All-Star It's Happening All Over; Not Just In Cheerleading

[catlady]

I learned a new word: Tourna-cation



That $9Bil Youth Sports Tourism Industry that is mentioned is a major contributing factor to why cities are requiring the major youth sports/cheer events to do a Stay to Play type program.

Springfield, Illinois has already passed senate bill 508 allowing money from hotel taxes to be used as cash incentives to attract people to their city owned convention centers, but won't allow hotel tax incentives to be used on privately owned convention centers even though they pull in hotel tax revenue, as well. Wait and watch how ugly this gets between government and privately owned convention centers and sport complexes, and then big city versus little towns. Cities are now literally banking on tourism to pay for infrastructure and city development and they're driving comp fees/hotel tax/rental car tax.

You can't build a stable economy off a parenting style....

There's a lot of truth in that statement. The youth sport industry isn't just feeding big dollars into city economy, it is also feeding huge dollars into healthcare. There is a reason I have a huge business crush on Varsity and while they can't control the outside industries and city government, they can (and have) gained much of the control on competitions. There's HUGE benefit in them being able to control the way competitions are done in the future. Unlike most sports, AS doesn't have to be in the same arena to be judged and parents are ready to give up a lot of this traveling. Also, if the AMA, Insurance Corps, or Schools blindside them with something new, they have the legal resources and ability to make immediate changes to the scoresheet and comp rules to literally protect thousands of jobs and businesses. I worked for one of the most cash rich retail corporations in the world, we thought we were pretty untouchable, but Al Gore snuck up on us with the internet <sarcasm> and May was acquired by Federated.

 

[ScottyB]

There's HUGE benefit in them being able to control the way competitions are done in the future. Unlike most sports, AS doesn't have to be in the same arena to be judged and parents are ready to give up a lot of this traveling.

This part didn't even dawn on me til you said it. Pretty good positioning.

Although I don't know if I see cheer going the way of less travel for a long while.

 

[SL&AM]

This part didn't even dawn on me til you said it. Pretty good positioning.

Although I don't know if I see cheer going the way of less travel for a long while.

No, but I do think that they could if they had to. And that is the advantage Varsity has and why I think they've largely become 'to big to fail' short of a Nuclear War.

 

[catlady]

Although I don't know if I see cheer going the way of less travel for a long while.

It's hard to tell, AS has already hit some ceilings with mega comps. They are occupying some of the largest convention centers across the US and maxed out on play hours per day for a 2 day weekend. Between cost, school and hotel link releases becoming the sport version of Cyber Monday, the parents (and I think most gyms) are ready for a transition. With World's/Summit and the ability to get bids at both one and two day comps, there really isn't a need for all of these other "National" titles anymore, we just have to be weaned from that mentality. People may have been laughing at those pre-season Nfinity rankings, but from an EP point of view, people were talking and showing interest, excitement and disappointment in virtual numbers that didn't even have a performance linked to them. The rankings were meaningless, but the conversation told them everything they needed to know.

 

[lifeoftheparty]

It's hard to tell, AS has already hit some ceilings with mega comps. They are occupying some of the largest convention centers across the US and maxed out on play hours per day for a 2 day weekend. Between cost, school and hotel link releases becoming the sport version of Cyber Monday, the parents (and I think most gyms) are ready for a transition. With World's/Summit and the ability to get bids at both one and two day comps, there really isn't a need for all of these other "National" titles anymore, we just have to be weaned from that mentality. People may have been laughing at those pre-season Nfinity rankings, but from an EP point of view, people were talking and showing interest, excitement and disappointment in virtual numbers that didn't even have a performance linked to them. The rankings were meaningless, but the conversation told them everything they needed to know.

Agreed. I am ready for less travel. I LOVE CPs gym, but I wish more of these comps were drive able. The industry as a whole need to reel it in. We have 5 flights this season 4 if I am willing to drive 9 hours to the closer one. I'm one of the crazy moms working 2 jobs to keep CP in the sport and gym she loves but if things continue in this direction I don't know how much more I can afford. I draw the line at 3 jobs.

 

[SparkleSpankies]

I think the 2 days comps are getting out of hand... kids can't balance other things, they are missing school, always flying somewhere. I know some areas are more remote, and some gyms have a great balance of 1 day/2 day and travel but not all. I just feel like this alone can help with costs b/c essentially these costs are not just for the cheerleader but the entire family as they typically are responsible for getting their athletes to the event.

Also, can I say, in cheerleading, UNIFORMS.. some of the uniforms are so pricey and it really makes no sense why, who needs that much glitter??? NO ONE... Even practice wear isn't simple anymore... look if they are practicing hard, they are sweating, so why does one need the glittery sports bra and pros that cost $95 for one outfit??? :-)

OK, off of soapbox.

 

[quietmom]

Also, can I say, in cheerleading, UNIFORMS.. some of the uniforms are so pricey and it really makes no sense why, who needs that much glitter???

BLASPHEMY! You can never have enough glitter!

 

[Stephie1012]

Agreed. I am ready for less travel. I LOVE CPs gym, but I wish more of these comps were drive able. The industry as a whole need to reel it in. We have 5 flights this season 4 if I am willing to drive 9 hours to the closer one. I'm one of the crazy moms working 2 jobs to keep CP in the sport and gym she loves but if things continue in this direction I don't know how much more I can afford. I draw the line at 3 jobs.

I don't know how people can do that many fights a season. Our gym is very good about not doing that to us. We live in an area with many 2 day events. Yet I still see local gyms traveling so far for comps. It doesn't make sense. We have 1 flight, and that's for d2 summit if we get the bid. Everything else is driving distance.

 

[SparkleSpankies]

BLASPHEMY! You can never have enough glitter!

LOL I knew that was coming, unfortunately I think there is such a thing as of late! :-)

 

[ScottyB]

It's hard to tell, AS has already hit some ceilings with mega comps. They are occupying some of the largest convention centers across the US and maxed out on play hours per day for a 2 day weekend. Between cost, school and hotel link releases becoming the sport version of Cyber Monday, the parents (and I think most gyms) are ready for a transition. With World's/Summit and the ability to get bids at both one and two day comps, there really isn't a need for all of these other "National" titles anymore, we just have to be weaned from that mentality. People may have been laughing at those pre-season Nfinity rankings, but from an EP point of view, people were talking and showing interest, excitement and disappointment in virtual numbers that didn't even have a performance linked to them. The rankings were meaningless, but the conversation told them everything they needed to know.

Yea the big 2 days are all turning into 3 and 4 day events now, but the kids still only compete on 2 of those days. Makes ya question if its worth your time and money for sure.

I'd love to see a change in the format of competitions and see a push back into local. I just don't see it happening for many factors though.

 

[CheerBank]

Yea the big 2 days are all turning into 3 and 4 day events now, but the kids still only compete on 2 of those days. Makes ya question if its worth your time and money for sure.

I'd love to see a change in the format of competitions and see a push back into local. I just don't see it happening for many factors though.

I find all the proms, dances, "banquets" where they don't even get food, etc., absolutely ridiculous. I understand why they were originally created, and it was a sweet idea since many kids do give up these school events for cheer, but as with most other things in cheer they have morphed into something that is just unnecessary and another suckage of time from school and of money (for an additional travel day, for an outfit, etc.).

 

[Official OWECheer]

I find all the proms, dances, "banquets" where they don't even get food, etc., absolutely ridiculous. I understand why they were originally created, and it was a sweet idea since many kids do give up these school events for cheer, but as with most other things in cheer they have morphed into something that is just unnecessary and another suckage of time from school and of money (for an additional travel day, for an outfit, etc.).

Banquets with no food?

Uh uh. Telling me to come to a banquet but you won't even feed me... never in your life...

The camel's back will break eventually. Unless it doesn't and the golden goose model continues to work. We'll see but I anticipate the latter.

 

[CheerBank]

Banquets with no food?

Uh uh. Telling me to come to a banquet but you won't even feed me... never in your life...

The camel's back will break eventually. Unless it doesn't and the golden goose model continues to work. We'll see but I anticipate the latter.

Oh yes, nothing for them to eat. It's a joke. And not an isolated incident by any means. I am so happy this is it for us. It was an incredible experience, she achieved her dreams, and she and I have made some incredible friends along the way who I have no doubt we will stay friends with.

 

[Momager]

@CheerBank so much truth! I was so appalled by the deterioration of the banquets and the proms yet how do you tear your athlete away from what the whole team is sucked into? Last champions league my captain daughter had to force her teammates to spend st least 20 minutes at the prom. At Majors they could not wait to get out and go to Steak and Shake and we missed 2 days of school for that.

 

[CheerBank]

@CheerBank so much truth! I was so appalled by the deterioration of the banquets and the proms yet how do you tear your athlete away from what the whole team is sucked into? Last champions league my captain daughter had to force her teammates to spend st least 20 minutes at the prom. At Majors they could not wait to get out and go to Steak and Shake and we missed 2 days of school for that.

I wish the gym owners would put an end to it all. Go to the comps - not the stupid day-before events. Don't make these kids miss an extra day of school for nothing.