More Frequently Asked Questions & Common Topics
When Do Practices Begin?
Practices for all teams will begin in the first week of June. Specific practice days and times for each team will be determined by the Golden Elite Allstars coaching staff following tryouts. Full-season teams practice approximately four (4) hours per week. Additional practices may be added at any time, particularly prior to competitions, at the discretion of the coaching staff.
All required paperwork and down payments must be submitted before an athlete may begin practicing.
What Is the Length of the Season?
All competition teams are a year-round commitment. The season runs from June through April, or May if the team qualifies for The Summit or Allstar Worlds. Competitions typically begin in November.
What If My Child Misses Practice?
Only extreme family emergencies or graded school-related events may be considered excused absences. You must show proof that it is a graded assignment. If an athlete misses a practice one (1) week prior to any competition or two (2) weeks prior to a National competition, Golden Elite Allstars reserves the right to replace the athlete for that competition and/or adjust their position within the routine.
What About Holidays and Vacations?
No vacations may be scheduled after August 11, 2026. Absences affect stunt groups, pyramids, and overall team performance. A full commitment is required for participation in this program. The gym will post holiday closures, and notifications are typically sent via email. Families are encouraged to schedule vacations during designated gym closures.
Vacation requests must be submitted to the coaching staff at least two (2) weeks in advance. Golden Elite Allstars reserves the right to adjust an athlete’s team placement due to excessive summer absences or a decline in skill level from tryouts.
What Happens If My Cheerleader Misses a Practice?
Attendance is taken very seriously. A $50 fee will be charged for each unexcused absence and automatically applied to the account on file. Excessive absences may result in removal from the team. After two (2) unexcused absences, a mandatory meeting will be held with the athlete and parent(s).
What Should My Cheerleader Wear to Practice?
Until official practice wear is distributed (typically in August or September), athletes must wear black-on-black athletic attire (sports bra and shorts) or other GEA-approved apparel. No additional colors or markings are permitted. Practice wear may be purchased through the GEA Spirit Shop.
Hair must be worn in a high ponytail with a bow (any color permitted, though black, gold, and white are preferred). No jewelry is permitted at any time. Athletes must wear appropriate cheer shoes (black Revolutions preferred) with black no-show socks. Competition shoes will be specified and required for each team.
What Happens If I Fall Behind on Monthly Payments?
If an account becomes delinquent, it is the family’s responsibility to contact GEA accounting immediately. Coaching staff may bench an athlete whose account is not current. Athletes are still required to attend all practices but will not be permitted to perform or compete until the account is brought current. A $50 late fee will be applied to accounts more than five (5) days past due. Athletes with delinquent accounts may not participate in private lessons, clinics, tumbling classes, or competitions.
What If My Cheerleader Is Not Performing at the Required Skill Level?
Athletes are expected to maintain the skill level required for their assigned team. If an athlete no longer meets these expectations, Golden Elite Allstars reserves the right to move the athlete to a more appropriate team. In some cases, athletes may be placed based on positional needs (such as base or back spot) even if they do not possess every skill typically associated with that level. All placement decisions are made at the coaches’ discretion.
What If My Cheerleader Quits or Is Removed From the Team?
All fees paid are non-refundable, including in cases of illness or injury. A $600 termination fee will be assessed if an athlete quits or is removed from the program for any reason.
Can My Athlete Continue Tumbling or Private Lessons at Just Tumble if They Leave and Join Another Program?
No. Athletes who leave Golden Elite Allstars to join another Allstar or competitive cheer program (including NA teams) may not return to Just Tumble for two (2) full seasons.
What If My Cheerleader’s Team Qualifies for The Summit or Allstar Worlds?
If a team qualifies for The Summit or Allstar Worlds, the gym will attend if the coaching staff determines the team is prepared. Participation is mandatory and not subject to a vote. A revised practice schedule will be implemented, and all practices will be mandatory. Missing a Summit or Worlds practice may result in removal from the team and replacement by an alternate. Additional fees for coaching, travel, competition, and uniform/practice wear may apply.
Is My Child Allowed to Dye Their Hair?
No. Athletes may not dye their hair colors that could distract judges, including but not limited to green, blue, hot pink, purple, or red.
When Are Travel Days?
For major out-of-town competitions requiring airfare, travel typically occurs on Thursdays prior to competition and returns on Mondays following competition. An exception is NCA Dallas, where travel occurs on Wednesday due to a Friday practice in Dallas.
Are We Required to Stay in Team Hotels?
In most cases, yes. Many competitions operate under “Stay to Play” policies requiring teams to book through designated hotels. Families will be notified when these requirements apply.
Promotional Materials
Golden Elite Allstars reserves the right to use photographs and videos taken at the facility, events, or during any program activity for promotional purposes. These materials may be used in brochures, websites, social media, and other marketing platforms without compensation or liability.