For most people managing the practices and competition schedule of being a team member on one all star team can be overwhelming. There is a small minority of people who desire to do more. They want more time in the gym, more opportunities to compete and they want to double their chances to win championships. These people are known as double teamers and quite often they are also referred to as over achievers. We are giving you the rules, some pros and cons and some feedback from kids and parents who are presently double teaming. The decision is yours as a new season approaches. 

The USASF policy on crossovers:
An individual will not be permitted to crossover from one program to another within the same event (Exception: An athlete from one gym without a Level 6 team may crossover to one additional gym’s Level 6 team provided (s)he meets the age requirement for a Level 6 team. For the 2015-16 season, an all-star cheerleader is limited to crossing over to 2 (two) additional cheer teams from their gym per competition. Therefore, an athlete may compete on one team and crossover to two more teams from the same gym during the competition. An event producer may choose to be more restrictive than the rules above for crossovers limiting the number of teams an athlete may crossover to further; however an event producer may not be less restrictive than this. Crossover limitations above do not include athletes that crossover from cheer to dance. Crossovers between all-star prep and traditional all-star are not permitted at the same event. NCA All Star Nationals doesn’t allow crossovers except within the same level and from cheer to dance is fine.

[instagram url="https://www.instagram.com/p/--HLy-Hipj/?tagged=doubleteamer&hl=en" hide_caption="0"]
The PROS of double teaming:

• Team members get to experience a variety of roles within teams. If they double team they could base on one team while flying on another.
• They get more time in the gym to practice usually at a fraction of the cost.
• More opportunities to win.
• They develop more friendships within their gym family.
• Often when double teaming these kids are one of the oldest on one of their teams, and one of the youngest on their other team which helps them develop both the skills of a leader and of a team player.
• They develop more confidence by performing more often.
• Time management becomes second nature to kids on two teams because they are accustomed to a busy schedule. They know how to use their time wisely.
• They tend to be in better physical shape because they are so active.

[facebook url="https://www.facebook.com/StormAllstarCheerleading/videos/10154588339172564/"]
The CONS of double teaming:

• There is the potential of burn out from too much practice.
• It can feel overwhelming to kids who don’t have well developed time management skills or a good support system. 
• Competition season is more expensive including fees, travel and uniforms.
• Double teamers could possibly have competition times that overlap causing potentially stressful situations.
• More wear and tear on the body.
• Less time for social activities, homework, family time.
• What a few kids have to say about their double teaming experience.

Mikayla - 12 Years Old - Two Level 2 cheer teams:

There are so many good things about being on two teams. I already love spending as much time as I can at the gym, so I have a great excuse to be there! I also get a chance to win for two teams, but the best part is getting to know more people and having more friends.

 Being at practice for four and a half hours this year has been harder for me. Last year, it was every day practice, but I loved going to the gym so it wasn't a big deal. Having such long practices is harder this year. Although, my stamina has gotten better from these kind of long workouts. Also, it's hard at competitions when the teams go back to back and I don't get a break. Sometimes I don't get to practice first with the team before going on or I don't get to participate in the awards ceremony because my other team is performing. 

At one of the competitions, both of my teams won jackets. I went through one line and received my jacket, then went out and quickly took it off so I could go through the line again with my other team and get TWO jackets. We made sure to go to a different person helping pass them out!

From a parent’s perspective - Mikayla’s mom, Peggy:

I don't think double-teaming is for everyone. It's a lot of hard-work and takes up a TON of time. One of the reasons Mikayla is able to handle it is because she's homeschooled. Because of this, she gets all her schoolwork finished during the day and never has homework. If she had the typical homework load for a middle-schooler, I don't think she could do it.

Erika - 11 years old - Level 3 cheer team and a dance team:
Being part of two different types of teams allows me to enjoy my passion for dance and cheer.  And most of all, expanding my relationships with my sport family. Also organization is an important key to double teaming.  Being prepared in changing make-up, hair, uniforms and being on time.

However, double teaming can be very stressful.  At times, Practices and competing are back to back from cheer to dance.  My mind set and focus has to change quickly.  If my cheer team struggled, I quickly have to move forward and focus on dance and vice versa. There is no time to reflect until the end of the day.

Peyton - 11 year old boy / Charlie - 10 year old girl - Level 2 cheer team and a dance team:
We like to be able to do both. Cheer gives us a chance to showcase our strengths in tumbling while dance is a little more relaxed and easy going.