Our Competitive Cheer Teams
How are our competitive cheer teams chosen? The information below should help you and your athlete understand all the factors that go into this decision.
When choosing athletes for each team coaches also look at an athlete's attitude in a variety of areas:
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positive attitude, perseverance
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working hard during practice, not sitting out
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working well with others
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listening for direction and correction from coaches
Attitude
Form & Presentation
When choosing athletes for each team coaches will look at their form. This includes the following:
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pointed toes, straight legs, chin up, arms in the right position for EVERY tumbling skill
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leg positions, proper grips and stability when being a BASE
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pointed toes, straight legs, tight body and arms in the right position when being a FLYER
Level 1
Tumbling
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back extension roll
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handstand
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cartwheel
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round off
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front walkover
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back walkover
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Stunting is at or below shoulder height.
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In level 1 athletes work to develop all of these skills during the season as some athletes are new to cheerleading and some have only perfected some of their skills the previous season.
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It is unsafe to move to level 2 before an athlete is ready. For example, if a flyer is not tight in the air, it would not make sense to put them on a level 2 team before they have perfected these skills.
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Coaches take extreme care on placing athletes on a team where they feel they will be successful and build their self-esteem.
Level 2
Tumbling
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dive roll
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front handspring
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standing back handspring
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2 connected double back handsprings
Stunting is at shoulder height or above, a basic toss is allowed except in the Mini division
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In level 2, athletes work to develop all of these skills during the season as some are on a level 2 team for the first time. Other athletes may have been on a level 2 team in the past and they are working to perfect these skills in order to safely progress to the next skills level.
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It is unsafe to move to level 3 before an athlete is ready. For example. An athlete may be able to throw a back tuck, but they may need to work on controlling their body in the air and safe landings.
Level 3
Tumbling
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back tuck
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back layout
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front punch
Stunting is one leg at shoulder height or above, there are more elaborate mounts and dismounts into stunts.
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In level 3, athletes work to develop all of these skills during the season as some athletes are new to a level 3 team. Other athletes may have been on a level 3 team in the past and they are working to perfect these skills in order to safely progress to the next skill level.
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It is unsafe to move to level 4 and beyond before an athlete is ready.
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This season we have created a level 4.2 development team. This team will begin learning level 3 stunts and then level 4 stunts when they are ready for them.
Another important consideration when choosing cheer teams is that 80% of the athletes have to have the highest level tumbling skills for that level and perform them consistently and together at competition. To score in the 4.5-5 out of 5 at competition, your ratio in most skills has to be 80% or more. For example, on a team of 14, 12 athletes must have all the tumbling and jumps skills for their level of team. And 2 out of 3 stunt groups must hit their stunts in the routine to get points.
Ratios
What happens if my child gets a new skill part way through the season?
In rare situations an athlete may be moved to a higher level team, however, their new skill must be consistent, strong and have good form. Our competitive cheer program has the competitive cheer skills class specifically so that your athlete can continue to progress in their skills no matter what level team they are on!