Quick answer: awards is the part of a competition where results are announced and teams are recognised for their placement, usually held after some or all divisions have performed, often as its own scheduled ceremony separate from the performances themselves.
When Awards Happen
Depending on the size of the competition, awards might happen throughout the day after each division finishes performing, or as one larger ceremony at the end of the event once every team has competed. Schedules vary significantly, so it's worth checking your specific competition's timetable.
What Typically Happens
Teams are usually called up by division, in reverse placement order, to receive a trophy, banner or medal recognising their result. Larger competitions often build real anticipation around this moment, sometimes with a "score reveal" or count-up presentation before announcing the top-placing teams.
Bids and Special Recognitions
At competitions that offer them, awards is also typically when bids to larger championship events are announced, alongside any other special awards a competition offers, such as recognition for a particularly clean or well-executed routine.
What to Expect as a Parent
Awards can involve a fair amount of waiting, particularly at larger competitions with many divisions. It's usually worth checking with your coach roughly when your team's division awards are expected, so you don't miss the moment.
Related Terms
See What Is a Division? for how teams are grouped for placement, and What Is a Bid? for the qualifying spots sometimes announced at awards.