Parent Question

What makes a great cheer competition experience?

Short answer

A great cheer competition is bigger than the score. In Episode 39, Kevin Jones describes event design around four customer groups — athletes, coaches, gym owners and parents — whose needs extend across the venue, schedule, flow, atmosphere, hospitality, awards and athlete care. His shorthand is simple: the routine is only a few minutes; the memory is the entire weekend.

The CDU explanation

What that means in practice

Most of the work is invisible from the bleachers. Kevin describes Redline producing more than 50 events with long-range venue planning, contracts, production setups and roughly 30–50 staff members per event. Those figures describe Redline's operation as discussed in Episode 39, not every event producer.

For families, value is broader than spectacle. A premium experience should deliver something meaningful to the athlete rather than simply add tickets, parking, merchandise or travel expense.

Kevin's values-level standard is how adults treat athletes: with respect and kindness, while keeping daily development and the season experience from becoming collateral damage in a chase for bids or Worlds.

Expert context

Season 1 sources

  • Kevin Jones

    Episode 39

    45-year cheer-industry veteran on event production, customer groups, family value and athlete-first leadership.

Last reviewed 2026-09-17· Event & program specifics require verification

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