As a family member, friend, or fan
in general watching a team’s progression as they are working through competition season, if it is noticed that a team may have switched athlete roles on the team, a stunt group’s makeup shifts, or even a team’s Level changes completely, it is easy to wonder
why or how these types of things came to be.
These scenarios can occur even if
teams are doing extraordinarily well.
In All Star Cheerleading, it’s not
unusual for teams to switch athletes around during the competition season. This can happen for several reasons, and it’s typically done to help the team perform better, stay within rules, or adapt to changes.
One of the main reasons teams switch
athletes is because of injuries. Cheerleading is a physically demanding sport, and athletes often face injuries from stunts, tumbling, or repetitive motions. If a flyer, base, or tumbler gets injured, the team might need to rearrange roles or bring in someone
from another team at the gym. This ensures that the routine can still be performed safely and smoothly.
Another reason for changes is skill level. Coaches sometimes adjust the team’s lineup if an athlete’s skills improve or if someone struggles with specific elements. For example, if a flyer gains new flexibility and strength, they might move to a different stunt group to take on more advanced skills. Similarly, if a tumbler struggles to land their passes consistently, they might be replaced with someone who can hit the skills required for the team’s Level.
Sometimes, these changes happen because of scoring and competition strategy. In All Star Cheer, teams compete in divisions based on factors like age, skill level, and team size. If the team isn’t scoring as high as expected, coaches might shift athletes to better fit the routine’s needs. For example, they may bring in a stronger tumbler or adjust the stunt groups to make the performance cleaner and more polished. These strategic decisions can improve the team’s chances of scoring higher at competitions.
Additionally, the rules of cheerleading play a big role in team changes. Governing bodies like the USASF (United States All Star Federation) have strict guidelines about what skills are allowed at each Level. If a team is at risk of breaking a rule—such as performing illegal skills for their Level—coaches may make changes to ensure compliance. This might involve moving an athlete with higher-level skills to a different team or replacing certain skills in the routine.
Attendance and commitment can also
cause switches. All Star Cheer requires dedication and consistent practice. If an athlete misses practices frequently, they may be replaced to avoid hurting the team’s performance. Cheerleading is the ultimate team sport, and everyone must work together for
the routine to succeed. If even one athlete is missing, it literally affects the entire team.
While these changes might seem frustrating
at first, they are usually made with the team’s best interest in mind. Coaches aim to build the strongest routine possible while following rules and keeping athletes safe. It’s important for athletes and parents to trust the process and communicate with coaches
if they have concerns.
In the end, switching athletes (and even entire teams!) is part of the flexibility and teamwork that make All Star Cheer unique. Every athlete plays an important role, and even when changes do happen, the goal is always to create a routine that shines on the competition floor and puts the team in their best position to place as high as possible.
