Quick answer: awards is the part of a competition where results are announced. Teams gather on or around the stage, placements are read out division by division - usually starting with the lowest place and building up to first - and teams receive trophies, banners or medals. At qualifiers, it's also when bids to championships are announced.
When Awards Happen
Depending on the size of the event, awards may happen in several sessions through the day, each covering the divisions that have just finished, or in one large ceremony at the end. Check the event schedule: a team that performs early may still have hours to wait for its awards session.
What Typically Happens
- Teams in the session file in and sit together, usually on or beside the performance floor, often in uniform.
- Divisions are announced one at a time.
- Placements are read in reverse order, so the winning team is announced last.
- A representative from each team - often team captains - collects the award, and the team celebrates (or consoles each other).
Many events show scores or score sheets afterwards, either at awards, on a results website or through the event producer's app, so coaches can see where points were gained and lost.
Novice Ratings
Novice teams under USASF rules aren't ranked against each other. Instead, each team is given a rating - Outstanding, Excellent or Superior - so several Novice teams can receive the same recognition.
Bids and Special Awards
At qualifiers, awards is usually when bids to championships such as Worlds or The Summit are announced - often the most anticipated moment of the day. Events may also give special awards, such as for the highest score of the event or for spirit and sportsmanship.
What to Expect as a Parent
- Expect waiting. Awards sessions can run long, especially at large events.
- Ask your coach which session. It's easy to miss your team's division if you step out.
- Teams behave as a group. Gyms usually expect athletes to stay with their team, applaud other teams and be gracious whatever the result - judges and event staff notice.
Related Terms
See What Is a Division? for how teams are grouped for placement, and What Is a Bid? for the championship invitations announced at awards.