Author: Spirit Company

Spirit Company focuses on improving the cheerleading and dance industry via our news website, Spirit Post, and our skills website, Art of Cheer.

Connect the Kids

A long time ago, when I first started coaching Tiny and Mini aged kids, I was told kids won’t do anything for you until they think you care about them. This was quickly proven true. At that age some of the kids instantly decide you are best friends and you are good from the first moment. Others are a little more suspicious of new people and it takes more effort to build trust and rapport with them, so step 1 was getting the kids to like you.

A recent conversation with a coach reminded me that sometimes competitiveness in this area isn’t the best thing. The conversation was about a coach who was so determined to be every child’s favorite that he was in some ways cutting down the other coaches to improve his position. Even though I think wanting to be the favorite can be a good thing I don’t think doing it at the expense of others is good. I hope coaches are putting in effort to ensure each kid connects with someone on staff without getting too caught up on being the one each kid connects with. It is great to be the coach every kid loves, but much more important that every kid feels loved.

 

 

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USASF: Learn the Cheer Rules Through the Eyes of the Experts!

USASF LogoDear USASF Program Owners and Coaches,

Join Ali Stangle, Dana Fielding and special guests including Kenny Feeley at the USASF National Meeting as they bring the Cheer Rules to life through video and live stunt demonstrations. This is an in-depth workshop where you learn the nuances of the rules while gaining a real understanding in a fun, interactive environment.

This workshop will explain the intent behind the rules and how to prepare your athletes with skills focused on safety through level rule progressions. The workshop is for ALL experience levels and includes a working lunch!

Register for the National Meeting, select the Cheer Rules Workshop track and unlock your coaching potential! Click here for a preview.

National Meeting Registration

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USASF: Is Your Eligibility Up-to-Date?

With the start of a new Membership Term (June 1st), have you taken the necessary steps to be eligible this event season? NEWfor the 2019-20 season, all Owners, Coaches, and Personnel must be SafeSport trained. Find out more here. #DontbelikeDiana

USASF: All Star Leaders Gather

In early June, 63 representatives from 35 companies including apparel, makeup, accessories, music, coaches, choreography, photography, video and the media that cover the sport came together with USASF Board members and staff in a first-of-its-kind discussion and discovery. Attendees learned about the risks of sexual exploitation of All Star athletes and to unify around the commitment to be diligent in how we portray children  so we do not put them at risk.

USASF Logo 2018The USASF asked a research firm to survey parents considering All Star cheer as an activity for their child and learned that, in addition to concerns about cost and time, 9% of parents did not choose All Star cheer because of the image and appearance of athletes. Image concerns included uniforms, hair, makeup and, of that 9% that did not choose All Star, a shocking 23% of parents worry about the potential for abuse and exploitation in All Star. The companies in attendance committed to protect athletes through the products and services they offer by supporting new Athletic Performance Standards as outlined in the USASF Professional Responsibility Code and Safety Rules for All Star.

Stacy Pendarvis, Program Director for the Monique Burr Foundation for Children was in attendance and affirmed that All Star is leading the way for other youth sports to follow regarding athlete protection. Companies will meet again at the USASF National Meeting in August.

In Review – June 2019

Summer is in full swing and here’s some of the news dropped while we’ve been enjoying our vacations. The biggest news, in our opinion, is the first article. We’ve also ended with a video for your entertainment.

The USASF held a meeting with members of multiple parts of the industry, including event producers, coaches, choreographers, media, uniforms, vendors, and music producers, to discuss the image of All Star. We haven’t seen anything come from it yet, but it is a step toward the industry working together to address the image being portrayed like this:

USASF: There’s an App for That!

USASF LogoThe USASF Connection has moved to a new location to better fit your needs.  The Connection is a place where you can find relevant discussion and meaningful connections with All Star professionals and colleagues.

Accessing the USASF Connection easy! Select the method that works for you:

  • Member Portal > dropdown menu (top right) > Visit the USASF Connection
  • Direct Access on your laptop or desktop
  • Via App on your phone > Apple Store or Google Play > Search for USASF Connection (look for the yellow icon) > Install the App

You’ll need to login with your USASF username and password. Forgot your password? No worries, click ‘forgot password’.  Click here to see more.

USASF: New Location for The Dance Worlds in 2020

We’re excited to announce that The Dance Worlds will have a new (temporary) home in 2020! The Dance Worlds will return to Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort in 2021.

Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center – April 25-27, 2020

Note: The resorts that will be offered with the 2020 Worlds resident’s packages will continue to be Disney’s All Star Resort and Coronado Springs Resort. Transportation to Disney’s Contemporary Resort Convention Center will be provided for those staying on the 2020 Worlds resident packages.

Additional details will be provided later this Fall.

USASF: Learn About The Dance Rules And Age Grid

USASF Logo 2018Join Meredith Walker, Director of Rules and Safety, for the 2019 Dance Rules and Age Grid Webinar.  Open to Owners, Coaches, and Event Producers, the webinar will cover the updates to the Dance Rules and Age Grid document and will conclude with a Q&A.

Registration is required.

2019 Dance Rules and Age Grid Webinar

Wednesday, June 19th at 11:00am CST | 12:00 EST

(The Registration Link was included in the email)

USASF: Have A Suggestion For Rules?

USASF LogoRules suggestions may be submitted until July 15, 2019 to be considered for future discussions.

This is a non rules change year. This form is to allow for our members to begin conversations, as needed, in anticipation for the next rules cycle year and/or imminent safety concerns that the USASF Rules Committee may consider.

As a reminder, you must have support for this change by three USASF members outside of your gym/organization. You will need to include their names as well as their email addresses below. If that information is left blank, or is incorrect, your submission will not be considered.

Cheer Rules & Policy Change Suggestion | Dance Rules & Policy Change Suggestion

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