Andre J. Carter

Increasing Competition – Part 3 – Small, Medium & Large

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Andre
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This is Part 3 on our series on Increasing Competition in AllStar Cheerleading. This one focuses on the sized based division splits for AllStars.

USASF LogoAt what point is it no longer “fair” for teams of different sizes to compete against each other? I’ll assume the majority believes a team of 20 should not go against a team of 32 (Ratio of 1.6) because of the way we currently split large and small for most divisions. How about a ratio of 1.4 (20 against 28 or 10 against 14)? Is the impact different when talking about larger teams, 20 going against 28, versus smaller teams, 10 against 14? How about a ratio of 1.2, 20 v. 24 or 10 v. 12?

Have the major scoring systems been adjusted to compensate for differences in team size? What are the current shortcomings that need to be addressed and adjusted to make it more fair?

When talking to coaches they often point out the advantages the other side has. Coaches of small teams point out larger teams have it easier in pyramids and getting the “Wow” factor. Coaches of large teams point out smaller teams have an advantage because it’s easier to have good synchronization and they get fewer deductions. Did we miss any? Do these (dis)advantages balance out? If not, how far off are they?

Let’s say there were 2 other teams the same age and level as you. Would you want all 3 to compete against each other regardless of size? What if you were the smallest team? What if you were the largest team? Does the size of each team factor into your decision?

Let’s say there is 1 other team of the same age and level. Would you rather compete against them regardless of team sizes or is it more important to keep a team competing against similar sized teams only?

Spirit Post Increasing Competition Series:

Comments

3 responses to “Increasing Competition – Part 3 – Small, Medium & Large”

  1. Lori Avatar
    Lori

    I just wanted to offer another way of looking at this issue.

    I am a new all-star coach, but have been coaching school teams/church teams & cheering for years. And the concern I have (while trying to build a program) is PARENTS notice the difference when a team of lets say 10 girls, same level same age compete against a team of 15 girls. Of course the larger team in most cases is a part of a larger cheer organization. The message it sends to PARENTS is you are wasting your time and money putting your cheerleader on a smaller squad because regardless of the precision of skills the larger team will always have the “wow” factor which weighs heavily and leaves a great impression. SO then the overall awareness of our sport and diversity gets narrowed down because a larger team can receive higher marks just for the “wow” factor of being larger. We as coaches, gym owners, and producers want the SPORT to grow, but I think that putting smaller teams with larger teams is an unfair advantage that has nothing to do with skill. It will eventually stunt growth of your smaller up and coming programs or we’ll just have huge cheer gyms with crossovers all the time. If its a money issue (more money for crossovers) then continue to NOT address the problem. But, there does need to be a mid-size division implemented. For instance, small division (5-11 members), small-medium division (12-15 members), medium division (16-20 members), large division (21+ members). OR there needs to be an additional category for “use of members”, which would address whether or not members are being used to the highest level of points ACCORDING TO THEIR SIZE or just building stunts because they have enough to build the average stunts with more stunt groups. Now, I am aware that some event producers do split similar to what I suggested, but the majority do not nor is it regulation.

    For my larger more established cheer gyms it would cause them to raise the level of their routines within their division level. I shouldn’t still see them at level 2 doing shoulder sits on the side as a brace, it should have been a prep since you have more ppl. I mean if you are that large then why not? NOW, please believe I support all sizes of cheer gyms but I also desire for our sport to recognized and this type of inconsistency could potentially be one of the factors that keeps that from happening.

    If you don’t believe me, just ask a parent that pays hundreds to thousands of dollars how they feel about it. ;0)

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    1. Andre Avatar
      Andre

      The 3 major scoring systems used, JAM Brands, Varsity Brands, and Cheersport, take size into account in scoring skills. Which scoring systems are you accustomed to?

      I think having more divisions will lead to smaller division, which will do more damage. The average division size of the 200+ events I kept track of was 3.25 teams per division. If we add more size options and reduce that we’re going to have people leave competitive cheerleading because they aren’t actually competing against anyone.

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  2. crazeecheermom Avatar
    crazeecheermom

    Both very valid points. As a parent you want to know that there is value to your child’s experience. At this point I may be leaning towards Andre’s point. What does it mean to say you came in second place when only two teams
    competed? Not too much.

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