Good point clickclickFLASH....the I Promise certainly is not what this thread has turned into.
What these kids do whether they are on a level 1 or a level 5 team is amazing. Keep in mind you could have a child on a level 1 team that doesn't tumble but is an incredible dancer, and has amazing jumps and knows how to stunt. I have seen kids on a level 1 or 2 team that given a couple hours is capable of doing level 5 stunts. I have seen AMAZING jumps on a level 1 team and not so amazing jumps on a level 5. Each kid contributes in a different way.
One post mentioned that even if a level 5 athlete didnt tumble they had other level 5 skills, and they are placed on the level 5 team for another reason whether it was jumps or stunting or whatever well.... maybe but, you also have the exact opposite going on. You could have a level 5 that is an incredible tumbler but doesn't have great jumps or can't really dance so great. Well what if this were the person that is now crossing over to the lower level team? Is this still putting the level 2 team at an advantage? I would say no. I can tell you right now, there is somebody else on that level 1 or 2 team that has equally good stunting, better jumps and can dance their butt off.
Crossovers are there to fill in whether another athlete left the gym, or an athlete was injured, or maybe like another person mentioned, so that they are able to fly and learn new skills that they were not able to do on a level 5 team. Maybe there are teams that are stacking , but there are also many legitimate reasons and it is important not to just assume.
So, I think it is important to stop the drama and try to look at the whole picture. All Star cheering teaches determination, discipline, teamwork and a strong desire to win. But equally important is sportsmanship . Every kid and every parent wants their team to win, but you know what, you will not win every competition. Losing is tough, but learning to acknowledge that another team was better and being able to congratulate them will go a long way in shaping a person's character. All Star Cheering is finally starting to get the recognition that it deserves. You don't want people to see this pettiness, you want them to see how incredible it really is. You want them to see these kids as athletes which is what they deserve. Don't let things like this overshadow the good that comes from this sport.
As mentioned, remember the IPromise =)
There are some great competitions coming up and I for one would like to say good luck to all the teams. I'll be watching Cheersport can't wait!!
