Freshman on a Varsity squad?

[3sport]

How many schools have freshman cheerleaders on their varsity sqauds?

[wrathlete07]

I know this story three sport. I don't like how freshman are deprived of varsity cheerleading experience just because they are freshman. In some cases I'm sure the freshman are better

[Soccerstud01]

While I agree skillwise, I hate to see older, more expierienced athletes sitting. The only issue I've ever seen with freshmen is maturity.

[94elmer]

Just like you play your best players in any other sport, no matter the grade level. Your varsity cheerleaders should be the best that you have.

[bororunner9405]

We do not allow freashman cheerleaders to be on the varisty squad...i think only in extreme cases..

[keeperbeast1312]

Thats really unfortunante to limit someone just because of the grade they are in. When I was a junior, there were freshmen cheerleaders who were great...then there was a senior who wasnt. She couldnt tumble...lacked jumping ability...but guess who got the varsity spot?! I think that, if a freshman is good enough, they should be there. Look at the Dunbar (KY) team that just won a national title. Even they had a freshman on the A squad and she played a very important role in their success. As a coach myself (though not cheerleading) I dont hesitate to sit upperclassmen so underclassmen can play. Just this past season, we started anywhere from 6-8 freshmen and they matured as the season went along because, well, they had no choice.

[wchs_sportsmama]

My daughter, who is a varsity cheerleader, agrees that the best cheerleaders should make the varsity COMPETITION squad. As far as football/basketball cheerleading goes, her opinion is that freshmen should be cheering for their peers--the freshmen football and basketball players.

Myself, I can see both sides of this situation.

[denny]

I agree Sportsmama.

[keeperbeast1312]

I guess it would have to depend on what you used games for. A lot of the higher profile squads (again, I go back to Dunbar) used game time to prepare for competitions. Theyd practice their various pyramids and other stunts during this time. I know Greenup County (KY) does the same...as my aunt is their coach and has been for some time...and even practices their dance routines at football and basketball games. Shes always put the best of the best on varsity, regardless of age. The freshmen who make competition squad also cheer varsity sports, as it gives them more time to get acclimated with their team members.

[wchs_sportsmama]

At my daughter's school, games are used to cheer for the sport that is participating, not as extra practice for the competition team. These squads have different purposes and different cheers and dance routines.

[cheerislife]

We allow Freshmen on Varsity competion, and in the past have have Freshmen on JV. Part of making the Varsity and JV squad is their participation the previous year as far as attitude, attendance at everything, participation in fundraising, and especially teamwork. Freshmen also have their own football and basketball teams so we feel they need to support their peers. If there was not a Freshmen team for football or basketball, then all bets would be off and we would allow Freshmen to maybe cheer Varsity. There's a lot of pressure coming from Middle school to High School and we like to see how they make that jump let alone going from Middle School to a Varsity football squad comprised mostly of seniors. They need a chance to prove themselves, not just at 3-day clinics. Competition is totally different since there it is primarily the skill level.

[dubdees]

It depends on the role of the group. If the main purpose is for competitions or gymnastics, then the best should be there. If the squad is a true cheerleading squad by leading the crowd and supporting the team, then the freshmen dont have the maturity and background.

[hurricane03]

whynot

[keeperbeast1312]

I hope that post wasnt made seriously. If it was...wow.

Dubdees...great point about the role of the squad.

[swampfox]

If a freshman football or basketball player is eligible then the cheerleaders should have the same option.

[Soccerstud01]

LOL at ckhsftl

SportsMama I agree with your daughter.

[catscratch]

My niece goes to a very small D-VI school. They have freshmen and varsity cheerleaders only, no J.V. When the freshmen girls tried out they had the option to try out for the freshmen or varsity squad and if they made either squad they could only cheer for that level. (If they made freshmen they could only cheer for freshmen, if they made varsity they could only cheer varsity) If they tried out for varsity and did not get it, they were NOT permitted to then try out for the freshmen squad. With that being said, four freshmen girls tried out for varsity and all four got it. They were judged right along with the sophomores, juniors, and seniors. They had outside judges which were college cheerleaders (with no connection to the school what-so-ever). If the outside judges felt the girls were qualified for varsity, without knowing the grade level of the girls, then I see no reason for a debate. If the younger girls were better they deserve to be there. It's the same for the football and basketball teams, the coach will play the best players regardless of their grade. If a younger player is exceptionally better he should play. Like I said if he is exceptionally better. In all sports age shouldn't outweigh talent.

[MrTrackMski]

Best athlete on the Varsity __________________ (choose sport and gender) is a Freshman. Do you play them? Freshman QB is the best FB player let alone the best QB? Do you play them or sit them?

Cheerleader: best girl (or boy in some schools) is a Freshman. She/he can play Varsity sport but not be a Varsity Cheerleader? I have a problem.

As a former AD, I hated to see the cheerleader rules (even Head majorettes in marching band) deny Freshman the chance to be on the Varsity. But I had little say on the rules. But that was MHO!

Play the best athlete regardless of class rank.
Let the Cheerleader be on the Varsity regardless of rank if she/he is the best or one of the best qualifiers.

Why have try outs? Trying to find the best cheerleader? 8 spots open. 8 best scores get to be the Varsity squad regardless of class rank. If freshman athlete can play baseball, softball, basketball,etc (at the Varsity level), why can a freshman person not cheer? It is NOT FAIR if you deny a qualified freshman from being a Varsity cheerleader. Sad to say: some schools do not allow freshman to even try out for varsity.

Not to start an argument here: but for those who claim cheer leading to be a "sport", would not denying freshman the right to cheer be a contradiction if the same freshman can play a Varsity sport?

[shots_32]

I also think it depends a lot on the hotness scale. Freshman usually dont have varsity level looks so they need to practice for a good 2-3 years to let their real talents develope. At games its all about getting the crowd involved and nobody pays attention to cheerleaders anyways so being hott really helps trust me!

[wtbs1]

Best athlete on the Varsity __________________ (choose sport and gender) is a Freshman. Do you play them? Freshman QB is the best FB player let alone the best QB? Do you play them or sit them?

Cheerleader: best girl (or boy in some schools) is a Freshman. She/he can play Varsity sport but not be a Varsity Cheerleader? I have a problem.

As a former AD, I hated to see the cheerleader rules (even Head majorettes in marching band) deny Freshman the chance to be on the Varsity. But I had little say on the rules. But that was MHO!

Play the best athlete regardless of class rank.
Let the Cheerleader be on the Varsity regardless of rank if she/he is the best or one of the best qualifiers.

Why have try outs? Trying to find the best cheerleader? 8 spots open. 8 best scores get to be the Varsity squad regardless of class rank. If freshman athlete can play baseball, softball, basketball,etc (at the Varsity level), why can a freshman person not cheer? It is NOT FAIR if you deny a qualified freshman from being a Varsity cheerleader. Sad to say: some schools do not allow freshman to even try out for varsity.

Not to start an argument here: but for those who claim cheer leading to be a "sport", would not denying freshman the right to cheer be a contradiction if the same freshman can play a Varsity sport?

The Freshman can be on the competition squad. During the regular season---I'd rather see the Freshman mature and be the leader of her (or his) squad. If the freshman's skill level is superb, I'd still put the Freshman on JV with the understanding that she (or he) will potentially mature and develop to the Varsity level in their Sophomore year.

[groovininthegrove]

In some of the small schools where cheerleading isn't a priority, they have to move freshman up.

[fatdude11]

if the girls are hot the automatically should start on varsity in my book

[tomadian]

if the girls are hot the automatically should start on varsity in my book

Likewise, only the tallest players on the basketball team should start varsity??

[balliinx04]

At my school cheerleading has caused massive amounts of chaos.
All the girls want it to be considered a sport, but don't want to abide by sport rules. For example, the freshman cheerleaders were better than the upper classmen, but the girls couldn't stand having there spots taken by younger girls. The bottom line...if you want to be considered a sport then treat it like a sport...the best girls get the top varsity spots.

[said_aouita]

Not to start an argument here: but for those who claim cheer leading to be a "sport", would not denying freshman the right to cheer be a contradiction if the same freshman can play a Varsity sport?



Not allowing someone because of grade sounds like something done in competitions like band, spelling, and leading cheers.
Usually in (real) sports the idea is to field the best possible team. Dividing the competitors into squads by grade is a great idea for competitions, not sport.

[tobykeith]

I think if you put your best 11 on the football field no matter the grade then the best 8 or 10 should be on the Varsity Cheerleading squad. My daughter has been doing allstars instead of school cheerleading, because her school will not allow her to cheer varsity until she is a junior. I can tell you my daughter is more mature than most guys in their 20's. It has nothing to do with maturity. Our district thinks our cheerleaders are nothing but cute little girls in short skirts. I believe that is why our cheerleaders are not that good, most of the girls that are great cheerleaders do allstars and play volleyball, basketball and softball at school. They can earn their varsity letter as a freshman then.

[lovinlife11]

I have never understood the rule that a lot of schools have about freshman being on a Varsity cheering squad. If a freshman is better than a soph, junior & or Senior. Why shouldn't they be on Varsity. The whole maturity thing seems to only be an excuse so more upper classman can be on Varsity. I agree with you 100% tobykeith.

[Asbury_Park]

Back when I was in school, long, long ago, the cheerleaders were restricted by grade. Varsity always Jr/Sr, reserve sophomores, and so on. The male sports were not restricted as far as "playing up" the better players.

Now that many schools will move up cheerleaders who are good enough to cheer with the older girls, gives cheerleading equals the playing field a bit as far as rules for boys' suports versus girls'.

[todd24soccer]

my daughter's school had a freshman on varsity..my daughter is a freshman now and the girl is senior and head captian..i say if the freshman is good enough..sure!

[Mrs.Dad]

When I graduated the squad was made up of Athletes. Thats not always the case now. Some schools seperate the game Cheerleaders from the Competition Cheerleaders. Thats where theres a difference in moving a freshman up. I mean if your just cheering and doing dance routines then why not let the older girls have their turn. If your tumbling and doing dangerous mounts then you should have your best Athletes performing.

[XCRunner22]

Our varsity squad had a freshman on it 2 years ago but I heard that this probably wouldn't be allowed again. She is extremely talented.
But our varsity squad also always has a lot of upper classmen talent too so there isn't really room for freshmen.
Thisyear we have 2 sophomores, 1 junior, and the rest seniors.

[BrigJohn]

Who cares, really its cheerleading people

[BigBadBlueWho]

Riverdale Cheerleading has 3 freshman on their competitive, football, and basketball squad. I was a Varsity Cheerleader my freshman year??

[cheerfreak]

Age doesn't matter, it should be whoever has the best skills and who shows the most spirit. Those are the ones who should cheer. I cheered varsity my freshman year so it is possible.

[5svcards4life]

I really think it depends on the size of school. I have no problem with this if there are small numbers to choose from. If there is a number of girls trying out and the underclassmen take the spot of a junior or senior as in my nieces situation last year, I am opposed to this.

[momto3]

Both my daughters were level 10 gymnasts and VERY talented cheerleaders, but our high school wouldn't let Freshmen be on varsity. So...neither one cheered for the school until their Sophomore years and both made varsity. In fact, they were the star tumblers and best at stunts. They didn't want to cheer Freshman year because they knew they were absolutely better than any other varsity cheerleader. They both wanted to wait to cheer varsity. This is how we dealt with a silly rule! It's not that they didn't want to support their Freshman Football/Basketball teams. In fact, they went to games. They only wanted to be on the best squad, the squad they obviously deserved to be on. Both, because of gymnastics, were very mature and talented. In fact, both received most valuable cheerleader awards.

[rookie_j70]

so, if she is better than some of the other seniors, she should get to start

[City Of Evil]

Both my daughters were level 10 gymnasts and VERY talented cheerleaders, but our high school wouldn't let Freshmen be on varsity. So...neither one cheered for the school until their Sophomore years and both made varsity. In fact, they were the star tumblers and best at stunts. They didn't want to cheer Freshman year because they knew they were absolutely better than any other varsity cheerleader. They both wanted to wait to cheer varsity. This is how we dealt with a silly rule! It's not that they didn't want to support their Freshman Football/Basketball teams. In fact, they went to games. They only wanted to be on the best squad, the squad they obviously deserved to be on. Both, because of gymnastics, were very mature and talented. In fact, both received most valuable cheerleader awards.

If they were that mature they would have cheered for the freshman squad like every other freshman cheerleader.


Most valuable cheerleader:D Thats good

[BBQMan]

If you want to be a "sport", put your BEST out on the floor or field.

[LC55]

If basketball teams allow freshmen to play in a varsity game, then freshmen should be allowed to cheer varsity levels.... if that person performs on a varsity level then they earned it. Many schools wont allow it, but will put seniors on squads when they miss practices, dont have the skills, or if they hae cheered in the past.

[ckrugrats]

My daughter is a freshman. She has been a cheerleader since 7th grade. Our high school doesn't not allow freshman to cheer for jv or v but once they are going in 10th grade they are up for jv or v. Our freshman squad had more talent then the jv squad this year and it proved right after tryouts. My daughter and 3 other current freshman (10th grade in the fall) made v and the older girls were not very happy. One girl who was on varsity this year got put down to jv for next year. All the girls had the same tryout and worked hard. But the scores are what the scores are and the girls who made v deserve to make varsity. I do feel bad though for the other girls.

[wkfan]

another reason why cheerleading (defined as sideline cheerleading. Competition cheerleading is different) is not a 'sport'.

If you want it to be a real sport, treat it like a real sport...the best are on the 'team' regardless of grade. Making a rule that says freshmen cannot be on the 'varsity team' just shows that it is an activity...not a sport.

[cchscrosscountry]

My 8th grade daughter has no chance to make JV or Varsity because they have the try outs now in the spring. The 8th graders can not try out because they are not part of the high school yet. :rolleyes: They also do not have Cheerleaders for the freshman football games. They have try outs for freshman cheerleading in Nov. They have two freshman boys and one freshman girls basketball team(s).

[dnckarl]

Go figure.

[dnckarl]

Go figure

[fab4runner]

I was on the varsity football and basketball squads all four years of high school. I would never understand a school not allowing freshman that chance. If they can play on the varsity level in any other sport cheerleading should be the same.

[BBQGuy]

A school in Akron had 4 Freshmen make the varsity squad (over some seniors) only to have people complain and have the seniors awarded the spots...

[wkfan]

A school in Akron had 4 Freshmen make the varsity squad (over some seniors) only to have people complain and have the seniors awarded the spots...

....another reason that proves this thread to be true.....

http://www.jjhuddle.com/forums/showthread.php?p=3949319#post3949319

[mtrulz]

I don't think that's even allowed at my district. And I find that hard to say because I'm a freshman.

[cheer30skj]

difference: example fb team has 11 members on the field 30 on the bench... the freshman that is "starting" can get yanked at any given time if he isn't performing. cheerleaders try-out once. they are beging chosen by the talent they have on that day. If they get in a situation and can't handle the pressure too bad for the coach who put a freshman on Varsity who by the way was just an 8th grader the previous year. It is a maturity thing. My opinion. Cheerleaders need to be able to control their crowd & I have found that works best with experienced girls. Nothing against the freshmen, they just need time to develop.

[mtrulz]

^^Remember their are FRESHMEN on this site (me)..that's your first post? Seriously rookie, don't be a clown yet!

[BRF]

How about this situation:

I have two cheerleading daughters, one sophomore and one freshman. The advisor says no frosh or soph is allowed to be on varsity, so they recruit a junior who has never cheered before and give her a varsity spot. Did you ever hear of such a thing?

[gahs7462]

If you consider cheerleading a sport,you have to put the best on the team. Either way if they are better than, the older girls,they get on the team

[LittlemissLL]

At our school, cheer is very competitive and tumbling is pretty much a requirement. Freshman are not allowed to make varsity and they are told that from the very beginning. Our competition squad IS the varsity football cheer squad. However, as a 9th grader, over the summer I and 2 other freshman were asked to join varsity/competition squad. We were just so excited that we were asked, as 9th graders just never ever ever get to do varsity at our school. Some of the older kids were upset. No girls from JV or varsity basketball girls were asked to join. I think the parents threw more of a fit than the girls did since everyone was always nice to me and my friends about it. Anyway, I guess certain parents were saying that we didnt deserve that position yet. Our coach backed it up by saying that we most certainly did deserve it since our tryout scores tell the story! All the girls that were varsity/comp team were so nice to us and always made sure we felt like part of the team even if were the "babies of the team" lol. Our competiton team needed us and we were so happy to help them WIN!!

[cheergym]

I don't think it should matter what size school it is, how many girls try out or anything else. If you have a freshman with enough talent to make varsity, so be it! And as far as the maturity level, trust me, I've seen some pretty immature juniors and seniors. If a school brings in outside judges, and the girls score high enough, put them on the squad. Let the parents complain...

[wrongwaybravo]

It is the same with any sport, if they are good enough put them where they belong.

[achesandpains]

Why does it even need to be outside judges? Would the varsity football coach put up with a panel of college players telling him the starting line up? Coaches see the girls in action. They know who has a positive attitude and who just has an attitude. They know who works hard during the season and who works hard only for tryouts. If it is a true sport the coach will pick the team.

[Courtsports]

Talent not age should matter the most.