It seems crazy to think about try-outs when we're only half way through the year but what most all star cheerleaders seem to forget is that this time of the year is more important than the actual try-out dates.
I know that a lot of coaches are taking note of how their cheerleaders push themselves through minor injuries and illness. That's important to any sucessful team. The question is.........Is that fair?
Should cheerleaders be judged on the previous season or just on their skills at try-outs? Many cheerleaders and their parents are very upset when try-outs are over and they didn't make the team they had hoped for. What makes them even more angry is someone of lesser talent DID. I think this happens quite often because some people are given a chance due to their outstanding effort in the previous season. On the flip side, some one who has good skills but slacked through the previous season many times is forced to settle for a less competitive team.
Again........is that fair?
If not, why?
Just something to think about. Try-outs are just around the corner. Giving everything you have to your current team may be your best try-out stradegy.
It is true that all stars or cheerleaders within a cheer program are judged on past performance. Using this season as an example for the next is a great way to look at it. We have to remember that (usually) the best teams are that good because of attitude and work ethic, not just talent. Now if you get a squad full of talented kids with great attitudes, you are set for a great year.
A coaches job is to see potential and to develop it, if you are given a cheerleader who may not be the most obviously talented cheerleader at try outs, but has a history of consistently working hard, their talent level can be worked on...and many times they will surpass the cheerleader who originally came onto the team with more skills.
Is it fair? I would definetly say so. Being on a serious competitive team takes a lot of hard work and a tough mental attitude. Everyone has to be there for the same reasons...what better way to see that then at this years practices?
Try outs are really just a skill assesment and much more important for cheerleaders new to the gym. If you have been in the program for at lest a year the try-out process is just a mute point. Everyone knows who gives 100% all the time and those are the cheerleaders who should be on the best teams. Effort can compensate for lots of things and their is nothing more important in a team than coachability. I'm not saying that skill is not a factor but I would take a cheerleader that trys hard over one that thinks the team is all about them.
When you try out at your own gym, your coaches know what you can and can't do better than you can. They also know how hard you will work at getting the next tumbling level or what you are working on getting. They know which girls who could do better but just don't put in 110%. This tells the coaches that next year will be the same with the same level of tumbling because this could've been accomplished the prior season. So I agree with the idea of the tryouts because everyone should start on the same level as each other, but if girl A has a great attitude, works hard and is THIIIIS CLOSE to getting her next level of tumbling and girl B has been stuck for a full season doing the same ole, same ole... I bet I can tell who will move up a level and who will not.
As for the new girls, the coaches only know what they can do on the day they tryout, but it is to the coaches discretion as to even keep them on the team they were assigned.
And as in everything in life, you should ALWAYS do your best anyway. Why on earth wouldn't anyone want to do their best??? Yea you're doing it for your team, but better yet, improving oneself is even better!!!!!
As a coach not only should we look at their previous year but at what their potenial is as an all star. We are here to develop each all stars skills as well as produce a successful program. You should want to work hard to be on the highest team in your gym, if that is where you want to be. Take pride in what you do and be proud of whatever team you are lucky enough to be placed upon-besides you are placed there for a reason, be proud!!!!!
