This is a GREAT topic. At first I used to LOVE them, but now they are very draining and seem take alot of energy. At the bigger nationals its understandable, but all these other "national" competitions its draining and it seems to require more of the team. Most competitions that are 2 days, there is a day between to recooperate or the times are varied so the kids have a break. I know at USA nationals if you compete on Friday, the finals aren't until Sunday which I think is a good thing. Sometimes I miss just going once and getting it done with. Would be ALOT cheaper too.

I both like and dislike them. I like them because I like the opportunity to potentially make up for one bad day with another good day. I don't like them because the girls get worn-out, there's no time to make changes if need be (for injury, illness, or just something that's not working), and preparing for comp and being there 2 days in a row really is draining on everyone.

I agree, if the first day doesn't really count, or counts less than the 2nd, why risk it?? Maybe years ago it was a good idea, but with cheerleading injuries on the rise and very much in the news, I think the concept should be revisited. Maybe that's why they seem to be less popular.

Odd, I think you missed the point. Injuries happen at competitions, but typically you have at least a week to recover, right? It has nothing to do with whether or not a team is ready to compete two times, it has to do with unforseen injuries that can and most certainly do occur. How you perform that first day of competition should be all you need. You're out there giving your all, doing your best. You get one shot, and that's it (sort of like the superbowl). I just don't see the point of them, except the extra revenue someone gets from parking fees and other stuff.

Jeff, you and I get the "point." It really isn't about injuries, it is more about having to attend 2 day comps. I wonder if people would rather have their squads throw their routine once at practice and not have to practice more than once a week. Maybe do away with those "extra" practices that are called before a competition. I wonder how many of those are Saturday and Sunday practices. Now, on the other hand, if you don't want to attend a 2 day competiton, then don't. I wouldn't want to compete either if I wasn't ready on day 1 let alone on day 2.

Or how about both days carry the same weight? That is the part I don't understand. Why should day 2 give you more points? Regarding comparing practices with competition day, I don't think you can do that. To land your full routine at practice twice or three times a day is not the same as being on stage performing your routine when you're on the hot seat for perfection at that moment. The pressure is not there during practice, and I don't think anyone can disagree. So the comment about maybe people would rather not practice more than once a week makes no sense. This isn't about practices, it's about the entire competition experience two days in a row. And yeah, that includes having to sit through them too. Two very long days ... I'll pass thank you. One very long day works for me. :)

I think I would prefer your idea Nelson -- taking the best score of the two days. Now it would be very interesting to see how the judges would judge a performance that was watered down for cleaness versus the one that had more difficulty but wasn't as clean. Of course by the time you found out which one the judges prefer (which one was the better score), it might be too late. :)

I liked it that way too. Like you said, it was a victory just to make it to the finals! The only disadvantage there was you couldn't plan trips very well, not knowing if you had to stay another day or not. Maybe that's one reason they don't follow that format anymore? Just a guess. But one year we made the finals and even though we didn't win, we sure felt like we did.

I completely agree with you. I think the reasons why Cheerleading is growing softer is because it is a female dominated sport and people feel the need to be "nicer" for lack of better words. I say treat everything the same. In football and men's basketball everything is straight to the point and everything is up front. IF you want to treat it like a competitive activity, then treat it like it all the time.

To disagree, with all due respect I believe you are thinking too small. All sports have different competitive levels and basketball, football, or soccer can easily be as expensive as cheerleading if not more expensive.

I'm just saying that I wish there was at least one level of cheerleading where we didn't reward mediocrity and cater to the uncommited.

Right now USASF is trying to do that with "Worlds" but in time that too will likely fall into the traps of accomidation. Adding Jr. Levels, skill levels, and easier ways to get bids.