TABLE OF CONTENTS
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Letter to Collegiate Athletic Administrators
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Steps for Implementation
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Team Stunts & Gymnastics Sport Information
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Office of Civil Rights Standards
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Criteria for NCAA Emerging Sports
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Implementation Costs & Budget Projections
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Competition Schedule
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Head Coach Job Description
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High School Survey
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2007-2008 High School Athletics Participation Survey
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Current Governing Body
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Resources
September 10, 2009
Dear (Athletic Director); The sport of Team Stunts and Gymnastics (Competitive Cheer) is taking the nation by storm with over 111,000 high school participants. It is the fastest growing female sport in the nation. These are athletes that have been trained as a tumbler or as a stunter from a young age. Currently their only hope at being involved in their sport in college is to participate on a sideline cheer team and/or be considered a support group for another sport, possibly competing at a low level once a year. While more young women take interest in competing at a varsity level, few have opportunities to continue their sport beyond high school. Adding Team Stunts & Gymnastics at your institution creates the opportunity for thirty to thirty-five women to compete in collegiate athletics. These are young women who are not interested in competing as a collegiate gymnast or participating as traditional sideline cheerleaders. These student-athletes possess a different skill set and do not threaten existing gymnastics or cheer programs. Currently, several institutions across the U.S. are being put under a microscope looking at their gender equity. OCR has required institutions to look at adding women’s programs to get closer to compliance with Title IX. Team Stunts and Gymnastics has large squad sizes (30-35 members) and the cost is reasonable (doesn’t need a separate facility, hire a coach, provide scholarships, locker rooms, etc.). The growth, the number of participants and cost (in a challenging economic time) makes this sport a strong possibility for institutions to add. Four institutions currently recognize Team Stunts and Gymnastics as an active varsity sport: University of Oregon, University of Maryland, Baylor and Fairmont State University. Currently 136 collegiate schools have competitive club teams. The goal is to have Team Stunts and Gymnastics be recognized by the NCAA as an emerging sport. In time, we believe Team Stunts and Gymnastics will be recognized as a NCAA sport because of the growing interest nationally, large squad sizes and reasonable costs. Included in the enclosed booklet is further information about this sport and requisite information for incorporating Team Stunts and Gymnastics into your athletic department. Sincerely,
Renee Baumgartner Executive Senior Associate AD/SWA
Steps for Implementation of Team Stunts & Gymnastics 1. Institution researches growth of Team Stunts & Gymnastics (Competitive Cheer) among the local, regional and national grade schools, middle schools and high schools. Institution conducts a local and regional survey among institution’s students, institution’s community residents and local high school Athletic Directors regarding interests and ability for Team Stunts and Gymnastics verses other potential sports 2. Institution will contact the local Office of Civil Rights via their General Council to gather additional information about requirements under Title IX for adding an intercollegiate varsity sports program. Each OCR region has different interpretation comments between regions. Additionally, there have been precedents set in certain regions. 3. What are the available facilities that the Institution currently has or will construct for Team Stunts & Gymnastics? The student athletes will need an area to practice with storage space to store practice mats and music system. A competitive site will also be necessary with seats/bleachers for spectators. 4. Institution will prepare a budget for Team Stunts and Gymnastics. 5. Institution will prepare a timeline for the implementation of the sport. 6. Institution advertises the opening of the head coaching position. A national search is undertaken and the best candidate is hired for the position. 7. The coaching staff is provided a year to recruit the student-athletes, construct a schedule, market the program, raise funds (if necessary) and hire an assistant coach.Â
TEAM STUNTS & GYMNASTICS SPORT INFORMATION Team Size & Positions A Team Stunts & Gymnastics team is typically comprised of 26-35 student-athletes, with a competitive squad of 20. There are three positions within the squad: base (main and secondary), back base and flyer. A base support is directly under a stunt supporting the majority of the flyer’s weight and is responsible for the flyer’s mid-back, hips and legs during dismounts. A back base is behind a stunt but responsible for the a portion of the flyer’s weight and stability while they are in the air. Back base is also responsible for the head and shoulders of the flyer during dismount. A flyer is the athlete who is lifted and at times airborne in a stunt. All team members are proficient tumblers, with the ability to execute an elite tumbling pass. An elite tumbling pass consists of three consecutive tumbling skills. Competitive Routine The synchronization of tumbling skills and stunts is the key to the team aspect of the sport. Imagine first the floor routine in a gymnastics competition. Now imagine twenty women performing that routine in synch. Competition routines are two minutes and fifteen seconds (2:15) in length, set to music. Recruiting Base Potential student-athletes can be found across the country in a variety of competitive environments. High school competitive spirit squads provide opportunities for over 111,000 young women/ All-Star Competitive Cheer Gyms are another valuable recruitment means, likened AAU basketball or ASA softball. Gymnasts competing in levels 7-10 are another group of young women who are excellent potential student-athletes for the sport. Junior colleges have highly competitive teams and are a logical place to recruit. Lastly, transfers from institutions that sponsor competitive cheer as a club sport may have interest in competing at an institution that sponsors Team Stunts & Gymnastics at the intercollegiate level. Competitive Schedule Teams will compete in approximately 8-10 competitions throughout the year. The competition season typically begins in November or December and culminates with the current national championship hosted by the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) in April in Daytona Beach, Florida. Competitions are held across the country in most major cities and all-star competitions are an excellent opportunity to gain experience in a competitive setting. Three of the largest competitive college tournaments are: Cheersport USA West Coast Cheer NCA National Championship
Atlanta, GA Anaheim, CA Daytona, FL
February March April
The University of Oregon has taken the opportunity to host two home events during the 2009-2010 competitive season. Two high school meets will also be held before these two events which means 10 high school teams will be competing over the two-day event. Both events are potential opportunities that could provide a revenue source for your institution. The host institution invites three to four other college competitive teams. Institutions could host three events on their own, or partner with a competitive company.
OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS STANDARDS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF A NEW SPORT The expectation for implementing Team Stunts and Gymnastics at your institution is for the sport to be treated programmatically as any other varsity sport. The following areas will be required to meet OCR regulations: 1. Coaching Staff Expectations/Evaluation Office space Locker room 2. Recruitment Off-campus On-campus 3. Budget Operational Salaries and benefits Scholarships Team travel and per diem Recruiting Equipment/Supplies Medical services Marketing 4. Tryouts and Eligibility Open campus try-out Evaluation tool NCAA rules Conference rules 5. Practice and Competition Facilities Competitive opportunities 6. Additional Factors Academic staff support Strength & Conditioning staff support Medial relations staff support Sports Medicine staff support Marketing and Promotions staff support
CRITERIA FOR NCAA EMERGING SPORTS Definition of an emerging sport: An emerging sport is a sport recognized by the NCAA that is intended to provide additional athletics opportunities to female student-athletes. Institutions are allowed to use emerging sports to help meet the NCAA minimum sports-sponsorship requirements and also to meet the NCAA's minimum financial aid awards. Definition of a sport: For purposes of reviewing emerging sports for women proposals, a sport shall be defined as an institutional activity involving physical exertion with the purpose of competition versus other teams or individuals within a collegiate competition structure. Furthermore, sport includes regularly scheduled team and/or individual, head-to-head competition (at least five) within a defined competitive season(s); and standardized rules with rating/scoring systems ratified by official regulatory agencies and governing bodies. If an activity meets the definition of a sport, then a proposal and 10 supporting letters are submitted to the Committee on Women's Athletics (CWA). The proposal has to include documentation/supporting information that demonstrates that the sport meets the criteria received by the CWA when assessing the viability of the sport. The Criteria Addressed in the Proposal Must Include the Following: •
There must be 20 or more varsity teams and/or competitive club teams that currently exist on college campuses in that sport.
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Other data exists that demonstrates support for the sport. For example: o o o o o o o o
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Collegiate recreation and intramural sponsorship. High-school sport sponsorship. Nonscholastic competitive programs. Association and organization support. U.S. Olympic Committee support (e.g., classified as an Olympic sport, National Governing Body support, grants). Conference interest in sports sponsorship. Coaches Association support. Professional sports support.
There is a demonstrated understanding that once identified as an emerging sport, all NCAA institutions wishing to sponsor the sport at the varsity level must abide by all NCAA regulations, which include limits on playing and practice seasons, recruiting regulations and student-athlete eligibility. Emerging-sport proposals must include information on general championship rules and format for the sport.
In addition to the proposal, 10 letters of support must be submitted. The letters of support must be from 10 member institutions that sponsor or intend to sponsor the sport as an emerging sport and include the signatures of the president and the athletics director of those institutions. Additionally, the letters must be dated within one year of the submission of the proposal and letters.
Tentative Schedule 2009‐2010 November 2009 Nov. 21
Oregon All‐State (exhibition)
Springfield, OR
Jamz
San Francisco, CA
Jan. 9
Exhibition Civil War Game
Mac Court
Jan. 16
Apple Cup
Tacoma, WA
Feb. 5
Fort Valley Invite
Atlanta, GA
Feb. 6‐7
Cheersport
Atlanta, GA
Feb. 14‐15
USA West Coach
Anaheim, CA (Convention Center)
Feb. 20
Exhibition Cal Game
Mac Court
Feb. 21
Duck Invitational
Mac Court
March 7
NorthWest Invitational
Mac Court
March 13‐14
PACWest
Portland, OR (Convention Center)
National Championship
December 2009 Dec. 5
January 2010
February 2010
March 2010
April 2010 April 8‐9
Daytona Beach, FL
JOB DESCRIPTION HEAD TEAM STUNTS AND GYMNASTICS COACH (Competitive Cheer) Reports To:
Senior Associate Athletic Director / SWA
Positions Directly Supervised:
Assistant Coach Administrative Assistant
Salary Range: Basic Function: Responsible for the management and administration of all phases of the competitive cheer program in a manner that upholds the philosophy and objectives of the Department of Intercollegiate Athletics. Minimum Requirements: Bachelor’s degree required. Must have at least 3-5 years of demonstrated successful coaching experience in collegiate competitive cheerleading, preferably at the Division I collegiate level. Must have knowledge of NCAA rules and regulations. Must have experience recruiting college athletes. Must be safety certified by AACCA and NCAA. Must have routine choreography experience with a collegiate all female team. Must have experience coaching advanced tumbling skills. Strong communication and organizational skills. Duties and Responsibilities: 1.
Organize and direct all aspects of a highly competitive, Division I Women’s Competitive cheerleading program.
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Oversee the recruitment and selection of student-athletes. Ensures compliance with NCAA guidelines for contacting and entertaining prospects. Initiates the process for determining academic eligibility and issuing National Letters of Intent.
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Knowledge of and commitment to compliance with all NCAA, National Cheerleading Association, ACC, Oregon State Board of Higher Education’s Internal Management Directive Section 8, and University rules and regulations, as well as dedication to the full academic and social development of student-athletes are essential
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Adheres to and enforces all policies and procedures of the Department and University, as well as the rules and regulations of the Pacific-10 Conference, the NCAA and other authorities that may legitimately influence the intercollegiate athletic program.
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Provides leadership and instruction in the personal and athletic development of student-athletes, to include counseling team members in academic, disciplinary and personal matters, when appropriate.
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Monitors the eligibility status and promotes the academic progress of studentathletes by working closely with the Senior Associate Athletic Director for Compliance and Academic Services and the Assistant Athletic Director for Compliance. Assists in enforcing study hall attendance for referred freshmen and others with grade deficiencies.
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Develops and submits the competitive cheer program’s annual budget. Manages the program within the framework of a balanced budget.
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Oversees the selection, purchase, fitting and maintenance of team equipment, to include uniforms, athletic equipment and supplies.
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Schedules and conducts regular practice sessions in and out of season, as permitted by NCAA rules and regulations. Develop the team’s competition routines. Develops and implements strategies for motivating student-athletes to perform at maximum levels as both individuals and a team.
10. Arranges a competitive event schedule, in conjunction with the Senior Associate Athletic Director/ SWA. 11. Ensures that team travel arrangements are in compliance with the University, Pacific-10 Conference and NCAA rules and regulations, to include monitoring the development of travel itineraries and coordination of travel plans. 12. Oversees the conditioning and training of team members, in conjunction with the Associate Director of Athletic Medicine and the Head Strength Coach, to ensure that student-athletes are physically prepared for competition. 13. Supervises assistant coaches, part-time coaches, graduate assistants and other support staff to ensure their compliance with applicable rules, policies and procedures. Provides orientation, training and guidance, as needed. Conducts performance evaluations and recommends salary increases, as appropriate. 14. Participates in clinics, exhibitions and camp activities, as approved. 15. Participates in public relations activities, to include speaking engagements, television and radio interviews, and press conferences, as approved or requested. Represents the Department at professional, civic, charitable and alumni events. 16. Compiles data and reports, as required by the Department and University. 17. Provides student-athletes with information on opportunities to compete at approved national and international tournaments, meets, etc, in conjunction with the Senior Associate Athletic Director/ SWA.
18. Develops and publishes team rules regarding appearance, practice, class attendance, punctuality, dress code and general standards of behavior, with the approval of the Senior Associate Athletic Director/ SWA. Enforces team rules with appropriate disciplinary action. 19. Ensures the safety of student-athletes and coaching staff through careful monitoring of the condition of athletic equipment and facilities utilized by the competitive cheer program. Submits requests for repair, maintenance and improvement of facilities to the Assistant Athletic Director for Operations and Events, when appropriate. 20. Cooperates with all coaches within the intercollegiate athletic program to enhance overall Department operations. 21. Performs other duties as requested by the Senior Associate Athletic Director/ SWA.
UO 2/08
CURRENT GOVERNING BODY The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators (AACCA) is the current governing body for Team Stunts and Gymnastics. They provide resources and guidelines for safety through education and a certification process. AACCA, of The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators, is the defining source for all cheerleading safety education. The AACCA manual was composed by the industry’s top cheerleading professionals, doctors, business professionals, lawyers and Dr. Gerald S. George. AACCA was created to forma structured platform for cheerleading safety. The concept of the certification was to create stronger, safer athletes. The physics of cheerleading mixed with the intense emotional toll that any sport can have were all taken into consideration when creating the manual. Topics such as physical vs. emotional readiness are also discussed. AACCA wants coaches who take the course to walk away feeling knowledgeable on many levels. We also want every coach to be able to reference the AACCA manual on a regular basis. The AACCA manual is an intensive study of the philosophy of safety, along with cheer and dance specific techniques, legal liability issues, medical responsibilities, nutrition and hydration, environmental safety, and many other topics relative to the practice and performance of cheerleader and dance skills. The certification process involves a three hour review followed by a two hour open book testing session. One of the benefits of the open book testing is the ability to become intimately with the AACCA manual. This gives coaches the ability to quickly reference the AACCA manual and utilize its contents. AACCA wants to give coaches the ability to retrieve necessary information at their own practices or performances. Discussing important topics and highlighting pertinent sections of the manual will allow for better situational applications. Taken from the AACCA website: http://www.aacca.org/content.aspx?item=About/Who%20We%20Are.xml
RESOURCES University of Oregon Intercollegiate Athletics 2727 Leo Harris Pkwy. Eugene, OR 97401 Felecia Mulkey, Head Coach, Team Stunts & Gymnastics 541-346-5799 fmulkey@uoregon.edu Renee Baumgartner, Executive Senior Associate Athletic Director/SWA 541-346-5329 rmb@uoregon.edu Melinda Grier, General Counsel to the University 541-346-3082 grierm@uoregon.edu
AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF CHEERLEADING COACHES AND ADMINISTRATION (AACCA)
Governing Body http://www.aacca.org/ AACCA Safety Guidelines http://www.aacca.org/content.aspx?item=Safety/Test.xml
NATIONAL CHEERLEADERS ASSOCIATE (NCA)/NATIONAL DANCE ALLIANCE (NDA)
Scoring Sheet (pages 5,6,7,) http://www.nationalspirit.com/College.aspx#collegenations
NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (NCAA) Emerging Sports Status http://www.ncaa.org/wps/ncaa?ContentID=40539 NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPATION SURVEY Conducted by National Federation of State High School Associations http://www.nfhs.org/sports.aspx