I bring in outside judges and they technically score who makes the team, however, it is stated in my tryout packet that coaches have the final
Say.
The judges attend every day of tryouts (a week long) so they can get a feel of attitudes, work ethic, etc.
I also have an evaluation form in the packet for past year cheerleaders that contains their attendance records, as well as demerits from the season prior. The judges see these forms and take that info into consideration.
I mainly have the outside judges so when Suzie doesn't make Varsity, and mom accuses me of not putting her on the team because I don't like her, I have outside sources as back up to show that score wise, she didn't make the cut.