All-Star Switching teams mid-year?

[acheers]

TLDR: Got injured due to negligence on HS team so am planning to quit and switch back to all star, I have lvl 5/6 stunt experience but not competition experience at that level, should I email and inquire about spots on a U18NT 6 or would that be frowned upon?

Hi! I have experience competing for both all star (Senior 3) as well as high school (lvl 4 equivalent). I currently am only on my high school team. I go to every possible stunt clinic at all star gyms in my area, and can confidently stunt lvl 5 and some of lvl 6. Unfortunately I fractured my neck (along with broken nose, finger, and concussion) a few weeks ago due to my coaches choosing to attempt a level 6 pyramid with an unsafe flyer(who has injured a number of girls previously, and refuses to take corrections). I am cleared this week to return to cheer, but I am terrified to go back, since I know I will have to stunt with her. I am perfectly happy to quit, and would honestly rather do all star (as well as being more comfortable since all star gyms typically follow safer stunting practices!)

There is a U18NT 6 at one of my semi local gyms that I would LOVE to be on, I love the gym, it is one of my favorites to train at, and (while it may be shallow) I am obsessed with their uniforms. I did not try out for all star this year because of the time commitment with high school, and was planning on doing quarter season. Non tumble teams are rare here, with quarter season NT teams being nonexistent. I tumble at a low level 4. Due to AP exams, I would really struggle attending Summit, and would also love the opportunity to compete at worlds. The U18NT 6 I want is a full year team. From what I can tell, there are 24 girls on the team right now, but I am not sure if they have alternates.

Is it worth the shot reaching out to the gym to see if they have any spots? How many athletes are you allowed to have on mat? Should I email to ask about any availability and take whatever I can get?

 

[catlady]

Is it worth the shot reaching out to the gym to see if they have any spots?
There are incredible gyms and coaches who recognize the NT6 division requires high level athletes to be competitive, and their coaches are well trained in level 6. There are other gyms and coaches who do not have level 6 experience and are learning as they go. I'm not being critical of those gyms/coaches, you have to begin somewhere, however, less experience often equates to more mistakes. Choose wisely but, if you want to join their team, there's no reason not to inquire.

How many athletes are you allowed to have on mat?
U18NT6, 16-30 people on the mat.

Should I email to ask about any availability?
If you are allowed, watch a practice or two. If that goes well, and you're still interested, I would either talk to a coach in person or via email to let them know you are interested if they have any availability. If so, ask any questions, concerning payment and time/travel commitment based on what they have to offer.

Take whatever I can get?
That's a discussion with whomever is going to be paying for it and yourself. If you would become an alternate, many gyms won't charge for things such as competition fees, music, and choreography fees but, you would still be paying gym fees, uniform, and travel. You would be expected to be at all comps and practices, however, you may only be marking the routine and perhaps getting a few stunt reps in before or after practice.