Parent Feedback Needed on Events

John Hebert · Senior Member

Parent Feedback Needed on Events

Date: Fri Nov 14 1:31 PM, 2008

good luck with the bashing part!

Date: Fri Nov 14 2:51 PM, 2008

Can we add videotaping to the feedback? We all know the only reason certain competitions don't allow videotaping is because they have an agreement with a company who videotapes, and part of that agreement is to prohibit families from taping on their own so they have no choice but to purchase the professional ones. Most competitions these days have both (they allow taping and they have a professional there), however there are a few who still don't allow it. If most prefer to tape on their own, I think they (the companies) should know, and it would help if we all knew which ones still prohibit it. With today's economy being what it is, many of us don't have the luxury of spending additional money on something we can do on our own.

viv · Veteran Member

Anonymous wrote:

Can we add videotaping to the feedback? We all know the only reason certain competitions don't allow videotaping is because they have an agreement with a company who videotapes, and part of that agreement is to prohibit families from taping on their own so they have no choice but to purchase the professional ones. Most competitions these days have both (they allow taping and they have a professional there), however there are a few who still don't allow it. If most prefer to tape on their own, I think they (the companies) should know, and it would help if we all knew which ones still prohibit it. With today's economy being what it is, many of us don't have the luxury of spending additional money on something we can do on our own.

Thank you Thank you! Also Photographers. Some dont allow you to even take your own nice camera with the big lens :(

Date: Fri Nov 14 4:09 PM, 2008

Completely agree! What other sport or activity doesn't allow you to take pictures or video of your own children?? I can't think of any.

Date: Fri Nov 14 8:23 PM, 2008

its because the event usually takes professional action shots and of couse they charge a fortune for them and parents pay for the pics because they want pictures of their cheerleader. i just think its crazy to pay like twenty five dollars for two action shots when you could have taken your own.

Date: Fri Nov 14 9:30 PM, 2008

yeah we are already paying a fortune to go to these comps(this sport in general) so yeah let us take our own pics of our own kids.....

Date: Sat Nov 15 5:10 AM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

its because the event usually takes professional action shots and of couse they charge a fortune for them and parents pay for the pics because they want pictures of their cheerleader. i just think its crazy to pay like twenty five dollars for two action shots when you could have taken your own.

ANd then it is a poor quality print on crappy paper.

Date: Sat Nov 15 10:20 PM, 2008

Name of Event - American Championship
Location - Nice location
Venue - Venue was nice but wish they had more food options other than hotdogs.
Spectator Seating - No stadium seating; very hard to see with people constantly walking around and standing in the aisles. Staff didn't clear out the two rows of seating after each team performed. Hard to hear/understand the announcements. Like the side screen but needed one on right side too.
Flow of competition - Flow of competition was good with the exception of the 2 hour lunch break. Break was too long and made for a very long day.
Organization of competition - No complaints but felt sorry for the 5 member team competing against teams with 28. Liked that all divisions had competition and the caliber of gyms that attended was exceptional.
Spectator Pricing vs Participant Pricing - Price was okay but what's with the cash only for admission???
Awards / Scoring - No comment; only day one of two day competition
Videotaping - They kept announcing no videotaping but it wasn't enforced. There were rows of people videotaping right in front of judges table.

Date: Sat Nov 15 10:28 PM, 2008

Agree with the above post on every count. That two hour lunch break was ridiculous, I have never seen that at a competition. Regarding videotaping, they threatened to make you leave immediately if caught but I didn't see anyone escorted out. Still, they need to allow it with no threats; if Mr. Video doesn't like it, find someone else to tape who doesn't have that restriction.

Date: Sun Nov 16 1:01 PM, 2008

Name of Event Americas best
Location - Did you like it or was it too far? Sacramento convention center. Thought location was perfect for nor cal
Venue - Was it suitable for the event? Were there suitable hotles near? Was the surrounding area able to accomodate your needs? this venue is always a good venue to hosta a competition. The hotels are nice in the area but expensive
Spectator Seating - Was there enough room? Was there a special area parents and fans got to watch their teams perform? Specator seating was horible. The floor seating is just not good. It really makes for a long day steteching your neck to see teams perform. Yes they had a parent area, which was nice but keeping teams out before their team oerformed was a little annoying, but for the most part everyonne was respectful.
Flow of competition - Was there too much time in between performances? Was Dance intermixed with Cheer? Did the competition build in skill and performance abilities? I personaly felt the time in between performances was way too long. I think it made for a long day even though there werent's that many teams. The caliber of the squads perfoming there were not that competiitive. Only a couple of good squads and it made for easy competition for some squads.
Organization of competition I think the competition was well ran besides the wait for the next squad.
Spectator Pricing vs Participant Pricing - Do you mind paying at the door to get into a competition if your competition fees you pay to your gym are less? Would you rather pay higher competition fees and enter free? Is the cost to get into the event worth it vs what the event producer provides in terms of back drop, lights, awards, and venue? For america's best they really need to have free spectators as well. I woulfd rather pay higher competition fees than have to pay to get in. This will allow families to come without the added expense. I was extremely disappointed that we had to pay for a schedule (although the broucher was nice). But every person who comes in, especially if you pay at the door should get a FREE schedule. That to me is greedy and unresonable. I didnt feel the entry fee justified the competition since it was floor seating.
Awards / Scoring - Would you rather hear exact scores of every team placing? Does the awards build in excitement and anticipation? Is the MC right for the job? I have to say I beleive the judging was very fair at this competition. The Emcee was perfect, he does a great job.

My overall impression of AB after Jams brand took over, is you can see they are trying to make changes but I was expecting a huge turn out and some real competiitive teams besides the one or two squads there.

Date: Mon Nov 17 6:45 AM, 2008

Name of Event: American Masterpiece
Location: Great Location
Venue: Good venue. Hilton Hotel amazing and price rates for the event ($99.00), can't beat that.
Spectator Seating: Seating was ok. Spectator seating was very limited and in back of the camera and video box. The only way to see your teams was to sit on the floor or on your knees. 2 days of that can really kill your knees.
Flow of competition: Great!! Comp. pretty much ran on time!!
Organization of competition: Ok, but could be better. First day: everyone standing and walking while performances going on. There was not organization in leaving and entering the spectator viewing area. AND TRAFFIC JAMS WERE NOTE RESOLVED BEFORE NEXT TEAMS PERFORMANCE STARTED. 2nd day: slightly better.
Spectator Pricing vs Participant Pricing: Cost was a little high. Can't take the whole family to see this performance. $15.00 for one day or $25 for both. I would rather pay higher competition fees and have my whole family come to watch. I felt terrible having my family pay $15 to come watch my daughter cheer.

I also would like to video and use my own camera. Times are hard this time of year and $25 for one picture is a lot, as well as $40 for a video, ( especially since you don't get all the video coverage on 1 video.) If you have cross competetors or multiple kids on different teams you would have to buy multiple videos. furious

       8. Awards / Scoring: I would like to hear exact scores. I did
          like that after 5th place the rest of the teams were not
          announced. I think it's embarrassing for teams to hear their
          name called 8th.

Date: Mon Nov 17 7:18 AM, 2008

Please bring in at least one outside food source. Healthy, is a must I can not tell you how many kids I saw eating nachos, hotdogs, candy, and chips. Please give us a choice of healthy vs. junk.

Date: Mon Nov 17 7:49 AM, 2008

I don't mind having to buy pictures from a professional photographer, but I do mind when you have to purchase the day of the comp. "This comp not available on line". There are lines of people waiting to see their photos so if you take the time to look at which you want you start getting looks. Also if your child is one of the last to compete and then it's awards by the time you get a chance to view your pictures they are breaking down their booth and you are pretty much screwed if you wanted to purhchase. So, photos should be available to view and purhchase on line.

Date: Mon Nov 17 9:08 AM, 2008

At the American Championship their professional photographer was taking pictures at the awards ceremony and group pictures of the winning teams....but they weren't available for purchase ?????

Date: Mon Nov 17 9:25 AM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Name of Event: Jamfest
Location: Cow Palace
Venue: Too big for only 60 teams competing, leaking water all over the floor, too dark and dreary, horrible snack bar
Spectator Seating: Very uncomfortable old seats, not enough leg room,
Flow of competition: WAY TOO MUCH TIME BETWEEN PERFORMANCES, TOO MANY JUDGES BREAKS, senseless games
Organization of competition: o.k.
Spectator Pricing vs Participant Pricing: FREE, $10 to park

8. Awards / Scoring: no complaints

Date: Mon Nov 17 9:48 AM, 2008

Name of Event American Championships
Location - Did you like it or was it too far? San Jose very good
Venue - Was it suitable for the event? Were there suitable hotles near? Was the surrounding area able to accomodate your needs? Best venue and surrounding area. The Tech across the street is outstanding for those of us not wanting to sit there all day.
Spectator Seating - Was there enough room? Was there a special area parents and fans got to watch their teams perform? The raised photogs was irritating.
Flow of competition - Was there too much time in between performances? Was Dance intermixed with Cheer? Did the competition build in skill and performance abilities? I liked the break up of dance and cheer.
Organization of competition Very nice
Spectator Pricing vs Participant Pricing - Do you mind paying at the door to get into a competition if your competition fees you pay to your gym are less? Would you rather pay higher competition fees and enter free? Is the cost to get into the event worth it vs what the event producer provides in terms of back drop, lights, awards, and venue? Enterance was high, but oh well.
Awards / Scoring - Would you rather hear exact scores of every team placing? Does the awards build in excitement and anticipation? Is the MC right for the job? Would have liked to hear the scoring.
Photos and Video I agree with the economy being what it is let us take pix and video ourselves.

Date: Mon Nov 17 10:01 AM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Name of Event - American Championship
Location - Nice location
Venue - Venue was nice but wish they had more food options other than hotdogs...AGREE!
Spectator Seating - HATED IT!!! LOVE STADIUM SEATING LIKE AT THE SAC CON CENTER! I've seen stadium seating in San Jose as well but not at this comp for some reason. Something has to be done about seating!
Flow of competition - Flow of competition was good with the exception of the 2 hour lunch break. Break was too long and made for a very long day. Could have been a little quicker.
Organization of competition - No complaints but felt sorry for the 5 member team competing against teams with 28. Liked that all divisions had competition and the caliber of gyms that attended was exceptional. AGREE
Spectator Pricing vs Participant Pricing - TOO HIGH!
Awards / Scoring - TOO MANY MIX UPS!
Videotaping - They kept announcing no videotaping but it wasn't enforced. There were rows of people videotaping right in front of judges table. Just allow it so everyone will be happy. A cam-corder won't get the same effect as that of the professional recording.

Date: Mon Nov 17 10:02 AM, 2008

Anonymous wrote:

Name of Event American Championships
Location - Did you like it or was it too far? Love it
Venue - Was it suitable for the event? Were there suitable hotles near? Was the surrounding area able to accomodate your needs? I like the Hotels so close and all the restaurants
Spectator Seating - Was there enough room? Was there a special area parents and fans got to watch their teams perform? not enough and the reseved area was hard to get out of because people just sat down, and One team in particular entered everytime from the side instead of the back.
Flow of competition - Was there too much time in between performances? Was Dance intermixed with Cheer? Did the competition build in skill and performance abilities? I like the break for lunch
Organization of competition Very nice
Spectator Pricing vs Participant Pricing - Do you mind paying at the door to get into a competition if your competition fees you pay to your gym are less? Would you rather pay higher competition fees and enter free? Is the cost to get into the event worth it vs what the event producer provides in terms of back drop, lights, awards, and venue? The cost was too high. $75 for my family, I do not want to invite friends to come see my daughter because it is so exspensive.
Awards / Scoring - Would you rather hear exact scores of every team placing? Does the awards build in excitement and anticipation? Is the MC right for the job? Would have liked to hear the scoring. I would like to see the scores, it is hard to understand the sport if you can't figure out the scoring. I like the awards being given out.
Photos and Video IThe videos where not well put together, can't get 2 levels on one disk, so it cost $80..

CheerTyme Owner · Senior Member

Name of Event - Americas Best
Location - Did you like it or was it too far? - Sacramento Conv. Center. Perfect for nor cal teams
Venue - Was it suitable for the event? Were there suitable hotels near? Was the surrounding area able to accomodate your needs? - Hotels in the area are usually expensive. But the location is close enough to most nor cal teams that overnight stays are not needed. The Venue is great
Spectator Seating - Was there enough room? Was there a special area parents and fans got to watch their teams perform? - No bleachers....The set up was like a conference not a cheer competition. There was a "vip" area up front for fans it was nice considering the view from the seats wasn't great.
Flow of competition - Was there too much time in between performances? Was Dance intermixed with Cheer? Did the competition build in skill and performance abilities? - There was way too much time between teams. 3-5 minutes, it made for a long day of waiting. Dance and HS cheer were in the AM which was nice, the cross over kids from dance to cheer didn't have to rush. The competition did build in skill. Obviously more teams attending the event makes for more excitement.
Organization of competition - Well run.
Spectator Pricing vs Participant Pricing - Do you mind paying at the door to get into a competition if your competition fees you pay to your gym are less? Would you rather pay higher competition fees and enter free? Is the cost to get into the event worth it vs what the event producer provides in terms of back drop, lights, awards, and venue? - I would much rather pay more in a competition fee and have spectators enter for free. By the time parents pay for their competitor and 3 family members they are out 90+ bucks. IMO programs get more spectator support if there is no entry fee. The cost of a competition is much more worth it if there is a back drop, lights, BIG nice awards, and a great venue. I would pay more for a nicer event. I was not pleased with the seating and Awards at AB. We paid per competitor and every spectator paid at the door. I felt the lack of bleachers and the lower quility awards were not worth the money we spent.
Awards / Scoring - Would you rather hear exact scores of every team placing? Does the awards build in excitement and anticipation? Is the MC right for the job? - Scores always help coaches. It helps me to see where my team is in terms of scoring within their levels. I would much rather hear (or receive with my scores) exact scores of all teams in the division. AB announced and provides scores of all the teams, which is nice.