BYU cheer tryouts are a three-day, in-person tryout held each spring at the Smith Fieldhouse in Provo. The Cougars compete in the Big 12. Everything below comes from BYU Athletics’ 2026 BYU Cheer Tryout Information.
2026 Tryout Schedule
All sessions were held in Room 149 of the Smith Fieldhouse:
- April 30: registration from 2:30 p.m., then Day 1 from 4 to 9 p.m.
- May 1: Day 2, 4 to 9 p.m.
- May 2: Day 3, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
BYU’s 2024 (April 25–27) and 2025 (May 1–3) tryouts followed the same late-April and early-May pattern. As of September 29, 2026, BYU hadn’t posted 2027 dates. It posts each year’s details on byucougars.com.
What to Do Before Tryouts
- Fill out the BYU Cheer Squad Tryout Google Form (linked from the official tryout post) before you arrive.
- Complete the Tryout Physical Form. BYU is strict about this one:
- The physical must be from the last three months before tryouts.
- It must be done by an MD or a doctor’s office.
- Chiropractor physicals aren’t accepted.
- Read the Policies & Procedures and the Judging Criteria. Both are linked from the tryout post.
What to Bring
- A printed copy of your driver’s license.
- Proof of insurance.
- Your physical form, and any letters of recommendation that you couldn’t mail ahead.
- The $20 tryout fee, in cash only.
Skills
BYU’s official tryout post links a separate Judging Criteria document and a Policies & Procedures document. Together they set the scoring, skill expectations and attire rules, so read both before you plan your training. As a baseline for any college tryout, make sure you have a consistent standing back tuck and a clean running pass.
Cheer vs. the Cougarettes
The Cougarettes are BYU’s dance team, and they hold their own auditions. If you’re looking for cheer, the Cheer Squad is the team this guide covers.
How to Prepare
- Book your physical at the right time. It has to fall within the three months before tryouts, with an MD.
- Train for three long days: build stamina, not just skills.
- Stunting: train clean fundamentals for your position. See our guides on flying and basing.
- Read the Judging Criteria and Policies & Procedures early, including the attire rules in the Judging Criteria, so there are no surprises at check-in.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to try out for BYU cheer? $20, cash only.
Can a chiropractor sign my physical? No. BYU requires an MD or doctor’s office, within three months of tryouts.
When are BYU cheer tryouts? Late April to early May. The 2026 tryouts ran April 30 to May 2.
What skills are judged? BYU publishes a Judging Criteria document, linked from its official tryout post. Use it as your checklist.
Related Resources
- Big 12 Cheer Tryout Guides
- University of Utah Cheerleading Tryout Guide
- College Cheerleading Tryout Guides Directory
Sources: BYU Athletics, 2026 BYU Cheer Tryout Information. Last checked September 29, 2026.
