Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is All Star Cheerleading?

A: One of the fastest growing sports in the country! An All-Star Cheerleader is an athlete that participates on a cheerleading squad designed solely to perform and compete at cheerleading competitions. All-Star cheerleaders do not cheer for a particular sports team or school. The squad usually represents a cheerleading studio, private gym, or other organization.
All-Star Cheer is not what you see at your local high school or university. This is a competitive team sport incorporating skills from several other disciplines such as gymnastics, dance, stunting and of course, cheer. All-Star squads differ from other teams in that they train year-round for competitions and their goal is to compete at the local, regional and national level.

Q: Where do the Gold Medal All Stars practice?

A: Our program is based at Tim Daggett Gold Medal Gymnastics. At the 1984 Olympics, Tim Daggett's perfect 10 clinched the Olympic gold medal for the U.S. Men's Gymnastics Team. Tim now runs a multi-million dollar training facility for gymnastics in Agawam, Massachusetts. The practice facility is the best in the area. The activity areas cover over 16,000 square feet and offers a full spring floor, two tumble tracks, two large safety pits filled with over 15,000 blocks of safety foam, and a warehouse style ceiling which makes all stunting possible indoors. We also offer a full viewing area for parents to come and watch your child's accomplishments.

Q: How often does GMAS compete?

A: The competition season runs from November to May. GMAS usually tries to schedule about one competition per month. Please check the Competitions Page for see the 2006/2007 competition schedule. CLICK HERE to go to the Competitions Page.

Q: Where are the competitions held?

A: Most competitions are held regionally in New England, usually in Massachusetts, Connecticut or Rhode Island. GMAS typically schedules one competition that will require extended travel and an overnight stay. The 2006/2007 team will be traveling to Hershey Park in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

Q: What types of fundraising are offered?

A: Fundraising efforts are broken into to two types: Individual and Booster Club. Individual fundraising is optional and all funds raised go into the cheerleaders individual account. Fundraisers for the booster club are a team effort and attendance is mandatory. Either the cheerleader or a family member must participate. A buyout fee will be applied for non-participation in a booster club fundraising event.

Q: Can fundraising cover all of the cheerleaders annual costs, including tuition and competition fees?

A: Yes! For the past couple of years, we have had cheerleaders use fundraising to cover 100% of their costs. Individual fundraising events are optional so it is entirely up to the cheerleader as to how much individual fundraising they want to do.

Q: Are practices mandatory?

A: Yes! Having full attendance is very important to a competitive cheer team. If one member of a stunt team is absent, then the entire group can not practice their stunting. Absences also make it difficult to evaluate the choreography, dance and the overall routine.

Q: How much does All Star Cheerleading cost?

A: The costs include fees related to competitions, tuition, uniforms, warm-ups, etc. The first year on a team is the most difficult because of the need to purchase a uniform and warm-ups. The costs are similar to those incurred with other all star level sports teams such as travel soccer teams or AAU basketball and baseball teams. Fortunately, some GMAS cheerleaders have been able to raise 100% of their costs through the various GMAS fundraising efforts. If you have the desire and the willingness to work hard, then the costs should not deter you from competing on an all star cheer team. It is difficult to come up with an exact amount due to the varying costs from year to year, but GMAS has put together an estimate of the annual costs based on the 2006/2007 fees. Please see Coach Amanda if you would like a copy of the cost estimates.

Q: What Charities has GMAS helped?

A: Through various toy drives, jumpathons and other efforts, the GMAS cheerleaders have helped the Shriners Children Hospital, Hailey's Hope Chest, Hurricane Katrina victims, Toys for Tots, Jimmy's Stuff the Stocking and overseas military holiday donations.

Q: Does GMAS perform anywhere besides competition?

A: The GMAS cheerleaders have performed a various community events in addition to our competitions. During the past season, we have visited the kids at the Shriner's Children Hospital and also marched in the Holyoke St. Patrick's Day parade. Please contact the GMAS Coaching staff if you would like GMAS to perform at your community function.