I have really tried to listen to my parents for next year and the issues that everyone is having with our economy. I just wanted to get some feedback from the boards.
1. Do you think more then two away trips is too many with our current economy?
2. Do you think the kids would still stay interested knowing that they will only travel to one away competition at the end of the season?
I think that one away trip is perfect for most teams... especially a gyms lower level teams... I think that higher level teams should do 2-3 which are easily fundraised for if its only 2 or 3 teams which offsets most if not all costs to the parents... this also gives the lower level girls incentive to progress to a higher level team
I think it depends on how far you would be traveling. I hate Vegas. It's just too expensive. Between the hotel and airfare it's really hard on us. I don't mind attending some comps in southern California, because we cut cost by driving (unless gas prices keep going up). We also budget ourselves on what we can spend. I don't mind Sacramento because one nights stay is not to bad, and if it's a one day comp we drive. I would be happy with two away comps. There are plenty of competitions held in this area to fill a gyms competition schedule. I understand the level 5 teams traveling more, but for the other teams I don't think it is as necessary. I don't know about everyone else but I'm feeling the effects of the bad economy, and unfortunately if it came down to it cheer would be one of the first things to go. I've heard from a lot of parents that they will be tightening thier purse striings in the next year if things continue like they are. Cutting back on some of the travel expenses would definitely help.
Funny to run into you on this board. I would love to give feedback. I just saw that you are offering an open team this upcoming season. This is exciting, because it addresses all of the issues that made us leave cheer this past season---time commitment and the economy. This has definitely peaked our interest.
Over the years there have been more and more competitions added here locally, that you can almost go to a competition each weekend during peak season. From a parent's perspective I would love it if we only attended one competition a month and one major one at the end of the season. This is much more doable time commitment wise as well as expense. I think all the gyms would benefit from scaling down the crazy competition schedules.
I think it is great that you are asking for feedback and thinking about ways to make it more reasonable for your families.
I think Jamz is the best way to vegas cause its only a 1 day competition for most teams which cuts down alot of cost. Also if you book a huge block of rooms, then you can get a discount on hotels. Sorry but Anaheim hotels are pricey, cause most of us stay at the Hilton or Marriott.
For those saying they can compete locally, it gets old seeing the SAME teams every week. Seriously, you want to see new and fresh teams, new venues and just sometimes just a change. Going to 5-6 local comps is enough for me. Not more than that. I love all the Nor Cal gyms, but enough is enough. I would say the same for any area. I think its all about fundraising and learning how to cut things out.
Don't buy a new uniform and go to a MAJOR out of town competition in the same season. Also cutting down some of the more exspensive competitions. Jamz maybe talked about alot, but their regionals are very cheap, just like USA, and UCA compeitions. American Championships. Jamfest, Americas Best, GSSA, and many others up here are VERY pricey.
Hey Nicoleee...A here, I am trying to decide the same kind of thing for next season. I REALLLLYYYY want to do 2 traveling competitions like we have done in past seasons but I am so afraid of families not joining because it might be to costly to travel twice during the season.....I just dont know....maybe letting the families vote at the begining of the season???
Competions that you can carpool to would help out financially (Share gas AND parking fee)
Sharing privates (If you must have them)
Bringing your own food ( You can leave an ice chest in the car for the cold items and bury the rest of the stuff in an old cheerbag under their warm ups.)
Do not bring the entire family
Share a room with another parent and cheerleader
If it is a 2 day comp and it is close by 2-3 hours. Dont spend the night on Friday just get up EARLY and drive down Saturday morning. (This can only be done if you are a responsible parent and you don't have any "arriving late issues".
There is no need to buy souvineers (sp) If your cheerleader wants to have a sweatshirt then tell her/him to wait for the LAST competition.(something to look forward too)
Do not buy the program. Print up the perf. order and bring it with you.
Don't we all have enough "Parent t shirts" stop buying one everytime your gym comes up with a newer blinged out version.
Bling out your old parent tee's
There is no need to go through Mickey D's for breakfast on the way to a competition . Have some cheerios for heavens sake it will do your heart good lol.
Step away from the Starbucks ( There the devil ) Your wallet will thank you !
Competions that you can carpool to would help out financially (Share gas AND parking fee)
Sharing privates (If you must have them)
Bringing your own food ( You can leave an ice chest in the car for the cold items and bury the rest of the stuff in an old cheerbag under their warm ups.)
Do not bring the entire family
Share a room with another parent and cheerleader
If it is a 2 day comp and it is close by 2-3 hours. Dont spend the night on Friday just get up EARLY and drive down Saturday morning. (This can only be done if you are a responsible parent and you don't have any "arriving late issues".
There is no need to buy souvineers (sp) If your cheerleader wants to have a sweatshirt then tell her/him to wait for the LAST competition.(something to look forward too)
Do not buy the program. Print up the perf. order and bring it with you.
Don't we all have enough "Parent t shirts" stop buying one everytime your gym comes up with a newer blinged out version.
Bling out your old parent tee's
There is no need to go through Mickey D's for breakfast on the way to a competition . Have some cheerios for heavens sake it will do your heart good lol.
Step away from the Starbucks ( There the devil ) Your wallet will thank you !
Please feel free to add more
You don't need the professional photos/videos from every competition.
1. Do you think more then two away trips is too many with our current economy?
I agree that money is a big concern. I also like traveling to away competitions. I've have a lot of fond memories traveling with my daughter. That being said I think two away trips a year is plenty. I agree that there are plenty of competitions to attend that are local. If you have a level 5 team do fund raising to help out with the cost of attending any additional away comps you might attend. When choosing which comps you plan on attending pick one that you know everyone will enjoy. I'd stay away from Vegas because I agree it's one of the more expensive ones. Everyone has thier favorites so ask your parents/kids for thier preferences. Comps held in Sacramento are not bad. I never really consider traveling to Sac as an away comp. Especially if it's a one day competitiion, it would be the parents decision if they want to spend the night or save money by driving.
2. Do you think the kids would still stay interested knowing that they will only travel to one away competition at the end of the season?
I think two comps is the right amount. I don't think the kids would have any complaints. As long as they are attending a fair amount of competitions locally, and they will still be attending an away comp(s) for Nationals. One away competition might not go over that well.
