All-Star March Nca Dalles Questions For Those That Have Been.

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Jun 26, 2012
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Our team is going this year and I was wondering what to expect. I know it's big and that their will be teams from other countries. My main question is (timing), I heard their is (NCA) Mandatory practice the Friday before. How long does it last and I assume the younger squads go 1st, so about when would Jr. squads have their practice? I know it's a two day comp., about what time do they do awards for the Jr. age group? My husband does not want to stay the night Sunday but drive home after awards. We are driving (about a 6hr drive). I was just gauging on how much school my kids will miss. My son doesn't cheer but he'll have to go with us and missing 3/4 days of school starts to effect things with the Jr. high schools policy (for the last 1/2 of the school year). Thanks :)
 
I don't believe there's a mandatory practice unless your gym tells you so. We've been twice and have never done a practice outside of our hotel ballroom. If I'm not mistaken, I think you are allowed to practice at the convention center on Friday if your team so desires. As far as performance times, it varies. We went very early as a J3, but mid-day as a J4. As with any competition, you won't find out until closer to competition time. From what I remember though, only the Senior teams (all levels) and level 5 teams perform late in the day.
 
We went to practice at the convention center on friday as a gym and I don't remember how long it took, but I do know that J3 teams go earlier.
 
I know times can vary and that you don't find out until that week, just trying to get a idea, more so what time we can leave Sunday (after awards). Also, is their a spectator fee that'll have to pay for my husband, son and I? I've been to their site, but didn't make note of that. Thanks
 
The schedule usually comes out at least one week before competition. There are multiple stages for all the divisions and levels.. My girlfriends daughter was jr 3 and was finished by 3:pm on Sunday, but you never know. It is one of the best run comps so it usually isn't late unless injuries occur. They left after and started back to Alabama so the kids could attend some of school on Monday. They got a little sleep and just went late that Monday to school.
Yes it costs to get in. I think the two day pass for adults was $40.
 
The schedule usually comes out at least one week before competition. There are multiple stages for all the divisions and levels.. My girlfriends daughter was jr 3 and was finished by 3:pm on Sunday, but you never know. It is one of the best run comps so it usually isn't late unless injuries occur. They left after and started back to Alabama so the kids could attend some of school on Monday. They got a little sleep and just went late that Monday to school.
Yes it costs to get in. I think the two day pass for adults was $40.
What age is considered a adult and is their another rate for children like my son? Thanks
 
I think it's the same price and maybe under 5?? Is free. The schedule varies. It seems like they try to get the tiny-youth in earlier rather than later. I know one year our S2 was finishing up around 9:30 Sunday. What we do is just book our room through Monday so we have it if we need it and just check out early if we don't.
 
This is our 5th year going to NCA and the schedule has never even been close to the same. We have gone as early as 8:00 AM and as late as 9:30 PM. It will just depend on how many in that level enter. I think we always pay 40.00 for the weekend pass as spectators. I would wait and leave on monday morning so that you are not driving for 6 hours after being at a compeititon all day. Hope this helps.
 
The competition is run where there is a completely different performance mat for each level. Depending on what level your daughter is on, is what's going to determine when the awards are... Also if you are required to wait for the rest of the teams from your gym to finish performing which could literally take all day long...

Your daughter could perform at 8 in the morning and awards at 11, or she could perform at 4 in the afternoon and awards at 7 PM... It varies every year... You'll get a better idea when it comes closer to time and schedules begin to appear...

As for other countries? I think you're mistaken with Worlds (during April, in Orlando)... I'm not aware of other countries at NCA aside from Canada and maybe Mexico...

As others have stated, there is no required practice on that Friday. If your gym has put in place a required practice time, then by all means follow the instructions of your gym owner.

Also, I know several parents in the same exact boat as yours regarding leaving after awards and having a near 6 hour drive home... We've had awards before that get over at such a late time that the parents decide to leave after their child's performance and just wait to hear from their child what the results were on the way home... Unless you're taking your daughter home with you, in that case maybe another option will have to be thought up...
 
If your daughter's team wins her division they will go from awards to the "Champions Room" to get their jackets. This is a not to be missed event! NCA makes this really special and each team gets a "rock star" moment when they walk out in their jackets and all the parents (we look like paparazzi ) are snapping photos and cheering. Just wanted to add that in to your travel planning. Best of luck
 
Also available only in the Champion's Room are round Varsity pins of the Jacket logo - very cool if you're like me and my cp and love the pins.
 
I think it's the same price and maybe under 5?? Is free. The schedule varies. It seems like they try to get the tiny-youth in earlier rather than later. I know one year our S2 was finishing up around 9:30 Sunday. What we do is just book our room through Monday so we have it if we need it and just check out early if we don't.

This was the price from last year:

The cost of admission is $20.00 per day. You may purchase a two-day pass for $35.00 prior to the event or on Day 1 at the Convention Center.

Also, some hotels charge early departure fees if checking out earlier than reserved.
 
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