New to All Star Cheer? Start Here!
Interested but not sure where to start? You are in the right place! Let's break it down....
CHEER DEFINED
What is All Star Cheer?
All star cheer is a competitive team sport that combines tumbling, stunting, jumps, dance, and performance into a choreographed routine. All star cheer focuses on athletic development, teamwork, and competition year-round. At Summit Athletix, we approach all star cheer as a tool to build confidence, discipline, and character — not just skills.
School Cheer vs All Star Cheer
The bottom line is school cheer and all star cheer serve different purposes.
School cheer focuses on supporting school athletics and are tied to the school calendar. While some schools will compete, their primary focus is supporting school athletic teams.
All star cheer is a competitive sport designed to develop athletic skills through structured training, year-round progression, and performance at competitions. At Summit Athletix, all star cheer is about intentional coaching, skill development, and helping athletes grow in confidence, perseverance, and purpose.
SKILLS & COMMITMENT
What skills are involved?
All star cheer is more than tumbling. Athletes contribute through stunting, jumps, dance, performance, strength, and teamwork. Every role matters.
At Summit, we value well-rounded athletes and train each child to contribute confidently to their team — on and off the mat.
What is the Commitment?
All star cheer requires consistency and dedication.. Athletes attend weekly practices and are required to attend all scheduled competitions throughout the season.
All star cheer is a UNIQUE team sport. Every member of the team is important and attendance is vital. At Summit, we hold an attendance policy that supports strong teams.
STRUCTURE & TEAM TIERS
How is All Star Cheer Structured?
All star cheer divides athletes into levels and age groups based on skill and experience. There are also "TIERS" of competitive teams - these TIERS are explained below.
Summit Athletix uses intentional placements to ensure athletes are challenged, supported, and set up for long-term success.
Team Tiers: NOVICE, PREP, ELITE teams
NOVICE TEAMS: Best for athletes newer to all star cheer or building foundational skills.
- Lower skill difficulty and simplified routines
- Focus on learning basics: technique, timing, confidence, and teamwork
- Fewer competitions and limited travel
- Emphasis on growth, positive experience, and stage confidence
At Summit Athletix: Novice teams are a stepping stone to prep teams - the entry level team for most athletes. Our novice teams allow athletes to dip their toes into the sport, while experiencing the excitement of the competitive environment.
PREP TEAMS:A bridge between beginner and elite-level cheer.
- Moderate skill difficulty with structured progressions
- Athletes begin refining tumbling, stunting, and performance quality
- More commitment than Novice, but less intense than Elite
- Regional competitions with increased expectations
At Summit Athletix: Prep teams are designed to prepare athletes for elite cheer by developing work ethic, accountability, and consistency — not just skills.
ELITE TEAMS: For experienced athletes ready for a high level of competition and commitment.
- Higher skill difficulty and advanced routines
- National competitions and increased travel
- Strong emphasis on precision, consistency, and mental toughness
- Full-year commitment with higher expectations
At Summit Athletix: Elite teams train with purpose. Our coaching focuses on long-term athlete development, safety, and creating confident performers who can handle both pressure and responsibility.
WHAT IS THE CHEER SEASON?
Season Timeline
The short answer is year round. The competition season runs roughly from November to April with end of year events in early May. Here is a breakdown of the season:
Tryouts: mid May
Work Groups: May - June
Final Team Placements: mid June
Choreography: July / August
First competition: November
Nationals season for elite teams: January - April
End of year events: April / May
Tryouts: mid May :)
At Summit - we offer Half Year Teams for athletes who want a shorter commitment. These teams run from January to April. This is a great option for athletes who are involved with other sports but still want to participate in All Star Cheer.
READY TO GET STARTED?
If this sounds exciting we would love to get you plugged in at Summit! Here is what to do next:
- Sign up for a tumbling class. Tumbling classes will get your athlete experience in the gym and get them excited about the possibility of cheer.
- Sign up for FUNdamentals. If your athlete is 3-12 years old, FUNdamentals is a 6 week Intro to Cheer class that teaches all the basics.
Let us know you are interested in Season 3 by filling out the interest form below!

Need help? Let us know!
Reach out and we can answer your questions.
Email Tina at t.elmore@summitathletix.com
