Athletes 1st

Athletes 1st is a forward-thinking dynamic initiative that champions the care, development, safety and inclusivity of All Star athletes.  The foundation of Athletes 1st is an all-encompassing focus on the athlete including sport safety, safety while training, minor athlete abuse and misconduct prevention, and athlete personal development. Keeping the well being of athletes at the center of All Star fosters a respectful training and performance environment for all participants.

Athletes 1st equips owners, coaches, parents and athletes with the power to influence, shape, cause action and help make All Star a better place for all.

Enrichment Opportunities

What’s your IQ and What’s your IQ Junior

Elevate your Integrity Quotient with this monthly activity that builds individual character and team unity! Athletes and coaches introduce a new word each month that supports the overall theme of “Integrity.” This activity encourages conversation in gyms studios about how athletes, teams, coaches and owners can exemplify and encourage others to demonstrate that month’s word.

Project Love

USASF is excited to partner with Project Love in the I Pledge to Stick Together Against Bullying campaign. This initiative stresses that each child is treated the way we all want to be treated – with kindness, caring, respect and empathy.

Athlete Leadership Workshops

BOLT/MARCH

All USASF member athletes entering grades 9-12 are eligible to participate in the exclusive BOLT/MARCH leadership training opportunity. BOLT/MARCH workshops activate young cheer and dance leaders to become strong peer role models who:

• put team first,
• fully commit to their All Star program, and
• learn to make the choices that lead to accomplishment. 

Developed and led by alumni of the USASF Mentoring Leaders program, BOLT/MARCH will set young athletes on their path to success.

Not only do participants rave about their BOLT/MARCH experience but completion of the workshop can lead to next level opportunities such as eligibility to:

• apply to participate as an Athlete Presenter at the Regional Advisory Board meeting in their region the following spring.
• serve on the Athlete Advisory Council. The Athlete Advisory Council is comprised of athletes who completed the USASF Leadership Workshops and are selected through an application process.

College Scholarships

The USASF Scholarship Fund was established in 2008 to recognize and reward outstanding All Star Athletes.  Thanks to our generous sponsors, the USASF Scholarship Fund awarded $55,000 in 2020. Applications are open to USASF member athletes who are  college-bound seniors participating with any USASF member program. Applicants are not required to cheer or dance in college.

Exceptional Athletes

Playing sports at any level can be a key part of a young person’s development and have a lasting impact on their life. Among its many benefits, being involved in athletics develops friendships, independence, confidence, mental focus, and, of course, physical fitness. Sports can teach valuable lessons about grit, discipline, teamwork  and, most importantly, the respect that comes with inclusion. These benefits are universal for all individuals, including those with disabilities. That’s the goal of USASF’s Exceptional Athlete Division —  to empower individuals with disabilities with an “I can do” attitude.

The USASF has carefully designed Cheerabilities and Danceabilities Program for the Exceptional Athlete that

• is safe, fun and good exercise;
• improves flexibility and strength;
• enhances independence and self-confidence;
• provides a place for positive social interaction; and
• provides peer support and shared experiences among families.

 

Benefits of Athlete Membership

Your Athlete Membership benefits from and enables the USASF to maintain the resources and safeguards necessary to maintain the high levels of safety, fairness and accountability in practice and in competition. Membership is required of all athletes on Novice, Prep, Elite, Exceptional*, Show, Exhibition or Parent teams affiliated with US-based All Star Cheer or Dance Programs.

When you join the USASF you’ll enjoy a wide array of benefits, including:

• Eligibility to compete or perform in sanctioned events hosted by USASF Member Event Producers. All athletes identified with a membership number and verification of date of birth ensuring the athlete competes on a fair and level playing field.
• $50,000 Excess Accident Medical Insurance
  NOTE: Coverage only applies to: USASF Sanctioned Competitions/On-site Practices & Supervised Practices/Instruction in Member Programs
• $2 Million Catastrophic Accident Insurance
  NOTE: Coverage only applies to: USASF Sanctioned Competitions/On-site Practices & Supervised Practices/Instruction in Member Programs
• Eligible to participate in The Cheerleading Worlds or The Dance Worlds
• Annual Digital Magazine, Inside All Star, presented by Inside Publications and USASF

* The USASF waives its membership fee for Exceptional Athletes.