Quick answer: a cheer competition day generally involves check-in, warm-up in a practice area, a short competitive routine (around 2–3 minutes) performed on the main floor in front of judges, and awards at the end of the session or day.
Arrival and Check-In
Teams typically arrive well ahead of their performance time to check in, get dressed and warm up. Competition schedules are usually published in advance with an approximate performance time for each team.
Warm-Up
Before performing, teams get access to a warm-up area - sometimes called backstage or the warm-up floor - to run through stunts, tumbling and parts of the routine one more time. Coaches use this time for final adjustments and to settle athletes' nerves.
The Routine
Each team performs a single routine on the competition floor, generally around two to three minutes long, combining stunts, tumbling, jumps, dance and motions, timed to music. Judges score the routine as it happens - see How Is Competitive Cheer Scored? for how that generally works.
Between Performances
Most competitions run many teams back-to-back through a session. Families typically watch from the stands, and teams not performing can often watch other teams once they're finished warming up.
Awards
After some or all teams in a division have performed, awards are presented - usually ranking teams within their level and division. Some competitions also award qualifying spots ("bids") to larger end-of-season events for top-placing teams.
What to Expect as a Parent
Competition days can be long, loud and a little overwhelming the first time. It helps to know your team's approximate performance time, bring items your child needs for warm-up and touch-ups, and expect a lot of waiting around a short, intense performance.