Spirit Frequently Asked Questions

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Can you tell me what the UIL try-out requirements are for cheerleading?

A:   None exist. The try-out process is up to the discretion of the local school / district and coach.

Does a new student who transferred in need to wait 15 days before they participate?

A.   No; Cheer does not fall under the transfer rule that athletic teams fall under. As long as a student is enrolled full-time in your school and academically eligible, they are able to cheer.

My daughter/son was on varsity as a junior, that means they are entitled to be on varsity as a senior, correct?

A.   Incorrect. A coach can require students to try-out each year.

My superintendent did not select 'Spirit' on the varsity acceptance form in January, does that mean we cannot participate in the state spirit contest?

A:   No; The varsity acceptance form has nothing to do with the State Spirit competition. In order for a team to compete in the state event, they must register using the link that will be on the Spirit State Championship page in September.

Can cheerleaders cheer at more than one game per night?

A:   Yes, if the games are at the same site.

Example: Home volleyball game and a home football game for the same campus.

Does the school's cheerleading coach/sponsor need to be a full-time employee in order to coach and instruct a cheerleading team or spirit squad?

A:   No; The local school district has the discretion over who will be designated to serve as the cheerleading coach or sponsor.

Can an 8th grade student cheer with the high school cheer team?

A:   This is determined by the local school district.

Can an 8th grade student compete with the varsity cheer team at the UIL State Championships?

A:   No; The UIL State Championship is a high school competition; junior high students cannot participate.

Can a school allow their cheer coach to coach their students in the summer or in a non-school program?

A:   Yes; Cheerleading coaches and sponsors will be allowed to instruct the participants anytime during the school year with local district approval. During the regular academic school year, a school coach is subject to the eight hours of practice limitation per athlete per school week.