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Jul
By Steve Pawlyk
Published July 23, 2024
There have been recent legal developments that are reshaping the cheer landscape. One of the most significant recent changes is the ruling by a judge in Florida declaring that the USASF’s claim to trademark the word “worlds” is not exclusive. This decision, which precedes a trial scheduled for September, has significant implications for the All-Star cheerleading community and beyond.
The Trademark Ruling: Implications for Cheerleading
For many years, the All-Star cheerleading community has operated under the assumption that there is only one legitimate “world” championship event, a belief strengthened by the ICU’s recognition by the IOC. The ICU World Championships have always been considered the only true world event due to this association. In contrast, other cheerleading events have had to rebrand, often using “cup” instead of “worlds” in their titles. This legal development could indicate a similar shift for All-Star cheerleading events.
The Role of USA Cheer and USASF
In recent years, USA Cheer has emerged as the official governing body for all facets of cheerleading in the United States. Meanwhile, USASF has evolved in its function and authority, continuing to support the All-Star community in various ways. The preliminary ruling on the trademark issue raises several critical questions:
- If USASF is a membership organization and not a federation, what does this mean for its role in hosting world championships?
- If the “world championships” are not legally recognized as the official and exclusive world championship, how does this affect event producers (EPs) worldwide who have struggled to secure bids due to their relationship (or lack thereof) with their national federation?
- The significance of federation relationships may be limited to the ICU Championship and official sport business.
The Need for True Leadership
True leaders bring people together, speak the truth, and do not exploit their authority for personal gain. It’s time to move beyond the playground politics that have plagued our sport. As someone who lives in a federated country, I respect the hierarchical structure and the recognitions gained through the IOC. However, the recent domestic litigation advances American commercial interests at the expense of the global cheerleading community.
Lisa Aucoin, an eight-time World Champion Cheerleading Coach, emphasizes that the international cheerleading community expects more from its leaders. She notes, “It’s time for them to invest the thousands/potentially millions they are spending in legal fees fighting each other and start making our sport better.” If we measure effectiveness by goodwill and progress rather than commercial success, how successful would our leaders be?
The Global Impact and Future of Cheerleading
We have built an impressive sport for young people worldwide, yet there is still so much more to achieve. If this ruling remains unchallenged, it could have vast implications for the All-Star facet of our sport globally. The world championships are already diluted, and our best wins may be behind us. The landscape of our sport is changing, and it is crucial to consider what we want it to become.
Call to Action
It’s time for our voices to be heard. Speak with your sports leaders, reach out to your federation, and have conversations with your peers. As Margaret Mead famously said, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
Key Considerations
- The full impact of the ruling may not be known until the trial proceeds.
- Legal interpretations should be considered with a legal expert’s input.
- A domestic judge in Florida may not have the authority to make a decision impacting an international event and community.
- An appeal could change the outcome.
Transparency and truth are crucial. All stakeholders in cheer have the capacity to understand this information and deserve the opportunity to ask questions
The Commercial Landscape: Varsity’s Antitrust Challenges
The billion-dollar All-Star cheerleading industry, long dominated by Varsity, is beginning to see a more open market. Antitrust litigation against Varsity and the disruptions of covid have created a more competitive landscape. Recent events, such as the Open Championship Series (OCS), have shown that independent productions can rival Varsity’s dominance.
Varsity has faced significant challenges, including antitrust lawsuits accusing the company of monopolistic practices. These lawsuits, filed by parents, gym owners, and event producers, claim Varsity has driven out competition and driven up consumer costs. The Open Championship Series, founded in 2019, represents a collective of independent event producers offering a more price-conscious and flexible option for cheerleading competitions. The face of this movement is undoubtedly Heidi Weber. She has made significant contributions to making cheer competitions more affordable and accessible. Heidi directs the Celebrity Cheer and Dance Championships and is a leader in the All-Star cheer community. She’s also just kinda awesome.
The Path Forward
Despite the challenges, the cheerleading community has shown resilience and adaptability. Independent event producers have risen to the occasion, providing alternatives and fostering a more competitive market. The pandemic has highlighted the need for innovation and customer-focused experiences, pushing organizations like Varsity to reexamine and improve their offerings.
The future of cheerleading depends on collaboration, transparency, and a commitment to the sport’s growth and integrity. As we navigate these changes, it is essential to keep the community united and focused on what truly matters: the athletes, the sport, and the shared passion for cheerleading.
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