Spirit Post

Jim Chadwick sent the following email on July 17th:

Attached are the USASF Sanctioning Standards for the 2008-09 season which are unchanged from 2007-08. The bottom line is safe and legitimate competitions are the foundation of allstar cheerleading and every competition event producer that provides competitions that meet the best practices standard will be recognized as such with the USASF sanction.

In 2007-08, the USASF sanctioning program was very successful considering this was the first ever sanctioning program for allstar cheerleading. There were 525 competitions sanctioned by the USASF in the US. 18 were 5 Star, 31 were 4 Star, 80 were 3 Star, and 396 met the minimum sanctioning criteria.

The sanctioning program has been so successful in the US that it is being expanded internationally at the request of virtually every international member. This will result in greater exposure around the world, enhanced legitimacy in the US, and stronger promotional opportunities for those members sanctioning their competitions.

The new USASF- IASF website <IASFWORLDS.ORG> will provide the main informational and promotional impetus for sanctioning beginning in August. Of course, the current USASF website <USASF.NET> will also list all sanctioned events.

Every USASF member competition is eligible for USASF sanctioning by meeting specific, best practices, standards. The goal was to create a process that would be quick and simple for competition event producers to implement, easy for coaches to understand, and be readily upgradable to continually reflect the best practices in the industry.

Please read through these standards and think about which of your competitions fit where and register them at your earliest convenience.

Cost: USASF Sanctioning is free to approved and paid up USASF members for the 2008-09 season.

Registration Forms: Are attached and available on the USASF web site <USASF.NET>.
Please fax them to Steve Peterson at 800-969-6309.

Timing: Now.

Control - It will be up to each competition event producer to certify that their competitions meet the applicable sanctioning standards. For those that do not, there is a review process to insure consistent implementation across the country.

Marketing - A logo package is available to all USASF members to designate the various sanctioning levels which can be used in all marketing materials.

The response in the first year, 2007-08 was overwhelming and we expect it to be even greater this year so please get your applications in as soon as possible to expedite the website promotion.

Last, but certainly not least, I want to thank everyone who participated in this program during 2007-08 and those who contributed to the development and approval of these standards. It took a lot of time from everyone involved and this contribution to the USASF and the future of the allstar community is deeply appreciated.

Thank you.

USASF - Sanctioning Standards - 2008-09

USASF - Member Event Producer Sanctioning Application

Jim Chadwick

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Steve Peterson sent the following email to tier 3 and 4 USASF event producers. I haven’t seen a similar email for the other tiers yet:

Dear Tier 3 & 4 Members,
The attached document was created specifically for our member event producers who have made a commitment to support and further the mission of the USASF, follow the USASF rules, safety guidelines and sanctioning standards for the 2008 - 2009 membership term.

Please read over it thoroughly and if you have any questions please contact me or Jim Chadwick.

Please fill in the appropriate information on pages 1,2 and sign page 4.

Please mail or fax your completed and signed copy back to me at the USASF office by August 1st.

Once I receive it, I will sign page 4 and mail a copy with both signatures back to you.

USASF Company Member Agreement Tiers 3 and 4

Mail to:
USASF
Attn: Steve Peterson
6745 Lenox Center Court; Suite 300
Memphis, TN 38115

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Jim Chadwick sent the following email to event producers on June 17th:

Dear USASF Event Producer Member,

Thank you for being a member of the USASF. We deeply appreciate your participation and support. Importantly, we want to invite you to attend any of our 6 summer regional meetings. The meeting schedule is listed below. To register, please contact your USASF Regional Director or go on-line <USASF.NET> to register and view the agenda.

June 21 – Charlotte, NC.

July 13 – White Plains, NY.

August 2 – Cincinnati, OH.

August 9 – Dallas, TX.

August 16 – Orlando, FL.

September 15 – Anaheim, CA.

Here is a quick update of the key actions underway at this time.

Worlds, 2009 – While many have told us the 2008 Worlds was the most successful yet, we are carefully gathering input from everyone in an effort to make the Worlds, 2009 even more successful. Key areas of attention are streamlining the registration paperwork, better utilization of the venues, improved control of the number of teams in specific divisions, especially in finals, more convenient transportation between venues, and better customer service .

As impressive as it was to host 30 countries with teams at the Worlds in 2008, we expect a dramatic increase to about 50 in 2009 with the International Cheer Union (ICU) competition for national teams occurring the Friday (April 24) before the Worlds (April 25-26), all at Disney in Orlando. Think about it, many Olympic sports do not have teams from 50 countries competing. We have come a long way and I believe this is just the beginning of the history we are making together.

Rules – We are planning on moving to an every other year rules cycle. The rules updates we make this year and announce in March 2009 would be for the 2010-11 year. This means everyone will have plenty of time to make any necessary adjustments. Of course, we will reserve the right to make rules changes whenever necessary to address urgent safety or other issues but these should be the exception.

Financials – We expect the USASF to be able to make a sizable repayment on Varsity’s start up loan in 2008 and to begin to provide significant scholarships to member athletes in 2009 as well as to continue to repay the loan. From losing over $500,000 in 2005 to only losing about $140,000 in 2007 then actually being in the black in 2008 is a milestone in the history of the USASF and a testament to what we all can do together when we put our minds to it. Once the audit is complete, we will post the financials on the website.

Athlete Credentialing – Athletes will no longer need to be credentialed to compete at the Worlds. Membership will be required but athlete credentialing will be optional. We are working with our insurance underwriters to make sure we will be able to continue to offer member athletes and credentialed member coaches the $1,000,000 catastrophic injury insurance.

Enhanced website – We are hoping to introduce new functionality to the enhanced <IASFWorlds.org> website to strengthen your event visibility plus offer a new credentialing educational and testing program on-line in September to make it more convenient for members to become credentialed and for prospective members to join.

Best regards,

Jim Chadwick

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Congratulations to the 2008 Cheerleading Worlds Champions.

Club Teams:

• Top Gun Large Coed
• Spirit of Texas Small Coed
• World Cup Large Senior
• Stingrays Small Senior

International:

• Stingrays Coed 6
• PACE Phoenix All Girl 6
• Gym Tyme Coed 5
• South Elite All Girl 5
• Cheer Athletics Small Coed
• Cheer Athletics Small All Girl
• University Cheer Junior Coed
• World Cup Junior

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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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The following was sent to cheer coaches towards the end of March:

Dear Cheer Coach,
We are excited to announce that Cheer Coach & Advisor magazine has again partnered with the USASF and together we are offering an award for the 2008 World’s Top U.S. Cheer Coach and new this year, an award for the 2008 World’s Top International Cheer Coach.

These awards are a bit unique in that the nominees will be voted upon by their peers. That’s right, you get to choose who will receive the 2008 World’s Top U.S. Cheer Coach Award and the 2008 World’s Top International Cheer Coach. The process is easy, just fill out the attached form and return it to us by April 6, 2008. The coaches with the most nominations/votes will become the recipients of the annual 2008 World’s Top U.S. Cheer Coach Award and the 2008 World’s Top International Cheer Coach Award.

(Attachments - International Nomination Form & US Nomination Form)

The rules are simple. The nominees must be planning to attend the 2008 USASF World’s in Orlando, FL, on April 26-27 and they must have been an active coach during the 2007-2008 season.The winning coaches will receive an award at the 2008 USASF World’s ceremony and will be recognized and featured in an upcoming issue of Cheer Coach & Advisor magazine.

Do you know of a coach worthy of this special honor; someone that works tirelessly to promote the sport of cheerleading? A person that other coaches admire and that young people look up to as a mentor and role model? If so, then don’t delay, complete the attached form and return it to (email address omitted) by April 6, 2008.

Valerie, Editor
Cheer Coach & Advisor Magazine
www.cheercoachmagazine.com

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There are 51 USASF recognized All*Star divisions for the 2007-2008 competition season. Of course, this count ignores the 7-8 Small Gyms divisions in the Southwest.

USASF Divisions 2007-08

The 2007-2008 divisions break down like this:

• Tiny Level 1s - 1
• Mini Level 1s - 1
• Mini Level 2s - 1
• Mini Level 3s - 1
• Youth Level 1s - 2
• Youth Level 2s - 2
• Youth Level 3s - 2
• Youth Level 4s - 2
• Youth Level 5s - 1
• Junior Level 1s - 2
• Junior Level 2s - 2
• Junior Level 3s - 3
• Junior Level 4s - 3
• Junior Level 5s - 3
• Senior Level 1s - 1
• Senior Level 2s - 3
• Senior Level 3s - 4
• Senior Level 4s - 4
• Senior Level 5s - 6
• International Level 5s - 4
• Special Needs - 1
• Open Level 6s - 2

Or by Levels, like this:

• Level 1 - 7
• Level 2 - 8
• Level 3 - 10
• Level 4 - 9
• Level 5 - 14
• Level 6 - 2
• Special Needs - 1

Or by Age, like this:

• Tiny - 1
• Mini - 3
• Youth - 9
• Junior - 13
• Senior - 18
• International Open - 4
• Special Needs - 1
• Open - 2

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David Hanbery of Deep South Cheer had the following response to USASF’s Jim Chadwick.

I commend the effort on trying to make our sport as respectable as possible. I also feel that if we plan on expanding our sport we must do this through providing an education for the youth that are involved. That said, I think that education is the key. Has anyone explained that much like swimming and gymnastics that the outfits that we wear are are not always determined by style but also by safety of those involved? I am the first to state that our uniforms should not place our children in an unsafe environment, but I also understand that in track and field, swimming, gymnastics, and many other sports that rely on strength, flexibility, and the art of body movement, that the outfits worn are determined by not only by fashion but the safety of the athlete.

Any coach understands that spotting a tumbling pass or catching a flyer is much easier with gymnastics or acrobatic type attire. Have you ever witnessed different in a gymnastics meet or an acrobatic performance? I truly feel that education to not only the participants, but also the parents of those participants is the key. I would never want any of our participants to be put in a vulnerable position, but I feel that communication versus rules may be a better way of relaying a position on the matter. I also feel that judges and event providers could easily explain to a coach this position as I have done in the past. As cheerleading continues to follow the steps of diving, gymnastics, and acrobatics, I have noticed the uniforms have done the same. While we all should take precautions to protect our youth, I feel that this must be said.

Thank you for your time,

David Hanbery
President and CEO
Deep South, Inc.

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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 following survey was recently sent by USASF Representative, Gena Evans. The survey closes March 16th. A similar survey was sent to USASF event producers.

USASF Dress Code and Proposal:

Based on the recommendation of the NAB, we propose the following guidelines and time frame for implementation:

Uniform Changes by the Fall of 2009:

• No midriff/bra tops for participants on Tiny, Mini or Youth Level and under teams. The bottom of the uniform top should meet the waistband of the skirt when standing straight.
• Skirt length should visibly cover the briefs when standing straight.

Uniform changes by the Fall of 2010:

• No midriff/bra tops for participants on Junior Level teams. The bottom of the uniform top should meet the waistband of the skirt when standing straight.
• Skirt length should visibly cover the briefs when standing straight.

Uniform Changes by the Fall of 2011:

• No midriff/bra tops for participants on Senior Level teams. The bottom of the uniform top should meet the waistband of the skirt when standing straight.
• Skirt length should visibly cover the briefs when standing straight.

There are currently no restrictions proposed for Open Level teams

The following 5 question were asked:
1. Do you agree with the proposed change from midriff to a full length top?

• Yes
• No

2. Do you agree with the proposed skirt length?

• Yes
• No

3. When would you propose to start making changes to the uniform?

• Fall of 2009
• Fall of 2010
• Fall of 2011
• Fall of 2012
• Do not see need for change

4. This proposal involves a yearly progression. At which level of teams do you think this progression should begin?

• Senior
• Junior
• Youth
• Tiny & Mini

5. Should Open All Star levels be included in this proposal?

• Yes
• No

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The following email was sent to the USASF by a parent. USASF’s Gena Evans’ response follows the parent’s email:

Good Morning,

I am concerned about something that happened this last weekend in Mobile, Alabama. Jamfest held a National Competition in Mobile. Let me state here, that I am biased. My daughter competed in the Senior Level Two Division. My daughter cheers for Arkansas Cheer Company. Their only competition was World Xtreme Vipers from McDonough, Georgia.

The World Xtreme Vipers performed phenomenally. I was very impressed with jumps, timing, motion sequences, tumbling and teamwork. They were very impressive.

The outcome was about what we expected. While our squad performed flawlessly and great. They were just not as clean as WXV. We were under the mindset that to lose to a squad of their caliber was an honor. They were just that good.

During awards, the announcer called the WXV as the winners and their squad stood to go receive the trophy and banner. As always, we applauded the other squad that won. We were not real surprised when the announcer called WXV as the winners of another division that we knew the gym was competing in (Senior Level Four). Now, imagine our surprise, disgust and shock when all the same athletes stood to receive the trophy for that division. The same squad was competing at a Level Four and a Level Two!

Now, as I understand it, double competing is not against any rules. As a matter of fact, we have a few athletes that do this to help squads when another competitor quits or can’t make a competition for health reasons. But, how outrageous is it for a Level Four Competition squad to compete at a Level Two as well. In the Competition Martial Arts Industry, they call this sand-bagging. And, it’s equated to Pete Rose, Barry Bonds and Michael Vick type behavior.

What are they teaching athletes and students when they approve, or furthermore support, this kind of behavior?

I am writing to make USASF aware of such horrible behavior and to petition for a rule change. I would love to see a number or percentage quote that would limit the number of double competitors to a squad.

Please tell me of any possibilities. I am encouraging parents from our gym to petition your governing body and Jamfest. It’s just ridiculous to see what some gym owners and coaches will pull to win trophies and titles.

Gena Evans’ response:

I appreciate you information and want to commend you on such a well-written letter. I am equally impressed to hear that your program encourages such great sportsmanship. That isn’t always the case these days.

However, the cross-competing rules are up to each individual Event Producer to decide how they choose to handle that for their events. I am going to forward your email to each of the Event Producers so that they will have this valuable information as they start their planning process for next season.

Cheers,

Gena Evans
USASF Area Director

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The USASF sent the following email on Tuesday, February 26th:

We are creating a Gym Owners Committee with the mission of helping all USASF member gyms become more profitable. This group will be led by a Steering Committee: Morton Bergue, Casey Jones, and Cole Stott and the USASF Regional/Area Directors.

Your involvement to nominate gym owners in your area for election to this committee is needed.

The goal is to have 5 members elected per region roughly on the following ratio: 1 large gym, 1 medium gym, 2 small gyms, and 1 other. The elections would be every year.

Please let me know by Thursday, 2/28/08, of your nominations for this committee.

Some of the goals for this committee will be to:
1. Help all size gyms grow.
2. Make sure the USASF does not pass any rules that hurt profitability more than legitimacy or safety is improved.

Cheers,
Gena Evans
USASF Area Director

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Steve Peterson sent the following email to USASF Event Producers on January 31st in response to Mike Martinez’ email sent on January 30th:

IASF USASF Member Event Producers,
Following the announcement of Varsity Brands’ International All Levels Championship, the IASF USASF contacted Varsity to remind them of a recommendation approved by the IASF USASF Board of Directors in September 2006 that states:

No member of the USASF - IASF may characterize any competition they conduct, or participate in, as a “Worlds” or “World Championship”.

The IASF USASF had asked Varsity for a clarification of their press release. After a very willing and quick response, the clarification, from Mike Martinez on behalf of Varsity, was shared with the IASF USASF Board of Directors. The Board recommended the clarification be shared with all IASF USASF member event producers. Please read below.

Yesterday, during the IASF USASF Board of Directors conference call, John Newby on behalf of Varsity Brands offered to NOT include any divisions offered at the IASF USASF Worlds at their International All Levels Championship on the condition that other IASF - USASF members do likewise. Therefore, a proposal was made and approved by the Board.

APPROVED PROPOSAL:
No IASF - USASF member may conduct or participate in a multi-brand/event producer end of season
championship that includes divisions offered at the IASF - USASF Worlds.

Please feel free to call me or Jim Chadwick if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Steve Peterson
VP - USASF Events & Corporate Alliances

Mike Martinez’ email:

Dear Jim,
You have requested that I further explain the press release announcing the International All Levels Championship.

As I informed you, I headed up the marketing effort to announce the project. The announcement was formatted with the intent to fully describe to potential customers (the gyms) that this championship would be structured so that teams would qualify from events conducted by a wide array of companies across the country (similar to the method used by USASF Worlds), and that international teams could also be included. In other words, we were simply trying to describe an idea about scope and the selection process that gyms would be able to understand.

We in no way intended to confuse the market about this event being in any way connected to the Worlds. In fact, we specifically stated in the release that this event could compliment the USASF’s event, thereby specifically pointing out that this is indeed totally separate and distinct from the USASF.

Further, please note that the name “Worlds” was not, and will not, be in any way part of the title or subtitle, tagline, etc of the International All Levels Championship. Again, the headline was merely meant as a description of the type of structure to be used.

Regarding the scholarship program, as you are aware the scholarship program was very publicly proposed at the NACCC meeting (an official USASF event) in Atlanta, and our intention was to clearly state that we were supporting this proposed program to benefit the athletes who comprise the sport.

I sincerely regret if there was any misunderstanding in the situation. As always, we remain committed to the USASF, its ideals and its official World Championship.

Sincerely,
Mike Martinez, President
Athletic Championships

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Gina Evans sent a couple votes to USASF members on January 30th and 31st:

The first was for the Event Producer representative for the National Advisory Board:

1. Kiki Bittner
2. Kevin Brubaker
3. Justin Carrier
4. Mark French
5. Dan Kessler
6. Mike Pare
7. Lisa Saline

The second was for the Coach representative to the National Advisory Board:

1. Cheryl Pasinato - East Elite, MA (re-nominated)
2. Carol Wade-Lam - 5 Star Academy, MA (re-nominated)
3. Jeff Miller - Pro-Spirit, TX (re-nominated)
4. Robin Norko - Spirit All Stars, CT
5. Tanya Roesel - Midwest Elite, OH
6. Courtney Pope - Cheer Extreme, NC
7. Abel Rosa - Premier Athletics, TN
8. Alison Dyko - Boca Extreme, FL
9. Mayra Brandt - Boca Extreme, FL

The third was for the Affiliate Committee representative to the National Advisory Board:

1. Todd Kopp - Core Athletics - Wilmington, MA (Training & Conditioning Equipment)
2. Kelley McKeown - Elite Sportswear - Reading, PA (Team Apparel)
3. Marisa Walker - Editor in Chief from American Cheerleader Magazine, NY
4. Stasia Ohmie - Dollamur (Sports Surfaces)
5. Randy Cofield - Team Cheer (Apparel Shoes)

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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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