Dan from the JAM Brands published Focus on Fun: Be in it for the Right Reasons! on the new JAM Brands blog.
We are in business to educate, develop and grow children through cheerleading and dance. All owners and coaches should remember FUN first, education second and skills third.
The Board appreciates the recommendations recently made by the Rules Committee and, as always, gave them serious consideration before issuing the revised rules that we feel are in the best interest of our sport and its athletes. Given the feedback we received, it seems appropriate to now address the developments that led the Board to initially issue these rules.
The Board has a deep respect for the technical qualifications of the members of the Rules Committee and sincerely appreciates the hard work of every member. The Board believes that much focus has been given to important detailed technical points; however, there are broader issues involving the rules that deserve immediate attention. Because of this, the Board felt compelled to address what it believes are critical and urgent issues. Addressing these issues is consistent with the mission of the USASF, which is to create a safe and positive environment for All Star athletes and to grow the sport.
An inordinate number of injuries in tumbling appears not to have been adequately addressed by the rules. All technical areas (stunts, pyramids and basket tosses) have restrictions to enhance safety. When particular skills are deemed to be unsafe for the vast number of athletes involved in our sport, rules and restrictions need to be created. If there are skills that appear to be creating injuries, then it is the responsibility of the USASF to address these skills for the overall benefit of our athletes and our sport.
In recent days, some have advocated leaving decisions on what specific skills can be performed by an athlete strictly to the coaches and athletes themselves, thereby eliminating any restrictions. The result would be allowing virtually any skill to be attempted. The Board believes that this approach would have a devastating effect on our sport (envision four high pyramids, basket tosses from shoulder stands, and double or triple backs with multiple twists on the floor and in baskets).
The Board is also concerned about the continued lack of serious competition in many of the divisions that have been created. While the concept of level play has been positive for our sport, the very large number of divisions inherently creates a lack of serious competition in many circumstances. There are now more than 140 divisions. This is counter to creating what is an essential element of any legitimate sport, which is competition. The Board believes that decisions must be made over the coming months to create a more balanced and robust competitive environment.
The image and appearance policy addresses the increasing criticism about the general appearance of our athletes during competition and the unflattering media stories that have focused on how our sport is presenting its athletes, particularly those in the younger age groups.
Regarding process, the Board appreciates the procedure whereby the NACCC recommends rules to the Rules Committee, and the Committee then considers these recommendations, as well as those the Committee develops itself. The Rules Committee then recommends specific rules to the Board, the vast majority of which have historically been passed. However, the Board has always reserved the right to pass certain rules it develops itself if such rules are deemed to address issues of important and immediate concern. Going forward, in an effort to advance the USASF’s mission in a more substantial and timely way, the Board will give as clear a direction as possible to the Rules Committee as it relates to the development of rules.
While fully respecting and appreciating each individual’s right to freely express themselves, it is imperative that those who are involved with the USASF on an official basis or project conduct themselves constructively and professionally with respect for their peers working within the organization. Based on the developments that have recently transpired regarding these rules, the USASF will soon be issuing its own standards of conduct relative to official work being done on behalf of the USASF. To hold an official position, including a USASF committee position, the USASF will require that members discuss and address these issues within the organization’s official structure.
Finally, the Board, which is composed of both event producers and coaches, believes that it is imperative to put the overall good of the sport before personal or company interests. This includes event companies and gym companies. The Board believes everyone should keep this principle at the forefront of our future efforts in furthering the USASF’s mission to create a safe and positive environment for All Star athletes and to grow the sport.
Board of Directors
Jim Chadwick (Chairman), Mike Burgess (USA), Justin Carrier (NCA), Brian Elza (Premier Athletics), Jeff Fowlkes (CHEERSPORT), Mack Hirshberg (Mac’s Cheer), Gwen Holtsclaw* (Cheer Ltd.), Happy Hooper (Ace All Stars), Dan Kessler (Jamfest), April LaFramboise (JAM Brands), Colleen Little (IEP), Jody Melton (Cheer Athletics), Catherine Morris (UDA), John Newby (UCA), Elaine Pascale (World Cup), Steve Peterson (IASF/USASF), James Speed* (GymTyme), Lance Wagers (ACA)
*Consultants to the Board
I think it would be safe to say that we all agree on one thing…we want the number of children participating in All-Star cheerleading to grow! I believe the solution may be something so simple.
We need a reminder! We need to remind ourselves of the many great aspects of our sport. The MAJORS is what got me thinking about this. While promoting this event, I had the opportunity to meet many of the athletes, parents, coaches and gym owners. During this time, I learned that all of these athletes have so many things in common. To hear these athletes talk about things like their love for their teammates, love for their coaches, love for their parents, their desire to be the best, their desire to be better athletes, the commitment they have to their team and sport and their tremendous respect for the teams they compete against is both amazing and inspiring. These athletes have learned so much about life by being an All-Star cheerleader and they truly love the sport of cheerleading!
What I noticed during The MAJORS was that, to these athletes, cheerleading is about so much more than just winning. It’s about the journey, the friendships, the hard work, the education and being a part of a team. These are the things we must remember and continue to promote to those outside our sport to encourage growth. We need all gym owners and coaches to understand and live by this thought process. Coaches have the unique ability to be involved in a child’s life for a decade or more, to watch these children grow as a person. If these values are instilled into our athletes, “success” will happen both on and off the floor.
All-Star Cheerleading is not a “main stream” sport. Getting kids to walk into gyms is tougher than getting them to play in a basketball league. Because of this, cheerleading needs our “community” to rally around each other now more than ever. I saw this happen during The MAJORS. Thousands of athletes, coaches and fans came together to celebrate the athletes competing. But how do we show the kids and parents outside of our industry that All-Star cheerleading can and should be picked over soccer, basketball or any other “main stream” sport?
TOGETHER! We have to take to heart why these kids truly get involved in sports. They love making friends, they feel good when they accomplish goals and they are working hard but having fun doing it. They love the feeling of being a part of a team. If we all remember this and promote this, the participation in All-Star cheerleading will grow. I truly believe it is that simple. We HAVE to remember, cheerleading is about so much more than the placements at events, just like Little League Baseball is about so much more than getting to the Little League World Series. I believe one of the main goals of youth competitive sports is to teach life lessons to children.
Coaches – are you giving adequate importance to values, ethics and life skills training? Or, are these messages getting lost amid the pressure to win? We all know that it feels good to win and be rewarded for the effort and time put into practice. But we have to remember that not everyone can win every time and there are many more lessons learned from a loss than a win. Are we teaching our athletes these lessons?
WE NEED TO CHANGE – Gyms and teams all across the United States and the entire world need to realize that to grow cheerleading, we need to be in this together! You may share a city with multiple gyms or there may be a gym just two miles away. All gyms have a responsibility to grow All-Star cheerleading in their city. Remember, you are not competing against other gyms for athletes; you are competing against those other sports for athletes. The more kids that choose the sport of cheerleading, the more athletes in your gyms!
IF all of us can focus on the wonderful things All-Star cheerleading provides for the youth. IF we can embrace every child for what they contribute to their team. IF we all work together and support each other as an industry, our sport WILL grow to new heights. We know how great it is…now let’s show everyone else why All-Star cheerleading is a great sport for kids. Please…Do Your Part!
Dan Kessler
Co-Owner, The JAM Brands
Gym Owners, Coaches, Choreographers, Music Producers and Parents
I would first like to wish everyone a wonderful and joyous Holiday Season! As we approach a new year, I thought this would be a good time to share some thoughts.
First, I would like to mirror our colleagues at NCA regarding the appropriateness of the music and choreography in routines. For many years, The JAM Brands has had a rule that states, “All routines must be suitable for viewing by audiences of all ages. Vulgar or suggestive music or material is not allowed and will result in a deduction for each incident.” The JAM Brands will continue to support any effort that promotes a positive image of our industry.
It is the coach’s responsibility to teach our athletes the appropriate dance moves, provide clean music to perform to and to select appropriate uniforms. Please make sure you take all three in to account when attending any JAM Brands event.
Secondly, I would like to remind all coaches, athletes and parents about The JAM Brands Sportsmanship Creed:
The JAM Brands strives to build a fun and family atmosphere for all participants, coaches, and spectators. We value healthy rivalry and encourage team spirit! Participants, coaches, and spectators must represent themselves and their teams with pride at all times. They shall show respect to their competitors on and off the performance floor. With a positive competition atmosphere, The JAM Brands can ensure great events!
To grow our sport, we have to continue to make cheerleading appealing to children as well as their parents. Two very important ways to do so are to enhance the image and appropriateness of our sport and to improve the sportsmanship our athletes, coaches and adults show to one another. No matter where you live, the healthier our sport is, the more children want to be involved due to the positive experiences and fun you provide day after day. Aside from training athletes, we are more importantly shaping young lives through building character and continuing the education of a child.
As “Your Partner in Spirit”, The JAM Brands will continue to strive for the very best in cheerleading and dance. We can do this together!
Again, I wish everyone a safe and wonderful holiday season.
Cheers!
Dan Kessler
Co-Owner, The JAM Brands
After 25 years as Founder, President and CEO of COA Cheer & Dance, Steven G. Wedge is announcing his retirement. Steve will retire on May 31, 2011 in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary of the founding of the company.
“My years at COA Cheer & Dance have been a fantastic period in my life and this is by no means a light-hearted decision, but at some point, it’s time to move on. The timing is good with respect to my future personal goals,” says Wedge. “The hardest part of this decision is disengaging professionally from my talented and trusted current and former employees. Without their initiative, imagination and dedication, COA Cheer & Dance would not be the respected spirit industry company it is.”
“Steve Wedge has been a pioneer in this industry helping cheer and dance become what it is today. Steve has brought amazing passion, commitment, knowledge, experience, professionalism and a contagious spirit to our group. We congratulate Steve on his retirement and wish him nothing but the best,” says Dan Kessler, co-owner of The JAM Brands.
The JAM Brands is excited to continue the COA excellence in both cheer & dance competitions and great instructional camps across the country. Wedge will remain as the Chairman of the Shirley A. Wedge National Cheer & Dance Scholarship Fund, an organization he founded 25 years ago that has provided over $400,000 in educational scholarships to deserving cheer and dance athletes.
For more information about COA Cheer & Dance, go to www.COAcheeranddance.com.