<P> Cheerleading may seem like a light - hearted activity to some, but injuries that can come from practice or a competition can be severe if the athlete is not properly trained . There have been many catastrophic injuries from cheer, especially from tumbling and stunting . Because of the lack of studies on injuries in competitive cheerleading, many injuries that happen could be avoided . Most studies in sports medicine pertaining to cheerleading are focused on whether it is a sport or not . </P> <P> Most American middle schools, high schools, and colleges have organized cheerleading squads . Many colleges offer cheerleading scholarships for students . A cheerleading team may compete locally, regionally, or nationally, as well as cheer for sporting events and encourage audience participation . Cheerleading is quickly becoming a year - round activity, starting with tryouts during the spring semester of the preceding school year . Teams may attend organized summer cheerleading camps and practices to improve skills and create routines for competition . </P> <P> Student cheerleaders compete with recreational - style routine at competitions year - round . Teams practice intensely for competition and perform a routine no longer than 2 minutes and 30 seconds . Like other school - level athletes, teams compete to win league titles, and move on to bigger competitions with the hopes of reaching a national competition . The advantages to a school squad versus an all - star squad is cheering at various sporting events . </P> <P> The tryout process can sometimes take place over a multiple day period . The cheerleading coach will arrange for a cheerleading clinic, during which basic materials are taught or reviewed before the final day of tryouts . The clinic gives returning cheerleaders and new cheerleaders an equal chance of becoming familiar with the material . Skills that are necessary to be a cheerleader include jumps, tumbling, motions, and dance ability . Tryouts often take place during the spring, so that the coach has the squad chosen in time to attend summer camp as a team . </P>

How many cheerleaders on a high school squad