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The Power of the Pony Tail – Encouraging Healthy, Active Girls
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Featured Guest- Meghan @JaMonkey 1 comment
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Good afternoon ladies!
about 1 year ago
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- SandyM 1 comment
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I’d like my daughter to cheer in college. How many scholarships are you recommending a cheer squad have for Division I? I understand that football teams have 85 scholarships to give out and they only have 11 people on the field at any one time. How do cheerleading scholarships compare?
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
Hi, this is Sheila, with Varsity. Since most college cheerleading teams are not officially classified as a sport, cheerleading scholarships vary from school to school There are roughly 300 colleges and universities that offer some form of scholarship, from books or meal plans all the way to full scholarships. A great source for the details is the Annual Scholarship Guide of American Cheerleader magazine. Look for Resources on Americancheerleader.com.
about 1 year ago
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- 1Chef 2 comments
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Hi all! Should be an interesting discussion!
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Thanks!
about 1 year ago
Emily
Welcome 1Chef!
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
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Featured Guest- Sara Patterson 1 comment
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Hi everyone! I'm so glad to be here.
about 1 year ago
Emily
Welcome!!!!
about 1 year ago
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- Annabelle 12 comments
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I have a question. We as parents would like for our girls not to have to wear such overtly sexual outfits when they compete. Can girls opt to wear uniforms that don’t show their midriffs?
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
The issue of uniforms at the school level should really be black and white -- no bare midriffs and skirts of a specific length. Parents who are concerned should have their administrators check with the National Federation of State High School Associations (nfhs.org) to make sure their teams are in compliance.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
that is ALWAYS a tough call every year for me as a coach. I learned a great lesson from my own coach in high school--modesty CAN be mixed with fashion if you work at it. and for the parents that are concerned with the uniforms I always invite them to do a private fitting with their child so that their child isn't getting remarks from the other girls regarding {ughh your MOM is sooo old skool} and the teen can be under less pressure and just get the uniform ordered to their liking...comfortably
about 1 year ago
Brandie
How did the parents feel about it? Wasn't there a school recently where the cheerleaders had to get special permits to wear their uniforms to school because the skirts were SO short it violated school dress codes (and I'm not talking a must tough knee dress code either - I mean, if I remember correctly, butts were barely covered. Really? Is it necessary? I was a cheerleader. I could do the moves even with my stomach and butt covered!
about 1 year ago
1Chef
First impressions come from the uniforms and you want those impressions to be good!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Britt Reints
Brandie - I was a dance competition coach and we had to struggle with the girls who wanted "sexy" outfits. Coaching staff said no way.
about 1 year ago
Brandie
Not just cheerleading, but some dance competition outfits this year - looking like (very bad stereotypical) insane asylum patients. Ugh. We need to do something about this in general.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
I agree Sheila speaking up is the first step
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Britt Reints
Great question. I think the uniforms play a big role in the perceptions people have about cheerleading being bad for body image and self esteem.
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
I think it's absolutely essential that parents speak openly to their coaches at the beginning of the season about concerns. When your daughter tries out. In fact, at the school level, the rules of the National Federation of State High Schools forbid bare midriffs.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sara Patterson
I'm so glad you asked this. I know when I was a cheerleader our uniforms weren't as risque as they are now, but my parents still had problems with how short our skirts were, etc. I've wondered who gets the say in those decisions.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
Good question, Annabelle - and something I've wondered too. My cheerleader is still in elementary school and one thing I like about the program she cheers through is that all the girls wear bodysuits under their vests so everything's totally covered and appropriate. And in this program it's the same uniform style like that no matter how old they get. But I know it's different in high school and college cheer.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
Thats a great question, Who gets the final say in the teams uniforms
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 5 comments
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Hi everyone, this is Jackie with Varsity's PR team. I will be posting take-aways throughout Nicole's discussion today.
about 1 year ago
Cooper
Welcome! Thank you for being here!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
Nice meeting you Jackie looking forward to todays talk!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
Hi Jackie, glad to chat with you! :)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sara Patterson
Welcome Jackie! So glad to have you here with us.
about 1 year ago
Emily
Hi Jackie, Welcome!!!!!!
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
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Featured Guest
- Britt Reints 1 comment
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Hi everyone! Glad to be here!
about 1 year ago
Emily
Hi Britt!!!
about 1 year ago
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- Erin O 0 comments
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Hi all! Welcome!
about 1 year ago
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- StaceyMomofFour 4 comments
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Thanks for hosting this conversation!!! I'm really looking forward to it.
Here's a question: How many competitions does a cheerleader under Varsity have per season? Is it something akin to other sports, like 12-18 competitive events?about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sara Patterson
It also depends on funds the school/group has. Competitions cost so much.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
It also depends on how well the girls preform because the better they do the more competitions they will attend
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
Felicia is correct. The competitive season depends on the type of team a cheerleader is on. There are school teams and rec teams that do not compete at all. Many high school teams will compete an one regional and then, if they qualify, a National event. Allstar teams, however, might compete 4-8 times in a season, many of those events locatlly. I don't think any team competes more than 10 times a season.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Felicia
If I'm not mistaken, it just depends on the school or the organization.
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest- StacieinAtlanta 9 comments
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I would also love to know what is a good age that a girl should / can start cheerleading.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
my daughter started last year at 7 years old and LOVED it and she was past the "are we done yet" whining stage of things
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
I should say that the program my daughter cheers through starts at age 4. I think she was almost 5 when she started. They do very simple things (and no stunts) with the littlest kids. I originally put her in because couldn't afford dance classes...
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
Sara, you are smart to worry about burnout. It is great for athletes to participage in a variety of activities. Cheerleaders can start at a local cheer gym as young as 4 or 5, then continue cheering throught her teen years.
about 1 year ago
Brandie
Around here, girls can start at either 4 or 5. Same age that football starts. In school it usually starts in middle school (which is 6th or 7th grade depending on how each district does it)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sara Patterson
Yes, this is a great question Stacie. My daughter is 7 and has taken one semester of cheerleading. I dont' want to overwhelm or burn her out.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
That was my question as well! :)
about 1 year ago
1Chef
There seem to be some very young cheerleaders along with youth sports in some areas.
about 1 year ago
1Chef
What a great question!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
haha that was my question too!
about 1 year ago
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- Erin O 1 comment
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Just FYI - there's no phone number you need to call. Hit "play" on the video player above as you would for a YouTube video, and turn up the volume on your computer speakers! We'll just be watching/listening, not interacting on video. (If you want to make comments or ask questions, you can do that in this text portion of the chat.) If the video doesn't seem to be playing for you, try refreshing the page. We'll get started in a few minutes!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
Thanks Erin!
about 1 year ago
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- Cooper 0 comments
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About to go live!!!!!!!!!
about 1 year ago
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- Erin O 0 comments
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Video is playing!
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Clarissa Nassar 1 comment
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We have our local Litle League cheer signups on Thursday! :) I love love love chher :)
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Sounds like fun!
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- StacieinAtlanta 1 comment
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Hi everyone!
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Hi Stacie!
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
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Featured Guest- Sarah 0 comments
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Hi everyone!
about 1 year ago
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- Erin O 0 comments
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Love that video.
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
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Featured Guest
- Sarah 1 comment
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Cheerleading was just starting to get more athletic when I was in high school. Now, a good place to start is gymnastics so you are ready for the rigors of a good squad.
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
Great point - a cheer gym or gymnastics center will give a cheerleader one-on-one specialized instruction.
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 0 comments
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Here are some takeaway's from Varsity's Teen Survey:
• Varsity surveyed 1,016 teen girls ages 13-18 to represent the roughly 14 million teen girls across the United States
• 65 percent of high school girls participate in a school sport
• Participating in athletics helps teen girls make new friends (86%) and gives them a built-in support system (65%). For example, compared to the average teen girl, cheerleaders are more likely to hold leadership positionsabout 1 year ago
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- Tiffani 3 comments
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One aspect of cheer that is very dangerous is performing acrobatics on surfaces that don't have a high enough critical fall height, such as grass and rubberized asphalt. Why does Varsity (through NCA, UCA and multiple other camp companies) allow for their camps to teach new skills to girls on grass or astro turf?
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
skill progression is SO important and that really needs to be regulated by not only the camp teachers but the coaches and the squad captains!
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
Critical height is really about landing with no assistance, and Varsity can't stress enought the importantce of skill progression and spotting because they are going to perform on these surfaces at games.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Britt Reints
Ah, yes. I was a flyer and have to admit to hitting the grass hard in practice more than once!
about 1 year ago
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- SandyM 3 comments
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What are cheerleading tryouts based on? Are objective criteria used, like in gymnastics or diving, or are girls selected just because they’re cute?
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
Cuteness has nothing to do with it! Most tryouts are not a single day -- there are a few days scheduled for coaches to go over expectations, and ensure potential cheerleaders know what they need. Usually, it's a mix of jumping skills, dancing skills and possibly stunting skills. Cheerleaders can always train at an all star gym if they need special help on certain skills.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
most teams use Varsity cheerleaders as judges--like the girls who teach at the camps --and most teams use standard tryout score sheets which give equal points for appearance, skill and potential
about 1 year ago
Brandie
SandyM, I think this absolutely depends on where you are trying out and what the goal of the team is, If you are on a competition squad, skills are very important - otherwise they won't win the competition. But if it's not a competition squad, it just depends on who is in charge of the try-outs!
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 1 comment
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Here are a few benefits of being active in sports for teen girls:
o Teen girls derive physical, interpersonal and emotional benefits from their participation in school-sponsored sport/spirit teams.
o In addition to improved fitness, joining a sport/spirit team helps teen girls make friends and gives them a support system.
o Girls are not just making friends – they are utilizing sports to grow their coping skills and improve their temperament and self-perception.
o A huge majority of female teen athletes say that playing some type of sport/spirit team generally makes them happier (78%), builds their overall confidence (73%) and helps to relieve stress (69%).about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
StacieinAtlanta
Love this!
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Felicia 4 comments
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As a school counselor, we see a direct connection with being involved in Athletics and the drop out rate. They are less likely to drop out and generally are more involved in school in general.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Felicia
Definitely applies to all activities!
about 1 year ago
Brandie
It applies to those as well for sure. Having a place you feel plugged into is so important!
about 1 year ago
Cooper
Felicia, SO interesting.
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Is this true just for sports, or is it being in a special group like band, debate team, etc. also?
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Clarissa Nassar 3 comments
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One thing about cheer for myself was that it gave me a place to be ME in the comfort of being with a group with similar interests and passions. Also-- every single time I have interviewed for a job the fact that I was a cheerleader for so many years has landed me jobs and they have said that to me-- my fav time was when I was hired as a manager for a huge retailer in So. Cal who said "we hired you because we NEED not only a leader but a cheerleader for the team" :)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
StacieinAtlanta
Nice!
about 1 year ago
Erin O
I love that!
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Interesting!
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Sarah 10 comments
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If a girl is naturally shy, should they try out?
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
Mmmyatt, The great thing about many of the all girl teams is that there is a place for girls of all sizes -- they need tall girls to be back spots and bases.
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
I can think of no better activity for confidence building than cheerleading. If a girl can help lead a crowd of her peers, there's little she feels she can't do. Sarah, I hope your daughter keeps trying. Perhaps there is an all star team in your area that would have an appropriate class for her.
about 1 year ago
mmmyatt
i always felt like I was too tall to be a cheerleader--I'm afraid my girls will have the same problem...
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sarah
My daughter tried out and got the alternate squad which means they can show up to practices and learn the routines but they don't go to games. It became too frustrating to know when practices were or weren't happening b/c my daughter was too shy to ask the coach. You need to be able to speak up to be a cheerleader or to be a strong participant in any sport. It's hard for us b/c my daughter is so shy sometimes.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
OMG YES!! it can help her so much! I have seen that so many times!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Britt Reints
I'd definitely agree with Erin to be supportive of what your child wants. I've seen shy girls really come out of their shells through cheer and dance.
about 1 year ago
Brandie
Don't push the child into something they don't want. But encourage them to do it if they want to. Don't try to talk them out of it!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
I was shy as a kid and never tried out for anything like cheer - now I wish I had at least tried!
about 1 year ago
Erin O
I don't have an expert answer, but I would say it's up to her - if she's interested in trying out, the best thing you can do as a mom is be supportive, right? What do others think?
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Felicia
I think absolutely they should! What a great way to help them with getting out of their shell.
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Sara Patterson 2 comments
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Listening to how a cheerleader feels comfortable in the spotlight and in front of large groups of people. They also do more charitable work. Does that sound like bloggers? :)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
StacieinAtlanta
:)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
:) SO many bloggers were cheerleaders! lol
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Meghan @JaMonkey 6 comments
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I agree about the confidence, I Probably wouldn't be as forward as I am now if it were for Cheerleading and Theater
about 1 year ago
Brandie
Er, not be weary - wrong word, just keep it on your radar - before you child joins, have her talk to people on the squad now. 90% are good! But you want to avoid the small percent of bad LOL!
about 1 year ago
Brandie
Be weary - if it's not a good squad, with a good coach, with good togetherness, you won't have all the "good" points. It's true. Not all squads are created equal. Not all girls will look back on cheerleading fondly. Some will look back an wish they had never done it. This is nothing against cheering, it happens with everything in life.
about 1 year ago
mmmyatt
I felt like high school was such a defeating time for me--I wish I had had something like this to boost my confidence...
about 1 year ago
Cooper
That is really cool to point out, isn't it?
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Speech and debate are confidence builders also!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Felicia
Agreed.
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Felicia 2 comments
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i love that she said one injury is too many! If you are a mom.. you completely agree!
about 1 year ago
1Chef
My thoughts exactly!
about 1 year ago
Cooper
100 percent.
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- StacieinAtlanta 6 comments
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what other sports can cheerleaders participate in during the off season? My girls do dance and gymnastics but is there anything else that can do?
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
I did track and field on the "off" times
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
There are many sports that complement cheerleading -- many girls do track and field, volleyball and basketball.
about 1 year ago
BethanyH
When I cheered, we were on the weightlifting team also
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
Our Cheerleaders cheered for Football, Basketball and had a competition squad we were on all year round!
about 1 year ago
1Chef
That's a great ideaQ
about 1 year ago
Brandie
When I was on a team, lots of our cheerleaders did track and field too!
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 0 comments
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Here are five specific benefits of cheerleading:
o Cheerleaders are more likely than the general teen (57% vs. 46%) to hold a leadership position in or out of school.
o 81% of cheerleaders have grade point averages of 3.5 or higher
o They value being ‘ahead of the curve’ even more than the average teen and a whopping 84% say that people look to them as leaders.
o Cheerleaders are more comfortable speaking in public than the average teen (64% vs. 54%)
o When concerned about an issue, cheerleaders are more likely than the average teen girl to volunteer (56% vs. 46%) and join an organization within their school (43% vs. 24%).
For additional findings from the Teen Girl survey, and to access the Teen Girls: Influence, Involvement and Empowerment white paper, you can visit www.varsity.com/teenresearch.about 1 year ago
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- Kerry Hendry 0 comments
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Hi. This is Kerry also with Varisty PR team. Here's the link to the survey Nicole mentioned.
Teen Girl survey, and to access the Teen Girls: Influence, Involvement and Empowerment white paper, you can visit www.varsity.com/teenresearchabout 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 2 comments
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Here are some take-aways about Cheer Safety:
As part of national cheerleading safety, month, we wanted to address the issue of safety. Every injury is one too many. Safety is the biggest priority for our cheerleaders and coaches.
Varsity is doing a lot to promote cheer safety and injury prevention, but we need to do even more to keep cheerleaders safe as it evolves.about 1 year ago
Erin O
Safety tips on AACCA.org or Varsity.com
about 1 year ago
1Chef
That's reassuring!
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 3 comments
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Here are 5 Tips for parents With daughters who want to join their school team:
A. Parents should take an active role in selecting the right cheer program for their kids, and continue to stay involved. Questions that parents should ask as they’re getting started or if they haven’t already:
1. Is the coach certified through the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators and has the school conducted the appropriate background checks?
2. Does the coach adhere to AACCA practice and performance guidelines?
3. Does the coach ensure that performance skills are taught in the proper sequence using skills progression training, with an emphasis on training all squad members in proper spotting methods?
4. Does the coach properly balance practice time between skills training and spirit leadership instruction?
5. Does the squad have an emergency plan in place?about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Britt Reints
Me neither - would have just assumed my child's coach was qualified!
about 1 year ago
mmmyatt
This is all new to me--I would not have known to look for a coach who has been nationally certified.
about 1 year ago
1Chef
What great info to know and use!
about 1 year ago
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- StaceyMomofFour 4 comments
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Are cheerleading uniforms and equipment paid for by the school just like the football and baseball players or do cheerleaders pay for their own?
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sara Patterson
It does vary from school, as Britt said, however, most school have to raise the funds for camp clothes, shoes, and accessories. Our uniforms, when I was in HS, were passed down each year. Every 2-3 years we'd receive new ones.
about 1 year ago
BethanyH
It varies by school, and also if your state recognizes competitive cheerleading as a sport then the squad could receive funding.
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Are there cheerleader parent booster groups like for band and sports?
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Britt Reints
Varies by school, doesn't it?
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 1 comment
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Here are a few safety tips for cheerleaders to follow:
o Know the rules for your school, college or all-star division/level
o Ensure your squad has an emergency action plan and has practiced it
o Only perform stunts, tumbling and routines on appropriate surfaces
o Warm up before stretching, jumping, tumbling, stunting and dancing
o Only attempt new skills in the presence of a skilled instructor
o Take the iCheerSafe pledge, which asks cheerleaders to commit to their responsibility to cheerleading safety.about 1 year ago
1Chef
Safety has to be Rule # 1!
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 0 comments
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Here are a few questions for Nicole:
Q: How important is stretching?
A. As with any exercise and sport, stretching is very important in cheerleading. Flexibility is key in cheerleading and stretching improves flexibility. Stretching helps improve performance and coordination and also helps prevent injury and soreness.about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Meghan @JaMonkey 0 comments
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That's amazing!
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 0 comments
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Q. What are some of the things that Varsity is doing to encourage cheer safety?
A.
• Varsity implemented a Safety Awareness class for all of its more than 300,000 cheerleading camp attendees
• Varsity provided initial funding for AACCA which has implemented safety rules and standards, training for coaches and cheerleaders alike.
• In 2009, AACCA and Varsity announced stricter safety standards for all competitions.
• Varsity worked with National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to require that all cheerleading coaches at the college level be safety certified.
• Earlier this year, with the help of Varsity, the USA Cheer Safety Council was created and launched to raise the awareness of cheerleading safety and education, address misconceptions about injuries, and provide data to ensure proper training of athletes.about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Felicia 4 comments
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Our school required me to have safety certification before I could coach. I had to update it annually.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
same here!
about 1 year ago
Erin O
That's great! Exactly the kind of responsible, safe coaching Nicole was talking about.
about 1 year ago
1Chef
That's very good!
about 1 year ago
Cooper
Wow! That is great to know.
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 1 comment
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Q. Tell us a little bit more about the USA Cheer Safety Council
A. The USA Cheer Safety Council is made up of representatives from all segments and disciplines of cheer, including spirit industry leaders, administrators, coaches, athletes and parents biomechanics experts, and the medical community.
• Varsity and the USA Cheer Safety Council are partnering with the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) to conduct a research study with a goal to proactively help reduce the risks of injury in cheerleading by researching the biomechanics for common overuse injuries.
• Cheerleaders, coaches and parents can visit www.usacheer.net to learn more about the USA Cheer Safety Council and its safety initiatives as well as to take the “I Cheer Safe” pledge.about 1 year ago
1Chef
I love that the information is available to all online!
about 1 year ago
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- Tiffani 0 comments
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Why the governing body for STUNT, USA CHEER, a 501c6 instead of a 501c3?
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 1 comment
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Q. What is the I Cheer Safe pledge?
A. By taking the pledge, cheerleaders and coaches are showing their understanding about how to lower the risk of cheerleading injuries.about 1 year ago
1Chef
Knowledge is power!
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Britt Reints 11 comments
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Do any moms worry about some of the stereotypes associated with cheerleading? Just today on Twitter I heard about mean girls, bullying, "girls cheering on boys", body image and eating disorder problems. NONE of those things were part of my experience.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
I say BREAK the stereotypes!
about 1 year ago
Brandie
Very true mmmyatt! And also, mean girls exist outside of cheerleading too. I think people often look for it more in cheerleaders because of stereotypes. And yes, it does exist, but it also exists in outside of cheerleading too. {And still, I worry about it knowing that LOL!}
about 1 year ago
mmmyatt
I think, that of course the training for our daughters needs to start at home. I've noticed in my daughter's class that often the parents are all but encouraging mean girl behavior, if they aren't proactively teaching against it.
about 1 year ago
Brandie
Yes, I do worry about it, because I saw some of it with my own eyes!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
I haven't seen any of this with my 8yo, but definitely am keeping my eye out just in case.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Britt Reints
That's what I heard a lot of on Twitter, Mmmyatt. Wonder what parents can do about that.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sara Patterson
I worry about it now with my 7yrold, however, I didn't experience this at all when I was a cheerleader.
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Seems to be those are common concerns for many!
about 1 year ago
mmmyatt
Frankly, it is the stereotypes like these that make me hesitant to encourage my daughters to pursue being a cheerleader...
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Felicia
Definitely a concern.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
I do and mine is YOUNG right now
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 0 comments
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Here are some questions about misconceptions in cheerleading:
Q. What are some of the current misconceptions in cheerleading safety?
several recent scientific studies on non-catastrophic injuries and concussions show cheerleading ranks lowest or near lowest when compared to other high school sports. In fact, results from the National High School Sports-Related Injury Surveillance Study released this past fall demonstrate that cheerleading has a significantly lower risk of injury than most other sports in the survey and ranks 18th out of 20 sports studied for risk of injury.about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 0 comments
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Q. Our co-host Felicia wants to know if it is true that the sport of cheerleading has more reported injuries than football?
A. This is one of the misconceptions about cheerleading that currently exists. Using the correct participation figure, the risk of catastrophic injury in cheerleading is actually eighth amongst high school sports.about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Sarah 3 comments
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iCheerSafe Pledge: http://icheersafe.com/cheerleader_pledge.php
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
3PsinaPod
Thanks so much! We will go do that!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
StacieinAtlanta
Thanks!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Felicia
Thanks Sarah!
about 1 year ago
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- SandyM 7 comments
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Do girls have the option of only competing and not doing sideline cheer?
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
3PsinaPod
What a great idea for how to mend a broken heart
about 1 year ago
Tiffani
Most teams that are a part of USA CHEER are the sideline team as well as the STUNT Team.
about 1 year ago
Tamara Jacobs
Stunt was developed by USA Cheer with collaboration from groups of experts on Title IX, as well as well known coaches and experts in the All-Star and traditional cheerleading community.
about 1 year ago
Tamara Jacobs
This is Tamara from Varsity PR...Stunt is a new sport for competition-only cheer squads that is seeking to meet the requirements of an NCAA emerging sport. It is called “Stunt” because it is descriptive of the athletic skills pulled from traditional cheerleading. Stunt has also been tailored to meet Title IX requirements for intercollegiate sport by creating a format in line with the guidelines set forth by the Office of Civil Rights.
about 1 year ago
Tiffani
At the collegiate level there is the National Collegiate Acrobatics and Tumbling Association
about 1 year ago
BethanyH
You can check out your local All-Star cheerleading gyms, which would only be the competitive aspects of cheerleading
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Meghan @JaMonkey 0 comments
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I was a very curvy Cheerleader so i know that's not true
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 0 comments
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the latest studies show that cheerleading has a significantly lower risk of injury than most other sports in the survey ranking 18th out of 20 sports studied, followed only by male and female swimming.
about 1 year ago
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- BethanyH 2 comments
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Size doesn't matter, it's the heart that counts!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
<3 I love that and I am so using that!
about 1 year ago
Erin O
Great way to put it!
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 6 comments
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Q. Can only certain girls with certain body types be cheerleaders?
A. Each cheerleader on the squad plays a vital role in the success of the stunts and the squad. Strength is the key, and the ability to learn and perform all the moves, to trust in yourself and those on your squad.about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
I did ALL the spots at one point or another :)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sara Patterson
I was a flyer, only because I was forced. lol I wanted to be a base, but was too small.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
It's so good to hear that girls of all shapes and sizes can participate and not only that, are necessary for a squad to have!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
Me too Felicia!
about 1 year ago
BethanyH
BASE!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Felicia
Back spot right here! lol!
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 5 comments
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Q. This question is from one of our blogger co-hosts, Clarissa Nassar.
She wants to know, if your daughter doesn't make the cut for the cheer squad, what is a good alternative to cheer?
A. Many schools and clubs offer dance team programs that are a good alternative to cheerleading. All-Star Cheerleading program are also another good alternative to school teams and offer training at every level.about 1 year ago
1Chef
I just saw a TV commercial for a regional flag corp competition that seems to have many similarities to competitive cheer leading.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Britt Reints
That's a great question. Can be tough when a cheer squad only has so many available spots!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
I myself never knew about the all-star teams around until I didn't make the squad my 1st year in college! I got discouraged but then honed my skills and tryed out the next year
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sarah
Good one. My daughter got into track.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
thank you!
about 1 year ago
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- Team Varsity 3 comments
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Q. Also from one of our co-hosts, Meghan asks: Do you feel like girls that are a part of sports like Cheerleading do it for the right reasons?
A. I can’t answer for all girls, but over the years, I have been directly in touch with thousands of girls who come through Varsity cheerleading camps and competitions, and I think that the majority of them do. These girls practice so hard and bring their all to the camps and competitions. They strive to be athletic, to get their skills and routines right, to support their teammates, they give it their all each and every day. To me, that’s for the right reasons.about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
If they make the cut and get in and have the "wrong intentions" they will either quit, get kicked off the squad or change their ways :)
about 1 year ago
Brandie
I think with cheerleading being so athletic and competitive these days, that it's hard to stick to the squad if you only joined to be "popular" (or whatever else people would consider the wrong reasons!)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
Thank you so much
about 1 year ago
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- SandyM 2 comments
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How do you train and choose your judges?
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
seek out coaches from nearby squads or contact Varisty for some camp teachers! I used to use them all the time in California
about 1 year ago
Annabelle
Such a good question.
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Felicia 4 comments
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How many of you had boys on your team? We had boys for several years, but they are no longer there.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
I see a few boys here and there on teams at our competitions. These are young, elementary-aged kids.
about 1 year ago
BethanyH
A few of the wrestlers would cheer because it was during their off season
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sara Patterson
We didn't have any boys on our cheer squad.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Britt Reints
We tried to get boys, but none would participate.
about 1 year ago
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- Erin O 7 comments
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Love this quote from Nicole: "There’s something unique and special about how different body types are really required in cheerleading."
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
3PsinaPod
Not something I was truely aware of but I can see why now you would need them
about 1 year ago
mmmyatt
I wish this idea had been promoted at my high school--there the idea was you had to be a certain size and a certain body type...
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sara Patterson
I love this too!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
Definitely!!!
about 1 year ago
BethanyH
AGREED!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
Me too i think all the coaches should be aware of that
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sarah
Absolutely!
about 1 year ago
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- Cooper 9 comments
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Wow, Nicole and Amy were AWESOME on the live camera. That was FANTASTIC. THANK YOU!
about 1 year ago
Talk Host
NicoleLauchaire
Thank you so much for the opportunity!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
3PsinaPod
Thank you all!!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
that was awesome!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
Yes, thank you - that was amazing!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sara Patterson
Yes they were. It brought back so many memories and really excites me about my daughter and her cheerleading experience in the future.
about 1 year ago
BethanyH
GREAT JOB! 4 CHEERS FOR YOU NICOLE, YOU GO NICOLE!
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Cheers for you!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
Agreed thank you!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Felicia
Yes! Thank you guys!! Fantastic job.
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Britt Reints 5 comments
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Oh shoot - wish I would have thought of this question sooner - but I'm curious what role Varsity is playing in offering a variety of uniforms, specifically more modest options.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
Varisty actually DOES have a lot og choices and most are modest :)
about 1 year ago
BethanyH
http://shop.varsity.com/uniforms.html
Each Varsity uniform is customized for your school and your squad's tastes. You will meet face to face with your Varsity rep and they will help you through the uniform or camp wear processabout 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
I remember our long pleated skirts were turned in for short tight one, I was surprised anything could move in them, that's about the time I got out.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sarah
Oh, good one! We had skirts that were actually shorts at my conservative high school.
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Great question!
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Clarissa Nassar 5 comments
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When I was in high school there was a huge deal made my Senior year because we had quite a few "heavy girls" on the squad-- truth be told they were 150 and short so they looked heavy but I was 150 and a few inches taller and considered "skinny" but anyway-- I LOVED the fact that year had diversity and that the girls who were considered "big" were out there strutting their stuff in their cute uniforms and gained SO much confidence through cheer and the following year a TON of girls who were intimidated to try out the previous times came out to tryouts because they saw others making that leap into it :)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
Brandie-- that is terrible :( It hurts my heart as a mother to think of how that must have felt
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
3PsinaPod
I so hear that Deb
about 1 year ago
Brandie
That's awesome. My junior year some (very great girls) were cut from the team because the school didn't have uniforms big enough for them and refused to purchase new ones. Hos disappointing and frustrating and so so hurtful to those girls. :( {I also didn't make the squad because my skills weren't good enough} I still remember all of us crying and remember how just not fair it was especially for them - who had the skills, but still couldn't be on the squad. Ugh.
about 1 year ago
1Chef
That's encouraging!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
Love that! I wasn't heavy as a teen (just shy) but maybe would've thought about trying out if I'd seen girls who weren't just the 'popular' ones on the squad.
about 1 year ago
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- Tiffani 3 comments
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Took me a min to find the exact stats, but cheer and women's soccer are not even close in injury rates. In the past 30 years, THREE female soccer players have been catastrophically injured WHILE IN THE SAME TIME PERIOD 110 cheerleaders were catastrophically injured.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
3PsinaPod
Oh my!
about 1 year ago
Tiffani
Once again, what scientific journals was this AACCA study peer reviewed in?
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
When you compare apples to apples, and the number of cheer participants to soccer participants over 30 years, the actuall injury rate is similar, as shown at http://aacca.org/safetystudy.
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Felicia 2 comments
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Oh wait.. I did fly once! LOL! This is why they never let me do it again :)
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Yikes!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
hahah too funny!
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Sarah 6 comments
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What about the importance of a spotter when practicing at home? I tried to do a backbend at home and ended up on my head. I knocked a ball of wax in my ear loose that had to be removed from by a ear specialist. LOL.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
Ugh, good point! My daughter thinks that practicing cartwheels in the living room is ok too - um, nope!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Felicia
That's right! You have to remember that teens often think they are indestructible.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Britt Reints
Tiffani - of course we know that as ADULTS! lol But man... tell a 6th grade girl that.
about 1 year ago
1Chef
Coaches and parents need to emphasize safety. High schoolers often think they are indestructable!
about 1 year ago
Tiffani
Acrobatics and tumbling should not be done at home unless you have a qualified coach, qualified spotters and proper matting.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Felicia
Oh my goodness! True. I remember my friends would practice our back handsprings at home spotting each other... not smart moves!
about 1 year ago
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- Emily 9 comments
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Thank you so much for being here everyone!!! Nicole and Amy, you were wonderful!!!!
Felicia, Stacie, Clarissa, Meghan, Sarah, Sara, Britt, Deb and 3PsinaPod, thank you for all your great questions and feedback and for co-hosting so magnificently!!!
Everyone is welcome to stay and converse as long as you'd like!
We will have a summary post of highlights up tomorrow.
Thanks all!!!!!!!!!about 1 year ago
1Chef
It was fun!
about 1 year ago
Brandie
Thanks all.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
Thanks you to the Motherhood for another amazing time :)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
Thank you, Emily! This has been so much fun and I learned so much. Glad to be the proud mom of a cheerleader! :)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
Right Sara...nostalgia
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Felicia
Thank you Emily! Such a fun time!!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sarah
Yes, thank you, Emily, Erin, Nicole, Amy and everyone!!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Sara Patterson
Thanks Emily! Had such a great time strolling down memory lane and learning more about today's cheerleading for my daughter.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Meghan @JaMonkey
Thanks Emily!
about 1 year ago
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- Cheer Coach Mag 3 comments
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Great job on the call! Cheer Coach & Advisor magazine also has great information for cheer coaches and parents.
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
Good to know, thanks!!
about 1 year ago
Sheila N
I second that!
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
Clarissa Nassar
Agreed! :)
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- Britt Reints 0 comments
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Thanks for having us!!
about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- 3PsinaPod 3 comments
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Our experience last year with our middle daughter through our AYSA sports in our small town was really positive...so much so that her older sister wants to join this year!
about 1 year ago
Brandie
That's awesome! =)
about 1 year ago
Featured Guest
DebMomOf3
My middle daughter is my cheerleader too! My youngest has been talking about wanting to cheer too now - I'm making her wait until fall when she starts kindergarten. :)
about 1 year ago
1Chef
What great PR for the program!
about 1 year ago
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Talk Host
- NicoleLauchaire 1 comment
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Thank you so much for the opportunity to share this information with you today. We really appreciate your time. Don't forget to check out all of the links I mentioned -- so much great info. And check out Varsity.com for all of the latest news and resources in cheerleading. Have a great day!
about 1 year ago
shawn
Sorry, I missed this. Was at the Doctors with my son. He has strep and a sinus infection again.
about 1 year ago
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- Emily 0 comments
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Thank you, Nicole and Amy!!! We all learned a ton!!!
Have a GREAT day everyone!about 1 year ago
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Featured Guest
- StacieinAtlanta 0 comments
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Thanks so much!
about 1 year ago
Today, 65 percent of high school girls participate in a school sport. In addition to helping them keep fit, participation in athletics gives teen and tween girls a chance to enjoy healthy competition, make new friends, build self confidence, relieve stress and get a built-in support system.
One sport in particular, cheerleading, has seen a dramatic increase in participation across the US, with competitive cheerleading growing 46% in the last five years alone. In honor of National Cheerleading Safety Month, Varsity – the leading source for all things cheerleading – is hosting a live video and chat briefing on TheMotherhood.com, sharing advice for parents who want to encourage their daughters to get involved and participate in healthy activity.
Emily
Hi Welcome!!!!!