Hi all, happy to be a part of the forums! I was looking for suggestions on beating favoritism and cheer politics in a small school when it comes to tryouts and who was chosen for the squad.
Long story short, we are new to a small town and my 6th grader has years of cheer experience, she isn't perfect by any means but is very good. I attended practices and saw the girls she was up against. There were definitely a few great cheerleaders, only 2 who could tumble and then lots of girls who had never cheered before and it was obvious. There was a mandatory meeting for parents and kids, we were told if you didn't come, you couldn't try out. Multiple teachers whose daughters were trying out didn't come, but an exception was made for them although work was not what kept them from attending. these teachers kids were still able to try out, and broke the uniform rules on tryout day... still tried out, still made the team. Tryouts were closed and student body does not vote, it's 75% judge and 25% teacher recommendation.
This was my first dose of small town cheer politics. I'm not by any means saying my kid is the best, but she followed all the rules and had far more skill and experience than 4 girls in particular who made the squad, broke rules and are teachers children. I'm the first person to give credit where credit is due... my child has tried out for volleyball and didn't make it, I didn't even question it bc she isn't the greatest at volleyball... but she is at cheer and we've put so much time and money into her developing this passion.... to be denied for middle school cheer? Very frustrating.
I know there is nothing that will change the outcome. But I would love suggestions or personal experiences on this and how you handled it? My goal is to ensure that this doesn't continue in the future.
TIA for any response!!
Long story short, we are new to a small town and my 6th grader has years of cheer experience, she isn't perfect by any means but is very good. I attended practices and saw the girls she was up against. There were definitely a few great cheerleaders, only 2 who could tumble and then lots of girls who had never cheered before and it was obvious. There was a mandatory meeting for parents and kids, we were told if you didn't come, you couldn't try out. Multiple teachers whose daughters were trying out didn't come, but an exception was made for them although work was not what kept them from attending. these teachers kids were still able to try out, and broke the uniform rules on tryout day... still tried out, still made the team. Tryouts were closed and student body does not vote, it's 75% judge and 25% teacher recommendation.
This was my first dose of small town cheer politics. I'm not by any means saying my kid is the best, but she followed all the rules and had far more skill and experience than 4 girls in particular who made the squad, broke rules and are teachers children. I'm the first person to give credit where credit is due... my child has tried out for volleyball and didn't make it, I didn't even question it bc she isn't the greatest at volleyball... but she is at cheer and we've put so much time and money into her developing this passion.... to be denied for middle school cheer? Very frustrating.
I know there is nothing that will change the outcome. But I would love suggestions or personal experiences on this and how you handled it? My goal is to ensure that this doesn't continue in the future.
TIA for any response!!
