Maybe their coach feels that they will do better in that level. Maybe they have been competing above their level and he/she has decided this would be a better level for them to compete at. Our coach changed our level at the last comp and I feel so much better about that. It really sucked coming in last all the timeand now we actually have a chance.
I don't know any of the details, but it seems odd to me a team would compete at a particular level all season long, and then suddenly change to a lower level. On the surface it would appear you have higher level cheerleaders who don't have to perform the more difficult stunts, making a potential win much easier since they certainly should be able to perform the stunts at the lower level. Usually you know after the first couple competitions if you're performing at the wrong level, or am I mistaken?
However, it could be other reasons too. Injuries maybe?
Maybe, I would have to agree there, if you've been coming in last all season long, or doing poorly, could be an indication you've been performing stunts/tumbling at the wrong level. But if a team has been winning or doing well all season long at a particular level, it to me would seem unfair to others if they suddenly dropped their level to make it easier to win at Nationals. But like the other post said, there could be other reasons for it that we don't know about. Hope so. Good luck to everyone!
As a mom of one of the girls on a team that has been competing level 5 this season and now is level 4 I can say that I am completely relieved. Our squad in particular has had success and disappointment both at level 5 but we have only competed against a couple of teams all season so far and there has not been a Jr. level 4 division at any of the competitions we have been to. We only have had 1 girl with a full all year and it is hard to compete in that division with 1 full. We have quite a few layouts and girls working on fulls but they are just not there yet and would not feel confident trying to do them at Nationals. I think in order for us to have the possibility to experience success, level 4 is where we need to be and it looks like our coaches feel the same way. I would definitely say our team is not sandbagging in any way. We will have to work really hard to do well in level 4 or 5. Good luck to everyone at Nationals!
Actually, junior level 4 has been a great competitive level all year long.
There's nothing wrong with being honest - Motions juniors are not a level 5 team. One kick-double, one double-down, and a couple of fulls does not a level 5 team make. They will likely do much better in level 4, although GSSA is going to be a great competition for both junior and senior level 4. Great teams in all 3 divisions (large sr 4, small sr 4, and jr 4):
Junior 4: Airborne Cheer Divas Pyramids Motions Folsom Jr. Bulldogs
Folsom will win as long as they have a clean routine - they have been awesome all year.
Small senior 4: Gymstars Athletic Perfection Dynasty
I'd give this one to AP easily but don't know anything about Dynasty, so I can't. But AP has been unbelievably clean and solid all year, until Spirit Spectacular.
Large senior 4: SBE Cheer Divas Power
This one is any one of these three teams to take, and has been my favorite division to watch all season long.
I agree with Nor Cal coach, I think those have been great divisions all year. There have been alot of great Junior Level 4 teams at the national level and this is our first time competing with our local teams so we are excited to see how it pans out. I haven't seen Folsom yet, are they a youth rec team turned allstars?
I also understand when a coach decides to move a team to different division. Sometimes the safety of the kids is at hand and you need to make sure that the kids have a positive cheer experience not one of always worrying if things are going to hit or if your pass is going to land. Its supposed to be fun right? So lets all have a great time this weekend!
I agree with Nor Cal Coach and Airborne coach 100%. It is all about competing in a level that the kids feel really confident in and can shine! Goodluck Airborne at GSSA!
Hmm, not sure where you got the teams you listed for Small Senior 4, but they're not the top teams I've seen win at most of the competitions so far. Were they just YOUR favorites? Just wonderin...
Sorry, didn't mean to put the person I was replying to in the name field! Are those teams going against each other at GSSA Nationals? I guess I'm surprised there are only three. That's why I thought you were just naming top teams in general. Sorry 'bout that!
I agree with Nor Cal --- Level 4 (Excel) has been highly competitive and great to watch. Perfect for those teams with just a couple/few fulls (or none). They've been so creative too.
