Here are some Frequently Asked Questions relating to
Competitive Cheerleading!
1. What is All Star Cheerleading?
The sport of all-star cheerleading has grown immensely from it roots 20 years ago. In the 80s and early 90s, teams were typically formed of athletes who were interested in improving their skills so that they would stand a better chance of making their high school or college cheerleading teams. As the sport developed and grew, more and more athletes and their parents viewed All-Star Cheerleading as a viable activity in and of itself. As stronger and stronger athletes began to recognize that all-star cheerleading provided them a way to focus more on teamwork and athleticism and less on half-time routines, pom pons and decorating lockers, the sport began to separate itself from the traditional stereotypes of cheerleaders.
Teams and athletes in all-star now focus on gymnastics and acrobatic moves. It has become a hybrid of performance and sport, combining gymnastics, acrobatics, athletic dance and many elements unique to all-star cheer.Today’s all-star cheerleaders are athletes that can learn exciting skills in a fun and safe environment.
Generally speaking, a typical all-star team is comprised of 15-36 athletes with a variety of skills and abilities (much like a football or basketball team). The coaches create a competition routine performed by the group that has elements of tumbling, stunting, jumping, dance and other skills set to timed music. The routines are typically 2 1/2 minutes in length and at competitions, the teams are divided by age and ability level. The routines are judged by their level of difficulty, precision, creativity and entertainment value. There are hundreds of all-star programs of all types across the country. NV Elite offers all levels of cheer and the highest level of instruction with nationally recognized instructors all in a family friendly environment and with a holistic point of view. We don't believe in just developing exceptional athletes, but exception individuals.
2. Can anyone be an all star cheerleader?
We at NV believe that YES -- EVERYONE can be an All-Star Cheerleader. Our philosophy is that we can teach anyone who walks in our doors how to be a competition cheerleader. No experience is necessary but cheer, dance and gymnastics experience is always a plus! If you love to dance and cheer, know how to work hard, understand what it means to be dedicated, are a team player who is willing to learn and have a good work ethic? Then NV ELITE is for you!
3. What is the USASF?
The U.S. All Star Federation is officially organized as a non- for -profit corporation governed by a Board of Directors. The Board consists of industry leaders from major competition companies and nationally recognized all star program owners. The organization is also comprised of a number of committees, such as Rules; Selection; Membership; and Safety, Education and Ethics, that advise the Board on pertinent issues.
The mission of the U.S. All Star Federation is to maximize the number of participants benfiting from the positive life experiences of All-Star Cheerleading and Dance by developing competition rules and All-Star Gym training guidelines consistent with the latest best known safety, educational, ad ethical practices.
4. How are the NV All Star Teams organized?
Our cheer squads are first organized based on age and then based on Level 1-5 tumbling, stunting, dismount abilities as defined by USASF. Please click the following link for the USASF age grid sheet for more detailed information.
http://usasf.net.ismmedia.com/ISM2//Member%20Documents%20/09_10_Age_Grid.pdf
Please note that team placement can be changed at our discretion based on the make-up of our student population and tumbling and stunting abilities as long as they fall into the guidelines listed on the USASF Age Grid Sheet.
This is the spirit industries accepted governing body regarding safety standards, coaches' education, for providing guidelines for a safe environment to allow for the continued growth of all star cheerleading and dance across the country. It's about parents knowing their children are being taught using safe methods that are in accordance with the standard of care. It's about standardization of rules from one competition to the next. NV Elite is a member of the USASF.
5. How much does it cost to cheer on an All-Star Team?
The cost to cheer on an All-Star team vary from program to program. We suggest you do your research and shop around not just for the price but for the atmosphere, philosophy, student to coach ratio, location, facility and qualifications of the coaching staff. Recent research shows that there are currently over 1.5 million participants in All-Star Cheerleading Nationwide. In the Pierce and King County areas, fees can range from $3000 per year to an excess of $10,000. Please remember, just because something costs more doesn't always mean its better! There is more to a program than the number of championships they have won. Here at NV, we strive to provide quality instruction at an affordable cost and have still managed to win numerous Titles and Championships! Fees for 2010-2011 are $3550.00 and that includes 12 months of cheer instruction and tumbling, competition uniform, choreography, music, camps and competition fees. Please note that these costs do not include transportation or lodging costs a family may incur to attend competitions.
7. Is there fundraising available for cheerleading?
Yes! NV Elite has numerous fundraising opportunities from working concessions at the Tacoma Rainiers, Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sounders, UW Football games to Concerts at White River, Key Arena, and other venues. Volunteers work for a percentage of total sales. We also run several direct sales opportunities throughout the year. Please feel free to contact our Spirit Association for more details. Their Email is available on the Contact Link on the Menu. NV works very hard to provide the most opportunities as possible so that we can help you support your cheerleader!
8. How long is the All-Star season?
Here at NV, Our teams operate all year-round since our program includes tumbling and conditioning classes as part of the curriculum. Our 2010-2011 season runs from June to April and will begin with a working try out clinic that runs for three weeks in May. After the clinic, we will have team placements and begin regularly scheduled practices for individual teams beginning June. When our program begins in June it will consist of tumbling, conditioning and stunting drills throughout the summer until we have our skillz camp in July or August and our choreography for the season is set.
9. How often are practices?
NV has practices two times per week and depending on your division and level will range from 1 1/2 - 2 hours each along with an additional tumbling day for 1 hour. Specific Practice Days are yet to be determined and are dependant upon number of teams we have this season. Generally speaking, one day of practice will be dedicated to stunting, one day will be dedicated to learning and practicing choreography which will incorporate the counts for stunting/tumbling into the routine and finally one day strictly to tumbling. Practice will be mandatory for all days and attendance will be tracked as participation is essential for the success of the team and the stunt groups. Please refer to the cheerleader handbook for attendance policies and note that makeup practices are not allowed. Excessive absences will be reviewed on an individual basis and could result in an athletes removal from the team. Practice schedules will be posted to the website calendar in June.
10. How often Do we compete?
Our season typically consists of 4-5 local competitions (usually held at the Tacoma Convention Center), two Regional Championships and one National competition. Our competition season usually begins in mid December and ends in April. Again, please keep in mind that our competition schedule is subject to the National organizations and competition organizers schedules and events and will be available to members through our members area.
Mahalo for taking the time to read our FAQ page... if you have any other questions and/or concerns, do not hesitate to contact us via email or phone. We look forward to you joining our NV cheer family!