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USASF considering changes to the Junior age grid, cheer streaming cost & will cheerleading ever be in the Olympics?

Jul 29, 2024

Welcome back, cheer people! While the Olympic Games are in full swing, there's some major news in the cheer world too… The USASF can't stop making changes, keeping everyone on their toes for next season 😵‍💫

Here are the latest updates you won’t want to miss, and don’t forget to check out our guide to cheerleading's Olympic journey later in the newsletter!

In today’s newsletter:

USASF considering changes to Junior Divisions Age Grid
Brandon Senior Black themed routine reveal
VarsityTV & FloCheer streaming cost discussion
Will cheerleading ever be in the Olympics?
Upcoming competitions
& more!

But first… This is the last time we’re asking!

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USASF considering changes to Junior Divisions Age Grid

The USASF (U.S. All Star Federation) is asking for feedback from its member coaches and owners about possible changes to the Junior Division Age Grid.

They are considering three options that could allow more athletes to compete in Junior divisions:

No change this season: Keep the current age rules as they are.
Waivers: Allow programs to request a waiver for 1 to 4 athletes whose birth years are outside the current Junior division range. This would apply to athletes born in 2017, 2018, and 2008.
Junior Flex: Add a new age division for athletes born between 2008 and 2018.

The third option would mean athletes aged 6-16 could be on the same team.

The aim is to accommodate more athletes and help teams that might otherwise have to compete in non-USASF divisions (i.e., compete with other event producers).

Feedback is needed by August 1st, and a decision will be made by August 31st. This change could take effect as soon as this season if approved.

Reading between the lines, it’s pretty clear that the USASF has noticed teams competing at non-USASF events and wants to win back those teams to their events.

For example, the Open Championship Series, another event producer, already has this exact age range (2008-2018) in their Junior Divisions.

👉 See the feedback email sent out here, and the Open Championships age grid here.

Got more thoughts? Leave a comment below!

🗞️ OTHER NEWS & LINKS

Brandon Senior Black themed routine reveal
- And the theme is…throwback! We can’t wait to see which iconic moments will be in this upcoming routine.
- See the reveal here + people’s ideas for the routine!
VarsityTV & FloCheer streaming cost discussion
- According to Variety, the average streaming cost is $15/month. Compare that to VarsityTV & FloCheer's $29.99/month to watch cheerleading 💸
- Is it a reasonable price? See what people are saying on Twitter & Instagram.
Will cheerleading ever be in the Olympics?
- Short version: It’s complicated…
- Long version: Despite receiving full IOC recognition in 2021, cheerleading wasn't included in the current Paris Olympics or the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. However, this recognition keeps it in the running for future Games, with the next opportunity being Brisbane 2032. But will it ever happen?
- Read more about cheerleading's Olympic journey here.