High School Uca Guideline Questions Because Holy Crap.

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Apr 14, 2017
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Long story short, our choreographer has left us to pursue a coaching career at a Florida-based AS gym (jealous). We knew this change was coming and fortunately he was able to provide us with a comp routine that’ll get us through the year before he left. But next year I’d really like to try choreographing on my own without seeking assistance. I’ve been researching all summer, but after looking at the updated UCA guidelines (specifically the super elite brackets) I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. I’ve referred back to the NFHS rules, but they can be super dry and not very illustrative. And because I do not assume anything when it comes to cheer specifics, I turn to you. So if these questions seem a little repetitive and silly, forgive me. I’m pretty much rebooting my cheer knowledge from square one because I will NOT be that coach from last year that got 0/0 on her game day score because she didn’t read the rules. I’m pretty sure my parents would run me out of the district if I did that.

That being said, can anyone provide examples of the following:

From the pyramids sheet: (link:
https://www.varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1819_uca_competition_pyramidprogressions.pdf )

1. A released vs. non-released transition.

2. “Inverted stunts involving spinning to extended with 1 bracer.”

3. “Released transition to extended involving spinning/inversions with 1 bracer.”

4. “Unbraced spinning release landing extended.”

From the stunt sheet: (link:
https://www.varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1819_uca_competition_stuntprogressions.pdf

1. “Full twisting release moves to extended stunts.” Would this be a ball-up 360?

2. “Inversions to extended body positions.” I thought inverted stunts had to land at a prep level? I’m thinking specifically of the handstand stunt and the BHS up stunt. Is there another inverted stunt I’m missing that can land in an extension?

3. What does “hands” mean? Just making sure.

General:

1. Of the examples provided in the guidelines, how many are you expected to accommodate in your routine? All? None? Some?

2. I’m confused about how inverted someone can be at the prep level. Can you do a flatback stunt and then invert/flip the flyer into a prep? Example from Rain Athletics Aqua circa 1:57 (except they use a bracer):



3. The bow and arrow roll in Senior Elite’s pyramid last year: that’s legal right? Because it’s single-braced? Circa 1:53:



Thanks so much in advance for any insight. I really appreciate it!
 
At work, see quick responses in the quote below


Long story short, our choreographer has left us to pursue a coaching career at a Florida-based AS gym (jealous). We knew this change was coming and fortunately he was able to provide us with a comp routine that’ll get us through the year before he left. But next year I’d really like to try choreographing on my own without seeking assistance. I’ve been researching all summer, but after looking at the updated UCA guidelines (specifically the super elite brackets) I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. I’ve referred back to the NFHS rules, but they can be super dry and not very illustrative. And because I do not assume anything when it comes to cheer specifics, I turn to you. So if these questions seem a little repetitive and silly, forgive me. I’m pretty much rebooting my cheer knowledge from square one because I will NOT be that coach from last year that got 0/0 on her game day score because she didn’t read the rules. I’m pretty sure my parents would run me out of the district if I did that.

That being said, can anyone provide examples of the following:

From the pyramids sheet: (link:
https://www.varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1819_uca_competition_pyramidprogressions.pdf )

1. A released vs. non-released transition.

Released: anything where the bases are momentarily not in contact with the top, with or without a braver ie. Tick tock

2. “Inverted stunts involving spinning to extended with 1 bracer.”

Non released skill where the top starts with hands on floor, base or back maintains contact, and she somehow ends up vertical and extended, with a bracer who assists the skill to the top.

3. “Released transition to extended involving spinning/inversions with 1 bracer.”

An inversion can be released to extended if braced by one or more skills at prep level or below

4. “Unbraced spinning release landing extended.”

Prep, pop, released full around, catch at the top. Or low to hi, spinning tick tock

From the stunt sheet: (link:
https://www.varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1819_uca_competition_stuntprogressions.pdf

1. “Full twisting release moves to extended stunts.” Would this be a ball-up 360? Yes, but it must start at prep level, cannot start in a basket or elevator toss position

2. “Inversions to extended body positions.” I thought inverted stunts had to land at a prep level? I’m thinking specifically of the handstand stunt and the BHS up stunt. Is there another inverted stunt I’m missing that can land in an extension? Inversions can go to extended if they are not released

3. What does “hands” mean? Just making sure.

Hands is a term used more often in coed that refers to a prep-level skill. In this case, specifically a double base prep.

General:

1. Of the examples provided in the guidelines, how many are you expected to accommodate in your routine? All? None? Some? As many as you can perform safely. There is no “rubric” in UCA, THANK GOD

2. I’m confused about how inverted someone can be at the prep level. Can you do a flatback stunt and then invert/flip the flyer into a prep? Example from Rain Athletics Aqua circa 1:57 (except they use a bracer):



3. The bow and arrow roll in Senior Elite’s pyramid last year: that’s legal right? Because it’s single-braced? Circa 1:53:



Thanks so much in advance for any insight. I really appreciate it!


Don’t have time for videos right now, maybe latwr
 
Long story short, our choreographer has left us to pursue a coaching career at a Florida-based AS gym (jealous). We knew this change was coming and fortunately he was able to provide us with a comp routine that’ll get us through the year before he left. But next year I’d really like to try choreographing on my own without seeking assistance. I’ve been researching all summer, but after looking at the updated UCA guidelines (specifically the super elite brackets) I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. I’ve referred back to the NFHS rules, but they can be super dry and not very illustrative. And because I do not assume anything when it comes to cheer specifics, I turn to you. So if these questions seem a little repetitive and silly, forgive me. I’m pretty much rebooting my cheer knowledge from square one because I will NOT be that coach from last year that got 0/0 on her game day score because she didn’t read the rules. I’m pretty sure my parents would run me out of the district if I did that.

That being said, can anyone provide examples of the following:

From the pyramids sheet: (link:
https://www.varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1819_uca_competition_pyramidprogressions.pdf )

1. A released vs. non-released transition.

2. “Inverted stunts involving spinning to extended with 1 bracer.”

3. “Released transition to extended involving spinning/inversions with 1 bracer.”

4. “Unbraced spinning release landing extended.”

From the stunt sheet: (link:
https://www.varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1819_uca_competition_stuntprogressions.pdf

1. “Full twisting release moves to extended stunts.” Would this be a ball-up 360?

2. “Inversions to extended body positions.” I thought inverted stunts had to land at a prep level? I’m thinking specifically of the handstand stunt and the BHS up stunt. Is there another inverted stunt I’m missing that can land in an extension?

3. What does “hands” mean? Just making sure.

General:

1. Of the examples provided in the guidelines, how many are you expected to accommodate in your routine? All? None? Some?

2. I’m confused about how inverted someone can be at the prep level. Can you do a flatback stunt and then invert/flip the flyer into a prep? Example from Rain Athletics Aqua circa 1:57 (except they use a bracer):



3. The bow and arrow roll in Senior Elite’s pyramid last year: that’s legal right? Because it’s single-braced? Circa 1:53:



Thanks so much in advance for any insight. I really appreciate it!


Both of the skills you asked about from the videos are illegal.

Do yourself a favor and stop watching all star cheer videos looking for high school cheer material. Even if you find something legal, it’s not going to score well, especially at UCA.
 
My suggestion was going to echo above. If you need inspiration for UCA NHSCC, you need to be watching videos from there. I feel like all Star is a completely different sport.

Make sure you’re cheer section is focused on crowd leading with stunts that complement that. Worst place to wobble is in the cheer section of a UCA comp.

There’s no rubric for “must hit this many things”. Basically you’re balancing as much difficultly as possible without sacrificing execution.

No drawn out tumbling sections. And jumps/dance are worth a whopping 5 combined points for all-girl, do with that what you will.
 
@Sterling von Shimmer
2. “Inversions to extended body positions.” I thought inverted stunts had to land at a prep level? I’m thinking specifically of the handstand stunt and the BHS up stunt. Is there another inverted stunt I’m missing that can land in an extension? Inversions can go to extended if they are not released
The round-off entry type stunts are the only variations I believe where this is allowed. Only because the backspot has ankle contact throughout the lifting process. This stunt imo is in the grey of inversion skills anyways
 
Long story short, our choreographer has left us to pursue a coaching career at a Florida-based AS gym (jealous). We knew this change was coming and fortunately he was able to provide us with a comp routine that’ll get us through the year before he left. But next year I’d really like to try choreographing on my own without seeking assistance. I’ve been researching all summer, but after looking at the updated UCA guidelines (specifically the super elite brackets) I’m feeling a little overwhelmed. I’ve referred back to the NFHS rules, but they can be super dry and not very illustrative. And because I do not assume anything when it comes to cheer specifics, I turn to you. So if these questions seem a little repetitive and silly, forgive me. I’m pretty much rebooting my cheer knowledge from square one because I will NOT be that coach from last year that got 0/0 on her game day score because she didn’t read the rules. I’m pretty sure my parents would run me out of the district if I did that.

That being said, can anyone provide examples of the following:

From the pyramids sheet: (link:
https://www.varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1819_uca_competition_pyramidprogressions.pdf )

1. A released vs. non-released transition.

2. “Inverted stunts involving spinning to extended with 1 bracer.”

3. “Released transition to extended involving spinning/inversions with 1 bracer.”

4. “Unbraced spinning release landing extended.”

From the stunt sheet: (link:
https://www.varsity.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/1819_uca_competition_stuntprogressions.pdf

1. “Full twisting release moves to extended stunts.” Would this be a ball-up 360?

2. “Inversions to extended body positions.” I thought inverted stunts had to land at a prep level? I’m thinking specifically of the handstand stunt and the BHS up stunt. Is there another inverted stunt I’m missing that can land in an extension?

3. What does “hands” mean? Just making sure.

General:

1. Of the examples provided in the guidelines, how many are you expected to accommodate in your routine? All? None? Some?

2. I’m confused about how inverted someone can be at the prep level. Can you do a flatback stunt and then invert/flip the flyer into a prep? Example from Rain Athletics Aqua circa 1:57 (except they use a bracer):



3. The bow and arrow roll in Senior Elite’s pyramid last year: that’s legal right? Because it’s single-braced? Circa 1:53:



Thanks so much in advance for any insight. I really appreciate it!

How many athletes do you expect to compete with? Wondering so I can point you towards similar teams/divisions to watch and prepare.
 
The round-off entry type stunts are the only variations I believe where this is allowed. Only because the backspot has ankle contact throughout the lifting process. This stunt imo is in the grey of inversion skills anyways

I saw a team a couple years ago begin in the “not really inverted but our head is below our waist so close enough” plank stunt and the back grabbed ankles and made a huge J as the the bases popped her to the top.

Like you suggest, it’s gray area for me if it’s really inverted, but I’m sure they got scored for it.
 
Thanks so much everyone. That helps a lot.

@OldskoolKYcheercoach

I used to scour UCA videos as a strategy, but got bored with how lots of UCA choreography looks sluggish, repetitive, and safe, even amongst the top teams. And I personally feel it’ll remain that way until a team gets in there that shows everyone how fast/difficult/creative things can be as soon as we all decide to get off this plateau. Like what United South did for the NCA NT division a few years ago. But that’s a post for another day.

I know that in HS we’re not exactly in the business of inventing new things and redefining the industry, but I hate copy/pasting together a routine from rehashed choreo that 80% of the division will also be attempting because it was in the winning routine from last year. (I still see teams using Westlake’s pyramid from 2015). I just don’t feel there’s a lot of pride or creativity in that, I guess. Which is why I consult AS videos, throw ideas into the ether, and see what sticks. Especially now while I’ve got some time. However, I imagine that’ll change once reality sets in and I have to actually deliver a routine instead of just “shopping” on YouTube lol.

Also, I actually do have level 5 girls on my team lol. They freaking won Worlds again last year with Cali. Which is great, but it’s also part of my problem because I feel I have to give them stuff to keep them interested, hence my penchant for AS choreo.

@coacha Thank you for the cheer advice. We’ve got a solid one that’s worked for us for awhile. For everything I just said about not copy/pasting, we do go the Mater Dei route and reuse our cheer with touched up stunts every year. The girls want a new one, but the cheer has everything — colour/letter mentions, time for pyramid building at the end, and lots of opportunities for signs in the air and crowdleading — so I’m not retiring it any time soon.

And it was interesting seeing that new jump/dance rule play out last year. I noticed that United had to retire their signature triple toe/tuck because of that. But my girls still aren’t off the hook because we also compete USA and they like a good triple jump section. With variation. Because of course.

@ScottyB We compete with the UCA max of 30 girls. 28 at the least to preserve our seven stunt groups.

Again, thanks so much everyone. You guys are lifesavers.
 
I personally feel it’ll remain that way until a team gets in there that shows everyone how fast/difficult/creative things can be as soon as we all decide to get off this plateau.
It's like that for a reason. It's how varsity/uca want teams and routines to look. (cough cough vroc cough)
 
Thanks so much everyone. That helps a lot.

@OldskoolKYcheercoach

I used to scour UCA videos as a strategy, but got bored with how lots of UCA choreography looks sluggish, repetitive, and safe, even amongst the top teams. And I personally feel it’ll remain that way until a team gets in there that shows everyone how fast/difficult/creative things can be as soon as we all decide to get off this plateau. Like what United South did for the NCA NT division a few years ago. But that’s a post for another day.

I know that in HS we’re not exactly in the business of inventing new things and redefining the industry, but I hate copy/pasting together a routine from rehashed choreo that 80% of the division will also be attempting because it was in the winning routine from last year. (I still see teams using Westlake’s pyramid from 2015). I just don’t feel there’s a lot of pride or creativity in that, I guess. Which is why I consult AS videos, throw ideas into the ether, and see what sticks. Especially now while I’ve got some time. However, I imagine that’ll change once reality sets in and I have to actually deliver a routine instead of just “shopping” on YouTube lol.

Also, I actually do have level 5 girls on my team lol. They freaking won Worlds again last year with Cali. Which is great, but it’s also part of my problem because I feel I have to give them stuff to keep them interested, hence my penchant for AS choreo.

@coacha Thank you for the cheer advice. We’ve got a solid one that’s worked for us for awhile. For everything I just said about not copy/pasting, we do go the Mater Dei route and reuse our cheer with touched up stunts every year. The girls want a new one, but the cheer has everything — colour/letter mentions, time for pyramid building at the end, and lots of opportunities for signs in the air and crowdleading — so I’m not retiring it any time soon.

And it was interesting seeing that new jump/dance rule play out last year. I noticed that United had to retire their signature triple toe/tuck because of that. But my girls still aren’t off the hook because we also compete USA and they like a good triple jump section. With variation. Because of course.

@ScottyB We compete with the UCA max of 30 girls. 28 at the least to preserve our seven stunt groups.

Again, thanks so much everyone. You guys are lifesavers.
Luckily with being in the Super Large division, the natural athlete:difficulty ratio is in effect (typically, more athletes = having to do less hard skills versus the smaller divisions), which will help your competitive transition to UCA as you won't be required to throw super elite skills throughout the routine to be successful.
 
Luckily with being in the Super Large division, the natural athlete:difficulty ratio is in effect (typically, more athletes = having to do less hard skills versus the smaller divisions), which will help your competitive transition to UCA as you won't be required to throw super elite skills throughout the routine to be successful.

Yeah, there is that aspect. I used to think SL Varsity was the most difficult/impressive division because you had to have the most girls doing the most difficult things at the same time. Then I saw the smaller teams like Eldo with their 2014(ish) low/high full around stretch ticks and realised there was a whole level of difficulty that SL wasn’t even attempting, except maybe in the pyramids. With bracers.

The division is slowly catching up — I think I saw a whopping three teams attempt high/high full arounds last year? — but it’s been frustrating being bored with my division. I’m hoping maybe teams like United and Houston will take advantage of high/high ticks this year, but I’m not counting on it. Which sucks because I really do feel that unless HS cheer ups their game, we’re going to lose all our athletes to AS. And why shouldn’t we? If I’m an athlete looking for a college scholarship or just looking to make a college team, I wouldn’t expect HS cheer to get me there. Not with the way things look now. Pretty soon the only incentive for HS cheer will be that it’s cheaper than AS (assuming you’re at a public school). And that’s a depressing thought.

Anyway, rant over.

How are we wearing our hair for comp this year?
 
If I’m an athlete looking for a college scholarship or just looking to make a college team, I wouldn’t expect HS cheer to get me there.
every college coach i know wants their incoming athletes to have some kind of game day experience prior.
my team is hosting our fundraiser college recruit clinic this weekend. 120 athletes registered. maybe 8 do all star
 
Yeah, there is that aspect. I used to think SL Varsity was the most difficult/impressive division because you had to have the most girls doing the most difficult things at the same time. Then I saw the smaller teams like Eldo with their 2014(ish) low/high full around stretch ticks and realised there was a whole level of difficulty that SL wasn’t even attempting, except maybe in the pyramids. With bracers.

The division is slowly catching up — I think I saw a whopping three teams attempt high/high full arounds last year? — but it’s been frustrating being bored with my division. I’m hoping maybe teams like United and Houston will take advantage of high/high ticks this year, but I’m not counting on it. Which sucks because I really do feel that unless HS cheer ups their game, we’re going to lose all our athletes to AS. And why shouldn’t we? If I’m an athlete looking for a college scholarship or just looking to make a college team, I wouldn’t expect HS cheer to get me there. Not with the way things look now. Pretty soon the only incentive for HS cheer will be that it’s cheaper than AS (assuming you’re at a public school). And that’s a depressing thought.

Anyway, rant over.

How are we wearing our hair for comp this year?

Have you ever seen videos of SC high school cheer?


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