David Hanbery is Completely Wrong

Posted on September 3, 2010 by Andre

This was emailed to David & I in response to Cheerleading, Gymnastics, or Emerging Sport:

David Hanbery is COMPLETELY wrong and UNEDUCATED on the topic he is speaking on. Shame on him just like every other person who sits back and talks and does nothing in “the fight”.

First of all, the NCSTA now called the NCATA (National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association) is building a new sport called Acrobatics and Tumbling. In case Mr. Hanbery didn’t happen to look at the word “cheerLEADING”, let me point out that there is no cheering or leading in the new sport. This is precisely the fundamental difference between cheerleading and AAT (acrobatics and tumbling). The NCATA is not trying to take anything away from cheerleading. What they are trying to do, is format the skill set from an activity into a sport. I didn’t hear Mr. Hanbery crying out that cheerleading was a bad thing years ago when acrobatics and tumbling where introduced into the activity. Isn’t this exactly the same thing? The activity of cheerleading took a skill set from another sport (gymnastics) and incorporated it. So why is it so bad that the NCATA has now taken a skill set from another activity and incorporated it into a sport?

Why does Mr. Hanbery even attempt to bring the problems of gymnastics into the picture? Those might be valid problems, but they are gymnastics problems not AAT problems. Those issues are not automatically going to be issues in this sport just because they have the same governing body. It’s like saying when AAT reaches NCAA sport status that will make the sideline cheerleaders have to follow more rules and make changes. Duh….. sideline cheerleading is not considered an NCAA status sport and so none of those rules would apply.

Language is a reflex and a learned skill. It is very difficult to talk about AAT without using the word cheer because of the reflex-like association with where the sport came from. It is a learned skill to use the new name consistently and will take time. What Mr Hanbery is missing is that the activity of cheerleading is not the same as the sport of cheerleading. Changing the name is not denying any identity or selling out, but rather it is the recognition of the sport. It’s the understanding that it is different from leading crowds or cheering. It is the celebration of a skill set being formulated to meet the basic set up of any sport. Sometimes we loose sight that cheerleading was an activity that later incorporated sport-worthy skills, but was developed as a business or activity and not developed the way every other sport was developed. The NCATA is simply taking the lead on the college level of developing the sport in the image of all other sports so it can be recognized for its merits. No matter what the name, who the governing body might be, AAT is still evolved from cheerleading.

As far as the comments made about why bring this under USA Gymnastics….It’s obvious that Mr. Hanbery is uneducated on this topic. One of the requirements of the NCAA for emerging sport status is that you have a recognized governing body. At this time, the joke of a governing body known as USA Cheer is not suitable for this purpose. By adopting an governing body recognized by the Olympic organization and the NCAA, there is credibility for AAT that never would be gained under USA Cheer. The International Sport Accord basically laughed at USA Cheer and you know who, over their effort to begin the process of becoming recognized as an Olympic Sport.

The safety standards under USA Cheer, AACCA, are no where near the quality and level of other sports. The US Sports Academy develops most of the safety standards and certification for all National Federation of High School sports (NFHS) and many sports organizations. The academy is comprised of sport industry experts in their professions. Medical doctors, biomechanics, trainers, spinal injury specialists, lawyers (liability) and injury researchers work together in the academy to develop these certifications. The academy is currently about to announce it’s preferred certification for cheerleading. These standards blow the AACCA certification out of the water. Coming under gymnastics will bring to bare REAL science in developing safety standards that truly protect the health and well being of the athletes. Many of the current safety standards are industry written rules that protect the safety of a profit margin before the athlete.

It’s funny how so many people are suddenly standing up with a voice and ready to fight NOW. Where were people like Mr. Hanbery when Maryland started a varsity program and was calling out to others to do so. Why is it that so few states have a real competitive cheer season with teams that don’t cheer, but only compete (ie Michigan). Where were people like Mr. Hanbery who could have stood up in their own state and developed the sport in a true sport model? Don’t hate on the group of 6 schools that finally are getting the job done. How about you follow their lead and develop a true sport model in your town, region, state. When you see how difficult it is to do it alone, perhaps you will have some respect for the NCATA and the battle they are fighting for the college level.

So instead of everyone who was called to arms to fight this fight dialing Mr. Hanbery’s number, be more productive and supportive of the people who have actually tried to create opportunities for our young girls and women. Call the NCATA and offer your help. Support the organization that just brought our sport the pathway to NCAA emerging sport status. One of the dreams of every athlete is to win a National Championship and to win a gold medal in the Olympics. The NCATA just brought you the potential opportunity in the future to do both of those things. Maybe it’s just me, but I’ll take a name change to achieve that!.

CheerVision

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Varsity: Pin It Forward Campaign A Success At Cheer Camps Nationwide

Posted on September 3, 2010 by M

Cheerleaders were recognized for leadership, commitment, kindness and motivation.

Memphis, Tenn. (September 4, 2010) – This summer, Varsity introduced their new “Pin It Forward” program at cheer camps across the country. Developed as a way to demonstrate why “American Needs Cheerleaders,” Pin It Forward recognized and praised cheerleaders who promote the values fostered through cheerleading, specifically leadership, spirit, commitment, kindness, and motivation. The goal of the campaign is to recognize standout cheerleaders, and encourage them to pass on a kind act to fellow athletes.

Pin It Forward was a two part process. Camp instructors approached campers who demonstrated one of the reasons America Needs Cheerleaders, like leadership, kindness, or motivation. Every instructor at every camp was given two Pay It Forward pins on a cardboard card. When they chose the recipient of their pin, they gave them the card with instructions to pass along the second half to a cheerleader they noticed had the same positive traits. That cheerleader ripped their card in two and gave the second pin to the cheerleader of their choice. All of the “pinned” cheerleaders were recognized in front of the entire camp by the instructors.

“Our campers reacted so enthusiastically to this program,” says Nicole Lauchaire, Director of Corporate Brand Marketing and New Media for Varsity. “There are so many amazing cheerleaders across the country, and we are thrilled to recognize them in such a meaningful way.”

Coaches and campers alike were thrilled with the program. “Pin It Forward is an uplifting program for cheerleaders,” says Coach Lois Vandergriff of Whitwell High School in east Tennessee. “It’s great that Varsity has decided to recognize athletes for their value and commitment and not just their ability. I have been a cheerleading coach for 16 years and always try to encourage community service and instill leadership in my girls. Pin It Forward gives cheerleaders motivation to do these things, and they know they will be recognized for it.”

Campers were also given instruction on how to prepare for National School Spirit Day, which is September 10, 2010. Varsity, the worldwide leader in organized cheerleading, has asked cheerleaders to be visible leaders in their communities by performing works of service in their schools and neighborhoods. For more information on America Needs Cheerleaders, visit http://www.varsity.com/event/1360/america-needs-cheerleaders.aspx.

About Varsity

Varsity is the source for all things related to cheerleading and dance team. With a rich heritage and traditions dating back to 1948, Varsity is an innovative global leader comprised of the leading spirit brands and organizations including its educational camps, clinics, competitions and uniforms to teams around the world. Varsity’s National Championships, which are held at the Walt Disney World® Resorts, have been televised on ESPN Networks for more than 25 years. Sponsors of Varsity events include Gatorade and Nike. Web-based Varsity TV features thousands of cheerleading and dance team videos and has become a favorite cheer destination for cheerleaders and coaches alike. Varsity has led the way in cheerleading safety as a supporter of the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators since 1987 and as a camp leader training more than 300,000 cheerleaders per year in cheerleading fundamentals with an emphasis on safety. Based in Memphis, Tennessee, Varsity employs 5,000 employees nationwide. For more information about Varsity, please visit http://www.varsity.com.

Pin It Forward Press Release

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Cheerleading, Gymnastics, or Emerging Sport

Posted on September 3, 2010 by David Hanbery

NCSTA, or now the NCATA, has announced that USA Gymnastics will now “sanction” their events. The general definition of sanction means that the USAG will give official authorization or approval to do the competitions. I am sticking with this definition until the NCSTA or the NCATA gives me more information. If you have heard John Blake speak on behalf of the NCSTA or the NCATA as I have, you would hear contradictory things like, we want competitive cheerleading to be a sport, we want to get away from calling it cheerleading, and it is a new and emerging sport.

There are many problems with this. As a new and emerging sport why are you enlisting the help of both cheerleading and gymnastics to promote your emerging sport? Cheerleading was bred from the fact that gymnastics was so limited in opportunities. I know as a former gymnastics coach that there are major problems with gymnastics. Gymnasts train many hours on many apparatus. This leads to stress injuries and burnout. The age at which success comes to gymnasts causes many participants to push very hard at an early age, and the very limited college opportunities lead to a major drop off of participants at older ages. Who does it benefit to have this relationship between the NCSTA/NCATA and USA Gymnastics?

Why would the NCSTA or the NCATA choose USA Gymnastics to “sanction” their events? I can only think of a few options.

  1. They are not smart enough to do it on their own. Is there not enough educated people within cheerleading, I mean the NCATA or the NCSTA, to put together their own governing body? Why do they need the help of the USAG? To me this classifies this as a non-emerging sport, but a new division of competition for the USAG. Let’s face it USA Gymnastics has had its share of problems. Don’t believe me? Check out The USAIGC! “We are flattered to see our USAIGC competitive rules and policies being adopted by other gymnastic organizations. Change is needed ….and our USAIGC Club Membership Clubs are leading this Change!” (USAIGC website) The USAIGC points out many apparent problems with the USAG. Take a look here http://www.usaigc.com/. Gymnastics has been plagued by problems with injuries, training, expense, and many others that you only need to search on the web to see.
  2. They need the help of the USA Gymnastics to get approval for Title IX, NCAA, or who knows where they want to take this (Olympics?)? If this is the case than we need to quit talking about them on Spirit Post or in any other cheerleading media because… THEY DO NOT WANT TO CLAIM US! They want the positive aspects of cheerleading under a different name. That is fine as it allows more opportunity for our athletes, but why do they need the USA Gymnastics endorsement to do this. I suppose this takes us back to #1. Maybe we mere cheerleaders are not smart enough to get the job done. Maybe they just need it done fast? Why? What’s the hurry?
  3. The announcement about the NCATA is up on the USA Gymnastics website (but has the logo of the NCSTA). They are so proud to be a part of this “New Sport.” Hey guys… It’s cheerleading! 6 rounds include compulsory, stunt, pyramid, basket toss, tumbling and a team routine. I coached gymnastics for years. Only one of these translate. I coached cheerleading for years. All of these translate. Quit degrading the millions of cheerleaders to please a board of non cheerleaders. Like I said in earlier posts, they will just change the name to get what they want. I was right.

Finally, why are they doing this? Safety? So I suppose all “sanctioned” meets will be on quality spring floors? There will be limits to what the athletes can do that match up with cheerleading or gymnastics? Who and what will the Board that decides things be made up of? Cheerleaders or gymnasts? Congrats to Azusa Pacific University, Baylor University, Fairmont State University, University of Maryland, University of Oregon and Quinnipiac University for moving forward in making cheerleading a recognized sport, but in my opinion, you sold out.

I am going to stand up now and say that all cheerleaders, parents of cheerleaders, coaches of cheerleaders, and supporters of cheerleading should stand up and fight the fight! We know that what we do is both athletic and competitive. If you do not like the way that some committee, judge, or school rules on it, get angry and fight it. A volleyball team at one of those universities did just that and saved their program. We should do the same and save the SPORT we all love! We are smart enough to get it done without the help of other associations.

I know that some will argue that we get our kids from gymnastics, but in my case, I get my kids from soccer, softball, track, volleyball, football, baseball, wakeboarding, or I just get good athletes and train them with my knowledge. I wonder if diving or BMX called on the support of USA Gymnastics because their kids flipped too? I do not think so. So, I am changing my name on Spirit Post from Faja to David Hanbery. My cell number is 601-906-6622 and my email is david@deepsouthspirit.com. To the USASF, the IEP, to Varisty, to Jam Brands, to parents, kids, and coaches, if you are ready to take cheerleading where it is going with or without us and where it needs to be, get in touch with me and I will fight my hardest to make that happen. Cheerleading has changed the world, and it is passed time for the world to change and recognize that.

David Hanbery

President and CEO
Deep South, Inc.
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Questions About the USASF Athlete Membership Requirement

Posted on September 3, 2010 by David Hanbery

On September 1, 2010 the USASF Board of Directors unanimously approved requiring all athletes to be USASF members to attend all sanctioned competitions beginning with the 2011 – 2012 season. As I am feeling like the lonely advocate for the gym owners, potential gym owners, parents, and kids, I would like to point out some major problems with this ruling and hope that my concerns are met by the USASF.

The first concern is that currently there are very few member gyms and athlete members. People join things in order to get something in return. I feel that if the exchange was worthwhile in the first place, we would have more members. Forcing the membership to only allow athletes to compete does not merit worth. What are the worthwhile benefits to the participant, parent, and gym owner that must do all of the work and collect all of the money?

This leaves the door wide open for non-USASF competition companies to pop up and have little or no requirements for the gym owner. I know many gym owners that would like to save money, not spend more. If a competition circuit pops up that allows gyms to compete without membership fees, gym fees, coaching credentialing fees, and meeting fees, I believe many, if not all, gyms in my area would choose that circuit. What is stopping these companies from popping up or even withdrawing from the USASF in order to cater to their market?

Finally, when was this voted on and approved by the USASF members or NACCC members? Why are coaches paying lots of money to get credentialed, to get the gyms credentialed, to get athlete credentialing done for their program, and spending extra time and money to do these things as well as to attend meetings when it seems as if they have little or no voice? Right now it seems as if the USASF is in an office making decisions with the board and telling the gym owners to pay the bill and do the work. I feel as if a leading organization or “Federation” should supply help, aid, and support to the gym owners and potential gym owners in order to expand the activity. In what ways are the USASF and this decision offering this much needed help to the gym owners that are on the ground floor of our activity?

I feel as if there are good reasons for this decision, I just do not think that they have been addressed, and as so, will be controversial. As I have stated before and I will state many times again, the gym owners, coaches, and potential gym owners and coaches are the driving force behind competitive cheerleading and dance. Without them, there are no kids and no profits for uniform, competition, equipment, camp, or media related companies. We have got to do a better job of helping them.

I had over 3000 people at regional competitions last season. Not one gym there besides mine had credentialed athletes or member athletes. I suppose that $75,000 could go a long way to help the USASF. I just hope it will also go to help the gyms and their coaches, kids, and parents. I am a supporter of the USASF, but I carry the flag for the coaches that recruit, train, and educate the kids for a living so that those kids can provide good livings to the rest of the industry. We must do the work on the ground level. I hope that these and many more questions will be answered so that they can prove to us that the mission remains the same.

If you would like to see the Board of Directors that made this and other decisions you can see it here http://usasf.net/members/board/. Those gym owners that need to get more information about what this ruling means for you can also go to the USASF website and find your state and regional directors, but do not look for a phone number for too long. It will be a waste of your time.

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SPIRIT Roundtable Episode 3: The NCSTA Episode

Posted on September 3, 2010 by Andre

SPIRIT Roundtable Episode 3: The NCSTA Episode, is now available. Roundtable guests were Joey Delaney, Head Coach of Ohio State All Girl Cheerleading, Felecia Mulkey, Head Coach of the University of Oregon Stunts & Gymnastics team, and Robert Spencer, Head Coach of Peachtree Ridge High School (GA).

SPIRIT Roundtable Official Site | iTunes Preview | RSS

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