All-Star Dangers Of Cheerlebrity

[yojaehs]

Ok, so gyms pledge not to support this, this is another band-aid. I understand this is a step and I agree that this is a positive one but it's still clouded judgement. My issue with this it that it puts sole responsibility of "cheerlebrity" on the gyms, when I don't think that's the case. Whether a gym hypes the athlete or a magazine or a product, kids will still be looked up to for their looks, talent or team. Every sport, every team has athletes that are "recognized" above others. Cheer as a WHOLE needs to have an acceptable time and place understanding. Are we looking to corner these kids away from the world? Heck when I cheered my favorite part was meeting and hanging out with kids from other gyms. There were people I looked up to as "cheerlebrities" but I also think times were different. I think this will help but I HATE that "cheerlebrity" status is 100% being blamed on gyms, parents, athletes looking for fame. That is not always the case and its annoying the crap out of me.

 

[SheCheers]

I just kind of see this as a step in the right direction. Gyms are stepping up to "do their part". Parents need to do their part, EPs, theirs, etc...

 

[BlueCat]

For what it is worth, this is not saying that no individual can ever appear in a photograph or article, it is simply trying to get some measure of control back to the situation before it gets further out of hand. No one predicted that the situation would get to what it has become.

We are willing to admit that decisions made in the past were mistakes. Things that seemed to be positive for the sport (or honestly, for our program) in the past now look like they have not had the intended result. Hindsight is 20/20***. All we can do at this point is pledge to make better decisions going forward.

To change the direction of the industry, we also need other organizations besides the few gyms on the list to commit to focusing on the teams rather than select individuals. While they admittedly may have contributed to the issue, "big name" gyms and the few athletes involved did not create the "cheerlebrity" concept in a vacuum. Cheer "media" like American Cheerleader, Inside Cheerleading, and others have understandably used those individuals to increase their magazine sales. Event producers have played their part in the process as well. Varsity even started an entire brand devoted entirely to, and named after "Cheerlebrity." I'm not sure exactly what they can do at this point, but they need to be involved. We all need to be a part of the solution, otherwise there will simply be other individuals that find themselves in the same situation.

*** The nerd in me wants to point out that the saying should be more like "hindsight is 20/1."

 

[StarshipTrooper]

That set of rules reads very much like a political manefesto. Just put "state" into team and read some of it again. I would suggest a bit of prudent reflection before passing these types or rules. Yes, it got a little crazy at times, but I just do not know about restricting individual rights in such a way for a problem that seems more perceived than real. In the end I handled the security by myself and the team won 2 out of 3 World Championships so I'm not certain how detrimental it was to the team. Seems they were pretty successful. Sure, a gym can do whatever they want with their rules and trademarks voluntarily. Is it being suggested that this should become an industry wide set of rules? If so, maybe take a little time and decide how you are restricting yourselves and others before going all in on these types of rules.

 

[lucyemma]

I think there are may grey areas within the 'cheerlebrity' craze. I for one get to attend worlds once per year coming from England. I want to learn from the athletes what being an allstar in the USA is about..because it just interests me. I love having the opportunity to speak to athletes over there, despite what gym they are from and I couldn't care less whether they are a cheerlebrity or not. What I have noticed is that those athletes with perhaps more charisma or 'sparkle' are considered the more well known, whereas those athletes that come across as quiter on face value are left alone, despite being awesome athletes and great people to learn from! I have been able to learn about some gyms in particular for which I had photos taken with some of their athletes who I was able to appreciate,but I have always tried to only ask for a photo when they aren't with crowds of people. I don't think I've ever 'hunted' a 'cheerlebrity', because there's no need. I have only ever taken photos with athletes who I appreciate and admire their team's talent. I have never approached anyone before they competed at worlds because it is completely inappropriate. I am not interested in having a photo with someone because they have a cute poof or just because of their name.

In England I am happy that cheerlebrities haven't taken off..because of this reason, why does one person deserve more recognition than another on a team? I think that over here, point jumps, point flyer etc isn't considered a big deal, it is the focus on the team. While some athletes are more well known, it is generally a case of appreciation for their skills. I think this was well demonstrated by coed elite coming to Jamfest Europe. We spent time at the camp with the athletes the night before which as very chilled out. I saw many CEA athletes waling around the venue left alone. I think me and my freidns got a photo with 1 athlete as she had worked with us 1-1 the night before on our stunting. The meet and greet was crazy because everyone wanted to get autograhs and photos from 'that american team' but all the athlet's parents were there and the athletes were sectioned off from the crowd..infact CSP and BP weren't allowed through the barriers and had to go the whole way around the venue due to the tight security. When this was over, however, they were left along again and gave out awards. After the competition their athletes were walking around the venue. I think they may have been given their own room in an unknown location in the venue with was great for them if it got too much! I think the lesson learned is that people wanted to get photos with coed elite because of their talent and people were not focusing on 1 athlete, instead it was much more of an appreciation of all of the team and their coaches.

All in all, I believe that there is a difference between being friendly, wanting to learn about teams and crossing the line by stalking athletes just because of their name and stampeeding athletes..that's weird. They are just teenagers doing a sport they love, often on a team of amazing athletes, each who deserve recognition in the own ways. I think meetings with these athletes for photos or autographs need to be more controlled and designated areas only and done only if the athletes or coaches are willing to have this happen..rather than have people waiting for a team to go into warmup..there is a time and a place which needs to be addressed. I do understand the fascination with some athletes to an extent but not others, it seems more logical to have a fascination with a team, their coreography and skills etc than someones poof or 6 pack which isn't really that interesting. I think that the psychology of following a crowd has a big influence on having particular athletes as targets.

 

[Cheerforme]

Following gyms have pledged:

Cheer Athletics
Cheer Express
Cheergyms.com
CNY Storm
Georgia Allstars
Green Bay Elite
Midwest Cheer Elite
Oklahoma Twisters
Power Cheer
Spirit Explosion
Stealth Allstars
Top Gun
World Cup

I love this and say GOOD for them!!!!

 

[catlady]

Ok, so gyms pledge not to support this, this is another band-aid. I understand this is a step and I agree that this is a positive one but it's still clouded judgement. My issue with this it that it puts sole responsibility of "cheerlebrity" on the gyms, when I don't think that's the case. Whether a gym hypes the athlete or a magazine or a product, kids will still be looked up to for their looks, talent or team. Every sport, every team has athletes that are "recognized" above others. Cheer as a WHOLE needs to have an acceptable time and place understanding. Are we looking to corner these kids away from the world? Heck when I cheered my favorite part was meeting and hanging out with kids from other gyms. There were people I looked up to as "cheerlebrities" but I also think times were different. I think this will help but I HATE that "cheerlebrity" status is 100% being blamed on gyms, parents, athletes looking for fame. That is not always the case and its annoying the crap out of me.

I don't look at it as pointing blame, as much as, who has the most control in this situation. Cheerlebrity's want to cheer. A gym has the power to take the pressure off of a cheerlebrity that doesn't want the attention by allowing them to state, "my gym won't allow us to take pics or autograph's for our safety." For the few that do seek out the attention, it will prevent them from cheering at the gyms that take the pledge. If a cheerlebrity is not able to sign autographs or take pics with people, I see this resolving itself quite quickly. I, also, believe gyms can control outside media coverage in their contracts, whether it be only full teams may have coverage or no coverage at all. I often see gym owners stating how they feel they are losing control in this business and normally I can see their point but, in this case, they truly have the upperhand and it might benefit them in the end to use it.

 

[Cheerforme]

When you mix this fan base (these are, after all, the same tween/teenage girls who feed the Bieber and One Direction craze) with direct access (no concert tix or backstage pass required, just come to your cheerleading competition and follow your favorite cheerleb to the bathroom! Your parents will even help you find them!) you have a recipe for disaster.

It's pretty scary reading firsthand accounts of how intense some situations have gotten. I understand many might feel that official security measures and physical separation of these athletes from the general public when necessary will only feed the cheerleb fire, and I don't disagree, but I also think if it's ignored there is real potential for someone to be put in danger and seriously hurt. At least at high-profile events like Majors, NCA, Worlds, etc. where non-participants attend specifically to see well-known teams and athletes.

Here is my problem with this...the cheerlebrity craze is fed by the soem athletes/parents who want the notoriety for whatever reason...so now we have a safety issue for athletes...some who did and some who didnt "create the problem" WHO should foot the bill for this extra security? This doesnt come without a price and I am know that actors, musicians and even some politicians all have to pay for the extra security that often accompanies an event they go to

 

[Cheerforme]

I just read all 15 pages of this thread so this comment might seem off topic but I had an idea for a little experiment...
I wonder what would happen if a random girl, someone who doesn't even cheer, was put in a competition venue in a WC/CA/TG uni. Would she get treated as a Cheerlebrity simply because of the name on her chest? I think she most definitely would, but it'd also be interesting to see if any "true fan" caught on

Here is what would happen - Our first year at our gym, my daughter was placed on a team that had won World's the year before...We came from a small gym that didnt have a level 5 program or travel so going to Indy, Dallas, Atlanta was all new to us...in Indy she was bombarded at least three times for pictures with people JUST because of the uniform. In the crowded walk way from the Mall to the Convention Center she had a camera stuck in her face from a passerby and she was touched at least 5 times form out of nowhere.

 

[SassyPriss]

Yeah, maybe Varsity should rename their "Cheerlebrity " Competitions . I'm not completely blaming the media, but that's what kids see/hear. It's really gotten out of hand and will only get worse. Glad some gyms have taken a stand. It's a start....

 

[BlueCat]

That set of rules reads very much like a political manefesto. Just put "state" into team and read some of it again. I would suggest a bit of prudent reflection before passing these types or rules. Yes, it got a little crazy at times, but I just do not know about restricting individual rights in such a way for a problem that seems more perceived than real. In the end I handled the security by myself and the team won 2 out of 3 World Championships so I'm not certain how detrimental it was to the team. Seems they were pretty successful. Sure, a gym can do whatever they want with their rules and trademarks voluntarily. Is it being suggested that this should become an industry wide set of rules? If so, maybe take a little time and decide how you are restricting yourselves and others before going all in on these types of rules.

The perception is that the situation is getting more prominent and severe. Yes, you were able to manage your situation without major incident. If it could be guaranteed that the "mob" at events would never get worse or out of hand, then this list probably wouldn't exist.

You would be hard pressed to find many gym owners more opposed to state control and authoritarianism than I am. However, as you mentioned, private businesses have the right to control their image, trademark, and coaching philosophy how they choose. We have always tried to promote the team concept and always discouraged athletes from hogging the spotlight. I'm sure than any of our athletes would attest to that. None of the statements in this pledge go against what we have believed for the last 20 years. I'm not sure how competition results relate to validating that stance, but we have done fine at competitions using that philosophy.

We are NOT suggesting that this become a mandatory set of rules, we are simply stating our current opinion on the subject. Athletes who primarily seek individual glory are always free to attend a different gym. We would even sign the release for any athlete that wanted to change gyms this season for this reason.

 

[Cheerforme]

That set of rules reads very much like a political manefesto. Just put "state" into team and read some of it again. I would suggest a bit of prudent reflection before passing these types or rules. Yes, it got a little crazy at times, but I just do not know about restricting individual rights in such a way for a problem that seems more perceived than real. In the end I handled the security by myself and the team won 2 out of 3 World Championships so I'm not certain how detrimental it was to the team. Seems they were pretty successful. Sure, a gym can do whatever they want with their rules and trademarks voluntarily. Is it being suggested that this should become an industry wide set of rules? If so, maybe take a little time and decide how you are restricting yourselves and others before going all in on these types of rules.[/quote

I think it is important that you state YOU took care of the security yourself...but if you or your gym were required to pay for additional security at a venue because the EP deemed it necessary for the sake of not only your daughter but the others attendees who get caught up in the frenzy - would you? One day someone is going to get injured, be it the cheerlebrity or the younger fan who gets trampled if this is allowed to go on "unchecked" and then real actions/ lawsuits agains EPs could result

 

[yojaehs]

I don't look at it as pointing blame, as much as, who has the most control in this situation. Cheerlebrity's want to cheer. A gym has the power to take the pressure off of a cheerlebrity that doesn't want the attention by allowing them to state, "my gym won't allow us to take pics or autograph's for our safety." For the few that do seek out the attention, it will prevent them from cheering at the gyms that take the pledge. If a cheerlebrity is not able to sign autographs or take pics with people, I see this resolving itself quite quickly. I, also, believe gyms can control outside media coverage in their contracts, whether it be only full teams may have coverage or no coverage at all. I often see gym owners stating how they feel they are losing control in this business and normally I can see their point but, in this case, they truly have the upperhand and it might benefit them in the end to use it.

You can not see it that way and that's fine. But if you read through EVERY "cheerleabrity" discussion, the blame is pointed at either the gym for hyping the kid, the parents for wanting to live through their kid or the kid for self hyping. That is not always the case. Think of ANY kid throwing a new pass that's never been done or a flyer that just "it" I don't care what team they are on and if they don't have a twitter when that kid shows up to a competition they will be recognized and people will want to meet, talk, take pics. And you know what, that kid SHOULD meet, talk and take pics. I know it's out of hand and I'm glad to see people are trying to help but I think the "fix" is expected out of the gyms with the "cheerlebrities" how about these kids that are acting ridiculous and hounding these kids? That's where the blame should be, not on a kid that's pretty, talented or heck has charisma. Some have "it" some don't but regardless the blame lies on the crazy fan, NOT the "cheerlebrity". If your at a concert and you go for an autograph or pic at the wrong time and you act out you are escorted out. THAT is what needs to happen, NOT gyms turning on gyms.

 

[StarshipTrooper]

The perception is that the situation is getting more prominent and severe. Yes, you were able to manage your situation without major incident. If it could be guaranteed that the "mob" at events would never get worse or out of hand, then this list probably wouldn't exist.

You would be hard pressed to find many gym owners more opposed to state control and authoritarianism than I am. However, as you mentioned, private businesses have the right to control their image, trademark, and coaching philosophy how they choose. We have always tried to promote the team concept and always discouraged athletes from hogging the spotlight. I'm sure than any of our athletes would attest to that. None of the statements in this pledge go against what we have believed for the last 20 years. I'm not sure how competition results relate to validating that stance, but we have done fine at competitions using that philosophy.

We are NOT suggesting that this become a mandatory set of rules, we are simply stating our current opinion on the subject. Athletes who primarily seek individual glory are always free to attend a different gym. We would even sign the release for any athlete that wanted to change gyms this season for this reason.

I think that this sort of thing is fine as a voluntary pledge by whomever wants to join in. I will say that I have noticed over the last year you personally have been much more involved in message boards, social media and promotion of you gym. I think in a competitive market like Dallas that is smart business and a proactive way to approach things. In some ways I think I see you shedding crockidile tears, or let us say playing both sides of the street on this issue. I think you fanned the flames of fame a bit to hard and it got to be a bit more than you were expecting. Maybe just say I may have made a bit of a mistake and trying to adjust. I think there is room for athletes that are both team orineted and recognizable instead of the only other choice being team or "primarily seek individual glory".

 

[catlady]

yojaehs I know people have been pointing fingers, however, I try to take the blame and emotion out of the situation and look for the person/group that can make the biggest difference. I agree, the fans are out of control, many of the hallways are narrow and it is inevitable someone is going to get hurt. More security? There is a huge cost factor that will just be passed down in competition fees and entry fees for the venue that, ultimately, could put an increased strain on gyms/parents and force them to compete less. This is a pledge, I see no reason for gyms to turn against one another, take it or leave it.