I love the format of the NCATA meets. However, there is still A LOT of room for improvement, specifically in judging. I k ow this is going to sound like sour grapes but it not. How can an "acrobatics + tumbling" competition NOT reward execution and technique?? Examples are that a team can put up a liberty with flexed feet gets the same score as one putting up stretch/bows? What happened to feet together in tumbling with solid landings? Yesterday UMDs Season WON the tumbling Ariel event final with a 9.5 and 1 hour later was scored with an 8.5 doing the exact same executed pass!!
The other disturbing poi t is that some athletes/programs are simply making a mockery of the showmanship and technique that has always been an I'm important aspect of cheer, gymnastics and acrobatics. I saw such a poor display of attitude and showmanship from these athletes its really disturbing. Yes, I'm speaki g of the Oregon "athletes". What I saw was an OVERCOMPENSATION in trying to show the athleticism of this SPORT. Literally mocking any degree of grace and style. Here's a little fact...fans prefer to watch something exciting, powerful and pleasing to watch. Its OK to smile and point your toes in a stretch, arebesque or tumbling pass! Iis not a SPORT just because you act gruff (and quite frankly I saw displays of crude behavior from some girls on Oregon...extremely embarrassing).
Although I am extremely thankful for the work the NCATA has done I am fearful if this emerging sport turns down this path. I believe this will turn away the athletes and college programs the NCATA is trying to recruit. Of course I am proud of all the athletes that participated(in good sportsmanship) there just a lot of attitudes, rules and regulations that need to be worked through. Of course...just my opinion