All-Star Amazing Level 2 Teams?

[DJ]

what about the girl with level 4-5 skills that chooses to be on senior 2 with her friends instead of senior 4/5?
I'm friends with a girl who chose to do this last season. Was that wrong of her?

I can name atleast 5 kids on junior black off the top of my head that have skills over level 2 and/or have competed higher than level 2 in the past.

A single individual or several individuals is one thing (understandably filling the roster). I think the problem is when the entire team is comprised of athletes capable and mastering of levels well above where they are competing.

 

[5-6-7-8]

A single individual or several individuals is one thing (understandably filling the roster). I think the problem is when the entire team is comprised of athletes capable and mastering of levels well above where they are competing.

Exactly!

I would guess that for a level 2 team (for example), it isn't uncommon have a majority level 2 athletes, and a few level 1 and level 3+ athletes to fill certain roles. So to create a team of level 2-5 athletes to compete at level 2 seems unfair.

 

[mishtm52]

In terms of 'filling out' team size- didn't some team at Cheersport this weekend place very well with only 12 girls (I believe top 4?)

(Cut out the rest of the quote for space)
I believe that was UA Jewels. Placed 2nd in Small Junior 5 behind ICE Unity. Looked great.

 

[kristenthegreat]

(Cut out the rest of the quote for space)
I believe that was UA Jewels. Placed 2nd in Small Junior 5 behind ICE Unity. Looked great.

Thank you. I remembered there was one team, couldn't remember who it was..

 

[lakerfantlc]

I can name atleast 5 kids on junior black off the top of my head that have skills over level 2 and/or have competed higher than level 2 in the past.

While I am flattered that you follow Jr Black to that extent...that team was not created for this purpose, they have competed as that team all year and doesn't stack to go to comps....and all double teamers are left at home for Dallas unless crossing level to level which is allowed..you are missing the point and unless all gyms do not cross over ANY athletes..your point is moot..IMO

 

[Rudags]

Thank you. I remembered there was one team, couldn't remember who it was..

UA Jewels have 12 kids. We have placed quite well since we started. This team was together for 7 weeks. We had no problem scoring well with 12. I know Madtown Twisters Senior 3 only has like 8 or 9 kids and they won Jam Live in Chicago against like 10 teams. Its not about the numbers, its about the quantities and how you choose to use them.



ETA: Ignore those idiots jumping up and down. IDK who they are.

 

[FierceinTeal]

While I am flattered that you follow Jr Black to that extent...that team was not created for this purpose, they have competed as that team all year and doesn't stack to go to comps....and all double teamers are left at home for Dallas unless crossing level to level which is allowed..you are missing the point and unless all gyms do not cross over ANY athletes..your point is moot..IMO

I never stated they were created for that reason nor was My post wasn't made justify what was done. Just putting it out there that your post stating the team was made of "real level 2 athletes" was false. Yes, they are great but at least 25% are not "true" level 2 athletes

 

[TwistersPride]

UA Jewels have 12 kids. We have placed quite well since we started. This team was together for 7 weeks. We had no problem scoring well with 12. I know Madtown Twisters Senior 3 only has like 8 or 9 kids and they won Jam Live in Chicago against like 10 teams. Its not about the numbers, its about the quantities and how you choose to use them.

YouTube Video

ETA: Ignore those idiots jumping up and down. IDK who they are.

Hes right :) We had 9 girls on seniors 3 at Jam Live and 10 at Jamfest Nationals.... Both times we took Small Senior 3 and Level 3 Grand Champs. Small teams are not a disadvantage if you know your score sheet and level your athletes appropriatley. Well and hardworking, fierce athletes help too :) congrats again to Jewels! Love those girls!

 

[cheer4ever0522]

1. Don't hate the player.... Hate the Game.

2. Its not against the rules, so why are we mad at this? I believe one year James Speed talked about at a conference about finding ways around rules to make your gym successful. He said something along the lines of "If the USASF came out with a rule that to be a cheerleader, you must have red hair.... Then I would be buying some hair dye."

Now, with that being said - Do I agree with whats being done? No. But I'm also not in Scott's shoes to know the details and whats best for the team and his program. I wouldn't say I know Scott really well - but I do know him. He runs a clean program and every time we cross paths we say hi. Seems like a nice guy.

Truth is, a lot of gyms have multiple Level 5 athletes on lower level teams. Its true. When I coached Senior 2 at the beginning of the season, we literally had the ENTIRE Level 5 Program at the gym wanting to Cross to Senior 2 because they LOVED their routine (specifically the dance). I had to tell them all no, but I did tell them if there was ever an injury or I needed a sub that I would be more than happy to entertain having them on as a sub. I told them they couldn't join the team, and the reason for that was the social media. Hell, I had one competition that I had two girls out for an ACT exam, and one out for an injury. I had three level 5s cross for that ONE COMP to fill in. Our rival gym went NUTS! Posting crap all over Facebook, harassing the kids, bashing the program, discrediting my teams first place win, you name it. Truth be told, I was competing "Large Senior 2" with only 25 amazing kids. Now, If I could have added the 7 Level 5 kids that wanted to, it probably could have only helped with the teams success, but did I want my kids to see the youtube comments, the drama on Facebook, the talk in the warmup room? No. The team was successful with just True Senior 2's on it while I coached them. I commend Rockstar for making their decision and putting up with this social media.

Have any of you actually ever had your level 5 team play around with Level 2 stunts? Most say Level 2 is harder, and to be honest - My level 2 kids can typically out stunt Senior Level 5 kids attempting level 2 stunts. Any athletes care to chime in?

I WAS ONE OF THEM and yes u never would have put us on the team unless u needed us to fill in

 

[cheer4ever0522]

I concur. I don't coach level 2, but since this VERY publicly affected these amazing level 2 teams I love, I say have at it! Many people skip over the more 'deep-thought' posts for the fluffy ones, and this is a way for more people to read, unfortunately.

Now I watched Rockstar's routine (sorry, I'm using you as my example. But you put it out there for better or worse. And I actually think it's both- better for this discussion to have an actual concrete example, worse for the kids affected who lost to this situation and now I have a slightly bitter taste in my mouth that isn't morning breath). I knew the situation, but even if I didn't, my first thought was 'They have REALLY great technique.' One girl had some SERIOUS speed to her BHS. If I didn't know the situation, then came on here to see that this team was made up of athletes with various higher-level skills, I'd be majorly confused and upset. I know CEA uses crossovers extensively, but from what I've always seen, it's usually the same level, just different age groups (youth 5 to junior 5, junior 5 to senior 5, etc). My problem is there was, publicly, an entire team created of athletes who comprised of 2-5 skills, all pushed together on the lowest level of all the kids chosen. Why not choose level 3? It will forever be the question people think of when they see that routine. It also effectively, in my mind, puts to rest the notion that 'Well, everybody is competing the same level skills so it's all the same.' Well- as long as there's an execution component on the score sheet, it WON'T be all the same. In terms of 'filling out' team size- didn't some team at Cheersport this weekend place very well with only 12 girls (I believe top 4?)

if you are talking about in the small j5 all girl thats my team we got second :D
EDIT:srry i see kyle already said it oopsss

 

[lakerfantlc]

I never stated they were created for that reason nor was My post wasn't made justify what was done. Just putting it out there that your post stating the team was made of "real level 2 athletes" was false. Yes, they are great but at least 25% are not "true" level 2 athletes

It is pointless and you are wrong...but you have watered down the topic trying to slam Cali...it's fine...but let's get back on point...the point is that creating a team for this purpose is just flat wrong...IMHO

 

[CharlotteASMom]

Are there other sports that dropping level of play for a win is done often? Other than cheer, the only sport I know in detail is soccer. In this area a soccer team would rather be middle of the pack in a higher level than drop a level for a win. Curious if this happens in other sports for reference.

 

[cheermommaRN]

In every other sport you can play up a level but not down. My littlest played academy soccer and was allowed to play one age older, the same in baseball.
My opinion....gyms should declare their teams to USASF by December, including rosters with athlete registration numbers. If you decide to make a half year team you must compete in the All Star Rec division. After gym declarations, there is no movement. Why December? Most teams have competed at least one local comp by then and should have a feeling of how they will stack up going into Nationals season. If as a coach you feel your team would be better one level down you can do it but then you are locked in for the remainder of the season.

 

[CharlotteASMom]

In every other sport you can play up a level but not down. My littlest played academy soccer and was allowed to play one age older, the same in baseball.
.

Age-wise you can certainly play up here as well, however a Premier or Classic player would never want to play Challenge or Rec just to be on a winning team (whether it was for a trophy, jacket, or for experience). Is that how it is in your area s well?

 

[DJ]

I never stated they were created for that reason nor was My post wasn't made justify what was done. Just putting it out there that your post stating the team was made of "real level 2 athletes" was false. Yes, they are great but at least 25% are not "true" level 2 athletes

For the record, 25% of 20 is 5, so you just simmer down there.
So purely speaking for example, one stunt group would be the TEA.