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Cheerleading/Very young flyers on Senior Squads

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Expert: Kimmi - 2/18/2008


Question
I have noticed several teams using very young girls (10 years old) to give them a competitive edge. Technically this is legal but it seems unfair. Obviously it is easier for a Senior stunt group to put up a little girl, keep her up, and toss her much higher. Am I the only one who objects to these "Baby" flyers?

Answer
Hi Lisa,

   No, you are not the only one to have noticed by far. I feel the same way and make a point to limit the age on my senior team, as do many other very ethical coaches. But this is becoming more of a known issue as well. So much now that the USASF has begun to raise the age required to be on a senior team. This season it is 10 and next season is will be raised to 11. I'm not sure past that. Know that you are not the only one who feels this way, and if you ask around you feel others are on the same page.
Happy Cheering!
Kimmi

Cheerleading

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Kimmi

Expertise

I can answer questions on coaching, planning and running practices, events, fundraisers, coordinating travel. I can answer questions on tumbling, stunting, health, nutrition, and injuries. I can not answer questions on college cheerleading.

Experience

My Experience in the area: I cheered on my grade school team for 4 years. I danced for on pointe for 14 years. I have coached for 9 years for grade school basketball cheerleading, grade school competitive squads, and all-star. I now own my own national championship all-star team.

Education/Credentials
I am safety certified by the AACCA. I have a BA in Elementary Education and am a certified teacher. I also have my masters in library science with an emphasis on teens.

Due to the volume of questions I get, please read my previous answers before asking your question. If you have a question about starting a cheerleading squad, or mental blocks please read my many previous answers BEFORE asking your question. Thank you!!

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