All-Star Owners, Coaches And Athletes. Whose Accountable?!

[TealArmySparkle]

I'll hand on heart say that I'm not shocked that this has gone on. Yes its awful but in no way am I surprised. When you are brought up in a country where the legal drinking age is higher and kids haven't been socialised into not going overboard (the French are a great example of trying to reverse this) then things like this will happen. The UK is awful for its underage drinking culture as outright bans mean that kids will rebel for a reason - they want the thing that is banned. Irresponsible parenting maybe, but my folks never made a massive deal about drinking and would let me from the age of 15 have a glass of something really weak with dinner at the weekend and that was my lot. I'm almost 20 now and barely ever drink because it lost its "forbidden" enticement relatively quickly. However, I think in circumstances like this something needs to be done but reliance on the USASF alone won't cut it, parents need to lay down the law as well. I'm not advocating for parents letting their underage children run riot on alcohol but I think countries like Italy and France must be doing something right as they don't have the same binge drinking culture like the UK and US. So maybe the approach is to destigmatise it in the home a little bit more so they just lose interest?

ETA: Zero tolerance is needed in public circumstances with underaged kids and definitely no drinking at competitions. My university have a zero tolerance policy for drinking whilst at any sports competition, the only time we are allowed is with a meal after the competition has concluded and we are no longer in anything representing the university. The Rockstar owner definitely needs to be held accountable for this and I hope more comes from sharing it around.

 

[FamousxMindset]

If CEA would have done this they would have been ripped to shreds by everyone and action would have been taken by the appropriate governing bodies.

 

[Eyes On The Prize]

If CEA would have done this they would have been ripped to shreds by everyone and action would have been taken by the appropriate governing bodies.

Mmmmmmmmmmm doubt it.

I don't really think the governing bodies want to get involved with this stuff. 1. Because it's rampant and 2. if anything illegal happens, why not just call the authorities? An adult providing alcohol to a minor? Illegal and should be dealt with by the authorities, not the USASF. Questionable photos? Needs to be left up to the parties involved - the athletes, the gym, the parents, and the Majors since their advertising was featured, not the USASF. If I were head of the USASF, I wouldn't want to touch this with a 30 ft pole.

Unpopular opinion, but I don't think the USASF should really be getting involved here and I don't think they should be regulating how athletes conduct themselves on social media. Thats up to the gyms and the parents of the children to decide. If the gyms and parents don't want to hand out punishments then c'est la vie.

 

[catlady]

The Hollywood situation (another small community intertwined professionally and financially) has made it imperative to address this immediately whether they want to or not. We all know the many years of partying, also means many years of poor judgment. The current environment is not favorable for those that think their position of power and income to the industry will keep people silenced. Clearly defined and announced consequences won't only protect our children, they will also protect the parents who pay into, staff that work within, owners, franchise owners, event planners, and other supporting businesses. IMO, consequences for the partying issue have to come from the USASF.

 

[FamousxMindset]

Mmmmmmmmmmm doubt it.

I don't really think the governing bodies want to get involved with this stuff. 1. Because it's rampant and 2. if anything illegal happens, why not just call the authorities? An adult providing alcohol to a minor? Illegal and should be dealt with by the authorities, not the USASF. Questionable photos? Needs to be left up to the parties involved - the athletes, the gym, the parents, and the Majors since their advertising was featured, not the USASF. If I were head of the USASF, I wouldn't want to touch this with a 30 ft pole.

Unpopular opinion, but I don't think the USASF should really be getting involved here and I don't think they should be regulating how athletes conduct themselves on social media. Thats up to the gyms and the parents of the children to decide. If the gyms and parents don't want to hand out punishments then c'est la vie.

If USASF deals with cheerleaders warmup/stunting/tumbling on an unsafe surface why shouldn't they step in a situation where illegal acts are being condoned by USASF certified gym owner. Underage drinking is illegal and can very easily become dangerous.

PER the USASF Mission Statement

To support and enrich the lives of our All Star athletes and members. We provide consistent rules, strive for a safe environment for our athletes, drive competitive excellence, and promote a positive image for the sport.

The Rockstar situation(s) has publicly broken two of these aims.

About USASF

The US All Star Federation (USASF) was founded in 2003 with the core principle of making All Star a safer sport by establishing fair and consistent rules and competition standards. The organization credentials coaches, certifies safety judges, sanctions events and maintains and adjusts (as needed) safety guidelines, all with the goal of providing the safest possible environment for cheer and dance athletes to train and compete. We are a not for profit corporation established in Tennessee and are governed by Bylaws, officers, a Board of Directors, and 15 standing committees. The day to day operation of the USASF is handled by full time, part time, and volunteer staff.

ETA: They have broken this one as well.

Sidenote:

I'm also tired of the "this has been happening for years" argument if you see it happening and you chose to not say anything you are also apart of the problem. Call people out when they deserve to be.

 

[SL&AM]

Mmmmmmmmmmm doubt it.

I don't really think the governing bodies want to get involved with this stuff. 1. Because it's rampant and 2. if anything illegal happens, why not just call the authorities? An adult providing alcohol to a minor? Illegal and should be dealt with by the authorities, not the USASF. Questionable photos? Needs to be left up to the parties involved - the athletes, the gym, the parents, and the Majors since their advertising was featured, not the USASF. If I were head of the USASF, I wouldn't want to touch this with a 30 ft pole.

Unpopular opinion, but I don't think the USASF should really be getting involved here and I don't think they should be regulating how athletes conduct themselves on social media. Thats up to the gyms and the parents of the children to decide. If the gyms and parents don't want to hand out punishments then c'est la vie.

USASF should be dealing with the coaches/owners who are caught breaking their code of conduct...the code of conduct USASF puts out. Why have rules if they won't enforce them?

 

[ErinS]

If CEA would have done this they would have been ripped to shreds by everyone and action would have been taken by the appropriate governing bodies.

I’d argue that people would turn a blind eye to CEA as well. If it were “Off Brand All Stars”.... or Trinity or whatever from back in the day, people would have their pitch forks out, people would follow through with their outrage, they would be made an example of etc...

But since it’s Rockstar and not “Off Brand” everyone is basically sitting around proclaiming “not it”. I mean heck, even I’ve seen verified information that magically has not made it here.

But like I said “not it”.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Eyes On The Prize]

If USASF deals with cheerleaders warmup/stunting/tumbling on an unsafe surface why shouldn't they step in a situation where illegal acts are being condoned by USASF certified gym owner. Underage drinking is illegal and can very easily become dangerous.

PER the USASF Mission Statement

To support and enrich the lives of our All Star athletes and members. We provide consistent rules, strive for a safe environment for our athletes, drive competitive excellence, and promote a positive image for the sport.

The Rockstar situation(s) has publicly broken two of these aims.

About USASF

The US All Star Federation (USASF) was founded in 2003 with the core principle of making All Star a safer sport by establishing fair and consistent rules and competition standards. The organization credentials coaches, certifies safety judges, sanctions events and maintains and adjusts (as needed) safety guidelines, all with the goal of providing the safest possible environment for cheer and dance athletes to train and compete. We are a not for profit corporation established in Tennessee and are governed by Bylaws, officers, a Board of Directors, and 15 standing committees. The day to day operation of the USASF is handled by full time, part time, and volunteer staff.

ETA: They have broken this one as well.

Sidenote:

I'm also tired of the "this has been happening for years" argument if you see it happening and you chose to not say anything you are also apart of the problem. Call people out when they deserve to be.

You bolded: "with the goal of providing the safest possible environment for cheer and dance athletes to train and compete". Which is exactly my point. The athletes are not at that party to traind and compete. The text you quoted are all things that USASF could be legally liable for if someone gets seriously hurt at a cheer gym, competition, cheer event, etc - places they have governance over. They do not have governance over anything outside a cheer gym or their competitions. The USASF is not there to dictate the lives or outside antics of anyone involved with cheer. They are not a parent. They are there to govern cheer things. A party in someones house, whether its all cheer people or not, even if it happens after hours of a cheer event, is not a cheer thing. That's a personal thing and is outside their "jurisdiction". If its happening AT a cheer event, then I think they should step in. Who has governance over things outside of a cheer event? The police. So if something illegal is happening and someone's putting someone else in danger, call 'em up.

I'm not taking the stance of "this has been happening for years" and I'm fine with calling people out who need to be called out. I'm reading the rules too and nowhere does USASF have jurisdiction in the personal lives of coaches or athletes. I'm not saying that consequences shouldn't be dished out. I'm saying I don't think USASF should be involved - it doesn't have anything to do with them because it didn't happen on their time under their watch. Rockstar should be the one to deal with the coaches professional consequences and the authorities to deal with the legal consequences.

USASF should be dealing with the coaches/owners who are caught breaking their code of conduct...the code of conduct USASF puts out. Why have rules if they won't enforce them?

Yes, the Code of Conduct that the USASF wrote clearly states:

As Cheer and Dance programs grow and become more competitive, by necessity, they rise to the level of a business operation. How that business is conducted becomes very important. Many questions must be asked of oneself, “Is it business first, or does the sport come first?” “Is the bottom line of winning and success, more important than how that is achieved?” “Do personal relationships and loyalties between coaches, athletes and their families take second place to achieving success?”

There is a huge distinction between “Legal” and “Ethical”. “Legal” is a matter of law. “Ethics” are a code of conduct based on personal values and beliefs. Therefore, someone may do something which is “Legal” yet “Unethical”. Not surprisingly, these opposing values have caused and will always cause a measure of conflict. The USASF is the governing body for All Star Cheer and Dance which has clearly defined the rules and regulations for the competition side. The USASF Disciplinary committee oversees any violation of the rules and the National All Star Connection (NASC) provides the members who serve on that committee to preserve and protect the integrity of the rules. However, there has not been a clear definition of the ethical standards relating to the business side of All Star Cheer and Dance.

and

All members of the USASF have a Professional Responsibility to ensure that All Star Cheer and Dance events are conducted in an environment free of drug or alcohol abuse. Any member perceived to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol at a USASF Sanctioned event will be issued immediate suspension from the event and a USASF Official disciplinary case will be filed by the USASF. It is inconsistent with this obligation for any member to.

A. Use or provide to a third party any prescribed drug by applicable federal, state or municipal law.
B. Assist or condone any competing athlete’s use of a drug banned by the International Olympic Committee, United States Olympic Committee, or National Collegiate Athletic Association, or, in the case of athlete members, to use such drugs or refuse to submit to properly conducted drug tests administered by one of those organizations.
C. Provide alcohol to, or condone the use of alcohol by, minors, at USASF activities or, in the case of athlete members, consume alcoholic beverages while a minor.

As far as I know, the drinking video was not AT a USASF activity so it's out of the jurisdiction they set for themselves (aka covered their booties with). Therefore, the cops should be called and I don't think the USASF should be required to intervene. If they want to, that's great, I'd have no problem with that. But I think that might set them up for a potential court date about where their control begins and ends. Which is why, if I was head of the USASF, I'd stay out of it and let Rockstar and the local authorities handle it.

The lewd image was not made on a USASF related account so I don't think they should step in. Again, I think the involved parties (Rockstar, the athletes & family, and the Majors) should be the ones to dish out/recieve the consequences. But I don't think disciplinary action is required or even needed from USASF for this event.

Eta: My grammar is awful today.

 

[mamabear]

Do you think that USASF would react differently if the drinking video was at a bar during a comp or in a hotel or restaurant related to the event?

 

[FamousxMindset]

You bolded: "with the goal of providing the safest possible environment for cheer and dance athletes to train and compete". Which is exactly my point. The athletes are not at that party to traind and compete. The text you quoted are all things that USASF could be legally liable for if someone gets seriously hurt at a cheer gym, competition, cheer event, etc - places they have governance over. They do not have governance over anything outside a cheer gym or their competitions. The USASF is not there to dictate the lives or outside antics of anyone involved with cheer. They are not a parent. They are there to govern cheer things. A party in someones house, whether its all cheer people or not, even if it happens after hours of a cheer event, is not a cheer thing. That's a personal thing and is outside their "jurisdiction". If its happening AT a cheer event, then I think they should step in. Who has governance over things outside of a cheer event? The police. So if something illegal is happening and someone's putting someone else in danger, call 'em up.

I'm not taking the stance of "this has been happening for years" and I'm fine with calling people out who need to be called out. I'm reading the rules too and nowhere does USASF have jurisdiction in the personal lives of coaches or athletes. I'm not saying that consequences shouldn't be dished out. I'm saying I don't think USASF should be involved because it doesn't have anything to do with them because it didn't happen on their time under watch. Rockstar should be the one to deal with the coaches professional consequences and the authorities to deal with the legal consequences.




Yes, the Code of Conduct that the USASF wrote clearly states:



and



As far as I know, the drinking video was not AT a USASF activity so it's out of the jurisdiction they set for themselves (aka covered their booties with). Therefore, the cops should be called and I don't think the USASF should be required to intervene. If they want to, that's great, I'd have no problem with that. But I think that might set them up for a potential court date about where their control begins and ends. Which is why, if I was head of the USASF, I'd stay out of it and let Rockstar and the local authorities handle it.

The lewd image was not made on a USASF related account so I don't think they should step in. Again, I think the involved parties (Rockstar, the athletes & family, and the Majors) should be the ones to dish out/recieve the consequences. But I don't think disciplinary action is required or even needed from USASF for this event.

You can't tell me that a USAF athlete'ts environment is not being affected while in the company of a USASF gym owner/ and members guidance while knowingly participating and potentially even supplying minors alcohol is not a USASF problem. The athletes were not at the part to train and compete even though we have a seen Rockstar athletes post videos of themselves stunting and tumbling in non conventional settings, however they were in a dangerous environment. The things I learned from my coach were not exclusive to the mat.

I also bolded
"... strive for a safe environment for our athletes, drive competitive excellence, and promote a positive image for the sport." Which again the Rockstar staff failed to do so, also in the mission statement it doesn't confine responsibility to gym or event.

 

[Eyes On The Prize]

You can't tell me that a USAF athlete'ts environment is not being affected while in the company of a USASF gym owner/ and members guidance while knowingly participating and potentially even supplying minors alcohol is not a USASF problem.

It's not USASF's problem because it's not at a USASF event or on their watch.

The athletes were not at the part to train and compete even though we have a seen Rockstar athletes post videos of themselves stunting and tumbling in non conventional settings, however they were in a dangerous environment.

It's not USASF's problem because it's not at a USASF event or on their watch.

The things I learned from my coach were not exclusive to the mat.

Are you responsible for an athlete breaking their necks tumbling on the grass at the park by themselves because you taught them that skill? No. Why? Because it didn't happen on your watch.

I also bolded "... strive for a safe environment for our athletes, drive competitive excellence, and promote a positive image for the sport."

Yes, and they will only enforce those bolded sentences at a USASF event or on their watch.

Which again the Rockstar staff failed to do so, also in the mission statement it doesn't confine responsibility to gym or event.

Yes, it's Rockstar issue and their responsibility to enforce consequences. Not USASF's. Rockstar gets to create a code of conduct for their employees OUSTIDE of the gym. It is not the governing body's responsibility to do that.


Really not sure how much clearer I can get. If USASF tried to do something about this, they could be taken to court and sued because it could be argued that this is outside of their legal jurisdiction since it wasn't at a USASF event or on their watch. It's stated NOWHERE that they have the right to control things outside of places where athletes are not training or competing.

 

[coachrah]

Mmmmmmmmmmm doubt it.

I don't really think the governing bodies want to get involved with this stuff. 1. Because it's rampant and 2. if anything illegal happens, why not just call the authorities? An adult providing alcohol to a minor? Illegal and should be dealt with by the authorities, not the USASF. Questionable photos? Needs to be left up to the parties involved - the athletes, the gym, the parents, and the Majors since their advertising was featured, not the USASF. If I were head of the USASF, I wouldn't want to touch this with a 30 ft pole.

Unpopular opinion, but I don't think the USASF should really be getting involved here and I don't think they should be regulating how athletes conduct themselves on social media. Thats up to the gyms and the parents of the children to decide. If the gyms and parents don't want to hand out punishments then c'est la vie.

Past and current lawsuits against USA Swimming and USA Gymnastics (Larry Nasser got 60 years today) named the governing body, coaches, University of Michigan and anyone who knew that athletes were put in harms way. Didn't matter if they were at an out of competition venue or off site premise ... Actually mattered MORE that their abuse of power and non compliant coaching code of conduct spilled into what they are commissioned to honor. The athletes who were left in the wreckage and culture of secrecy cases now have stronger lawsuits because of the secrecy and the inaction.

 

[UCFKnights07]

i think people are starting to blow this way out of proportion. The picture is inappropriate yes, the video is damaging yes. But it isnt usasf responsibility to punish them. If the majors decide to drop them, then they have that right. But usasf aint paying for these gyms, owners, etc. they cant control something they arent footing the bill for. And I wouldnt use the Nassar situation as a comparison...
i think the situation would be a WHOLE lot different if the guy wasnt the dang gym owner. He probably would have been fired the minute the video came to light. But i guess thats the double edge sword you deal with when you own the business.

 

[coachrah]

i think people are starting to blow this way out of proportion. The picture is inappropriate yes, the video is damaging yes. But it isnt usasf responsibility to punish them. If the majors decide to drop them, then they have that right. But usasf aint paying for these gyms, owners, etc. they cant control something they arent footing the bill for. And I wouldnt use the Nassar situation as a comparison...
i think the situation would be a WHOLE lot different if the guy wasnt the dang gym owner. He probably would have been fired the minute the video came to light. But i guess thats the double edge sword you deal with when you own the business.

So the average joe would get fired but the higher position of power gets a pass? Double edged swords in a court of law don't pass that litmus test.

 

[catlady]

i think people are starting to blow this way out of proportion. The picture is inappropriate yes, the video is damaging yes. But it isnt usasf responsibility to punish them. If the majors decide to drop them, then they have that right. But usasf aint paying for these gyms, owners, etc. they cant control something they arent footing the bill for. And I wouldnt use the Nassar situation as a comparison...
i think the situation would be a WHOLE lot different if the guy wasnt the dang gym owner. He probably would have been fired the minute the video came to light. But i guess thats the double edge sword you deal with when you own the business.

We're dealing with 2 different situations and I agree that it should be up to The Major's on the pictures. The partying, however, is dealing with USASF adult members drinking/smoking with minor members and whether it happens at a sanctioned event does not matter. Teachers are still held accountable if it isn't happening on school grounds, coaches/owners will be held to the same standard.