

An event or performance held before a major championship or international trip to celebrate the team and give supporters a chance to see the routine.

Informal language for attending eligible events with the aim of earning a bid to a particular end-of-season championship. A bid is never guaranteed.

A competition authorised to award qualifying bids for a particular destination championship, subject to that championship’s allocation and eligibility rules.

The moment a team or programme announces that it has earned or accepted a championship bid, often celebrated through social media or at the event.

Informal phrase for the part of the season when Worlds-qualified teams are preparing intensively for their world championship trip and performance.

Keepsakes, travel items or good-luck gifts given to athletes travelling to a world championship.

A commemorative or team jacket associated with attending a world championship. Designs and official status vary by championship and programme.

A team trip abroad for a competition or championship, often combining training, performance, team activities and travel logistics.

The hairstyle required or agreed for competition day so the team presents a coordinated appearance.

Competition-day makeup worn as part of a team’s coordinated performance presentation, where used by that programme.

A large hair bow commonly worn as part of an Allstar cheer uniform or competition look.

The first reveal of a programme or team’s new competition uniform, often treated as a social-media or team moment.

The coordinated competition clothing worn by a team. Requirements vary by programme, division and event rules.

A programme day for trying on, fitting, collecting or photographing uniforms, training wear and other team kit.

Programme-approved clothing worn for training rather than the competition uniform.

The announcement of team placements, names or rosters for a new season following tryouts or evaluations.

The process a programme uses to assess athletes and build teams for a new season. The format can include skills, choreography, stunt roles, attitude, attendance history and other programme-specific factors.

An invitation for an athlete to return for further assessment during a tryout or casting process before placements are finalised.

The day or period when athletes learn which team or teams they have been assigned to for the season.

A programme celebration or social-media concept marking an athlete committing to or joining a team or programme. It is not a universal Allstar requirement.

The annual competitive cycle covering team formation, training, competitions and end-of-season events.

The closing period of the competitive year, often involving final championships, showcases, awards or team celebrations.

A programme celebration recognising the season, teams, athletes, coaches or special achievements outside normal competition awards.

A programme-level recognition selected by coaches, often acknowledging qualities such as progress, effort, teamwork or attitude. Criteria vary by programme.

An award some programmes use to recognise notable development across a season. Criteria are programme-specific.

An award or recognition for enthusiasm, support, sportsmanship or positive team spirit. Meaning and criteria vary by event or programme.

Respectful, supportive behaviour toward teammates, opponents, officials and other programmes, in both winning and losing situations.

A phrase, call or chant a team uses together to build energy, identity or focus before training or performance.

An informal pre-performance team huddle used to encourage one another, raise energy and focus before taking the floor.

A social-media post wishing a team or athlete well before a competition, championship or important performance.

A programme or athlete social-media post sharing competition placements, scores, achievements or highlights.

The first public performance or release of a team’s new competition routine.

The first time a team hears or publicly shares its new competition music.

The edited music track made for a cheer routine, usually built around the routine’s sections, pace and performance style and subject to music licensing/event requirements.

Spoken words, team-name calls or custom phrases incorporated into a cheer music mix.

A team or programme name spoken or sung within competition music as part of the routine’s identity and performance.

Common shorthand for competition day, including preparation, travel, warm-up, performance and awards.

The time athletes are required to report to coaches or their team on competition day, usually earlier than warm-up or performance time.

Another term sometimes used for the time athletes must arrive or report for an event, rehearsal or performance.

The bag containing an athlete’s competition essentials such as shoes, uniform items, water and programme-required kit.

Shoes reserved or required for cheer competition and training, typically selected for the needs of stunting, tumbling and the programme’s uniform.

The nervous or excited feelings athletes may experience before competing. They are common even among experienced performers.

Informal phrase for feeling flat, emotional or disappointed that a big competition weekend or championship experience has ended.

A joking, non-medical phrase for feeling exhausted, hoarse or physically drained after a long competition weekend.

A team photograph taken on or around the competition floor after performing, where event arrangements allow.

A celebratory team photo taken with a trophy, banner, medals or podium after receiving a placement or title.

A physical award or championship banner presented at some competitions for placements, titles, bids or special achievements.

A physical award presented by some events for a placement, title or achievement.

An award worn or presented to athletes at some competitions or championships.

A commemorative championship ring awarded or purchased in connection with certain major titles or events. Availability and criteria vary by championship.

Informal phrase associated with pursuing or celebrating championships where winners may receive or obtain commemorative rings.

Informal phrase for the excitement around earning, receiving or wearing championship, programme or international-event jackets.

A major competition or title event. The word alone does not indicate the governing body, qualification route or prestige, so the specific event matters.

A competition branded or structured as a national championship. Different event producers can run separate Nationals, so it does not necessarily mean one single UK national title event.

A title some events award to the highest-scoring eligible team across specified divisions or categories. The exact comparison pool is set by the event.

An informal phrase or event recognition for teams that Hit Zero. Whether an event formally uses a Zero Club concept varies.

A shirt, badge or other item some programmes or events use to celebrate a Hit Zero performance. This is a tradition, not a universal competition rule.

An informal phrase for the parent or caregiver of a cheer athlete, often used affectionately within the community. Any parent or guardian can fill the same supporting role.

An informal phrase for the parent or caregiver of a cheer athlete, often used affectionately within the community.

A sibling who spends a considerable amount of time around training and competition life because another family member cheers.

An affectionate term for a particularly close friend made through cheer.

A close friend an athlete trains with at the gym, whether or not they are on the same competition team.

Informal social-media/community wording sometimes used for two athletes or partners who are both involved in cheer. It has no technical meaning.

A parent volunteer or nominated contact who helps a team with communication, organisation or practical support. Responsibilities vary widely by programme.

Informal shorthand for the corner of TikTok where athletes, coaches, parents and fans share cheer routines, trends, humour and competition content.

A nickname for cheer-related TikTok content and communities.

A sound, dance, joke, format or challenge that becomes widely copied on social media, including within cheer communities.

A fan- or athlete-made social video combining clips, music and effects to highlight a team, athlete, routine or competition moment.

Used when a cheer clip, routine moment or post spreads unusually widely online. There is no fixed cheer-specific threshold for being viral.

Informal social-media phrase for posting lots of photos, clips and updates from a competition weekend.

A social-media post containing a collection of casual photos from a competition, trip or team experience.

Short for 'point of view', commonly used as a social-media caption format to frame a cheer experience from a particular perspective.

Short for 'Get Ready With Me', a social-media video format often used by athletes showing their competition hair, makeup, uniform and preparation.

A social-media format following an athlete, coach or parent through a typical training or competition day.