To pack for a cheerleading competition, bring three groups of items: your full uniform and performance essentials (uniform, bow, cheer shoes, spankies, team warm-ups), hair and makeup supplies to match your team’s standard, and comfort and care items for a long day (water, snacks, first aid basics, a change of clothes and something to pass the time). Pack the night before using a checklist, keep uniform pieces in a separate labelled bag so they stay clean and wrinkle-free, and check the event schedule and team rules for anything specific such as required hair styles, jewellery bans or warm-up times.
This guide gives a complete checklist, tips for keeping your uniform performance-ready, what to eat and drink on competition day, what parents should bring, how to organise your bag, and the common packing mistakes that cause stress.
Complete competition packing checklist
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Uniform | Top, skirt or shell, spankies or briefs, sports bra or liner, practice clothes for warm-up if required |
| Performance essentials | Competition bow, cheer shoes, socks, team warm-up jacket and pants |
| Hair | Brush, hair ties, bobby pins, hairspray, gel, curling iron or rollers if your team curls hair |
| Makeup | Team-required makeup, makeup remover wipes, mirror, setting spray |
| Food and drink | Refillable water bottle, sports drink, simple snacks such as fruit, crackers, granola bars and sandwiches |
| First aid | Athletic tape, plasters, blister pads, pain relief if allowed and appropriate, any personal medication such as an inhaler |
| Comfort | Blanket or hoodie, slides or flip-flops, change of clothes, phone charger |
| Documents | Competition schedule, wristbands or tickets, emergency contacts |
| Extras | Spare bow if available, spare hair ties, safety pins, stain remover pen |
Keeping your uniform performance-ready
Pack your uniform in a garment bag or a clean, labelled bag separate from snacks, shoes and makeup. Many teams hang uniforms or fold them carefully to avoid creases. Keep cheer shoes in a shoe bag so the soles stay clean and do not mark the mat. Put your bow in a box or zip bag to keep its shape. Change into your uniform at the venue or just before leaving, and wear a warm-up or cover over it until performance time.
What to eat and drink
Competition days can last many hours with lots of waiting. Eat a balanced breakfast, then pack easy-to-digest snacks you are used to eating, such as fruit, crackers, pretzels, yoghurt pouches or sandwiches. Avoid heavy, greasy or new foods right before performing. Sip water throughout the day rather than drinking a lot at once, and consider a sports drink on long or hot days. Check whether the venue allows outside food.
How to organise your bag
- Use one main bag with separate pouches for hair, makeup, first aid and snacks.
- Keep the uniform bag separate.
- Label everything with your name and team.
- Put the most urgent items, such as your bow and shoes, where you can reach them quickly.
- Pack the night before and check the list again in the morning.
What parents should bring
- Tickets or wristbands and the competition schedule.
- Extra snacks and water for the athlete.
- Phone charger or power bank.
- Cash or cards for entry, parking and vendors.
- A small emergency kit with hair supplies and safety pins.
- Comfortable clothing and a jacket, since arenas can be cold.
Check the rules
Competition organisers and governing bodies set rules on uniforms, jewellery, hair accessories and safety. Many cheer rules ban jewellery during performance and require appropriate footwear. Teams often have their own rules for hair, makeup and warm-ups. Read the event information and your coach’s instructions before packing.
Check your competition’s event guide and the rules of the governing body that applies, such as USA Cheer, the IASF or your national cheer association, for uniform, jewellery and safety requirements. Athletes with medical conditions should pack any required medication and inform their coach.
Common packing mistakes
- Forgetting the bow or shoes: these are the most commonly forgotten items.
- Packing the uniform with food or makeup: leads to stains.
- Leaving packing until the morning: increases stress and missed items.
- Not enough water or snacks: long days drain energy.
- Wearing jewellery: can lead to deductions or safety issues.
Competition day timeline
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| Night before | Pack using the checklist, hang or fold the uniform, set alarms |
| Morning | Eat a balanced breakfast, do hair and makeup to team standards |
| Arrival | Check in, find the team area, confirm warm-up time |
| Before warm-up | Change into uniform, secure bow, final hair check |
| Warm-up and performance | Follow coach’s instructions, stay focused and hydrated |
| After performing | Change into warm-ups, eat a snack, watch awards |
Packing for multi-day competitions
For events that last two or three days, pack extra practice clothes, pyjamas, toiletries, chargers and enough snacks for each day. Keep the uniform in its own garment bag and check it each night. Bring a small sewing kit and extra hairspray for touch-ups. Label everything, since hotel rooms and team areas can get crowded.
Packing tips for coaches
Coaches often bring a team kit with extra bows, hair ties, safety pins, a first aid kit, tape and copies of important documents. Having spares on hand prevents last-minute panic when an athlete forgets an item.
What not to pack
- Jewellery, which is usually banned during performance.
- Glitter or products the team has not approved.
- New shoes that are not broken in.
- Foods that might upset your stomach before performing.
- Valuables you do not need, since team areas can be busy.
Keeping calm with good preparation
Competition days can feel stressful, especially for new cheerleaders. Packing carefully the night before, following a simple timeline and knowing where everything is in your bag reduce last-minute worries. That leaves more energy for warm-ups and performing with confidence. Many teams also do a quick bag check together before leaving for the venue, so nobody arrives missing an essential item such as a bow or shoes.
Packing for younger cheerleaders
Parents of young athletes often handle packing, but involving the child helps them learn responsibility. Use a picture checklist for very young cheerleaders, and pack a comfort item and quiet activities for waiting periods. Label every item with the child’s name, since many uniforms and bows look identical. Bring extra snacks and a change of clothes in case of spills.
A little organisation goes a long way on competition day.
Frequently asked questions
What should I pack for a cheer competition?
Your full uniform, bow, cheer shoes, hair and makeup supplies, water, snacks, first aid basics and comfort items.
What should cheerleaders eat on competition day?
A balanced breakfast, then light, familiar snacks such as fruit, crackers and sandwiches, with water throughout the day.
Can cheerleaders wear jewellery in competition?
Most competitions ban jewellery during performance for safety. Check your event and governing body rules.
