Reminder

Just a reminder...

Sariss Easter candy orders are due on Monday will one check made out to Gymsport with full payment.

T-shirt orders are due on Monday as well with full payment

Good Luck!

Stef,
It has been so much fun working with you. Good Luck with your video tryout to Oregon, even though we will miss you we hope you get in to their program.

They would be lucky to have you!

A Big Thank You

A Great Big Thank You to Chrissy, Mia, and Krista from our Jr team as well as Ashley for helping out on Friday with Stef's tryout video!!

You guys were great!

Where is my daughter? five

Level 2 stunts -

As in tumbling stunting levels permit you to do all that you did in the previous level as well as new skills.

New skill glossary:

Basket Toss: A toss with no more than 4 bases, 2 of which use their hands to interlock wrists.

Log Roll: A release move whereby the top person’s body rotates at least 360 degrees while
remaining parallel to the performing surface. (Also known as “barrel roll”.)

Level 2 Partner stunts

Fliers may stand on one foot at prep level
Fliers may stand on two feet at extended level
Fliers may do a log roll dismount with a single twist
Fliers may do a quart turn while cradling

Basket tosses are permitted, but only in a straight body position

Basket Toss

ExtensionPrep level single leg stunt, scorpion body position

Level 2 Pyramids

Fliers may stand on one foot at extended level if connected to two persons at prep level or below. The connection can be made with the feet or the hands and must be made prior to executing the skill.

There are tons of different variations on these stunts, below are just a few.

Arabesque

HitchLiberty

LEVEL 2 STUNTS
A. A spotter is required for all extended stunts.
B. Single leg stunts may not be held at or pass through an extended position.
Clarifications:
1. If it is obvious to the safety judge that the intent of the stunt group is to gain a competitive
advantage by passing through an extended position, than it is a violation of this rule.
Taking the top person above the head of the bases would be illegal.
2. If the primary bases squat, go to their knees or drop the overall height of the stunt while
extending their arms, this skill would be considered extended and therefore illegal,
regardless of the back spot’s positioning.
C. Twisting mounts and transitions are allowed up to a total of 1/2 twist between the bases and
the top person combined. Clarification: a half twist performed with an additional half turn by
the bases would be illegal if performed simultaneously.
D. During transitions, at least one base must remain in contact with the top person.
E. Free flipping or assisted flipping stunts and transitions are not allowed.
F. No stunt, pyramid, or individual may move over or under another separate stunt, pyramid or
individual (e.g. shoulder sits walking under prep).
G. Pendulum and pendulum style transitional stunts, where the top person falls away from
the original bases, must use at least three stationary catchers, at least two of which are
not original bases. Physical contact must be maintained with all of the original base(s).
H. Single based split catches are not allowed.
I. Single based double awesomes/cupies require a separate spotter for each top person.
J. Log rolls are allowed and may only be assisted by a base. Clarification: The log roll may
not be assisted by another top person.
K. L2 Stunts - Release Moves
1. No release moves allowed other than those allowed at Level 2 in "Dismounts" and
"Tosses."
2. Release moves may not land in a prone position.
3. Release moves must return to original bases.
4. Helicopters are not allowed.
5. A single full twisting log/barrel roll is allowed as long as it starts and ends in a cradle
position. Clarification: Log/Barrel roll may not include any skill other than the twist (ex: no
kick full twists).
6. Release moves may not intentionally travel.
L. L2 Stunts - Inversions
1. All inversions must maintain contact with the performance surface.
Exception: Transitions from ground level inversions to non-inverted positions are
allowed.
Clarifications:
Legal: Going from a handstand on the ground to a non-inverted stunt such as a
shoulder sit.
Illegal: Going from a cradle to a handstand or from a prone position to a forward
roll.
LEVEL 2 PYRAMIDS
A. Pyramids must follow Level 2 "Stunts" and "Dismounts" rules and are allowed up to 2 high.
B. Top persons must receive primary support from a base. Clarification: Anytime a top person is
released by the bases during a pyramid transition, the top person must land in a cradle or
dismount to the performing surface.
C. Extended single leg stunts may not brace or be braced by any other extended stunts.
D. No stunt, pyramid, or individual may move over or under another separate stunt, pyramid or
individual (e.g. shoulder sits walking under prep).
E. Extended single-leg stunts
1. must be braced by two top persons at prep level or below.
2. The connection to the braces can be hand or foot and must be established at or below
prep level.
3. Prep level top persons must have both feet in bases hands. (Exception: shoulder sit,
double base thigh stand, or shoulder stand)
LEVEL 2 DISMOUNTS
A. Cradles from single based stunts at prep level and above must have a separate spotter with
at least one hand/arm supporting the head and shoulder area through the cradle.
B. Cradles from multi-based stunts at prep level and above must have two catchers and a
separate spotter with at least one hand/arm supporting the head and shoulder area
through the cradle.
C. Dismounts to the performing surface from stunts and pyramids from prep level and above
must be assisted by an original base.
D. Only straight pop downs, basic straight cradles and 1/4 turns are allowed.
E. Twisting dismounts exceeding 1/4 turn are not allowed. All other positions (e.g. toe touch,
pike, tuck, etc) are not allowed.
F. Cradles from extended single leg stunts in pyramids are allowed.
G. No free flipping or assisted flipping dismounts allowed.
H. Tension drops/rolls of any kind are not allowed.
I. When cradling single based double awesomes/cupies, 2 catchers must catch each top
person. Catchers and bases must be stationary prior to the initiation of the dismount.
LEVEL 2 TOSSES
A. Tosses are allowed up to a total of 4 tossing bases. One base must be behind the top person
during the toss and may assist the top person into the toss.
B. Tosses must be performed from ground level and must land in a cradle position. Top person
must be caught in a cradle position by at least 3 original bases one of which is positioned at
the head and shoulder area of the top person. Bases must remain stationary during the toss
(i.e. No intentional traveling tosses).
C. Flipping, inverted or traveling tosses are not allowed.
D. No stunt, pyramid, individual, or, prop may move over or under a toss, and a toss may not be
thrown over, under, or through stunts, pyramids, individuals, or props.
E. The only body positions allowed are straight rides.
F. During the straight body ride, the top person may use different arm variations such as (but not
limited to) a salute or blowing a kiss but must keep the legs and body in the straight ride
position.

Where is my daughter? four

We are headed back to tumbling to look at level 2 tumbling.

In level 2 you can do all the things you did in level 1 and then some.

Front Handspring
http://www.gymnasticsrevolution.com/GymInteractive-Floor-Front%20Handspring.htm

Front Handspring step out
http://www.gymnasticsrevolution.com/GymInteractive-Floor-Front%20Handspring%20step%20out.htm

Back Handspring
http://www.gymnasticsrevolution.com/GymInteractive-Floor-BackHandspring.htm

As in level 1 tumbling there are many variations you can do with the skills.

In level 2 all the level 1 skills are permitted to be one handed. Also in level 2 front and back handsprings from a standing position cannot connect to a jump or another handspring and must be done on both hands, but you can do a round off and add as many back handsprings after as you want. You can also do a round off and add a one handed back handspring.


LEVEL 2 STANDING TUMBLING
A. Flips and aerials are not allowed.
B. Series front and back handsprings are not allowed. Clarification: A back walk over into a back
handspring is allowed.
C. Jump skills in immediate combination with handspring(s) are not allowed. (Example: toe touch
handsprings and handspring toe touches)
D. Non-airborne skills must involve hand support with at least one hand when passing
through the inverted position. Example: Front and back walkovers, cartwheels and
round offs
E. Airborne skills must involve hand support with both hands when passing through the inverted
position. Example: Front and back handsprings
F. No twisting while airborne. (Exception: Round offs)
LEVEL 2 RUNNING TUMBLING
A. Flips and aerials are not allowed
B. Series front and back handsprings are allowed.
C. Airborne skills must involve hand support with at least one hand when passing through the
inverted position.
D. No twisting while airborne. (Exception: Round offs)

Early Spring Cleaning

I know you don't clean your computer screen very often and it is hard to do the inside, so click here for some help.

More Marvelous Parents sent me pics

Sara,Kaitlin,Amanda,Mariah,Kayleigh,Jess,Marra,Maddison,Hannah,Maci

Amanda and Jess

Youth ready to compete at KO

Cheer Mom's Tammie and Stacy

Practice

Erin, Maddi,Hannah

Cheeze

Hannah

Team Meeting

Stretch Mariah

Marra,Hannah,Erin

Didn't we see this picture already?

Sarris Easter Candy

Just a reminder, Easter candy orders are due March 2nd and will be delivered April 4th. Please make sure you have one check for the full amount in which you are ordering.

Where is my daughter? three

Level 1 Stunts

Stunting is a hard category to understand, even some judges don't know all of the rules, as our youth team found out at our first competition when the safety judge said one of our stunts was out of our division, when it really wasn't.

First a little cheer stunts 101 -

base - a cheerleader standing on the floor holding another cheerleader

flier - a cheerleader who is being help up by other cheerleaders

prep level - aka elevator level, when a base is holding a flier at shoulder level

partner stunt - a stunt in which the flier is not connected to another flier

pyramid - a stunt in which two or more fliers are connected

cradle - while in a stationary stunt the bases throw the flier in the air and catch her.

Level 1 partner stunts -

Fliers are permitted to be at prep level or below.

Fliers must stay on two feet when they are at prep level.

Fliers may stand on one foot if they are below prep level.

Fliers may do up to a quarter of a turn while entering a stunt.

Fliers may not flip or go upside down while stunting.

Straight cradles only.

There are a few exceptions to the prep level or below rule:

Examples of stunts that are not considered “extended stunts”: Chairs, torches,
flat backs, arm-n-arms and straddle lifts. These are stunts where the bases arms are
extended overhead, but are NOT considered to be “extended stunts” since the height of
the body of the top person is similar to a shoulder/prep level stunt.

You might be saying "what?" because you don't know what any of those are, well here are some pictures to help you.

Prep - aka elevator

Extension

Chair

Flat back variation, pretty girl flat back








Arm in arm variation - hanging lib arm in arm

Thigh Stand, below prep level

straddle sit

Level 1 pyramids -

Fliers may go above prep level if they are connected to two others at or below prep level by arms/hands contact, the connection must be made prior to the execution of the skill.

Fliers may stand on one foot at prep level but must be connected to two others at or below prep level by arms/hands contact, the connection must be made prior to the execution of the skill.

Straight cradles only.

Level 1 Stunts

A. 1. A spotter is required for all stunts at shoulder level and above (exception: shoulder
sits and straddle sits). (Example: suspended splits, flat-bodied positions, extension
preps, etc).
Clarification: The center base in an extended v-sit may be considered a spotter as long as
they are in a position to protect the head and shoulders of the top person.
2. Extended stunts are not allowed (see definition of extended stunts in glossary). A stunt
may not be held at or pass through an extended position.
Clarification: If it is obvious to the safety judge that the intent of the stunt group is to gain a
competitive advantage by passing through an extended position, then it is a violation of
this rule. Taking the top person above the head of the bases would be illegal.
B. Single leg stunts are only allowed below shoulder (prep) level.
Clarification: If the primary bases squat, go to their knees or drop the overall height of the
stunt and hold the top person at their shoulder level, this skill would be considered shoulder
level and therefore illegal, regardless of the back spot’s positioning.
C. Twisting stunts and transitions are allowed up to ¼ twists by the top person.
D. During transitions, all bases need to remain in contact with the stunt. Transitional stunts may
not involve changing bases.
E. Free flipping or assisted flipping stunts and transitions are not allowed.
F. No stunt, pyramid, or individual may move over or under another separate stunt, pyramid or
individual (example: shoulder sits walking under prep).
G. Pendulum and pendulum style transitional stunts, where the top person falls away from
the original bases, must use at least three stationary catchers, at least two of which are
not original bases. Physical contact must be maintained with all of the original base(s).
H. Single based split catches are not allowed.
I. Single based double awesomes/cupies require a separate spotter for each top person.

L1 Stunts - Inversions
1. All inversions must maintain contact with the performance surface (Example: supported
handstand).
LEVEL 1 PYRAMIDS
A. Pyramids must follow Level 1 "Stunts" and "Dismounts" rules and are allowed up to 2 high.
B. Top person must receive primary support from a base.
C. Two leg extended stunts
1. Two leg extended stunts must be braced by at least two persons at prep level or below
with hand/arm connection only.
2. The connection must be made at or below prep level.
D. Single leg stunts at prep level
1. Single leg stunts at prep level must be braced by at least two persons at prep level or
below with hand/arm connection only.
2. The connection must be made prior to executing single leg stunt and must be made at or
below prep level.
E. No stunt, pyramid, or individual may move over or under another separate stunt, pyramid or
individual.

Shirts

Don't miss out...
Order your new Marvels t-shirt by March 2nd.

Order forms were handed out in practice tonight and are also available in the gym office.

Check the bulletin board out side the gym office to see the rough version of the shirt.

Picture Day

Polish up that smile because March 9th is picture day. Contact Lauren, coachmisslauren@gmail.com to set up your individual time. Everyone needs to be there by 6 for the team pictures. We will take a Jr. team picture, a Youth team picture, and a picture with both teams.

Where is my daughter? two

Jumps...

Unfortunately most of cheerleading is subjective. Jumps are one of those subjective elements in cheerleading.

I have never seen a score sheet that does not have jumps as one of the categories. Believe it or not but jumps are usually worth the same amount of points as standing tumbling, or running tumbling, or partner stunts, or pyramids.

The better your jumps look, the more points you get for them. So the higher the jump, the better the leg extension, pointed toes, straight knees, proper arm placement, are all taken into consideration. The more jumps in a row the more difficulty points you achieve. As I said in Where is my daughter? one, judges expect a level 5 teams jumps to look better than a level 1 teams jumps.

Below are some pictures of the three most common jumps. I have labeled under each picture what level I would expect each jump to look like.

Level 2 Herkie

Level 3 Herkie

Level 4 Herkie

Level 5 Herkie
Level 5 Herkie

Level 1 Pike

Level 2 Pike

Level 3 Pike

Level 4 Pike

Level 5 Pike

Level 5 Pike

Level 1 Toe Touch

Level 2 Toe Touch

Level 3 Toe Touch

Level 4 Toe Touch

Level 5 Toe Touch

As a cheerleader progresses through the levels not only should their tumbling and stunting improve but so should their jumps, motions, and overall confidence on the cheer floor.

Chartiers Houston

Last Night Coach Christine, Coach Scott, and I judged the Char. Houston Varsity and Jr. High cheerleading tryouts.

Lots of talent out there! You ladies did a great job!

Thanks for having us and good luck in your up coming season!

KO and IUP additional Pictures

More pictures came in from the first two competitions - Enjoy!
Thanks Kelly and Tammi

KO

IUP