All-Star Confused About Merger

[cheermommaRN]

I completely agree that Varsity is becoming a monopoly when it comes to events but not when it comes to uniforms. GK and Rebel Athletics are doing pretty well for themselves.
Varsity is probably my biggest pet peeve in cheer right now. They now own a majority of the events nationally. As more sell out to them we will eventually only be attending Varsity comps where they can charge as much as they want because we have no other options. They have also now shutting out all vendors that are not owned or operated by Varsity brands. So there goes swag row at NCA.....

 

[MissCongeniality]

I completely agree that Varsity is becoming a monopoly when it comes to events but not when it comes to uniforms. GK and Rebel Athletics are doing pretty well for themselves.
Varsity is probably my biggest pet peeve in cheer right now. They now own a majority of the events nationally. As more sell out to them we will eventually only be attending Varsity comps where they can charge as much as they want because we have no other options. They have also now shutting out all vendors that are not owned or operated by Varsity brands. So there goes swag row at NCA.....

In terms of uniforms... beyond All Star cheer where there are some gyms choosing GK and other manufacturers, Varsity basically owns the school cheer market.

And I'm with you on swag row at NCA! The kids loved it the first time we went a couple years ago and they so disappointed last year.

 

[yojaehs]

Anyone else find the irony of Varsity giving up a seat, adding new "coaches" seats prior to this merger? I think there was a song written about it

 

[cheersafety]

Cheersport was a part of the Varsity Family Plan already so this doesn't change much.

 

[AstridTumbles]

In terms of uniforms... beyond All Star cheer where there are some gyms choosing GK and other manufacturers, Varsity basically owns the school cheer market.

who is cheerleading.com? we got samples from them and we've all been foolin around with their online designer thingy to make up suggestions for next year varsity (not Varsity).

 

[AstridTumbles]

I completely agree that Varsity is becoming a monopoly when it comes to events but not when it comes to uniforms. GK and Rebel Athletics are doing pretty well for themselves.
Varsity is probably my biggest pet peeve in cheer right now. They now own a majority of the events nationally. As more sell out to them we will eventually only be attending Varsity comps where they can charge as much as they want because we have no other options. They have also now shutting out all vendors that are not owned or operated by Varsity brands. So there goes swag row at NCA.....

wait arent monopolies illegal like standard oil and at&t? trust busting and all that? <-- paid attention in history for once.

 

[MissCongeniality]

wait arent monopolies illegal like standard oil and at&t? trust busting and all that? <-- paid attention in history for once.

Monopolies themselves are not illegal. What is illegal is when a "monopoly" uses its position/power to limit or eliminate any competition.

Sherman Anti-Trust for better info (because it has been a really long time since I was in class ;) )

 

[5-6-7-8]

I think where the idea of the Varsity monopoly gets a bit questionable is event judging.

I am not saying anything shady happens or has happened, but at some point I think it would be in the best interest of the sport to remove the judging from the "money making" part of this industry. It sure seems odd to me that the people who make money from the uniforms (shoes, bows, magazine subscriptions, etc.) are also hiring and training the judges.

For example, it has been discussed here how sub par the uniform experience is for some with "not GK.". I often wonder if, aside from the family plan discounts, the reason gym owners are not as willing to demand a better experience has something to do with not getting on Varsity's bad side.

Take the judging and rule making away from Varsity, and I could care less if everything else is run by Varsity. I realize this isn't just an easy fix, but think it is what the industry should be moving towards.

 

[dawgshow]

5-6-7-8 tsk, tsk...you need to check out ;) :caring: Ha!

 

[5-6-7-8]

5-6-7-8 tsk, tsk...you need to check out ;) :caring: Ha!

Hehe!!!

 

[cheer25mom]

I think where the idea of the Varsity monopoly gets a bit questionable is event judging.

I am not saying anything shady happens or has happened, but at some point I think it would be in the best interest of the sport to remove the judging from the "money making" part of this industry. It sure seems odd to me that the people who make money from the uniforms (shoes, bows, magazine subscriptions, etc.) are also hiring and training the judges.

For example, it has been discussed here how sub par the uniform experience is for some with "not GK.". I often wonder if, aside from the family plan discounts, the reason gym owners are not as willing to demand a better experience has something to do with not getting on Varsity's bad side.

Take the judging and rule making away from Varsity, and I could care less if everything else is run by Varsity. I realize this isn't just an easy fix, but think it is what the industry should be moving towards.

I think ou have a point here. I definitely question wether gyms that are not varsity customers are going to get a fair shake in te judging. I definitely see a conflict of interest here.m

 

[CricketCheerMom]

Cheersport was a part of the Varsity Family Plan already so this doesn't change much.

As a vendor it changes everything.....all of cheerleaders liked non-varsity events because they got to see other vendors and get different stuff. I don't vendor anymore personally but I have vendors who purchase from me to sell.

 

[BowsnBling]

As a vendor it changes everything.....all of cheerleaders liked non-varsity events because they got to see other vendors and get different stuff. I don't vendor anymore personally but I have vendors who purchase from me to sell.

I could not agree with this more. Varsity has the same product/vendors at the majority of events and the kids love seeing new things.

 

[SharkDad]

The worst outcome of the vast Varsity influence is how collectively all of the Varsity companies have stifled a complete and comprehensive safety approach to the sport. It puts many kids in rec, schools, and even at competitions for All Stars at risk everyday.

It's the main focus of most parent education I try to convey.

 

[CAmamakat]

And while talking GK & Rebel.. Lets not forget the "Official Shoe of Cheerleading", Nfinity!! They are trying to control that market too. Can't see that happening! Nfinity isn't going to stop selling, producing or being the best .. In my opinion. ;) Varsity can force that shoe on some but not on me, my friends or most gyms I know. That's one market they need to bow out gracefully. ;)



CLAWS OUT Ya'll!! <3
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