PROGRAMS » SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAMS »
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| About Special Needs Teams USASF definition of Special Needs: Intellectual disability: 1. A condition characterized by impairment of skills and overall intelligence in areas such as cognition, language, and motor and social abilities as identified by an agency or professional, or 2. A cognitive delay, as determined by standardized measures such as intelligent quotient testing or other measures that are generally accepted within the professional community. This is an opportunity to encourage life and movement through a sensational sport. Special Needs Athletes benefit from their time together at practice and their work improving themselves. Not only do they stimulate their social and motor skills but the thrill of performance is a special memory to all of us. Frequently Asked Questions about starting a team are at the bottom of the page. |
Getting the Word Out |
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| Special Needs Frequently Asked Questions | ||||||||||||||||||||
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Are there any special governing bodies or legal issues that I should be aware of? |
| USASF is working with the major competition companies to provide divisions. Currently, UCA and Cheersport have divisions for the national competitions. For the other companies that may have regionals locally for you, we doubt you will ever be turned down to do an exhibition. Just ask: almost everyone is willing to help. | |
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Are there competitions out there I should search for, or is it mostly exhibition? |
| USASF is working with the major competition companies to provide divisions. Currently, UCA and Cheersport have divisions for the national competitions. For the other companies that may have regionals locally for you, we doubt you will ever be turned down to do an exhibition. Just ask: almost everyone is willing to help. | |
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Are your coaches volunteer or paid? |
| This can vary from gym to gym. Usually, the head coach is already on staff at the gym and would be paid. Many assistants are not paid and neither are the student helpers. Although the students can usually get service credits at their school. | |
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What kinds of out of pocket costs do you have for a team, and how does it differ from the other teams? |
| Very generally: Many teams pay for the same things as all the other teams, just a smaller amount. Make-up, choreography, gym fees, practice clothes, etc. But it can be different for each gym. If you can fundraise everything, great. If not, you could design it how you want. Cheerleader & danz team apparel and Varsity Spirit Fashions have agreed to provide a discount to special needs team. Please contact your local rep for details. | |
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Do you get any special grants or just fundraise? |
| We have gotten some special donations. Again, just ask. People want to help. | |
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I am very interested in starting a squad. I have some background in Special Ed. |
| We think it is very important to have someone with this experience. Many volunteers won’t, but someone in charge of the squad should have the education or experience background. | |
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What is the staff:athlete ratio you recommend for the team? |
| A lot depends on the age of the athletes and attention abilities. We recommend at least two adult coaches and one student coach for every 8-10 athletes. | |
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How long are practices? |
| Some teams practice 1-1.5 hours per week, one day per week. Some others practice 2 times per week at 2 hours per session. Each coach will need to determine the best time frame for the athletes. | |
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Do your athletes pay tuition at the same rate as other teams? |
| Typically not, but will often pay a reduced rate. Fund raising and sponsorships can help offset costs if the family needs it. But each gym can structure the costs based on their locale. | |
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Do they take tumbling classes? |
| We tumble during the practice at whatever level the athlete is capable. In some gyms, the athleters are working on forward rolls to roundoffs. In others, they are performing everything up to a couple of athletes doing back tucks. Remember to get any specific physical medical condition provided in writing by the parent/guardian. | |
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How long is their routine? |
| The maximum limit is the same as other all star routines, 2.5 minutes. Many special needs teams will cut back some as they are starting out. | |
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How many times a year do they compete? |
| While many special needs teams prefer to limit travel, a number of teams are attending Nationals. Each gym will want to weigh the travel options each year. Most competition companies welcome special needs teams at local or regional competitions. | |
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Do you have behavior modification programs in place for the athletes, or is that not necessary? |
| The people at the gym with this training will need to work with the parents to determine what is needed. Often, nothing needs to be formal, but just handle each situation as warranted. | |
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Are there other programs practicing in the gym at the same time? |
| In most all star gyms practice time is precious. If you can have a room by yourself, we recommend it. But times will have to be worked out. | |
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I would love to integrate this team into our gym, and would love to talk to you more about it. |
| Please feel free to contact either Bill or Mary and they will be happy to help our and send you additional information. | |
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Do I need any special insurance coverage for a special needs squad and, if so, where do I get it? |
| Many liability policies have special needs restrictions or age limitations in the policy. The policy sponsored by the USASF does not have these restrictions. Just become a member gym of the USASF and you can be eligible for the insurance coverage, as well. | |
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