CBN Dec/Jan 2009
USASF Debuts 4.2
It may sound like a new software update, but 4.2 is the newest level being offered by the United States All-Star Federation (USASF) this season in response to an increasing concern among gym owners that the tumbling requirements are deterring a lot of athletes from remaining within the program and even trying out.
Level 4.2 will allow athletes who have limited tumbling and higher stunting abilities, the freedom of moving beyond the level 2 extension limit, straight ride limits in baskets, and other limits in pyramids and dismounts. It essentially combines level 4 stunting skills with level 2 tumbling skills.
“Our hope is that level 4.2 is the perfect opportunity for you to recruit kids back to your gym who enjoy cheerleading but whose tumbling skills haven’t progressed at the same pace as their stunting skills,” says Mike Burgess, vice president of USASF.
For more details about this level, visit usasf.net.
Hate Paperwork? Try This New Site!
Forms of every kind may be a necessary evil for everyone involved in the all-star cheer business, but now there’s an online paperless solution available to help manage the madness. The1Form.com, launched in September, is a website dedicated to making it easy for gym owners, event producers and even parents to keep track and sign paperwork such as medical releases and liability forms.
“With so many forms hosted on different competition websites, parents can’t truly sign all of their required forms and manage their health information online in one location,” says Chas Scarantino, president of The1Form. “Competitions and gyms can leverage our technology with no upfront investment of time or money. Ultimately, The1Form provides parents and athletes of the cheerleading industry a single effective solution.”
Visit the1form.com to see how it works and to take advantage of the risk-free trial “Season Pass” for 2008-09.
Top Gun Extends Family Tree
Fusion Cheer and Dance is the latest program to join the growing family of gyms under Top Gun All-Stars. Fusion athletes joined the mix at Top Gun’s 7,200-square-foot Naples, FL location. For more info on the program, visit topguncheeranddance.com.
Midwest Cheer Elite Contributes to Extreme Makeover
While most gyms sought out ways to pitch in within their communities this summer, Midwest Cheer Elite, had an opportunity come directly to them. The West Chester, OH-based gym was recruited to help one area-family’s experience on ABC’s “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,” extra-special during the show’s taping in July.
Midwest Cheer Elite owner Tanya Roesel, along with her staff and athletes choreographed the show’s demolition opener and incorporated host Ty Pennington into pyramid. “We really enjoyed it!” says Roesel. “Before demolition began we had groups throw Kick Double Baskets in front of the “D-E-M-O” signs. It’s amazing that it took 13 hours of filming for just a few minutes of actual airtime. Overall the kids had a great time and it was for a good cause.” The episode aired Sunday, October 5.
Midwest Cheer Elite isn’t the only cheer group to have made a cameo on “Extreme Makeover.” Corporate staff members from NCA helped to design a cheer-themed room on an episode that aired in 2005.
Put Your Town on the Map!
The JAM Brands and American Cheerleader magazine have teamed up for SpiritTown USA, an exciting new project launched to find and recognize the most spirited towns in America. SpiritTown USA officially kicked off October 1 and nominations for standout towns will be accepted through December 31, 2008 (yes, that’s soon, so don’t wait!).
For more details about this feel-good contest and to nominate a town, visit spirittownusa.com. Status updates about the nominees, Top 50, 25, 10 and 5 will be announced at various JAM Brands events throughout the 2008-09 season.
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