Couple of questions about USA nationals, I know it's across the street from Disneyland, so is it similar to how UCA/Disneyworld works where you stay at the resort and get to go to Disney, or is it just conveniently located near Disney in case you want to go?
How big is it? Compared to NCA and UCA? Would it feel like nationals for my athletes?
People that have gone, do you like it? Have you gone to both? How did it stack up to UCA and NCA?
How does it's scoresheet compare to UCA and NCA? Like UCA wants little tumbling and wants it in groups, and there's no dance, etc while NCA has a dance and jumps and gives more credit to tumbling.
How do you get a bid?
Sorry I hadn't ever heard of it but I'm really interested in possible going instead of UCA!
I love USA Nationals so I'll answer as best as I can on all of these!
1. Most teams don't stay at the Disney resorts and instead stay at hotels closer to the convention center (Hilton, Sheraton, Marriot, etc.). However, the walk to the Disneyland entrance from those hotels is half a mile max, so it's not huge deal staying "off property". I know my team personally is staying about a mile south of Disneyland and is planning on utilizing the shuttle system for the weekend. However, the event does sell Park tickets and I've never seen a team go to USA Nationals and
not buy tickets to Disney haha. It's pretty much part of the experience!
2. It's decently big! My team is in Medium Intermediate Varsity Show Cheer and are against 27 teams last I checked. It is small enough to have pom and show cheer the same weekend though. Pom and select Show Cheer divisions go Friday, the rest of show cheer goes Saturday. Everyone I talk to in AZ fondly refers to it as "West Coast Nationals" because it's predominantly teams from this side of the country, though a few east coast teams will make the flight out. The skill level in the advanced division is still impressive (El Dorado, Cactus Shadows, etc.), but nowhere near the caliber of UCA. Probably closer to NCA, though the divisions are split differently.
3. A few teams out here do UCA and USA, and generally speaking they tend to prefer USA. It's very well run and generally a pleasant experience. I also enjoy that College Championships are at the same time (wayyyyy smaller than any College Nationals, but still a great time) so the girls can go talk to College coaches and watch the teams compete.
4. Much more similar to NCA than UCA, but still different. Heavy focus on the execution and lesser on the difficulty. The scoresheet is here:
http://usa.s3.varsity.com.s3.amazonaws.com/Files/Competitions/Spirit/ScoreSheets/16-17_ShowCheer.pdf
5. You have to score a 75 or higher at a USA Regional event to qualify. Pretty easy to do, so it's not the most prestigious event. But it's a great time regardless, probably my second favorite competition I've ever attended behind NCA College Nationals. For us it's much cheaper to attend than any other National event since we can rent a bus and drive, and we actually have a shot at making finals with the way the divisions are set up, which is great.
It really depends on your team and what style they're better suited for/where your team is located/what you're looking for in a Nationals experience. If you have any more questions I'm happy to answer them. I'm sure
@CheerItFullOut can also weigh in on the experiences of Tulare at this event, as they may be differnt than mine.
