All-Star Cover Up Rule, For Those That Have Competed This Season

[newcheerdad]

I haven't even read what you posted beyond this, because it bothered the pants off of me.

I can't put into words how upset I got when reading this. Maybe because it's an election year, maybe because I'm in my early 20s and those are fightin' years, but something about this grabbed my soul and squeezed.

ALWAYS, ALWAYS question the validity of any rule passed that affects you. Don't disregard laws completely, but never stop questioning why they're there in the first place. Complacency is the biggest mistake we can make when it comes to things that occur in our daily life. I'm not saying get paranoid, but when we lose our curiosity about life and why things are the way they are, we lose the ability to change our world for the better. How many things would not be the way they are if people just accepted 'rules are rules?'

While I believe these rules/guidelines were put forth in the spirit of good intentions, and I believe there was a reason they were there, we need to continually check in and ask 'Why.' What is it about our world that made this an issue? Will these be relevant next year? 2 years from now? 5? 10? Was this the CORRECT way to go about putting forth these rules?

As for questioning and challenging the rules on here- this forum has amazed me with its continuous ability to provide meaningful discussion about a whole variety of topics. We have a variety of pretty high-profile people on here who share insight and bring their opinions to the places it matters. Les came on and talked about the Bangkok debacle, Justin comes on all the time to discuss NCA stuff (new sandbagging rules, Varsity score sheet stuff, etc). If you ever wanted a pretty accurate pulse for how people feel about certain things in the industry, I'd look here before anywhere. Yes, we have some gossip-y bits. But I'm always inspired by the challenging discussion and debates we have here. We may not make the change ourselves on the whole, but I wouldn't discount that our ideas and suggestions make their way to the people who COULD do something about it.

I will repeat what I said earlier. We can argue the merits of the "cover up" rule that the USASF came up with, whether it's too vague, too restrictive, what have you. But I will steadfastly hold to my opinion that the governing body for all-star cheer has the right to make such rules regarding the behavior and appearance of their athletes. They absolutely, completely, 1000% have that right.

 

[Coach Troy]

and yet our industry still continues to grow...

If the industry can and has survived and thrived with having multiple "images" represented why now, because of the sensibilities of a few, do we feel a need to give into this change.?? There has been room in our industry for all types of gyms from the ultra conservative to the sometimes edgy and the customer was able to choose what fit their needs best. It is exactly that diversity that has helped us grow.

Listen, please, I am not trying to have all of you think like me....I am just asking for the same consideration from you to me....

 

[Ashley]

and yet our industry still continues to grow...

If the industry can and has survived and thrived with having multiple "images" represented why now, because of the sensibilities of a few, do we feel a need to give into this change.?? There has been room in our industry for all types of gyms from the ultra conservative to the sometimes edgy and the customer was able to choose what fit their needs best. It is exactly that diversity that has helped us grow.

Listen, please, I am not trying to have all of you think like me....I am just asking for the same consideration from you to me....

I see your point, I really do, but we're at a major crossroads right now where we're trying to get what we do recognized as a sport - at least on the school level. And while all-star is completely separate from school cheering, it's also our best example of the skill required by the sport, particularly since there's no actual cheering in all-star cheering.

It also has the craziest examples of costume-y hair and makeup and uniforms.

If we really want to get people on our side so that our athletes can get the same support from their schools as others, then this is probably one of the easier places to start and one of the easier issues to address.

 

[Coach Troy]

So you want to change All-Star cheer to help School cheer??

 

[Coach Troy]

So I would just like to give an example of what I am trying to get across....

Im my program we have an assigned practice outfit for the second practice of the week it is a pair of nike pro style shorts and a sports bra..but because we recognize that each family is unique we provide an additional t-shirt with a similar design to the sports bra as well as a pair of shorts.
So for those families that are a little more modest they can have their athlete wear the additional items but we as a gym can maintain a similar unified look...

In doing this we keep our ability to govern the gym as we see fit but allow for each family to modify it in a way that keeps with their own individual sense of appropriateness.

 

[5-6-7-8]

We have been in this sport now for several years, and I'll admit...*I* think some of what we see out there looks trashy at worst, sloppy at best, even in the setting of the actual event.

(And I am talking very few uniforms, mainly the um, "alterations" done to them when not competing.)

And that is not how I want others to view this sport my CP loves! And if it means sacrificing a small bit of creativity, I am more than willing to do so.

 

[wcdad]

So I would just like to give an example of what I am trying to get across....

Im my program we have an assigned practice outfit for the second practice of the week it is a pair of nike pro style shorts and a sports bra..but because we recognize that each family is unique we provide an additional t-shirt with a similar design to the sports bra as well as a pair of shorts.
So for those families that are a little more modest they can have their athlete wear the additional items but we as a gym can maintain a similar unified look...

In doing this we keep our ability to govern the gym as we see fit but allow for each family to modify it in a way that keeps with their own individual sense of appropriateness.

So there is no unity or uniform appearance. Some of the team is in tee shirts and others are in sports bras. You only have assigned practice outfit once a week?

Every gym we have been a part of each and every practice there is an assigned outfit all the way to a bow. Every member of the team is in the same outfit. Making them look like a team.

Our teams were even told what to travel in, again all the way to the bow. There would be 36 girls on the plane and you knew they were a team

 

[fierceprincess]

Ok... I'm somewhat shocked at some of these comments. We preach "real sport", "athletes", "take us seriously" but yet some want our kids to walk around in uni with no cover up?... Really?!! Or better yet..pj pants, uggs, with UNi top?? Umm no! I can go on forever about this..
Uniforms are supposed to be seen on the mat when competing and when waiting for awards & pics.
You will never see a CA athlete walking around before they compete without their shirt (designated by team rep) over their UNi top with black shorts/black warm up pants on. You will also never see one of our athletes walk in without their cheer shoes on. This is policy. It is required and not an option.
Your athletes represent your program and why wouldn't you want them to look professional and uniform when they walk in & around the competition.
I love the rule and hope that everyone respects it.

If only all gyms would embrace policies like this. At Top Gun we have to be in FULL uniform (hair, make up, pretty much capable to walk on the mat and compete) or FULL warm ups (jacket zipped up, pants, competition shoes). No ear buds in, no sunglasses, etc.

 

[Coach Troy]

So there is no unity or uniform appearance. Some of the team is in tee shirts and others are in sports bras. You only have assigned practice outfit once a week?

Every gym we have been a part of each and every practice there is an assigned outfit all the way to a bow. Every member of the team is in the same outfit. Making them look like a team.

Our teams were even told what to travel in, again all the way to the bow. There would be 36 girls on the plane and you knew they were a team

As I wrote we design the t-shirt and shorts with the same desing so that we maintain a unified look while still allowing indiviual families a choice...We recognize and celibrate the diversity of thinking that you get anytime you bring a group of people together.

Yes we like that on the first practice the athletes can wear and use the multitiude of workout attire we provide as well as all the competition shirts, and other program shirts and bows that the girls collect. Then we bring them together on the practice that proceeds a performance with a unified look.

 

[wcdad]

If only all gyms would embrace policies like this. At Top Gun we have to be in FULL uniform (hair, make up, pretty much capable to walk on the mat and compete) or FULL warm ups (jacket zipped up, pants, competition shoes). No ear buds in, no sunglasses, etc.

There is a lot to be said about this. Winning is an attitude. It starts on practice one of the season. There is so much that goes into making a team a great team, a great gym, a great program.

Uniformity tops that list.

Uniformity in how you look, not just on the mat but each and every day every second you are in your uniform or the assigned outfit, representing your program. If you have pride in that program than I think you are already complying with the rule.

Uniformity plays a role in how teams are coached and what is expected from the team

Uniformity plays a role in how the Gym is run from team to team.

To me it all goes hand in hand, and as silly as it may seem it does start with the uniform.

 

[ashscott41]

So I would just like to give an example of what I am trying to get across....

Im my program we have an assigned practice outfit for the second practice of the week it is a pair of nike pro style shorts and a sports bra..but because we recognize that each family is unique we provide an additional t-shirt with a similar design to the sports bra as well as a pair of shorts.
So for those families that are a little more modest they can have their athlete wear the additional items but we as a gym can maintain a similar unified look...

In doing this we keep our ability to govern the gym as we see fit but allow for each family to modify it in a way that keeps with their own individual sense of appropriateness.

But isn't that similar to what the guidelines say? If showing off that expensive uniform all day is something you want to do, go to a full top gym. Don't like that and want to wear half tops? Ok that's fine too, but keep the tummy covered up when you're not competing. There are still options available for everyone.

 

[Coach Troy]

but what, if anything, does this have to do with the coverup rule??

I understand it is a standard that you look for in a gym and I am glad that you found that.....but that does not mean that a mandate needs to be made troughout every gym. I know laid back gyms that do very well because they cater to that clientle, I know very militant gyms that again are successful because they have found the customer base that supports their "image".

back to the coverup rule for a minute....since we have this "guideline" now who should ultimatly be punished for non-compliance?? if the gym provides the information and the athlete chooses to disobey is it the gyms fault? Is it the parents responsibility to police their athlete and if they are found without a coverup is the parent disiplined ??
If there is an incident at a competition does the usasf punish the EP for letting it occur??

 

[Coach Troy]

But isn't that similar to what the guidelines say? If showing off that expensive uniform all day is something you want to do, go to a full top gym. Don't like that and want to wear half tops? Ok that's fine too, but keep the tummy covered up when you're not competing. There are still options available for everyone.

you make a very good point .... never considered that....

 

[wcdad]

but what, if anything, does this have to do with the coverup rule??

I understand it is a standard that you look for in a gym and I am glad that you found that.....but that does not mean that a mandate needs to be made troughout every gym. I know laid back gyms that do very well because they cater to that clientle, I know very militant gyms that again are successful because they have found the customer base that supports their "image".

back to the coverup rule for a minute....since we have this "guideline" now who should ultimatly be punished for non-compliance?? if the gym provides the information and the athlete chooses to disobey is it the gyms fault? Is it the parents responsibility to police their athlete and if they are found without a coverup is the parent disiplined ??
If there is an incident at a competition does the usasf punish the EP for letting it occur??

I believe it is the coach’s responsibility for their team. If some one did not follow a directive that you laid out to them, than it is the coach responsibility to hold the team or member accountiable. A coach is a member of the USASF and is responsible for following and implementing the rules, and safety laid out by the USASF. The EP may come to the director of your program to inform them of a violation, the director of your program is going to go to the coach of that team, and the coach will deal with the team. How the coach handles it may be something along the lines of PT, but the Coach is the responsible party. Most coaches I know already do this. They do not want the parents involved, and they keep a handle on their team and already enforce a dress code, and code of conduct and have a policy in place for non compliance.

 

[wcdad]

I don’t think it has anything to do with a gym being laid back or militant as was stated. A coach is going to set the expectation of the team. A successful gym will deal with non-compliance of their members and I am sure they already have programs and actions in place for non compliance, like lateness, safety, uniformity, attendance, nonpayment in a way that works for them. Rules are still rules and we all have to follow them through our lives. If your program is part of the USASF than you have rules and guidelines to follow and enforce. That is business and the facts of life. Rules and guide lines are in place to help you as a coach and owner, athlete, parent, or customer. Everyone is on the same page.

I cannot be late for work or after several times I will be out of a job. I don't return a DVD to the red box, I get hit with a late fee. I will tell you I drive a lot and I have a bit of a lead foot. There is a rule / law that says if I speed and I get caught I will get a fine. I know the consequences of my actions in life and if I am willing to pay them I will not comply. In most cases I comply and can say I am happy