NCA ALL-STAR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PACKET

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1 NCA ALL-STAR NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL PACKET

2 Dallas! This year s NCA All-Star National Championship was full in less than an hour! We are so honored that your gym has chosen to be a part of this epic weekend! With over 1,300 cheer & dance teams attending this year, NCA & NDA sincerely thanks you for being such a loyal partner! This is the final information packet you will receive before your arrival in Dallas for the championship. Please read all of the information carefully. This will help ensure that all participants and coaches are well informed as to all aspects of the event. Bring the information in this packet as well as the initial confirmation packet you received, and a copy of the NCA rule book so that you can review any necessary procedures such as performance requirements and criteria, penalty assessments, etc. Most of the questions you may have can be answered in this information. Enclosed in this final packet you will find information regarding: Event Check-in Policies and Forms Performance and Practice Areas Scoring and Awards Coaches Information Maps and Extras If you have any questions prior to the competition, you may also contact our NCA Customer Service at 800.NCA.2WIN or 877.NDA.2WIN for more information. NCA Customer Service is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST. For any changes in your registration, including the addition or reduction in numbers, please submit those changes in writing to your Registrations Director listed below. We look forward to seeing you and your teams compete in Dallas! Sincerely, Mike Duhon Rachael Alexander Executive Director Competition Operations NCA & NDA Registrations Director mduhon@varsity.com ralexander@varsity.com Phone: Phone: ext Fax:

3 FINAL PACKET NCA All-Star National Championship February 19-21, 2016 Location, Check-in and Tickets.. Page 2 Policies and Forms.... Page 3 Practice and Performance.... Page 4 Scores and Awards... Page 5 Coaches Information..... Page 6-7 Maps, Directions & Reminders....Page 8-11 AccuScore Score Challenge Process..Page 12 In this packet, you will find all pertinent information pertaining to this event. Please review all included materials carefully to ensure that you and your team are fully prepared to experience the fun, excitement, and winning spirit of an NCA Championship! CHAMPIONSHIP LOCATION Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center 650 South Griffin Street Dallas, Texas (214) EVENT CHECK-IN A representative from each team must check-in at the NCA Event Information Area on February 19, 2016, located in A/B Lobby of the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center registration will be from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM. Please make note of the location: Registration will take place in the C-Ballroom #3 room located across from the C-Hall. Please refer to the overview map located at the end of this packet. You MUST turn in the USASF Roster and Athlete ID in order to compete. Coaches will need to count and sign for all credentials at check-in. These credentials will allow you access into the Championship venue. NCA will not replace lost/stolen credentials. TICKETS Tickets will be GENERAL ADMISSION! NCA will offer daily passes or a weekend pass which will be good for Friday Sunday competition. Please inform all spectators that tickets may be purchased with CASH ONLY. Checks and credit cards will not be accepted. Three tickets booths will be located at the Convention Center, and NCA will begin selling during registrations on Friday, and continue through the rest of the weekend. Friday ONLY Admission $20 Saturday ONLY Admission $25 Sunday ONLY Admission $25 Weekend Pass (3 Day Admission) $45 OFFICIAL CHAMPIONSHIP CREDENTIALS Each registered participant and coach will receive official Championship credentials. The credentials will be picked up during check-in. These credentials MUST be worn to gain entrance into the Championship Venues and practice areas. NOTE: If coach credentials are purchased on site, the fee will be $125 per pass. Coach credentials will only be provided to active coaches who are Professional Members of the USASF. Proof of membership must be provided.

4 POLICIES AND FORMS REGISTRATION CHANGES All changes that don t affect division splits must be submitted in writing and received by the NCA Registrations Director (Rachael Alexander ralexander@varsity.com) NCA is not responsible for written changes not received. DIVISION CHANGES NO DIVISION CHANGES are allowed at this point. FULL PAYMENT Payment in full must be completed prior to practicing or competing at the NCA All-Star National Championship. If your gym has an outstanding balance, payment can be in the form of Credit Card, Cashier s Check or Money Order. No personal checks, booster club or business checks are accepted. REQUIRED FORMS Listed below are the required forms that must be completed in full and turned in upon check-in at the event. Your team will not be allowed practice time or to compete if these forms are not completed in full. If you prefer, you can mail the completed forms to NCA prior to the competition. Forms must be mailed by the dates listed next to each form to allow for adequate processing time before the competition. You can also download these forms on our website: nca.varsity.com. USASF Event Roster & Athlete ID - All cheer participants must be registered in the USASF Athlete ID program. Registration is required prior to your first competition of the championship season. If you haven t already registered, please see the process below. One form is required for each team competing. (If mailing, must be sent by Feb. 12, 2016) Team Bio Form Enclosed you will find an NCA Team Bio Form. One form must be filled out for every team competing. (If mailing, must be sent by Feb. 12, 2016) *HOVER BOARDS / SCOOTERS / ETC. NOT ALLOWED* For the safety of participants and attendees at our events, NCA does not allow the use of Hover Boards, Razor Scooters, RipStiks, Skateboards or any similar wheeled conveyances outside the competition venue or inside the competition venue or in the pre-function space. The only wheeled conveyances allowed will be those that have been deemed medically necessary for the individual using it (wheelchairs, medical knee walkers, etc).

5 PRACTICE AND PERFORMANCE PERFORMANCE ORDER Tentative performance times can be downloaded on our website at nca.varsity.com. This performance order will be continuously updated as changes occur. All coaches will receive the most updated performance order upon check-in on February 19, PRACTICE AREAS Each team will have approximately seven (7) minutes of practice time on three stations (stretch, tumbling strip & full mat). Your practice time will be approximately 45 minutes - 1 hour before your performance time, pending your venue location. The practice area is located in the E-Hall & F-Hall (refer to map). Cheerleaders and coaches will enter at the D/E-Hall Lobby for check-in. This time will be indicated on your performance order. From the practice area, you will be directed to an On Deck pathway which will direct you to the appropriate backstage area. If you miss your practice time, NCA cannot guarantee another opportunity to practice in the designated area. Only team members of the competing team and Coaches may enter the practice area. Family members and spectators will not be admitted to the practice area. Coaches must have their Championship credentials to enter the practice area. NCA will provide sound systems for teams with music on a CD or an MP3 player. NO TELEPHOTO/ZOOM LENSES ALLOWED Because we take the safety and security of our participants seriously, our policy is to protect your privacy and that of all participants. Still cameras with telephoto or zoom lenses will not be allowed during performances by unauthorized personnel/officials at any NCA Event. VIDEOS There will not be any DVD sales of performances due to, among other things, lack of demand and changing technology. Parents may use their personal cameras in the venue. However, use of professional recording equipment is still prohibited SECURITY All participants, coaches, and spectators are subject to random checks prior to entering the Championship venue. Please inform your spectators to refrain from bringing any unnecessary bags, cases, etc. Security will also monitor use professional video cameras and telephoto lenses during the event. Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.

6 SCORES AND AWARDS SCORE SHEETS Score sheets from your preliminary competition will be available approximately 10 to 15 minutes after your team has performed and may be picked up at the score sheet table located inside each venue behind the Judges Stand. Please see the last page of this packet for details of the AccuScore Score preview process. Finals score sheets will be distributed at the Event Information Table located in C-Ballroom #3 following conclusion of your division s awards ceremony. NCA assumes no responsibility for the score sheets after the Championship has ended. Sample score sheets are located at nca.varsity.com. Your Day 1 score will count as 25% of your final score. Your Day 2 score will account for the other 75%. Teams will compete in reverse order, from how they placed in prelims. (i.e. the squads with the highest score after prelims in a particular division will compete last in that division on finals). AWARDS Trophies will be presented to all teams in every division. In addition, a Grand Champion banner will be awarded to the Level 5 team with the highest score in finals. Innovative Choreography will also be presented in each division, while Herkie High Point awards will be presented to Levels 1-4. First place winners in each division will also receive a Championship Jacket and a team Championship Banner. The awards ceremonies will take place continuously throughout the day. RANKINGS Rankings for all competitions will be posted on nca.varsity.com as each division is completed as well as the C-Ballrooms during the event. WORLDS BID DECLARATION Information for the 2016 World s Bids is located on nca.varsity.com. Please be sure to visit the website for specific division bid information. Reminder: All teams competing for a Bid to the Cheerleading Worlds must have their USASF Gym Membership and Athlete ID program up to date PRIOR to attending Nationals. THE SUMMIT BID DECLARATION Information for the Varsity All Star s The Summit bids is located on nca.varsity.com. Please be sure to visit the website for specific division bid information. D2

7 COACHES INFORMATION COACHES ORIENTATION MEETING NCA will administer one Coaches meeting on Friday, February 19 th at the Convention Center. While attendance is not required, we urge that you have a representative at one of the meetings. The meetings will take place at 3:30 PM in the C4 Ballroom room of the Convention Center (located near check-in). The meeting will consist of a quick overview of the weekend and you will be allowed to ask any questions you may have about the Championship. COACHES HOSPITALITY ROOM There will be one main Coaches Hospitality room located in C-Ballrooms 2, 3 & 4 of the Dallas Convention Center. This will be the only location and will have hot finger food, comfortable couches, chair massages & refreshments. Please note there will not be a Coaches Room located in 302/303. This room is a great place for your coaches to get away from the competition, relax and collect your thoughts. A live video feed of the Arena will be available in this room. Chair massages will be available from 10:00 AM 6:00 PM during the competition on both prelims and finals. From 11:00 AM 1:00 PM & 5:30 PM 7:30 PM there will be hot snack items for all coaches. All other times, there will be snacks and drinks. Only registered Coaches/Directors with proper credentials will be allowed in this room. Participants, spectators and all other individuals without official coaches/directors credentials are no allowed in this room. SPECIAL VIEWING AREA An area in front of each PERFORMANCE VENUE (exception Arena) has been designated for participants/spectators that would like to watch their teams perform. Spectators & Sister teams from the competing gym will be allowed to enter the PERFORMANCE VIEWING area only when teams from their own gym are about to perform. Immediately following the performance, all individuals will need to exit the PERFORMANCE VENUE and allow the next group access to the viewing area. PLEASE NOTE: The Arena will offer a Special Viewing Area in section 26. Spectators will need to check in with NCA staff outside of section 27 approximately 10 minutes prior to their team s performance. Spectators will rotate from a holding area to the special viewing area, then exit following their team s performance. SQUAD ENTRANCES Due to the number of teams competing, we ask that all teams enter the floor in a timely fashion. Once your team name is called, please do not do any additional chants or team cheers. Penalties may be assessed should your team have an organized entrance. Staying on time will be crucial to the event. Thank you in advance for relaying this information to your squads. DO NOT LEAVE PERSONAL ITEMS UNATTENDED Please do not leave personal items unattended at any time during the event. If your gym is assigned a personal meeting room, please be sure to leave a parent or individual in the room should you choose to leave items in that location. Please do not leave your bags backstage prior to your performance. NCA & NDA recommends Cheerleaders and Dancers leave their bags with team parents prior to reporting to the practice room. NCA will have security during the event; however, these individuals are not responsible for watching personal items. Please pass along this information to all parents and spectators.

8 ROUTINE VIDEO REPLAY Each team will have the ability to view their preliminary performance after exiting the floor. Video will be played continuously on a delay, so team members must go directly to the review area in order to see the routine. JOIN THE NCA ALL-STAR NATIONALS INNER CIRCLE ON FACEBOOK The Inner Circle is our Facebook group dedicated to coaches registered for 2016 Nationals. In addition to the information available on our website and through these s, we will feature important reminders and updates and provide another source of information to help get you prepared for the competition. Visit the page at and submit a request to join the group. Crossovers at NCA ALL-STAR NATIONALS WILL BE ALLOWED given the following restrictions: 1. Participant may only crossover into a division within the same USASF Level (e.g. Level 3 Jr Coed and Level 3 Small Senior). 2. Participant may only represent up to a maximum of two teams. 3. Participant may only represent one program. 4. A maximum of five crossover participants is allowed per team. 5. Crossover participants must pay an additional commuter registration fee in full to perform on the second team. NCA always attempts to ensure teams from the same program do not have overlapping performances during the preliminary schedule. However, NCA cannot guarantee that a performance overlap will not occur during the final schedule. If a team violates the crossover rule, the second and each subsequent team will receive a 10.0 deduction off of their final score for each illegal participant. Maximum penalty is SPOTTERS AT NCA NATIONALS NCA Staff will NOT be available to provide additional spotters for your routine. Please plan accordingly and make a decision that is safest for your athletes. If you chose to supply your own spotters, you must adhere to our guidelines. You may not utilize more than a total of 4 spotters and they must be registered Coaches or Participants at the event and dress appropriately (athletic attire appropriate for spotting, not in a cheer uniform, and not a distraction to the judges). Your scores may be negatively affected if the spotter(s) assist in executing skills or their appearance is an excessive distraction to the judging process. TEAM SHUTTLE DROP OFF/PICK UP Please note the only location teams will be able to drop off / pick up team members via shuttle bus in in the lower A/B lobby and lower D lobby drop off areas. Please refer to the map attached at the back of this packet. Note these areas may only be utilized as a pass through. Please do not attempt to drop off in the lower C lobby as charter busses will not be allowed to enter through this location. Charter bus parking will be available in Lot E Only. Please pass this along to all bus drivers and spectators.

9 IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER Practice Floor Location Practice area for all cheer venues is located in the E-Hall & F-Hall of the Convention Center. Teams will check-in with NCA staff in the D/E Hall lobby. Once practice is completed, your team will be directed to a participant / coach only walkway to your venue On Deck area. Video and Photography NCA will not be selling DVD's of performances due to, among other things, lack of demand and changing technology. Parents may use their personal cameras in the venue. However, use of professional recording equipment is still prohibited. Professional video cameras and telephoto still camera lenses are still not allowed. Registration Registration for the event will take place on Friday, February 19 th at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center. Registration will be located in the C- Ballroom #3 directly across from the C-Hall. Music Teams will either play their music directly from a digital player or CD. Please refer to the mp3 music guidelines to assure a successful process. Coaches Hospitality Room Coaches Room will be located in C-Ballroom #3 of the Convention Center. Complimentary drinks, snacks, chair massages and a live feed of the Arena will be provided to all registered coaches. Wristbands must be on coaches to gain entrance. Coaches Orientation Meeting NCA will administer one Coaches meeting on Friday, February 19 th at the Convention Center. The meeting will take place at 3:30 PM in the C4 Ballroom room of the Convention Center (located near check-in). The meeting will consist of a quick overview of the weekend and you will be allowed to ask any questions you may have about the Championship. A webinar will also be ed out to all teams attending.

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12 Charter Bus Parking (LOT E ONLY) Charter Bus drop off / pick up locations

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