Spirit Post

The USASF sent the following email concerning the 2008-09 Age and Division Grid on Monday:

Dear USASF/IASF Member:

After several months of input from a wide variety of sources, I am pleased to forward you the USASF/IASF Age Grid for the 2008-09 season. There are two copies attached, one with highlights of the changes that have been made from the 2007-08 document and the other a “clean” version with no comparisons shown.

I feel it is important that you know the procedures that were implemented in the development of this document:

• Calls for rule/age grid updates were made in the Fall, and were then voted upon by the NACCC in early January. Although event producers were encouraged to submit their recommendations, their voices are most clearly heard through several committees of the USASF/IASF.
• Results from the NACCC meeting were forwarded to the USASF/IASF Rules Committee.
• The Rules Committee spent a great deal of time throughout the past 2 1/2 months (at the height of the busy competition season I might add), reviewing the recommendations of the NACCC. Some issues had a clear mandate from the NACCC, others did not. The Rules Committee made recommendations which were then forwarded to the National Advisory Board (NAB) and the Sanctioning Committee of the USASF/IASF for their review and input.
• The final approval came from the Board of the USASF/IASF

Please note a couple of key items on the grid. First, “small gym” categories and events have been further defined. These may be run by any USASF/IASF event producer in any geographical location within the parameters established.

For “splitting” divisions, three is now the number of teams that must remain in each division that was split from a larger division. In some instances divisions must be “combined” if there are not at least two teams in a particular division.

The grid has been re-formatted to make it easier (hopefully) to follow the “combinations” and “splits” of divisions. You are reminded that as a member event producer, you must follow the mandates for “combining” and “splitting” divisions as stated in this document. The only choices that are given to event producers are statements that contain the word “may” in them. (i.e. “For divisions that are designated ‘Small’ and ‘Large,” event producers may further subdivide…). Any statement that contains a “will” statement in it must be followed by the event producer as written.

The age grid was posted on the USASF/IASF website late last week, as many programs are gearing up for try-outs and this information was critical for this process.

The Level Rules document for 2008-09 will be posted toward the end of this week. The USASF/IASF Rules Committee has been working diligently to review the level rules for presentation, clarity and ease of interpretation. I felt that no changes would be made to these which would directly impact a gym program’s try-out process, thus we are spending some additional time “word smithing” this document prior to its release.

Finally, I would like to commend the large body of coaches, event producers and industry experts who have given many hours of their time during some of the busiest months of the season to be part of the rules review process.

Ultimately, I feel very good about the overall direction that we provided for the rules process and the integrity that we maintained in allowing feedback and many eyes to review proposed items. Given the multiple agendas, various program sizes and needs, national and international issues and the varied opinions on some controversial topics, I feel that in the end we should proud of what we have accomplished. Will everyone support every decision that has been made? Unfortunately, no. However, I feel that every decision that was made was vetted thoroughly and that multiple points of view were taken into account.

Thank you for your continued support of the USASF/IASF.
Sincerely,
Mike Burgess — Rules Committee Chair

USASF 2008-09 Age Grid - Highlighted & USASF 2008-09 Age Grid

Michael Burgess
United Spirit Association
President

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USASF director Jim Chadwick sent the following email on March 12th:

In our efforts to better understand the opinions and points of view of members of this organization that now number over 12,000, we have been conducting a number of e-mail surveys. The most recent survey regarding uniforms has created some misconceptions that need to be clarified.

1. What you received was only a survey, nothing more.
2. There is nothing in the 2008-09 rules, soon to be released, that is new regarding uniforms.
3. The purpose of the uniform survey was to collect information to be discussed at the National Advisory Board (NAB) meeting in April. The NAB is made up of individuals you elect to represent you with the goal of helping set the agenda for the USASF. A listing of the NAB membership follows. Please contact your representatives if you have any suggestions regarding any aspect of possible uniform guidelines.
4. Before any uniform rules would be passed, the USASF would first need to decide this is an area that would benefit from USASF governance. There has not been any decision on this one way or the other. On one hand, there is a concern that some parents may view some of the uniforms on our youngest athletes as sexual exploitation, do not allow their children to join an all star program, and thus limit the overall size of the market. On the other hand, most of the parents with their children already in all star programs probably think the uniforms are fine. The truth may lie somewhere in the middle.
5. The mission of the USASF is to increase the number of participants benefiting from the positive life experience of all star cheer and dance. Would there be more participants if we provide uniform guidance to gyms or should we let the gyms make the decision? I am sure that most would prefer to let gyms choose but the concern is how many will make poor choices and the potential this creates to limit the size of the market.
6. One of the strategies the USASF employs to accomplish its mission is to strengthen the actuality and perception of all star as a safe sport. While we tend to think of safety from an avoidance of injury standpoint, we should also consider the importance of protecting our athletes from sexual predators.
7. Our goal is to have a clear and transparent rules development process that includes everyone with a point of view. The January NACCC rules meeting was webcast and a vote was taken worldwide. The USASF Rules Committee, 25 experts strong, has considered every point of view. Any issues that are still cloudy after the worldwide vote and the analysis of experts, will go to the NAB for input. The end product is every member of this organization that wants to express an opinion regarding any rule has the opportunity so the idea that there will be a surprise rule on uniforms this or any year is totally false.
8. Finally, and probably most importantly, all star is composed of equal parts sports and entertainment. Uniforms that fail to support the entertainment component would be as counterproductive to growth as uniforms that are perceived as sexually exploitative. As with all things, keeping a balanced perspective on this issue is critically important.

NAB Membership

Cheer Coach Representatives
Terms expire in December 2009

• Jeff Miller, Pro Spirit, TX
• Cheryl Pasinato, East Elite, MA
• Courtney Pope, Cheer Extreme, NC
• Robin Norko, Spirit All Stars, CT
• Abel Rosa, Premier Athletics, TN

Terms expire in December 2008

• Rhonda Durham, Quakes, CA
• Kim Braasch, Cheer Tyme, PA
• Debbie Love, Pep Club, KY
• Jamie Parrish, Stingrays, GA
• Don Collins, choreographer, NC

Dance Coach Representatives
Terms expire in December 2009

• Lisa Greco, ACE, OH
• Dan Sapp, PACE, CA
• Amy Goldberg, Star Performance Center, OH
• Todd Sharp, Planet Dance, IN
• Carol Lloyd, Memphis Elite, TN

Competition Event Producers
Terms expire in December 2009

• Dan Kessler, JAMfest, KY
• Kevin Brubaker, Cheersport, NC
• Justin Carrier, NCA, TX
• Kiki Bittner, Pacwest, WA
• Mike Pare, Spirit Cheer, FL

Terms expire in December 2008

• Serena Andrews, Coastal Alliance, MD
• Bill Patterson, NCA, TX
• Tammy VanVleet, GSSA, CA
• Gwen Holtsclaw, Cheer LTD, SC
• Rey Lasano, U.S. Spiritleaders

Affiliate Members
Terms expire in December, 2009

• Marisa Walker, American Cheerleader Magazine, NY
• Stasia Ohmie, Dollamur, TX

Terms expire in December 2008

• Carolyn Silberman, Cheer Coach and Advisor
• Ross Morreale, Ross Athletics
• Tate Chalk, Nfinity Shoes

Thank you for your attention to this important matter,
Jim Chadwick

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The USASF recently posted the Final NACCC Meeting Suggestion List and sent the following email:

USASF/IASF Member Coaches, Gym Owners and Event Producers:

Many thanks to those who sent in suggested revisions to the rules/levels for the 2008/09 season. These suggestions are now posted on the USASF/IASF website. The next step in preparation for the January NACCC is to accept both position papers and sign-ups for those who wish to speak about a particular ballot measure (revision) in person in Atlanta.

At this time no further additions to the list of ballot measures will be accepted. Ballot measures that have previously been submitted by an individual may be clarified or withdrawn entirely by its author only. Clarifications and withdrawals will be accepted only until December 15th. In some instances, the ballot measure that is currently written is broad in scope. We recommend that all ballot measures be as clearly defined as possible so as to avoid confusion for voters.

The above policy is put in place to allow the structure of the January meeting to be as defined as possible and to avoid last-minutes amendments to ballot measures.

If you would like to send in a position paper in support of or against any of the ballot measures that are currently posted, these papers are due to Les Stella (email omitted) no later than 11:59 p.m. (PST) on Tuesday, December 18th. (Please note extension from originally published deadline)

The following protocols must be met in order for a position paper to be accepted and posted.

• The position paper must list the measure that it is addressing, exactly as it is currently listed on the USASF/IASF web site.
• All authors on the position paper must be a member in good standing (either as a coach, gym owner, event producer, etc.) of the USASF/IASF.
• The position paper must be submitted with the name/professional affiliation of at least one author ? Multiple authors and/or signatures in support of the statements written in the position paper will be accepted.
• Position papers will not be edited by the USASF/IASF office. We suggest that you are both clear and concise in your wording.
• While personal anecdotal stories may be helpful to support the cause of the position paper, please keep in mind that ballot measures should be looked at as to how they may affect the entire all-star industry.
• Any person who wishes to speak (see below) at the NACCC meeting in Atlanta, may also submit a position paper by the December 18th deadline.

For those individuals who would like to speak in person at the NACCC meeting in Atlanta, please adhere to the following protocol:

• Send your name/e-mail address/phone number to Les Stella (email omitted)
• Include the ballot measure, exactly as it is currently listed on the USASF/IASF web site, for which you wish to speak in person.
• A person may only speak on only one initiative at a time.
• All speakers must be willing to be broadcast via webcast.
• All speakers must be members in good standing (either as a coach, gym owner, event producer, etc.) of the USASF/IASF.
• All speakers must be available between 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, January 3rd should they wish to present in person at the NACCC meeting in Atlanta.
• Only “in person” speeches will be allowed at the event. All other methods of presentation must be through a position paper.
• Speakers must declare their interest in presenting at the Atlanta meeting no later than 11:59 p.m. (PST) on Tuesday, December 18th.

Once the total number of speakers has been determined, speakers will be informed of the amount of time they will be given to speak at the Atlanta meeting. There is no guarantee that every individual who wishes to speak will have an opportunity to do so at the Atlanta meeting. This will depend upon the final number of people who express their desire to speak in person.

We hope that this process is both clear and fair to all, and that it will provide a structure for a successful meeting in Atlanta at which all participants feel that their voices may be heard.

Sincerely,
Michael Burgess USASF/IASF Rules Committee Chair

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The USASF sent the email below on Monday, November 19th:

Dear USASF/IASF Member Event Producer:

The USASF/IASF Rules Committee and the leadership of the NACCC, in addition to the USASF/IASFBoard, have been working hard to establish a process for rules/levels review and revision for 2008-09 that will be organized, inclusive and responsive to the needs of both all-star programs and event producers.

As a result, the attached process/dates have been developed to encourage as much participation as possible from member coaches and event producers. Please review these and take note of the following:

– This process has been posted on the USASF/IASF website since the beginning of November.

– The current list of proposed voting issues is listed on the website at www.usasf.net.

– The deadline for submitting suggested rules/level changes has been extended to Tuesday, November 27th.

– Submissions must be made in writing and sent to Les Stella at the USASF/IASF office.

Submissions and the ultimate voting on these that will take place in early January by coaches are critical to the continued success of the all-star activity and the standardization that the USASF/IASF and its members have strived to achieve over the past several years. Although event producers may not vote directly at the meeting in early January, I encourage your active participation in this important process by making suggestions for rules/levels revisions and getting this input on the ballot.

Sincerely,
Michael Burgess
USASF/IASF Rules Chair

The following information was attached to the email:

Nov 1-Proposed level/rule changes to date are posted on the USASF website and sent out to all USASF member coaches.

Nov 15 -Deadline for suggestions of additional level/rule changes. These must be submitted in writing to Les Stella at (email omitted). JUST EXTENDED TO NOV 27, 2007.

December 1 - Final slate of level/rule changes to be voted on during Jan meeting is posted on the USASSF/IASF website and sent out to all USASF/IASF member coaches. A call for anyone who would like to speak on the webcast to any particular issue on the slate will be presented. An opportunity to write position papers will also be made.

Dec 15 - Position papers on any item on the slate for Jan meeting are due to Les Stella. These papers are for those who would like their voice to be heard, but cannot be present at the Jan meeting.

Dec 22 - Position papers posted on the USASF/IASF website. Agenda with speakers for Jan meeting set.

Jan 3 and 4 - At the Jan meeting, all those who previously asked to have time to speak on an item on the slate for voting will be permitted to speak. There will be a time limit given to each speaker. This time limit will be based upon the total number of people who have signed up to speak. Speakers will be limited to speaking only on the rule/issue that they are specifically addressing. Moderator to monitor this.

There is no guarantee that every individual who wishes to speak will have an opportunity to do so. Should there be multiple speakers addressing the same issue, there may be a limit placed on the number of people permitted to speak at the NACCC meeting (written comments on a topic will be welcomed).

These in person speeches will be webcast for all to view who cannot be present at the NACCC meeting.

Jan 14 - Votes will be tallied and final recommendations made to the USASF/IASF Rules Committee by the NACCC. These recommendations will be reviewed by the USASF Rules Committee which will in turn make a recommendation, Feb 1st, to the USASF Board as to whether to accept the proposed rules of the NACCC as written or not.

• If the rules are accepted as written, then the process ends.
• IF the rules are not accepted by the USASF Rules Committee as written, then the rules will be sent to a Joint Committee of the USASF and NACCC for revision. This joint committee will be comprised of 3 members of the USASF and 3 members from the NACCC. It is our hope that given the representation on both committees from the start, that the rules will not need to be forwarded to a Joint Commission (especially when we have a pseudo-joint commission all along with representation from each organization on each other’s committee).
• The joint Rules Committee will revise the rules and make a recommendation to the USASF Board before final approval.

Feb 1 - USASF /IASF Rules Committee makes final recommendations to the USASF/IASF Board. Ultimately, the USASF Board may only approve or disapprove rules as recommended by the USASF Rules Committee (per the recommendation from the NACCC) or by the Joint Rules Committee. The goal is for the USASF Board to make its final decision for 2008-2009 rules/levels no later than the end of Feb 2008.

March 1 - Approved 2008-2009 levels/rules/divisions announced.

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This email was sent on Friday, November 16th concerning the upcoming NACCC Rules Meeting:

Dear USASF/IASF Member Coach:

The leadership of the NACCC and the USASF/IASF Rules Committee, in addition to the USASF/IASFBoard, have been working hard to establish a process for rules/levels review and revision for 2008-09 that will be organized, inclusive and responsive to the needs of both all-star programs and event producers.

As a result, the attached process/dates have been developed to encourage as much participation as possible from member coaches. Please review these and take note of the following:

– This process has been posted on the USASF/IASF website since the beginning of November.

– The current list of proposed voting issues is listed on the website at www.usasf.net

– The deadline for submitting suggested rules/level changes has been extended to Tuesday, November 27th.

– Submissions must be made in writing and sent to Les Stella at the USASF/IASF office.

Submissions and the ultimate voting on these that will take place in early January by coaches are critical to the continued success of the all-star activity and the standardization that the USASF/IASF and its members have strived to achieve over the past several years. I encourage your active participation in this important process.

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The NACCC sent the following email on November 2nd with the Meeting Flyer attached. An updated Flyer was sent on November 5th.

Coaches,
Attached is the flyer for the NACCC (National All-Star Cheerleading Coaches Congress) Meeting taking place in Atlanta. Please review it and plan on registering to attend.
Remember, IMPORTANT TOPICS are voted on at this meeting and this is a perfect opportunity to have a voice in this industry.
IMPORTANT DEADLINES…

• Nov 15 - All suggestions for 08-09 Rules/Level Changes due to Les Stella
• Dec 1 - All items to be voted on at meeting will be posted on USASF website
• Dec 15 - Position Papers posted on USASF website NEW THIS YEAR

1. The NACCC brochure will not be mailed. This IS your invitation.
2. Only scheduled speakers will speak on their position at the meeting
3. All of the general sessions will take place on Thursday, January 3rd. (Inaugural Members will meet on the evening of January 2nd).
4. The meeting will conclude on Thursday, January 3rd at 4pm. For those flying to Atlanta, you will probably be able to get home that evening.

If you have any questions about the agenda for the USASF Meeting, contact the USASF at www.usasf.net. As it was so eloquently stated in an earlier survey, be a part of the SOLUTION, not the problem!!

NACCC Rules Meeting & NACCC Rules Process

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