USASF Rules Changes

USASF Rules Changes

The USASF has changed many of the rules today, March 28, 2012. This has created a national backlash of online comments that are mostly negative. I feel that it is my duty to my clients to respond to these changes. Here is my response.

The process used by the USASF to drastically change the rules was possibly the poorest possible choice. In what I believe was an honest attempt to comply with her mission, the USASF has left many supporters, members, coaches, parents, and participants with a feeling of betrayal. I completely understand this feeling.

I am in no way in support of the process used to create changes in the rules. I do however have to say that for many years, I have seen tumbling take over our sport. As a former gymnastics coach and former owner of gymnastics facilities, I know that tumbling is an individual skill.

I knew that it was only a matter of time until we realized that the emphasis of this individual skill had dominated a team sport. I have thought and recommended a scoring process that included tumbling, but weighted team skills more heavily.

I do agree that it is amazing to see athletes throwing elite level passes, but I also think that we are missing a larger aspect of the team competition. Stunts, baskets, pyramids, and team skills dominated the sport years ago. With more emphasis placed on these team skills, I believe you will see a more creative, unique, and exciting event.

Because of this, I am in favor of the majority plus one rule. I am not in favor of limiting the skills allowed. I feel the new scoring process would be enough to expand the importance of squad skills while providing less pressure on athletes to gain more difficult individual skills.

As a long time tumbling instructor, I do not see a correlation between safety and allowed skills as provided by the changes. I would be in favor of limiting a skill if it was proven that some were unsafe, but I have not seen that. I also think that the majority of level 5 coaches know proper technique and can teach it. I think the kids and coaches before a majority plus one scoring system may have been pushed to achieve skills at a more rapid pace than they should under safer progression models.

I am in favor of the uniform rules. I however feel that if a uniform is appropriate on stage, it should be appropriate in any setting. These coverup rules make me very uncomfortable and seem to say that the uniforms are risqué in general but are allowed during performances. Parents and coaches can and should be responsible for their kids off stage.

I feel that the USASF has overstepped its boudaries and created more negative discussions about our sport, but I do feel that they may have done so while trying to improve the perception and safety of all star cheerleading. Regardless, the betrayal of many people will be one that will be a challenge to overcome.

How will my company respond? As I have always stated, coaches and gyms are the sales reps for Event Producers and the Spirit Industry. Without their success, the Spirit Industry will fail. I will continue to listen to and respond to the demands of the coaches and gym owners. I will support their majority decisions and will cater to their interests as they attempt to grow their program. I will attempt to aid all of my clients in this growth and will use my resources to make their supportive programs successful.