Expert: Jessica Bugg - 11/14/2006

Question
thanx jess, but hey i need to ask its there any way i can practise tumbling at home? just need to know since theres no cheer gym near to practise
thatnx jessica
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
hello,
hi i was thinking of forming a cheer squad with my friends , i had this idea that we help eachother out but we get a person to supervise,how do we pay that person if in demand for money, i dont live in a place where theres gymnastics or cheer nearby i live outside the us its also a cosmopolitain city so i dunno if i cn hold a proper fundraiser so i hope u can help me i would appreciate it if u did help pls pls pls pls i need ur help,i hope its not too much to ask,
yours truly
cheryl
-----Answer-----
Hi Cheryl,

So you want to start an all-star team?  That is awesome!  Here are some things you need to consider:

1).  Where will the team practice?  If there is not a cheer facility in the nearby area try talking to the local recreation department or YMCA and see if you can rent space from them.  They may even let you have the space for free.

2).  Who will be your advisor?  You need to have an authority figure who is over the age of 18 to make final decisions and supervise practices.

3).  How much will you pay the advisor?  Some people like parents may be willing to coach for free.  Others like people from a gymnastics facility or a cheerleading coach for a school will want to be paid.  I personally suggest paying them $10.00-$15.00/hour.

4).  Will you fundraise?  I am a firm believer in fundraising.  You could hold a car wash at your local Wal-Mart (they will match what you make so let's say your car wash makes $200.00 Wal-Mart will match you approximately $200.00 so your team will have made $400.00), you can sell candles, pointsettas during the holidays, candy bars, suckers, you can ask local businesses for donations, the sky is the limit!

5).  What is your team's identity?  You need to select colors for your team, a mascot, practice times and locations, when will you compete?

I hope this helps and let me know how your team progresses!
Please let me know if you need any further assistance.

Jessica Bugg

Answer
Hi Cheryl,

I do not advise to practice tumbling at home.  It is a huge risk for injury and also a major liability issue.  I would recommend finding someone who is certified with USA Gymnastics in your area or the United States All Star Federation to train you.

Jessica