So first off -- brace yourself… You're about to enter a world that is unlike any other, and at first you may not really understand it. But like many, you'll soon become a part of the cheer world we all know and love -- a blinged out cheer shirt-wearing, bow-toting, cheerleader's cheerleader.

Welcome to the squad.

Before you leave the house, make sure you have these necessary items (and yes, dads, you too!): 

• Cash (Some venues require cash at the ticket counter and concession stand)
• Extra hair spray
• Bobby pins and hair ties
• Curling iron (Even if her hair is already curled -- just bring it -- someone will need emergency assistance.)
• Water bottle
• Snacks
• More snacks
• Extra spandex shorts
• Your cheerleader's uniform (that she/he probably forgot)
• Every cell phone charger you have in your house
• Power strip (For the curling iron, speaker, and phone chargers)

Non-necessary items you'll be glad you grabbed:

• Pillow or seat cushion
• Blanket (You'll be parked in those stands for a looong time. Get comfortable.)
• Ear plugs or head phones
• iPad to watch Netfilx during breaks (After your athlete goes to the practice room, you'll be waiting a while.)
• Comfortable shoes
• A jacket (They usually keep it super cold in the venue.)

Things you NEED to know:

1. BE EARLY 

Parking can be a problem, and venues are difficult to navigate. Give yourself more than enough time to arrive and get your bearings.

2. Know the schedule 

Your athlete may need some help getting from place to place, and being aware of the schedule ahead of time can help ease the stress on comp day.

3. Contacts 

Make sure you have all of the team's contact info for the parents and coaches. If you need something or are running late, this will be a lifesaver.

4. Get gas the day before (and all that other adulty stuff)

Believe it or not, every second is precious on competition day. Do everything you can the day before to avoid rushing around.

5. Hotel

Stay as close to the venue as possible. This can be difficult, but it helps so much when there's a lot of traffic.

6. Be supportive no matter what 

Assure your child that she or he did a great job when things don't go well in a competition. If the team's performance went south, your cheerleader will dejected enough as it is. Offer support and encouraging words to keep her or him in good spirits!

7. If you can't make it, chances are you can still watch 

FloCheer is your all access pass to the biggest and best competitions and events LIVE!