[Lisa Douglas]

I have read and read on this thread... and one glaring point keeps resounding in my thoughts.... Everyone begins (more or less) working on their material for competition almost as soon as "try-outs" are completed. Most good coaches will begin breaking down stunts/pyramids/transitions/dance sequences etc. & placing them in others things as the season progresses... the crowd may not realize this, but many squads will polish and work on special things all year long... in reg practices, special practices and sometimes even travel to get special instruction or have someone come to assist @ a called practice... they will polish further @ pep assemblies, games, and perhaps other events leading up to a big comp. I know of many coaches inviting tech judges to view their routines prior to competiton, like months before a comp, in order to make the necessary changes (if warranted) with plenty of time so their cheerleaders wouldn't be "rattled" by an "emergency last minute revision" thrown @ them in a "warmup area". I have also known several coaches to forward videos of stunts or pyramids to certified KAPOS ppl to get a 'ruling' or whatever to allow them to proceed with their routine w/o worry. I also do understand there are loads of rules in the KAPOS handbook & NFHS handbook,(this would seem overwhelming to someone just entering cheer, who never cheered or never competed. This might alsobe a great time for school administrators to consider hiring coaches with better than a cheer mommy mentality to be their coaches or insisting their coaches be trained and well versed in the sport of cheer leading, thus the avoidance of "never being successful" or always having to "address dissatisfied parents" or dealing with various "rules infractions" and ppl yelling for "litigation") but considering all the hard work and time and money poured into this sport, it would seem paramount to a coach/school system to be not only "well versed" in all rules and regs, but to be almost OCD in their efforts to make sure they had crossed all "T's" and dotted all "I's", since it is their kids, who are really depending upon them. There are clinics all over the Commonwealth thru-out the Fall (beginning late Summer) to attend. Beginning next year, ALL coaches will have to attend as per the KHSAA's word on this THANK GOODNESS. For a coach to be Depending upon KAPOS warmup area tech judges to be looking for mistakes for goodness sakes IS NOT THE TIME OR PLACE. Building a solid routine that complies with the parameters of good safety practices as sanctioned by two different governing groups is something that is done way before 30 minutes prior to "addressing the mat". In my most humble opinion, it is the sole place of the coach to be responsible to do everything prior to competition to have his/her team ready for each individual competition based upon the parameters of each competition and the governing bodies (rules and regs) for said competitions. I know everyone involved in this situation and while unfortunate & heartbreaking I know of no one wishing to be put thru this intentionally. I know that everyone involved is primarily working to always find ways to make things better and safer. I know of no "vast right winged conspiracies" against any "cheer squad"... to the point of even bringing in judges from the other end of the Commonwealth to assure impartial treatment. I do know that venting on BGR is not the place for alot of what has made it onto this board... it's time to pick yourself up, dust yourself off, and move forward. Join the group if necessary pay your dues, get the books, study, attend the clinic and get involved... be the change. It's easy to say what 'you'd do' in a situation, but until it's your fanny on the line..... that and a dollar will get you a cup of coffee. Congratulations to all cheerleaders this season..whether you have competed, cheered games, or both... your time, efforts, and heart are commended and appreciated!