All-Star Dangers Of Cheerlebrity

[CharlotteASMom]

Why do we keep comparing the fandom of a youth sport to that of the NFL or NBA?

 

[King]

Why do we keep comparing the fandom of a youth sport to that of the NFL or NBA?

I think the reason we are able to have cheerlebrities is because we don't have anything past allstar. College is no where close. So allstar is our NBA.

 

[SheCheers]

And this is where I see that proactive measures can and will be taken but the "cheerlebrity" status will not go away. This is my concern, all steps taken and yet still the crazed fan acts out. Why is there nothing being said about how the "crazed fan" acts? Gyms are taking proactive steps which I support, but why isn't there anything being done about when these steps are taken and lines are still crossed? Regardless of what gyms say and do, it will continue. Cheerlebrity is not going anywhere.

I think because there is not large organization the "crazed fan" is part of. The only preventative to crazed fan is a general parenting issue. Either the parent is encouraging it, oblivious to it, or simply doesn't care. I don't remember who originally suggested it, but if the EP stepped up and removed any crazed fan that went too far, I really think that would help overall.

 

[Cheerforme]

And this is where I see that proactive measures can and will be taken but the "cheerlebrity" status will not go away. This is my concern, all steps taken and yet still the crazed fan acts out. Why is there nothing being said about how the "crazed fan" acts? Gyms are taking proactive steps which I support, but why isn't there anything being done about when these steps are taken and lines are still crossed? Regardless of what gyms say and do, it will continue. Cheerlebrity is not going anywhere.

Maybe it was the selfish acts of a few that wanted it that started the problem in the first place...now we are just stuck with it? and the kids who dont want it but cant get away from it have to suck it up? It is a culture that the industry allowed to happen through the idolizing of a few for profit (magazines, uniforms companies, etc), parent's who signed release forms without thinking or knowing about the long term consequences...I agree with some of the others who say...END the culture.

 

[just_kay_today]

As time goes on this is only happening more often and on a larger scale.) and figure out how to A) ensure the safety of these athletes and teams first and foremost but also B) guide these athletes/teams in the right direction as far as promotion goes, and YES, maximize their potential for growing the sport.

I am not really passionate about this situation one way or the other but I am just so lost as to the why people are so negative about it. Look what Shawn Johnson did for gymnastics. She was a minor when she rose to fame. Allowing an athlete to promote themselves positively while also working with that athlete to promote a team or sport is not exploitation.

From a marketing standpoint, what is the advantage of crushing the momentum rather than recognizing it and transferring it to a controlled environment where there are rules and PR strategy?

I love this! There is so much goodwill that can be done in the name of the sport of cheer, with the platform that is built around the "Cheerlebrity". Conduct/image control is an absolute must. These are kids, however, and kids will rise to a set of high standards if they are clear, measurable, and have consequences.

So perhaps these gyms have signed the wrong pledge. Maybe, the pledge should be to a well thought out, and agreed upon set of standards of safety and behaviors for the children thrust into the spotlight, their parents (to prohibit behavior that may tarnish the gym or sport of cheer) their gyms (promising to look after the athletes' best interest), and the EP (providing a safe environment for fans and the athletes).

 

[Cheerforme]

I think the reason we are able to have cheerlebrities is because we don't have anything past allstar. College is no where close. So allstar is our NBA.

Then we WILL end up paying the cost for all this in the admission and competition fees...just like we do with the NBA and NFL...at least for now we arent also paying athlete salaries.

 

[King]

Then we WILL end up paying the cost for all this in the admission and competition fees...just like we do with the NBA and NFL...at least for now we arent also paying athlete salaries.

So we want EP's to raise prices to cover security for the cheerlebrities?

 

[CharlotteASMom]

I think the reason we are able to have cheerlebrities is because we don't have anything past allstar. College is no where close. So allstar is our NBA.

Point being, how a preofessional sports organization or an adult athlete handles this is not necessarily applicable to a kid under 18.

 

[King]

Point being, how a preofessional sports organization or an adult athlete handles this is not necessarily applicable to a kid under 18.

I agree. We have a situational problem and none of the tools or resources on how to handle it.

 

[yojaehs]

Maybe it was the selfish acts of a few that wanted it that started the problem in the first place...now we are just stuck with it? and the kids who dont want it but cant get away from it have to suck it up? It is a culture that the industry allowed to happen through the idolizing of a few for profit (magazines, uniforms companies, etc), parent's who signed release forms without thinking or knowing about the long term consequences...I agree with some of the others who say...END the culture.

The culture will not end is my point. Whether it is searched out or just given, I don't think there is control of who will and won't be a "cheerlebrity". I've seen some try and fail, and some run for cover and still get recognition. Blame whoever you want, I will continue to blame the "crazed fan" and no, I will not expect any kid to just "suck it up". I will tell everyone this, my kids take pics, sign autographs etc. and I have no problem with that. If I personally feel that danger is coming, I will ask for it to calm down, if not I will contact security and ask that that person (s) be removed from the facility. Love me or hate me, my kids safety comes first.

 

[Cheerforme]

So we want EP's to raise prices to cover security for the cheerlebrities?

NOT at all - if you read all my other posts - I think the self-promoting cheerlebrities should pay for it - or somehow manage it themselves...Starship Trooper handled his own daughter's protection. And the boy from CA got a volunteer to help him...but what if some child had been injured during the crowding and pushing to see these cheerlebrities and the parents of the child sue? Who will they sue? the cheerlebrity? possibly, or more likely the EP. So now the EP has a choice...elliminate the possibility of the threat, or raise insurance and be prepared for it.

 

[King]

NOT at all - if you read all my other posts - I think the self-promoting cheerlebrities should pay for it - or somehow manage it themselves...Starship Trooper handled his own daughter's protection. And the boy from CA got a volunteer to help him...but what if some child had been injured during the crowding and pushing to see these cheerlebrities and the parents of the child sue? Who will they sue? the cheerlebrity? possibly, or more likely the EP. So now the EP has a choice...elliminate the possibility of the threat, or raise insurance and be prepared for it.

And raise ticket and competition fees to pay for it.

 

[just_kay_today]

I agree. We have a situational problem and none of the tools or resources on how to handle it.

CharlotteASMom: Which is what we are debating. Our current CPs' issue, whose biggest example of success vs failure comes from the adult athletes' arena; possible solutions and thoughts.

 

[BlueCat]

That said, again, it appears that a pledge is a no harm voluntary action by gyms that may affect the "culture". The EPs may need to be called on for some security. I think the Ravens and Niners would have a bit of a problem with over zealous fans if they were allowed to stand around the field, wander through the locker rooms and on the sidelines. Ultimately, as someone who has been there, I do think the fans have to develop less of a sense of entitlement towards these kids and more a sense of privacy and respect of personal space or it is all for naught unless you design competitions to seperate the athletes from the fan and that is not going to happen.

I do think that some simple measures by the event producers can go a long way. We were a little overwhelmed by the craziness on day 1 of ACA, but the problem was practically non-existent on day 2. It seems like that fact keeps getting overlooked. Multiple things changed from D1 to D2, so it is difficult to pin down what changed the environment, but no extraordinary measures had to be taken.

Is there some overreacting going on? Absolutely. It is something that is potentially a safety hazard (or general sportsmanship issue) that deserves some discussion/thought? Yes.

 

[Cheerforme]

And raise ticket and competition fees to pay for it.

This is exactly what I am saying will happen...and IF people think this started organically, on its own without anyone flaming the fire...they are dead wrong...alot of someones flamed the fire to get it to this point, and this will be the consequence. One more thing to consider when deciding if you can afford this sport or not.