Youth Football Cheerleaders

By Had Enough
Published/Last Modified on Monday, November 17, 2008 11:48 AM CST

 

I feel that it is time that people know the truth behind the football league, mostly the cheerleaders. I know some of you will say I'm a coward for not using my name but I don't want my  daughter or her squad to suffer because that's the way it works with the people that run this. First of all, yes my daughter is a cheerleader. She was on one of the smaller squads. There were several squads with just a few girls. The way it's supposed to work is the head cheer coach is supposed to assign new girls, who don't have brothers playing on a team,  to the smaller squads so that everyone has about the same number of girls. This is not the way it is. And guess whose squad has more than twice the number of girls as anyone else? Then, the weekend after Hurricane Ike, when we were still under tornado watch, they did not cancel games. The wind was blowing so hard that you had to hold on to something, or so I heard. I did not bring my daughter out in it. And when some teams couldn't get enough players to play because they were still evacuated the president said that team would have to forfeit. Now, the coaches were able to fight that one by the hardest. The cheerleaders have a little competition towards the end of the season. It had to get pushed back because of the storms. Guess who wanted to schedule it on a weekend when no other squad would be ready or able to perform? The head coach, with the biggest squad. So the other cheer coaches argued and got it changed. Then the cheer coaches were given all these rules about the dance and cheers to be performed at the competition. No coaches could lift or even touch the girls during the competition and all cheers had to be original. She specifically said points would be deducted for cheers that were from the games. Guess whose squad won? Guess who helped her girls do stunts and did not have original cheers? And guess whose squad was the only squad allowed to practice on stage for over an hour before the competition? Now before I get attacked, those girls did a really good job. Actually everyone did. And I teach my children that winning isn't everything, just have fun doing it. But if you are going to make rules shouldn't everyone have to follow them? And if you are part of the competition shouldn't you stay away from the judges before and not talk with them extensively? Why is it that there were only 2 or 3 squads that followed all of these rules but didn't win? The last straw was the way they chose princess on Saturday. Each squad chooses one girl to be a princess and a queen is selected by the fans. The girls thought it was going to be done at the All Star game in 2 weeks. The head coach decided at the last minute to vote on Saturday. Some of the princesses were not even there and so they didn't get to participate because they didn't know. Those fans that knew what was going on voted during half time of one of the games. Want to guess who's princess one? The strange thing was, her team wasn't even playing. So shouldn't one of the girls of the 2 teams playing have one? After all, they had the most fans present. Even the other cheerleaders commented that they weren't surprised. What are we teaching these girls? My daughter wasn't a princess but even she said, "why does her squad always win everything?" How sad is that! Bottom line is this: lady you must choose. Either coach or be coordinator but you can't do both. It just isn't fair.

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Comments

    Pot Stirrer wrote on Dec 4, 2008 12:21 PM:

    " Obviously, there is absolutely nothing more viscerally antagonistic than disagreements on the quality or fairness of cheerleading coaching. You all have a right to be angry, hurt, and upset. Afterall...it's about the kids, right? It's not about the coaches...or the uninvolved, jealous parents...or the supporters of the coaches...or people who think grammatical and spelling errors are so worth pointing out that they resort to smug chastisement in an effort to feel superior.

    God I love New Iberia. The rest of the world must be so jealous. "

    Entertained wrote on Dec 3, 2008 12:00 PM:

    " To Former Cheerleader: What's to know about cheerleading. The girls chosen 90% of the time due to looks ( physical attribiutes,even if voted on by the student body ,it's a popularity contest.) Yes Gymnastic's a sport. Never said it wasn't. Cheerleading isn't, even in Websters dictionary. And thanks for admitting cheerleaders are airheads ,I'll take you off the list. Fact : Girls in frilly clothes sell tickets. (less clothes more tickets sold. Period. Would cheering be less affective had they wore more clothes,no, they would just not be looked at as much,or what really is done OOGGLLEEDD by perverts. "

    Thats about right... wrote on Dec 2, 2008 4:30 PM:

    " I am not from New Iberia but this is quite typical. First of all, grammar and spell check is not that serious when you are "free-typing" as I call it. When someone is trying to quikly get a point across, spell check, r us serious, lol. Anyway, half of the Youth Football League is a joke. They are a bunch of want to be NFL coaches, playing favorites, that dont have a life, bullying little kids around in their spare time. People, get your kids involves in something meaningful, i.e. school!!!! "

    Hey sport mom wrote on Dec 2, 2008 3:31 PM:

    " Your pitiful attempt at the English language is hilarious.

    Copied from the forum rules "Please Note: Your comments must attempt to follow basic rules of good grammar, punctuation, etc. or they will not be posted." "

    my 2 cents wrote on Dec 2, 2008 2:25 PM:

    " People, your children’s participation, whether it is as a football players or a cheerleader, in this league does not enhance their opportunity to be a football player or cheerleader in high school. Actually, there are too many cases in which children have refused to participate in these activities in high school because of their bad experiences in this league.

    Understand, the Board of Directors need you children’s participation and your money in order to flaunt their children. "

    To Sport Mom wrote on Dec 1, 2008 8:31 PM:

    " Seriously, was that even English? I have know idea what you were trying to say! I'm sorry but that is just horrible! "

    Sport Mom wrote on Nov 28, 2008 11:17 PM:

    " The problem with must if you parents is that you think that a league is run free there are lot if thing that havs to be paid for. My child played in Lafayette and it cost more there done it do here and the program much better What you need to do is stop think that the people who giving there time for your kids is stealing and ask the what all theyt have to pay one of the biggest is INS Referee Medic that not free workers cause parent never do they part I know that is "

    Rip-off wrote on Nov 28, 2008 11:26 AM:

    " I would like to see were all the money goes that is collected each year from this organization!
    With the cost charged to go and watch your child perform or play and the cost of the horibble concessions chearleading and football should be alot more affordable if not free!

    Also were can a person view the RULE's for fottball and chearleading in the league? "

    Samantha Barnes wrote on Nov 25, 2008 5:44 PM:

    " To the people who has alot to say and never do anything next year step up and make a difference or sit down and type. "

    To The Editor wrote on Nov 25, 2008 5:19 PM:

    " Dear editor, why havent you published my comments? I didnt type anything wrong. Is it because you found some of the things I typed offensive to some of these idiots. Are you a part of this? You people publish trash and dont want to publish the truth and its sad. You are ignorant too just like the dummies here thats trying to degrade someone thats working for free to teach there brats how to cheer. "

    MeMeG wrote on Nov 25, 2008 2:30 PM:

    " My step-son is a Ram and I really only watch the cheerleaders. I must say, Samantha does a good job with those kids and they look happy out there. Most of the other squads don't look so happy with what they're doing and could use some better coaching. Jealousy is unbecoming of you people!!! Put your girls on Sam's team and maybe they'll have more fun and win something.

    For all the self proclaimed grammar experts: too and to, they're and their, then and than... Check it out in your (or is it you're) own posts :) "

    Patrick wrote on Nov 24, 2008 5:59 PM:

    " Former New Iberia native. That's a crying shame even the kids notice. You're not a fair person. You're selfish. "

    Same old same old wrote on Nov 24, 2008 9:17 AM:

    " This is a prime example of the same petty, childish, selfish bull that made me want to leave New Iberia and never return to live there. It doesn't matter who is "hating" on whom or whether the issue is as important as taxes, education, or government leadership or as trivial as this. It seems as though since there is so little else going on in such a small town, all you folks will ever do is find a way to tear each other apart rather than work together to make a REAL difference in this world. "

    Dear Samatha wrote on Nov 21, 2008 5:51 PM:

    " So that was you I passed up on Highway 90 sending a text message while driving. By the way I have one son who isn't even old enough to play football. "

    To CC wrote on Nov 21, 2008 2:58 PM:

    " I agree with you. I saw the competition and all the girls did a very good job. I also agree with the music choices. I was embarrassed by the words I was hearing and prayed that my daughter (who's squad had appropriate music) was not listening. I was even more embarrassed by some of the moves those children were doing. But then I was told where 2 coaches work and that explained where they learned those offensive moves. It's not the girls fault. They were only doing as they were taught. "

    Proud to be a new iberian wrote on Nov 21, 2008 9:26 AM:

    " Iberianet.com - proof that you don't have travel to Lafayette for quality entertainment. (Have mercy on my spelling, oh spelling gurus) "

    Dear Samantha wrote on Nov 21, 2008 7:57 AM:

    " i am only texting but when i'm sending out formal letter i'll make sure we get u to proof read.The only thing you said that made sense is the we can learn from our kids maybe u need to try that and come back next year and show your kids what cheerleading is really about.Let me know what other information.Like I said at the first meeting if anyone has any concern that need to be address to address them.I guess nobody has to say anything.See you at the next meeting. "

    DearEditor wrote on Nov 21, 2008 6:52 AM:

    " PLEASE...do NOT let this forum end. This is the most entertaining piece of all. I appreciate every bit of effort and time put into each one of these posts. What an educational experience...to think the future leaders of our parish are being exposed to these incredible personalities...what can we not accomplish? "

    Dear Samatha wrote on Nov 20, 2008 6:14 PM:

    " Since I commented on your grammar, spelling and punctuation previously new information has surfaced. You say your daughter is an honor roll student? We as parents are never to old to learn from our children. Dear Entertained: your comments remind me of a farm animal, I just can't remember what kind. Regardless of your opinion as to whether or not cheering is a "sport" it IS a group activity capable of teaching sportsmanship and teamwork; not to mention physical activity. Careful of your opinion, God listens and may send you only daughters and granddaughters; then you'll change. "

    CC wrote on Nov 20, 2008 2:22 PM:

    " The girls did do a very good job. All who participated should be proud of themselves. However, I did have a problem with some of the song choices. There was quite a bit of profanity in a few of the songs that they danced to. This should not have been allowed. If my child cheered for any one of the teams who had these songs for the cheer off I would have stepped in and pulled her if the song was not changed. That was not very good judgement on the coaches part. The songs should've been edited!!! "

    Lynn wrote on Nov 20, 2008 1:39 PM:

    " GOOD GAWD ALMIGHTY!! This is the biggest bunch of childish bull!! I'm so thankful I have a son and that he does not play football. What a poor representation of what's out there for those kids involved in this league if you people are this pathetic on here. "

    Vikings Coach wrote on Nov 20, 2008 11:55 AM:

    " I have been in the league for more than 20 years.I haven't seen such things.Samantha helps out eveyone if asked.She is a really good coach and coordinator.If anyone thinks they can do a better job.TRY! "

    Samantha Barnes wrote on Nov 20, 2008 11:49 AM:

    " Thanks former cheerleader maybe next year you can be a judge for our cheeroff.Contact Iberia Youth Football League.It's listed and maybe To Samantha and another parent will feel a little better knowing that I don't know you andwhen they announce our win again.They will find another excuse.To Samantha speak your mind your grown right act like it.My history try something better. "

    Samantha Barnes wrote on Nov 20, 2008 8:22 AM:

    " To Tamara by the way her daughter is an honor roll student just like mine maybe they can help ur kids with their homework.Silly little lady.Tamara keep up the good work. "

    FELICI A G.... wrote on Nov 19, 2008 11:58 PM:

    " i think all of this is bull ....we all is grown and actin like kids....and not realizing all we're going 2 do is hurt the kids.us as parent's need 2 start actin like parent's.thats why things the way it is now in the world full of bull....my opinion is...which we all have one, i think sam does a great job with her girls,those kids work hard,she make those kids believe in them selves and they deserve that win.sam do things with those girls that i never seen r heard other coaches do.she's a great coach and sam keep doing,u "

    Tamara wrote on Nov 19, 2008 6:07 PM:

    " to had enough i am one of those moms who participates in all my daughters activities and dont use that as a babysitter i sit with her while she practices whatever. Why can't we just squash this matter because if the kids like what they are doing us as PARENTS should love it. "

    Samantha Barnes wrote on Nov 19, 2008 4:21 PM:

    " I can't tell you why the other cheerleaders wasn't there maybe it's the coaches fault. Sorry, no disqualifications. Girls ask your coaches.The court is always for championship. Oh, I didn't know I was getting graded. Sounds like a few people are very upset.Take it to the board. "

    To Tamara wrote on Nov 19, 2008 2:29 PM:

    " At 4:30 you should have been helping your child with homework not typing on this forum. Oh wait, it is none of my buisness what you do with your free time. Well guess what, it is none of your buisness what everyone else does with theirs either. "

    To Samantha wrote on Nov 19, 2008 1:24 PM:

    " It sounds like your history is following you. "

    Former Cheerleader wrote on Nov 19, 2008 11:40 AM:

    " To Entertained:
    First of all not all cheerleaders are airheads! I cheered all through high school and went to an excellent college on a cheering scholarship! Cheering a definitely a sport! Go and watch an actual cheerleading practice once in a while and you will see these girls not only practice their cheers and stunts, but a lot of conditioning as well! They also have to attend dance classes and gymnastics classes (which by the way is a SPORT) Get your facts straight before commenting because apparently you know nothing about CHEERLEADING at all!! "

    explain wrote on Nov 18, 2008 8:50 PM:

    " Why is it, Samantha, that 9 girls were left out of the voting on Saturday? And why did you disqualify one girl on the field because she had "too many votes"? Sounds like cheating to me! "

    Dear Had Enough wrote on Nov 18, 2008 8:23 PM:

    " I understand your feelings and have seen this typical "New Iberia" behavior too. Like Get A Life said, use this as a lesson for your child to learn from. There is only one JUDGE that counts in life! Samatha Barnes, your printed opinions would have more merit to them if you would use proper grammar, punctuation and spelling. Dear Tamara, maybe Had Enough's job gives her Tuesdays off! She's probably a struggling stay at home mom who actually participates in her children's lives instead of using school and extra curricular activities as babysitters. LLTB "

    Entertained wrote on Nov 18, 2008 8:12 PM:

    " To Confused: Your name says it all. Cheerleading a sport????,yea like shooting pool, or playing cards??? If flaunting your body for kicks is your thing , where's the self esteem come in. I just love it when people can't stay on track of the issue. Comparing real atheletes ( tennis players) to airheads? What tennis matches do you watch? I recieved 5 letters in track, played basketball, baseball, bowled, raced motorcycles, and enjoy playing tennis. Sooner or later injuries pile up from football, even killing and paralizing a few every year. Sorry, no sportmanship there. More like STUPIDBALL "

    Samantha Barnes wrote on Nov 18, 2008 6:46 PM:

    " People don't believe what you here all the time. I don't have to cheat for anyone.Oh by the way my daughter does even cheer for the league any more she is turning 15.So feel sorry for who's daughter maybe yours find something else to say. Not going anywhere until i'm ready! "

    Tamara wrote on Nov 18, 2008 4:23 PM:

    " To all moms or so call moms don't we have anything else to do besides belittling a cheerleading coach that is taking time out of her schedule to teach our girls some skills that they might end up using later in life FOR FREE. Some of you should have been getting ready to go to your job instead of posting a comment at that time of the morning and for everyone else yall might try VOLUNTEERING some of that free time you have. "

    NoQuarter wrote on Nov 18, 2008 3:40 PM:

    " Wow...Cheerleading moms of New Iberia. Someone should make a Lifetime movie, or maybe a reality show about this...it would need subtitles though. "

    another parent wrote on Nov 18, 2008 2:39 PM:

    " Ms. Barnes,
    My daughter cheered when she was 5 years old. I signed her up up because she really wanted to do it and I thought it would be a fun experience for her.

    Thankfully, she was only 5 and has not mentioned it since. You were a poor leader/coordinator then, and you still are.

    Only now people are starting to acuse you of suspect behavior.

    It may be time to "gracefully bow-out". "

    Feel sorry for the daughter wrote on Nov 18, 2008 1:22 PM:

    " I really feel sorry for the daughter of the coach that is cheating. She knows what her mother is doing and whether she would admit it openly to her mother or not, she will grow up thinking she wasn't good enough so her mother had to cheat for her to win. What a thing to have to live with into adulthood. Get ready for the counseling session bills.

    The mother coach should realize what she is doing to her daughter and next year makes things right. She is watching you. "

    not the only one wrote on Nov 18, 2008 11:18 AM:

    " I was at the competition and my daughter's squad did place and I still agree with had enough. Yes, winning isn't everything. It is more important that they have fun. However, when you teach your children to follow the rules and then they see another squad blatantly breaking the rules it's frustrating. And by the way Samantha, spotting means standing near the girls in case they fall. You were touching them and helping them turn during their stunt. I saw it and so did everyone else. And another squad's coach lifted the child for the stunt-and they placed-as-well. "

    49ers coach wrote on Nov 18, 2008 10:56 AM:

    " I hope that we could remember this football league is not about us and it's about the kids. This really is ridiculous. "

    49ers coach wrote on Nov 18, 2008 10:50 AM:

    " First of all to all that was a meeting with all cheerleader coaches in the beginning. All the rules were given, cheeroff was known about way ahead of time so it gave all the cheerleader coaches enough time to put something together. Yes, I know Samantha has a lot of connection and her daughter goes to Paige's and knows how to dance ,and make up routines just like she and her mother made up our routine for us little do everyone know. Maybe if communication was clear she should have asked for help. "

    mother of ex cheerleader wrote on Nov 18, 2008 10:50 AM:

    " My daughter was in cheerleading for years. Every year it is the same thing. Our squad was the best at the compitition, got the loudest and longest applause. The whole auditoriuma gasped when the other team was called. My daughter was to old to join this year and i'm glad, she doesn't have to go through that disappointment again. Our coach even quit which is a shame cause she was the best coach i have ever seen. "

    Samantha Barnes wrote on Nov 18, 2008 9:54 AM:

    " IQ is just fine. Sorry that your one comment u made is not the final one.Everyone has an opinion. It does matter i what i do or say i want please everyone. If cheerleading isn't for you try another sport. I am great at what i do so try being great at what you do.Rams squad has been 1st for along time. We practice hard and win big. My girls are great and always will be.Thanks girls for learning and doing your best.Love.Coach Sam "

    confused wrote on Nov 18, 2008 7:47 AM:

    " Entertained: So cheerleading isn't good for a girl's self esteem? It is a SPORT, just like football. It takes skills and talents that must be practiced and honed. Female tennis players wear less clothing than cheerleaders, yet they are considered athletes.

    Enough, WiseOne: We can't control the economy, war, or jobs - but we are charged with caring about the well-being of our children. Quit trivializing what others consider important.

    I'm not involved in the situation, but have been in similar. I, too, wish we could teach our children proper sportsmanship by example. "

    To Samantha wrote on Nov 18, 2008 6:28 AM:

    " So you hate when people "does know what's going on"? Judging from what you wrote, Entertained was right about your IQ "

    Had Enough wrote on Nov 18, 2008 6:26 AM:

    " Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that this was absolutely my daughters last year on the squad. You are right Frank. She doesn't need to be subjected to that. I strive very hard to teach her what is right. I made a mistake by letting her participate this year. That won't happen again. "

    I agree wrote on Nov 17, 2008 10:16 PM:

    " I do not have children in football or cheer but I get your anger. I would be a little peeved also. "

    proud parent wrote on Nov 17, 2008 8:11 PM:

    " To the parent that's crying about everything that's going on. You sound like you are mad because your child's team didn't win. This is a parent from the rams squad. First of all the coach did not get on stage and help the grls. Second, those girls deserve to win because they did a great job. They practice very hard and long. It's not our fault yall didn't get enough practice. But it's not about winning, it's about having fun. Be happy for your child and stop all the foolishness. "

    Samantha Barnes wrote on Nov 17, 2008 6:35 PM:

    " I reallyhate it when a person makes a comment and does really know what is going on.If u want to know ask question and believie that i have all the answers.At the coaches meeting i decided to change the the date of competition ask anyone.Whoever made this comment doesn't know a thing about cheerleading because my assistance and i was spotting the girls .Do u know what that is? There are sad people in this world and u are one.I am the coordinator and the Rams cheerleading coach and will be until i decided otherwise.Request Rams next year 4urdaughter. "

    fellow mom wrote on Nov 17, 2008 6:19 PM:

    " I'm with you, "Had Enough". My son and daughter both participate and it's just as you say. "Entertained" you must be a non-athlete. Because only a non-athlete would think it barbaric. Mame each other?! Seriously?! They're 7!!! And most of the coaches I've encountered teach these kids about good sportsmanship and how to work together. This DOES boost their self esteem and they are both excellent students. And if you'd ever even been to a game you would know these young girls are dressed as little girls should be. "

    Frank Rizzo wrote on Nov 17, 2008 5:48 PM:

    " Get your daughter out of there and teach her that her integrity is never for sale! There are so much more important things in life than "fitting in" with the "in crowd". If what you just explained is the "in crowd" and "fitting in" who wants to be a part of that.? Teach her morals, integrity, and self esteem, don't belittle her to that short of nonsense anymore. "

    Get a Life wrote on Nov 17, 2008 4:12 PM:

    " this is just the beginning of a hard lesson learned. It is like that in high school and all through life. Deal with it! I know it isn't fair, but your daughter will be a better person for it. "

    wiseone wrote on Nov 17, 2008 1:09 PM:

    " Fiddling while Rome is burning!!!! "

    Entertained wrote on Nov 17, 2008 12:52 PM:

    " Why oh why do you even submit your daughter to be viewed as a piece of meat and then complain about the corruption surrounding the whole manajory? The point of these little girls wearing what little they do is to supposedly support a bunch of bullies (coaches included) who are taught to maim the other team in the name of sportsmanship???If you'd add up the IQof the 2 coaches ,the 22 players and that head cheerleader commadant, you might break 100. Find something that will benifit your daughters self esteem for crying out loud. "

    Enough Said. wrote on Nov 17, 2008 12:16 PM:

    " The economy is tanking, wars are raging on, soldiers are losing their lives, and Americans are losing jobs every day. "

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