Quick answer: a cheer bow is a large, team-coloured hair accessory worn at practice and competitions. It helps keep hair secured during stunts and tumbling, marks a team's identity, and has become one of the most recognisable symbols of All Star cheer. Competition rules require bows to be secure and not oversized, and they must not slip over the athlete's eyes.
The Practical Reason
Cheer involves fast movement in every direction - jumps, tumbling, flyers being tossed and caught. Hair needs to be firmly secured and out of the face, both so athletes can see and for safety in stunts. Bows are worn with a secured hairstyle, usually a high ponytail, and fastened so they stay put through a whole routine.
The Team Identity Reason
Bows are almost always made in a team's colours and often carry the gym's logo, team name or decorative details such as rhinestones or glitter. Every athlete on a team wears the same bow, so it's part of the uniform. Many athletes collect bows from each season and team they've been part of.
What the Rules Say
Under the USASF All Star Cheer Rules (2026–27), bows:
- shouldn't be excessive in size or a distraction from the performance;
- must be adequately secured, worn in a way that minimises risk to the athletes;
- must not fall over the forehead into the athlete's eyes or block their view.
The same rules require hair to be secured off the face in a simple style. Rhinestones are allowed on bows and uniforms, but not stuck to the skin or hair.
How Bows Are Worn
Most gyms specify exactly how bows are worn - usually centred on a high ponytail at the crown of the head - so every athlete's bow sits at the same height and angle. It's common for athletes to arrive at competitions with hair already done to the team's standard.
When Bows Are Worn
Bows are worn for every competition and performance. Many gyms also have practice bows, so athletes get used to wearing them securely, and some use bows to mark special occasions such as a team's first competition.
Parent Questions
Do we need a spare? It's sensible. Bows can be lost, broken or left behind, and an athlete without the team bow may look out of place on the floor. Ask whether the gym sells spares.
Related Equipment
See Competition Uniforms, Cheer Shoes and the Competition Day Checklist.