I would love the simplicity of a format where there is truly a regional competition, than a state competition and than a true nationals. It would be a blast to cheer on a team by state. The best from each state meeting at a national and than of course a true worlds compeition. It is like the Olympics. You send the best from your country. Well send the best from your state. Now granted some states have more talent than others, but what fun is it to represent your state. Look at the Olympic athletes. Some know they have no chance to win a medal, but are just happy to be a part of something bigger and amazing.
I am not sure I like teams being able to fly all over the US to go to a competition where they think they can get an easier bid. This aspect for Worlds ruins it. I am not sure what the answer is though. Everyone who posts on this board loves the sport. I am sure we can all agree on this.
Not to open up a can of worms ( I know USASF has areas it can improve), but USASF has done so much to help monitor all star cheerleading. I do hope that we are near team member registration cards. Yes it is a pain to do. I have to do it with my son and his soccer team. We have to have all the player cards at each game. I have to submit his original birth certificate with each sport his does at the beginning of each season. Are we any closer to doing this? Yes, I repeat it is a pain to do for the programs and coaches, but at least it would ease a little of the controversy surrounding ages of team members, etc.
I love this message board and thanks Danny and Morton for having it. But since reading it, Worlds has been tarnished in my eyes. I have no delusions that things will ever be perfect or cheerleading will ever by controversy free. Humans are all after all involved. But to me there seem to be obvious things that can be done to clean up the sport.
I agree with you. The one thing I liked about Pop Warner cheerleading was their Nationals. You have teams that represent each region that come together at Nationals to compete for the National title. Of course the east coast teams pretty much dominate but the west coast teams are making strides. Plus the honor of being the best in your region is a huge accomplishment for these kids. I would like to see this happen with All Star Cheerleading Worlds.
Okay, this might be a silly question, I've never been to Worlds so I wouldn't know. What other countries participate? If you're going for the title World Champions, what other countries are you competing against?
Also I agree with the comment about why can't we have true National competitions. It seems ridiculous to have all these competitions that call themselves National just because they open it up to whoever wants to participate. It's hard to take the title National Champion seriously when you either went against nobody, or only had a couple in your category. I guess the problem is there are too many "national" competitions to choose from.
"Worlds" has only been around a couple of years and I don't think any international teams have really competed yet. Last year I think there were a couple that were on exhibition and there were coaches from other countries checking things out. This year there is a seperate international category but basically it is a "National" competition for US teams that are Senior Level 5. You can check it out at www.usasf.net.
Last year international teams competed. One of the biggest issues international teams have is the age limitation used by the US. Most international teams don't go by high school ages but include ages up to 22 or so. That is why USASF added the "International" division so that international teams could compete at Worlds using their age standards.
Also, other countries are not as far along as the US with skill levels and interest. The Worlds is a great place for other countries to come experience cheer in the US and begin to build their programs to a higher level.
And keep in mind that other sports, like baseball, call their championship series "Worlds" but really only includes US teams. So USASF is making an effort to really make this an international event. Good for you USASF.
Even though I am a supporter of USASF and of Worlds, I still don't think of it as a true nationals. As I said earlier it would be nice to have teams representing their true region and state as well. A "true" national competition!!!! Each state brings the best they have and have the honor of saying we are the best in our region, state and finally country. I am still not a fan of teams traveling to other states to get bids. It is what it is and I dont' think that will change, I just wish their was the simplicity of a true state champ and national and world.
Gold Mom: A big problem will always be money. At this point, many teams have earned paid bids, but I think it would be tough to get a paid bid from each state. I'll pick on Wyoming (nothing personal, but Kevin Brubaker at Cheersport always picks on them since it's his home state). I don't think a team from there has ever attended Cheersport, although they've had teams from virtually every other state. Is someone going to pony up the money to have a team represent that state in cheerleading?
While not perfect, at least the way it is done now, the best teams have a chance to make the competition. And it doesn't penalize a state that might have 2-3 great teams and reward a state that might not have anyone worthy of going.
Still some things to work out, but I do agree with those that think it's headed in the right direction.
