All-Star I Wish The Cheerleading Industry Was Like It Was When I First Started...

[marissa.d]

I BLAME CANADA.



(it's a joke, I love my Canadians. Well I don't know many, but I'm sure I'd love them)

You can blame us, we won't care :cool:


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[xpressjag]

Cheerleading has definitely progressed in many positive and exciting ways, but I agree with your statement.

One of the saddest aspects of the all-star cheerleading "boom" has been the slow death of this tiny little thing called LOYALTY, and to a certain degree, I do believe that social networking has contributed to its decline. Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Formspring, etc. allows for instant communication with thousands of "friends" who would otherwise be strangers if these Internet vehicles didn't exist. Up until about six or seven years ago, it seemed like most cheerleaders (at least in my state) would become part of a cheerleading family, bond and interact with that family, form lifelong friendships with that family, and stay with that family until it was time to graduate. As long as the athlete was happy, there usually was no desire to leave and no curiosity about what the grass was like on the other side quite simply because no one had access to that information.

Today, because information is a mere mouse click away, everyone seems to be searching for the next best thing. Drama and rumors spread like wildfire, athletes trash talk each other, coaches and athletes strategically recruit, regular teenagers are fanatically promoted to cheerlebrity status, and the list goes on. The immediate access we have to each other is a wonderful thing in many cases, but it is also has lent to the development of a "me, me, me" generation of athletes AND PARENTS who will jump ship at any given moment. Sure, as a paying customer, you have the right to go wherever you want, but the message you're sending is that it's okay to jump ship the second you or your child is unhappy. This is a character trait that doesn't get anyone very far in the real world.

Loyalty and commitment is what breeds success, not mistrust, phoniness, and envy.

Completely agree! Back in the day when you would watch NCA or other similar events , you saw a HUGE variety of gyms. Now since Worlds is the end all be all of cheer, then people flock to whatever they see on facebook, youtube, or twitter of who is the "best". I really do miss the loyalty, and uniqueness of each gym. Now its scoresheets, Worlds, and endless amount of who can do better this year, than last.

 

[yojaehs]

People posting videos on youtube of them talking badly about other cheerleaders doesn't really help.

Bahaha

 

[Xtremegirls:)]

People posting videos on youtube of them talking badly about other cheerleaders doesn't really help.

you deserve and award for this one

 

[ErinS]

....so I'm the only one that read the title and immediately thought


...

 

[frontflipper]

Loyalty is EARNED, not just handed over. Loyalty once earned can fade when trust between coach and cheerleader has been broken. Social media just shows there is a place where everyone can fit in.

 

[Rudags]

People posting videos on youtube of them talking badly about other cheerleaders doesn't really help.

:cow:

 

[Cheerfan1234]

Loyalty is EARNED, not just handed over. Loyalty once earned can fade when trust between coach and cheerleader has been broken. Social media just shows there is a place where everyone can fit in.

Oh is that what social media does? Forgive me.

 

[cheercurl]

I know the "Illinois" thing is a running joke here on Fierce but what the heck is going on in that state? What makes their cheer drama any different than any other state? Just curious...:confused:

 

[NEliteSteven]

I know the "Illinois" thing is a running joke here on Fierce but what the heck is going on in that state? What makes their cheer drama any different than any other state? Just curious...:confused:

I think it is because Illinois has set the record for most legal issues and law suits. That just put them over and above the top of the list.

 

[CHEER4LIFE!!]

I don't know out east isn't much better...

 

[luxerae]

Illinois has this one in the bag.

Hahahahahhahahahahhahahahahahah I would shimmy this so many times.

 

[SuzyB]

When I went to pick up my cp from tryouts I went inside the gym to the observation room. There was a mom there who had a list of every girl that didn't complete some skill (Suzie touched down on her full, Ashley face planted on her 3 jumps to tuck....) She was so excited to show this list to her daughter because it looked like her daughter would make a higher level based on the performance of some other girls. I about fell over. She made no attempt to cover this up or even care what others thought. What is happening with these crazy moms?

 

[xomckenzieee]

I love seeing all the positive things that have come as the sport has progressed but by the same token with good comes bad counterparts. Cheerleaders fight for their reputations of being athletes but then turn around and bad mouth and start drama more than just about any other sport out there. If we really want people to take us seriously it starts with the athletes and then those who lead them. Mom's and coaches who turn their cheerleaders into "divas" hurt our sport and although it's not everyone, it's enough that it gets recognized. I would love stricter rules against social media, etc. Many big name sports athletes sign parts of their contracts against stuff in the media and protecting their name and maybe cheerleaders need to do something like that as well, and if they don't live up to this, they should be penalized.

 

[frontflipper]

Let's be honest, every cheerleader has the dream of winning a worlds ring or maybe an NCA jacket. Parents spend thousands of dollars every year in gym fees, travel fees, privates etc. if that cheerleader feels they have what it takes to be part of that dream but their current gym will not get them there, as difficult as it maybe, they have a right to leave. Loyalty should play no part or used to guilt a child into staying. Unfortunately, larger successful gyms draw talent. They can feed their level 5 teams with skilled athletes from lower teams. I personally like what smaller gyms have to offer my child but I am not sure how I will feel when she is older and more skilled.