Throughout the Summer the USASF has conducted and is continuing to conduct regional meetings throughout the country. One of the common themes has been the loss of students due to the inability to tumble at the same competitive level which an athlete can stunt. Many coaches are frustrated with the feeling that tumbling is dominating the Cheer industry when it is actually stunts and pyramids that set our activity apart from others. A suggestion from the New York meeting was the development of the 4.2 Level. This will allow athletes who have limited tumbling ability but with higher stunting ability the freedom of moving beyond the level 2 extension limit, straight ride limits in baskets, and other limits in pyramids and dismounts.
During the week of August 18 - 23, a National Advisory Board Meeting, a Rules Committee Meeting determining interpretation, a USASF Board meeting and a Safety judge certification took place in Dallas.
Every coach agreed the inclusion of Level 4.2 would help their gym by increasing revenue. Most, if not all of these coaches said they could add a new team immediately just from the athletes who have recently left. Many of these coaches agreed that the last thing anyone wants is a new division added to the already long list of divisions. However, they also agreed the addition of 4.2 was a necessity and predicted this to be the largest division within a couple of years.
If you have further questions on this new division please don't hesitate to contact me at: les.stella@gmail.com
HOW WILL 4.2 WORK?
Standing and Running Tumbling will use Level 2 Rules.
All other skill sets will use Level 4 Rules.
This new 4.2 Level will be a test for this year. The success of this division will help determine the direction in the future.
