The USASF has reached out to all member coaches and owners, including those eligible during the 2023-2024 season but have yet to renew their membership, seeking urgent feedback on potential changes to the Junior Division age guidelines. The deadline for submitting feedback is Friday, August 1st at 11 PM PST.
The email states:
“During the National Conference in New Orleans earlier this month we continued conversations with Event Producers and Club Owners regarding USASF membership and Non-USASF divisions, often referred to as Unaffiliated Divisions. The conversation became centered around why Non-USASF divisions are appealing and it quickly became apparent the Junior Division ages are the largest obstacle. Most of the clubs only need to add a few out of age range athletes to field a team and have the option to add an out of age range athlete as a replacement in case of illness or injury. This is the second consecutive season that this request has been received.”
The USASF is considering three options:
- No Change: Maintain the current age guidelines.
- Waivers: Allow clubs to submit waivers for 1 to 4 athletes born in 2017, 2018, or 2008 to compete outside the existing Junior division range.
- Junior Flex: Introduce an additional age division for athletes born between 2008 and 2018.
“Our ultimate goal as a membership organization is to listen to all of our membership categories and bring as many athletes under our guidelines as possible so that they can benefit from the standard of care established by our Code of Conduct as well as the fair play structure that the USASF establishes and preserves.”
USASF’s goal is to include as many athletes as possible under their guidelines while maintaining the standard of care and fair play. The final decision on the Junior Division guidelines will be announced by August 31st.
The USASF emphasizes the time-sensitive nature of this issue and encourages all eligible members to provide their feedback promptly.
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While it’s clear that these changes might help smaller gyms and provide a competitive edge against events like the Open Championships Series – All Star World Championships, many in the community feel that tighter rules would better serve the sport in the long run. By setting firmer guidelines, we can ensure a more structured environment that prioritizes the athletes’ safety and development over merely adapting to competitive pressures.
The USASF and the cheer industry often change rules to adapt to the evolving landscape of the sport. These changes are typically aimed at addressing new challenges, improving safety, and ensuring fair competition. However, some argue that these constant adjustments can be disruptive and believe that stricter regulations might be more beneficial in maintaining consistency and safeguarding athlete development.
Balancing the needs of gyms, athletes, and the broader competitive landscape is a complex task, and it’s crucial that all voices in the cheer community are heard in these discussions.
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