All-Star Can't We Support Another Gym?

[12stepCheermom]

A few years ago with our last gym we only brought two teams to CHEERSPORT and a gym from Raleigh we frequently went head to head with but had a great friendly rivalry with only took two teams as well. Our programs actually listed the others compete times on our parent sheets to encourage our programs to show up for each other and we did. It was nice :) that's how it should be (and both of us had brought worlds teams going for a bid).


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[CheerCoach84]

One of the things that I take great Pride in is that I have coached kids all over the country, who have cheered everywhere, I always make sure to have a t-shirt for all of them, as not to get stares from anyone, but at least I know the folks in those organizations, but will still sit as far back as to let the parents see their kids too!!!:fro:

 

[mstealtoyou]

Yeah, Saturday was good. I think that was the day they were on after a break. Sunday I'd agree with your assessment of people acting panicked. That's when the shoulder slapping thing happened. I know we got down to the entrance and were behind groups of athletes from 4 different gyms. It was no big deal to us because we planned to go all the way to the back against the judges stand but it was my first experience with people clearly getting into priority seating ahead of several of our own families. It worked out okay since it was a smaller competition and it was good for our kids because they really need that kind of energy in front of them to turn it on. But it also made me worry what the rest of the season would look like in that respect. Honestly, it hasn't been nearly the fight to watch my kid as I thought it would be so that's been really great :)


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Now that you mention it, it has been easier this season than season's past. We havn't been to Myrtle Beach though......and Battle at the Capital was always very difficult to get a spot to see our teams and we bi-passed that one too so.....you've been lucky!

 

[Cheermom1969]

While I understand everyone's complaints, this is 100% a result of a bunch of jerks that for years would camp out in priority. It wasn't every comp, but there often were a group of self important people that ignored all the rules and would take up priority viewing space.

So people, rightfully, complained. Loudly. EPs heard the complaints and have asked security to restrict the area and clear it out immediately. That's their job and I don't envy them.

They don't have room to judge whether you raised the child from a pup. All they see is the colors you're wearing. It doesn't seem right and I wish they could all make reasoned, rational decisions. But it's not going to happen.

And it's sad. Some of my favorite moments are screaming my lungs out for my other "kids". Top Gun, CEA, Midwest, Step One, ICE, Cali, Stingrays, Ultimate Athletics...I've had kids at all these gyms and more.

My only advice is if you want in priority, bring a backpack and multiple shirts.


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Ok but then I'm going to get hassled for standing there in my bra! Ya can't win. Humph!

 

[AScheer]

I've been to cheersport more than a few times, and have been in the viewing areas to support kids I know from different gyms. I've also worked Athletic in Chattanooga a few times. Even if this woman was cheering, had she parked herself there? Some people like to make their home in that section and never leave and this is when there are issues with security. However if a person walks in with the team they're supporting and walks out after, I've never seen a problem. That is again if the woman is a constant - every team, every other team, it gets suspicious. I'm sure it wouldn't have been an issue if they thought she was clearly there for the right reasons, so maybe you only got to see part of something that was taking place all day.

Also keep in mind that most of the "security" at cheersport and other competitions are college cheerleaders or sorority/fraternity kids making extra money. They're not actual cops and they're just doing what they've been told and prepped to do. You know if parents from XYZ gym go and complain that they couldn't see in priority, that kid will be the one blamed for not doing his/her job.

 

[Fiercecheermom]

I got complained at earlier this season by a security guard.
The priority area was far from packed and I was supporting one of my former kids. I dont care what gym one of Mama's babies competes with, I'm gonna be right there in VIP screaming for them.
So thats what I conveyed to "the man." And I kept my spot.

I have been seeing this more and more. Standing in the back, not taking "parental space" should not be considered an issue. Lighten up people.

 

[Lazydaisytoo]

Now that you mention it, it has been easier this season than season's past. We havn't been to Myrtle Beach though......and Battle at the Capital was always very difficult to get a spot to see our teams and we bi-passed that one too so.....you've been lucky!

We did have an issue at BATC a couple of times on Saturday. Biggest problem was that they were not announcing upcoming teams. Usually you'll hear coming up next is Blah Blah Allstars, and YaddaYadda Allstars in the hole. Please welcome XYZ to the mat. Also, the jerks yanked the performance order from the website on Thursday. The only was to get a schedule was to buy a $15 program. That ticked me off, but anyhow. There was a team with a huge parent group blocking the entrance to the VIP area. Every time a team left the mat, they would crowd into VIP, only to sort of back out when it wasn't their turn. Finally our team was up, and I almost didn't get past them in time. Finally got to a decent spot as the music started. I thought that was pretty rude, and I wish security had handled the situation better.

Later that day, we immediately followed Reign. While I love that they have so much support, it would be nice if people were more respectful for the fans of teams before/after them. I love comps that run on time, but when the VIP area isn't cleared quickly, or groups line up in the wrong order, it's a scramble to get situated before your team starts.

 

[cheermomforever]

We did have an issue at BATC a couple of times on Saturday. Biggest problem was that they were not announcing upcoming teams. Usually you'll hear coming up next is Blah Blah Allstars, and YaddaYadda Allstars in the hole. Please welcome XYZ to the mat. Also, the jerks yanked the performance order from the website on Thursday. The only was to get a schedule was to buy a $15 program. That ticked me off, but anyhow. There was a team with a huge parent group blocking the entrance to the VIP area. Every time a team left the mat, they would crowd into VIP, only to sort of back out when it wasn't their turn. Finally our team was up, and I almost didn't get past them in time. Finally got to a decent spot as the music started. I thought that was pretty rude, and I wish security had handled the situation better.

Later that day, we immediately followed Reign. While I love that they have so much support, it would be nice if people were more respectful for the fans of teams before/after them. I love comps that run on time, but when the VIP area isn't cleared quickly, or groups line up in the wrong order, it's a scramble to get situated before your team starts.

This is exactly what happen to us last year and would not b surprised if it was the same gym! U were luckier than us, they were competing after us and they were up front for 2 teams before us. When our team was coming on they literally blocked all of us so no one was in the VIP area when the music started. We were screaming to move and they just looked at us like we had 2 heads. I have never been so mad!


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[Lazydaisytoo]

This is exactly what happen to us last year and would not b surprised if it was the same gym! U were luckier than us, they were competing after us and they were up front for 2 teams before us. When our team was coming on they literally blocked all of us so no one was in the VIP area when the music started. We were screaming to move and they just looked at us like we had 2 heads. I have never been so mad!

No, that's EXACTLY what happened with our team. They were parked up front, and we couldn't get past them to enter the VIP until our girls were starting.

IIRC, this gym got some kind of "best fans" or "sportsmanship" award this year :eyeroll: Yeah, great when they're chanting, blowing whistles, etc. for their team. When they're blocking access for other gyms, not so cool.

 

[cheermomforever]

No, that's EXACTLY what happened with out J4. They were parked up front, and we couldn't get past them to enter the VIP until our girls were starting.

IIRC, this gym got some kind of "best fans" or "sportsmanship" award this year :eyeroll: Yeah, great when they're chanting, blowing whistles, etc. for their team. When they're blocking access for other gyms, not so cool.

The "security " at that comp had no clue! Same comp this year was on ball and paying attention. But still have no respect for that gym.


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[Lazydaisytoo]

The "security " at that comp had no clue! Same comp this year was on ball and paying attention. But still have no respect for that gym.

They are private security, union. They are just rude to the spectators. Last year one of them wouldn't let me down the escalators to the venue without a wristband. So I asked him where the ticket window was, and he just shrugged his shoulders. Lo and behold, it was right behind me, just down a hallway. Jerkface.

 

[GiaBellaMom]

When we were at Cheer America Nationals in Houston I could never get up close to see my own gym because of the gym we are with. Especially to watch CA level 5 or 6. All the other people were blocking the entire front 10 rows deep from different gyms. There was not a set area - only right in front of the stage behind the rails for coaches only. I do not mind support from other gyms but it was difficult for me to video one of the days my own children - because mine go on so close together they want me to tape each other so they can watch after since they cannot watch live. I am all for supporters from other gyms but when it gets to a point that I cannot even get near enough to my own child's team because of other gyms I wish the "supporters" would move back...just a bit! :-)

 

[yooolizzi]

We did have an issue at BATC a couple of times on Saturday. Biggest problem was that they were not announcing upcoming teams. Usually you'll hear coming up next is Blah Blah Allstars, and YaddaYadda Allstars in the hole. Please welcome XYZ to the mat. Also, the jerks yanked the performance order from the website on Thursday. The only was to get a schedule was to buy a $15 program. That ticked me off, but anyhow. There was a team with a huge parent group blocking the entrance to the VIP area. Every time a team left the mat, they would crowd into VIP, only to sort of back out when it wasn't their turn. Finally our team was up, and I almost didn't get past them in time. Finally got to a decent spot as the music started. I thought that was pretty rude, and I wish security had handled the situation better.

Later that day, we immediately followed Reign. While I love that they have so much support, it would be nice if people were more respectful for the fans of teams before/after them. I love comps that run on time, but when the VIP area isn't cleared quickly, or groups line up in the wrong order, it's a scramble to get situated before your team starts.

As part of the Twisters program, getting into the VIP section to watch teams from our gym is still hard for us, just because of how large our gym is, and the people who aren't associated with the gym that pack in there too. When we go to competitions, we are down waiting to get into VIP sometimes up to 20 minutes. You best bet I am clapping and cheering for the teams going on in those 20 minutes.

I know what it's like being on a team that goes on after Twisters (RTB 2012, went on after both Reign and WG back to back) and the stands are practically empty. Did I blame Twisters for taking away my moment? No.

It's hard to ask people to stay and watch teams that aren't related to their gym, especially at the end of the day.

 

[BigBow]

No, that's EXACTLY what happened with our team. They were parked up front, and we couldn't get past them to enter the VIP until our girls were starting.

IIRC, this gym got some kind of "best fans" or "sportsmanship" award this year :eyeroll: Yeah, great when they're chanting, blowing whistles, etc. for their team. When they're blocking access for other gyms, not so cool.

Not really related to the convo but I'm trying to tell from the uniforms in your avatar - are you from SKKY? I saw a couple of your teams (one happened to be your J4) and they were very good! I had never seen you guys before and was very impressed :)

 

[Lazydaisytoo]

As part of the Twisters program, getting into the VIP section to watch teams from our gym is still hard for us, just because of how large our gym is, and the people who aren't associated with the gym that pack in there too. When we go to competitions, we are down waiting to get into VIP sometimes up to 20 minutes. You best bet I am clapping and cheering for the teams going on in those 20 minutes.

I know what it's like being on a team that goes on after Twisters (RTB 2012, went on after both Reign and WG back to back) and the stands are practically empty. Did I blame Twisters for taking away my moment? No.

It's hard to ask people to stay and watch teams that aren't related to their gym, especially at the end of the day.

No hate directed at Twisters. While your folks were lined up and waiting, they still held room for other programs to pass. We were almost last on day 2, and you're right, after Reign, the place totally cleared out. It was great to be able to see them twice. We were really bummed to miss WG due to scheduling conflicts. We'd gotten a nice seat in the chairs, but realized that we'd have to jam out of there to go to awards. Bummer!