Why do some teams keep their competition schedules secret

Date: Tue Jan 22 12:49 PM, 2008

RE: Why do some teams keep their competition schedules secret

Date: Tue Jan 22 2:40 PM, 2008

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Athletic is a two day national overnight stay all that money for 21 teams. I wonder what all those parents are saying about spending that money for no t much competition. You would think these gyms would think of the money it costs parents to do this. Hopefully they have others.
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As a parent I'm glad we are going to Athletic Championship. It's always been one of our favorites. So what if the attendance is down a little this year. It's understandable with Cheersport being the same weekend. That being said there is still a pretty good turnout and I'm sure it will be a great competition. I"m sorry that it upsets you so. Believe me when I say I am touched that you are so concerned for all of us parents. Your thoughfullness touches me deeply. Your a wonderful person, just wonderful.

Date: Tue Jan 22 2:46 PM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Ok.. Excluding High School and Dance I counted. Cheersport has 17 teams attending, and Athletic Championship has 23 (Including NCE who are not on the schedule yet). Cheersport has more level 4 and 5 teams attending. Athletic Championship has more Youth and Junior Teams. Pretty good turnout for both competitions.

Actually it's...
21 Teams attending Athletic Championship
19 Teams attending Cheersport

Ok.. I'm bored!

oops my bad :)

Athletic is a two day national overnight stay all that money for 21 teams. I wonder what all those parents are saying about spending that money for no t much competition. You would think these gyms would think of the money it costs parents to do this. Hopefully they have others.

I'm a parent who is attending AC this weekend and we don't have a problem spending money to have our daughter compete this weekend. That is what we signed up to do. We know as supportive parents and level headed people that our gym owner has no control over the numbers for this competition. Considering it was a large event last season and AC received many positive feedbacks and it was a pleasant experience for most. I'm certain they chose this competition from their good experience with them.

Through out the season we have gone to quite a few competitions that are normally large with more than 2 teams in a division, but this season those same orginizations are smaller in attendance. This is not the fault of the gym owners. There are just so many cheer orginizations scheduling comps. on the same weekend or so many to choose from in a month.

As a parent you pay your competition fees and any other expenses that occur for the sport your children love. Competitive cheer is very expensive and we know ahead of time the cost regardless of how big or small a comp. is. In this day and time in competiitive cheer 20 something teams is a good turn out. Most teams at the AC comp. on the schedule are going against someone.

So we write our checks, support our gyms and support our children. Spending the weekend in a hotel with my child,having family time, getting to watch our daughter perform and enjoy the sport she loves is priceless. Every penny you invest in your children doing something they love is worth it.

I for one support my gym and am excited for this weekend! biggrin

proud parent level 4 cheerleader
GO FORCE!

Date: Tue Jan 22 2:55 PM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

_____________________________________________________________

Athletic is a two day national overnight stay all that money for 21 teams. I wonder what all those parents are saying about spending that money for no t much competition. You would think these gyms would think of the money it costs parents to do this. Hopefully they have others.
_____________________________________________________________

As a parent I'm glad we are going to Athletic Championship. It's always been one of our favorites. So what if the attendance is down a little this year. It's understandable with Cheersport being the same weekend. That being said there is still a pretty good turnout and I'm sure it will be a great competition. I"m sorry that it upsets you so. Believe me when I say I am touched that you are so concerned for all of us parents. Your thoughfullness touches me deeply. Your a wonderful person, just wonderful.

I love this post, thank you for it. Yes, I too am so deeply touched by the concern of others as to the cost. Funny thing is the only ones that seem to be bothered by it are the ones not attending? Strange.

Date: Tue Jan 22 3:02 PM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

_____________________________________________________________

Athletic is a two day national overnight stay all that money for 21 teams. I wonder what all those parents are saying about spending that money for no t much competition. You would think these gyms would think of the money it costs parents to do this. Hopefully they have others.
_____________________________________________________________

As a parent I'm glad we are going to Athletic Championship. It's always been one of our favorites. So what if the attendance is down a little this year. It's understandable with Cheersport being the same weekend. That being said there is still a pretty good turnout and I'm sure it will be a great competition. I"m sorry that it upsets you so. Believe me when I say I am touched that you are so concerned for all of us parents. Your thoughfullness touches me deeply. Your a wonderful person, just wonderful.

I love this post, thank you for it. Yes, I too am so deeply touched by the concern of others as to the cost. Funny thing is the only ones that seem to be bothered by it are the ones not attending? Strange.

What your saying is so true. This touches me too. I need to get a tissue (sniffle sniffle).

Date: Tue Jan 22 5:00 PM, 2008

Athletic Championships is an amazing experience. If your team has NEVER attended this competition you have no idea what you are missing. Truly first class/rate!

Travel and expenses? Really most of the teams going can commute this trip just like many of you that have chased one or two regional(s) in the bay area. You can make it as expensive or cost effective as you like.

I think a club or two decided to jump ship because of the cost difference. A one day competition is less expensive then a two day competition. It's about keeping those competition fees down for some gyms. Other gyms may be testing the waters before they FLY to Atlanta for the Cheersport Nationals in Atlanta.

Every gym has their own reasons for attending a certain competition. I do have to say the weekend should be exciting for all. Great companies host events with our of state judging. WAHOOOOOOOO!!!

One is not better than the other. Sorry, just my option.

Diva Coach Melissa · Senior Member

I agree! Not better, just different!

Date: Tue Jan 22 8:39 PM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Athletic Championships is an amazing experience. If your team has NEVER attended this competition you have no idea what you are missing. Truly first class/rate!

Travel and expenses? Really most of the teams going can commute this trip just like many of you that have chased one or two regional(s) in the bay area. You can make it as expensive or cost effective as you like.

I think a club or two decided to jump ship because of the cost difference. A one day competition is less expensive then a two day competition. It's about keeping those competition fees down for some gyms. Other gyms may be testing the waters before they FLY to Atlanta for the Cheersport Nationals in Atlanta.

Every gym has their own reasons for attending a certain competition. I do have to say the weekend should be exciting for all. Great companies host events with our of state judging. WAHOOOOOOOO!!!

One is not better than the other. Sorry, just my option.

Who from Norcal is gojng to Atlanta. I dont think anyone but I could be wrong

ACEDAD · GURU

Let me post something about keeping schedules secret. I've never been part of a gym that did it and couldn't understand it either. Then a few years ago, it came up in a conversation with a gym owner that I know and I was making fun of gyms that do it.

He then explained that he did it at Gym X, because a couple of his rival gyms would find out the competitions Gym X was attending, then go down to "recruit" his athletes. He didn't like having them pestered, so he kept the lid on the exact events.

Not that I agreed with it, but it was at least a rational explanation.

-- Edited by ACEDAD at 21:14, 2008-01-22

OC Mom · GURU

I know that for OC... the competition is posted on the Members Only part of the website. But we don't keep it secret. I still do the website even though Em isn't with them any longer. But John has never asked me to not say anything. I get the impression that it's because there are changes during the season and it's just easier to handle your own parents.... and not the entire cheer world. You KNOW everyone would think they were up to something if changes were made public...

Date: Tue Jan 22 9:53 PM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

_____________________________________________________________

Athletic is a two day national overnight stay all that money for 21 teams. I wonder what all those parents are saying about spending that money for no t much competition. You would think these gyms would think of the money it costs parents to do this. Hopefully they have others.
_____________________________________________________________

As a parent I'm glad we are going to Athletic Championship. It's always been one of our favorites. So what if the attendance is down a little this year. It's understandable with Cheersport being the same weekend. That being said there is still a pretty good turnout and I'm sure it will be a great competition. I"m sorry that it upsets you so. Believe me when I say I am touched that you are so concerned for all of us parents. Your thoughfullness touches me deeply. Your a wonderful person, just wonderful.

That is so nice. I agree we attended a competition last year that was small and people who are not even in our program got online and just complained about it and tried to make it a big deal. Hey if you are happy and your kids are happy it does not matter.

Date: Tue Jan 22 10:02 PM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Athletic Championships is an amazing experience. If your team has NEVER attended this competition you have no idea what you are missing. Truly first class/rate!

Travel and expenses? Really most of the teams going can commute this trip just like many of you that have chased one or two regional(s) in the bay area. You can make it as expensive or cost effective as you like.

I think a club or two decided to jump ship because of the cost difference. A one day competition is less expensive then a two day competition. It's about keeping those competition fees down for some gyms. Other gyms may be testing the waters before they FLY to Atlanta for the Cheersport Nationals in Atlanta.

Every gym has their own reasons for attending a certain competition. I do have to say the weekend should be exciting for all. Great companies host events with our of state judging. WAHOOOOOOOO!!!

One is not better than the other. Sorry, just my option.

Who from Norcal is gojng to Atlanta. I dont think anyone but I could be wrong

Power goes to cheer sport in atlanta and the rest of the teams that go are from so cal

flipkidjudge · Senior Member

ACEDAD wrote:

Let me post something about keeping schedules secret. I've never been part of a gym that did it and couldn't understand it either. Then a few years ago, it came up in a conversation with a gym owner that I know and I was making fun of gyms that do it.

He then explained that he did it at Gym X, because a couple of his rival gyms would find out the competitions Gym X was attending, then go down to "recruit" his athletes. He didn't like having them pestered, so he kept the lid on the exact events.

Not that I agreed with it, but it was at least a rational explanation.

-- Edited by ACEDAD at 21:14, 2008-01-22

Acedad,

That is one of the reasons under my fifth point. I just didn't want to illumninate all the subpoints because I am still in therapy from my opinions being attacked on ProX. biggrin

But it does happen. It has happened to us several times, including this year.

flipkidjudge · Senior Member

OC Mom wrote:

I know that for OC... the competition is posted on the Members Only part of the website. But we don't keep it secret. I still do the website even though Em isn't with them any longer. But John has never asked me to not say anything. I get the impression that it's because there are changes during the season and it's just easier to handle your own parents.... and not the entire cheer world. You KNOW everyone would think they were up to something if changes were made public...

I agree!!! Although we don't post it on the website, it is handed out to our parents in our gym plus discussed at every parent meeting. It is amazing to me how many "outsiders" are concerend with the inner workings of somebody else's gym...rofl!

Date: Wed Jan 23 7:56 AM, 2008

OC Mom wrote:

I know that for OC... the competition is posted on the Members Only part of the website. But we don't keep it secret. I still do the website even though Em isn't with them any longer. But John has never asked me to not say anything. I get the impression that it's because there are changes during the season and it's just easier to handle your own parents.... and not the entire cheer world. You KNOW everyone would think they were up to something if changes were made public...

You are so right OC Mom! Just look at what happens on here when a gym makes changes... People go crazy thinking they are up to something. Sometimes it is as simple as our schedule changed, we have too many athletes injured, or we want to try something different.

Date: Wed Jan 23 8:26 AM, 2008

That's for sure! And you can't win on this board.. if you are at too high a level you are accused of being at a particular level just for the sake of saying your gym is fielding a high level team. If you drop because you feel you are not at that level, you are accused for going for an easier win. Seems like you are blasted no matter what you do.

flipkidjudge · Senior Member

Anonymous wrote:

That's for sure! And you can't win on this board.. if you are at too high a level you are accused of being at a particular level just for the sake of saying your gym is fielding a high level team. If you drop because you feel you are not at that level, you are accused for going for an easier win. Seems like you are blasted no matter what you do.

I do not think the board is for winning, It is for expressing your opinion...hopefully in a positive way. Sometimes because of the subject matter or the passion and people involved it does not always come off that way.

The best thing any owner/coach can do for their program is do what is best for them no matter what the critics. skeptics, or fans say. I know that is hard to do at times because we are all sensitive to what is being said about us even if we don't respond. I know what is going on in my gym. Nobody else does. All they get are rumors or half stories. That burns me up when outsiders are telling me what my kids should or should not be doing...or going to recruit my kids...based on you tube, message boards, MySpace, or just their egos. I know who is hurt, who has overuse injuries, who has not been consistent, who will step up if pushed and who will break if nudged. As long as I see continued steady progress I am happy, regardless of the win loss count at the end of the year. Let me coach my kids and you coach yours.

If you stick to your Vision for yourself it will work out. Do you, cause can't nobody do you like you can do you. The second you listen to everybody else, you lose your own voice.

Date: Wed Jan 23 11:23 AM, 2008

flipkidjudge wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

That's for sure! And you can't win on this board.. if you are at too high a level you are accused of being at a particular level just for the sake of saying your gym is fielding a high level team. If you drop because you feel you are not at that level, you are accused for going for an easier win. Seems like you are blasted no matter what you do.

I do not think the board is for winning, It is for expressing your opinion...hopefully in a positive way. Sometimes because of the subject matter or the passion and people involved it does not always come off that way.

The best thing any owner/coach can do for their program is do what is best for them no matter what the critics. skeptics, or fans say. I know that is hard to do at times because we are all sensitive to what is being said about us even if we don't respond. I know what is going on in my gym. Nobody else does. All they get are rumors or half stories. That burns me up when outsiders are telling me what my kids should or should not be doing...or going to recruit my kids...based on you tube, message boards, MySpace, or just their egos. I know who is hurt, who has overuse injuries, who has not been consistent, who will step up if pushed and who will break if nudged. As long as I see continued steady progress I am happy, regardless of the win loss count at the end of the year. Let me coach my kids and you coach yours.

If you stick to your Vision for yourself it will work out. Do you, cause can't nobody do you like you can do you. The second you listen to everybody else, you lose your own voice.

Nicely stated, thank you!

Bryan · Veteran Member

IMO, teams do sometimes tend to cancel a competition on their schedule once they see who's planning on attending the competition in question. And for reasons like this, my competition schedule is not posted on our website. This prevents us from competing against ourselves as much as possible.

Also, big programs like Cheer Athletics, World Cup, Spirit of Texas, Gymtyme All Stars, Top Gun, etc..., are highly competitive and lets face it-- there are people that will attend a competition just to watch and film these incredibly competitive teams. People do bring video cameras and post videos on youtube, and when your team is highly competitive, you dont want people to know what competitions you'll be attending so that your competitors don't see you on youtube.

Heck, if I owned a cheerleading program I wouldn't post the competiton schedule on a website for the public to view either! ;)