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Draft: [Reformatting/Refining] Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF)

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The Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF) is an Australian allstar cheerleading and dance event provider, hosting Australia's largest allstar cheerleading and dance event in their National Championships annually.[1] The company was founded in 2005 by Rosemary Sims and Stephen James.

AASCF was the first Australian event producer to be affiliated with USASF and IASF, continuing to offer bids to the IASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds as part of their annual national championship. They also offer bids to a range of other international events, with which events are offered changing over the years.

Currently AASCF runs several competitions across the country in a June to November season calendar format, with events including Winterfest, Battle, States, Spring Carnival and Nationals.

AASCF were a founding member of the Australian Cheer Sport Alliance, however was no longer a sanctioned event provider during 2023.

AASCF have been involved in a number of governing body ventures over the years, as well as their rules defining the Australian cheerleading industry as the largest event provider.

Australian Spirit Association

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The roots of AASCF can be traced back to the Australian Sports Association (ASA), which has led to varying dates of AASCF's founding year being both 2005 and 2006.[2][3] ASA was formed as a non-profit organisation, dedicated to help educate and develop cheerleading and dance within Australia.[4] The International Spirit Association (ISA) accepted ASA to be their Australia representative during 2005.[4]

During 2006, ASA evolved into AASCF, remaining affiliated with ISA.[5]

Australian Cheer and Dance Alliance (ACDA)

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During 2008, AASCF was part of the founding of the Australian Cheer and Dance Alliance. Down Under Spirit Championships and World Cup Cheer were also founding members. This organisation was formed with the goal of having a national, unified body for cheer and dance in Australia to help grow and develop interest and participation within the sport while also promoting safety education that was consistent with internationally recognised safety, education and ethical practices.[6]

Australian Cheer Sport Alliance (ACSA)

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AASCF took part in the formation of the Australian Cheer Sport Alliance (ACSA), with AASCF's ABN history showing that ACSA's first business registration occurred underneath the AASCF ABN on 4 July 2017.[7] The ACSA board included Stephen James as the chairperson, as well as Rosemary James as a board member, and AASCF was a founding member and one of the first sanctioned events.[8] ACSA had expressed interest to apply to ICU for the role of national governing body of cheerleading in Australia during 2017.[9]

The ABN for ACSA became independent of AASCF during 2018 as part of their application to the ICU for international governing body status of cheerleading within Australia.[10] AASCF continued to remain an ACSA sanctioned event, with the group abiding by ACSA's event standards.

The ACSA cheer and dance event sanctioning standards were released in April 2019, outlining the general event standards including divisions, levels and categories, insurance, safety and accreditation, warm up area standards, and event performance area standards.[11] These standards were adopted by a range of event producers for the year, including AASCF, which allowed for consistency between competitions.[12][13]

During August 2021, AASCF director, Stephen James, stepped down from his role as ACSA chairperson due to unforeseen personal circumstances.[14]

AASCF was no longer listed as a member/sanctioned event of ACSA during 2023.[15] Despite this, they adopted the changes that ACSA made regarding image into their own image policy, with uniform tops no longer allowed to include an exposed midriff regardless of the age of the athlete. Prior to this change, senior and open team had held an exception that allowed them to have an exposed midriff.[16][17][18]

International Recognition/Awards

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During 2014, the International Cheer and Dance Spirit Awards nominated AASCF for the Best International Championship as well as Best International Cheer and Dance Company of the year, alongside Rosemary Sims-James (AASCF's director) being nominated for Best International Cheer Choreographer.[19]

AASCF formed a partnership with the Chinese Cheerleading Association (CCA), who acted as the governing body for the sport in China, during 2017 at the IASF Cheerleading Worlds. This partnership led to CCA sending over 100 athletes to compete in the 2017 NSW State Championships, as well as AASCF sending three of their 2016 National Champion teams to compete in the China Cheerleading Open and Rizhao International Elite Cheerleading Games in China.[20]

AASCF's founder and director, Rosemary Sims-James, was awarded the International Cheer Union Recognition award during 2018, celebrating her 10 consecutive years of judging at the ICU World Championships and services in assisting ICU judging and education.[21]

USASF/IASF Affiliation

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During 2006, Rosemary Sims (AASCF's founder and director) travelled to the third annual Cheerleading Worlds, held in Orlando Florida. During this time period, Rosemary held a number of meetings with United States coaches and teams, being appointed to the USASF World Advisory Board and ensuring that AASCF became the first Australian member of the USASF/IASF cheerleading governing body.[22][23][24]

Choreography, Skill Clinics and Workshops

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Rosemary Sims offered custom choreography services through AASCF throughout 2012, with choreography being customised for the team's ability and talent level, with room for teams to upgrade the difficulty throughout the year.[25] AASCF also offered more broad stunt and choreography camps for teams, with a follow up service provided for two weeks after the camp to ensure that the team is progressing and to answer any questions that may arise.[26]

AASCF also offered private workshop style camps for programs for more specialised content and one on one instruction than their larger day camps.

Rosemary Sims offered custom choreography services through AASCF throughout 2012, with choreography being customised for the team's ability and talent level, with room for teams to upgrade the difficulty throughout the year.[27] AASCF also offered more broad stunt and choreography camps for teams, with a follow up service provided for two weeks after the camp to ensure that the team is progressing and to answer any questions that may arise.[28]

AASCF also offered private workshop style camps for programs for more specialised content and one on one instruction than their larger day camps.[29]

A round of coach education and skill camps were also held directly after Nationals during 2012, with sessions including at home tumbling technique drills, stunts, dance, motions and jazz and pom.[30]

Throughout 2017, AASCF continued to offer personalised cheer skills clinics, cheer and dance coach education and choreography to Australian cheer and dance programs. These were offered not only by AASCF staff themselves, but also through AASCF's contracts with reputable international providers such as Spring Tumble.[31]

Coach Credentialing

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As part of the USASF/IASF affiliation that AASCF held, AASCF have offered USASF/IASF coach credentialing programs since 2006.[32]

During 2008, AASCF offered IASF/USASF's International Cheerleading Coach Credentialing Program, hosting credentialing workshops in all states of Australia. These includes in Western Australia and Queensland during January as well as privately to individual gyms/coaches upon request.[33]

Throughout 2011, AASCF continued to host clinics for IASF coach credentialing and education. Through February and March, clinics were held in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide. Credentialing sessions were also held in conjunction with Winterfest and State Championship events. An independent option was also available for gyms who organised a minimum of 15 coaches, or a minimum of 6 if the gym covered the cost of flights and accomodation for the AASCF staff also.[34][35]

AASCF's IASF/USASF coach credentialing service continued through 2012,[36] with dates held in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland during January. Follow up dates were also held alongside each state's Winterfest and State Championship competition events, with private dates available upon request for gyms.[37]

Into 2017, AASCF continued to be an Australian provider for IASF/USASF coaching credentialing workshops and exams, hosting a range of clinics in Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales during March and April 2017.[38]

Child Safe Policies

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During 2017, AASCF published a child safe policy and incident report template. This outlined the standards and safeguarding measures that AASCF had in place both at their competitions as well as providing a template for use in clubs registered with AASCF, and the procedure to take if these policies were breached. This policies applied to all visitors, clients, customers and athletes visiting, participating or viewing a service, program or event held by AASCF.[39]

AASCF also updated their Child Safe Policy during February 2022, with this applying to all visitors, clients, customers, athletes and contractors participating in or viewing any service, program or event hosted by AASCF.[40]

Legality Enquiries

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During 2017, AASCF offered member coaches and gym owners the opportunity to submit a video for their safety officials to determine legality of the skill, for both cheer and dance. These ruling could then be used at events to dispute any legality calls around these skills.[41][42]

Membership Program

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As a condition of entry into competition, each athlete has had to register as a student member with AASCF since as early as 2008. This membership program includes genuine personal accident insurance for the individual athlete for all practice, performances, and competitions that the athlete attended through not only AASCF but also any other organisation.[43][44]

A membership program has historically also been offered for gym/studio/schools, placing the location on the AASCF listing for ongoing referrals, as well as allowing the members information about event, clinics, camps, international guests, and professional advice/support.[43][45]

The AASCF membership program continued in 2017, offering personal accident insurance cover for each athlete registered with the program that covered them at practice, performances and all events the athlete attended, including both AASCF and non-AASCF events.[46]

During 2020, the AASCF membership program continued, covering genuine personal accident insurance cover for competitions, training, performances and other events the athletes covered. However, an option was introduced if an athlete or club had not taken out this cover to pay $8.00 per competition to cover the athlete at that particular competition, however it was coverage that was exclusive to that competition setting only.[47]

Competitions

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During 2006, the first AASCF All Star Cheer and Dance Championships were held, with a total of 600 athletes competing.[2][48][49] Their competitions have historically been aligned with USASF/IASF rules, with rules being updated to reflect this throughout the years.

Year Event State Date City Venue
2006 AASCF All Star Cheer and Dance Championships
2007[50] Victorian Cheer and Dance Showdown[51] VIC July 8 Melbourne Keilor Stadium
State Championships QLD[52] September 16 Brisbane Insports Cornubia Park Sports Centre
NSW[53] September 23 Sydney Penrith Sports Stadium
VIC October 7 Melbourne Dandenong Basketball Centre
Select Troupe Championships VIC September 23 Melbourne George Wood Performing Arts Centre
Nationals VIC November 4 Melbourne State Netball and Hockey Centre
2008[54] Cheer and Dance Showdown VIC July 6 Melbourne Keilor Stadium
Queensland All Star Cheer and Dance Championship QLD September 7 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
New South Wales Cheer and Dance Championship NSW September 14 Sydney
Dance Victoria Select Troupe Championships VIC September 20 - 21 Melbourne George Wood Performing Arts Centre
Victorian All Star Cheer and Dance Championship
Australian All Star Cheer and Dance Championship QLD November 22 - 23 Brisbane Sleeman Centre
2009[54][55] Cheer and Dance Showdown VIC July 5
Queensland All Star Cheer and Dance Championship QLD September 6
New South Wales Cheer and Dance Championship NSW September 13
Dance Victoria Select Troupe Championship VIC September 19 - 20
Victorian All Star Cheer and Dance Championship
Western Australian All Star Cheer and Dance Championship WA September 27
Australian Capital Territory All Star Cheer and Dance Championship ACT October 11
South Australian All Star Cheer and Dance Championship SA October 18
Tasmanian All Star Cheer and Dance Championship TAS October 25
Australian All Star Cheer and Dance National Championship NSW October 31 - November 1 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadium
2010[56] Winterfest All Star Cheer and Dance Season Starter NSW June 19 Newcastle Newcastle Basketball Stadium
VIC July 3 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
QLD July 11 Brisbane Logan Metro Indoor Sports Centre
QLD July 18 Townsville Murray Sporting Complex
All Star Cheer and Dance Championships QLD August 28/29 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
NSW September 12 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
VIC September 19 Melbourne Dandenong Basketball Stadium
WA September 25 Perth Mike Barnett Sports Complex
SA October 3 Adelaide Wayville Sports Centre
ACT October 10 Canberra
All Star Cheer and Dance National Championship VIC October 30 - 31 Melbourne State Netball and Hockey Centre
2011[57] Winterfest All Star Cheer and Dance Season Starter NSW June 26 Newcastle Newcastle Basketball Stadium
VIC July 3 Geelong Geelong Arena
QLD July 10 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
QLD July 17 Townsville Murray Sporting Complex
NSW July 24 Penrith Penrith Sports Stadium
Southern University Games VIC July 4 Geelong
All Star Cheer and Dance State Championships WA August 21 Perth Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre
QLD August 27 - 28 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
SA September 4 Adelaide Star Plex
VIC September 11 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
ACT September 25 Canberra ACT Netball Centre
NSW October 1 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
All Star Cheer and Dance National Championship QLD November 19 - 20 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
2012[58] Winterfest All Star Cheer and Dance Season Starter NSW June 23 - 24 Newcastle Newcastle Basketball Stadium
VIC June 30 - July 1 Geelong Geelong Arena
QLD July 7 - 8 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
SA July 22 Adelaide Star Plex
NSW July 29 Illawarra Shellharbour City Stadium
Southern University Games VIC July 2/3 Latrobe Valley
All Star Cheer and Dance State Championships WA August 18 - 19 Perth Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre
QLD August 25 - 26 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
SA September 2 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
NSW September 8 - 9 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
ACT September 16 Canberra Tuggeranong Basketball Stadium
VIC September 22 - 23 Melbourne Melbourne spots and Aquatic Centre
All Star Cheer and Dance National Championship NSW October 26 - 28 Sydney State Sports Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
2013[59] Winterfest All Star Cheer and Dance Season Starter NSW June 9 Newcastle Newcastle Panthers
NSW June 16 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
QLD June 22 - 23 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
VIC June 29 - 30 Geelong Geelong Arena
SA July 7 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
Southern University Games VIC July 9 Ballarat
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition NSW July 27 - 28 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
QLD August 3 - 4 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC August 10 - 11 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star Cheer and Dance State Championships ACT September 1 Canberra AIS Arena
NSW September 7 - 8 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
QLD September 14 - 15 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
VIC September 21 - 22 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA September 29 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
WA October 6 Perth WA Basketball Centre
All Star Cheer and Dance National Championship VIC November 22 - 25 Melbourne Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
2014[60] Winterfest All Star Cheer and Dance Season Starter NSW June 13 - 15 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
QLD June 20 - 22 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
VIC June 27 - 29 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
SA July 6 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
Southern University Games VIC July 8 Wodogna
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition NSW July 25 - 27 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
QLD August 1 - 3 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC August 8 - 10 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star Cheer and Dance State Championships ACT August 31 Canberra AIS Arena
NSW September 5 - 7 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre
QLD September 12 - 14 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
VIC September 19 - 21 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA September 28 Adelaide Adelaide Area
WA October 5 Perth Challenge Stadium
Australian Scholastic Cheer and Dance National Championship NSW October 26 Sydney Sydney Olympic Parks Sports Centre
Australian All Star Cheer and Dance National Championship QLD November 28 - 30 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
2015[61][62] Winterfest Cheer & Dance Season Starter NSW June 12 - 14 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD June 19 - 21 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Sports Centre
Vic June 26 - 28 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
SA July 18 - 19 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition NSW July 24 - 26 Sydney Olympic Park
Vic August 7 - 9 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
QLD August 14 - 16 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
State Cheer and Dance Championship Series ACT 29/30 August Canberra AIS Arena
NSW September 4 - 6 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD September 12 - 13 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
Vic September 18 - 20 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA October 17 - 18 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
WA October 24/25 Perth Challenge Stadium
Scholastic National Championship NSW October 24/25 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
Melbourne Cheer and Dance Carnival Vic October 30 - November 1 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star National Championships Vic November 27 - 29 Melbourne Melbourne Convention Centre
Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle Vic November 30 Melbourne Melbourne Convention Centre
2016[63][64] Winterfest Cheer & Dance Season Starter NSW June 10 - 12 Sydney Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park
QLD June 17 - 19 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Sports Centre
VIC June 24 - 26 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
SA July 2 - 3 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition NSW July 22 - 24 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD July 29 - 31 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC August 5 - 7 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
State Championships NSW August 26 - 28 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
WA September 2 - 3 Perth HBF Arena
QLD September 9 - 11 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC September 16 - 18 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA September 24 - 25 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
Scholastic and University Nationals NSW October 22 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
Spring Carnival QLD October 15 - 16 Brisbane South Bank Parklands Piazza
NSW October 23 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
VIC October 28 - 30 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
National Cheer and Dance Championships QLD November 25 - 27 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle QLD November 28 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
2017[65] Winterfest Cheer & Dance Season Starter NSW June 9 - 11 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD June 16 - 18 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
VIC June 23 - 25 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
SA June 30 - July 2 Adelaide Titanium Arena
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition NSW July 28 - 30 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD August 4 - 6 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC August 11 - 13 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
State Championships NSW August 25 - 27 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
WA September 1-3 Perth HBF Arena/HBF Stadium
QLD September 8 - 10 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC September 22 - 24 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA September 30 - October 1 Adelaide Titanium Arena
AASCF Scholastic and University Nationals NSW October 14 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
Spring Carnival NSW October 15 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD October 21 - 22 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Sports Centre
VIC October 27 - 29 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
National Cheer and Dance Championships VIC November 24 - 26 Melbourne Melbourne Convention Centre
Australasian Pinnacle VIC November 27 Melbourne Melbourne Convention Centre
2018[66] Winterfest Cheer & Dance Season Starter NSW June 15 - 17 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD June 22 - 24 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
VIC June 29 - July 1 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA July 6 - 8 Adelaide Titanium Arena
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition WA July 20 - 22 Perth HBF Stadium
NSW July 27 - 29 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD August 3 - 5 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC August 10 - 12 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star Battle: Dance Edition NSW August 18 - 19 Sydney NDIA
State Championships TAS August 19 Hobart
WA August 31 - September 2 Perth HBF Stadium
NSW September 7 - 9 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD September 14 - 16 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC September 21 - 23 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA September 29 - 30 Adelaide Titanium Arena
Spring Carnival NSW October 13 - 14 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD October 19 - 21 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Vic October 26 - 28 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star and Scholastic Nationals QLD November 23 - 25 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre and Star Casino
Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle QLD November 26 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
2019[67] Winterfest Cheer and Dance Season Starter NSW June 14 - 16 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD June 21 - 23 Gold Coast Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium
VIC June 28 - 30 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA July 5 - 7 Adelaide Titanium Arena
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition NSW July 26 - 28 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD August 2 - 4 Gold Coast Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium
VIC August 9 - 11 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star Battle: Dance Edition NSW August 16 - 18 Sydney NIDA
All Star Cheer and Dance State Championships WA August 30 - September 1 Perth HBF Stadium
QLD September 6 - 8 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
NSW September 13 - 15 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
VIC September 20 - 22 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA September 27 - 29 Adelaide Titantium Arena
Unisport Cheer and Dance Nationals QLD October 2 Gold Coast Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
Cheer and Dance Spring Carnival NSW October 11 - 13 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD October 18 - 20 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
VIC October 25 - 27 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star and Scholastic Cheer and Dance Nationals VIC November 29 - December 1 Melbourne Melbourne Convention Exhbitiion Centre
Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle VIC December 2 Melbourne Melbourne Convention Exhbitiion Centre
2020[47][68] Winterfest Cheer and Dance Season Starter

Dates first moved into Battle's timeframe during March 2020[69] Event cancelled entirely in May 2020[70]

NSW June 12 - 14

August 14 - 16

Sydney Quay Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
QLD June 19 - 21

July 31 - August 2

Gold Coast Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium
VIC June 26 - 28

August 7 - 9

Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA July 3 - 5

August 21 - 23

Adelaide Titanium Arena
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition

cancelled March 2020[69]

QLD July 31 - August 2 Gold Coast Carrara Indoor Sports Stadium
VIC August 7 - 9 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
NSW August 14 - 16 Sydney Quay Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
All Star Battle: Dance Battle

Venue/State move announcement April 2020[71]

NSW August 29 - 30 Sydney NIDA
VIC August 29 - 30 Melbourne State Netball and Hockey Centre
All Star Cheer and Dance State Championships

WA states cancelled August 2020.[72] QLD in person States cancelled September 1 2020.[73] NSW and QLD States virtual confirmed September 2020.[74]

WA August 28 - 30 Perth HBF Stadium
QLD September 4 - 6 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
September 19 - 20 Virtual
NSW September 11 - 13 Sydney Quay Centre, Sydney Olympic Park
September 12 - 13 Virtual
VIC September 18 - 20 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA September 25 - 27 Adelaide Titanium Arena
Cheer and Dance Spring Carnival

SA event added May 1st[70] Changes to virtual format and cancellations confirmed September 2020.[74]

NSW October 9 - 11 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
Virtual
QLD October 16 - 18 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
Virtual
VIC October 23 - 25 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
SA October 30 - November 1 Adelaide Titanium Arena
Virtual Stunt and Dance Doubles Nationals Qualifier[74] Virtual 4 October 2020
All Star and Scholastic Cheer and Dance Nationals

Dates reduced May 1st.[70] In Person Nationals cancelled as of September 1, 2020.[73] Virtual Nationals confirmed September 2020.[74]

QLD November 26 27 - 29 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
Virtual Virtual/Online
Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle

Cancelled 2 June 2020[70]

QLD November 30 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre
2021[75][76][77] Spirit of AASCF Cheer and Dance Championship VIC Februrary 28 Cheer Tumble Virtual Video Submissions Due
March 14 Stunt and Dance Doubles Virtual Video Submissions Due
March 26 - 28 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
Winterfest NSW June 11 - 13 Sydney Sydney Showground
QLD June 18 - 20 Gold Coast Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
VIC June 25 - 27 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA July 2 - 4 Adelaide Titanium Arena
Battle: Cheer Edition QLD July 30 - August 1 Gold Coast Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
VIC August 6 - 8 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
NSW August 13 - 15 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
Battle: Virtual Stunt and Dance Doubles Competition Virtual August 15 Video Submissions
August 23 Awards Ceremony
Battle: Dance Battle VIC August 27 - 29 Melbourne State Netball Hockey Centre
State Championships WA August 27 - 29 Perth HBF Stadium
QLD September 3 - 5 Gold Coast Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
NSW September 10 - 12 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
VIC September 17 - 19 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
October 22 - 24 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
SA September 24 - 26 Adelaide Titanium Arena
October 29 - 31 Adelaide Titanium Arena
Virtual States Stunt and Dance Doubles and Nationals Qualifier Virtual September 26 Video Submissions Due
October 4 Awards Ceremony
Virtual Round 1 September 19 - 26 Video Submission Upload Period via Cheer Replay - Round 1
October 4 Awards Ceremony - Round 1
Virtual Round 2 October 7 - 10 Video Submission Upload Period via Cheer Replay - Round 2
October 20 Awards Ceremony - Round 2
Spring Carnival Cheer and Dance NSW October 8 - 10 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD October 15 - 17 Gold Coast Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre
VIC October 22 - 24 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
SA October 29 - 31 Adelaide Titanium Arena
Cheer and Dance National Championship VIC November 26 - 28 Melbourne Melbourne Convention Centre
Virtual November 1 - 8 Video Submission Upload
November 26 - 28 Championship Livestream
November 27 - 28 Awards Ceremony
Stunt and Dance Doubles Virtual Nationals Virtual November 1 - 8 Video Submission Upload
November 26 Championship Live Stream
November 27 Awards Ceremony
Australasian Pinnacle VIC November 29 Melbourne Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
2022

AASCF's championship series has always hosted their all star cheerleading competitions on a sprung cheer floor, and their dance competitions on a marley floor. The size varies per competition. They are hosted under USASF/IASF rules and guidelines, with slight modifications made for the Australian context. Every competing athlete received a participation medal, as well as trophies and placing medals being awarded for 1st to 3rd at all competitions and trophies awarded up to 5th place at Nationals. Grand Champions and Highest Scoring banners are also awarded to teams.[62]

Unlike Gymnastics Australia competitions at the time, AASCF's competitions did not require prior membership with a lengthy process to compete, only asking that teams signed up on the day for their membership in order to ensure that they would be covered by the associated insurance.[78]

Overall, the 2014 season continued the historical trend AASCF had noted of a 30 - 35% growth in event participation per year,[79] with a total of more than 35,000 registered athletes participating in AASCF events during the year.[80]

During 2015, AASCF hit the milestone of over 40,000 athletes competing in their 18 championship events.[81]

AASCF celebrated their 10th anniversary of running events under the AASCF banner nationally, and their 30th anniversary of AASCF's founders and team running events within Victoria.[64]

During December 2016, AASCF staff took part in the media interviews surrounding the public backlash of IOC's inclusion of cheerleading as a provisional sport, which highlighted the athletic nature of the activity and competitions and growing number of athletes taking part in the sport, with Steve James being quoted as stating AASCF was seeing participation grow by 25 - 29% annually.[82][83][84]

Across 2017, AASCF attracted over 52,000 athletes to their 21 championship events, 15% of whom were male, alongside over 3000 registered coaches.[59][85]

Spirit of AASCF

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Spirit of AASCF events were introduced in 2021 as Victorian initiative as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These events would come first on the season calendar.

Winterfest

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Winterfest was introduced for the first time as the formal season starter in 2010.

During 2011, Winterfest's competition series saw over 4000 athletes competing across all of the events.[86]

2013's NSW Winterfest event saw more than 90 cheer and dance teams competing at the event, also attracting media coverage.[87] University Games

The first ever cheer and dance university championships were held by AASCF during July 2011, helping introduce these sports into the university sport community.[49]

During 2019, the dance Grand Champion award for dance became the Dance Royalty award at Winterfest. Grand Champion banners were still awarded for both small and large gym in every level of cheer excluding novice, adult, open level 1 and 2 NT, and stunt groups. Top Tier Cheer Gym banners were also awarded to 3rd place for both small and large gym.[67]

During 2020, Winterfest was originally scheduled to take place as the season opener in its usual June timeslot. However due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, AASCF announced in March 2020 that they were cancelling Battle and moving the Winterfest season opener events into those dates.[71][88] However due to the ongoing impacts, in May 2020, AASCF had to make the call to cancel Winterfest entirely for the year and shorten the competition season.[70]

In 2021, Winterfest did see a successful comeback in many states with a strong turnout, with Queensland in particular having 2050 athletes entered across 330 teams.[89]

Battle

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2013 was the first year that AASCF held All Star Battle, starting off with Cheer edition to offer a cheer only competition. This was a two day competition, with all teams competing both days, with the 70% of day 1's score being added to 100% of day 2's score to determine the winners.[59]

During 2015, a new award was introduced for Battle that applied across all events held as part of this competition, called "Ultimate Battle Champion". The highest scoring team from each age/level division at each state event would have their video resubmitted to be rejudged alongside the other highest scoring teams in the same division from other states. The highest scoring team from this re-judging process would then be crowed the Ultimate Battle Champion of that division, with banners awarded to the gym as well as smaller individual athlete banners awarded for each athlete.[61]

It was in 2015 restrictions were placed on entry for group stunt, partner stunt and dance double routines at this event due to the growth of the number of teams in the division. Programs were no longer allowed to enter routines into these categories unless they had full size teams otherwise competing into the event. The exception to this rule was if a program did not have a Battle championship held within their home state.[61][62]

Due to feedback from coaches, as of 2016, all novice teams, scholastic teams and tiny teams were only required to perform once at the All Star Battle, with their entry fee being halved to reflect this.[64]

The scoring system shifted for Battle in 2017, with it now becoming 40% of day one's score added to 60% of day two's score to determine the winners.[65]

All Star Battle finally expanded in 2018, with AASCF beginning to offer a Dance Battle edition. However, instead of being run alongside all of the Cheer Battles, this event was held separately and only in Sydney. Just like at Cheer Battle, dance teams competed twice except for novice, tiny and scholastic teams, with the scores added together to determine the final score.[66]

The scoring system of Battle was once again adjusted during 2019, with teams recieving their final score from 30% of day one's score and 70% of day two's score. Stunt groups were no longer offered at Battle as of this year. Ultimate Battle Champion was no longer offered. Small and large gym grand champion and top tier gym was awarded at Cheer Battle, with Dance Royalty being awarded at Dance Battle.[67]

During 2020, Battle was originally scheduled to be the competition in which bids for USASF Summit were awarded, with 5 cheer bids available at each event, being held in its usual locations and timeslots in August. Due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, AASCF announced in March 2020 that they would be cancelling the Battle events for 2020, with Winterfest moving into its usual August timeslots instead.[71][88]

COVID's impacts continued on Battle into 2021, with the Queensland Government announcing a snap lockdown for 11 local government areas, including the City of the Gold Coast, during Queensland's Battle event. This led to the event having to be cancelled at the end of the first Saturday event at 11am in order to allow athletes to travel back to their home and allow time for the venue to be packed down.[90] This also marked the first year that stunt groups and dance doubles did not compete in person at all at Battle, with these divisions instead being included in a new virtual round of the Battle competition series.

During 2022, AASCF combined the Dance Battle and Cheer Battle events, adding dance battle rounds to all of their existing cheer battle events instead of hosting it separately in only one state.

State Championships

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AASCF began the first iteration of their state championship events in 2007, with these first events being covered in local media.[91]

In 2008, AASCF announced their intent to host their first Western Australia championship, however this did not go ahead.[92]

During early years, clubs were requested to provide a volunteer on the day of the state championship for smoother event operations. Volunteers received free t-shirts as well as going in the draw to win further prizes on the day.[92]

The 2013 State Championship series saw a 40% increase in entries from previous years.[93]

State Championships were used as the qualifying event for partner stunt, group stunt and dance double routines.

Restrictions were placed on entry for group stunt, partner stunt and dance double routines for State Championships, due to the growth of the number of teams in the division. Programs were no longer allowed to enter routines into these categories unless they had full size teams otherwise competing in the event. The exception to this rule was if a program did not have a State championship held within their home state or were from Far Northern Queensland or Far Northern Western Australia.[61][62]

During 2016, AASCF stopped holding separate state championships within the ACT, with ACT teams being inluded within the NSW State Championships.

During 2019, the State Championships attracted 17,000 athletes over the five events.[94][95][96]

During 2020, the State Championships were scheduled to be an opportunity where dance teams could qualify to compete in the premier division at Nationals.

During 2021, State Championships no longer included stunt groups and dance doubles in person, with a virtual states event instead being held to qualify these routines for nationals.

Spring Carnival

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Spring Carnival was introduced in 2015 as a Melbourne only event.[61][62]

During 2016, Spring Carnival expanded to other states, awarding 1st, 2nd and 3rd place individual athlete ribbons.[64]

The 2017 Spring Carnival series offered individual skill competitions once again, as well as offering a fashion on the mat competition which saw coaches and gym owners participate in parades competing for the best fascinator and best debonair awards.[65] The Queensland and New South Wales Spring Carnival championships saw a 25% growth, alongside a 50% growth in Victoria.[97]

In 2019, individual skills competition divisions were introduced specifically for novice athletes only, introducing the prettiest handstand, strongest legmount, prettiest walkover and best splits on both sides (right and left).[67]

The 2020 Spring Carnival events were scheduled to be an opportunity where dance teams could qualify to compete in the premier division at Nationals before the impact of COVID-19. These impacts led to a South Australian round of Spring Carnival being added to the calendar in recognition of South Australia's reduced season meaning a lack of competitions to prepare before nationals, with this addition being one of the few competition events all year that went ahead in person for AASCF.

Scholastic Nationals

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During 2014, AASCF separated their scholastic nationals from their all star nationals, with scholastic nationals being held in New South Wales during October. At the scholastic nationals events, university teams had the opportunity to win bids to the World University Championship.[79]

2017's Scholastic Nationals were held in October, allowing scholastic teams to compete in all levels of cheer and styles of dance, as well as dance doubles and group and partner stunt routines. Individual competitions in tumbling, baskets, fouette, bow and arrow and scorpions were also held as well as awards being given for the Best School Mascot and Spirit Award. Pinnacle bids were awarded for university teams in pom and level 3/4, as well as invitations being given for the University Worlds in cheer and dance. Primary and High School Grand Champions for the year were awarded at this event as it was considered the scholastic divisions "true nationals", and while scholastic teams were welcome to compete at the all-star nationals in November, grand champions were no longer awarded at the all-star nationals. This event attracted a total of 4000 cheerleaders competing for primary school, high school and university teams.[65]   

Nationals

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When AASCF Nationals was conceived, it was originally designed to be held in a different state each year, rotating between South East Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. This cycle continued until 2015, when the event was due to held in Sydney. However construction on the only suitable venue due to the event's size, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, left AASCF with no choice but to hold the event in Melbourne instead. This created a precedent moving forward where AASCF would not return to hosting their Nationals in Sydney in later years when the venue reopened.[61]

AASCF's Nationals championships during 2009 attracted over 1200 participants, across 105 teams.[98] It also saw a. two page spread in The Age, which described the sport was a "niche pursuit" with a total of "about 6000 participants" nationwide.[99][100]

The 2011 National Championships also attracted mainstream media attention, with teams on their road to nationals as well as the championship itself being featured on The Project.[101][102]

At Nationals, teams could win a bid to Cheer and Dance Worlds since before 2010.

Channel 10's The Project attended the 2012 Nationals, filming content for mainstream media coverage of the event.[103]

The venue had initially anticipated 4800 competitors and approximately 5500 spectators over the 2012 Nationals event, however reached over 8000 spectators over the weekend, leading them to sell out of food despite having 3 kiosks and outside food vendors.[104] The total number of athlete entries during 2012 was 4870.[59]

2013's Nationals saw just on 6000 athletes competing,[60] marking a 25% increase in entries.[93] This event attracted media controversy, as the venue was hosting both Club X Sexpo Extreme and AASCF Nationals at the same time, while AASCF were promoting their event as a "wholesome family event".[105]

In 2014, All Star Nationals and Scholastic Nationals saw a split into two events.

Nationals 2014 was held on the Gold Coast at the Convention Centre during November, hosting 978 teams in total, split into 458 cheer teams and 520 dance teams.[106] As part of their National Championships competition, AASCF offered 12 potential cheer and dance bids to the IASF 2015 World Championships, as well as following the competition days with a coaches conference and athlete clinics with international experts as part of the event.[107]

During 2015, over 1100 teams competed in Nationals, with teams from every state and territory within Australia as well as New Zealand participating.[81] At this event, AASCF offered a record 60+ potential cheer and dance bids to the 2016 IASF Cheer and Dance Worlds.[61]

AASCF's Nationals continued to see growth in 2016, with 10,278 athletes taking part in 1606 routines.[108][109][84] Nationals and Pinnacles as back to back events attracted mainstream media attention, with Daily Telegraph noting that participation occurred with athletes ranging from age 4 to 58,[110] and the Gold Coast Bulletin highlighting how the events brought a $24 million boost to the local economy.[111]

2017's Nationals marked global history, with this being the first ever qualifying event at which a team could win a fully paid dance bid to IASF Dance Worlds. Alongside this bid, AASCF offered a fully paid cheer bid, 6 partially paid bids and 16 at large bids for IASF Cheer and Dance Worlds, alongside 8 at large bids for the USASF Summit.[65][112][113] AASCF's Nationals saw continued growth, with a total of 10,600 athletes competing in 1460 teams accompanied by 1100 coaches.[114]

Nationals saw such a large growth in 2018 that the event spanned across both the Gold Coast Convention Centre and Star Casino.[66] The event attracted a total of 1763 teams made of 12,022 athletes from 3 countries, with a total of 17,000 spectators.[115] This year's Nationals received mainstream coverage on Channel 10's The Project, which aired in December 2018.[116]

In 2019, Dance Royalty was introduced to Nationals also, with free Dance Royalty jackets given to the 1st place winning team in each style of dance as well as a free grand champion jacket being awarded to all cheer grand champion winning teams.[67] This year's Nationals grew to over 11,964 athletes across 1800 teams.[94][95][96] Filming was also done during this year's nationals for an Australian documentary to highlight the sport, which would be aired during early 2020.[117]

Nationals 2020 was originally slated to be the introduction of a new premier dance division, as well as being where bids would be awarded to USASF Summit for dance teams. In September 2020 it was confirmed by AASCF that an in person's nationals event would not be able to go ahead due to the restrictions on the venue due to COVID-19, leading AASCF to move forward with a virtual format for Nationals.[118]

For the second year in a row, AASCF hosted their Nationals event in a virtual format in 2021, which was then livestreamed for free. This saw 6700 athletes from 148 clubs in 1100 teams take part.[119]

The first post-COVID-19 in person nationals was held on the Gold Coast during 2022, with a total of 1800 athletes from 1900 teams in 185 clubs taking part. This event offered 32 cheer bids and 40 dance bids to the 2023 IASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds event.[120]

The 2023 AASCF Nationals is set to be held in Melbourne, Victoria, with AASCF advertising entries from 180+ clubs who entered 1700+ teams, made of 11000+ athletes, including 17 teams from China and 2 teams from New Zealand.[121]

During June 2023, AASCF released their first draft of their 2024 event dates and venues. This saw a shift of their 2024 National dates to the first weekend in December 2024, scheduling it for Thursday 5th to Monday 9th.[122] This marked a major shift for AASCF, who had held their Nationals event in the last weekend of November every year since 2013, including the planned dates for the cancelled 2020 and 2021 events.[123][124][125][126][127][128][129][130][131]

Pinnacle

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The Australasian Pinnacle was introduced to the AASCF calendar in 2015, with the goal of emulating the American USASF event "Summit". Like Summit, this was a bid only event where teams had to win one of the 150 bids available for both cheer and dance teams at eligible events throughout the year. Bids were usually offered to the overall grand champion or highest scoring team in each division of cheer and dance. This led Pinnacle to become a "best of the best" exclusive national championships.[61][62][132][133][134]

As of 2016, it was clarified that pinnacle was for junior age and above teams, however if a lower aged team happened to win a grand championship or highest scoring award that would normally qualify a team, they would be invited to perform at Pinnacle as a exhibition team. Gyms were not divided by small team/large team or small gym/large gym. Rings and pendants were available for sale for section winners. Novice teams, open level 1 teams, adult level 1 teams, primary school teams or high school teams were not contenders for Pinnacle. Pinnacle bids were given to university teams, but only to university pom and university level 3/4 teams at AASCF States and Scholastic Nationals. Pinnacle bid winning teams were only allowed to add a maximum of 20% new athletes to large teams or 30% for small teams, with teams expected to use the majority of the original athletes the bid was won with. There was required to be at least 5 teams in the division or an 80% score cap before a team could receive a Pinnacle bid.[64]

The 2016 Pinnacle event saw growth, with a total of 2,230 athletes performing as part of the "best of the best".[108]

As of 2017, in order for a team to win a Pinnacle bid at a qualifying event after AASCF State Championships onwards, a team was required to make an 85% raw score before deductions instead of just meeting the previous cap of 80% raw score and grand champions. This was because at this stage of the year, Pinnacle bids began to be passed down the eligible line, as many teams who were winning grand champion already had won a bid earlier in the year, and AASCF wished to preserve the high standard of Pinnacle.[65]

In 2019, Pinnacle's age range was changed, to now be for youth age and above for cheer teams and junior age and above for dance teams. Primary and High School, Novice, Open level 1 & 2 NT, Special Ability, University and Adult remained to not be contenders for the Pinnacle. Teams were required to compete in the same age, level, style, gender split and division size in which they received their pinnacle bids.

The minimum scores for teams to receive a bid also shifted once again during 2019. For teams to be eligible to win grand champion, the following requirements applied for a team's final score (after deductions):

  • All dance teams - 80 points needed for final score if less than 3 teams
  • Cheer level 1 - 80 points needed for final score if less than 3 Level 1 teams at championship (no baskets)
  • Cheer Levels 2 - 6 - 90 points needed for final score if less than 3 level 2-6 teams at championship
  • Scholastic Cheer Level 1 - 78 points needed for final score if less than 3 Scholastic teams at championship (no baskets)
  • Scholastic Cheer Level 2 - 88 points needed for final score if less than 3 Scholastic teams at championship
  • Cheer University - 70 points needed for final score if less than 3 University teams at championship

As well as winning grand champion, to achieve a bid, a team was required to meet the following requirements in their raw score (score before deductions):

  • All dance teams - 80 points is needed for raw score to receive a Bid. If the Grand Champion does not reach the required points, AASCF will honour the Pinnacle Dance Bid at a future AASCF Championship if team reaches the required 80 points, even if they are not the highest scoring team of that competition. i.e. – if team was the highest scoring pom team at Winterfest with a score or 79 points, NO Pinnacle Bid will be given. If by Spring Carnival same team finally achieves the needed raw score of 80 points, AASCF will award team the original Winterfest Pinnacle Bid, as well as still award the highest scoring team of Spring Carnival.
  • Cheer Level 1 - 80 points needed for raw score (no baskets)
  • Cheer Levels 2 - 7 - 90 points needed for raw score

The planned 2020 Pinnacle Bid entry eligibility scores for bids once again increased: [47]

  • All dance teams – 80 points was needed to receive a bid. AASCF awarded Pinnacle bids to the top 3 teams that reached the score, allowing dance teams more opportunity to strive for reaching 80 points as the season progressed.
  • Cheer Level 1 – 83 points needed from final score (no baskets)
  • Cheer Level 2 - 7 - 92 points needed from final score.
  • While final scores (after deductions) were outlined in the requirements, raw scores (before deductions) were considered by AASCF in the instance of no final score reaching the eligibility score but only if the deduction given was one considered easily fixable by the judges.

However due to the number of competitions cancelled during 2020 due to the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, AASCF cancelled their Australasian Pinnacle event for the year due to there not being enough championship bid qualifying events to allow a competitive number of teams to win bids.[135]

2022 would mark the last year of Pinnacle being held by AASCF, with this last event taking place on the Gold Coast as an in person live event. This event would be replaced in 2023 by Road to IASF Worlds, which was a day two event for teams competing for a 2024 Worlds bid.[136][137]

International Bids

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Over the years, a number of international bids have been offered as part of AASCF's competitions.

Year AASCF Bid-Awarding Event International Bid Event Eligible Divisions
2010[56] State Championships 2011 Spirit Sports Duel in the Desert All Levels National Championship, Palm Springs, California, USA Youth, Junior and Teen teams in cheer levels 1, 2, 3, 4
Nationals 2011 IASF Cheer and Dance Worlds Cheer Teams Level 5 and above

Elite Dance Teams

2011 All Levels International Grand Championships (virtual) 1st, 2nd or 3rd placing teams in cheer divisions levels 1 - 5
2011[57] State Championships 2012 Spirit Sports Duel in the Desert All Levels National Championship, Palm Springs, California, USA Youth, Junior and Teen teams in cheer levels 1, 2, 3, 4
Nationals Worlds Cheer Teams Level 5 and above

Elite Dance Teams

2012 Nationals 2012 IASF Cheer and Dance Worlds Cheer Teams Level 5 and above

Elite Dance Teams

2013[59] Nationals IASF 2014 World Championships (10 bids)
World University Championships 100% university teams
2014 Scholastic Nationals World University Championships Division 1 University Teams
All Star Nationals IASF 2015 Worlds
2015[62] Scholastic Nationals World University Championships Division 1 University Teams
Nationals IASF Worlds
2016
2017 Winterfest Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle
Winterfest 2018 Spirit Sports Duel in the Desert, Palm Springs
2018 Varsity Honolulu International Championships
2018 NDA All Star Dance Nationals Dance teams
Battle Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle
State Championships Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle
Nationals 2018 IASF Cheer and Dance Worlds
2018 USASF Summit
2018 Winterfest 2019 Spirit Sports Duel in Desert
NDA All Star Nationals
Australasian Pinnacle
Nationals WOrlds
2019 Winterfest 2020 Spirit Sports Duel in the Desert, Palm Springs Cheer Teams
2020 NDA All Star Dance Nationals Dance Teams
2019 China Bids TBC
Australasian Pinnacle
Nationals 2020 IASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds

Entry Fee Incentives

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AASCF historically offered incentives for teams to enter multiple championships for multiple competitions before a certain early bird date each year. [56][57][58]

During 2010, a 10% discount was offered if a team was entered for all three competition series by the first early bid date.[56]

During 2013, this discount was applied to teams who entered in Winterfest, Battle and State by the ened of May 2013, with a 12% discount applied.[59]

In 2015, AASCF were incentivised to enter into AASCF competitions during the year as part of a rebate entry scheme, where they refunded 5% of the total 2015 entry fees after Nationals to teams that competed at Winterfest, Battle, States and Nationals.[61][62]

The 5% refund continued into 2016, with Spring Carnival being the 4th competition option that dance teams could take part in due to Battle being a cheer only event.[64]

AASCF would continue to offer a 5% refund rebate from the total 2017 entry fees for teams that competed at 4 of the following 6 series, with States and Nationals being compulsory: Winterfest, Battle, Scholastic Nationals, Spring Carnival, States, Nationals.[65]

The 2018 rebate scheme was slightly altered, with gyms receiving a 5% refund for competing at AASCF States and AASCF Nationals as well as two events from Winterfest, Spring Carnival and All Star battle. To recognise that South Australia did not have the same access to competitions, rebates were offered for teams that took part in 3 championships, giving them the option of competing in Winterfest or Battle as well as States and Nationals.[66]

In 2019, the same system as 2018 applied, with changes made to reflect South Australia's exception and that they only had two championships, with teams required to attend both within their state as well as Nationals to be eligible.[67] This was planned to continue into 2020 before COVID-19's impact.[47]

Team Rewards Championship

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From 2010 - 2012? AASCF offered a special division for teams who supported one or more AASCF events in order to incentivise teams to enter multiple events.[56][57]

Each time a team competed at an AASCF event, they earned points towards the team rewards champion title, with extra points awarded for teams who placed. These points would accumulate over the calendar, with champions being awarded at Nationals with cash prizes being offered to teams in 1st, 2nd and 3rd.[56][57]

Individual Event Competitions

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During early years, AASCF held individual effort competitions as part of their competitions, such as best junior level 1 tumbler, highest basket toss, most pirouettes etc. These were open to all registered competitors, with winners at state championships representing the state at the national finals. Gyms were required to nominate their best athletes in advance for each division.[56][57]

This was removed during 2012 due to the competition series' large growth, but would be offered on request for smaller competitions.[58]

These however saw a return with Spring Carnival's introduction.

In 2019, individual skill competition divisions were introduced for novice athletes only, with novice divisions including the prettiest handstand, the strongest legmount, the prettiest legmount, the prettiest walkover and the best splits on both sides (right and left). This year also introduced an all ages best and longest handstand competition.[67]

Crossover Rules

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As of 2012, crossovers of athletes between level 5 and level 6 cheerleading teams from the same gym were not permitted. Crossover of athletes from other gyms in level 5 or level 6 were also not permitted as a loophole to this rule. Crossover between lower levels was permitted but done at the program's own risk as the championship would not accomodate the crossovers in the running order.[58]

In 2012, crossovers between programs were not encouraged, but were permitted if the athletes paid the fully entry fee for both programs.[58]

The same rules applied in 2013.[59]

During 2014, further rules were added around athlete crossovers to attempt to equalise the playing field for all teams. Crossovers of athletes between level 5 and level 6 cheerleading teams from the same gym remained not permitted, with crossovers of athletes from other gyms in level 5 or level 6 not permitted as a loophole to this rule. Crossovers into lower levels remained permitted, however AASCF introduced new rules to only allow crossovers between a maximum of 3 levels. This meant that a level 5 athlete could only crossover as low as level 3, and level 3 could only crossover as low as level 1.[60] This change continued into future years.[62]

It was also during 2014 that AASCF officially instated the ongoing rule that athlete crossovers between two different allstar clubs for either cheer or dance was not permitted, but continued to allow crossovers between allstar and scholastic. This meant that an athlete could dance with one allstar club and cheer with a different allstar club, or cheer with both an allstar and scholastic club, but could not be on two allstar teams from two different allstar cheer clubs. At the time this rule was put in place, it did not apply for athletes aged 16 years and above for partner stunt and dance double routines.[60][62]

During 2015, AASCF began implementing recommendations regarding age group crossover limitations, however did not yet enforce them as a compulsory rule. These guidelines stated that an athlete should only cross over to one age group either way i.e. a youth athlete only cross over into mini or junior, not both, as well as recommending not having athletes jump an age group i.e. youth to senior.[61][62] This age recommendation continued into 2016.[64]

In 2016, the level crossover rule began to apply for not only cheer teams, but also stunt routines also, with level 4.2 teams able to crossover into levels 2, 3 or 4.[64]

As of 2016, Pinnacle implemented special crossover rules for its athletes and dancers. Pinnacle athletes faced restrictions, allowing them to compete on a maximum of two cheer teams, which had to be within one level of each other. Moreover, they were not permitted to win bids for more than two cheer teams if those teams were more than one level apart. If a team qualified for a Pinnacle bid with athletes who violated this rule, the bid would be passed down to the next eligible team.[64]

For athletes on level 4.2 teams, there was more flexibility around crossovers, as they were allowed to cross over to teams that were at levels 2, 3, and 4. However, athletes on level 5 and 6 teams were not allowed to cross over into other teams of the same level, but were allowed to crossover to level 4 teams. Additionally, Pinnacle enforced a strict no-crossover policy between clubs, meaning athletes couldn't transfer to another club's team once their team had won a bid.[64]

Dancers had similar but altered crossover rules applied for Pinnacle as well. They could participate in more than four dance teams, provided that these teams represented different dance styles or had direct age group crossovers, such as junior and senior or senior and open, without mixing dance styles across different age groups. These rules also applied to winning bids. Pinnacle maintained a policy of no dancer crossovers between clubs, insisting that clubs must use their own registered dancer members for Pinnacle bids, prohibiting the transfer of dancers from other clubs into a team after winning a bid.[64]

From 2018, AASCF began allowing a 3rd routine and 2 level crossover option for a maximum of 20% of a team for emergency purposes within the 3 weeks before a competition (i.e. injury or athletes leaving). e.g. – if a club had senior level 3, 4 & 5 squads with athletes crossing over between the three, all complying with the 1 level crossover rule, and 3 weeks before the competition day the level 3 squad of 15 athletes loses an athlete and has 2 injuries, thus 3 out of 15 athletes (20%) will no longer be competing, they could pull in a maximum 3 of their athletes (20%) to cover these athletes as their 3rd routine and a 2-level crossover to get through the competition.[67]

As of 2019, outside of this emergency clause, AASCF held a 1 level crossover and 2 cheer routine option for all cheer teams. This meant that the following crossovers applied:[67]

  • Novice and level 1
  • Level 1 and 2
  • Level 2, 3 and 4.2
  • Level 3 and 4
  • 4, 5 or 6 or 7
  • 5 or 6 and 7
  • 4 and 5 and 6NT
  • Adult 1NT, Open 1NT and 2NT

Level 5, 6 and 7 athletes were only allowed to cross over into 1 international cheer worlds team.[67]

Prior athletes of higher levels were required to follow the 1 level crossover rule for a 9-month period from when they last competed. If an athlete dropped down below the 1 level crossover due to injury, the club was required to prove this to AASCF via a medical certificate, and when athlete is ready to move back up to their usual level, they must immediately move back to the 1 level crossover.[67]

Brand new athletes to the sport with no prior Cheerleading history with current extensive training in other sports, such as dance, gymnastics, callisthenics etc., were recognised to be able to progress much quicker. In this instance, AASCF encouraged new athletes to start in a low level to learn the basics, but understood they may climb the levels quite quickly. Therefore, AASCF waived this 9-month period rule to brand new athletes with current extensive training with in the sport, but each time the athlete moved up a level they were required to stay within the 1 level crossover.[67]

Team/squad routine athlete cross overs between 2 different all-star clubs for cheer was not permitted, however athlete crossovers are permitted between All Star & Scholastic/University and an allstar cheer club and allstar dance club.[67]

Dancers were allowed to be in as many routines as they wished but could not be in more than 2 age groups or two teams of the same style. E.g. a dancer could be in an open jazz and a senior jazz, but could not be in a junior jazz, senior jazz and open jazz. From 2019, AASCF began allowing a 3rd team of the same style and 3 age group option for a maximum of 20% of the team for emergencies, but these athletes were not allowed to become permanent members of the team unless they transfer from one of the teams they were currently in.[67]

Dancers competing in dance doubles were not allowed to be in more than 3 routines or more than 1 routine of each style as of 2019. [67]

Dancers in the novice divisions could not cross over with regular divisions of the same style i.e. cannot compete in novice jazz and all star jazz but could compete in novice jazz and all star pom.[67]

During 2019, AASCF introduced a new discounted crossover payment directed towards dancers who participated in only one age group in dance, and only one cheer team in a similar age group. This discounted price did not apply if the dance moved into a second dance team of a different age group, or moved into a second cheer team. This was a way for AASCF to incentivise a reduction of crossover athletes.[67]

During 2020, AASCF had planned before COVID-19 to introduce a new crossover rule exception for IASF Junior, Senior and Open Levels 1 - 4 teams who were part of travel teams to compete in international teams. As part of these rules, crossover rules wouldn't apply as the teams were allowed to comprise of multiple levelled crossover athletes, as well as this routine counting as a 3rd routine. These teams would not be included in the regular cheer grand champion and top tier awards due to hte lenience in the crossover rules, however grand champion was planned to be awarded to the highest scoring IASF team with all divisions and levels combined at AASCF States and Nationals.[47]

Image Policy

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In 2013, new rules were put into effect as part of the image policy for appropriate choreography. This required that all facets of a performance/routine, including choreography and music, should be appropriate and suitable for family viewing and listening.[59]

This rule explicitly defined examples of inappropriate choreography, including but not limited to:[59]

  • Movements such as hip thrusting and inappropriate touching
  • Gestures
  • Hand/Arm Movements and signals
  • Slapping
  • Positioning of body parts
  • Positioning athletes to one another

Inappropriate music was also defined as including, but not listening to:[59]

  • Swearwords
  • Connonations of any types of sexual act or behaviour
  • Connonations of any types of drugs
  • Explicit mention of specific parts of the body torso
  • Mention of violent acts of behaviour
  • Removal of improper language/words and replacement with sound effects or other words

Coverup requirements also began in the 2013 season, dictating that athletes with non-full top uniforms being required to wear a t-shirt or other suitable coverup over their uniforms unless they were in the warmup area, travelling as a group directly to or from the warmup area, or on the performance stage.[59]

Makeup and bow guidelines also changed during 2013, however teams received warnings during this first year and did not receive deduction until 2014. Makeup was required to be uniform and appropriate for the performance as well as the age of the athlete. Face and eyelid rhinestones were no longer allowed, with false eyelashes no longer being allowed to be decorated in rhinestones or additional jewellery. Bows were no longer allowed to be excessive in size, with acceptable bows as being defined as no more than 7.5cm in width, with bows required to not be a distraction. Bows were required to be worn in a manner to minimise rise for athletes, adequately secured and not fall over the forehead into the athletes' eyes or block the view of the athlete while performing.[59]

During 2016, further changes were made to the image policy around what was defined as an appropriate uniform, with these changes strongly recommended to be introduced during 2015 with warnings being given to teams.[62] The most major of these changes was that only teens/seniors and above age groups were allowed to have midriff tops, with this uniform option being removed for junior and below aged teams. Uniforms were not allowed to be risque, sexually provocative or lingerie looking or inspired, and had to adequately cover an athlete in a secured manner to eliminate any possible wardrobe malfunction. When a skirt was worn as part of the uniform, briefs under the skirt were required, with the skirt being required to fully cover the hips, briefs and fall at least 1 inch below regular and boy cut briefs. For uniform shorts, they were required to have a minimum of a 2" inseam. Midriffs on teen age groups and above were restricted to to a maximum of 10” between the skirt/short top and the uniform top bottom. Uniform tops were also required to be secured by straps or material over at least one shoulder or around the neck (tube tops not allowed).[62]

Novice Division

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To adjust for and reflect the needs of the cheerleading community in Australia, AASCF introduced a new difficulty level at their 2013 competitions, known as Novice. Novice was designed to be an accessible way for new athletes to cheaply and safely be introduced to the sport of All Star Cheer and Dance, allowing for the perfection of basic skills and a simple introduction to the rules of the sport with minimal pressure before they move into the regular levels.[59][71]

Novice was offered in pom, jazz, hip hop and cheer level 1, in all ages, with teams not having points deducted and only warnings issued instead to initiate them into the rules of the sport. The teams within this division were not included in any highest scoring or grand champion awards.[59]

The novice rules were adjusted going into 2014, stating that a dance team could not have 50% or above athletes who had fouettes or double turns, and that a cheer team could not have 50% or above athletes having mid to high end level 1 tumbling (i.e. round offs and walkovers) or stunting (duel base chest stands, single base thigh level). Crossovers were also not allowed between teams who were level 2 or above into novice.[60]

A further adjustment for the novice division going into 2014 was that once a team had competed novice for the season, they were required to move into the all star section in the following season, and a team was not allowed to move into novice for nationals after competing in regular all star divisions during the season.[60]

In 2015, all of 2014 rule changes still applied but the rules saw further refinement. Dance athletes were no longer allowed to compete in the novice division and a regular division within the same style. Nuance was also added to the rule around teams moving into novice for nationals, wth an exception created for teams that were recommended to do so by the judging panel at States. Tiny teams also began being defined as novice and having to follow the novice rules due to their age.[61][62]

Novice rules saw a significant change in 2016, with the removal of the requirements around skill levels of the athletes in the team and requirement to move into all star after one season in novice. A stronger focus was instead placed on the rule amendments that placed a focus on novice athletes perfecting the very basic skills before attempting harder skills.[64]

Novice rules once again saw a shift in 2019, with the modified list of skills that teams were allowed to complete being further reviewed and altered. The most major changes in cheer saw that walkovers were now only permitted for youth novice and above aged teams only, and that all waist level s tunts were required to be performed by a minimum of 3 athletes.[67]

The novice division saw large growth during 2019, with a near 20% growth in entries within the division.[138][71]

During 2020, a new limit was put in place where only 50% of a novice team's athletes were allowed to cross over into a level 1 or level 1NT team, however no team member was to compete in any other cheer team level 2 or above. The new 50% rule had the goal of stopping entire level 1 teams competing unfairly in novice against new novice athletes, but allows the novice athletes that are skill ready for level 1 a way to ease into a level 1 team.[47] Tiny and mini novice teams were allowed to be guided onto the performance floor and guided from the side of the floor by judges and assistants, as long as they were not creating distraction to the judges. This was not permitted from mini allstar and above.

Grand Champions, Dance Royalty, Top Tier Gym

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From 2014 onwards, highest scoring banners were changed to become Grand Champion award titles. This also marked the removal of the overall banner. Grand Champion banners were not awarded when there was less than 3 teams entered in a category or style.[60]

In 2019, Grand Champion was still awarded for both small and large gyms within each level of cheer, with Top Tier Gym banners being awarded to second and third place overall in each level, however was no longer awarded for dance. Instead, it was replaced with the Dance Royalty award for dance, which served the same purpose, with these being awarded to 3rd place.[67] Top Tier gym continued in 2020.

For the 2020 season, AASCF announced a minimum score requirement to win cheer grand champion or dance royalty:[47]

  • Dance teams - 80 points needed for final score if less than 3 teams
  • Cheer Level 1 - 83 points needed for final score if less than 3 Level 1 teams
  • Cheer Level 2 - 7 - 92 points needed for final score if less than 3 level 2-7 teams
  • Cheer Open Level 1 - 3 Non-Tumble scores would be combined for Grand Champ – 92% is needed for final score if less than 3 teams
  • Cheer Level 6 Non-Tumble – 92% is needed for final score if less than 3 teams
  • Cheer Scholastic Level 1 - 80 points needed for final score if less than 3 Scholastic teams
  • Cheer Scholastic Level 2 and up - 90 points needed for final score if less than 3 Scholastic teams
  • Cheer University - 70 points needed for final score if less than 3 University teams

Dance Styles

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The dance styles that AASCF have offered have varied over the years, with the introduction and removal of different styles over the years which has changed the competition landscape of allstar dance within Australia.

Style Years Offered Description Time Limit Athlete Requirements
Pom 2010[56]

2011[57]

2012[58]

2013[59]

2014[60]

2015[62]

2016[64]

2017[65]

Pom poms must be used 80% of the routine. Important characteristics of a pom routine include synchronization and visual effect, clean and precise motions, strong pom technique, and incorporate dance technical elements. Visual effect includes level changes, group work, formation changes, the use of different color poms, etc. 2 minutes 30 minutes Minimum of 4
2019[67] Pom poms must be used for 80% of the routine. Important characteristics of a pom routine include synchronization and visual effect, clean, sharp and precise motions, strong pom technique, and may incorporate pom passes, jump sequences, kick lines and dance technical elements. Visual effect includes level changes, group work, formation changes, the use of different color poms, etc. Male dancers may or may not use poms. 2 minutes 15 seconds Minimum of 5
Jazz 2010[56]

2011[57]

2012[58]

2013[59]

2014[60]

2015[62]

2016[64]

2017[65]

Execution, style, control, transitions and creativity performed to high energy music. Routines must be age appropriate. A jazz routine incorporates stylized dance movements and combinations, formation changes, group work, leaps and turns. Emphasis is placed on proper technical execution, extension, control, body placement and team uniformity. 2 minutes 30 seconds Minimum of 4
2019[67]

2020[47]

Execution, style, control, transitions and creativity performed to high energy music. Routines must be age appropriate. A jazz routine can encompass any range of Jazz movement including traditional jazz, commercial jazz, musical theatre, jazz funk or stylized hard hitting jazz, and corporates stylised dance movements and combinations, formation changes, group work, leaps and turns. A Jazz routine encompasses traditional or stylized hard-hitting, crisp and/or aggressive approach to movement and can include moments of softness while complementing musicality. Emphasis is placed on proper technical execution, extension, control, body placement, communication and team uniformity. Key Elements a Jazz routine may contain are: parallel kicks and lines, Jazz turns with a parallel working leg on an intentionally bent support leg as well as on a straight/locked supporting leg, contractions, hitch kicks, lay outs, head whips, jazz arms, body rolls, quick foot work, high energy and fast paced movement. 2 minutes 15 seconds Minimum of 5
Hip Hop 2010[56]

2011[57]

2012[58]

2013[59]

2014[60]

2015[62]

2016[64]

2017[65]

Executions of contemporary style, hip-hop feel uniformity, high energy and creativity. The music must be typical to its style. Routines emphasize the street style movements with an emphasis on execution, style, creativity, body isolations and control, rhythm, uniformity and musical interpretation. Teams may also put an additional focus on athletic incorporations such as jumps, jump variations, combo jumps and other tricks. 2 minutes 30 seconds Minimum of 4
2019[67]

2020[47]

Execution of authentic style, hip-hop feel, high energy and creativity. The music must be typical to its style. Routines highlight the street style movements with an emphasis on execution, style, creativity, body isolations and control, rhythm, uniformity and musical interpretation. Teams may also put an additional focus on athletic incorporations such as jumps, jump variations, combo jumps and other tricks. 2 minutes 15 seconds Minimum of 5
Coed Partner Dance 2010[56]

2011[57]

2012[58]

In keeping with the IASF Dance Rules, coed partner dance can be any style of dance and any age performed with a male and female combination with a minimum of 5 dance lifts executed within the routine. Comparable to “So You Think You Can Dance”. 1 minute 30 seconds Minimum and Maximum of 2

Male and Female

Doubles Dance (Duo) 2013[59]

2014[60] 2015[62] 2016[64] 2017[65] 2020[47]

In keeping with the IASF Dance Rules, doubles dance can be Jazz, Hip hop or Pom performed and can be executed with dance lifts or connected lines within routine, mirror image and tight team work. Comparable to “So You Think You Can Dance” duo routines. 1 minute 30 seconds Minimum and Maximum of 2
Open Dance 2010[56]

2011[57]

In keeping with the IASF Dance Rules, open dance can be any style of dance and any age with a 5-minute time limit. 5 minutes Minimum of 4
2012[58] In keeping with the IASF Dance Rules, open dance can be any style of dance and any age with a 3-minute time limit. 3 minutes
Lyrical 2013[59]

2014[60] 2015[62]

In keeping with the IASF Dance Rules, Lyrical routines combine the principles of jazz and ballet and emphasize proper technical execution, the use of flexibility, balance and mood. Routines are fluid in movement and focus on emotion that compliments the musical selection. 2 minutes 30 seconds Minimum of 4
Modern/Contemporary 2013[59]

2014[60] 2015[62]

In keeping with the IASF Dance Rules, modern / contemporary routines implement the principles of fall & recovery &/or contraction & release and weight sharing to express inner feeling as related to the musical or narrative piece. 2 minutes 30 seconds Minimum of 4
Lyrical/Contemporary 2016[64]

2017[65]

A contemporary or lyrical routine uses organic, pedestrian and/or traditional modern or ballet vocabulary as it complements the lyric and/or rhythmic value of the music. Emphasis is placed on control, sustained, expressive movement, body placement, and contraction/release, use of breath, uniformity, communication and technical skills. 2 minutes 30 seconds
2019[67]

2020[47]

A contemporary or lyrical routine uses organic, expressive, pedestrian and/or traditional modern or ballet vocabulary as it complements the lyric and/or rhythmic value of the music. Emphasis is placed on control, sustained, expressive movement, dynamics, alignment, body placement, and contraction/release, use of breath, uniformity, communication and may incorporate purposeful elements and technical skills. Not offered in dance doubles. 2 minutes 15 seconds Minimum of 5

Premier Dance Division

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AASCF announced before COVID-19, that at 2020's Nationals events, they would be introducing a new dance division to create 3 dance levelled divisions:

  • Novice dance - following the novice rules, no dance royalty awarded, only placing
  • All Star Dance - following the usual IASF dance rules, will have dance royalty awarded as usual
  • Premier Dance - following the usual IASF dance rules, will have premier dance royalty awarded and eligible for summit and worlds bids

The original plan was for dance teams to qualify to compete in this division at Nationals, by meeting a minimum qualifying score:

  • Youth dance teams - 75 points
  • Juniors dance teams - 77 points
  • Seniors dance teams - 79 points
  • Open dance teams - 80 points

Partner and Group Stunts

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As of 2012, only the top 3 of each state in each level and category State winning partner and group stunt teams would. go on to nationals, being required to qualify for nationals.[58] This continued onwards into future years.[59][61]

Further restrictions were put into place around how to qualify for nationals during 2014 onwards, with teams being required to score above 65 points before deductions to be eligible to compete at Nationals, even if they placed in the top 3.[60][61]

The age groups for partner and group stunts changed during 2014, with AASCF now offering this in the age groups of 14 years and under, 14 years and over, 10-18 years (12 - 18 years for level 5 routines) and 17 years and over (level 6 only). Athletes were also not permitted to compete in more than 2 stunt routines, with this counting both partner and group stunt routines. Coed group stunts were also reduced to only allowing 3 athletes to compete in the stunt group, being 2 bases and 1 flyer, to eliminate 3 adult males all unnecessarily group stunting together.[60]

These rules continued on into 2015.[62]

Restrictions were placed on entry for group stunt, partner stunt and dance double routines for State Championships, due to the growth of the number of teams in the division. Programs were no longer allowed to enter routines into these categories unless they had full size teams otherwise competing in the event. The exception to this rule was if a program did not have a State championship held within their home state or were from Far Northern Queensland or Far Northern Western Australia.[61][62][64]

It was in 2015 restrictions were placed on entry for group stunt, partner stunt and dance double routines at this event due to the growth of the number of teams in the division. Programs were no longer allowed to enter routines into these categories unless they had full size teams otherwise competing into the event. The exception to this rule was if a program did not have a Battle championship held within their home state.[61][62][64]

During 2017, junior partner stunts were removed as a division, however junior aged athletes were still welcomed to compete in group stunts.[65]

In 2019, assisted partner stunts were required to have 3 athletes in the group and follow IASF/USASF stunt rules. Group and assisted partner stunts and partner stunts also began having their own age grid specified to define divisions.[67] Level 1 was no longer offered as an option. In order for a team to qualify for nationals at states, not only did they have to be in the top 3, they also had to score 75 points or above before deductions to apply. If there were no competitors in the division, a team was required to score above 75% to qualify for nationals. Likewise for states that did not have a s tate championship and had to send in a video, they were required to score 75% and be the top three judged videos from their state to qualify. Limitations were also put in place with how many athletes could be replaced in a stunt routine between national qualifiers and nationals - a partner stunt qualifier could have no one replaced, a 4 athlete group stunt could only replace one athlete and group stunts with 5 athletes could only replace 2 athletes. Only clubs that have entered into an AASCF Championship may enter in the Partner & Group Stunt categories. (Exception being unless they are from a State that does not have AASCF Championship, Northern Territory, as well as teams from Far Northern Queensland and Far North-Western Australia.)[67]

Dance Doubles

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As of 2016, dance doubles began to face the same restriction as partner and group stunts. These included that teams were not allowed to be entered in States unless the club had a full sized team otherwise competing in the event. The exception to this rule was if a program did not have a State championship held within their home state or were from Far Northern Queensland or Far Northern Western Australia.[64]

Dance doubles also were required to hit a 65% score on their score card to qualify for Nationals as of 2016.[64]

As of 2019, dancers competing in dance doubles were not allowed to be in more than 3 routines or more than 1 routine of each style.[67]

University Divisions

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In earlier years, AASCF allowed university teams at their competitions who were comprised of at least 80% university students, allowing 20% outside athletes. However, a team was not eligible to compete at the University Games or recieve bids for the World University Championship if the team was not 100% university students.[58][59]

University cheer routines were required to also add a 30 second cheer to the beginning of their routines, displaying crowd leading skills.[59]

In 2014, AASCF began splitting university divisions, creating division 1 and division 2. Division 1 university teams were comprised of 100% current university athletes, and were eligible for a bid to the university world championship and university grand champion banners. Division 2 teams were defined as being a mixture of current students, alumni and outside athletes, with 60% being required to be current students. Division 2 teams were not in the running for university grand champion banners nor eligible for bids to university worlds. All teams who wished to compete at the Southern University Games were required to be division 1 teams.[60]

University team divisions were renamed once again in 2016, with division 1 (100% university students) now being called Premier Division, with Division 2 (mixture of minimum of 60% university students and up to 40% outside athletes) now being called the Open Division. All team members were required to be 17 years and above.[64]

A three year partnership deal was signed during 2018 with UniSport Australia, which saw AASCF delivering the cheer and dance competitions at the UniSport Nationals during that time period. This deal also saw Unisport Australia working with AASCF around the need for coach accreditation of university team coaches, long term development plans for university cheer and support for Australian teams attending the FISU World University Cheerleading Championships.[139][140]

As of 2019, AASCF removed the Open University Cheer team division. Universities were still allowed to have these teams, however the teams would be competing in all star divisions and following allstar rules, including the crossover rule. This meant that athletes who chose to compete in an open university cheer team could not compete in an allstar cheer program, as the university team crossover rules only applied to premier university cheer teams (100% university students).[67]

Open University Dance team divisions were combined into into the all star open, adult or open novice allstar division, and open university team members could not crossover into a team into an allstar club dance team.[67]

Scholastic Divisions

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As of 2016, high school teams competing in level 1 cheer for their first year now had the option of being in their own section against other high schools competing for their first year. This was used to assist new high schools in their first initial year of competing to develop their program.[64]

Special Ability Teams

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During 2016, Special Ability Dance teams followed the USASF rules, with up to 3 coaches/assistants allowed to signal from the front of the mat. There was no limit to the number of assistants allowed to be around the perimeter of the floor in a squat position. Assistants on the floor with athletes were to be dressed in contrasting t-shirt and jeans or dark pants and sneaks to make it clear to the judges who the athletes vs assistants were. Special Ability Cheer teams followed USASF rules, being allowed to execute skills up to and including Level 2 without basket tosses. All stunts and pyramids at prep level or above required an additional spotter that was a coach or assistant.[64]

A video of Oxygen All Stars Special Ability team Lithium performing at Battle went viral during 2016, attracting international media attention for the inclusion of Debbie Stark, a wheelchair athlete, in the routine.[141][142]

2019 -

Team comprises of dancers with disabilities. An individual with a disability is defined as a person who has physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of major life activities. • All teams with special needs will follow the USASF general rules and routines requirements. • Up to 3 Coaches/Assistants allowed to signal from the front of the mat and may not obstruct view of the judges. No limit to number of assistants around perimeter of the floor in a squat position. • Assistants will be dressed in contrasting t-shirt and jeans or dark pants and sneakers, so it is clear to the judges who is the athlete and who is the Assistant. EX: if athlete is in light colour uniform top, Assistants will be in a dark matching t-shirt, if athlete is in light uniform top, all Assistants will be in dark coloured matching tshirts. NO FLIP-FLOPS (thongs) or Jewellery worn by Assistants as to not cause injury. Assistants may not be in any type of cheer uniform. • It is the responsibility of the coach to determine the capability and proficiency of the individual athletes when choosing the skills to be performed

Team comprises of athletes with disabilities. An individual with a disability is defined as a person who has physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of major life activities. • All teams with special needs will follow the USASF general rules and routines requirements. • Teams may execute skills up to and including Level 2. • All Stunts and Pyramids (at prep level or above) require an additional spotter that is a Coach/Assistant. • Tosses are not allowed. • Spotted and assisted tumbling is not allowed in the Special Athlete (competitive) division but is allowed in the Special Athlete (exhibition) division. • Up to 3 Coaches/Assistants allowed to signal from the front of the mat and may not obstruct view of the judges. No limit to number of assistants around perimeter of the floor in a squat position. • Assistants will be dressed in contrasting t-shirt and jeans or dark pants and sneakers, so it is clear to the judges who is the athlete and who is the Assistant. EX: if athlete is in light colour uniform top, Assistants will be in a dark matching t-shirt, if athlete is in light uniform top, all Assistants will be in dark coloured matching tshirts. NO FLIP-FLOPS (thongs) or Jewellery worn by Assistants as to not cause injury. Assistants may not be in any type of cheer uniform. • It is the responsibility of the coach to

As of 2020, cheer and dance ability teams were allowed to be guided onto the performance floor and guided from the side of the floor by judges and assistants, as long as they were not creating distraction to the judges. This was not permitted from mini allstar and above.[47]

Media highlighted how AASCF included divisions for disabled athletes to promote inclusivity in the sport, with Adelaide disability-exclusive gym All Abilities Cheer and Dance being covered as they travelled to the 2022 AASCF Nationals.[143]

Age Grids/Offered Divisions

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Over the years, age grids have varied at AASCF events, with the ages of the athletes influencing which divisions they would be allowed to enter. The way divisions have been split has also varied as well.

2010

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Age was determined by the age of the competitor on the date of August 31, 2010. This meant that if an athlete turned 12 years old on September 1st, they were still eligible to compete in the youth 11 years and younger division during the 2010 competition season. Likewise, if an athlete turned 17 years old on September 1st, they were not eligible to compete in the Master Dance 17 years and older division and were required to compete in the senior 14 years and older division.[56]

2010 AASCF Dance Age Grid[56]
Division Age
Tiny Dance 5 years and younger
Mini Dance 8 years and younger
Youth Dance 11 years and younger
Junior Dance 14 years and younger
Teen Dance 18 years and younger
Senior Dance 14 years and older
Master Dance 17 years and older
2010 AASCF Cheer Age Grid[56]
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 5 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 36 athletes 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 36 athletes 1, 2
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Teen 18 years and under All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 36 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 36 athletes
High School 18 years and under All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 36 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Senior 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 36 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Coed
International Open 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed
Senior Open 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2, 5, 6
Coed
University 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2, 5, 6
Coed

2011

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During 2011, the age grid structure changed to be within the age of the competition. Therefore, if an athlete was entered in tiny dance, they were required to be 5 years or younger for the entirety of the competition season, and only turn 6 years old after the competition season finished. Likewise, if a 13 year old athlete was entered in the senior division, they were required to turn 14 years old before the end of the competition season.[57]

2011 Dance Age Grid[57]
Division Age
Tiny Dance 5 years and younger
Mini Dance 8 years and younger
Youth Dance 11 years and younger
Junior Dance 14 years and younger
Teen Dance 18 years and younger
Senior Dance 14 years and older
Master Dance 17 years and older
2011 Cheer Age Grid[57]
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 5 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 36 athletes 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 36 athletes 1, 2
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Teen 18 years and under All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 36 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Senior 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 36 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2, 5
Coed
International Open 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed
17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Coed
Senior Open 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 36 athletes 1, 2, 3
Coed
All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 4, 4.2, 5, 6
Coed
Special Needs teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited n/a

2012

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The age of the athlete was required to be in the year of the competition. For example, if an athlete was entered into the tiny cheer division, they were required to be 5 years or younger for the entirety of 2012 with their 6th birthdya after 31 December 2012. Likewise, if a 13 year old athlete was entered into the senior cheer division, they were required to turn 14 by the 31st December 2012.[58]

2012 AASCF Dance Age Grid[58]
Division Age
Tiny Dance 6 years and younger
Mini Dance 9 years and younger
Youth Dance 12 years and younger
Junior Dance 15 years and younger
Teen Dance 18 years and younger
Senior Dance 14 years and older

Note: Dance teams were only split by size once there were 10 or more teams in a division, on the condition that there would be at least 3 teams in each division after the split. This defined a small team as being 4 - 14 dancers and a large team being 15 or above dancers.[58]

2012 AASCF Cheer Age Grid[58]
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 5 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Teen 18 years and under All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 5 - 36 athletes
High School 18 years and under All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Senior 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Coed
All Girl n/a 5 - 36 athletes 5
Coed
International Open 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed
17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Coed
Senior Open 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Coed
University 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Coed
Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2 (no baskets)

2013

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The age of the athlete was required to be in the year of the competition. For example, if an athlete was entered into the tiny cheer division, they were required to be 5 years or younger for the entirety of 2013 with their 6th birthday after 31 December 2013. Likewise, if a 13 year old athlete was entered into the senior cheer division, they were required to turn 14 by the 31st December 2013.[59]

2013 AASCF Dance Age Grid[59]
Division Age
Tiny Dance 6 years and younger
Mini Dance 9 years and younger
Youth Dance 12 years and younger
Primary School Dance 12 years and younger
Junior Dance 15 years and younger
Senior (Teen) Dance 18 years and younger
High School Dance 18 years and younger
Open Dance 14 years and older
University Dance 17 years and older
Special Needs Pom N/A

Note: Dance teams were only split by size once there were 10 or more teams in a division, on the condition that there would be at least 3 teams in each division after the split. This defined a small team as being 4 - 14 dancers and a large team being 15 or above dancers.[59]

2013 AASCF Cheer Age[59]
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 5 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Senior (Teen) 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 5 - 36 athletes
High School 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Open 14 years and over All Girls n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Coed
All Girl n/a 5 - 36 athletes 5
Coed
17 years and over n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 4
International Open 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed
16 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Coed
University 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1/2, 3/4, 5/6
Coed
Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2 (no baskets)

2014

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The age of the athlete was required to be in the year of the competition. For example, if an athlete was entered into the tiny cheer division, they were required to be 5 years or younger for the entirety of 2014 with their 6th birthday after 31 December 2014. Likewise, if a 13 year old athlete was entered into the senior cheer division, they were required to turn 14 by the 31st December 2014.[60]

Dance Age Divisions 2014
Divisions Age Team Type Athlete Requirements
Tiny Dance 6 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Mini 9 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Youth 12 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Primary School 12 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Junior 15 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Senior 18 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
High School 18 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Open 14 years and older Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
University 17 years and over Division 1 100% university students

4 - 16 dancers

Division 2 Minimum 60% university students

4 - 24 dancers

Special Needs Pom n/a n/a n/a
2014 Cheer Age Grid AASCF
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 5 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Senior (Teen) 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 5 - 36 athletes
High School 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Open 14 years and over All Girls n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Coed
All Girl n/a 5 - 36 athletes 5
Coed
17 years and over n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 4
International Open 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed
16 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Coed
University 17 years and over All Girl Division 1 100% university students

5 - 20 athletes

1/2, 3/4, 5/6
Division 2 Minimum 60% university students

5 - 24 athletes

Coed Division 1 100% university students

5 - 20 athletes

Division 2 Minimum 60% university students

5 - 24 athletes

Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2 (no baskets)

2015

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During 2015, if a cheer division was split into small and large teams and there remained more than 10 teams in either division, AASCF would split the teams further by team size, or into gym size division. If teams were split further by team size, names such as "division I", "division II" or "division A", "division B" were used to signify the split and define the number of competitors permitted on the team for each division. If it was not possible to split a division into “Small” and “Large” teams due to there only being one large team and multiple small teams or vice versa, then AASCF would move straight to splitting by gym size. When splitting a division by gym size, a small gym was defined as having one physical address for its location, with 75 or less athletes registered in its competitive cheer program at the time of competition. This number did not include any exhibition teams, crossover athletes, special needs teams or dance teams.[62]

The age of an athlete was defined as being in the year of competition. This meant that a dancer entered in the tiny division during 2015 was required to be 6 years and younger for the entirety of 2015 and only have their 7th birthday on or after January 1st, 2016. Likewise, a 13 year old cheerleader was entered into the open division, they were required to turn 14 before the 31st December 2015.[62]

2015 AASCF Dance Age Grid[62]
Divisions Age Team Type Athlete Requirements
Tiny Dance 6 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Mini 9 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Youth 12 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Primary School 12 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Junior 15 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Senior 18 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
High School 18 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
Open 14 years and older Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 or more dancers
University 17 years and over Division 1 100% university students

4 - 16 dancers

Division 2 Minimum 60% university students

4 - 24 dancers

Special Needs Pom n/a n/a n/a
2015 AASCF Cheer Age Grid/Divisions
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 6 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Senior (Teen) 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 5 - 36 athletes
High School 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 5 - 36 athletes
Open 14 years and over All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
International Open 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed Small 5 - 24 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 24 athletes

5 - 12 males

16 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Coed Small 5 - 24 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 24 athletes

5 - 15 males

University 17 years and over All girl Division 1 5 - 24 athletes 1/2
5 - 16 athletes 3/4, 5/6
Division 2 5 - 24 athletes 1/2, 3/4, 5/6
Coed Division 1 5 - 24 athletes 1/2
5 - 16 athletes 3/4, 5/6
Division 2 5 - 24 athletes 1/2, 3/4, 5/6
Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2 (no baskets)

2016

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During 2016, divisions were split into small and large teams when there were 10 or more teams in a division as long as there were 3 teams remaining in each division after the split. If there were 10 or more teams in either division after the team size split, AASCF would then further split the division based on either team size or based on gym size. They could also apply a gym size split as the first division split if it was not feasible to create a team size split due to there being only two or less small or large teams.[64]

A small gym (or division 2) was defined as having a single physical location and no more than 125 registered competitive cheerleading athletes at the time of the competition. Exhibition teams, crossover athletes, special needs teams and dance teams were excluded from this count. AASCF also defined an extra small gym or division 3 gym division, which was defined by a program having one physical address and 75 or less athletes. This division would come into play when there was 10 or more teams left in division 2 when a division 1/division 2 split occurred.[64]

An adult division was introduced in 2016, aimed at parents and mature aged athletes. Athletes in the adult division were required to be 18 years and above, and could compete at pom and hip hop or cheer level 1, with only being allowed to cross over one level. Adult cheer was not included in any highest scoring awards.[64]

Tiny aged athletes were allowed to be placed onto the performance floor by their coaches.[64]

Age was defined as being in the year of the competition. This meant that an athlete entered in a tiny division was required to be 6 years or younger for the entirity of 2016, and only have their 7th birthday on January 1 2017 or later. Likewise, if a 13 year old athlete was entered in open during 2016, they were required to have their 14th birthday before 31st December 2016.[64]

2016 AASCF Dance Age Grid[64]
Division Age Team Size Athlete Requirements Styles
Tiny Dance 6 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom
Large 15+ dancers
Mini Dance 9 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Large 15+ dancers
Youth Dance 12 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Duo
Large 15+ dancers
Primary School Dance Primary School Age Small 4 - 14 dancers Hip Hop, Pom
Large 15+ dancers
Junior Dance 15 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Duo
Large 15+ dancers
Senior Dance 18 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Duo
Large 15+ dancers
High School Dance High School Age Small 4 - 14 dancers Hip Hop, Pom
Large 15+ dancers
Open Dance 14 years and older Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Duo
Large 15+ dancers
Adult Dance 18 years to any age Open 4 - 24 dancers Pom, Hip Hop
University Dance 17 years and older Premier 4 - 16 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Duo
Open 4 - 20 dancers
Special Needs Pom n/a n/a n/a Pom
2016 AASCF Cheer Age Grid[64]
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 6 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes Novice, 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes Novice, 1, 2
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 32 athletes
High School 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Senior 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 36 athletes

1 - 18 males

Senior Restricted 10 - 18 years n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 5 Restricted
Open 14 years and over n/a n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1
All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 2
Coed n/a 5 - 24 athletes 2
All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 36 athletes

1 - 18 males

International Open 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed Small 5 - 24 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 24 athletes

5 - 12 males

16 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Coed Small 5 - 24 members

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 24 athletes

5 - 14 males

Adult (Parents and Mature Age) 18 years to any age n/a n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1
University 17 years and over All Girl Premier 5 - 20 athletes 1/2, 3/4, 5/6
Open 5 - 24 athletes
Coed Premier 5 - 16 athletes
Open 5 - 20 athletes
Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2

(No Baskets)

2017

edit

eage w

Division Age Team Size Athlete Requirements Styles
Tiny Dance 6 years and under Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Mini Dance 9 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Youth Dance 12 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Primary School Dance Primary School Age Petite 4 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom, Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Junior Dance 15 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Senior Dance 18 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
High School Dance High School Age Petite 4 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom, Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Open Dance 14 years and older Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
University Dance 17 years and older Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Doubles
Adult Dance (Parents and Mature Aged) 18 years to any age Open 4 - 24 dancers Pom, Hip Hop
Special Ability Dance n/a n/a n/a Dance, Dance Doubles
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 6 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes Novice
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes Novice, 1, 2
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 32 athletes
High School 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Senior 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 36 athletes

1 - 18 males

Senior Restricted 10 - 18 years n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 5 Restricted
Open 14 years and over n/a n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1
All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 2
Coed n/a 5 - 24 athletes 2
All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 36 athletes

1 - 18 males

International Open 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed Small 5 - 24 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 24 athletes

5 - 12 males

16 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Coed Small 5 - 24 members

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 24 athletes

5 - 14 males

Adult (Parents and Mature Age) 18 years to any age n/a n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1
University 17 years and over All Girl uni info pack
Coed
Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2

(No Baskets)

2018

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The 2018 AASCF age grid aligned with the ACSA age grid, with the age cut off being December 31st of the year - i.e. for a youth aged athlete in the 5 - 11 age bracket, the athlete could not turn 12 before December 31st 2018 to compete in youth during 2018.[144]

2018 AASCF Dance Age Grid/Divisions
Division Age Team Size Athlete Requirements Styles
Tiny Dance 6 years and under Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Mini Dance 9 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Youth 12 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Junior 15 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Senior 18 years and younger Petitie 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Senior Coed 18 years and younger Petitie 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Open 14 years and older Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Open Coed 14 years and older Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Adult 21 years and older Open 4 - 30 Pom, Hip Hop
Special Ability n/a n/a n/a Dance, Dance Doubles
Paradance n/a n/a n/a Dance, Dance Doubles
Primary School Dance Current Primary School Student Petite 4 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom, Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
High School Dance Current High School Student Petite 4 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom, Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
University Dance 17 years and older n/a Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Doubles
AASCF 2016 Cheer Age Grid/Divisions
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 3 - 6 years n/a Extra Small 5 - 15 Novice
Small 16 - 24
5 - 6 years n/a Extra Small 5 - 15 1
Small 16 - 24
Mini 5 - 8 years n/a Extra Small 5 - 15 Novice, 1, 2
Small 16 - 24
Large 25 - 30
Youth 5 - 11 years n/a Extra Small 5 - 15 Novice, 1, 2
Small 16 - 24
Large 25 - 38
7 - 11 years n/a n/a 5 - 30 3, 4, 5R
Junior 7 - 14 years n/a Extra Small 5 - 15 Novice, 1, 2
Small 16 - 24
Large 25 - 38
8 - 14 years n/a n/a 5 - 30 3, 4, 5R
n/a 5 - 24 5
IASF Junior 10 - 16 years n/a n/a 16 - 24 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Senior 10 - 18 years Female/Male Extra Small 5 - 15 Novice, 1, 2
Small 16 - 24
Large 25 - 38
All Girls n/a 5 - 38 3, 4
Coed

1 or more males

n/a 5 - 38
Female/male n/a 5 - 30 4.2
5 - 30 5R
12-18 years old All Girl Extra Small 5 - 14

No males

5
Small 5 - 22

No males

Medium 23 - 30

No males

Large 31 - 38

No males

Coed Extra Small 5 - 14

1 - 2 males

Small 5 - 22

1 - 5 males

Medium 5 - 30

1 - 8 males

Large 5 - 38

1 - 19 males

IASF Senior 14 - 18 years AG and/or Coed n/a 16 - 24 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Open 14 years and older All Girl Extra Small 5 - 15 2 , 3, 4
Small 16 - 24
Medium 25 - 30
Coed Extra Small 5 - 15

1 or more males

2, 3, 4
Small 16 - 24

1 or more males

Medium 25 - 30

1 or more males

Female/Male n/a 5 - 30 4.2
17 years and older n/a n/a 5 - 30 1 Non-Tumble, 2 Non-Tumble
International Open 14 years and older All Girl n/a 16 - 24 2, 3, 4
5 - 24 5
Coed Small 5 - 24

1 - 4 males

2, 3, 4
Large 5 - 24

5 - 12 males

5
17 years and older All Girl n/a 5 - 24 6
Coed Small 5 - 24

1 - 4 males

6
Large 5 - 24

5 - 15 males

6
Adult 21 years and older n/a n/a 5 - 30 members 1 Non-Tumble
Special Ability Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2

(No baskets)

Scholastic - Primary School Foundation to Years 6/7 n/a n/a 5 - 38 1, 2
Scholastic - High School Year 7 - 12 All Girl n/a 5 - 38 1, 2, 3
Coed n/a 5 - 38 1, 2, 3
University Premier Registered University Student Female/male n/a Up to 38 1
All Girl n/a Up to 38 2
Coed n/a Up to 38

1 or more males

2
All Girl n/a Up to 24 3/4
Coed n/a Up to 24

1 or more males

3/4
All Girl n/a Up to 20 5/6
Coed Small Up to 16

1 - 4 males

5/ 6
Large Up to 16

5 - 9 males

Super Up to 24

Up to 13 males

2019

edit

During 2019, the age of the competitor was required to be in the year of competition. I.e. If you are entering in “Tiny” in 2019 your athletes must be 6 years or younger in the year of competition being 2019, if they turn 7 it must be after 31st December 2019. If you enter in “Open” in 2019, 14 years & over, they must turn 14 by 31st December in the year of competition being 2019, they cannot turn 14 after the 31st December 2019.

If a team was in violation of the age restrictions, a challenge could be submitted with evidence to corroborate this claim by another participation gym owner/program within 48 hours of the event, which would be reviewed and considered. In the instance that a team submitted falsified rosters, inaccurate birthdates or competed with age ineligible athletes, first time offenders received a heavy penalty via points deduction or may be disqualified from the competition. At all AASCF events for the remained of the season, every team from a program found in violation was required to provide government issued picture IDs for all athletes to be checked by warmup room by official personnel.

Cheer divisions would be split when there were 7 or more teams during a non-nationals championship series event, and 9 or more teams in a section at nationals, with at least 3 teams left after the split in either small or large.

Cheer divisions were split whenever a division hit 7 (non-nationals event) or 9 (nationals) teams in a section per the following hierarchy process:

  1. Small team/large team split
  2. Small gym/large gym split
  3. Small/extra small gym split
  4. Extra small team split (Cheer - XS - 6 - 16, S - 17 - 22, L - 23+).

The AASCF Gym size split was defined as below

  1. Extra Small Gym – 75 athletes or less actively in the competitive cheer program during season
  2. Small Gym – 76 to 125 athletes actively in the competitive cheer program during season
  3. Large Gym – 126 athletes or more actively in the competitive cheer program during season

Dance divisions were also split at 7 teams at non-nationals events or 9 teams at nationals, being split into small and large teams. If a division then reached 16 teams after that split, a further division was made to create a petite division.

Cheer levels were adjusted this year, in line with IASF/USASF changes. This saw level 5 restricted become level 5, level 5 become level 6 and level 6 to become level 7.

AASCF 2019 Dance Teams
Dance Division Novice/AllStar Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Styles
Tiny Novice 6 years and younger n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
All Star 4 - 8 years n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Mini Novice 9 years and younger n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
All Star 5 - 9 years n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Youth Novice 12 years and younger n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Doubles
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
All Star 6 - 12 years n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Junior Novice 15 years and younger n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Doubles
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
All Star 7 - 15 years old n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Senior Novice 18 years and younger n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Doubles
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
All Star 10 - 18 years n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Open 14 years and older All Girl Petite 6 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Doubles
Small 6 - 15 dancers

(Elite)

Large 16 - 30 dancers

(Premier)

Coed Petite 6 - 9 dancers
Small 6 - 15 dancers

(Elite)

Large 16 - 30 dancers

(Premier)

Adult 21 years and older Open 4 - 30 dancers Hip Hop, Pom
Special Ability Dance DanceAbility n/a n/a n/a n/a Dance, Dance Doubles
Primary School Dance Scholastic Current Primary School Students n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
High School Scholastic Current High School Students n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
University Premier 100% University Students 17 years and older n/a 5 - 16 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Dance Doubles
5 - 24 dancers Lyrical/Contemporary

International Open Level 5 and 6 cheer teams require athletes to be at least 14 years of age on or before December 31, 2020, with International Open Level 7 teams requiring athletes to be at least 17 years of age on or before December 31, 2020.

Teams competing in the International divisions competing for a Summit bid were required to be at the correct age before December 31, 2020.

2019 AASCF Cheer Divisions
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 3 - 6 years n/a Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes Novice
Small 17 - 22 athletes
5 - 6 years n/a Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes 1
Small 17 - 30 athletes
Mini 4 - 8 years n/a Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes Novice
Small 17 - 22 athletes
5 - 8 years n/a Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes 1
Small 17 - 22 athletes
Large 23 - 30 athletes
Youth 5 - 11 years n/a Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes Novice, 1, 2
Small 17 - 22 athletes
Large 23 - 30 athletes
7 - 11 years n/a n/a 6 - 30 athletes 3
8 - 11 years n/a n/a 6 - 30 athletes 4
9 - 11 years n/a n/a 6 - 30 athletes 5
International Youth 8 - 12 years n/a n/a 16 - 30 athletes 1, 2
Junior 7 - 14 years n/a Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes Novice, 1, 2
Small 17 - 22 athletes
Large 23 - 30 athletes
8 - 14 years n/a n/a 6 - 30 athletes 3, 4
9 -14 years n/a n/a 6 - 38 athletes 5, 6
International Junior 10 - 16 years n/a n/a 16 - 24 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Senior 10 - 18 years Female/Male Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes Novice, 1, 2
Small 17 - 22 athletes
Large 23 - 30 athletes
All Girl Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes 3, 4
Small 17 - 22 athletes
Large 23 - 38 athletes
Coed Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes

1 or more males

Small 17 - 22 athletes

1 or more males

Large 23 - 38 athletes

1 or more males

Female/Male n/a 6 - 30 athletes 4.2
n/a 6 - 38 athletes 5
12 - 18 years All Girl Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes 6
Small 17 - 22 athletes
Medium 23 - 30 athletes
Large 31 - 38 athletes
Coed Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes

1 - 2 males

Small 17 - 22 athletes

1 - 5 males

Medium 23 - 30 athletes

1 - 8 males

Large 31 - 38 athletes

1 - 19 males

International Senior 14 - 18 years All Girl n/a 16 - 24 members 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Coed
Open 14 years and over All Girl Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Small 17 - 22 athletes
Medium 23 - 30 athletes
Large 31 - 38 athletes
Coed Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes

1 or more males

2, 3, 4
Small 17 - 22 athletes

1 or more males

Medium 23 - 30 athletes

1 or more males

Large 31 - 38 athletes

1 or more males

Female/Male 6 - 30 athletes 4.2
Coed Extra Small 6 - 16 athletes

1 - 2 males

5, 6
Small 6 - 22 athletes

1 - 5 males

Medium 6 - 30 athletes

1 - 8 males

Large 6 - 38 athletes

1 - 8 males

n/a 6 - 30 athletes 1 and 2 Non-Tumble
17 years and older All Girl n/a 6 - 30 athletes 7
Coed n/a 6 - 30 athletes

1 or more males

7
International Open 14 years and older All Girl n/a 16 - 24 athletes 4
Coed n/a 16 - 24 athletes

1 or more males

4
All Girl n/a 16 - 24 athletes 5, 6
Coed Small 16 - 24 athletes

1 - 4 males

5, 6
Large 16 - 24 athletes

5 - 16 males

5, 6
All Girl n/a 16 - 30 athletes 6 Non-Tumble
Coed n/a 16 - 30 athletes

1 - 20 atheltes

6 Non-Tumble
17 years and older All Girl n/a 16 - 24 athletes 7
Coed Small 16 - 24 athletes

1 - 4 athletes

7
Large 16 - 24 athletes

1 - 20 athletes

7
Adult 21 years and older n/a n/a 6 - 30 athletes 1 Non-Tumble
Special Ability Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2

(No Baskets)

Para Cheer Any Age n/a Unlimited 1, 2, 3, 4

(No Baskets)

Scholastic - Primary School Foundation to Year 6/7 n/a 6 - 38 athletes 1, 2
Scholastic - High School Year 7 - 12 Female/male 6 - 38 athletes 1, 2, 3
University Premier Registered univeristy student All Girl n/a Up to 38 athletes 1 Non-Tumble, 2 Non-Tumble
Coed n/a Up to 38 athletes

1 or more males

All Girl n/a Up to 24 athletes 3/4
Coed n/a Up to 24 athletes

1 or more males

All Girl n/a Up to 20 athletes 5
Coed Small Up to 16 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large Up to 16 athletes

5 - 9 males

Super Up to 24 athletes

Up to 13 males

All Girl n/a Up to 20 athletes 6
Coed Small Up to 16 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large Up to 16 athletes

5 - 9 males

Super Up to 24 athletes

Up to 13 males

2020

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It was originally planned for 2020 that a cheer division would be split once they hit 7 teams during non-nationals events or 9 teams at Nationals into small and large teams, as long as there were 3 teams at non-nationals, or 5 teams at nationals, in each division. Once the small/large team had happened and a division had continued to meet the split threshold, or if a split could not occur in small/large team size to keep the minimum number of teams in each division, it would now be split further into gym sizes as long as there were 3 teams (5 teams at Nationals) in each split. A further split would occur once a cheer division remained at the minimum split size to form a further extra-small team size division of 6-16 athletes.

AASCF continued to define age as being as in the age of the competition during 2020, with IASF Worlds and Summit teams being required for the correct age for Summit on or before December 31, 2021.

Their age grids aligned with Australian Cheer Sport Alliance standards this year.[145]

Due to the impacts of COVID-19, the ACSA age grid changed throughout 2020. The version 8 release of this age grid, on May 22 2020 announced changes to the minimum number in a number of teams, as well as as that AASCF would be flexible with all ages by one year during the 2020 and 2021 season.[145]

AASCF/ACSA 2020 Dance Age Grid[146][147][145]
Dance Division Novice/AllStar Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Styles
Tiny Novice 6 years and younger n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
All Star 4 - 8 years n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Mini Novice 9 years and younger n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
All Star 5-9 years n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Youth Novice 12 years and younger n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
All Star 7 - 12 years n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Doubles 7 - 12 years n/a Doubles 2 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom
Junior Novice 15 years and younger n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
All Star 9 - 15 years n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Doubles 9 - 15 years n/a Doubles 2 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop Pom
Senior Novice 18 years and younger n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
All Star 11 - 18 years n/a Petite 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 5 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Worlds Division 12 - 18 years

(as of Aug 31 2020)

n/a Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Large 15 and more dancers
Doubles 11 - 18 years n/a Doubles 2 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom
Open Novice 14 years and older n/a Petite 6 5 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 6 5 - 15 dancers
Large 16 - 30 dancers
All Star 14 years and older All Girl Petite 6 - 9 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 6 - 15 dancers
Large 16 - 30 dancers
Coed Petite 6 - 9 dancers
Small 6 - 15 dancers
Large 16 - 30 dancers
Doubles 14 years and older n/a Doubles 2 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom
Adult n/a 18 years and older n/a Open 15 - 30 dancers Hip Hop, Pom
DanceABILITY Special Abilities n/a n/a n/a n/a Dance, Dance Doubles
Primary School Scholastic Foundation to Year 6/7 n/a Petite 6 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom, Jazz
Small 6 - 15 dancers
Large 16 - 30 dancers
High School Scholastic Year 7 to 12 n/a Petite 6 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom, Jazz
Small 6 - 15 dancers
Large 16 - 30 dancers
University University Registered University Student n/a Petite (Doubles) 2 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom
Small 5 - 16 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom
Large 16 - 20 dancers Hip Hop, Pom
Large 17 - 20 dancers Jazz
n/a 5 - 24 dancers Lyrical/Contemporary

As part of the 2020 grid, divisions were only split by size when needed, and would be split as follows:

  • Extra Small = 6 to 15 members
  • Small = 16 to 24 members
  • Large = 25 to 30 members
  • Extra Large = 31 to 38 members
ACSA/AASCF 2020 Cheer Divisions[146][147][145]
Division Age Gender Athlete Number Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 3 - 6 years Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes Novice
5 - 6 years Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes 1
Mini 4 - 8 years Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes Novice
5 - 8 years Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes 1, 2
Youth 5 - 12 years Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes Novice
6 - 12 years Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Junior 7 - 15 years Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes Novice
8 - 15 years Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
9 - 15 years Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes 5, 6
Junior Group Stunt 8 - 15 years Female/Male 4 - 5 athletes 2, 3, 4
9 - 15 years Female/Male 4 - 5 athletes 5, 6
IASF Junior 10 - 16 years Female/Male 16 - 24 members 1, 2, 3, 4
Senior 10 - 18 years Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes Novice
11 - 18 years Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes 1, 2, 4.2
All Girl 6 - 38 athletes 3, 4, 5
Coed

(1 or more males)

6 - 38 athletes
13 - 18 years All Girl 6 - 38 athletes 6
Small Coed

(1 - 5 males

6 - 30 athletes
Medium Coed

(6 - 8 males)

6 - 30 athletes
Large Coed

(9 - 20 males)

6 - 38 athletes
Senior Group Stunt 11 - 18 years All Girl 3 - 5 athletes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Coed

(1 or more males)

Senior Assisted Partner Stunt 11 - 18 years n/a 3 athletes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
IASF Senior 14 - 18 years Female/Male 16 - 24 athletes 1, 2
All Girl 16 - 24 athletes 3, 4
Coed

(1 or more males)

16 - 24 athletes 3, 4
Open 14 years and older Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes 2, 4.2, 1 Non-Tumble, 2 Non-Tumble
All Girl 6 - 38 athletes 3, 4, 3 Non-Tumble
Coed

(1 or more males)

6 - 38 athletes
Open Group Stunts 14 years and older All Girl 3 - 5 athletes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
17 years and older All Girl 4 - 5 athletes 7
Open Assisted Partner Stunt and Partner Stunts 14 years and older n/a 2 - 3 athletes 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
17 years and older n/a 2 - 3 athletes 7
IASF Open 14 years and older All Girl 16 - 24 athletes 4
Coed

(1 or males)

16 - 24 athletes
All Girl 6 - 24 athletes 5, 6
Small Coed

(1 - 4 males)

6 - 24 athletes
Large Coed

(5 - 16 males)

6 - 30 athletes
All Girl 6 - 30 athletes 6 Non-Tumble
Coed

(1 - 20 Males)

17 years and older All Girl 16 - 24 athletes 7
Small Coed

(1 - 4 males)

Large Coed

(5 - 16 males)

All Girl 16 - 30 athletes 7 Non-Tumble
Coed

(1 - 20 males)

IASF Open Global Club 14 years and older All Girl 6 - 24 athletes 6
Coed

(1 - 16 males)

Adult Non-Tumble 18 years and older Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes 1 Non-Tumble
Scholastic - Primary School Foundation to Year 6/7 Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes 1, 2, 1 Non-Tumble, 2 Non-Tumble
Scholastic - High School Year 7 to 12 Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes 1, 2, 1 Non-Tumble, 2 Non-Tumble
All Girl 6 - 38 athletes 3
Coed

(1 or more males)

6 - 38 athletes
CheerABILITY Any Age Female/Male Unlimited 1, 2 (no baskets)
University Registered Uni Student Female/Male 6 - 38 athletes 1 Non-Tumble
All Girl 6 - 38 athletes 1/2 Non-Tumble
Coed

(1 or more males)

All Girl 6 - 24 athletes 3/4
Coed

(1 or more males)

All Girl 6 - 20 athletes Elite
Small Coed

(1 - 4 males)

6 - 16 athletes
Large Coed

(5 - 9 males)

Super Coed

(Up to 13 males)

6 - 24 athletes
All Girl 6 - 20 athletes Premier
Small Coed

(1 - 4 males)

6 - 16 athletes
Large Coed

(5 - 9 males)

Super Coed

(Up to 13 males)

6 - 24 athletes
FISU University Elite Registered University Student All Girl 16 - 20 athletes 5
Small Coed

(1 - 4 males)

Large Coed

(5 - 12 males)

FISU University Premier Registered University Student All Girl 16 - 20 athletes 6
Small Coed

(1 - 4 males)

Large Coed

(5 - 12 males)

Worlds Teams

edit

AASCF have sent teams to the USASF/IASF Cheerleading and Dance World Championships since 2007.

2007:

The AASCF representative team was the Australian Outlaws, part of Cheerleading Victoria (which would later go on to become Outlaws Edge/Outlaws Allstars). This gym was owned by AASCF founders, Rosemary Sims and Stephen James.[148][149][150] In order to travel, the Australian Outlaws attracted a number of corporate sponsorships and support from the Victorian Minister of Sport, Hon James Merlino.[150] The combined average final score of the AASCF representative team and Gymnastics Australia's representative team placed Australia 6th of the 22 countries competing in the Nations Cup competition.[149] These results also attracted international press coverage for Australian cheerleading and AASCF, with the Australian Outlaws being the featured international team in an upcoming issue of Newsweek magazine as a result of their performance.[150]

2008:

John Paul College Cheer and Dance Team, from Daisy Hill, Queensland, represented AASCF at the 2008 IASF Cheer and Dance World Championships in the International Open Pom division. The team came 8th in the world within their division, and 7th in the Nations Cup.[151]

2009: Cheerleading Victoria's Australian Outlaws

2010: Sydney Altitude - cheer

Phoenix All Stars - Dance

2011:

Bradshaw Dancers, East Coast Allstars and Wolfpack - Dance

East Coast Allstars, Australian Outlaws, Australian Dreamgirls - Cheer

2012 - Dance Worlds - Abstars, Bradshaw Dancers, MCA, NRG, Starlets

2012 Cheer - Australian Dreamgirls, Brisbane Tigers

As part of their 2012 work, AASCF helped to host the Team Australia tryouts for the 2013 ICU Cheerleading Worlds Level 5/6 All Girl team during November 2012.[152]

2013 - Bradshaw Dancers, Deakin Uni, Evolution of Dance - Dance Worlds

2013 - ECA Eagles, ECA Ladybirds, Gymstars Angels, Outlaws Fugitivies - Cheer Worlds

 2014 Airborn Encore Elite, NRG All Stars Energize & Hurricane, EOD Senior Elite, Starlets, MCA Swifts competing at Dance Worlds, Outlaws Kelly Girls, ECA Eagles, ZSA Southern Tigers, Gymstars All Star Devils, DreamTyme DreamGirls, SCC Legacy competing at Cheer Worlds.

2015 – Dancers Edge, Evolution of Dance, Cheertastic, Monash Mystics, DreamTyme All Stars, Mathis Diamonds, Pure All Stars Allure, Starlets Scorpius, MCA Swifts competing at Dance Worlds, ECA Eagles, Outlaws Kelly Girls, ECA Ladybirds, Starlets Orion, ZSA Southern Tigers, Gymstars Lady Vixens, Outlaw Fugitives, SCC Legacy competing at Cheer Worlds.

Australia elite teams participated in the IASF 2021 Virtual Cheerleading and Dance Worlds event, supported by AASCF after previously winning bids to in person Worlds events, with 10 Australian teams being crowned world champions and 16 teams in total placing.[153][154]

Students Levels Syllabus and Credentialing

edit

Coaches Conference

edit

The 2012 Coaches Conference was accompanied by an athletes' clinic and master class directly after AASCF's October Nationals, on October 29. The coaches were delivered a total of 9 sessions, with international guests such as Les Stella, Liz Rifino and Kate Stella. The conference also included IASF Coach Credentialing testing.[30]

The 2014 annual coaches conference was held during January, inviting intermediate/advanced athletes and coaches of all levels, with international guests Jame Speed and Shannon Speed being invited presenters.[155]

The 2015 January Annual Coaches conference was held 24 - 25 January in Melbourne, with international presenters including James Speed, Shannon Smith, Les Stella, Liz Rifino and Kenny Feeley alongside Stephen James, Rosemary Sims-James and Felicity Bognor.[156]

AASCF once again held their annual conference on 27-28 January 2018, this time held in Sydney. At this event, AASCF hosted a range of international guest presenters such as James Speed (World Champion Coach, GymTyme Allstars, University of Louisville), Liz Rifino (IASF/UDA/ICU Dance Director), Frank Sahlein (USASF business consultant), Shannon Smith (Spirit Sports USA Director), Lisa Aucoin (Spring Tumbling co-owner), Sea Guzman (Top Gun All Stars tumbling director), Les Stella (IASF), Kenny Feeley (Spring Tumbling co-owner), Dana Fielding (IASF Cheer Rules and Safety Education) and Karl Mundt (Team USA Gold Medalist, University of Minnesota).

The Saturday evening concluded with a coaches networking cocktail party and awards ceremony, at which AASCF awarded their VIP awards for the 2017 season:[157][158]

VIP Awards

edit

As part of their coaches conference, AASCF awarded a number of VIP awards for the season just past, recognising the achievements of the Australian allstar industry. These awards included:

  • Coach of the Year - Voted by all coaches as well as feedback from club owners, and the AASCF staff's impression on conduct at the competitions.
  • Club of the Year - Voted by all coaches as well as feedback from club owners, and the AASCF staff's impression on conduct at the competitions.
  • Club Owner of the Year - Voted by all coaches and the AASCF staff's impression on conduct at the competitions.
  • Most Improved Program (Fastest Growing Program) - Assessed by AASCF statistics.
  • Most Impressive Athlete Retention - Assessed by AASCF statistics.
  • Best Sportsmanship Program - Voted by the AASCF staff that work at championships throughout the year
  • Australian Dance Choreographer of the Year - AASCF judges will decide the best routines seen in Australia in dance, with the assistance of nominations from coaches and gym/studio owners.
  • Australian Cheer Choreographer of the Year - AASCF judges will decide the best routines seen in Australia in dance, with the assistance of nominations from coaches and gym/studio owners.
  • International Choreographer of the Year - AASCF judges will decide the best routine seen in Australia by an international choreographer, with the assistance of nominations from coaches and gym/studio owners.
  • Hit Zero Royalty - Voted on by the 8 core cheer safety judges based on the facts of the season's results.
  • Hall of Fame - The AASCF Hall of Fame recipients are a prestigious group of individuals who have made a profound & significant  impact on the Australian All Star Cheerleading and Dance community.
AASCF VIP Awards Winners[158]
Year Award Winner Gym/Company/Team (if applicable)
2015 Coach of the Year Natalie Commons DreamTyme All Stars
Gym of the Year East Coast All Stars (ECA)
Club Owner of the Year Derrick and Kassi Turner East Coast All Stars (ECA)
Most Improved Program Ballarat Cheerleading

(150% growth in 2015)

Most Impressive Athlete Retention Ausfunk

(99% client retention)

Best Sportsmanship Program CheerFactor All Stars
Australian Dance Choreographer of the Year Samantha Reis & Genevieve Anderson
Australian Cheer Choreographer of the Year Anne-Marie Maguire & Alissa Mears
International Cheer Choreographer of the Year n/a
Hit Zero Royalty South Eastern Allstars Cheer & Dance (SEAD)
Hall of Fame Zoe Eross & Stephen James
2016 Coach of the Year Eddy Davey Southern Cross Cheer
Gym of the Year Queensland Cheer Elite
Club Owner of the Year Emma Bart Queensland Cheer Elite
Most Improved Program Inspire Athletics (230% growth in 2016)
Most Impressive Athlete Retention East Coast All Stars

(99% client retention during 2016)

Best Sportsmanship Program You Can Dance
Australian Dance Choreographer of the Year Margarita Jimenez Monash Mystics Pom
Australian Cheer Choreographer of the Year Lydia Mears Evolution of Dance - Lady Lynx (Senior 1)
International Cheer Choreographer of the Year Lucy Aucoin Spring Tumbling (SCC Legacy Worlds Routine)
Hit Zero Royalty Oxygen All Stars
Hall of Fame Derrick Turner East Coast All Stars
2017 Coach of the Year Tarnie Carrings
Gym of the Year Steps 2 Stardom (S2S)
Club Owner of the Year Leah Buchanan
Most Improved Program Geelong Elite
Most Impressive Athlete Retention Geelong Elite
Best Sportsmanship Program Peppermint Dance Company
Cheer Mentor of the Year Sanford McMurray
Australian Dance Choreographer of the Year Jessica Edwards
Australian Cheer Choreographer of the Year Holly Banister
International Cheer Choreographer of the Year Lisa Aucoin
Hit Zero Royalty Victorian State Cheerleaders (VSC)
Hall of Fame Les Stella

Non-Competition Services

edit

As early as 2006, AASCF offered a range of service alongside competitions, including workshops, school advice services, uniform, shoe and equipment sourcing, pom hire, choreography, music, USASF coach credentialing, insurance, safety program and a cheer student levels program.[32]

2007:

AASCF hosted a number of clinics across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, including a stunting and tumbling workshop after their Victorian Cheer and Dance Showdown competition.[159]

Alongside their skill clinics, AASCF hosted a number of clinics to credential coaches and judges under the IASF system, as well as offering athlete credentialing as part of the AASCF cheerleading levels program.[159] The AASCF cheerleading levels program, which offered a structured syllabus that prepared students for all star or recreational cheerleading levels,[160] began being adopted more broadly by programs wishing to participate in cheerleading, such as the Fitness and Dance Studios (FAD Studios) who adopted it across their franchise network during February 2007.[161]

AASCF saw expansion during this year into the cheerleading media space, buying the Australian Cheerleading Magazine. This saw editor Rianna continuing to coordinate the magazine with existing staff, with the use of AASCF resources, and Issue 7 being published as part of the AASCF Nationals event.[162]

Super Summer School Holiday Camps

edit

In previous years, AASCF used to host school holiday camps as part of their event offerings.

The first year this was held was during January 2007, being hosted as a 10 day intensive camp at the Outlaws Edge/Dancers Edge gym. This camp was aimed at athletes aged 7 and up, with the athletes being split by age and experience into beginner (no experience/level 1), intermediate (levels 2-3) and advanced (levels 4 and above) groups. While this camp was designed as a day camp, AASCF did offer in house accomodation for interstate guests as needed. The camp was concluded with a mass cheer and dance performance at the NBL Melbourne Tigers game against Singapore, held on January 27, 2007.[163]

During January 2011, AASCF hosted two rounds of their annual Super Summer Cheer and Dance Camp in Queensland and Victoria.[164] The Queensland camp was based at the Christian Youth Centre at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, held from 19th to 21st January 2011.[165] The Victorian camp was based at the Urban Camp Melbourne Cooperative, held from 23rd to 26th January 2011.[166]

Both camps were hosted as sleep over camps, accomodating athletes from ages 7 and upwards. Athletes were separated based on age and experience/skill level to ensure safety.[165][166] The Victorian camp ended with a performance at half time during the NBL Melbourne Tigers home game.[166]

During January 2012, AASCF hosted two rounds of their annual Super Summer Cheer and Dance Camp in Queensland and Victoria. The Queensland camp was based at the Tallebudgera Recreation Centre on the Gold Coast, held from 18th to 20th January. The Victorian camp was based at the Urban Camp Melbourne Cooperative, held from 24th to 26th January.[167]

[167]

Both camps were hosted as sleep over camps, accomodating athletes from ages 7 and upwards. Athletes were separated based on age and experience/skill level to ensure safety. Special guest coaches at the camps included Ben Lear (2011 World Champion, Top Gun), David James (2011 World Runner Up Cheer Athletics, Head Coach at Outlaws) and Rosemary Sims (Head Coach of Silver and Bronze Medal teams from 2011 ICU Worlds).

AASCF ran their January Summer camps across multiple cities during 2014, hosting camps in Gold Coast, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. This year's camps were two day long day style camps, hosted for children 7 and upwards with all ages separated. The ages were then further separated into skill level of beginner (level 1), intermediate (levels 2-3) and advanced (levels 4-6). Once again, they were hosted for children aged 7 and up, however they were held in a day camp format this year.[168]

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Draft - Significant Australian Allstar Gym - Outlaws Allstars/Outlaws Edge/Cheerleading Victoria/Dancers Edge

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Outlaws Allstars opened as a cheerleading program in 1995, being opened by Rosemary Sims-James in Melbourne, Victoria, as an expansion of her Dancer's Edge studio.[1][2]

Prior to its rebranding as Outlaws in 2012, it was known as Cheerleading Victoria during the 2000s.

2012

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During 2012, founder and owner, Rosemary Sims-James, took a step away from being a studio owner, handing over the business to her step son David James and his now wife, Chantelle. It was at this time that Outlaws Allstars was born, combining a cohesive allstar program that encompassed both cheerleading and dance.[2]

Teams

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Age Group Level Team Name Coaches
3 - 5 years Level 1 Triggers[3] Shea Gough
5 - 8 years Level 1 Bandits[4] Chantelle Marie, Kathryn Eales
11 years and under Level 1 Deputies[5] David James, Gemma Miles and Debbie Callanan
11 years and under Level 2 Rebels[6] David James, Debbie Callanan
14 years and under Level 3 Sheriffs[7] David James, Debbie Callanan
11 - 18 years Level 1 Smoke
11 - 18 years Level 2 Coed
Outlaws Spirits Level 2, Age 11-18 Yrs Co-ed
Outlaws Legends Level 2, Age 14 Yrs & Over Co-ed
Outlaws Bullets Level 3, Age 14yrs & Over
Outlaws Kelly Girls Level 4/5, Age 14yrs & Over
Outlaws Fugitives Level 5, Age 14 & Over Co-ed

2022

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Teams

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2022 Outlaws Allstars Teams[8][9][10]
Location Level Age Group Team Name
Bayswater, Victoria Cheersport Wildones
Rogues
Novice 5 - 6 years Bandits
7 - 8 years S.W.A.T.S
7 - 12 years Deputies
Level 1 8 - 15 years Blaze
Level 2 15 years and under Rebels
10 - 18 years Bullets
Level 2 Coed 14+ years Avengers
Level 3 10 - 18 years Hot Shots
Level 4 10 - 18 years Sheriffs
Level 4.2 Coed 14+ years Sharpshooters
Level 5 12 - 18 years Golden Girls
Level 5 Coed 14+ years Generals
Level 6 Coed 14+ years Kelly Coed
Level 6 Coed 14+ years Notorious
Level 6 Non-Tumble 14+ years Code Black
Somerville, Victoria Cheersport Fury
Lady Lieutenants
Novice 14+ years Caliber
Level 1 15 years and under Reckless
Level 1 Non-Tumble 10 - 18 years Crossfire
Level 2 10 - 18 years Senior Stealth
Level 3 Coed 10 - 18 years Black Ops
Level 4 Coed 14+ years Black Angels
Kedron, Queensland Cheersport Mini Sunshine
Youth Sunshine
Senior Sunshine
Open Sunshine
Novice 6 - 8 years Mini Mafia
6 - 12 years Young Guns
Level 1 6 - 12 years Strykers
8 - 15 years Nighthawks
Level 2 6 - 12 years Renegades
11 - 18 years Spirits
Level 2 Non-Tumble 14+ years Bomb Squad
Level 3 (Coed) 8 - 15 years Junior Mafia
Level 3 11 - 18 years G.I. Janes
Level 4 11 - 18 years Bombshells
Level 4 Non-Tumble 14+ years Black Out
Level 5 11 - 18 years A-Team
Level 6 14+ years Diamonds
Level 6 Non-Tumble 14+ years Midnight Mafia
Bundamba, Queensland Cheersport Mini Stars
Junior Stars
Novice 6 - 8 years Diamantes
8 - 12 years Aces
Level 1 8 - 15 years Pink Assassins
Level 2 10 - 16 years Sassy Soliders
Level 3 11 - 18 years Freedom
Level 3 Non-Tumble 14 + years Lady Legends
Level 4 14+ years Commanders

2023

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Teams

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2023 Outlaws Teams[11]
Location Level Age Group Team Name
Bayswater, Victoria Development - Novice 5 - 6 years Bandits
Development - Level 2 8 - 15 years Wildones
Development - Level 3 11 - 18 years Rivals
Development - Level 5 14+ years Golden Girls
Novice 5 - 9 years S.W.A.T.S
5 - 12 years Recruits
7 - 15 years Deputies
10 - 18 years Triggers
Level 1 8 - 15 years Blaze
Level 2 11 - 18 years Smoke
Level 2 Non-Tumble 14+ years Avengers
Level 3 11 - 18 years Hot Shots
Level 3 Non-Tumble 14+ years Ac3s
Level 4 11 - 18 years Sheriffs
Level 4.2 (Coed) 14+ years Sharpshooters
Level 4/5 Non-Tumble 14+ years Rangers
Level 5 (Coed) 14+ years Generals
Level 6 Coed 14+ years Kelly Coed
Level 6 Non-Tumble 14+ years Code Black
Somerville, Victoria Novice 5 - 9 years Little Angels
7 - 15 years Junior Ops
10 - 18 years Caliber
Level 1 8 - 15 years Reckless
Level 2 8 - 15 years Heat
14+ years Lady Lieutenants
Level 3 11 - 18 years Black Ops
Level 4 14+ years Black Angels
Kedron, Queensland CheerSport 5 - 6 years Tiny Sunshine
5 - 9 years Mini Sunshine
5 - 12 years Youth Sunshine
11 - 18 years Senior Sunshine
Novice 5 - 9 years Mini Mafia
5 - 12 years Young Guns
Level 1 6 - 12 years Strykers
8 - 15 years Junior Ammo
Level 1 Non-Tumble 14+ years Raiders
Level 2 8 - 15 years J2 Crew
Level 2NT 14+ years Bombsquad
Level 3 11 - 18 years Freedom
Level 3 Non-Tumble 14+ years Lady Legends
Level 4 11 - 18 years Bombshells
Level 4 Non-Tumble 14+ years Blackout
Level 5 Non-Tumble 14+ years A-Team
Level 6 14+ years Diamonds
Level 6 Non-Tumble 14 + years Midnight Mafia

Sandbox Draft - Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation

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The Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF) was founded in April 2005 by Rosemary Sims and Stephen James. AASCF were the first event producer in Australia to be affiliated with USASF and IASF, offering bids to IASF Worlds as part of their annual national championship. Historically, they have also offered bids to other American-based international competitions at different events throughout the year, such as offering Summit bids as part of their Battle events

AASCF run several competitions across the country in a June to November season format, including Winterfest, Battle, States, Spring Carnival and Nationals.

Previously AASCF was known for offering a competition similar to Summit in the U.S., in which the overall highest-scoring team in each level of cheer and division of dance at earlier competitions throughout the year received a bid to compete as one of the "chosen few" to be the "best of the best" in Australia.

However, the Pinnacle event was phased out in 2023 in favour of "The Road to IASF Worlds". The Road to IASF Worlds event is a "day 2" competition held directly after AASCF's Nationals events and is part of the process of a team competing for a 2024 Cheerleading Worlds bid.

AASCF holds Australia's largest national cheerleading and dance championship annually, which rotates location between the Gold Coast (Queensland) and Melbourne (Victoria) currently.

AASCF were a founding member of the Australian Cheer Sport Alliance, however is no longer a listed sanctioned event provider as of mid-2023.

2005

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The Australian Spirit Association (ASA) was formed as a non-profit organisation dedicated to help educate and develop cheerleading and allstar dance within Australia.[12] ASA was invited by the International Spirit Association (ISA) to be the Australian representative.[12]

ASA would go on to become the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF) in 2006, founded by Rosemary Sims and Stephen James. This is why AASCF documentation states founding dates for AASCF in both April 2005 and April 2006.[13][14]

ASN would host a number of events during the year. Their first event included Spirit Australia American All Star Cheer and Dance Ambassador clinics during June and July, held in Sydney, Darwin, Brisbane and Melbourne along with a New Zealand event. These clinics included open for all clinics, squad only clinics to work on specific squad needs, hip hop dance clinics, and coaches clinics.[12]

2006

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During 2006, the Australian Spirit Association evolved into the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation (AASCF), remaining affiliated with the International Spirit Association, as it hosted the first event under the AASCF name.[15] This marked the first AASCF All Star Cheer and Dance Championships within Australia, [16][17] with a total of 600 athletes competing.[18] Their affiliation with ISA also led to the announcement of a partnership to hold camps, clinics and national competitions in every state during 2007.[19]

AASCF founder, Rosemary Sims, travelled to the third annual Cheerleading Worlds held in Orlando, Florida, during 2006. During this time, Rosemary held meetings with a number of United States based coaches and teams. This work led to Rosemary being appointed to the newly formed USASF World Advisory Board, which would later evolve into IASF. She was also appointed to be the Australian correspondent for two leading US based cheerleading magazines, allowing for Australian cheerleading culture to be featured at an international level.[20]

AASCF also became the first Australian member of the USASF/IASF cheerleading governing body during 2006.[21][22]

The federation offered a range of service alongside competitions, including workshops, school advice services, uniform, shoe and equipment sourcing, pom hire, choreography, music, USASF coach credentialing, insurance, safety program and a cheer student levels program.[19]

2007

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Competitions

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AASCF expanded their competition series outside of Victoria for the first time, hosting events in Queensland and New South Wales alongside their Victorian competitions.[23][24][25][26] These competitions attracted media coverage, with the inaugural Queensland All Star Cheer and Dance Championship being covered in local media articles.[27]

Competition Dates State City Venue
Victorian Cheer and Dance Showdown July 8 VIC Melbourne Keilor Stadium
Queensland All Star Cheer and Dance Championship September 16 QLD Brisbane Insports Cornubia Park Sports Centre
New South Wales All Star Cheer and Dance Championship September 23 NSW Sydney Penrith Sports Stadium
Dance Victoria Select Troupe Championship September 23 VIC Melbourne George Wood Performing Arts Centre
Victorian All Star Cheer and Dance Championship October 7 Vic Melbourne Dandenong Basketball Centre
Australian All Star Cheer and Dance Championship November 4 Vic Melbourne State Netball and Hockey Centre

Worlds Team

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During 2007, AASCF sent teams to compete in America as part of the 2007 Cheerleading Worlds. The AASCF representative team was the Australian Outlaws, part of Cheerleading Victoria (which would later go on to become Outlaws Edge/Outlaws Allstars). This gym was owned by AASCF founders, Rosemary Sims and Stephen James.[28][29][30] In order to travel, the Australian Outlaws attracted a number of corporate sponsorships and support from the Victorian Minister of Sport, Hon James Merlino.[30] The combined average final score of the AASCF representative team and Gymnastics Australia's representative team placed Australia 6th of the 22 countries competing in the Nations Cup competition.[29] These results also attracted international press coverage for Australian cheerleading and AASCF, with the Australian Outlaws being the featured international team in an upcoming issue of Newsweek magazine as a result of their performance.[30]

Other Services

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AASCF continued to grow throughout 2007, beginning to expand their offerings outside of just competitions.

AASCF hosted a number of clinics across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland, including a stunting and tumbling workshop after their Victorian Cheer and Dance Showdown competition.[23]

Alongside their skill clinics, AASCF hosted a number of clinics to credential coaches and judges under the IASF system, as well as offering athlete credentialing as part of the AASCF cheerleading levels program.[23] The AASCF cheerleading levels program, which offered a structured syllabus that prepared students for all star or recreational cheerleading levels,[31] began being adopted more broadly by programs wishing to participate in cheerleading, such as the Fitness and Dance Studios (FAD Studios) who adopted it across their franchise network during February 2007.[32]

Super Summer School Holiday Camp

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As part of their expansion outside of competitions as their only event offering, AASCF hosted their first 10 day Summer School Holiday intensive cheer and dance camp during January 2007. This camp was held in Wantirna Victoria, in the 2007 location for the Outlaws Edge/Dancers Edge gym that AASCF founders, Rosemary Sims-James and Stephen James owned. This camp was aimed at athletes aged 7 and up, with the athletes being split by age and experience into beginner (no experience/level 1), intermediate (levels 2-3) and advanced (levels 4 and above) groups. While this camp was designed as a day camp, AASCF did offer in house accomodation for interstate guests as needed. The camp was concluded with a mass cheer and dance performance at the NBL Melbourne Tigers game against Singapore, held on January 27, 2007.[33]

2008

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Competitions

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AASCF continued to grow and expand throughout 2008, announcing their intent to host their first Western Australian state championship as part of a 7 competition calendar that ran from July to November. As part of this calendar, they also hosted a national championship during November in Brisbane, Queensland.[34]

AASCF 2008 Competition Calendar[34]
Competition Dates State City Venue
Cheer and Dance Showdown July 6 VIC Melbourne Keilor Stadium
Queensland All Star Cheer and Dance Championship September 7 QLD Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
New South Wales Cheer and Dance Championship September 14 NSW Sydney
Dance Victoria Select Troupe Championship

& Victorian All Star Cheer and Dance Championship

September 20 - 21 VIC Melbourne George Wood Performing Arts Centre
Australian All Star Cheer and Dance Championship November 22 - 23

As part of the Queensland, New South Wales and Victorian State Championships, clubs were requested to provide a volunteer on the day of the championship for smoother event operations. Volunteers recieved free t-shirts as well as going in the draw to win further prizes on the day.[34]

Unlike Gymnastics Australia competitions at the time, AASCF's competitions did not require prior membership with a lengthy process to compete, only asking that teams signed up on the day for their membership in order to ensure that they would be covered by the associated insurance.[34]

Australian Cheer and Dance Alliance

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During 2008, AASCF was part of the founding of the Australian Cheer and Dance Alliance alongside Down Under Spirit Championships and World Cup Cheer. This organisation was formed with the goal of having a national, unified body for cheer and dance in Australia to help grow nad develop interest and participation within the sport while also promoting safety education that was consistent with internationally recognised safety, education and ethical practices.[35]

Coach Credentialing

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During 2008, AASCF offered IASF/USASF's International Cheerleading Coach Credentialing Program, hosting credentialing workshops in all states of Australia. These includes in Western Australia and Queensland during January as well as privately to individual gyms/coaches upon request.[36]

Membership/Insurance

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As a condition of entry into competition, each athlete had to register as a student member with AASCF. This membership program included genuine personal accident insurance for the individual athlete for all practice, performances, and competitions that the athlete attended through not only AASCF but also any other organisation.[37]

A membership program was also offered for gym/studio/schools, placing the location on the AASCF listing for ongoing referrals, as well as allowing the members information about event, clinics, camps, international guests, and professional advice/support.[37]

Student Levels Syllabus and Credentialing

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Coach Workshops

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Choreography

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International Recognition

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John Paul College Cheer and Dance Team, from Daisy Hill, Queensland, represented AASCF at the 2008 IASF Cheer and Dance World Championships in the International Open Pom division. The team came 8th in the world within their division, and 7th in the Nations Cup.[38]

AASCF's founder, Rosemary Sims, saw international recognition this year, being the first non-American coach to ever receive the IASF International Cheerleading Coach of the year award in 2008.[13][38]

2009

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AASCF's Nationals championships during 2009 attracted over 1200 participants, across 105 teams.[39] It also saw a. two page spread in The Age, which described the sport was a "niche pursuit" with a total of "about 6000 participants" nationwide.[40][41]

2010

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AASCF introduced a new event during 2010 due to their increasing growth, hosting their first Winterfest competitions. These were held in June and July, serving a season starter for Newcastle, Melbourne and Brisbane. AASCF also saw expansion for the first time into Far North Queensland space as they hosted Winterfest in Townsville.[42]

Throughout their competitions, they offered a number of event bids to international competitions, allowing teams to travel internationally. These included partially paid bids to the February 2011 Duel in the Desert held in Palm Springs, California, the 2011 IASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds held in Orlando, Florida, and the 2011 All Levels International Grand Championship.[42]

2011

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Competitions

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AASCF 2011 Competition Calendar[43]
Competition State Dates City Venue
Winterfest All Star Cheer and Dance Season Starter NSW June 26 Newcastle Newcastle Basketball Stadium
VIC July 3 Geelong Geelong Arena
QLD July 10 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
QLD July 17 Townsville Murray Sporting Complex
NSW July 24 Penrith Penrith Sports Stadium
Southern University Games VIC July 4 Geelong
All Star Cheer and Dance State Championships WA August 21 Belmont Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre
QLD August 27 - 28 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
SA September 4 Adelaide Star Plex
VIC September 11 Melbourne Melbouren Sports and Aquatic Centre
ACT September 25 Canberra ACT Netball Centre
NSW October 1 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadium
Australian All Star Cheer and Dance National Championship QLD November 19 - 20 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment

Team Rewards Champion

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A special competition was introduced for teams who attended one or more AASCF event to incentivise participation, called the Team Rewards Champion Title.

At every AASCF competition during the year, a team earned points simply by attending the competition, with placing also earning extra points (1st - 4 points; 2nd - 3 points; 3rd - 2 points; 4th and below - 1 point). In order to earn these points, there was required to be 3 or more teams within the division, with stunt groups, individual events and coed partner dance not counting towards these points. Another requirement was that 80% of the athletes were required to be on teh event consistently.[43]

The results of this season long championship were announced at Nationals, with first place receiving a gym banner and $500 cash prize money, second place receiving a trophy and $250 cash prize money and third place receiving a trophy and $100 cash prize money.[43]

International Bids

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At each of the state championships, AASCF awarded partially paid bids to the highest scoring youth, junior and teen teams in cheer levels 1 - 4 to the 2012 Spirit Sports Duel in the Deserts National Championship, held in Palm Springs, USA.[43]

Individual Events

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Divisions were held at each event highlighting individual efforts, such as best junior level 1 tumbler, highest basket toss etc. These competitors were open to all registered athletes, with a gym nominating their best athlete in each section.

The state winners of each division qualified for finals, held at nationals.[43]

Dance Styles

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The following dance styles were offered at AASCF's 2011 events:[43]

  • Pom - 2 minutes 30 seconds
  • Jazz Ballet - 2 minutes, 30 seconds
  • Hip Hop - 2 minutes, 30 seconds
  • Open Dance - 5 minutes (any style and any age, props allowed
  • Partner Dance (Duo) - 1 minute 30 seconds

Age Divisions

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The age of competitor was required to be in the age of the competition - i.e. if an athlete is entered in tiny, they must be 5 years or younger for the entire length of 2011 and cannot turn 6 until 2012, and if a 13 year old is entered in senior, they must turn 14 during 2011 before the competition season ended.[43]

AASCF 2011 Dance Age Divisions[43]
Divisions Age
Tiny 5 years and younger
Mini 8 years and younger
Youth 11 years and under
Junior 14 years and under
Teen 18 years and under
Senior 14 years and older
Master 17 years and older
AASCF 2011 Cheerleading Age Grid[43]
Age Division Age Sex/Gender Team Size Number in team Level Restrictions
Tiny 5 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 36 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 36 1, 2
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 36 1, 2, 3, 4
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 36 1, 2, 3, 4
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 36
Teen 18 years and under All Girl Small 5 - 20 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 36
High School Coed Small 5 - 20
Large 21 - 36
Teen 12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 5
Large 21 - 36
High School Coed Small 5 - 20
Large 21 - 36
Senior 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 36 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2, 5
Coed
International 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 5
Coed
17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 6
Coed
Senior Open 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 36 1, 2, 3
Coed
All Girl n/a 5 - 24 4, 4.2, 5, 6
Coed
University 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 36 1, 2, 3
Coed
All Girl n/a 5 - 24 4, 4.2, 5, 6
Coed
Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited n/a

Winterfest

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Winterfest 2011 was held in late June through July, with events in Newcastle (NSW), Geelong (VIC), Brisbane (QLD), Townsville (QLD) and Penrith (NSW).[43]

The number of athletes competing at AASCF competitions continued to see growth, with the Winterfest competition series seeing over 4000 athletes competing at their 2011 events.[44]

Uni Games

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AASCF hosted the first ever Uni Games Cheer and Dance Championship in Australia during July 2011,[43] helping introduce cheerleading into the university sporting space.[18]

States

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States were held throughout late August through to early October, in WA, QLD, SA, VIC, ACT and NSW.[43]

Nationals

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The 2011 National Championship were held in Brisbane during late November. This event offered bids to the IASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds to be held in 2012.[43]

Their National championships also saw mainstream media coverage, with teams on their road to nationals as well as the competition being featured on The Project.[45][46]

Coach Credentialing

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Throughout 2011, AASCF continued to host clinics for IASF coach credentialling and education. Through February and March, clinics were held in Melbourne, Brisbane, Sydney and Adelaide. Credentialling sessions were also held in conjunction with Winterfest and State Championship events. An independent option was also available for gyms who organised a minimum of 15 coaches, or a minimum of 6 if the gym covered the cost of flights and accomodation for the AASCF staff also.[47][48]

Choreography, Skill Clinics/Workshops

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Rosemary Sims offered custom choreography services through AASCF throughout 2012, with choreography being customised for the team's ability and talent level, with room for teams to upgrade the difficulty throughout the year.[48] AASCF also offered more broad stunt and choreography camps for teams, with a follow up service provided for two weeks after the camp to ensure that the team is progressing and to answer any questions that may arise.[49]

AASCF also offered private workshop style camps for programs for more specialised content and one on one instruction than their larger day camps.

Membership and Insurance

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As a condition of entry into competition, each athlete had to register as a student member with AASCF. This membership program included genuine personal accident insurance for the individual athlete for all practice, performances, and competitions that the athlete attended through not only AASCF but also any other organisation.[48]

A membership program was also offered for gym/studio/schools, placing the location on the AASCF listing for ongoing referrals, as well as allowing the members information about event, clinics, camps, international guests, and professional advice/support.[50]

Super Summer Camps

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During January 2011, AASCF hosted two rounds of their annual Super Summer Cheer and Dance Camp in Queensland and Victoria.[51] The Queensland camp was based at the Christian Youth Centre at Burleigh Heads, Gold Coast, held from 19th to 21st January 2011.[52] The Victorian camp was based at the Urban Camp Melbourne Cooperative, held from 23rd to 26th January 2011.[53]

Both camps were hosted as sleep over camps, accomodating athletes from ages 7 and upwards. Athletes were separated based on age and experience/skill level to ensure safety.[52][53] The Victorian camp ended with a performance at half time during the NBL Melbourne Tigers home game.[53]

Product Sales

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Alongside their competitions, AASCF offered a range of apparel merchandise, including shirts, crops, bottoms, jewellery, backpacks, posters, bags, sunglasses and lanyards.[48] They also sold cheer shoes from both Kaepa USA and Varsity, uniforms/costumes, cheer spring floors and mats, and air track products.[48]

International Team Sponsorship

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AASCF sponsored a total of 8 teams to represent AASCF and Australia at the 2011 USASF/IASF World Cheer and Dance Championships, including: [48]

  • IASF Level 5 Open Coed
    • East Coast All Stars (Newcastle)
    • Australian Outlaws (Melbourne)
  • IASF All Girl Level 5
    • Australian Dreamgirls (Melbourne)
  • IASF International Open Jazz
    • Bradshaw Elite (Sydney)
  • IASF International Open Pom
    • Bradshaw Elite (Sydney)
    • East Coast All Stars (Newcastle)
    • Wolfpack (Melbourne)
  • IASF International Open Hip Hop
    • Bradshaw Elite (Sydney)


AASCF also sponsored Cheer Victoria Outlaws teams to reprsent AASCF at the Duel in the Desert Palm Springs Championship, held during Feburary.[48]

UNICEF Sponsorship

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During late 2011, AASCF was accepted to be a silver corporate sponsor for UNICEF's Champion for Children Charity.[54]

2012

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Competitions

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AASCF 2012 Competition Calendar[55]
Competition State Dates City Venue
Winterfest All Star Cheer and Dance Season Starter NSW June 23 - 24 Newcastle Newcastle Basketball Stadium
VIC June 30 - July 1 Geelong Geelong Arena
QLD July 7 - 8 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
SA July 22 Gawler Star Plex
NSW July 29 Illawarra Shellharbour City Stadium
Southern University Games VIC July 2 - 3 Latrobe Valley Traralgon Leisure Centre
All Star Cheer and Dance State Championships WA August 18 - 19 Belmont Belmont Oasis Leisure Centre
QLD August 25 - 26 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
SA September 2 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
NSW September 8 - 9 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadium
ACT September 16 Canberra Tuggerangong Basketball Stadium
VIC September 22 - 23 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
Australian All Star Cheer and Dance National Championship NSW October 26 - 28 Sydney State Sports Stadium

In an April 2012 interview, Stephen James estimated that AASCF had around 12,000 registered members Australia wide.[56]

Entry Fee Packages

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In order to incentivise teams entering multiple competitions and committing to these at the start of the season, AASCF offered early bird money saving packages for entry to 1 Winterfest, 1 States and Nationals if registered and paid by the end of June 2012.[55]

Crossovers

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Crossovers of athletes between level 5 and level 6 cheerleading teams from the same gym were not permitted. Crossover of athletes from other gyms in level 5 or level 6 were also not permitted as a loophole to this rule.[55]

Crossover between lower levels was permitted but done at the program's own risk as the championship would not accomodate the crossovers in the running order.[55]

Division Changes

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Open Dance was increased to a 3 minute time limit.[55]

Individual events were removed due to the growth of the competitions, however it was available at small competitions on request.[55]

Only the top 3 from each State in each level/category of partner and group stunt, open dance and partner dance divisions would be allowed to compete at Nationals.[55]

University Teams

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The university divisions at AASCF competitions were open to all teams that had at least 80% registered university students. However, for a team who wished to compete at the University Games or obtain a bid for the World University Championship, the team was required to be 100% registered university students.[55]

Division Splits

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For dance divisions, a split would occur separating small or large teams when there were 10 or more teams in a division before the split occurred and there would be 3 teams in each division after the split. This was defined as a small team being 4 - 14 dancers and a large team being 15 and up dancers.[55]

Age Grids

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The age of the competitor was defined by the year of the competition. For example, a tiny dancer in 2012 was required to be 6 years or younger for the entire length of the year of the competition, and not turn 7 before December 31 2012. Likewise, a senior dancer was allowed to enter the division at age 13 as long as they turned 14 before December 31 2012.[55]

AASCF 2012 Dance Age Grid[55]
Division Age
Tiny Dance 6 years and younger
Mini Dance 9 years and younger
Youth Dance 12 years and younger
Junior Dance 15 years and younger
Teen Dance 18 years and younger
Senior Dance 14 years and older
AASCF 2012 Cheer Age Divisions and Levels[55]
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 5 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Junior 14 years and unders n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Teen 18 years and under All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
High School 18 years and under All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Senior 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Coed n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
All Girl n/a 5 - 36 athletes 5
Coed n/a 5 - 36 athletes 5
International Open Worlds Bid 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Coed n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Senior Open 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Coed n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
University 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Coed n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2

(No Baskets)

Winterfest

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The Winterfest Cheer and Dance Season starter was held across late June through July 2012, with two New South Wales events held - one in Newcastle, and one in Shellharbour.[55]

Southern University Games

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The Southern University Games were held in LaTrobe Valley during July 2012, with AASCF facilitating the cheerleading championships.[55] This event attracted a large number of spectators, with it being standing room only, with the local news covering this sport as part of the SUG.[57]

State Championships

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State Championships were held across August through September, being held in Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, New South Wales, Australian Capital Territory and Victoria.[55]

National Championships

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AASCF's 2012 Nationals were held at the end of October in Sydney, New South Wales. The 2012 AASCF Nationals acted as a qualifying event for the 2013 IASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds, with AASCF having partially paid bids on offer for cheer teams performing at level 5+ and elite dance teams.[55]

Channel 10's The Project attended Nationals, filming content for mainstream media coverage of the event.[58]

The venue had initially anticipated 4800 competitors and approximately 5500 spectators over the event, however reached over 8000 spectators over the weekend, leading them to sell out of food despite having 3 kiosks and outside food vendors.[59]

AASCF 2012 National Championships Grand Champions
Grand Champion Division Champion Gym Champion Team Team Division
Cheer Grand Champion Level 1[60] Fit 2 Cheer Panthers Teen Cheer Level 1 Small
Cheer Grand Champion Level 2[61] Outlaws Allstars Spirits Teen Cheer Level 2 All Girl Large
Cheer Grand Champion Level 3[62] Queensland Cheer Elite Diamonds Senior Cheer Level 3 Coed Large
Cheer Grand Champion Level 4[63] Outlaws Allstars Kelly Girls Senior Cheer Level 4 All Girl
Cheer Grand Champion Level 4.2[64] EOD All Stars Pink Diamonds Cheer Level 4.2 All Girl
Scholastic Cheer Grand Champion[65] Aquinas College High School Cheer Level 2 Large
University Cheer Grand Champion[66] Macquarie University Warriors University Cheer Level 3
Pom Grand Champion[67] Deakin University Senior Pom IASF Open Worlds Bid Pom
Jazz Grand Champion[68] Bradshaw Elite IASF Open Worlds Bid Jazz
Hip Hop Grand Champion[69] Bradshaw Elite IASF Open Worlds Bid Hip Hop
Scholastic Dance Grand Champion[70] Gilroy College High School Pom
University Dance Grand Champion[71] Monash University Mystics University Pom
Dance Grand Champion[72] Bradshaw Elite IASF Open Worlds Bid Hip Hop

Membership and Insurance

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As a condition of entry into competition, each athlete had to register as a student member with AASCF. This membership program included genuine personal accident insurance for the individual athlete for all practice, performances, and competitions that the athlete attended through not only AASCF but also any other organisation.[73]

A membership program was also offered for gym/studio/schools, placing the location on the AASCF listing for ongoing referrals, as well as allowing the members information about event, clinics, camps, international guests, and professional advice/support.[50]

Coaches Conference

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The 2012 Coaches Conference was accompanied by an athletes' clinic and master class directly after AASCF's October Nationals, on October 29. The coaches were delivered a total of 9 sessions, with international guests such as Les Stella, Liz Rifino and Kate Stella. The conference also included IASF Coach Credentialing testing.[74]

Coach and Athlete Credentialing

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AASCF's IASF/USASF coach credentialing service continued,[75] with dates held in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland during January. Follow up dates were also held alongside each state's Winterfest and State Championship competition events, with private dates available upon request for gyms.[76]

The AASCF student cheerleading levels program also continued to be offered during 2012, with AASCF selling the syllabus via their website[77] as well as offering official AASCF examiners to assess students at each level.[78]

They also continued to offer private stunt and choreography clinics as well as competition routine choreography from Rosemary Sims.[79][80] Alongside these, the AASCF Student Cheerleading Program and Credentialing program continued to be offered by AASCF, able to be coached by those credentialed up to USASF Level 2.[81]

Choreography, Skill Clinics/Workshops

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Rosemary Sims offered custom choreography services through AASCF throughout 2012, with choreography being customised for the team's ability and talent level, with room for teams to upgrade the difficulty throughout the year.[82] AASCF also offered more broad stunt and choreography camps for teams, with a follow up service provided for two weeks after the camp to ensure that the team is progressing and to answer any questions that may arise.[49]

AASCF also offered private workshop style camps for programs for more specialised content and one on one instruction than their larger day camps.[83]

A round of coach education and skill camps were also held directly after Nationals during 2012, with sessions including at home tumbling technique drills, stunts, dance, motions and jazz and pom.[74]

Super Summer Camps

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During January 2012, AASCF hosted two rounds of their annual Super Summer Cheer and Dance Camp in Queensland and Victoria. The Queensland camp was based at the Tallebudgera Recreation Centre on the Gold Coast, held from 18th to 20th January. The Victorian camp was based at the Urban Camp Melbourne Cooperative, held from 24th to 26th January.[84]

Both camps were hosted as sleep over camps, accomodating athletes from ages 7 and upwards. Athletes were separated based on age and experience/skill level to ensure safety. Special guest coaches at the camps included Ben Lear (2011 World Champion, Top Gun), David James (2011 World Runner Up Cheer Athletics, Head Coach at Outlaws) and Rosemary Sims (Head Coach of Silver and Bronze Medal teams from 2011 ICU Worlds).[84]

Product Sales

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Alongside their competitions, AASCF offered a range of apparel merchandise, including shirts, crops, bottoms, jewellery, backpacks, posters, bags, sunglasses and lanyards.[85] They also sold cheer shoes from both Kaepa USA and Varsity,[86] uniforms/costumes,[87] cheer spring floors and mats, and air track products.[88]

Worlds Teams

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AASCF helped host the Team Australia tryouts for the 2013 ICU Cheerleading Worlds Level 5/6 All Girl team during November 2012.[89]

2013

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Competitions

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2013 AASCF Competition Calendar
Competition State Dates City Venue
Winterfest All Star Cheer and Dance Season Starter NSW June 9 Newcastle Newcastle Panthers
NSW June 16 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
QLD June 22 - 23 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
VIC June 29 - 30 Geelong Geelong Arena
SA July 7 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
Southern University Games VIC July 9 Ballarat
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition NSW July 27 - 28 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadium, Sydney Olympic Park
QLD August 3 - 4 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC August 10 - 11 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star Cheer and Dance State Championships ACT September 1 Canberra AIS Arena
NSW September 7 - 8 Sydney Homebush Sports Stadim, Sydney Olympic Park
QLD September 14 - 15 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
VIC September 21 - 22 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA September 29 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
WA October 6 Belmont WA Basketball Centre
Australian All Star Cheer and Dance National Championship VIC November 22 - 25 Melbourne Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Novice

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To adjust for and reflect the needs of the cheerleading community in Australia, AASCF introduced a new difficulty level at their 2013 competitions, known as Novice. Novice was designed to be an accessible way for new athletes to cheaply and safely be introduced to the sport of All Star Cheer and Dance, allowing for the perfection of basic skills and a simple introduction to the rules of the sport with minimal pressure before they move into the regular levels.[90][91]

Novice was offered in pom, jazz, hip hop and cheer level 1, in all ages, with teams not having points deducted and only warnings issued instead to intitiate them into the rules of the sport. The teams within this division were not included in any highest scoring or grand champion awards.[90]

Dance Categories

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This year AASCF began offering two new dance categories, adding lyrical and modern/contemporary divisions alongside their existing jazz, pom and hip hop divisions. With the introduction of this division, the open dance category was no longer offered.[90]

Entry Fee Packages

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In order to incentivise teams entering multiple competitions and committing to these at the start of the season, AASCF offered early bird money saving packages for teams who entered in 1 Winterfest event, 1 all star battle event and 1 state championship no later than the end of May 2013. This package did not include nationals.

Partner and Group Stunt

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This year introduced the requirement that partner and group stunt routines were required to qualify for nationals. As part of this process, partner and group stunt routines would compete at their state championships, with only the top 3 from each state advancing to nationals.

Crossovers

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Athletes were not allowed to cross over between a level 5 team and a level 6 team at the same gym. Crossovers between gyms to participate on a level 5 team or level 6 team were also not permitted.

Crossovers between lower levels were permitted at the program's own risk, with the disclaimer that AASCF would not change the running order to accomodate this.

Crossovers between programs were not encouraged, however were allowed on the basis that athletes paid the full entry fee for both programs.

University Teams

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AASCF allowed university teams to have a minimum of 70% registered univeristy students, allowing up to 30% of athletes to be non univeristy students. However univeristy teams who wished to compete at the Southern University Games or go for bids to the 2014 World Univeristy Championships were required to have 100% university team members.

All university cheer routines were required to add a 30 second cheer to the beginning of their routines, displaying crowd leading.

World University Championship bids were available at AASCF Nationals for teams with 100% university athletes in the divisions of all girl team cheer, coed team cheer, pom dance team, hip hop dance team, jazz dance team, pom doubles, hip hop doubles, jazz doubles, all girl stunt group and coed partner stunt group.

World Bids

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At the 2013 Nationals, AASCF awarded up to 10 bids for the 2014 Cheerleading and Dance Worlds.

Dance Division Combining and Splittting

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A dance division was split into small and large if there were 10 or more division before the split occurred, with at least 3 teams in each division once the split occurred.

Small teams were defined as being between 4 - 14 dancers, with large teams being 15+ dancers.

Age Grids

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The age of the athlete was required be in the year of the competition - i.e. If an athlete. was entered in “Tiny” dance in 2013 they were required to be 6 years or younger during 2013, and only turn 7 after 31st December 2013. Likewise, if a 13 year old athlete was entered in open dance, they were required to turn 14 years old by 31st December 2013.

AASCF 2013 Dance Divisions
Divisions Age
Tiny 6 years and younger
Mini 9 years and younger
Youth 12 years and younger
Primary School 12 years and younger
Junior 15 years and younger
Senior/Teen 18 years and younger
High School 18 years and younger
Open 14 years and older
University 17 years and older
Special Needs Pom N/A
AASCF Cheer Age Grid
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 5 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Senior (Teen) 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 36 athletes
High School 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Open 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 32 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Coed
All Girl n/a 5 - 36 athletes 5
Coed
17 years and over n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 4
International Open IASF Worlds Bid 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed
16 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Coed
University 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1/2, 3/4, 5/6
Coed
Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2 (no baskets)

Appropriate Choreography Rules

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Appropriate choreography rules went into effect with the 2013 season, which dictated that all facets of a performance/routine, including choreography and music, should be appropriate and suitable for family viewing and listening.

This rule explicitly defined examples of inappropriate choreography, including but not limited to:

  • Movements such as hip thrusting and inappropriate touching
  • Gestures
  • Hand/Arm Movements and signals
  • Slapping
  • Positioning of body parts
  • Positioning athletes to one another

Inappropriate music was also defined as including, but not listening to:

  • Swearwords
  • Connonations of any types of sexual act or behaviour
  • Connonations of any types of drugs
  • Explicit mention of specific parts of the body torso
  • Mention of violent acts of behaviour
  • Removal of improper language/words and replacement with sound effects or other words

Cover Up Guidelines

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Coverup requirements began in the 2013 season, dictating that athletes with non-full top uniforms being required to wear a t-shirt or other suitable coverup over their uniforms unless they were in the warmup area, travelling as a group directly to or from the warmup area, or on the performance stage.

Makeup and Bow Guidelines

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These rule changes went into effect in the 2013 season, however were not enforceable by deduction until the 2014 season, with teams being given warnings during this year.

Makeup was required to be uniform and appropriate for the performance as well as the age of the athlete. Face and eyelid rhinestones were no longer allowed, with false eyelashes no longer being allowed to be decorated in rhinestones or additional jewellery.

Bows were no longer allowed to be excessive in size, with acceptable bows as being defined as no more than 7.5cm in width, with bows required to not be a distraction. Bows were required to be worn in a manner to minimise rise for athletes, adequately secured and not fall over the forehead into the athletes' eyes or block the view of the athlete while performing.

Winterfest and States

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This year marked record growth for AASCF up until this point.

Winterfest NSW saw more than 90 cheer and dance teams competing at the event, also attracting media coverage,[92] with the State Championships series seeing a 40% increase in entries and Nationals seeing a 25% increase in entries.[93]

Battle

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This growth helped AASCF to further expand their competition offerings, introducing Cheer Battle. This event would be held in Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne over the weekends in late July to mid August. This was a cheer only event, held over two days with teams competing on both days.[94]

Nationals

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Their National Championships were held in Melbourne during 2013, with just on 6000 athletes competing.[95] This event attracted media controversy, as the venue was hosting both Club X Sexpo Extreme and AASCF Nationals at the same time, while AASCF were promoting their event as a "wholesome family event".[96]

2014

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Competitions

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2014 AASCF Competition Calendar[97]
Competition State Dates City Venue
All Star Cheer and Dance Winterfest Season Starter NSW June 13 - 15 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD June 20 - 22 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Sports Centre
VIC June 27 - 29 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
SA July 6 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
Southern University Games VIC July 8 Wodonga
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition NSW July 25 - 27 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD August 1 - 3 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC August 8 - 10 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star Cheer and Dance State Championship Series ACT August 31 Canberra AIS Arena
NSW September 5 - 7 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD September 12 - 14 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
VIC September 19 - 21 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA September 28 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
WA October 5 Perth Challenge Stadium
Australian Scholastic Cheer and Dance National Championship NSW October 26 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
Australian All Star Cheer and Dance National Championship QLD November 28 - 30 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre

AASCF's 2014 calendar remained largely grouped along the East Coast, with their Winterfest and Battle events being held in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, while their National Championships were in Queensland. Their State Championships were held more broadly across Australia, with events held in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia.[98][97]

During this year, AASCF separated their scholastic nationals from their all star nationals, with scholastic nationals being held in New South Wales during October. At the scholastic nationals events, university teams had the opportunity to win bids to the World University Championship.[97]

Nationals 2014 was held on the Gold Coast at the Convention Centre during November, hosting 978 teams in total, split into 458 cheer teams and 520 dance teams.[99] As part of their National Championships competition, AASCF offered 12 potential cheer and dance bids to the IASF 2015 World Championships, as well as following the competition days with a coaches conference and athlete clinics with international experts as part of the event.[97]

Overall, this year continued the historical trend AASCF had noted of a 30 - 35% growth in event participation per year,[97] with a total of more than 35,000 registered athletes participating in AASCF events during the year.[100]

Summer Camp

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AASCF ran their January Summer camps across multiple cities this year, hosting camps in Gold Coast, Newcastle, Sydney, Canberra and Melbourne. This year's camps were two day long day style camps, hosted for children 7 and upwards with all ages separated. The ages were then further separated into skill level of beginner (level 1), intermediate (levels 2-3) and advanced (levels 4-6). Once again, they were hosted for children aged 7 and up, however they were held in a day camp format this year.[101]

Coaches Conference

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The annual coaches conference was held during January, inviting intermediate/advanced athletes and coaches of all levels, with international guests Jame Speed and Shannon Speed being invited presenters.[98]

Other Ventures

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AASCF saw expansion during this year into the cheerleading media space, buying the Australian Cheerleading Magazine. This saw editor Rianna continuing to coordinate the magazine with existing staff, with the use of AASCF resources, and Issue 7 being published as part of the AASCF Nationals event.[102]

International Recognition

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The International Cheer and Dance Spirit Awards nominated AASCF for the Best International Championship as well as Best International Cheer and Dance Company of the year, alongside Rosemary Sims-James (AASCF's director) being nominated for Best International Cheer Choreographer.[103]

2015

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Competitions

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2015 AASCF Competition Dates[104]
Competition Dates State City Venue
Winterfest Cheer & Dance Season Starter June 12 - 14 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
June 19 - 21 QLD Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Sports Centre
June 26 - 28 Vic Melbourne State Basketball Centre
July 18 - 19 SA Adelaide Adelaide Arena
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition July 24 - 26 NSW Sydney Olympic Park
August 7 - 9 Vic Melbourne State Basketball Centre
August 14 - 16 QLD Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
State Cheer and Dance Championship Series 29/30 August ACT Canberra AIS Arena
September 4 - 6 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
September 12 - 13 QLD Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
September 18 - 20 Vic Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
October 17 - 18 SA Adelaide Adelaide Arena
October 24/25 WA Perth Challenge Stadium
Scholastic National Championship October 24/25 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
Melbourne Cheer and Dance Carnival October 30 - November 1 Vic Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star National Championships November 27 - 29 Vic Melbourne Melbourne Convention Centre
Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle November 30 Vic Melbourne Melbourne Convention Centre

Across the year, AASCF marked the milestone of over 40,000 athletes competing in their 18 championship events that were held across Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Adelaide and Perth venues.[105]

Entry Rebate Scheme

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Gyms were incentivised to enter into AASCF competitions during the year as part of a rebate entry scheme, where they refunded 5% of the total 2015 entry fees after Nationals to teams that competed at Winterfest, Battle, States and Nationals.[104]

Novice Division Rules

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As part of their 2015 competitions, novice categories were offered in pom, jazz and hip hop dance styles and cheer level 1. Dance teams were required to have less than 50% of the team having skills such as fouettes, Russian Jettes or double pirouettes. Cheer teams were required to have less than 50% of the team having high range level 1 tumbling (i.e. roundoffs, walkovers) and less than 50% of the team having high range stunting (i.e. duel base chest stands, single base thigh/waist level). Once a team had competed in either cheer or dance novice for a season, they were required to move into the main all-star divisions for the next season. An allstar team was not allowed to move back into novice for AASCF Nationals after competing in all-star previously during the season, unless this was recommended by the judging panel at States. Novice teams did not have teams deducted unless they were performing illegal skills.[104] For dance athletes, dancers were not allowed to compete in the novice division and a regular division within the same style.[106]

Winterfest

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Winterfest was held over June 2015, with rounds in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne. Group/partner stunts and dance doubles were included as divisions at this event, with no entry restrictions.[104]

Battle

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Battle continued to be a cheer only event, held in Melbourne, Sydney and the Gold Coast during late July to mid August.[104] As part of Battle, an "Ultimate Battle Champion" title was introduced, with the highest scoring team from each age/level division of each state having the video of their higher scoring routine from the two days being re-judged by a judging panel against the winners from other states in the same divisions. The highest scoring team from this process would be crowned the Ultimate Battle Champion of that division, winning banners to hang at their gym as well as smaller individual athlete banners.[104] Group and partner cheer stunt and dance double categories were included in this event, however due to the growth of the number of teams in these divisions, only programs with teams already entered into the event were allowed to enter teams into this division. The exception to this was unless the state did not have a Battle championship.[104]

States

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States was held in the Australian Capital Territory, New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia, spanning weekends between the last weekend of August into October 2015.[104] Partner and Group stunt divisions and dance double divisions were also included in the State Championships. The restriction for entry still applied, with programs required to have teams entered in the event to enter routines in these divisions, unless the state did not have a Battle Championship or were from Far Northern Queensland or Far Northern Western Australia.[104] State Championships were used as a qualifier for AASCF Nationals for partner and group stunt divisions, with the top three from each state scoring above 65 points before deductions eligible to compete at Nationals.[104]

Scholastic Nationals

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Scholastic Nationals continued to be separated from All-Star Nationals, being held in late October in New South Wales at Sydney Olympic Park.[104] Across all championships this year, university teams were given a division 1 and division 2 option, with division 1 teams being made of 100% current university students and division 2 teams being a mixture of current students, alumni and outside athletes with a basis of 60% current students. At the Scholastic Nationals, only Division 1 teams were eligible for bids to University Worlds and for the University Grand Champion title.[104]

Spring Carnival

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Spring Carnival was introduced for the first time during this year, being hosted only in Victoria from 30 October to 1st November.[104] Group/partner stunts and dance doubles were included as divisions at this event, with no entry restrictions.[104]

Nationals

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AASCF's Nationals event had historically rotated between the three main Eastern states of Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria in past years. However during 2015, while the event was due to be held in Sydney, construction on the Sydney Convention Exhibition Centre left AASCF unable to hold the event in Sydney. This led AASCF to opt to hold the event in Melbourne instead, beginning a standard where AASCF would not return to hosting their Nationals in Sydney during later years.[104] Over 1100 teams competed in this event, with teams from every state and territory within Australia as well as New Zealand.[105] At this event, AASCF offered 60+ potential cheer and dance bids to the 2016 IASF Cheer and Dance Worlds.[104]

Pinnacle

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AASCF introduced a new event during 2015, that emulated the USASF U.S. based event "Summit" within Australia.[107][108] The Australasian Pinnacle was a bid-only event, with teams required to win one of the 150 bids available for both cheer and dance teams at eligible events throughout the year. Bids were offered to the overall grand champion or highest scoring team in each division of cheer and dance, allowing for a "best of the best" exclusive style national championships.[108][109]

Age Grids for 2015 AASCF Events
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Dance Division Age Grids
Division Age Athlete Requirements
Tiny Dance 6 years and under Small - 4 - 14

Large - 15+

Mini Dance 9 years and under Small - 4 - 14

Large - 15+

Youth Dance 12 years and younger Small - 4 - 14

Large - 15+

Primary School Dance 12 years and younger Small - 4 - 14

Large - 15+

Junior Dance 15 years and younger Small - 4 - 14

Large - 15+

Senior Dance 18 years and younger Small - 4 - 14

Large - 15+

High School Dance 18 years and younger Small - 4 - 14

Large - 15+

Open Dance 14 years and older Small - 4 - 14

Large - 15+

University Dance 17 years and older Division 1 - 4 - 16

Division 2 - 4 - 24

Special Needs (Pom only) n/a n/a
Cheerleading Division Age Grid/Restrictions
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 5 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 1, 2
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 32
Senior 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32
Coed Small 5 - 20
Large 21 - 32
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 5
Large 21 - 32
Coed Small 5 - 20 including 1 - 4 males
Large 5 - 36 including 1 - 18 males
High School 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32
Coed Small 5 - 20
Large 21 - 32
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 5
Large 21 - 32
Coed Small 5 - 20 including 1 - 4 males
Large 5 - 36 including 1 - 18 males
Open 14 years and over All Girl Small 5 - 20 members 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32
Coed Small 5 - 20
Large 21 - 32
All Girl n/a 5 - 36 5
Coed Small 5 - 20 including 1 - 4 males
Large 5 - 36 including 1 - 18 males
17 years and over n/a n/a 5 - 32 4
International Open (IASF Bids) 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 5
Coed 5 - 24 including 1 - 12 males
16 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 6
Coed 5 - 24 including 1 - 15 males
University 17 years and over All Girl n/a 5 – 16 100%, 5 - 24 open & all level 1/2 1/2, 3/4, 5/6
Coed
Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2 (no baskets)

AASCF National Grand Champions and World Bid Winners 2015

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Grand Champions & Worlds Bid Winners - AASCF Nationals & Pinnacle 2015
Division Champion Gym Champion Team Division
AASCF Nationals[110][111][112][113] Cheer Grand Champion Level 1 Excite Cheer and Dance Team Excite Large Junior Level 1
Cheer Grand Champion Level 2 East Coast Allstars Condors Large Senior All Girl Large Gym Level 2
Cheer Grand Champion Level 3 Oxygen Allstars Nitros Junior Level 3
Cheer Grand Champion Level 4 Shire Elite Royals Small Open Coed Level 4
Cheer Grand Champion Level 4.2 Gymstars Devils Cartel Open All Girl Level 4.2
Cheer Grand Champion Level 5 East Coast Allstars Phoenix Large Open Coed Level 5
Level 5 Worlds Partial Paid Bid Winners Outlaws Allstars Kelly Girls International Open All Girl Level 5
Outlaws Allstars Notorious International Open Large Coed Level 5
Level 5 Worlds At Large Bid Winners EOD All Stars Onyx International Open All Girl Level 5
Pure Allstars Perfection International Open All Girl Level 5
Outlaws Allstars Golden Girls Small Senior All Girl Level 5
Cheer Grand Champion Level 6 Southern Cross Cheer Legacy International Large Coed Level 6
Level 6 Worlds Partial Paid Bid Winner Southern Cross Cheer Legacy International Large Coed Level 6
Level 6 Worlds At Large Bid Winner DreamTyme DreamGirls International Open All Girl Level 6
Cheer Grand Champion University Macquarie University Warriors University Division 1 Coed Level 3/4
Cheer Grand Champion Scholastic St Leonard's College Saints Blue High School Level 2
Modern/Contemproary National Grand Champion Mathis Diamonds Open Modern/Contemporary
Lyrical National Grand Champion NRG Allstars Lightning Open Lyrical
Jazz National Grand Champion NRG Allstars Lightning Open All Girl Jazz
Jazz Worlds Partial Paid Bid Winner NRG Allstars Lightning Open All Girl Jazz
Jazz Worlds At Large Bid Winner KLD Air Force Allstars Black Ops Senior Jazz Petite
DreamTyme Elite Open Coed Jazz
Pom National Grand Champion DreamTyme Infinity Open Coed Pom
Pom Worlds Partial Paid Bid Winner DreamTyme Infinity Open Coed Pom
Pom Worlds At Large Bid Winner Monash University Mystics Open All Girl Pom
Cheertastic Rock Stars Senior Pom
DreamTyme Solar Flares Senior Pom
Starlets Stealth Open All Girl Pom
Hip Hop National Grand Champion Dancers Edge DE.3 Open Hip Hop
Hip Hop Partial Paid Worlds Bid Winner Dancers Edge DE.3 Open Hip Hop
Hip Hop At Large Worlds Bid Winner Deakin University Onyx Open Hip Hop
Scholastic Dance Grand Champion Loreto Toorak Storm High School Pom
University Dance Grand Champion Monash University Mystics University Division 1 Hip Hop
Australasian Pinnacle[114][115] Pinnacle Cheer Grand Champion Level 1 Team Outlaws Allstars Triggers Senior Level 1
Pinnacle Cheer Grand Champion Level 2 Team East Coast Allstars Condors Senior All Girl Level 2
Pinnacle Cheer Grand Champion Level 3 Team Outlaws Allstars Rogues Junior Level 3
Pinnacle Cheer Grand Champion Level 4 Team Outlaws Allstars Sheriffs Senior All Girl Level 4
Pinnacle Cheer Grand Champion Level 4.2 Team Shire Elite Dynasty Level 4.2
Pinnacle Cheer Grand Champion Level 5 Team East Coast Allstars Phoenix Open Coed Level 5
Pinnacle Cheer Grand Champion Level 6 Team Southern Cross Cheer Legacy Open Level 6
Pinnacle University Level 3/4 Coed Macquarie University Warriors University Level 3/4 Coed
Pinnacle Modern/Contemporary Grand Champion Cheertastic Dreamstars Open Modern/Contemporary
Pinnacle Lyrical Grand Champion S2S Open Stars Open Lyrical
Pinnacle Jazz Grand Champion Dreamtyme Dream Elite Open Jazz
Pinnacle Pom Grand Champion Cheertastic Rock Stars Senior Pom
Pinnacle Hip Hop Grand Champion Dancers Edge DE.3 Open Hip Hop

Membership and Insurance

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As a condition of entry into competition, each athlete had to register as a student member with AASCF. This membership program included genuine personal accident insurance for the individual athlete for all practice, performances, and competitions that the athlete attended through not only AASCF but also any other organisation.[116]

A membership program was also offered for gym/studio/schools, placing the location on the AASCF listing for ongoing referrals, as well as allowing the members information about event, clinics, camps, international guests, and professional advice/support.[117]

Coaches Conference

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The 2015 AASCF coaches conference was held during January in Melbourne, spanning 40 education sessions by both Australian and international presenters.[118]

Coach and Athlete Credentialing

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AASCF's IASF/USASF coach credentialing service continued, with dates held in South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland during rounds in February and May 2015.[119] They also continued to offer private stunt and choreography clinics as well as competition routine choreography from Rosemary Sims.[79][80] Alongside these, the AASCF Student Cheerleading Program and Credentialing program continued to be offered by AASCF, able to be coached by those credentialed up to USASF Level 2.[81]

Legality Enquiries

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Teams competing at the Winterfest opportunity were offered the opportunity to send a video of their routine to a safety judge prior to the competition, with the safety judge reviewing the footage to flag whether there are any skills of concern that would flag a safety deduction in the routine.[120]

Product Sales

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Alongside their competitions, AASCF offered a range of apparael merchandise, including shirts, crops, bottoms, jewellery, backpacks, posters, bags, sunglasses and lanyards. They also sold cheer shoes from both Kaepa USA and Varsity,[121] uniforms/costumes,[122] cheer spring floors and mats, and air track products.[123]

2016

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Competitions

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2016 AASCF Competition Calendar[124]
Competition State Dates City Venue
Winterfest Cheer & Dance Season Starter NSW June 10 - 12 Sydney Royal Hall of Industries, Moore Park
QLD June 17 - 19 Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Sports Centre
VIC June 24 - 26 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
SA July 2 - 3 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition NSW July 22 - 24 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
QLD July 29 - 31 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC August 5 - 7 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
State Championships NSW August 26 - 28 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
WA September 2 - 3 Perth HBF Arena
QLD September 9 - 11 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
VIC September 16 - 18 Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
SA September 24 - 25 Adelaide Adelaide Arena
Scholastic and University Nationals NSW October 22 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
Spring Carnival QLD October 15 - 16 Brisbane South Bank Parklands Piazza
NSW October 23 Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
VIC October 28 - 30 Melbourne State Basketball Centre
National Cheer and Dance Championships QLD November 25 - 27 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle QLD November 28 Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre

AASCF advertised that 2016 was their 10th anniversary of running national cheer and dance events, as well as their 30th anniversary of Rosemary Sims-James and Stephen James running cheer and dance events within Victoria, which they had done under the Cheerleading Victoria branding.[125]

Entry Fee Rebate Scheme

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AASCF continued their rebate scheme to incentivise gyms to participate in more than one event, by offering a 5% rebate of entry fees to teams that competed at Winterfest, All Star Battle (or Spring Carnival for dance teams), States and Nationals.[125]

Image Policy Changes - Uniform

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As of 2016, AASCF introduced a new rule around their image policy, with junior and below aged teams no longer being allowed to wear midriff uniforms, in alignment with the USASF rule that came into play for the USA 2015/16 season.[125]

Division Splits

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If a division had 10 or more teams within a section, with at least 3 teams left after a team size split, then the division would be split. If there were still 10 or more teams in either division, AASCF may then split the division further by team size or into gym sizes (Division 1/Large and Division 2/Small), with a further split of Division 3 gyms being possible.[125] A division 2 gym would be defined as having only one physical address for their location and 125 or less competitive cheer athletes, with exhibition teams, crossover athletes, special needs teams and dance teams not counting towards this quota. If divisions were required to be further split, Division 3 gyms would be defined as having one physical address and having 75 or less athletes in their competitive cheer program.[125]

New Divisions - Adult and 1st Year High School

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New for 2016 was the introduction of the adult age division for both cheer and dance. This division held an aim of encouraging participation from parents and mature aged individuals. Athletes were required to be 18 years and over. Within dance, adult dance offered pom and hip hop, with cheer only offering level 1 at this stage. Adult athletes were only allowed to cross over one level into an open level 2 team at this stage, with the cheer teams not included in any highest scoring awards.[125]

Also new during 2016 was the introduction of a new section for high school teams for level 1, where teams in their first year competing would compete only against other teams in their first year of competing. This was to assist new high schools competing in cheer and help ease them into the sport.[125]

Dance Style Offerings Change

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Lyrical and contemporary divisions were combined into one division during this season, following the USASF Dance rules.[125]

Novice Division

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The novice division included for both cheer and dance teams. The rule that novice teams would not have points deducted unless it was an intentional previously warned and repeated rule break or extreme circumstance of putting athletes at risk of injury continued for both cheer and dance. However, there were significant changes from prior years that applied to both cheer and dance novice divisions.

Novice cheer was open for beginner all star cheer teams at level 1 only, apart from the open age group as the new adult division was designed to serve the same purpose. Novice cheer sections were divided where possible into divisions 1, 2 or 3 if there were more than 3 teams in a section and 9 or more teams in a division. Teams were required to follow the current IASF/USASF cheer level 1 rules with a number of amendments in order to help place a focus on perfecting the very basic skills before attempting harder skills. Novice cheer athletes could not cross over onto a level 2 or above team, being restricted to crossing into a level 1 team. However, the previous year's rules around restrictions on skill level within the team (less than 50% of the team having high range level 1 tumbling and high range stunting) and requirement to move into the main all-star division the following year were removed.[104][125]

Novice dance was offered in pom, jazz and hip hop only, in all ages groups, with a number of amendments made to the standard USASF dance rules for each style to place a focus on perfecting the very basic skills before advancing. Novice dancers were not allowed to compete within a novice division and allstar division within the sam style. Allstar dance teams were not allowed to move into novice for nationals, unless recommended via the judging panel at States.[125]

Winterfest

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All Star Battle: Cheer Edition

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All Star Battle was a cheer only competition, held in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria over late July through early August. This event was held as a two day event, with all teams competing twice and the scores being combined in order to receive the final ranking.[125]

During 2016, all novice teams, scholastic teams and tiny teams were only required to perform once at All Star Battle due to feedback from coaches around the country who had taken past in the event during prior years.[125]

Due to the growth of the stunt and dance double divisions at Battle, AASCF implemented a rule stating that in order for a club to enter a stunt group or dance double, a club must have at least one group team entered in the competition. The exception to this was if the club was from a state that did not have a state championship, or was based in Far Northern Queensland and Far Northern Western Australia. [125]

States
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AASCF's 2016 State Championship series was held over late August through September.

Due to the growth of the stunt and dance double divisions at AASCF State Championships, AASCF implemented a rule stating that in order for a club to enter a stunt group or dance double, a club must have at least one group team entered in the competition. The exception to this was if the club was from a state that did not have a state championship, or was based in Far Northern Queensland and Far Northern Western Australia.

Dance doubles and stunt groups were required to qualify for Nationals through participation at AASCF States. New for 2016, dance doubles were required to hit a 65% score on their scorecard in order to qualify for Nationals. This rule was already in place for stunt groups.

Spring Carnival
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This year saw an expansion to AASCF's competition offerings, with Spring Carnival now being held in multiple states.

Nationals
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AASCF's Nationals continued to see growth, with 10,278 athletes taking part in 1606 routines.[126][127][128] Their Pinnacle event saw a total of 2,230 athletes performing as part of the "best of the best".[126] These back to back events attracted mainstream media attention, with Daily Telegraph noting that participation occured with athletes ranging from age 4 to 58,[129] and the Gold Coast Bulletin highlighting how the events brought a $24 million boost to the local economy.[130]

Pinnacle
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The last competition that AASCF held during 2016 was the Australasian Pinnacle on November 28, immediately after the National Championships. This continued to be a bid only event, held for junior and above teams. However if a lower aged team won highest scoring that would typically qualify for a pinnacle bid, it was at AASCF's discretion to invite the team to perform as an exhibition team only. Novice teams, open level 1, adult teams and scholastic teams were not eligible for Pinnacle. Only limited university teams were eligible for Pinnacle, with their bids only available to be won at AASCF States and Scholastic Nationals. Cheer athletes were not allowed to win bids or perform at Pinnacle in more than 2 cheer teams (that were required to be one level apart). The exception to the cheer level crossover rules at Pinnacle were that Level 5 and 6 athletes could not cross over into another level 5 or 6 team, but were allowed to cross over into level 4 teams only. Dancers were allowed to compete on no more than 4 dance teams at Pinnacle, that were all required to be in different styles and no more than one direct age group crossover with no style crossovers in the age crossovers.[125]

Age Grid/Divisions
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2016 AASCF Age Divisions/Styles[125]
Division Age Team Size Athlete Requirements Styles
Tiny Dance 6 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom
Large 15+ dancers
Mini Dance 9 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Large 15+ dancers
Youth Dance 12 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Duo
Large 15+ dancers
Primary School Dance Primary School Age Small 4 - 14 dancers Hip Hop, Pom
Large 15+ dancers
Junior Dance 15 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Duo
Large 15+ dancers
Senior Dance 18 years and younger Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Duo
Large 15+ dancers
High School Dance High School Age Small 4 - 14 dancers Hip Hop, Pom
Large 15+ dancers
Open Dance 14 years and older Small 4 - 14 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Duo
Large 15+ dancers
Adult Dance 18 years to any age Open 4 - 24 dancers Pom, Hip Hop
University Dance 17 years and older Premier 4 - 16 dancers Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Duo
Open 4 - 20 dancers
Special Needs Pom n/a n/a n/a Pom
2016 AASCF Cheerleading Age Grid[125]
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 6 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes Novice, 1
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes Novice, 1, 2
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 32 athletes
High School 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Senior 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 36 athletes

1 - 18 males

Senior Restricted 10 - 18 years n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 5 Restricted
Open 14 years and over n/a n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1
All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 2
Coed n/a 5 - 24 athletes 2
All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 36 athletes

1 - 18 males

International Open 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed Small 5 - 24 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 24 athletes

5 - 12 males

16 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Coed Small 5 - 24 members

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 24 athletes

5 - 14 males

Adult (Parents and Mature Age) 18 years to any age n/a n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1
University 17 years and over All Girl Premier 5 - 20 athletes 1/2, 3/4, 5/6
Open 5 - 24 athletes
Coed Premier 5 - 16 athletes
Open 5 - 20 athletes
Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2

(No Baskets)

Media Advocacy for Cheer as Sport

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During December 2016, AASCF staff took part in the media interviews surrounding the public backlash of IOC's inclusion of cheerleading as a provisional sport, which highlighted the athletic nature of the activity and competitions and growing number of athletes taking part in the sport, with Steve James being quoted as stating AASCF was seeing participation grow by 25 - 29% annually.[131][132][128]

Disability Inclusion Media Coverage

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A video of Oxygen All Stars Special Ability team Lithium performing at Battle went viral during 2016, attracting international media attention for the inclusion of Debbie Stark, a wheelchair athlete, in the routine.[133][134]

2017

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Competitions

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AASCF 2017 Competition Calendar[135]
Competition Dates State City Venue
Winterfest Cheer & Dance Season Starter June 9 - 11 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
June 16 - 18 QLD Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
June 23 - 25 VIC Melbourne State Basketball Centre
June 30 - July 2 SA Adelaide Titanium Arena
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition July 28 - 30 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
August 4 - 6 QLD Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
August 11 - 13 VIC Melbourne State Basketball Centre
State Championships August 25 - 27 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
September 1-3 WA Perth HBF Arena/HBF Stadium
September 8 - 10 QLD Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
September 22 - 24 VIC Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
September 30 - October 1 SA Adelaide Titanium Arena
AASCF Scholastic and University Nationals October 14 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
Spring Carnival October 15 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
October 21 - 22 QLD Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Sports Centre
October 27 - 29 VIC Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
National Cheer and Dance Championships November 24 - 26 VIC Melbourne Melbourne Convention Centre
Australasian Pinnacle November 27 VIC Melbourne Melbourne Convention Centre

Across 2017, AASCF attracted over 52,000 athletes to their 21 championship events, 15% of whom were male, alongside over 3000 registered coaches.[136][137]

Entry Rebate Scheme

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In order to incentivise gyms to attend multiple AASCF events, AASCF would continue to offer a 5% refund rebate from the total 2017 entry fees for teams that competed at 4 of the following 6 series, with States and Nationals being compulsory: Winterfest, Battle, Scholastic Nationals, Spring Carnival, States, Nationals.[135]

Winterfest

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AASCF's 2017 competition season started with Winterfest, held in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne during June. Each of the Winterfest events offered bids to the Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle, as well as offering cheer bids to the 2018 Spirit Sports Duel in the Desert in Palm Springs and 2018 Varsity Honolulu International Championships and dance bids to the 2018 NDA All Star Dance Nationals.[135][138]

Battle

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All Star Cheer Battles were held in Sydney, Gold Coast and Melbourne during late July into mid-August. All teams competed twice, with 40% of day one's score added to 60% of day two's score to determine the winners. The exceptions to this were novice, tiny and scholastic teams, who competed only once. Stunt group divisions were offered at Battle, however there were capped stunt entries to control numbers with clubs required to enter cheer teams into Battle to be able to enter stunt routines. Australasian Pinnacle bids were awarded in every eligible level at this event.[135]

States

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State Championships were held from late August to early October in NSW, WA, QLD, VIC, and SA. The State Championships for ACT were included as part of the NSW event. State Championships were used to qualify stunt and dance doubles for Nationals, with Pinnacle bids also being offered for all dance styles and all cheer levels.[135]

Scholastic Nationals

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The Scholastic Nationals were held in October, allowing scholastic teams to compete in all levels of cheer and styles of dance, as well as dance doubles and group and partner stunt routines. Individual competitions in tumbling, baskets, fouette, bow and arrow and scorpions were also held as well as awards being given for the Best School Mascot and Spirit Award. Pinnacle bids were awarded for university teams in pom and level 3/4, as well as invitations being given for the University Worlds in cheer and dance. Primary and High School Grand Champions for the year were awarded at this event as it was considered the scholastic divisions "true nationals", and while scholastic teams were welcome to compete at the all-star nationals in November, grand champions were no longer awarded at the all-star nationals. This event attracted a total of 4000 cheerleaders competing for primary school, high school and university teams.[135]

Spring Carnival

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Spring Carnival was held throughout October, offering Pinnacle bids for all dance styles and all cheer levels as well as individual skill competitions for each club's athletes. As a fun extra, fashion on the mat was held, holding coach and gym owner parades and competitions for the best fascinator and debonair.[135] The Queensland and New South Wales Spring Carnival championships saw a 25% growth, alongside a 50% growth in Victoria.[139]

Nationals

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AASCF Nationals marked global history by being the first ever qualifying event at which a team could win a fully paid dance bid to the IASF Worlds event, as well as offering a fully paid cheer bid, 6 partially paid bids and 16 at large bids for the event. Also at the 2017 Nationals, AASCF became the first ever provider for teams to win bids to the 2018 US Summit event, offering 8 at large bids.[140][141] AASCF's Nationals saw continued growth, with a total of 10,600 athletes competing in 1460 teams accompanied by 1100 coaches.[142]

Pinnacle

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To finish off AASCF's competition season, the Australasian Pinnacle was held the day after Nationals, on Monday November 27th. Introduced in 2017, in order to win a bid at a qualifying event from after the AASCF state championship in a state onwards, a team was required to make an 85% minimum raw score, with grand champion no longer being enough. This was in order to ensure high standard routines winning Pinnacle bids, as bids would be passed down the line to the next team without a bid if the first winning team already had a bid. As of 2017, Pinnacle's competition was for only junior aged team and above. If a lower age team won the grand champion/highest scoring at a qualifying event w ith an 85% score, they would be allowed to perform at Pinnacle as an exhibition team only. Special Ability, Primary/High School, Novice, Open Level 1 and Adult teams were not contenders to compete at Pinnacle. Only selected University teams were included at Pinnacle, with university teams only being awarded bids at AASCF states and scholastic nationals.[135]

Partner Stunt/Group Stunts
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The junior age group was removed from partner stunts during 2017, however was still present in group stunts.[135]

Novice Division

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The novice division was allowed in both cheer and dance. In cheer, novice sections were divided where possible into divisions 1, 2 and 3 if there were 3 or more teams in a section and 9 or more teams in a division. Novice was offered in every cheer age group other than open age, with the adult division serving as the novice equivalent for open age groups. Novice cheer athletes were not allowed to compete in any other cheer team at level 2 or above, however were allowed to cross into level 1, with novice cheer routines also having modified skills. [135]

Novice dance divisions were offered in pom, jazz, hip hop and lyrical/contemporary in all ages, with modified amendments to have a focus on perfecting the basic skills. A dancer was not allowed to compete in a novice division and regular division within the same style i.e. if competing a novice jazz routine, they could not compete a regular jazz routine but could compete a regular pom, hip hop or lyrical routine. If a team was competing during the season in the regular division, they were not allowed to compete in the novice division at nationals unless recommended by the states' judges. Novice teams did not have points deducted unless they were seen to be intentionally breaking the novice rules by repeat offending, instead receiving warnings.[135]

Division Splits

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Cheer divisions were split once a division hit 9 teams into small and large teams if there were 3 teams in both splits. Once a large and small team split had occurred, and there were still 9 teams in a division, a further split occurred by gym size into large (Division 1), small (Division 2) and extra small (Division 3). A Division 2 gym was distinguished from a Division 1 gym by only having one physical address with 125 or less athletes registered in its competitive cheer program at the time of competition (exhibition teams, crossover athletes, special needs teams and dance teams not counting towards this quota). A Division 3 gym was further separated as having one physical address for its location and having 75 or less athletes registered in its competitive cheer program at the time of competition.[135]

Dance divisions were split once a division hit 9 teams into small and large teams if there were 3 teams in both splits. Once the large and small team split occurred and the division then reached 16 teams, a further split occurred into petite, small and large teams.[135]

Age Grids

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AASCF 2017 Cheer Age Divisions and Levels[135]
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 6 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes Novice
Mini 8 years and under n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes Novice, 1, 2
Primary School 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Youth 11 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Junior 14 years and under n/a Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Large 21 - 32 athletes
High School 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 1, 2, 3, 4
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Senior 10 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes Novice, 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes
Large 21 - 32 athletes
12 - 18 years All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 5
Large 21 - 36 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 36 athletes

1 - 18 males

Senior Restricted 10 - 18 years n/a n/a 5 - 32 athletes 5 Restricted
Open 14 years and over n/a n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1
All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 2
Coed n/a 5 - 24 athletes 2
All Girl Small 5 - 20 athletes 3, 4, 4.2
Large 21 - 32 athletes
Coed Small 5 - 20 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 36 athletes

1 - 18 males

International Open 14 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 5
Coed Small 5 - 24 athletes

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 24 athletes

5 - 12 males

16 years and over All Girl n/a 5 - 24 athletes 6
Coed Small 5 - 24 members

1 - 4 males

Large 5 - 24 athletes

5 - 14 males

Adult (Parents and Mature Age) 18 years to any age n/a n/a 5 - 24 athletes 1
University 17 years and over All Girl uni info pack
Coed
Special Needs Teams Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2

(No Baskets)

AASCF 2017 Stunt Age Groups[135]
Age Division Ages Stunt Type Level
Junior 14 years and under Group Stunt 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Senior 10 - 18 years old All Girl Group Stunt 1, 2, 3, 4
Coed Group Stunt 1, 2, 3, 4
Assisted Partner Stunt 2, 3, 4
12 - 18 years old Group Stunt 5
Assisted Partner Stunt 5
Open 14 years and over All Girl Group Stunt 2, 3, 4, 5
Assisted Partner Stunt 2, 3, 4, 5
Coed Partner Stunt 3, 4, 5
17 years and over All Girl Group Stunt 6
Assisted Partner Stunt 6
Coed Partner Stunt 6
AASCF 2017 Dance Age Divisions[135]
Division Age Team Size Athlete Requirements Styles
Tiny Dance 6 years and under Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Mini Dance 9 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Youth Dance 12 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Primary School Dance Primary School Age Petite 4 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom, Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Junior Dance 15 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Senior Dance 18 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
High School Dance High School Age Petite 4 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom, Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Open Dance 14 years and older Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 10 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
University Dance 17 years and older Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Doubles
Adult Dance (Parents and Mature Aged) 18 years to any age Open 4 - 24 dancers Pom, Hip Hop
Special Ability Dance n/a n/a n/a Dance, Dance Doubles

Coaches Conference and Awards

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During 2016, AASCF once again held their annual coaches conference in January.

As part of this conference, AASCF gave out their VIP Annual Awards for the 2016 season, recognising the achievements of the Australian allstar industry:[143]

  • 2016 Coach of the Year: Eddy Davey (Southern Cross Cheer)
  • 2016 Club of the Year: Queensland Cheer Elite
  • 2016 Club Owner of the Year: Emma Bart (Queensland Cheer Elite)
  • 2016 Most Improved Program: Inspire Athletics (230% growth in 2016)
  • 2016 Most Impressive Athlete Retention: East Coast All Stars (99% client retention during 2016)
  • 2016 Best Sportsmanship Program: You Can Dance
  • 2016 Australian Dance Choreographer of the Year: Margarita Jimenez (Monash Mystics Pom)
  • 2016 Australian Cheer Choreographer of the Year: Lydia Mears (Evolution of Dance - Lady Lynx Senior 1)
  • 2016 International Cheer Choreographer of the Year: Lisa Aucoin - Spring Tumbling (SCC Legacy Worlds Routine)
  • 2016 Hit Zero Royalty: Oxygen All Stars
  • 2016 Hall of Fame: Derrick Turner

Choreography Clinics/Workshops

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Throughout 2017, AASCF continued to offer personalised cheer skills clinics, cheer and dance coach education and choreography to Australian cheer and dance programs. These were offered not only by AASCF staff themselves, but also through AASCF's contracts with reputable international providers such as Spring Tumble.[144]

Coach Credentialing

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Into 2017, AASCF continued to be an Australian provider for IASF/USASF coaching credentialing workshops and exams, hosting a range of clinics in Tasmania, Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, Queensland and New South Wales during March and April 2017.[145]

Legality Enquiries

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AASCF offered member coaches and gym owners the opportunity to submit a video for their safety officials to determine legality of the skill, for both cheer and dance. These ruling could then be used at events to dispute any legality calls around these skills.[146][147]

Membership and Insurance

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The AASCF membership program continued in 2017, offering personal accident insurance cover for each athlete registered with the program that covered them at practice, performances and all events the athlete attended, including both AASCF and non-AASCF events.[148]

Product Sales

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AASCF continued to sell a range of apparel merchandise, cheer bags and cheer shoes into 2017 through their online store front as well as in person at their competitions/events.[149]

Child Safe Policy

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During 2017, AASCF published a child safe policy and incident report template. This outlined the standards and safeguarding measures that AASCF had in place both at their competitions as well as providing a template for use in clubs registered with AASCF, and the procedure to take if these policies were breached. This policies applied to all visitors, clients, customers and athletes visiting, participating or viewing a service, program or event held by AASCF.[150]

ACSA Involvement

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AASCF took part in the formation of the Australian Cheer Sport Alliance (ACSA), with AASCF's ABN history showing that ACSA's first business registration occurred underneath the AASCF ABN on 4 July 2017.[151] The ACSA board included Stephen James as the chairperson, as well as Rosemary James as a board member, and AASCF was a founding member and one of the first sanctioned events.[152] ACSA had expressed interest to apply to ICU for the role of national governing body of cheerleading in Australia during 2017.[153]

International Partnerships

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AASCF formed a partnership with the Chinese Cheerleading Association (CCA), who acted as the governing body for the sport in China, during 2017 at the IASF Cheerleading Worlds. This partnership led to CCA sending over 100 athletes to compete in the 2017 NSW State Championships, as well as AASCF sending three of their 2016 National Champion teams to compete in the China Cheerleading Open and Rizhao International Elite Cheerleading Games in China.[154]

2018

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Competitions

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2018 AASCF Competition Calendar[155]
Competition Dates State City Venue
Winterfest Cheer & Dance Season Starter June 15 - 17 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
June 22 - 24 QLD Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
June 29 - July 1 Vic Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
July 6 - 8 SA Adelaide Titanium Arena
All Star Battle: Cheer Edition July 20 - 22 WA Perth HBF Stadium
July 27 - 29 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
August 3 - 5 QLD Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
August 10 - 12 Vic Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star Battle: Dance Edition August 18 - 19 NSW Sydney NDIA
State Championships August 19 TAS Hobart
August 31 - September 2 WA Perth HBF Stadium
September 7 - 9 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
September 14 - 16 QLD Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre
September 21 - 23 Vic Melbourne Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre
September 29 - 30 SA Adelaide Titanium Arena
Spring Carnival October 13 - 14 NSW Sydney Sydney Olympic Park
October 19 - 21 QLD Brisbane Brisbane Entertainment Centre
October 26 - 28 Vic Melbourne State Basketball Centre
All Star and Scholastic Nationals November 23 - 25 QLD Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre and Star Casino
Australasian Cheer and Dance Pinnacle November 26 QLD Gold Coast Gold Coast Convention Centre

Rebate Scheme

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As a way to draw in more athletes to complete at multiple events, AASCF continued their rebate scheme, giving gyms a 5% refund of entry fees for teams that competed at AASCF States and AASCF Nationals as well as two of Winterfest, Spring Carnival, All Star Cheer Battle and All Star Dance Battle. For South Australia teams, these rebates were offered for teams that took part in 3 championships, with these three being either Winterfest or All Star Battle, as well as States and Nationals.[155]

Novice Divisions

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Novice divisions continued to be offered, with sections divided where possible into divisions 1, 2 and 3 if there were 3 or more teams in a section and 9 or more teams in a division. Novice was offered in every cheer age group other than open age, with the new adult division serving as the novice equivalent for open age groups. Novice cheer athletes were not allowed to compete in any other cheer team at level 2 or above, however were allowed to cross into level 1, with novice cheer routines also having modified skills. Novice dance divisions were offered in pom, jazz, hip hop and lyrical/contemporary in all ages, with modified amendments to have a focus on perfecting the basic skills. A dancer was not allowed to compete in a novice division and regular division within the same style i.e. if competing a novice jazz routine, they could not compete a regular jazz routine but could compete a regular pom, hip hop or lyrical routine. If a team was competing during the season in the regular division, they were not allowed to compete in the novice division at nationals unless recommended by the states' judges. Novice teams did not have points deducted unless they were seen to be intentionally breaking the novice rules by repeat offending, instead receiving warnings.[155]

Winterfest

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The Winterfest season starter was once again held from mid-June to early July, taking place in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. At each state's event, cheer teams were given the opportunity to win bids to take part in the 2019 Spirit Sports Duel in the Desert event held in Palm Springs, while dance teams were given the opportunity to win bids to take part in the 2019 NDA All Star Nationals held in Texas. Bids were also made available for teams to take part in the Australasian Pinnacle event at the end of the year.[155]

Battle

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Cheer Battle was held along the East Coast during August, with all teams competing twice except for novice, tiny and primary/high school teams (who only competed once). No stunt group divisions were offered at the 2018 Cheer Battle event, however, Australasian Pinnacle bids were awarded for all levels.[155]

2018 marked the first year that AASCF's Battle Championships expanded, meeting the requests to offer a Dance Battle. This first year Dance Battle was not added to every event, instead being held as its own event in Sydney.[156] Just like at Cheer Battle, dance teams competed twice except for novice, tiny and scholastic teams, who only competed once, with teams able to receive bids for the Australasian Pinnacle event.[155]

States

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The State Championships, held in September, also acted as a bid event for the Australasian Pinnacle, but also acted as a way for stunt groups and dance doubles to qualify their routines for Nationals.[155]

Spring Carnival

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As part of Spring Carnival, held in October, individual skill competitions were included in basket toss, bow and arrow, scorpion, fouette, standing tucks and tumbling, as well as a fashion parade to find the best fascinators and debonairs on coaches and gym owners.[155]

Nationals

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AASCF's annual Nationals were held in the last weekend of November on the Gold Coast, with the event spanning both the Gold Coast Convention Centre and Star Casino. As part of the National Championships, teams had the opportunity to win one of up to 48 cheer and dance bids to the 2019 Cheerleading and Dance Worlds.[155] The event attracted a total of 1763 teams made of 12,022 athletes from 3 countries, with a total of 17,000 spectators.[157] This year's Nationals received mainstream coverage on Channel 10's The Project, which aired in December 2018.[158]

Pinnacle

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To finish off the year, the Australasian Pinnacle was held for the chosen few who had won bids throughout the year. Pinnacle only included teams from youth age and above in cheer and junior age and above in dance, and excluded scholastic teams, university teams, novice teams, open levels 1 and 2, adult teams and special ability teams in 2018.

UniSport Partnership

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A three year partnership deal was signed during 2018 with UniSport Australia, which saw AASCF delivering the cheer and dance competitions at the UniSport Nationals during that time period. This deal also saw Unisport Australia working with AASCF around the need for coach accreditation of university team coaches, long term development plans for university cheer and support for Australian teams attending the FISU World University Cheerleading Championships.[159][160]

2018 Age Grid
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The 2018 AASCF age grid aligned with the ACSA age grid, with the age cut off being December 31st of the year - i.e. for a youth aged athlete in the 5 - 11 age bracket, the athlete could not turn 12 before December 31st 2018 to compete in youth during 2018.[161]

2018 AASCF/ACSA Age Cheer Age Grid[161]
Division Age Gender Team Size Athlete Number Requirements Level Restrictions
Tiny 3 - 6 years n/a Extra Small 5 - 15 Novice
Small 16 - 24
5 - 6 years n/a Extra Small 5 - 15 1
Small 16 - 24
Mini 5 - 8 years n/a Extra Small 5 - 15 Novice, 1, 2
Small 16 - 24
Large 25 - 30
Youth 5 - 11 years n/a Extra Small 5 - 15 Novice, 1, 2
Small 16 - 24
Large 25 - 38
7 - 11 years n/a n/a 5 - 30 3, 4, 5R
Junior 7 - 14 years n/a Extra Small 5 - 15 Novice, 1, 2
Small 16 - 24
Large 25 - 38
8 - 14 years n/a n/a 5 - 30 3, 4, 5R
n/a 5 - 24 5
IASF Junior 10 - 16 years n/a n/a 16 - 24 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Senior 10 - 18 years Female/Male Extra Small 5 - 15 Novice, 1, 2
Small 16 - 24
Large 25 - 38
All Girls n/a 5 - 38 3, 4
Coed

1 or more males

n/a 5 - 38
Female/male n/a 5 - 30 4.2
5 - 30 5R
12-18 years old All Girl Extra Small 5 - 14

No males

5
Small 5 - 22

No males

Medium 23 - 30

No males

Large 31 - 38

No males

Coed Extra Small 5 - 14

1 - 2 males

Small 5 - 22

1 - 5 males

Medium 5 - 30

1 - 8 males

Large 5 - 38

1 - 19 males

IASF Senior 14 - 18 years AG and/or Coed n/a 16 - 24 1, 2, 3, 4, 5
Open 14 years and older All Girl Extra Small 5 - 15 2 , 3, 4
Small 16 - 24
Medium 25 - 30
Coed Extra Small 5 - 15

1 or more males

2, 3, 4
Small 16 - 24

1 or more males

Medium 25 - 30

1 or more males

Female/Male n/a 5 - 30 4.2
17 years and older n/a n/a 5 - 30 1 Non-Tumble, 2 Non-Tumble
International Open 14 years and older All Girl n/a 16 - 24 2, 3, 4
5 - 24 5
Coed Small 5 - 24

1 - 4 males

2, 3, 4
Large 5 - 24

5 - 12 males

5
17 years and older All Girl n/a 5 - 24 6
Coed Small 5 - 24

1 - 4 males

6
Large 5 - 24

5 - 15 males

6
Adult 21 years and older n/a n/a 5 - 30 members 1 Non-Tumble
Special Ability Any Age n/a n/a Unlimited 1, 2

(No baskets)

Scholastic - Primary School Foundation to Years 6/7 n/a n/a 5 - 38 1, 2
Scholastic - High School Year 7 - 12 All Girl n/a 5 - 38 1, 2, 3
Coed n/a 5 - 38 1, 2, 3
University Premier Registered University Student Female/male n/a Up to 38 1
All Girl n/a Up to 38 2
Coed n/a Up to 38

1 or more males

2
All Girl n/a Up to 24 3/4
Coed n/a Up to 24

1 or more males

3/4
All Girl n/a Up to 20 5/6
Coed Small Up to 16

1 - 4 males

5/ 6
Large Up to 16

5 - 9 males

Super Up to 24

Up to 13 males

AASCF 2018 Dance Age Levels/Divisions
Division Age Team Size Athlete Requirements Styles
Tiny Dance 6 years and under Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Mini Dance 9 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Youth 12 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Junior 15 years and younger Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Senior 18 years and younger Petitie 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Senior Coed 18 years and younger Petitie 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Open 14 years and older Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Open Coed 14 years and older Petite 4 - 9 dancers Novice, Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary. Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
Adult 21 years and older Open 4 - 30 Pom, Hip Hop
Special Ability n/a n/a n/a Dance, Dance Doubles
Paradance n/a n/a n/a Dance, Dance Doubles
Primary School Dance Current Primary School Student Petite 4 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom, Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
High School Dance Current High School Student Petite 4 - 9 dancers Hip Hop, Pom, Dance Doubles
Small 4 - 14 dancers
Large 15 and more dancers
University Dance 17 years and older n/a Jazz, Hip Hop, Pom, Lyrical/Contemporary, Dance Doubles

Annual Conference

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AASCF once again held their annual conference on 27-28 January 2018, this time held in Sydney. At this event, AASCF hosted a range of international guest presenters such as James Speed (World Champion Coach, GymTyme Allstars, University of Louisville), Liz Rifino (IASF/UDA/ICU Dance Director), Frank Sahlein (USASF business consultant), Shannon Smith (Spirit Sports USA Director), Lisa Aucoin (Spring Tumbling co-owner), Sea Guzman (Top Gun All Stars tumbling director), Les Stella (IASF), Kenny Feeley (Spring Tumbling co-owner), Dana Fielding (IASF Cheer Rules and Safety Education) and Karl Mundt (Team USA Gold Medalist, University of Minnesota).

The Saturday evening concluded with a coaches networking cocktail party and awards ceremony, at which AASCF awarded their VIP awards for the 2017 season:[162][143]

  • 2017 Coach of the Year: Tarnie Carrig
  • 2017 Club of the Year: S2S – Steps 2 Stardom
  • 2017 Club Owner/s of the Year: Leah Buchanan
  • 2017 Most Improved Program: Geelong Elite
  • 2017 Most Impressive Athlete Retention: Geelong Elite
  • 2017 Best Sportsmanship Program: Peppermint Dance Company
  • 2017 Cheer Mentor of the Year: Sanford McMurray
  • 2017 Australian Dance Choreographer of the Year: Jessica Edwards
  • 2017 Australian Cheer Choreographer of the Year: Holly Banister
  • 2017 International Cheer Choreographer of the Year: Lisa Aucoin
  • 2017 Hit Zero Royalty: Victorian State Cheerleaders (VSC)
  • 2017 Hall of Fame: Les Stella

ACSA Involvement

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The ABN for ACSA became independent of AASCF during 2018 as part of their application to the ICU for international governing body status of cheerleading within Austraila.[163] AASCF continued to remain an ACSA sanctioned event, with the group abiding by ACSA's event standards.

International Recognition

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AASCF's founder and director, Rosemary Sims-James, was awarded the International Cheer Union Recognition award during 2018, celebrating her 10 consecutive years of judging at the ICU World Championships and services in assisting ICU judging and education.[18]

2019

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The ACSA cheer and dance event sanctioning standards were released in April 2019, outlining the general event standards including divisions, levels and categories, insurance, safety and accreditation, warm up area standards, and event performance area standards.[164] These standards were adopted by a range of event producers for the year, including AASCF, which allowed for consistency between competitions.[165][166]

AASCF continued to host their championship series around the country, hosting Winterfest (NSW, Qld, Vic, SA), Cheer Battle (NSW, Qld, Vic, SA), Dance Battle (NSW), States (WA, QLD, NSW, Vic, SA), Spring Carnival (NSW, Qld, Vic), Nationals (Vic) and Australasian Pinnacle (Vic). AASCF also hosted the Unisport Cheer and Dance Nationals on the Gold Coast in November.[167] Their State Championships attracted 17,000 athletes over the five events, with the AASCF Nationals event growing to over 11,964 athletes across 1800 teams.[168][169][170] The novice division in particular saw large growth during 2019, with AASCF experiencing a near 20% growth in entries within the division.[171][172]

Bids were offered for a number of international competitions at events around Australia including Spirit Sports Duel in the Desert bids at AASCF Winterfest;[173] NDA All Star Dance Nationals bids at AASCF Winterfest;[173] Varsity Summit bids at AASCF Nationals;[174][173] and IASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds bids at AASCF Nationals.[175][173]

During the course of 2019's AASCF Nationals, a documentary was filmed highlighting the sport which would be aired during early 2020.[176]

2020

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The beginning of 2020 saw the release of the Netflix docuseries, Cheer, in January.[177] With the viral nature of this series, media interest grew around competitive cheerleading, with the Australian media highlighting AASCF's Cheerleading Worlds representative teams and how Australians could get involved by competing at these events. As part of these interviews, AASCF staff highlighted how their competitions had grown to more than 60,000 registered athletes around the country, stating that Australia was safer than American cheerleading due to the guidelines requiring coaches be credentialed under the IASF system.[178][179][180][181]

During February 2020, a documentary that was filmed over the course of the 2019 AASCF Nationals event also aired on Melbourne's Channel 31, spotlighting the behind the scenes of the Nationals event as well as talking about the sport.[176]

AASCF also introduced a new division for their 2020 Nationals, introducing Premier Dance to separate the elite teams competing for Summit and IASF Worlds bids from the all star teams who were not doing so. It was originally planned that teams would use their scores from AASCF's 2020 States and Spring Carnival championship events to qualify for the Premier dance division at the 2020 Nationals event.[182] The originally slated calendar for 2020 included Winterfest, Battle, States, Spring Carnival, Nationals and Pinnacle, with the only major change from 2019 was the move of Dance Battle from Sydney to Melbourne.[183][184]

However as COVID-19 began to impact the world, AASCF shifted their plans a number of times accordingly. The first shift was made in March 2020, with AASCF announcing they would be cancelling Battle and moving their Winterfest season opener events into those dates.[185][186]

A second change was then made in May, with Winterfest being cancelled entirely, with the AASCF competition season then being slated to begin with the State Championships in September. At the same time, a South Australian round of Spring Carnival was added to the calendar, in order to allow the South Australian teams an additional competition before Nationals.[187]

June saw AASCF officially cancel the Australasian Pinnacle event for the year, as there would not be enough championships in the lead up to allow a competitive number of teams to win bids.[188] This was followed by the Western Australian State Championships being cancelled in August 2020.[189]

The only 2020 AASCF States or Spring Carnival to go ahead in person was the South Australian events, with New South Wales and Queensland hosting their events in a virtual format and Victoria's events cancelled entirely due to level 4 lockdown restrictions.[190]

It was confirmed in September 2020 that AASCF would be moving forward with a live virtual format for Nationals during 2020, with each teams performing live at an appointed time which would be livestreamed and judged in real time, replicating the live real time performance and judging format of a nationals event.[190]

2021

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Due to the impacts of COVID-19, ACSA's age grid (and thus AASCF as a sanctioned event who aligned with the age grid), allowed an age exception to the age grid that allowed athletes to be one year younger or one year older than the age grid. The exceptions to this were the lowest age of the tiny novice division, university and scholastic divisions, and IASF divisions that allowed qualifications for Summit and Cheerleading and Dance Worlds events.[191]

AASCF began the year by hosting their annual coaches conference, however in light of the ongoing pandemic, they held this event virtually. They also introduced a Victorian specific event, "Spirit of AASCF", to help clubs get back into action during 2021.[192]

The first release AASCF event calendar for 2021 saw Winterfest held in NSW, QLD, Vic and SA; Cheer Battle held in QLD, Vic and NSW; Dance Battle held in Vic; States held in WA, QLD, NSW, Vic and SA; Spring Carnival held in NSW, Qld, Vic and SA; and their Nationals and Pinnacle events held in Victoria. It also saw the introduction of a virtual Battle event for stunt groups and dance doubles, alongside a states event for stunt groups and dance doubles which was used to qualify these routines for nationals.[192]

While the events that did go ahead successfully saw strong turnout, such as Queensland's Winterfest competition seeing 2050 athletes across 330 teams enter,[193] the pandemic did have a negative impact on competitions throughout the year. During the Queensland Battle event, held during July 2021, Queensland authorities announced a snap lockdown for 11 local government areas including the City of the Gold Coast, where the event was being held. This led to AASCF having to end the event at the end of the first Saturday session at 11am, in order to allow participants to travel back to their home and time to pack down the venue.[194]

Another impact of COVID-19, was AASCF changing their National championships to be held in a virtual format, which was then livestreamed. This virtual nationals event saw over 6700 athletes entered across 1100 teams from 148 clubs.[195]

During August 2021, AASCF director, Stephen James, stepped down from his role as ACSA chairperson due to unforeseen personal circumstances.[196]

Australia elite teams participated in the IASF 2021 Virtual Cheerleading and Dance Worlds event, supported by AASCF after previously winning bids to in person Worlds events, with 10 Australian teams being crowned world champions and 16 teams in total placing.[197][198]

2022

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Due to the ongoing impacts of COVID-19, ACSA's age grid exception continued (and thus AASCF as a sanctioned event who aligned with the age grid), allowing athletes to be one year younger or one year older than the age grid. The exceptions to this were the lowest age of the tiny novice division, university and scholastic divisions, and IASF divisions that allowed qualifications for Summit and Cheerleading and Dance Worlds events.[191]

AASCF's annual coach conference was held virtually this year during February, as well as a virtual Spirit of AASCF season starter for Victorian clubs. They also introduced Dance Battle to all the existing Cheer Battle events, now including dance in Queensland and Victoria.[199]

Alongside these, they hosted their Winterfest and Spring Carnival events in four states (NSW, Qld, Vic and SA), as well as their states events in five states (WA, QLD, NSW, Vic and SA). They continued to host virtual events for stunt groups and dance doubles that coincided with battle and states, as well as hosting their annual national championships in person once again on the Gold Coast, followed by their Australasian Pinnacle event.[199]

AASCF's 2022 National Championships went ahead on the Gold Coast, seeing 1800 athletes coming across 1900 teams from 185 clubs. This event offered 32 cheer bids and 40 dance bids to the 2023 IASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds event in Orlando, Florida.[200] 2022 would mark the last year that the Australasian Pinnacle would be staged by AASCF.

In October 2022, AASCF announced their 2023 event dates, revealing they would no longer be hosting their bid-only Australasian Pinnacle event. This would instead be replaced in the calendar with "The Road to IASF Worlds", being an exclusive day 2 event for teams competing for a bid to the 2024 Cheerleading Worlds in Orlando, Florida.[201][202]

AASCF also updated their Child Safe Policy during February 2022, with this applying to all visitors, clients, customers, athletes and contractors participating in or viewing any service, program or event hosted by AASCF.[203]

Media highlighted how AASCF included divisions for disabled athletes to promote inclusivity in the sport, with Adelaide disability-exclusive gym All Abilities Cheer and Dance being covered as they travelled to the 2022 AASCF Nationals.[204]

2023

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AASCF was no longer listed as a member/sanctioned event of ACSA during 2023.[205] Despite this, they adopted the changes that ACSA made regarding image into their own image policy, with uniform tops no longer allowed to include an exposed midriff regardless of the age of the athlete. Prior to this change, senior and open team had held an exception that allowed them to have an exposed midriff.[206][207][208]

AASCF continued to host their Winterfest (NSW, Qld, Vic, SA), Battle (QLD, Vic, NSW), States (WA, QLD, NSW, Vic, SA), Spring Carnival (NSW, Qld, Vic) and Nationals (Vic) championship events around Australia during 2023. During 2023, AASCF discontinued hosting their Pinnacle event, instead replacing this in the calendar with a new event The Road to IASF Worlds. This would be a day 2 of competition for teams who were competing for a bid to the Cheerleading and Dance Worlds, with bids awarded at the end of this competition. At the conclusion of the Nationals weekend, AASCF have scheduled a coaches conference. To accompany these events, AASCF also hosted two virtual events for stunt groups and dance doubles, with the second of these events being used as a qualifier for stunt groups and dance doubles to compete at the AASCF National championships event in person.[209] The 2023 AASCF National Championships saw a 180+ clubs enter 1700+ teams, made of 11000+ athletes, which included 17 teams from China and 2 teams from New Zealand.[210]

During June 2023, AASCF released their first draft of their 2024 event dates and venues. This saw a shift of their 2024 National dates to the first weekend in December 2024, scheduling it for Thursday 5th to Monday 9th.[211] This marked a major shift for AASCF, who had held their Nationals event in the last weekend of November every year since 2013, including the planned dates for the cancelled 2020 and 2021 events.[212][213][214][215][216][217][218][219][220]

Divisions

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Crossovers

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During 2015, AASCF began offering a recommendation, which was not yet compulsory, restricting cheer and dance teams limit their age group crossovers to one age group either way. This would mean if an athlete is youth aged, it was recommended they only cross to mini or junior, not both. It was also recommended athletes not jump an age group entirely, e.g. youth to senior, as it became problematic with running order crossovers.[104] - als applicable in 2018 [155] 2017 - The below information is not compulsory, but only a recommendation - We would like to suggest cheer and dance teams to limit age group cross-overs to only one age group either way, i.e. if you are Youth you can only cross over to either Mini or Junior, and not both, if you are a Senior, you can only cross over into Junior or Open, not both; and not have athletes jump an age group – i.e. youth to senior, as this becomes very problematic with the running order cross overs, especially for the 2 hall events. If any of your athletes must cross into 2 different age groups, the below is what we suggest is best for all: • Tiny can only cross to mini"

2015 - 2016 - Crossovers of athletes between level 5 and level 6 teams from the same gym were not permitted, with an athlete only being allowed to compete on one level 5 or level 6 team. Crossovers between gyms for level 5 and 6 teams were also not permitted. Crossovers between lower levels were permitted, between 3 levels maximum i.e. a level 5 athlete could only cross as low as level 3, a level 3 athlete could only cross over to level 1. Novice was the exception to this, with novice athletes only being allowed to crossover into a level 1 team. [104][125] new for 2016 - level 4.2 teams allowed to cross to levels 2 3 or 4.[125]

As of 2017, AASCF moved to the 1 level crossover and 2 cheer routine option for all cheerleading teams i.e. Novice to 1, 2 to 3 or 4.2, 3 to 4, 4 to 5R or 5, 5 to 6. However, a level 5 or 6 athlete was only permitted to be on one team per level. At Nationals, clubs that did cross athletes over between a level 5 and 6 team were required to nominate which team was going for the worlds team, as only team would be eligible to recieve a worlds bid. A third routine and 2 level crossover option was allowed for a maximum of 20% of the team for emergency situations within a 3 week lead up to the competition. For dance athletes, they were allowed to be in as many routines as they wished, but they could not partiicpate in more than 2 age groups or 2 teams of the same style in different divisions. Dancers who competed in dance doubles were not allowed to be in more than 3 routines in total, or more than 1 routine of each style.[135][155]

During 2017, there were no level crossover rule restrictions in stunt divisions apart from the limitation of only competing in 2 stunt routines per competition. This included both partner stunts and group stunts.[135]

Crossovers between two different all-star cheer clubs or two different allstar dance clubs were not permitted, however athlete crossovers were permitted between allstar and scholastic/university cheer/dance teams. This rule did not apply to athletes aged 16+ who were competing partner and dance doubles.[104]

Sections/Styles

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Dance Sections
Style Time Limit Athlete Requirements Description Years Offered
Pom 2 minutes 30 seconds Minimum 4 Pom poms must be used for 80% of the routine. Important characteristics of a pom routine include synchronisation and visual effect, clean and precise motions, strong pom technique, and incorporate dance technical elements. Visual effect includes level changes, group work, formation changes, the use of different color poms, etc. Male dancers may or may not use poms. 2015
Jazz 2 minutes 30 seconds Minimum 4 Execution, style, control, transitions and creativity performed to high energy music. Routines must be age appropriate. A jazz routine incorporates stylised dance movements and combinations, formation changes, group work, leaps and turns. Emphasis is placed on proper technical execution, extension, control, body placement and team uniformity. 2015
Hip Hop 2 minutes 30 seconds Minimum 4 Executions of contemporary style, hip-hop feel uniformity, high energy and creativity. The music must be typical to its style. Routines emphasise the street style movements with an emphasis on execution, style, creativity, body isolations and control, rhythm, uniformity and musical interpretation. Teams may also put an additional focus on athletic incorporations such as jumps, jump variations, combo jumps and other tricks. 2015
Lyrical 2 minutes 30 seconds Minimum 4 In keeping with the IASF Dance Rules, Lyrical routines combine the principles of jazz and ballet and emphasise proper technical execution, the use of flexibility, balance and mood. Routines are fluid in movement and focus on emotion that compliments the musical selection last season 2015
Modern/Contemporary 2 minutes 30 seconds Minimum 4 In keeping with the IASF Dance Rules, modern / contemporary routines implement the principles of classical technique, fall & recovery &/or contraction & release and weight sharing to express inner feeling as related to the musical or narrative piece. last season 2015
Lyrical/Contemporary 2 minutes 30 seconds Minimum 4 A contemporary or lyrical routine uses organic, pedestrian and/or traditional modern or ballet vocabulary as it complements the lyric and/or rhythmic value of the music. Emphasis is pla ced on control, sustained, expres sive

movement, body placement, and contraction/release, use of breath, uniformity, communication and technical skills.

Started 2016
Open Dance 3 minutes (as of 2013) Minimum 4 Open dance was open to any style of dance, with a 3 minute time limit. 2013
Doubles Dance Duo 1 minute 30 seconds Min and Max 2 In keeping with the IASF Dance Rules, doubles dance can be Jazz, Hip Hop or Pom performed and can be executed with dance lifts or connected lines within routine, mirror image and tight team work. Comparable to “So You Think You Can Dance” duo routines. 2015

2017

Cheerleading Sections
Section Time Limit Athlete Requirements Description
Cheer Routine - Stunt/Dance/Tumble/Cheer 2 minutes 30 seconds Minimum 5 Strictly only practice stunts & tumbling under the USASF/IASF guidelines and the guidance of experienced & qualified coaches & spotters. Performed on a 7 or 9 run All Star Competition size cheerleading floor, to high-energy music, your routine must display safety, technique & transition. Routines should include dance, tumbling, stunt, pyramids, jumps & motions, tosses - Exception: Level 1 routines cannot have tosses.
Group Stunt 60 seconds 3 - 5 athletes Strictly only practice stunts & tumbling under the guidance of experienced & qualified coaches. Performed to highenergy music, your aim is to safely execute as many stunts as possible in 60 seconds. Your routine must display safety, technique & transition. You must follow the USASF/IASF guidelines. A stunt routine is a display of stunt to music. Please note that dance, jumps, baskets tosses, pyramids & independent tumbling is not on the Stunt score card.
Partner Stunt 60 seconds Min and Max 2 Strictly only practice stunts & tumbling under the guidance of experienced & qualified coaches. Performed to highenergy music, your aim is to safely execute as many stunts as possible in 60 seconds. Your routine must display safety, technique & transition. You must follow the USASF/IASF guidelines. A stunt routine is a display of stunt to music. Please note that dance, jumps, baskets tosses, pyramids & independent tumbling is not on the Stunt score card.

Age Grids

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Age grids vary by year at AASCF events, limiting which divisions/levels/age groups can be entered into by a team. These can be found under each year's history section.

Sandbox Draft for future page ideas

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Well-known/Significant Australian Cheer Programs

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Queensland Cheer Elite

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Queensland Cheer Elite was a Brisbane-based cheerleading program in Australia that ran from 2011 to 2020.

Q Cheer was a Brisbane-based university squad, formed in 2007, that had 14 members, but who had attracted expressions of interest from younger age groups. As a result, Queensland Cheer Elite was formed and launched in 2011, offering cheerleading and dance by Shannon Lester and Emma Vasudevsan.[221]

2011

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During 2011, QCE held classes at Logan and Ascot, offering 5 cheerleading teams and 2 dance teams to a total of 60 athletes.

They also took part in several community events, including the Bridge 2 Brisbane Fun Run, with athletes taking part in the run as well as a QCE stunt group representing channel 9 performing to motivate runners.[222]

During this first year, the gym had three of their teams leave as National Champions from AASCF - Senior 1 Rubies, Open 2 Sapphires and Open 3 Diamonds.[223] They also held the 2011 AASCF QLD Dance Grand Champions (fro 270 routines), highest scoring level 2 cheer routine (from 50 teams) and first place in all three major competitions that they had entered for all three cheer teams.[224]

In total, seven competitions were entered, with all cheer teams and the senior pom and hip hop teams consistently placing in the medals at each.

2011 Results[222]
Date Competition Place Team
June 2011 World Cup Cheer Regional 1st Senior Level 2
1st Senior Level 3
June 2011 Down Under Spirit Championships 1st Senior Level 2
2nd Senior Level 3
July 2011 AASCF Winterfest 1st Teen Level 1
1st Senior Level 2
1st Senior Pom
1st Senior Hip Hop
August 2011 AASCF States AASCF States Senior Pom
1st Teen Level 1
1st Senior Level 2
1st Senior Pom
2nd Senior Level 3
2nd Senior Hip Hop
3rd Senior Level 2 Stunt Group
September 2011 World Cup Asia Pacific Grand Internationals 1st Teen Level 1
1st Senior Level 2
1st Senior Level 3
2nd Senior Pom
3rd Level 3 Teen Stunt
1st Level 3 Senior Stunt
1st Level 2 Senior Stunt
1st Level 3 - 5 Senior Duo
3rd Youth Level 1
November 2011 World Cup Nations Best 1st Level 3 Senior Cheer
November 2011 AASCF Nationals 1st Senior 2 Group
1st Level 1 Teen
1st Level 2 Senior AG
1st Level 3 Coed
4th Senior Pom
4th Youth Level 1

2012

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During 2012, the QCE program had over 100 members, ranging in age between 3 and 30 years old. Cheer classes were offered from beginners to advanced in the tiny, mini, junior, teen and senior age groups. They also ran a dance and pom program, offering the styles of jazz, hip hop and pom.[224]

Their Ascot based program operated out of Windsor Primary School's new multi million multipurpose centre, as well as the Clayfield College Sports Complex and St Margaret gymnasium. These facilities were also the home of Delta Gymnastics at the time, with all facilities being within a few kilometres of each others.[225]

Their Logan based program was run from the Logan Central PCYC, in its gymnsatics hall with tumbling track and gymnastics equipment. They also hosted Logan based tumbling classes at the Acacia Ridge YMCA.[225]

Mackenzie Burn joined the QCE coaching staff during 2012. Mackenzie was studying a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Dance) at QUT at the time, and had been choreographing since the age of 14 with her choreography gaining many first place awards at Brisbane, Sunshine Coast and Logan Eisteddfods in contemporary, song and dance, jazz and tap divisions. Mackenzie had also performed on a professional level at many corporate events and functions including 'Dancing in the Streets' and industry functions at the Judith Wright Centre.[226]

During 2012, QCE was named the AASCF QLD Dance Champions once again from 250 routines, and was also the highest scoring QLD club in all divisions entered at the 2012 AASCF National Championships. They became national champions in two of the four cheer divisions they entered at the competition (Senior 2 and Senior 3), as well as being runner up for a third division (Senior 1).[227]

2013

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January 2013 saw QCE move into their own facility at Geebung, in Brisbane's Northside, enabling them to increase their cheer teams to a total of 12 and their dance teams to a total of 4.[221]

QCE cheer teams typically trained from 2 to 4 hours per week during 2013 as well as taking part in specialty classes such as small group tumbling, flight skill for flyer conditioning and practice and jumps.[228]

QCE offered dance in the styles of pom and jazz for ages 10 and up.[226]

QCE 2013 teams[228]
Location Team Ages
Ascot Mini 1 5 - 8
Youth Garnets 1 8 - 11
Junior 1 11 - 14
Teen Rubies 1 11 - 18
Teen 2 Elite 10 - 18
Teen Emeralds 2 10 - 18
Senior Onyx 1 14 +
Senior Sapphires 2 14 +
Senior Diamonds 3 14 +
Senior 4 14 +
Teen Pom 14 and under
Teen Jazz 14 and under
Senior pom 14 and over
senior jazz 14 and over
Logan Mini Pearls 1 8 years and under
Junior Crystals 1 14 years and under
Teen 2 10 - 18

Their 2013 coaching team included: [229]

  • Shannon Moule - Head Coach/Co-Director
  • Emma Bart - Head Coach/Co-Director
  • Erin Fordyce
  • Sonny Tarnati
  • Elliot Stitt - Tumbling coach (level 9 gymnast, gymnastics coach and gymnastics judge)
  • Jill McGahon
  • Courtaney Morton
  • Mackenzie Burn - Dance Teacher
  • Sara Delaney

2013 results included:

Date Competition Place Division Team
November 2013 AASCF Nationals[230][231][232] 1st L3 Open Group Stunt Lady Diamonds
1st Open Jazz Platinum
1st L2 Senior All Girl Large Emeralds
1st L4.2 Open Cobalts
1st National Cheer Grand Champion Level 2 Team Emeralds
1st National Cheer Grand Champion Level 4.2 Team Cobalts
2nd Open Level 3 AG Lady Jades
3rd L3 Senior/Teen Group Stunt Jasper
3rd L5 International Open AG Diamonds
no placing L3 Open Partner Stunt James and Biance
no placing Open Small Pom Plantium

2014

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The 2014 season began with QCE occupying their Brisbane North gym at Granite St, Geebung, which included a 9 run sprung floor, a 5 run non-sprung floor, a dance floor and a warm up area; as well as utilising the gymnastics hall at Logan Central PCYC and Acacia Ridge YMCA.[233] However during 2014, QCE expanded to a second custom built facility on Brisbane's Westside, at Sumner Park, in addition to their gym at Geebung. This enabled an increase to a total of 16 cheer teams across the two gyms.[221]

QCE also took part in media coverage about cheerleading as a sport, being filmed by Totally Wild.[234][235]

During 2014, QCE offered recreational cheerleading for the mini, junior and open age groups at their Geebung gym as well as for the mini age group at their Sumner Park gym. Classes were held once a wek with one competition per year,and no uniform requirements.[236]

During February, QCE took a Teen Level 2 team to Dallas, Texas, where they took part in workshops at Cheer Athletics and sight seeing at Disney World and Sea World before competing at NCA Nationals.[235]

Their 2014 coaching team included: [237]

  • Shannon Moule - Co-Owner
  • Emma Bart - Co-Owner
  • Erin Fordyce
  • Sonny Tarnati (speciality hip hop coach)
  • Elliot Stitt - Head Tumbling coach (level 9 gymnast, gymnastics coach and gymnastics judge)
  • Jill McGahon
  • Mackenzie Burn - Dance Teacher

Mid year sign ups were held in July.[238]

Offered tumbling workshops during school holidays at both gym locations. Athletes were not required to be QCE members, but did need to fill out a waiver signed by the parent.[239][240]

2014 results included:

Date Competition Place Division Team
June 2014 AASCF Winterfest[241] 2nd Mini Jazz
2nd Teen Pom
2nd Youth Pom
1st Open 3 AG Group Stunt
1st Open 5 AG Group Stunt
1st Mini 1 Diamantes
1st Sapphires
1st Open 3 AG Lady Jades
1st Open 4 AG Rose Quartz
1st Open 5 AG Diamonds
2nd Teen 2 Opals
2nd Open 1 Onyx
2nd Teen 3 Topaz
2nd Teen 4 Black Ice
2nd Junior 3 Jaspers
3rd Youth 2 Garnet Girls
3rd Teen 2 Emeralds
3rd Amber
n/a Teen 2 Pink DIamonds
n/a Teen 1 Rubies
n/a Youth 1 Crystals
2014 AASCF Cheer Battle[242]

(Up to level 2 note)

1st Youth Cheer 1 Amber
1st Mini Cheer 1 Diamantes
2nd Battle Cheer Grand Champion Level 1 Opals
2nd Senior/Teen Level 1 Opals
2nd Open Level 1 Onyx
3rd Senior/Teen Level 1 Rubies
4th Youth Cheer 1 Crystals
September 2014 AASCF QLD States[243][244][245] 1st Senior/Teen Level 2 Group Stunt Fire Opals
1st Senior/Teen Level 1 AG Opals
1st Senior/Teen Level 3 AG Topaz
1st Open Level 3 AG Lady Jades
1st State Grand Champions Cheer Level 3 Lady Jades
1st Open Level 3 AG Group Stunt Kryptonite
1st Open Level 4 AG Group Stunt Lady Ice
1st Open Level 4 AG Group Stunt Lady Diamonds
1st Youth Modern Contemporary QCE Youth Mod/Cont
1st Mini Pom QCE Mini Pom
1st State Dance Grand Champion University QUT Elite (Hip Hop)
1st Division 1 University Hip Hop QUT Elite
1st Division 1 University Jazz QUT Elite
1st Youth Level 2 Garnet Girls
1st Open AG Level 2 Sapphires
1st Senior/Teen 2 AG Large Emeralds
1st Open Level 4 AG Rose
1st Open Level 5 AG Diamonds
2nd Senior/Teen Jazz Small Dancing On My Own
2nd Open Jazz Americano
2nd Mini Jazz Treasure
2nd Youth Jazz Popular
2nd Youth Pom QCE Youth Pom
2nd Division 2 University Modern/Contemporary QUT Elite - Div 2
2nd Youth Level 1 Small Gym Crystals
2nd Mini Level 1 Diamante
2nd Open Level 1 AG Onyx
2nd Senior/Teen Level 4 AG Black Ice
2nd Senior/Teen All Girl Small Pink Diamonds
2nd Junior Level 3 Jasper
2nd Division 1 University Level 1/2 QUT Tigers AG
2nd State Cheer Grand Champions Level 2 Garnet Girls
3rd State Cheer Grand Champions University QUT Tigers AG
3rd State Dance Grand Champion University QUT Elite (Jazz)
3rd Senior/Teen Pom Small Teen Pom
3rd State Cheer Grand Champions Level 1 Opals
3rd State Cheer Grand Champions Level 2 Sapphires
3rd State Cheer Grand Champions Level 3 Jasper
3rd State Cheer Grand Champions Level 4 Black Ice
3rd Senior/Teen Level 1 AG Rubies
4th Senior/Teen Level 4 AG Group Stunt Solid Gold
4th Junior Level 3 Group Stunt Aquamarine
9th Junior Level 1 Group Stunt Tigers Eye
11th Junior Level 1 Group Stunt Gems
November 2014 AASCF Nationals[246][247][248][249][250]

Note: QCE entered Sumner Park teams under QCE West and Kedron teams under QCE, creating two gyms within the runsheet.

1st Open 5 AG Diamonds
1st Senior 4 AG, Small Black Ice
1st Open 3 AG Lady Jades
1st Open 2 AG Large Sapphires
1st Senior 2 AG Large, Large Gym Emeralds
1st Senior 2 AG Small, Small Gym Pink Diamonds
1st Senior 1 AG Small, Small Gym Opals
1st Youth Modern/Contemporary QCE Youth Modern/Contemporary
2nd Open 4 AG Group Stunt Lady Ice
2nd Open 5 AG Group Stunt Lady Diamonds
2nd Open Jazz Small Americano
2nd Youth 1 Small, Large Gym Amber
Youth Pom
2nd University Division 1 Hip Hop QUT Elite
3rd Junior 3 Small Jaspers
3rd Youth 2 Garnet Girls
3rd Youth 1 Small, Small Gym Crystals
3rd Senior 1 AG Large Rubies
3rd Open 1 AG Onyx
4th Open 4 AG Rose Quartz
4th University Modern/Contemporary QUT Elite
5th Open 3 AG Group Stunt Kryptonite
6th Senior 3 AG Small, Large Gym Topaz
7th Mini Jazz QCE Mini Jazz
7th Youth Pom Small QCE Youth Pom
7th University Division 1 - Cheer Level 1/2 AG QUT Tigers
7th University Jazz - Division 1 QUT Elite
8th Mini 1 Large Gym Diamantes
8th Senior 2 AG Group Stunt Fire Opals
8th Mini Pom QCE Mini Pom
20th Youth Jazz QCE Youth Jazz

Free workshops were held between 2 - 12 December 2014 in the lead up to their 2014 placement days, which were 12 - 14 December 2014.[235]

2015

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During 2015, QCE introduced recreational cheerleading, with a total of 5 recreational cheer teams alongside their 19 competition cheer teams. They also began training several university teams from the Queensland University of Technology (QUT).[221][251]

note evidence of recreational cheer in 2014 evident[236]

Comp results:

WCCD Clash

Diamantes mini 1 - 1st

Opals Teen 1 - 1st

Emeralds Teen 2 - 1st

Black Ice Teen 4 - 1st

Pink Diamonds Teen 3 - 1st

Sapphires Open 2 - 1st

Lady Jades Open 3 - 1st

Amberettes Youth 1 - 1st

Cobalts Teen 3 - 2nd

Sunstones Junior 1 - 1st

Rose Quarts Open 4.2 - 1st

Rec Cheer North - 1st

Jaspers Junior 2 - 1st

Garnet Girls Junior 1 - 1st

Coral Queens Teen 2 - 2nd (to emeralds)

Rubies Teen 1- 2nd (to opals)

Onyx Open 1 - 2nd

Rec Cheer west - 3rd

Crystals Youth 1 - 3rd

Peridots Youth 1 Novice - highly commended

Overall level 1- opals

Overall level 2 - Jaspers

Overall level 4 black ice

Overall level 4.2 rose

Winterfest:

1st place (10):

Emeralds

Amber

Sapphires

Cobalt

Pink diamonds

Sun stones

Garnets

Lady jades

Black ice

Onyx

2nd place: (3)

Diamantes

Jaspers

Coral queens

3rd place (1):

Peridots 3rd (6 in the section)

Fantastic performances also by our Crystals, Opals and Rubies.

In addition, the overall 3 banner went to Pink Diamonds and the overall 4 banner went to a Black Ice!

2016

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2016 started with the Northside gym upgrading their facility, moving to Kedron in order to accomodate their growth. A new stream of cheerleading was introduced in order to meet the wide variety of needs of athletes and families, semi-competitive cheer. This allowed athletes to still enjoy competing while only training once per week.[251] The gym took their second international trip with teams travelling to NYC, LA and Dallas to compete at the NCA Nationals, along with their team QCE Diamonds travelling to the IASF Cheerleading Worlds in April 2016.

2017

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During 2017, their Brisbane West location also moved into a bigger facility to allow for more classes and equipment. During 2017, QCE was awarded Australian Cheerleading Gym of the Year.[251] At AASCF's 2016 Nationals, QCE Diamonds once again won a bid to the 2017 IASF Cheerleading Worlds, enabling the team to travel once again. [252]

2018

edit

In 2018, the junior 2 and senior 4 QCE teams travelled internationally, with teams travelling to compete at NCA Nationals in February 2018 in a group of 75 (mix of parents and athletes).[251][252]

2019

edit

Their 2019 season was tehmed to "From the Heart", with a focus on developing a stronger club culture.[252]

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Notable Cheer Programs - FAD (Fitness and Dance) Cheer and Dance

edit

Fitness and Dance was established in 1980 [1]by Sharin Caine, who had a career in dance spanning over 35 years.[2] The business model was based on a franchisee model.

After Sharin retired in 2007, Sandy Carrington, who was a current franchisee, took over the business and formed Fitness and Dance Studio Australia Pty Ltd with a goal to develop FAD as a national company.[2] In 2017, Sandy Carrington was named Franchise Woman of the Year for her work with FAD Cheer and Dance at FCA's National Awards.[3] Greyson Legal lists Raw Dance Australia Pty Ltd as one of its clients, providing services surrounding the sale of the FAD Cheer and Dance franchise system in Australia and a number of its franchise outlets.[4] As of October 2020, FAD Cheer and Dance is listed as being a registered business name owned by the Dance Pacific Trading Trust, who also owns PW Dance and Sportswear.[5]

FAD Cheer and Dance currently has franchises around Australia that offer competitive and recreational programs in dance, cheer and tumbling.[1] As early as 2004, FAD had franchised 52 locations in 2004 throughout Brisbane, Logan, Gold Coast, Caboolture, Redcliffe and Toowoomba.[6] It remains the largest allstar cheer and dance gym program franchise in Australia, however currently each location operates its own individual gym program leveraging the FAD banner. This is a marked separation between the franchises compared to earlier years, which would see combined FAD Cheer and Dance events such as the interstudio carnival, and advertising that listed the achievements of all FAD franchises as "FAD have won" style.

FAD originally only offered dance programs of differing styles. As of 2004, Fitness and Dance had originally offered classes in jazz, funk and chorus line.[7] Not all locations were required to offer every style, leading to variation of offerings. For example, in 2006, the Springfield location offered jazz and chorus classes,[8] where as the Toowoomba studio offered jazz, funk and chorus classes during the same period.[9]

In February 2007, FAD expanded to introduce their allstar cheerleading program in conjunction with the Australian All Star Cheerleading Federation, utilising their Cheerleading Students Levels Syllabus.[10]

They currently offer semi-competitive cheer and dance, competitive cheer and dance, and recreational cheer and dance programs, with offerings varying by location.[11][12]

In 2011, FAD had 12 franchises operating 54 locations throughout South East Queensland, with two franchisees being awarded 20 year service medals during the 25th anniversary celebrations in 2005.[13] To celebrate the 30th anniversary, FAD launched a campaign to expand nationally, with interstate territories available in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and Hobart, as well as regional territories within Queensland in Townsville, Cairns, Rockhampton and Bundaberg.[13] During 2011, a new studio opened in Kenmore, as well as three studios in Melbourne.

As of 2023, franchise opportunities are available in North Queensland, Central Queensland, Hervey Bay, Sunshine Coast, and selected Brisbane locations (Canungra, Clayfield, Shailer Park, Redcliffe), as well as in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Tasmania and the Australian Capital Territory.[14] Franchise opportunities begin at the cost of $15,000, with costs varying depending on the size of the territory, existing student numbers and chosen syllabus offerings.[15]

History

2011

  • Took part in a number of community events, including, but not limited to:
  • Throughout 2011, FAD Students, parents and friends collectively raised over $20,000 for Queensland Charities Swim 4 Kids and SEQ Ronald McDonald Houses.[16]
  • Winterfest results: [17]
    • Highest Overall Cheer Routine Cheer Grand Champion
    • Highest Scoring Level 2 Cheer Routine
    • Cheerleader of the Day Trophy
    • Runner Up Highest Scoring Level 2 Cheer Routine
    • Runner Up Highest Scoring Jazz Routine
    • Runner Up Highest Scoring Hip Hop Routine
    • 1st x 17
    • 2nd x 11
    • 3rd x 12
  • AASCF States: [18]
    • 9 x 1st
    • 10 x 2nd
    • 14 x 3rd
  • Down Under Spirit Championships Results:[19]
    • 6x 1st place
    • 5 x 2nd place
    • 8 x 3rd place
    • 1 x Sportsmanship Award
    • 3x Dance WOW awards
    • 3 x Cheer WOW Awards
    • Highest Scoring routine in jazz, hip hop and dance overall
  • 2011 FAD Dance Star Choreography Competition held [20]

2012

  • Cheerbrandz Australasian Majors: [21]
    • 1st places x 5
    • 2nd place x 10
    • 3rd place x 9
  • Aussie Gold International Championships: [22]
    • 1st x 8
    • 2nd x 11
    • 3rd x 7
  • AASCF Winterfest[23]
    • 1st x 3
    • 2nd x 7
    • 3rd x 2
  • AASCF QLD States: [24]
    • 1st x 8
    • 2nd x 17
    • 3rd x 15
    • Highest Scoring Level 4 Routine

2013

  • Aussie Gold Cheer and Dance Championships:[25]
    • 1st place x 14
    • 2nd place x 15
    • 3rd place x 19
  • AASCF Winterfest results: [26]
    • 2nd x 2
    • 3rd x 2
  • AASCF States: [27]
    • 16 x 1st
    • 12 x 2nd
    • 13 x 3rd
    • Highest Scoring Level 4.2 Routine

2014

  • Winterfest: 2nd x 1, 3rd x 2[28]
  • Logan East Studio travelled to South Australia, competing in SA States: [29]
    • 1st x 2, 2nd x 5, 3rd x 2, 4th x 1, Runner up Lyrical grand champion
  • AASCF QLD States: [30]
    • 1st x 13
    • 2nd x 16
    • 3rd x 13
    • Runner Up Overall Level 4 Grand Champion
    • Runner Up Overall Pom Grand Champion

2015

  • CUA Sunshine Coast - 1 x 1st place, 8 x 2nd place, 3 x 3rd place[31]
  • Burdekin Eisteddfod, Townsville: [32]
    • 1st x 9
    • 2nd x 4
    • 3rd x 5
    • Highly Commended x 6
  • Held 35th birthday interstudio carnival in early September 2015 at the QSAC in Nathan. [33]


2016

  • Winterfest - achieved 12 x 1st place, 12 x 2nd place, 13x 3rd place[34]
  • Partnered with National Health and Fitness Academy to provide 18 weeks of intensive face to face trianing for certificate IV in dance [35]

2017

  • Hosted "FAD Allstars" travel teams for athletes from all FAD studios, travelling to the AllStar Games in Las Vegas during 2018.[36][37]

2022

  • September - FAD Logan West hosted charity showcase across two days, raising $3000 for children. This marked a total of more than $86,000 for children's charities. Covered by local media outlets.[38]

2023

  • FAD Wynnum Coach, Phoebe, competes at Dance Worlds, with her team placing third.[39]
  • FAD Wynnum and MBN FAD Studios perform internationally at Disneyland.[40]
  • MBN FAD Studios performs internationally at Universal Studios.[41]

Locations

edit

Over the years, the number of FAD franchises have varied. Historically, the business has run locations in the following locations:

  • Acacia Ridge
  • Albany Creek
  • Alexandra Hills
  • Algester
  • Alice Springs (Northern Territory)
  • Arana Hills
  • Aspley
  • Ayr
  • Bald Hills
  • Bayside
  • Beaudesert
  • Beenleigh
  • Bellbowrie
  • Boonah
  • Brassall
  • Bribie Island
  • Browns Plains
  • Buderim
  • Burpengary
  • Caboolture
  • Caloundra
  • Camira
  • Canungra
  • Capalaba
  • Centenary
  • Chermside
  • Clayfield
  • Cleveland
  • Coomera
  • Coorparoo
  • Cornubia
  • Crestmead
  • Durack Heights
  • Fig Tree Pocket
  • Forest Lake
  • Gatton
  • Graceville
  • Greenbank
  • Harristown
  • Helensvale
  • Highfields
  • Hume Street Toowoomba
  • Indooroopilly
  • Ipswich
  • Jimboomba
  • Jindalee
  • Kawana
  • Kenmore
  • Kuraby
  • Lawnton
  • Logan Reserve
  • Mackay
  • Mango Hill
  • Manly
  • Marsden
  • Merrimac
  • Mill Park
  • Mitchelton
  • Moggill
  • Morayfield
  • Mt Gravatt
  • Mudgeeraba
  • Murrumba Downs
  • Narangba
  • Narre Warren (Victoria)
  • Nerang
  • Nudgee
  • Nundah
  • Pacific Pines
  • Park Ridge
  • Parkinson
  • Redbank Plains
  • Redcliffe Peninsula
  • Redlands
  • Regents Park
  • Robina
  • Roxburgh Park (Victoria)
  • Seventeen Mile Rocks
  • Shailer Park
  • Sherwood
  • South Toowoomba
  • Springfield
  • Springwood
  • Sunnybank
  • Sunshine Coast
  • The Gap
  • Thorneside
  • Toowong
  • Toowoomba
  • Townsville
  • Victoria Point
  • Waterford West
  • Wavell Heights
  • Westside
  • Westside North
  • Westside South
  • Wilsonton
  • Wilston
  • Windaroo
  • Wishart
  • Wooloowin
  • Worongary
  • Wynnum

Current locations include as of October 2023 include: [42]

  • FAD Bayside
    • Competition teams under Supreme Studios
  • FAD Beaudesert, Boonah and Jimboomba
  • FAD Brisbane North (Aspley, Bald Hills, Strathpine, Redcliffe)
    • Competing under Brisbane North FAD Studios
  • FAD Cheer and Dance Toowoomba, Gatton and Highfields (Harristown, Gatton, Highfields,
  • FAD Coorparoo, Mt Gravatt and Wishart
  • FAD Gold Coast (Coomera, Nerang, Pacific Pines, Worongary
    • Competing under FGC Dance Studio and FGC Cheer
  • FAD Ipswich
  • FAD Logan East (Cornubia)
    • Competition teams competing under LOUD Cheer and Dance FAD Studios
  • FAD Logan West (Browns Plains, Greenbank, Logan Reserve)
    • Cheer competition teams competing under Elevate Athletics FAD Studios and train under FAD Westside as of 2023 due to studio division
    • Dance competition teams continue to compete under FAD Logan West Dance Studio
  • FAD Moreton Bay North (Caboolture and Morayfield)
    • Competition teams competing under MBN Studios
  • FAD Westside (Boronia Heights, Forest Lake, Kenmore)
    • Competition teams competing under Elevate Athletics FAD Studios
  • FAD Wynnum
  1. ^ a b "About". FAD Studio - Dance Classes, Jazz, Cheerleading, Hip Hop Classes, Learn to Dance. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  2. ^ a b FAD Cheer and Dance (2015). "The Fitness and Dance Story". Archived from the original on 28 Feb 2015.
  3. ^ Stowe, Sarah (2017-10-10). "Winners revealed at FCA national awards". Franchise Executives. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  4. ^ "Franchise Lawyers | Brisbane". Greyson Legal. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  5. ^ "ABN Lookup". abr.business.gov.au. 2014-11-01. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  6. ^ Fitness and Dance (2004-12-06). "Fitness and Dance Home [2004 - Wayback Machine]". web.archive.org. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  7. ^ Fitness and Dance (2004). "Fitness and Dance [2004]".
  8. ^ Fitness and Dance Studio - Springfield (2006). "Welcome to Fitness And Dance Studio - Springfield".
  9. ^ Fitness and Dance (2006). "Welcome to Fitness And Dance Studio - Toowoomba Studio".
  10. ^ Fitness and Dance (2007-08-29). "American All Star Cheerleading comes to QLD". web.archive.org. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  11. ^ "Competitive Program". FAD Studio - Dance Classes, Jazz, Cheerleading, Hip Hop Classes, Learn to Dance. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
  12. ^ "Recreational Program". FAD Studio - Dance Classes, Jazz, Cheerleading, Hip Hop Classes, Learn to Dance. Retrieved 2023-10-22.
  13. ^ a b Fitness and Dance (2011-02-19). "FAD Business Opportunities [Wayback Machine, 2011]". web.archive.org. Retrieved 2023-10-16.
  14. ^ "Franchising". FAD Studio - Dance Classes, Jazz, Cheerleading, Hip Hop Classes, Learn to Dance. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
  15. ^ FAD Cheer and Dance (2021). "FAD Cheer and Dance Franchisee Prospectus" (PDF).
  16. ^ FAD (10 Sep 2011). "FAD Students Dance Under Lights for Charity".
  17. ^ FAD (2011). "Winterfest Results 2011" (PDF).
  18. ^ FAD (2011). "AASCF 2011 States Results" (PDF).
  19. ^ FAD (June 2011). "DUSC 2011 Results" (PDF).
  20. ^ FAD (2011). "2011 FAD Dance Star Choreography Competition Winners" (PDF).
  21. ^ FAD (2012). "Cheerbrandz Majors Results 2012" (PDF).
  22. ^ FAD (2012). "Aussie Gold results 2012" (PDF).
  23. ^ FAD (2012). "AASCF Winterfest 2012 results" (PDF).
  24. ^ FAD (2012). "2012 AASCF QLD States Results" (PDF).
  25. ^ FAD (2013). "Aussie Gold Results" (PDF).
  26. ^ FAD (2013). "AASCF Winterfest 2013 Results" (PDF).
  27. ^ FAD (2013). "AASCF 2013 State Results" (PDF).
  28. ^ FAD (2014). "Winterfest Results 2014" (PDF).
  29. ^ FAD (2014). "AASCF SA States 2014 Results" (PDF).
  30. ^ FAD (2014). "AASCF 2014 QLD State Results" (PDF).
  31. ^ FAD (2015). "CUA Sunshine Coast 2015 FAD Placings" (PDF).
  32. ^ FAD (2015). "Burdekin Eisteddfod Results 2015" (PDF).
  33. ^ FAD (2015). "Carnival Head Office letter 2015" (PDF).
  34. ^ FAD Cheer and Dance (2016). "Winterfest Results".
  35. ^ FAD (2018). "Cert IV in Dance 2018".
  36. ^ FAD (2016). "FAD Allstars Level 4 Information Pack 2017" (PDF).
  37. ^ FAD (2016). "FAD Allstars 2017-2018 Travel Team Auditions Information Pack" (PDF).
  38. ^ "Helping others is not a FAD". Jimboomba Times. 2022-09-13. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
  39. ^ FAD Wynnum (22 April 2023). "Go Phoebe! 💛 Miss Phoebe is in Florida representing Australia with her dance team. [Facebook]".
  40. ^ FAD Cheer and Dance (1 October 2023). "FAD was beautifully represented at Disneyland! Our wonderful FAD Wynnum and FAD MBN Studios performed In the street parade! [Facebook]". Facebook.
  41. ^ MBN FAD Studios (7 October 2023). "Massive congratulations to our amazing dancers for their performance in Universal Studios💙 [Facebook]". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 2023-10-18.
  42. ^ "Studio Locations". FAD Studio - Dance Classes, Jazz, Cheerleading, Hip Hop Classes, Learn to Dance. Retrieved 2023-10-18.