Quick answer: most teams need a competition uniform, bow, shoes, hair and makeup touch-up supplies, snacks and water, and something to fill the long waits between warm-up and performance - but always check your team's specific packing list first, since exact requirements vary between gyms.
Always Start With Your Coach's List
Every gym and team has its own specific requirements - from exact hairstyle and makeup rules to what's allowed on the competition floor. This page covers what's commonly needed in general; your coach's specific list is always the authoritative one.
The Core Kit
Most competition days require:
- Competition uniform, ready and pressed;
- Cheer shoes, clean and laced;
- Bow, plus a spare if your team allows;
- Any team-specified undergarments, tights or briefs.
Hair and Makeup
Many teams have specific hair and makeup requirements for a uniform team look. Common items to pack include hairspray, bobby pins, hair ties, and whatever makeup your team specifies - plus a small mirror for touch-ups between warm-up and performance.
Comfort for a Long Day
Competition days often involve long waits between arrival, warm-up and performance. It's worth packing:
- water and snacks;
- comfortable clothing to change into after performing;
- something to pass the time - a book, tablet or cards;
- a blanket or something to sit on, since venues can involve a lot of waiting on hard floors.
Practical Extras
A small first-aid kit (plasters, safety pins for a loose hem or strap), a portable phone charger, and cash for venue food or merchandise are all commonly useful, even if rarely strictly required.
Where It All Goes
Most families pack everything into a cheer bag large enough to carry the full kit without crushing the uniform - see Cheer Equipment & Culture for a fuller overview of what a typical kit includes.
Related Terms
See What Happens at a Cheer Competition? for what the day itself looks like once you're there.