All-Star Interesting

[cheermomforever]

I am happy with this start. While I agree that STP needs to be looked at, there was an explanation here recently as to why STP is a good thing and how it prevents the booking systems from jacking up the prices when it sees lots of activity. However, if gyms would work to get group rates at hotels themselves, it might help. That is a contracted rate. Gyms know how many athletes they have and can get a good idea how many rooms they will need.

STP is almost never cheaper than what I could get online! Athletic Championships is now doing it but not labeling it as Stay to Play. Our coach in May already blocked off rooms in RI at our usual hotel. Now Varsity is trying to get us to pay $20 more for each night.......

 

[mischiefmanaged]

I agree with others STP is not cheaper. CP is at a small gym and this year is the first year we have to do STP. It’s frustrating because they aren’t calling it STP the competition is calling it something else, but the gym has been going to this competition for a while. The only difference I can tell is this year they have added Worlds bids to the competition and now its STP. Same location same time of year.

 

[BlueCat]

Is this a comprehensive list of everything that should be changed in the industry? Will everyone agree that these are the 1st through 4th on the "ideal" priority list? I would answer "no" to both of those questions. However, this is a great place to start and these items have nearly universal agreement from gym owners of all sizes.

 

[all4sarah]

The block schedule early would be awesome. We had comps we flew to that we had to stay Sunday night just in case we competed late/awards ran late. Not only is that an extra night hotel and food expense but another school day missed. We stopped all star this year due to the travel time and expense. This would be a good start to address the issues.

 

[oncecoolcoachnowmom]

Shout out to all the teams who have abandoned the bow and gone the cuff/scrunchie/braid route (CA, ECE, etc.)

Seems miniscule but the fully-stoned comp bows go for as high as $50/60 at times.

See also: the bow and the faux pony together can get expensive.

 

[MightyGirl'sMom]

I'm guesstimating that I'll pay roughly $10,000 for my daughter's first year of all star. She has about 8 competitions. Three of these are stay to play. If STP goes away would I really see that much of a savings?

Also, on point number 2, how do coaches registration fees work? Would this also be a real money saver? I pay a monthly tuition of roughly $300 so it's not clear what part of that goes to each of the competitions.

 

[quitthedrama]

I wish my eyes didn't automatically roll when the memo/press release/initiative/whateveritis was released. I guess after so many years of being in this industry I see it as fluff. Until gyms band together and say that these things are killing our business and we won't support EPs who are a part of it I don't expect many changes. You might get the block scheduled released earlier. You also might get coaches fees reduced or eliminated but then those costs will get built in elsewhere.
Gyms also need to take ownership of cost control. There is no reason to have 5-6 flight competitions per season. There is no reason to have a $700 uniform. I would much rather pay additional fees directly to the gym and/or coach for instructional things such as classes/private lessons, but I am already beyond tapped out financially so I haven't done that in years. There are EPs that don't require STP that gyms should be supporting and aren't. There are local competitions that gyms should be supporting and choose to travel halfway across the country instead. I see the writing on the wall - many of us have for years. Less than 15 teams in the medium and large divisions combined this year. Teams are getting smaller because enrollment keeps dropping so lets add divisions with smaller team sizes and play it off as something great; let's also add additional open divisions - the industry is desperate to keep the older athletes involved because there are less athletes joining the industry than leaving. It's a shame that costs and very poor customer service by the EPs has tainted the industry, because there are many positives that are lost because the negatives far outweigh them.

 

[East78]

Would like to see a list from coaches on ways they can help with cost, all these are things pointed at Varsity. Put some ideas up where you can help and Ill take it more seriously. Always easier to point out the ways Varisty and others are making things worse without looking in the mirror.

 

[ScottyB]

Is this a comprehensive list of everything that should be changed in the industry? Will everyone agree that these are the 1st through 4th on the "ideal" priority list? I would answer "no" to both of those questions. However, this is a great place to start and these items have nearly universal agreement from gym owners of all sizes.

How do you estimate the USASF and the Industry Powers That Be to take these initiatives? How does this group plan to hold them accountable for change? (not being antagonistic, genuinely curious)

Glad to see others are fed up with the mess that this sport has been dragged into.

 

[DonnaM]

And along with simpler uniforms for more seasons, program-wide uniforms can be passed down as kids outgrow them or graduate. I admit, a lot of the team-specific uniforms look awesome, but when Junior 5r, Senior 5r, Senior 5 XS and Senior 5 co-Ed all have different uniforms, the chance of someone having a used one for the right team in the right size to pass down is unlikely. A $400 uniform that is used for three seasons is a lot more reasonable than one that ends up being only usable for one season. Similarly, avoid putting team names on anything more official than a $10 t-shirt. It’s amazing how fast you end up with stacks of gear for teams that you’re no longer on.

 

[123jump4!]

Yeah I'd really like simpler & more practical uniforms. They can still look good and even have a small amount of bling. We're all used to it but for most normal people, paying $400 for a sports uniform sounds crazy.

(And don't get me started on uncomfortable and unbrafriendly...)

For soccer we paid $200 and got 2 game jerseys, 2 practice jerseys, 2 shorts, 2 pair socks, 1 sweatshirt. No bling though. :p

 

[tojofasho]

I wish my eyes didn't automatically roll when the memo/press release/initiative/whateveritis was released. I guess after so many years of being in this industry I see it as fluff. Until gyms band together and say that these things are killing our business and we won't support EPs who are a part of it I don't expect many changes. You might get the block scheduled released earlier. You also might get coaches fees reduced or eliminated but then those costs will get built in elsewhere.
Gyms also need to take ownership of cost control. There is no reason to have 5-6 flight competitions per season. There is no reason to have a $700 uniform. I would much rather pay additional fees directly to the gym and/or coach for instructional things such as classes/private lessons, but I am already beyond tapped out financially so I haven't done that in years. There are EPs that don't require STP that gyms should be supporting and aren't. There are local competitions that gyms should be supporting and choose to travel halfway across the country instead. I see the writing on the wall - many of us have for years. Less than 15 teams in the medium and large divisions combined this year. Teams are getting smaller because enrollment keeps dropping so lets add divisions with smaller team sizes and play it off as something great; let's also add additional open divisions - the industry is desperate to keep the older athletes involved because there are less athletes joining the industry than leaving. It's a shame that costs and very poor customer service by the EPs has tainted the industry, because there are many positives that are lost because the negatives far outweigh them.

This is such a true statement, and speaking from an open athlete perspective I know there are places where costs can be cut. My tuition as an 18+ athlete is $175 per month versus a regular athlete at $250 per month. I don't get warmups, I don't get a backpack, I don't get the gym makeup kit, I don't get a third pair of matching shoes (just the practice and comp shoes, no street shoes), tumbling classes aren't included in my tuition ($30 a month if I want to add it on), and I go to two less in state competitions than the athletes on Senior teams. I still get the bows and the practice wear, I still get to go to 6 competitions, I still have a uniform (it's just rented rather than my own), I have all the necessary materials, I just don't get the fluff. And with that being said, costs could still be lowered easily by making less expensive practice wear (one of my sports bras has, I kid you not, over 100 crystals on it), making the uniform less expensive (thus lowering my uniform rental fee), etc. With that being said, I know the gym isn't making a ton of money off of me because my costs are so low, which wouldn't be feasible if it were applied to everybody. Still, there are definitely places where costs can be decreased.

One thing I do appreciate a ton is that TG has only one competition that requires a flight, and that's Indianapolis. Everything else is either in state or a 6 hour or less drive away (Vegas, Anaheim, Palm Springs), which saves drastically on costs for me. I anticipate to spend around $1000 on flights and hotels this year, which isn't that bad all things considered (my most expensive hotel is the Indianapolis competition, which is STP ugh).

TLDR; there are places gyms can certainly cut costs, but cutting those costs won't be as effective as if they could cut the costs it takes to actually compete (get rid of STP, do more in state competitions, go to smaller EP events, etc.)

 

[BlockHead]

I wish my eyes didn't automatically roll when the memo/press release/initiative/whateveritis was released. I guess after so many years of being in this industry I see it as fluff. Until gyms band together and say that these things are killing our business and we won't support EPs who are a part of it I don't expect many changes. You might get the block scheduled released earlier. You also might get coaches fees reduced or eliminated but then those costs will get built in elsewhere.
Gyms also need to take ownership of cost control. There is no reason to have 5-6 flight competitions per season. There is no reason to have a $700 uniform. I would much rather pay additional fees directly to the gym and/or coach for instructional things such as classes/private lessons, but I am already beyond tapped out financially so I haven't done that in years. There are EPs that don't require STP that gyms should be supporting and aren't. There are local competitions that gyms should be supporting and choose to travel halfway across the country instead. I see the writing on the wall - many of us have for years. Less than 15 teams in the medium and large divisions combined this year. Teams are getting smaller because enrollment keeps dropping so lets add divisions with smaller team sizes and play it off as something great; let's also add additional open divisions - the industry is desperate to keep the older athletes involved because there are less athletes joining the industry than leaving. It's a shame that costs and very poor customer service by the EPs has tainted the industry, because there are many positives that are lost because the negatives far outweigh them.

I think one of the reasons that enrollment is dropping (besides draining the current cheer families financially) is because with cheer it is difficult to take other children to competitions. Whenever my CP asks if her friend Sally can go to a comp my answer is, "I don't know. I will have to see if I can afford to pay for her." The outrageous spectator fees do not allow friends and family to come watch what our kids do. And if these kids could actually come and watch, they might want to take part in the cheer world.

 

[Eyes On The Prize]

I wish my eyes didn't automatically roll when the memo/press release/initiative/whateveritis was released.

And seeing it released through CheerUpdates. :rolleyes:



I'm not opposed to coming together to enact change but this initiative feels all over the place. Just like every other initiative I see pop up, it lacks any sort of real strategy or end goal. These always feel like brain storming sessions instead of actual, planned initiatives. This is what I think they're lacking with these memos: (Welcome to my TED Talk.)

What the real end goal is.
They say that "this is a good starting place". For what? What's the end goal? It has to be more than "we want to be heard". Being heard does not equate to action. And they're operating in a system where they have no power and the people in power have no accountability.

Shouldn't the overarching goal be, first and foremost, "we want power, we want a seat at the table"? They acknowledge they used to have a voice and now they don't. So wouldn't they work towards getting that power back? I don't really see how presenting a list of four suggestions does that - you just reaffirm that the power is not yours to begin with. And I don't believe getting those initiatives met shows you got power back, either, unless you've made an actual seat for yourself at the table.

Who they are going after.
What's confusing to me is that four of those names that signed the letter are on USASF's Board and I know a couple more sit on other boards (or have sat on them). So I ask: 1. What's not happening for them to bring these complaints to their fellow board members?; and 2. Who exactly are you bringing these demands to? Who is in charge of these issues? From what I've read, STP is controlled by the EPs. I'd assume the block scheduling and coaches fees are dictated by the EPs, too. But competition time frames are set by USASF, right? So the plan of attack is to go through who?

Actual data and explanations.
The "suggested solutions" don't say why they think these are important and why they should be implemented. Initiative #3 and #4 do not, at face value, "alleviate financial burden, foster growth, and promote longevity in our sport" in any meaningful way. I don't really see how comps starting/ending between 8am and 10pm do any of those things. What exactly do you want to find out if STP is evaluated? What does a "USASF green-light background check" have to do with eliminating coaches' registration fees? And how would eliminating coaches fees help parents out? I can't imagine they set the parents back THAT much. It has to be, what, $10-20 max per athlete per comp? Seems like a non-issue compared to other expenses that have been mentioned here.

How exactly they're going to hold people accountable for change.
"If X doesn't happen, expect Y." Why should the powers in charge listen? What do they lose if they don't address these issues?

What they're willing to sacrifice until they get these changes.
Matgate could've really started something. USASF/Varsity EFF-ED. UP. And it was public and it was big and those names on that letter had soooo much leverage right then and there. The big players could've said "no, we're requiring you to re-compete our division in the morning" or "no, we will not hold awards, we will not accept this as a legitimate competition. You will refund all of our athletes' money back for the entire trip (and maybe even the comps they go their bids at) at your expense." But it would've required the gyms to sacrifice World titles on behalf of the parents and athletes and are these gym owners willing to do that? If not, then those in power won't take them seriously and have no reason to give them what they want when there are no serious consequences.

They set up Cheer Alliance... while also attending Cheersport, NCA, Worlds, Summit, etc. Why? Because if they didn't go to those comps, they'd lose parents? They can't let parents run their business while demanding change. Complacency to operate within the system you are protesting is not helping. And by bending to parents who want to buy into the product USASF/Varsity is selling to parents, you lose your voice.

An improved call to action and how other people can get involved.
"Like, retweet, and comment if you agree" isn't a way to get people involved or get whatever they're trying to do done. It raises awareness/perceived support and thats it. How can other gym owners get involved? Who can they contact to create local, grass-root groups that support the bigger players who have more power and reach (aka the names on those lists)? What gyms would be on board to attend more IEP comps? If there aren't IEP events in your area who can they contact about that? Small gym owners are equally outraged can help. You're all are on the same team.

Also, if parents are the paying customers and "call the shots"... wouldn't it make sense to get them involved to back these efforts? What can they do? What should they know about cheer and USASF and the industry they're funding? If you want parents to work for you, give them a voice, too.



I just want the names on this list to like.... hire a campaign manager or something.

 

[ScottyB]

And seeing it released through CheerUpdates. :rolleyes:



I'm not opposed to coming together to enact change but this initiative feels all over the place. Just like every other initiative I see pop up, it lacks any sort of real strategy or end goal. These always feel like brain storming sessions instead of actual, planned initiatives. This is what I think they're lacking with these memos: (Welcome to my TED Talk.)

What the real end goal is.
They say that "this is a good starting place". For what? What's the end goal? It has to be more than "we want to be heard". Being heard does not equate to action. And they're operating in a system where they have no power and the people in power have no accountability.

Shouldn't the overarching goal be, first and foremost, "we want power, we want a seat at the table"? They acknowledge they used to have a voice and now they don't. So wouldn't they work towards getting that power back? I don't really see how presenting a list of four suggestions does that - you just reaffirm that the power is not yours to begin with. And I don't believe getting those initiatives met shows you got power back, either, unless you've made an actual seat for yourself at the table.

Who they are going after.
What's confusing to me is that four of those names that signed the letter are on USASF's Board and I know a couple more sit on other boards (or have sat on them). So I ask: 1. What's not happening for them to bring these complaints to their fellow board members?; and 2. Who exactly are you bringing these demands to? Who is in charge of these issues? From what I've read, STP is controlled by the EPs. I'd assume the block scheduling and coaches fees are dictated by the EPs, too. But competition time frames are set by USASF, right? So the plan of attack is to go through who?

Actual data and explanations.
The "suggested solutions" don't say why they think these are important and why they should be implemented. Initiative #3 and #4 do not, at face value, "alleviate financial burden, foster growth, and promote longevity in our sport" in any meaningful way. I don't really see how comps starting/ending between 8am and 10pm do any of those things. What exactly do you want to find out if STP is evaluated? What does a "USASF green-light background check" have to do with eliminating coaches' registration fees? And how would eliminating coaches fees help parents out? I can't imagine they set the parents back THAT much. It has to be, what, $10-20 max per athlete per comp? Seems like a non-issue compared to other expenses that have been mentioned here.

How exactly they're going to hold people accountable for change.
"If X doesn't happen, expect Y." Why should the powers in charge listen? What do they lose if they don't address these issues?

What they're willing to sacrifice until they get these changes.
Matgate could've really started something. USASF/Varsity EFF-ED. UP. And it was public and it was big and those names on that letter had soooo much leverage right then and there. The big players could've said "no, we're requiring you to re-compete our division in the morning" or "no, we will not hold awards, we will not accept this as a legitimate competition. You will refund all of our athletes' money back for the entire trip (and maybe even the comps they go their bids at) at your expense." But it would've required the gyms to sacrifice World titles on behalf of the parents and athletes and are these gym owners willing to do that? If not, then those in power won't take them seriously and have no reason to give them what they want when there are no serious consequences.

They set up Cheer Alliance... while also attending Cheersport, NCA, Worlds, Summit, etc. Why? Because if they didn't go to those comps, they'd lose parents? They can't let parents run their business while demanding change. Complacency to operate within the system you are protesting is not helping. And by bending to parents who want to buy into the product USASF/Varsity is selling to parents, you lose your voice.

An improved call to action and how other people can get involved.
"Like, retweet, and comment if you agree" isn't a way to get people involved or get whatever they're trying to do done. It raises awareness/perceived support and thats it. How can other gym owners get involved? Who can they contact to create local, grass-root groups that support the bigger players who have more power and reach (aka the names on those lists)? What gyms would be on board to attend more IEP comps? If there aren't IEP events in your area who can they contact about that? Small gym owners are equally outraged can help. You're all are on the same team.

Also, if parents are the paying customers and "call the shots"... wouldn't it make sense to get them involved to back these efforts? What can they do? What should they know about cheer and USASF and the industry they're funding? If you want parents to work for you, give them a voice, too.



I just want the names on this list to like.... hire a campaign manager or something.

Preach it for real. The fact that so many of those names listed are already in place in key positions in the industry and have not done anything previously with their position of power, makes me wonder what is the motivation here? Are the financial numbers showing a negative trend for these big gyms and they are finalizing realizing that their blind love of Varsity EPs and USASF Medals has been hurting their businesses?

I too would like to know the next steps.