What Is Prep Cheer?

Quick answer: as a division, Prep generally refers to a developing-team category with capped skill difficulty, similar in spirit to Novice. This is a different meaning from "prep" the stunt position - the same word is used for two unrelated things in cheer.

Two Different Meanings, One Word

This is one of the more confusing pieces of cheer terminology for newcomers. "Prep" the division is a competitive category, typically for developing teams working with a lower skill cap. "Prep" the stunt position is a specific shoulder-height stunt position performed within a routine. A team can compete in the Prep division while also performing many "preps" (the stunt) throughout their routine - the two aren't related beyond sharing a name.

What Does the Division Mean?

As a division, Prep generally functions similarly to Novice - a category for teams that are earlier in their development, with a lower skill ceiling than the standard numbered levels at the same age group. Exact eligibility criteria vary by governing body.

How It Differs From Numbered Levels

Like Novice, Prep as a division is usually about team development and eligibility rather than being a numbered rung on the main level ladder. Some governing bodies use Prep and Novice as distinct categories with different rules; others use only one of the two terms.

Division / Governing Body Differences

Whether "Prep" is offered as a division, and exactly what it permits, varies significantly between governing bodies. Always check your specific governing body's current rules, and don't assume "Prep" means the same thing across different organisations or even within casual conversation at your own gym.

Related Levels

See Novice, the prep stunt position for the unrelated stunt meaning, or the levels hub for the full system.