Cheerleading levels explained: Levels 1 through 7
All-star cheerleading is organized into levels 1 through 7, set by the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF). Each level defines which tumbling, stunt, and pyramid skills a team is allowed to perform in competition. Athletes are placed by the skills they can safely execute, not by age alone, so a beginner and a teenager can both start at Level 1.
Last updated July 10, 2026
How do all-star cheer levels work?
The level system exists for safety and fair competition. Every skill in cheer, from a forward roll to a full-twisting layout, is assigned to a level, and a team can only perform skills up to its designated level on the competition floor.
Levels progress in difficulty from 1 (foundational) to 7 (elite, international-level skills). Most youth athletes spend their first seasons in Levels 1 through 3 while they build strength, technique, and confidence.
What skills are at each cheerleading level?
Here is the general progression of tumbling and stunt difficulty by level. Exact rules are set by USASF and updated periodically, so a gym confirms current requirements each season.
- •Level 1: forward/backward rolls, cartwheels, round-offs, and basic prep-level stunts. The entry point for brand-new athletes.
- •Level 2: standing back handsprings and running round-off back handsprings, plus extended stunts.
- •Level 3: back handspring series, jumps to back handspring, standing tucks (running), and one-leg extended stunts.
- •Level 4: standing tucks, layouts, and more advanced twisting stunts and pyramids.
- •Level 5: standing fulls, jump-to-full, and elite stunting and tosses.
- •Level 6: senior elite skills including double-twisting layouts and advanced release moves.
- •Level 7: the highest international/worlds-level difficulty, reserved for the most advanced athletes.
How is my child placed in a level?
Placement happens at an evaluation (also called tryouts). Coaches assess an athlete's tumbling, stunting, jumps, and overall readiness, then place them on a team at the level that matches their current skills and where they can keep progressing safely.
A child with no experience is not behind. Every athlete starts by building the fundamentals, and moving up a level is earned through skill mastery, not time served.
Prep vs elite within the levels
Many gyms, including ours, offer both a lower-commitment prep track and a full competitive elite track. Both use the same USASF level framework, but they differ in practice hours, competition schedule, and cost. Prep is a common, budget-friendly way for a new family to enter the sport at Levels 1 to 3.
Frequently asked questions
How many levels are there in all-star cheer?
There are seven levels in all-star cheerleading, numbered 1 through 7, defined by the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF). Level 1 is foundational and Level 7 is elite, international-level difficulty.
What level should a beginner start at?
A brand-new athlete typically starts at Level 1, where they learn foundational tumbling like cartwheels and round-offs and basic stunting. Placement is based on current skills, so beginners of any age can start at Level 1.
Can my child move up a level during the season?
Level placement is usually set for a competition season for team consistency, but athletes build the skills for the next level through practice and classes, and are re-evaluated for placement the following season.
Ready to see it in person?
See our programs