Cheerobics Update

Hi all.

There have been a few updates for Cheerobics 2008 , as listed below.

1. Change in Date

The date for Cheerobics 2008 will be changed from 22nd March 2008 (Saturday) to 16th March 2008 (Sunday). We apologise for this second change, for the previous change was from 8th March 2008 (Saturday) to 22nd March 2008 (Saturday). The initial change was made as several primary and secondary school teams gave feedback that their students need more time to be ready and able to participate; however, upon announcement of the initial change, several open category teams replied that they would not be able to participate on the 22nd March 2008.

As such , considering the concerns of both sides , CAS has decided to come to a middle ground and set Cheerobics on 16th March 2008. We understand that it is both confusing and frustrating for the team managers or teachers-in-charge, but would like to reiterate that the changes is necessary to benefit participants from all categories.

2. Reduction in Registration Fees

Several teams gave feedback that this year's registration fees has increased substantially , and could work against CAS's goal to promote cheerleading and the Cheerobics event. CAS would like to explain the increase in fees. The official funding that CAS receives has reduced as the authorities work towards a goal that all sports associations attain a business model whereby they are more financially independent. As a result , CAS is currently in the midst of a budgetary transition where she builds more sponsor relationships with various companies in support of cheerleading. The bulk of the increase in fees would go towards (a) funding cash prizes and (b) inviting top IFC judges from around the world ; while the main cost of the Cheerobics event is still funded by CAS and sponsors. We believe part (b) is necessary to increase the prestige of the competition , and also important to connect our local fraternity with the rest of the world.

In consideration of affordability concerns , CAS has decided to reduce the registration fees to $100 for team categories and $30 for group stunt categories; and that there would be no cash prizes this year. Payments are to be made via cheque and sent to the following address by 22nd Feb 2008.

(Address masked. Please send an email to request for address)

3. Changes in Rules of Eligibility

Under General Competition Guidelines , Eligibility Rules 2.1 , 2.2 and 2.3 states that

• All members of Cheerleading Association (Singapore) are eligible. The coach(es) of the participating teams should be qualified and recognised by CAS (AACCA , BCA , IFC).
• Every member of every team representing a school must be a student enrolled at that school currently and meet that school's eligibility requirements for participating on the team.

Rules 2.1 and 2.2 have been waived only for the purpose of Cheerobics 2008 as per below :

• The participants need not be members of CAS in order to join the competition.
• The coach(es) need not be recognised by CAS.

Rule 2.3 has been changed as per below :
For primary and secondary categories , every member of every team representing a school must be a student enrolled at that school currently and meet that school's eligibility requirements for participating on the team.

However , we wish to reiterate that the original rules 2.1 and 2.2 will still apply as of 2009 ; and would like to encourage (a) all cheerleaders to register themselves with CAS and (b) all coaches to obtain certification recognised by CAS.

4. Other Administrative Changes

The submission deadline for registration forms has been extended to 22nd February 2008. Squads are required to submit a team picture of the participating members (including reserves). The team picture should at least be of three mega-pixel quality , as the pictures would be used for event booklet publication. Please email the team picture via email by 22nd Feb. If the squad is participating in the team and group stunt category , please submit two separate pictures - one of the team members participating in the team category and the other of the team members participating in the group stunt category.

With Regards,
CAS Admin.