Wednesday, January 29, 2014

How to Cheer


Believe it or not, there is a right way and a wrong way to cheer at a football game. Basically, it's a set of unwritten rules that govern what is considered proper and what is not. You'll find them below with short explanations. (Plus, read How to Cheer at a Basketball Game and our cheer lists.)
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: Hour and a Half

Here's How:

  1. Arrive early so that the squad can set up and go over any new cheers.

    In Argentina:
    follow the directions of the federales to your section of the stadium.

    This is also a great time to warm up and stretch.

    In Argentina:
    important because you will later be tearing off pieces of the stadium to throw from above at people leaving
  2. Before the game starts, your squad should walk over to the opposing team's cheerleaders and greet them. Be friendly and offer your help with any problems they might have. Some squads will bring the other team's cheerleaders to their side of the field and introduce them to the fans either before the game or at halftime. This is entirely up to you.

    In Argentina:
    this will never happen
  3. If your squad does an "Hello" cheer, then it should be one of the first cheers at the start of the game.

    In Argentina:
    this will never happen
  4. As you cheer during the game, make sure you're paying attention to what is happening on the field. There are offense and defense cheers and you want to make sure you're doing them at the correct time. Offense is when your team has the ball and defense is when your opponent has the ball. So, you don't want to be hollering about a touchdown when the other team has the ball. This is also when you want to make sure your motions are sharp.

    In Argentina:
    there are a variety of gestures that can be used
  5. While you should be paying attention to the game, you'll also want to be facing the fans and work on getting them involved (crowd involving cheers) in your cheers. Encourage them to clap along with your squad and to say the words to your yells or cheers.

    In Argentina:
    be aware of people lighting rockets which may burn your hair, skin, face
  6. If an injury occurs on the field you should stop cheering immediately. The squad should face the field and watch for the downed player to get up or to be carried off. When this happens your squad should clap.

    In Argentina:

    this will never happen
  7. Although a football game is a big social event at most schools, it's not the time for cheerleaders to socialize. Make sure the squad stays together and that they do not talk to fans or friends for long periods of time.

    In Argentina:
    this will never... you get the idea.
  8. Take a break at halftime if you need one or arrange for someone to bring you drinks if you need them.

    In Argentina:
    usually someone will have smuggled in some wineflask or straight alcohol so don´t be too concerned
  9. Always conduct yourself to a high standard. You should put safety, integrity, respect and good sportsmanship at the core of your values.

    In Argentina:
    this will never happen
  10. After the game, clean up your area and make sure you gather all your things.

    In Argentina:
    this usually involves taking everything not nailed down and throwing it from the stadium and does not usually involve the rubbish