I just wanted to see what some other's opinions were of what has been put on the mat. Maybe some trends that people are noticing. Teams that look really ready and poised for the season. Teams that are surprising (good or bad). Just general observations.
I have yet to see a competition personally but hope to see one soon. From what I hear, it appears that many more teams are looking rough and "not ready" for this portion of the season. I know this sounds like a jab and people's return will be, "It's so early, they are just feeling it out." I get that I do. However, I have watched this sport for some time now and I just feel it sticks out more this year than most years. My own personal observation. Maybe there is a team or two out there, but it's so quiet around here you can hear a pin drop, you wouldn't know who those teams are. What gives? I didn't feel there was a major change in the rubric outside of going to 4 stunt groups but it appears many are just bunking that rule and going with 3 anyways. But with the way execution is going so far, it doesn't look like 3 is going to help that much over the 4. If anything, just make it worse. Are we losing more and more kids to the All-Star market? I'm just throwing out some conversations pieces.
I know the teams will get better, they will. They always do. But will the climb be harder this year than most years? We shall see. Once you get into that routine, it sure does take a lot to change something. Every added element is one more stressor that wasn't their before. That can be a good thing or a bad thing.
Let's hear your thoughts!
What I'm about to post is controversial and will probably offend someone. But like Vultan in Flash Gordon said, "Ah, well. Who wants to live forever?" Yes, the GHSA is being affected by all stars. Because the season and sport itself has been changed because of it.
When a squad can win state based upon DOD of tumbling versus a squad who had a near-flawless routine last year (yes, it happened), there's a problem. Tweaks made to the rubric now in my opinion are a result of squads who would max out their tumbling scores and still got good scores for three stunt groups with backspotters. It used to not be that way.
I've not been to a competition yet. But can't say I'm surprised at any squad looking rough early. Because it's September in Georgia, it's hot and it's difficult to practice. And in the case of smaller schools, some of them are having to get ready for football season. I've said before and will say again that the quality of routines in September/first part of October aren't good at least in some cases because the squads are overworked.
Because the coaches and squads are having to deal with football. Even if a school has separate squads, the reality is that at smaller schools, they wouldn't have a football game squad if there weren't for competition squad members. I would argue that if the sport were moved back, even a month, things would be better.
All stars don't start until January I think. Basketball's barely getting started and given how basketball squads aren't allowed to do much of anything at games anyway, that doesn't require as much work. Stop trying to cram competition season into the fall. Undo the logjam that has softball, cross country, one act play, and cheerleading, all rammed together.
