Forgetting your bow the morning of a competition is the kind of thing cheer families joke about later — but it is not funny in the moment. The fix is packing deliberately the night before, using a list. Here is everything that belongs in your bags, organized by who it's for and when you'll need it.
The Athlete's Competition Bag
This is the bag your athlete carries into the venue. Keep it organized and labeled.
Uniform and appearance: — Full uniform (top, skirt or shorts, spankies) — Correct bow (match color and size to your gym's requirements) — Cheer shoes with clean white laces — Spare bow (in case the first one gets lost or breaks) — Extra pair of spankies/compression shorts — Bobby pins, hair ties, clear elastics, and travel-size hairspray — Safety pins (useful for uniform emergencies) — White athletic socks (check if your gym specifies style) — Any required wristbands, ribbons, or accessories
Hygiene and care: — Deodorant — Blister bandages and medical tape (rolled ankles and blisters are common) — Pain reliever if your athlete is old enough and it's approved by your gym/parent — Small mirror for last-minute touch-ups — Travel toothbrush and toothpaste
Food and hydration: — Refillable water bottle (fill it at the venue, not just once in the morning) — Protein bars, nuts, or other portable snacks — Light, familiar food for between warm-up and performance if needed
Miscellaneous: — Small cash for food or emergencies — Phone and charger or power bank — Earbuds (for warming up and downtime between sessions) — A change of clothes and comfortable shoes for after competing
The Parent's Spectator Bag
You will be at the venue for most of the day. Pack accordingly.
Comfort and logistics: — Comfortable, supportive shoes (you will walk miles) — A light jacket or sweatshirt (arenas are often cold) — Portable phone charger and charging cable — Cash (some venue concessions are cash-only) — Earplugs or noise-reducing earbuds (optional, but competition floors are loud)
Photo and video: — Your phone (obviously) — A small tripod or phone mount if you want stable video — Extra memory or cloud backup ready
Snacks and food: — Granola bars, trail mix, fruit, or other snacks you like — A refillable water bottle — Enough food to avoid being dependent on expensive venue concessions for 8+ hours
Documents and tickets: — Your spectator ticket (downloaded or printed) — Hotel reservation confirmation — Parking pass if you purchased one — Your athlete's team schedule and performance time — Emergency contacts list (especially if younger siblings are with you)
The Hotel Bag
If you are staying overnight, pack these separately from your day bags so they stay in the room or car.
For the athlete's morning prep: — Flat iron or curling iron and heat protectant — Hairspray (full-size) — Bobby pins and hair ties in bulk — Makeup (if age-appropriate and gym-approved) — Nail polish remover and clear polish for touch-ups — Athlete's full uniform (do not pack this in the competition bag the night before — iron it, lay it flat, and pack it fresh in the morning)
For the family: — Comfortable pajamas and a change of clothes for each day — Toiletries for the whole family — Laundry bag for dirty clothes — Nighttime snacks and drinks (buying from the hotel minibar adds up) — Phone chargers and device cables for each person — Any medications (prescription and over-the-counter)
Day-Of Quick-Check Before You Leave
Run through this list in the hotel room before walking out the door:
□ Bow is in hair (or in the bag ready to put on) □ Cheer shoes on or in bag (clean laces) □ Full uniform in athlete's bag □ Water bottle filled □ Snacks packed □ Phone charged □ Spectator ticket on your phone or in your bag □ Parking pass / directions to venue pulled up □ Hotel key in pocket (you will likely need to return for something) □ Coach's phone number saved in your phone in case of emergency
Give yourself 20 minutes more than you think you need. Every family runs behind on competition morning.
What NOT to Bring
Keeping bags light and organized saves stress. Leave these at home or in the car:
— Jewelry your athlete is not supposed to wear (stud earrings only is the standard at most competitions; remove extra piercings the day before) — Expensive or sentimental items (the venue is crowded and bags can be misplaced) — More cash than you need (keep only what you plan to spend; use card where possible) — Oversized luggage that is hard to carry through a crowded arena — Perfume or heavy sprays (apply minimally; competing athletes and coaches share warm-up rooms)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my athlete wear her regular hair accessories or only the team bow?
At most competitions, athletes are required to wear only the team-designated bow. No additional hair accessories, headbands, or decorative clips. Check your gym's specific comp-day appearance policy, as coaches are sometimes strict about this during judging.
What shoes are required for all-star competition?
Cheer-specific athletic shoes — brands like Nfinity, Varsity Cheerleading (branded), or similar — with white laces are standard at most all-star competitions. Running shoes are generally not allowed. Check the sanctioning body's rules for your specific division.
Should I pack food or plan to buy at the venue?
Pack food. Venue concessions at large competitions (convention centers, arenas) are expensive, often have long lines, and may not have options your athlete is comfortable eating before competing. Bringing your own snacks is the smart move.
My athlete forgot her bow at home — what do I do?
First, check with your coach — sometimes a teammate has a spare. Some competition venues or nearby cheer retail pop-ups sell bows. As a last resort, a plain solid-color bow from a drugstore in the right color might be acceptable. Check with your coach before purchasing anything as a substitute.
More Travel Guides
Stay-to-Play Housing for Cheer Competitions, Explained
Your First Cheer Competition: A Parent's Survival Guide
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