Just a topic for discussion. I was curious what folks thought about when a team should decide not to compete at a certain level, and go down a notch? If your team has the skills, but you're just not winning, time to go down a level? Stay at the level you're at and work harder? At what point do you give in and decide you're just not there yet...
I say you decide on the level depending on if you can hit the allowed tumbling/stunting in that level cleanly. And my opinion would be to have more than a few people doing it too. Because, if a level allows standing tucks, you can best be sure there will be teams that have many standing tucks in that division. And if you only have one standing tuck, you are a bit behind. Take out that tuck and go down a level. Hit your routine cleanly, and when you can compete in the next level up with assurance, then move up.
But that's just what I think..... I guess it's up to the coaches to know what's best for that team. It just breaks my heart when you go to competitions and see those teams in a level they just clearly don't belong. I feel bad for those kids. They don't stand a chance at all!!! Read the requirements coaches!!!
I was just saying the other day, my biggest pet peeve is when teams compete at a higher level when they are clearly not ready. I am all for shining at a lower level!!!! At GSSA this past weekend, there were some fabulous performances, but at the same time I saw alot of teams with very sloppy routines. Don't move up a level because one or two of the cheerleaders have standing tucks. It is so much more fun to watch a beautiful level three routine than a sloppy level 4 o r 5. Just my opinion.
I agree, if you're not at the higher level, don't try. But if you are, meaning you have the skills, but just can't land them when you need to (on stage!) then I don't know if dropping down to an easier level just to win is right either. For one thing, you'll probably stay there (it's easier, and you're winning) rather than stepping back up and perfecting the skills you know you can do with hard work. Just another point of view.
One thing that people tend to forget in this discussion is this. Sometimes small gyms or programs have say a team of 25 with 20 or 21 of them being honestly level 3 or level 4. The other 4 or 5 are level 5 cheerleaders with lots of experience and the ability to through fulls and all elite stunts.
The coaches in this situation are between a rock and a hard place. They want the team to be in the appropriate level but the don't want to stop the advanced cheerleaders from growing and being able to display their skill level.
Many times the advanced cheerleaders (or should I say their crazy parents) up and leave the gym because they don't have a team advanced enough for them. That makes it even harder for that gym to improve and be able to perform in upper levels.
It's a real juggleing act. At my gym the coaches tend to let the the team perfom up a level or two through December and then start to ease into the correct level come January.
I suppose there is no easy answer other than recruit HARD for your gym so that you can have multiple teams that are split up into similar ability levels.
Honestly it should be that hard at all. Look at the requirements and see what best fits your team. I think that if your half of your team is not throwing the level requirements for tumbling and almost 100% skills on stunting, then don't go up a level. Ie. Half your team has round off tucks and many standing backhandsprings, then go level 3. I see many teams with these skills go level 4. What is the team and or coaches trying to prove. The levels were made so teams can compete at their level of ability. Even with kids who have higher skill levels, have them do stunt groups and individuals if they want to throw harder skills.
Hey Cheer Fan, were you at GSSA's comp this past Saturday? You always have really good unbias opinions and I was wondering if you got to see the cheergyms.com All American Team. If so what did you think?
Good points Remember. It's definitely a juggling act when you have different talents on the same team. I think it's hard as a parent too because you want your child to move forward. So if you have, for example, a son or daughter with a full, but most of the team isn't there yet, he/she can't throw it. Could be very frustrating. You wouldn't want your child to lose it. But you can't very well move the entire team up to that level either (even though there are a few that try to do that and fail). I like the suggestion cheer fan made about having them do something individually. Seems like the best solution if you find yourself in this spot.
Hey "Cheer Fan" wrote: Hey Cheer Fan, were you at GSSA's comp this past Saturday? You always have really good unbias opinions and I was wondering if you got to see the cheergyms.com All American Team. If so what did you think?
Yes, I was there for a little bit. First of all I like GSSA, the organization, but the Civic Center is not the best choice for a competition. GSSA had it there 2 years ago and it was bad. Mainly because of seating. I felt bad for the few dance teams I saw who were in the judges face! LOL I have to say Clovis West looked very good! I did see Cheergyms.com all-american, focus, and one power team. Rest of the teams I saw were not from the big dogs, but were very strong. I think Cheer divas is getting alot better every time I see them. The all-american team Ithink has very strong tumbling and has an awesome presence on the floor. I just wish they would work that routine more. Just go out there and Sell it! I liked that cheergyms.com is trying to be a bit more flashy. It will definetly be something good for Nor-Cal as a whole. When are they competing next?
I agree. You don't want your child to lose it but they should be throwing it in the gym every day that they are there. Just cause they don't compete what they can do doesn't mean they will lose it. But maybe they could comepte individuals, partner stunt or group stunt? Doing what's best for your team "overall" is the best idea in my book. You may lose a cheerleader or two, but you don't want to lose everyone......
Plus, you shouldn't be losing anyone if they are happy where they are.
To All The Cheerleaders Out There: Don't look at it like you aren't doing what you can do just for the competitions, do what you can do in the gym for your college years. Never stop trying to get better no matter what your team does on the competition floor. Work hard and you are never going to lose. You'll see. Maybe trophies aren't going to be your prizes in life.
I think that a team should only go down a level if they cant hit the skills that are allowed in the level. It is kind of like being a little fish in a big pond if you are at a level where other teams are doing things, for example, double downs when you can only do strait cradels. I like to work at a chalenging level, BUT, would you rather win last every time or start one level lower and work your way to the top?!
. Rest of the teams I saw were not from the big dogs, but were very strong. I think Cheer divas is getting alot better every time I see them. I>
Thanks Cheer Fan , It is nice to see that other spectators are realizing that the " small dogs" can be good too! Cheer Divas Rock this year, and the season isn't even half over yet . The best is yet to come!
Yes, as usual Cheer Divas are good this year, as well as a few others I've seen who are equally impressive. There's some tough competition in the Senior Level 4 category, it should be exciting!! Can't wait for Nationals ...
Which nationals, LOL? Not many teams in this area go to the same nationals anymore. There are so many to choose from, which is a good thing. I think many teams in Northern California are going to Jamz Nationals and some are going to the American Showcase. I think America's Best Nationals and GSSA nationals will have some good competition too.
