I was curious, does your state have anything that might be equivalent to a "best in state" competition? There are probably reasons why it wouldn't work (maybe it would be hard to handle that many teams) but I always thought it would be awesome to have one competition here in California, for instance, that all California gyms would attend to achieve a best in state title of some sort. Even if it wasn't official, you would know where you stand if everyone in your state attended. Does Texas have anything like that? Any other states?
Part 2, if you had to select ONE competition in your state that you think of as a best in state (maybe because of the teams that usually attend, or judging that is close to what you might see at Worlds, etc...), which would it be??
There are 3 state competitions, but one is officially called the Ultimate State competition and its sponsored by the American Championships. There is also one held in Long Beach. I like both events personally.
If I had to pick one event where the best teams go I would say the American Showcase. Lots of good California teams attend and its filled with great entertainment.
Agree on that. Plus they had a special needs division, which was wonderful. It's a tough competition and a good one to attend if you want to see how you stack up against the best in California.
I think it depends on the year. Like it used to be USA that everyone went to, then that American Championships one in Anaheim, last year I would have said it was probably the GSSA where the Worlds bids were given out, and this year a lot of teams are going to Jamz in Las Vegas. It seems like it varies from year to year as to where the most teams congregate.
More teams in California last year were at American Showcase than GSSA (or USA). Each division had plenty of competition (many top teams). Don't know about the year before. They have a great turnout because they are a top notch competition, with a well respected scoring system. I don't see that changing this season, but we'll see!
Yes, there is the Ultimate State championship, coming up soon I think. The problem is, none of the big name teams go to that! The American Showcase or GSSA Nationals would be the comps that could actually be called the best of the state! All divisions had good representation, and the upper level divisions saw fierce competition! Can't wait 'til this year. Oh and yes, jamz in vegas will be smokin!
I don't think anyone's saying it's respectable...they're saying a lot of teams go (assuming because of the bids).
I wish the bids weren't doled out to organizations based on how much money they pay USASF. Because if there were no bids, there would be no one going to GSSA, I don't think.
Actually GSSA has been a large competition for the past 4 years in Northern California. The majority of large programs attend there, but they also seem to cater to that style as well. It feels like if you don't have that Northern California style, then you don't do well at competitions, because the judges see so much of it at one time, it looks odd if you step outside the box.
If you have teams that may go to Worlds, wouldn't you want to go to competitions that have that kind of scoring (which many of us feel should be at EVERY competition)? It just seems bizarre to have a competition like GSSA who awards teams who have a certain style they like, who gives bids to a competition (Worlds) that doesn't score ANYTHING like GSSA.
Maybe that's the idea, to have well rounded cheer teams that would win any kind of scoring system. If a team can do well at GSSA, and then turn around and do well at Worlds too, well that says a lot about that team I guess. Just a thought, I really have no clue.
Yes we received an unpaid bid from GSSA.but I would NEVER give GSSA credit for that. We never would have gone if we didn't need to. I ALWAYS vote to veto GSSA. I wish they would change their ways, they are close to home!
OK Just to let one of the above posters know here you go..................The American Championships (the one that is in Vegas in December) gave out 3 bids to worlds last year....#1 went to Cheer Athletics Panthers = Team #1 at worlds large senior all girl, #2 went to Cheer Athletics Jags = Team #1 at worlds in small senior all girl and the third went to California Allstars (and I believe this bid was declined by Cali Allstars)...So as you can see the American Championships are the clear winner as far as teams it sent to worlds that did the best....2 #1 Teams...AMAZING!!!
While I agree that there were probably teams that didn't decide until later in the season to attend GSSA, I think there are a few gyms who have them on their competition list before their season starts (regulars who attend every year). But if they are gaining any popularity rather than losing teams, in my opinion, it is ONLY because of the bids to worlds; others gave up on them. Too many well respected competitions to attend instead, who needs the frustration.
