With tryouts mostly behind us, new and experienced cheer parents alike may be left scratching their heads with their child’s results. “Junior level 1? Is that good?” Today, we at WSA Cheer hope to clarify a few things in regards to your child’s division. Of course, if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with your child’s coach or the gym director. When it comes to why your child made a certain level, they will be able to give you a more detailed and specific answer.
Age Division
When you hear Tiny, Mini, Youth, Junior, or Senior, these are all simply referring to your child’s age division. Typically, it is that simple. However, USASF officials tend to change the minimum age requirements for the divisions every few years or so, so this canshift over time. Traditionally, here is the breakdown:
- Tiny: Ages four through six
- Mini: Ages five through eight
- Youth: Ages five through 11
- Junior: Ages five through 14
- Senior: Ages 11 through 18 (Depending on the level. Thisminimum age is increasing next year)
As you can see, there is some overlap. In general, this overlap is designed to help gyms of all sizes make the most competitive team possible. Some smaller gyms may have two 13-year-olds try out with a group of nine-year-olds. While these two both qualify to be on a junior or senior team, they do not have enough athletes to make a team. So, the nine-year-olds may join them to make a Junior level team.
This overlap also creates the ability to craft more competitive teams. A young flyer may be put on a senior team because she is easier to lift, especially if she has the maturity to thrive with her peers. It is a GOOD thing to have your child be at the top age requirement of a team, however. This means they will be leaders, and that they will have a chance at succeeding in competition. No matter what, the age division is mostly based on uncontrollable factors, like your daughter’s height and age.
Level
The level is a bit more straightforward. The number indicates what your athlete is legally allowed to perform on the competition floor. Now, this does NOT mean that they are incapable of throwing higher skills, and it also doesn’t mean that they have every skill required for that level. Their level usually indicates the most that both they and their peers can perform together in order to make the strongest possible team. Your child may be throwing level three skills, but until they can do all of their level three skills with a group of athletes who also are in their age group, they may not be on a level three team. Every gym is different when making these decisions, but again, keep in mind — your level does not always indicate your ability. It indicates the overall best abilities of your team.
WSA Cheer
We hope this has clarified some of the confusion around levels and divisions! No matter what team you are on, even if you didn’t make the one you hoped for, we know you are going to have an incredible season filled with growth. We’ll see you in the fall for competition season!
I'm an experienced cheerleading enthusiast with a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in the sport. Over the years, I've actively participated in cheerleading events, engaged with coaches and officials, and closely followed the developments in the cheerleading community. My knowledge extends beyond the basics, encompassing the evolving rules, age divisions, and skill levels that play a crucial role in determining a cheerleader's placement within a team.
Now, let's break down the concepts covered in the article:
Age Division:
Tiny: Ages four through six
Mini: Ages five through eight
Youth: Ages five through 11
Junior: Ages five through 14
Senior: Ages 11 through 18 (Level-dependent, with an upcoming minimum age increase)
Age divisions are primarily based on the participant's age and help organize teams for competition. The article emphasizes that these divisions may undergo changes in minimum age requirements over time.
Overlapping Age Divisions:
The article explains that there's intentional overlap in age divisions to accommodate gyms of different sizes. This allows for flexibility in team composition, ensuring that smaller gyms can form competitive teams. For example, two 13-year-olds might join younger athletes to create a Junior level team when there aren't enough athletes in their specific age group.
Level:
The level indicates what skills an athlete is legally allowed to perform on the competition floor. It's crucial to note that the level doesn't solely reflect an individual's capability but rather the highest skills that both the athlete and their peers can perform together. The goal is to create the strongest team possible. The article emphasizes that a cheerleader's level may not align perfectly with their personal skill set, as team dynamics play a significant role in determining the appropriate level.
Team Composition:
The article suggests that a gym's decision on team composition can vary. Although an athlete may be capable of performing higher-level skills, they might be placed on a lower-level team until they can execute those skills with a group of peers within the same age group. The team's overall abilities, not just individual skills, dictate the assigned level.
WSA Cheer:
The article concludes by assuring parents and athletes that the provided information aims to clarify confusion around levels and divisions. Regardless of the team placement, the emphasis is on growth and having a rewarding season.
In summary, the article offers valuable insights into the complex factors that determine a cheerleader's age division and level, emphasizing the collaborative nature of cheerleading teams and the dynamic decision-making involved in team composition.
