Sponsored Cheerleading Competitions Results:
Cheerleading Chants » Competitions » Cheerleading Competitions

Cheerleading Competitions: National, NCA, UCA And World Cheerleading Competition

By:

Published: October 22, 2007

The National Cheerleaders Association promotes the idea that cheerleading competitions are esteemed events aimed to unite cheerleading teams and encourage individuals to compete with confidence while helping their team compete in cheerleading competitions.

NCA founder Lawrence 'Herkie' Herkimers carved out a successful role as a leader in the field of cheerleading. He initiated an environment that fostered the modern system of what world cheerleading competitions are. The National Cheerleaders Association was established by Herkimer in 1948 in order to create an atmosphere for learning the aspects of cheerleading, as well as establishing cheerleading competitions. The sport has very interesting beginnings; cheerleading was dominated by males until the latter part of the 1950s. The first cheer squad actually dates back to a group of male cheerleaders from Princeton University.

It was Lawrence Herkimer's compassionate consideration of the sport and innovative thinking that changed cheerleading. Herkie is credited with developing the pom-pon, and the much heralded spirit stick. One of the most popular cheerleader jumps is aptly named the herkie after Herkimer.

Another visionary of cheerleading competitions was Jeff Webb, founder of the Universal Cheerleaders Association. It was founded in 1974 in Webb's Memphis, Tennessee apartment. Its primary purpose was to create a constructive learning environment for cheerleaders by educating instructors at a college level of performance.

As a result of the commitment of the cheerleading organizations, cheerleading has evolved into more than a sideline sport. Their cheerleading competitions are attended by thousands of participators. The NCA creed of cheerleading competitions is that "leading the crowd and promoting school spirit are the primary responsibilities of school cheerleaders, and can be enhanced with competition by emphasizing the importance of teamwork."

The NCA Nationals is one of the most prestigious cheerleading competitions to date. It is a yearly congregation of teams from around the world who compete for titles at various levels. Their cheerleading competitions are packaged with memorable city destinations that provide cheer squads with unforgettable experiences while competing. The U.S. Championships are based in the tourist laden New York City, Daytona Beach and Knott's Berry Farm theme park host cities. Cheerleading squads can opt for the classic championships package that offers teams various gift choices and the chance to compete against other squads in their region during cheerleading competitions. Information about the various cheerleading competitions is available on varsity.com.

The UCA has managed to reshape traditional views of the purpose of cheerleading competitions. They are committed to inspiring competitors to be not only superb athletes, but also exemplary citizens and inspiring leaders, through the nature of competition at a world cheerleading competition level. Through a series of 100 cheerleading competitions held throughout the country, 2000 cheerleading squads showcase their talent and compete to participate in national championships. The association sponsors two national championships that broadcast on ESPN annually to an audience of over 90 million people. At this world cheerleading competition level, there is a roll of over 22,000 cheerleaders.

The 2008 College Cheerleading National Championship will be held in Orlando, Florida in January at Walt Disney World Resort. The 2008 National High School Cheerleading Championship is scheduled at the aforementioned venue. The 2008 National All Star Cheerleading Championship is scheduled for March at Walt Disney World Resort also. Teams must qualify at UCA All Star Regional Cheerleading Competitions. Pricing and all other information is available on varsity.com.

Cheerleading has continued to rise prominently in the eyes of sports fans and participants since its meager beginnings. From its inception in the halls of Princeton to the dominance of cheerleading competitions, the sport has found its home.


Sources:
Balthaser, Joel. "Cheerleading – Oh How far it has come!" Pop Warner. 6 Jan. 2005. 17 Oct. 2007. http://www.popwarner.com/articles/phenomenon.asp
"About." NCA History & Philosophy. Varsity. 2007. 17 Oct. 2007. http://www.varsity.com/index.asp?brand=18

"About." UCA History & Philosophy. Varsity. 2007. 17 Oct. 2007. http://www.varsity.com/index.asp?brand=1

"Competitions." NCA. Varsity. 2007. 17 Oct. 2007. http://www.varsity.com/index.asp?brand=20

"Competitions." UCA. Varsity. 2007. 17 Oct. 2007. http://www.varsity.com/index.asp?brand=6

Featured Cheerleading Competitions Products: