Expert: Kimmi - 10/24/2007

Question
hi my name is Carlos
I am 16 years old and am really really interested in competitive cheerleading. I have been cheering for 8 years both on school squads and all star squads. i just wanted to know what do you think is is age to get started in making my own squad?? and how do i get started??? how do i get certified??? what are the steps that i should take to createing my own all star squad?

Answer
Hi Carlos,

  Unfortunately, I don't have the best news for you hon. If you're under 21 alot of the legalities and details of starting a team is near impossible. If you have someone over 21 that you can ABSOLUTELY trust, like your mom, etc. and that person is willing to take this on with you, then you might have a possibility. I didn't start my all-star team until I was 21 and it was still tough being a young person. Once you have the age worked out, the first step is to find space and equipment to practice, people who want to cheer and are willing to pay to cheer, and a coach if you're not going to do it yourself. Once you've done all that, you can go through the USASF website www.USASF.net to see the written tests and dates for hands on testing for certification. Good Luck with everything!
Happy Cheering!
Kimmi