All-Star Substance Free Programs

[shawtyyBHADDx3]

This is way off topic, but you saying you liked wrestling made me think of it: I just saw Guardians of the Galaxy, and Batista is in it (like, is one of the main characters)! And he actually did a great job. I highly recommend it; my favorite Marvel movie yet :D


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I really wanna go see guardians of the galaxy because of that adoraBle raccoon & I hate Batista. His name should be bootista :P


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[cheerKT]

I don't know Dani but maybe the fact she's a college kid is why improper use of a substance is suspected. No matter what, her loss is tragic and there are people mourning. I personally feel very sorry and my heart goes out to those close to her.

It was already announced as an overdose. We just don't know on what substance yet.

 

[MissCongeniality]

The thing is that sometimes there isn't "another program down the street that you can go to". You are stuck staying with gym that does nothing about some of their top kids regularly coming to practice stoned or drinking at comps....or not doing cheer at all.

What is it going to take? Honestly I think it is likely going to take a tragic accident (think flyer being dropped with tragic results) as a result of amazing athlete under the influence, followed by a massive lawsuit. Too many coaches are like so many parents these days ...too concerned with being a friend or losing an athlete, rather than doing something that might make the child so angry at you they take their double double triple to another place.

 

[oncecoolcoachnowmom]

The thing is that sometimes there isn't "another program down the street that you can go to". You are stuck staying with gym that does nothing about some of their top kids regularly coming to practice stoned or drinking at comps....or not doing cheer at all.

What is it going to take? Honestly I think it is likely going to take a tragic accident (think flyer being dropped with tragic results) as a result of amazing athlete under the influence, followed by a massive lawsuit. Too many coaches are like so many parents these days ...too concerned with being a friend or losing an athlete, rather than doing something that might make the child so angry at you they take their double double triple to another place.

Unfortunately you're right.

American society in general is not good with being PROACTIVE.

We are very REACTIVE. We do something about an issue AFTER something big happens.

Ex: 9/11 had to happen before we began to truly screen passengers on planes or scrutinize VISA applicants.

It's going to take the "right kid" on a high profile team to do something awful under the influence or have something bad happen TO them for any sort of testing or protective measures to be instituted.

Not just any kid, because sadly, USASF is not too concerned with Back Woods All Stars flyer breaking her neck after her hungover bases fail to catch her. But Chelsea Cheerlebrity from Super Famous Elite will have to break her neck/tear her ACL and end her career due to drugged bases for any governing body to see that there is an issue.

 

[SharkDad]

It was already announced as an overdose. We just don't know on what substance yet.

Thanks. I had heard that but not confirmed.

@MissCongeniality with that in mind "what's it going to take" is a very relevant question. Here we have a popular young lady from a high profile program. By many accounts the behavior was common and known.

Wonder if anyone will take notice and try to make a change besides a handful on the Fierceboard?

 

[MOPSMommy1]

I don't think it has been announced that it was for sure an overdose, just that it is suspected. Is there an article I missed? My understanding is that toxicology results will take up to 90 days. Not sure how anyone can definitively say it was an overdose without a toxicology report...


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[AllstarObsession]

I'm not sure if this has been stated yet, but I don't recall seeing it.

There are a ton of medical conditions that don't play nicely with drugs. There are a lot of medical conditions that don't play nicely with elite cheerleading.

I hope that these athletes realize the effect drugs have on their bodies and their ability to perform.

 

[Mamarazzi]

I don't think it has been announced that it was for sure an overdose, just that it is suspected. Is there an article I missed? My understanding is that toxicology results will take up to 90 days. Not sure how anyone can definitively say it was an overdose without a toxicology report...


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There can easily be physical evidence that points to drug use as a cause of death without needing a tox report. And the police aren't about to release all the info they have, either.

 

[cheerKT]

I don't think it has been announced that it was for sure an overdose, just that it is suspected. Is there an article I missed? My understanding is that toxicology results will take up to 90 days. Not sure how anyone can definitively say it was an overdose without a toxicology report...


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You are correct. Nothing can be confirmed until they toxicology, but that is how it is being investigated at this time.
Louisville cheerleader death being investigated as overdose

Also in this article, some useful info into UofL and UK's drug screening policy

"U of L sports information director Kenny Klein said in an email that cheerleaders are not subject to the university's drug testing policy, but that they do have access to the treatment and counseling programs offered to athletes.

University rules require drug screening of student-athletes in accordance with NCAA rules, to detect usage of banned drugs, but cheerleading is not an NCAA-sponsored sport, Christine Simatacolos, associate athletic director for student life, said in an interview.

She said that spirit team members do go through an annual orientation for new student-athletes that includes drug and alcohol education.

Asked if the university might increase prevention and education for the cheer and dance squads, she said, "We are constantly reviewing our policies to be sure we are providing the best possible support."

At University of Kentucky, cheerleaders are subject to random drug testing, according to a policy posted on a university website that says "any positive drug tests shall result in removal from the squad" and that anyone who uses illegal drugs should not try out for the squad."

 

[ScottyB]

I really wanna go see guardians of the galaxy because of that adoraBle raccoon & I hate Batista. His name should be bootista :p


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His name is Rocket. And he doesn't know what a raccoon is cuz he isn't one, technically.

 

[ScottyB]

Not just any kid, because sadly, USASF is not too concerned with Back Woods All Stars flyer breaking her neck after her hungover bases fail to catch her. But Chelsea Cheerlebrity from Super Famous Elite will have to break her neck/tear her ACL and end her career due to drugged bases for any governing body to see that there is an issue.

Why is it the USASF's responsibility to monitor athlete's personal lives? That shouldn't be on the cheerleading governing body's to do list. This comes from parents, coaches, and peers keeping each other responsible.

 

[njallday]

are there any youth sport organizations that do drug test? i don't know of any but if there are some, i'd like to see how the policies work.

level 5 kids aren't the only ones using drugs, i am sure, but having a randomized pull of registered athletes at worlds for drug testing would be one way to get the point across. especially with all the tomfoolery going on at all-star resorts. test them when they check in and results back by prelims/semis/finals to take action. i know the USASF's to do list is a mile long, but i would 300% support this type of change. what other sports don't have drug testing at their elite levels and world championships?

 

[cheerKT]

I think we're looking at two different issues here. Drug testing in the USASF and drug testing in college cheer. The latter of which I think is more reasonable (and should occur)

 

[njallday]

I think we're looking at two different issues here. Drug testing in the USASF and drug testing in college cheer. The latter of which I think is more reasonable (and should occur)

they are two separate issues, but i think the college drug testing would have to come from the school. there is nothing that we can do. i hope after this tragedy, Louisville includes their cheerleaders in mandatory drug testing and other schools follow suit, but i don't think many will. it's just another expense for something that doesn't bring the school revenue. or, i would LOVE if NCA/UCA nationals chose to implement a policy similar to what i posted above for USASF. pull random athletes at check in and test them. disqualify teams with illegal substances. easy as that and change would happen fast.

I think "we" (as the people on he boards) have more power to change or influence the USASF to do something.. but because it is a youth club sport i don't know if they ever will do something. it's unfortunate.

 

[MissCongeniality]

Why is it the USASF's responsibility to monitor athlete's personal lives? That shouldn't be on the cheerleading governing body's to do list. This comes from parents, coaches, and peers keeping each other responsible.

While I agree with you...really what is then happening is a lot of finger pointing. USASF points to coaches and parents. Coaches point to parents and USASF, and then parents point to coaches and peers...and nothing changes. It is going to take a TEAM effort ...combined forces...to put an end to the problem of drug use/substance abuse in the cheer world. USASF as the "powers that be" is the most logical to take that first step...but they are worthless unless they do it as a team effort with parents and coaches (rather than as some command from the pulpit full top uniform type edict).

@SharkDad The problem with this case being the "what it is going to take" ground breaker is that unless they come totally clean with exactly what happened (no requirement to do so....hipaa and all that...) and her family, teammates, coaches, and governing body use this knowledge to enact change, it's just going to be status quo. The biggest thing, in my mind, working against this having the chance to be the impetus for change, is her age. She was an adult at college. That makes it hard to point fingers at anyone but her, and her alleged bad personal choices. Plus you get the "Oh I remember my college days! I'm lucky to be alive with the stupid things I did!" mindset (Hey, I'm as guilty as anyone else ...)