How long is all-star cheer season?
A full all-star cheer season runs roughly 10 to 12 months, from tryouts in the late spring or early summer to the final national competitions the following spring. Teams typically form in April or May, train through the summer, compete from late fall through spring, and finish at end-of-season championships in April or May. The Stingray Allstars Fort Lauderdale, based in Deerfield Beach, follows this standard all-star calendar so Broward County families know what to expect across the year.
Last updated July 10, 2026
When does all-star cheer season start and end?
The all-star season is built around the competition calendar set by event producers and the U.S. All Star Federation (USASF). Most gyms hold tryouts and place athletes on teams in late spring, then use the summer to build skills and learn routines before competitions begin.
Competitions generally run from November through April, with the biggest championships clustered at the end. That makes the season roughly a full year of commitment, even though the busiest stretch is the winter and early spring.
What does the all-star cheer timeline look like?
Here is a typical month-by-month view of an all-star season. Exact dates shift year to year and by program, so confirm the current calendar with your gym.
- •April to May: tryouts and team placement for the upcoming season.
- •May to August: skill building, conditioning, and learning choreography and music.
- •September to October: routine clean-up, full-out practices, and sometimes a first showcase.
- •November to February: the core competition stretch of local and regional events.
- •February to April: championship season, including bid events and national competitions.
- •April to May: end-of-season finals, then a short break before the next season's tryouts.
Is all-star cheer really a year-round sport?
Yes. Even though competitions concentrate in winter and spring, athletes train through the summer and fall to be ready, so the commitment spans most of the calendar. This is one of the biggest differences between all-star cheer and a school or recreational season that lasts only a few months.
The upside of a long season is real progress. Athletes have time to master new tumbling and stunt skills, build genuine team chemistry, and peak at the right moment for championships. Families should plan for practices and competitions to be part of their routine for most of the year.
Are there shorter all-star cheer seasons?
Yes. If a full 10 to 12 month commitment feels like a lot, many gyms offer half-season or prep options with a shorter, lighter schedule and fewer competitions. These are popular with new families, younger athletes, and multi-sport kids who want to try cheer without committing to the entire year.
For Broward County families weighing their first season, a shorter prep track is a good way to experience the sport and its schedule before stepping up to a full competitive team. Ask us which options fit your athlete's age and goals.
Frequently asked questions
How many months is an all-star cheer season?
A full competitive all-star cheer season lasts about 10 to 12 months, from tryouts in late spring through national championships the following spring. The busiest competition stretch runs from late fall through April.
When are all-star cheer tryouts?
Most gyms hold tryouts and place athletes on teams in April or May for the season that begins that summer. Dates vary by program, so check with your gym for the current year's tryout schedule.
When do all-star cheer competitions happen?
Competitions generally run from November through April, with championship and national events concentrated in February through April. Teams spend the summer and fall preparing before the competition season begins.
Is there an off-season in all-star cheer?
There is usually only a short break between the end of one season in late spring and tryouts for the next. Many athletes use that time for skill classes to prepare, so all-star cheer is best thought of as a year-round sport.
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