Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4 Level 5 Level 6 Level 7 Novice Prep Elite Non-Tumble Coed All-Girl

Quick answer: Prep is an All Star track designed as a lighter-commitment alternative to the traditional Elite track. Prep teams follow the same skill rules for their level, but under USASF rules their routines are capped at 2 minutes (instead of 2:30) and tosses aren't allowed. This is a different meaning from "prep" the stunt position.

Two Different Meanings, One Word

This is one of the more confusing pieces of cheer terminology for newcomers. "Prep" the division is a competitive track. "Prep" the stunt position is a specific shoulder-height stunt. A Prep team can perform plenty of preps in its routine - the two aren't related beyond sharing a name.

What Does the Division Mean?

Prep teams compete at numbered levels just like Elite teams - you'll see divisions such as "Prep Level 2." The USASF All Star Cheer Rules (2026–27) list only a handful of differences from the Elite track:

  • Shorter routines: a maximum of 2 minutes, compared with 2 minutes 30 seconds for Elite.
  • No tosses: basket tosses aren't allowed, including sponge, load-in and "squish" tosses, and waist-level cradles aren't allowed either.
  • One performance per event: at two-day competitions, Prep teams compete once (any second performance is an exhibition).

Gyms generally offer Prep teams for athletes who want to compete with fewer practices, a shorter season or lower costs than an Elite team - but those details are set by each gym rather than by the rules.

How It Differs From Numbered Levels

Prep isn't a rung on the level ladder. Apart from the no-toss rule, a Prep Level 3 team can perform the same stunts and tumbling as an Elite Level 3 team.

Division / Governing Body Differences

Whether "Prep" is offered, at which levels, and what it permits varies between governing bodies and event producers. Some school and recreational rule sets use "prep" differently again. Always check your specific governing body's current rules, and don't assume "Prep" means the same thing across different organisations.

Related Levels

See Elite and Novice for the other All Star tracks, the prep stunt position for the unrelated stunt meaning, or the levels hub for the full system.

Rules note: Level, skill and division details on this site follow the USASF All Star Cheer Rules for 2026–27, which most US All Star programs use and which closely match the IASF rules used in many other countries. Other governing bodies, school associations and event producers can differ, and rules change every season - always confirm current requirements against the official rules for your team's governing body and event.
Checked against: USASF All Star Cheer Rules and Cheer Age Grid, 2026–27 (updated 18 May 2026) on 15 October 2026

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