Alberta Cheerleading Association

ALBERTA CHEERLEADING ASSOCIATION

ANNUAL REPORT 2 0 1 9 / 2 0 CONTENTS

3 About the ACA

4 Vision, Mission, Values

5 Message from the Executive Director

6 Strategic Plan

7 Message from the President

8 Club & School Statistics

9 Athlete Statistics

10 Alberta Zones

11 Coach-in-Training Statistics

12 Coach Statistics

13 All-Star Coach Program Report

14 Scholastic Coach Program Report

15 Officials Statistics

16 Judging Program Report

19 ASAA Commissioner Report

20 Sanctioned Competitions

21 2020 True North Cheer & Dance Championships

27 Award Nominees & Recipients

34 2020/21 Season Program & Services Emphasis'

35 2019/20 Member Clubs & Schools

39 Sponsors & Supporters

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 02 2019-20 Board of Directors ABOUT Front row (left to right): Annie Pham, Amanda Trundle, Michelle Morrell. Back row (left to right): Carter THE ACA Buchanan, Kaylynn McCormack, Travis Pang, Deanna Kibblewhite, Trevor Robertson.

The sport of cheerleading in Alberta has continued to grow over the past decade. Over 30 years ago (1984), cheerleading Through training and was first recognized as a sport with the mentoring of coaches Alberta Schools Athletic Association. The Alberta Cheerleading Association (ACA) and officials, the ACA was officially registered as a not-for- profit organization under the Societies cultivates skilled, Act in 1988. dedicated, and The ACA continues to promote, foster, and regulate cheerleading in Alberta to ambitious leaders while develop leadership, respect in sport and helping to build the sport long-term athletes of all ages and genders. in Alberta.

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 03 VISION, MISSION, VALUES

VISION To be the most progressive and innovative cheerleading organization.

The Alberta Cheerleading Association is dedicated to promoting, MISSION developing, and regulating cheerleading across Alberta. VALUES

EXCELLENCE and INTEGRITY in all that we do: We commit to our members and stakeholders to provide accountability for our decisions, transparency in our operations, and respect in our interactions.

PASSION for cheerleading: We are passionate about developing the sport of cheerleading, promoting participation in cheerleading for life as an athlete, coach, official, administrator, supporter, or enthusiast.

Dynamic LEADERSHIP: We strive to advance competencies within cheerleading, recognizing the importance of continuous improvement and innovation.

SAFETY for all: We commit to providing safe, comfortable environments for participation that foster equality, and sportsmanship, breaking stereotypes to show cheerleading as a sport that is safe and inclusive for all.

Contributing to COMMUNITY: We celebrate being a member of the cheerleading and amateur sport communities, work collaboratively to achieve common visions, and recognize the importance of giving back to communities supporting the development of our sport.

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 04 MESSAGE FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

For over 30 years, the Alberta Cheerleading Hiring of a Judging and Coaching Coordinator, Association has overcome many challenges but has Kim Houle, to oversee the administration of all steadily grown with a clear mission to promote and coaching and judging programs. develop cheerleading in Alberta. Despite the COVID- Hiring of a new Legality Consultant, Melissa 19 pandemic hitting us fast and the hardships in front Kolodenko, to provide scholastic rule of us, our membership’s collective unity allows us to clarification and to assist with the development be there for one another and identify ways to push of new programs. forward during these times of uncertainty. Providing virtual ICU credentialing sessions to enable those across Alberta to credential with As the pandemic unfolds, the ACA is continuing to ease. explore avenues to support our members. One way in Improved administrative processes and which we have done this is by building a dedicated communications for all programs and services. page on our website for COVID-19 Resources. We Holding meetings with members to answer have also connected with event producers to discuss questions and identify areas for improvement. concerns and ideas for next season. We have joined Collaborating with Cheer Canada to Cheer Canada and PSOs in regular, open discussion implement a new membership registration to further grow and improve cheerleading. Currently, process. with the assistance of Cheer Canada, we are working Updating of our website and clarification of on Return to Play documents to help our sport restart information to better assist our members. and operate within this changing environment. Improvement of True North floor layouts, volunteer roles, awards and athlete gifts to give Each day, I am inspired by the enthusiasm and our participants a better experience. capabilities of our incredible staff, board of directors, and members. We are a formidable team, and I could Although there is much uncertainty ahead at this not be prouder of all that we have accomplished and time, I look ahead to the year feeling inspired and all that is still left to be discovered. invigorated as we continue on our journey to promote and develop cheerleading across Alberta. This report profiles just a few of the highlights of 2019/20. It is clear as we look back that we have We will get through this, together. much as an organization to celebrate, and I would like to share with you some of our successes. MICHELLE MORRELL Executive Director

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 05 STRATEGIC PLAN

In 2019, the ACA Board of Directors found renewal and expansion with the inclusion of many new faces and roles. On June 22, 2019, the Board of Directors and Executive Director updated the 2019-2022 Strategic Plan during a Board governance and planning retreat.

The four main goals of the Strategic Plan and a summary of 2019/2020 accomplishments are: Introduce and Advance Programs and Services 1 Accomplishments: Include coach session in judges' training. Improve ACA certification program (to be released) Offer ICU credentialing virtually. Improved judges training, education and scheduling. Increase Member Engagement and Partnerships 2 Accomplishments: Improved communication through email, newsletters and social media. Convening of member meetings to educate and vocalize needs and concerns. Issuance of surveys before and after events. Increased timeliness of response to member inquiries. Development of an annual report.

Improve Operational Effectiveness 3 Accomplishments: Hiring of new staff and contractors, and restructuring of roles. New membership registration program. Recording of administrative procedures. Advancement of relationship with Alberta Sport Connect. Hiring of a new bookkeeper. Development of an Executive Director annual performance evaluation process. Implementation of a Board Evaluation Questionnaire and Board Exit Interview. Define and Improve Relationship with Cheer Canada 4 Accomplishments: Participation in meetings with Cheer Canada and PSOs. Information exchange and inquiries with Cheer Canada.

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 06 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

The ACA began the 2019/2020 season with a review of our Strategic Plan to continue to guide Working with our Executive Director, we developed cheerleading in Alberta! In June 2019, the Board and a Board Evaluation Questionnaire. The purpose is Executive Director updated the 2019/2022 Strategic to identify any issues that require clarification or Plan during a Governance and Planning retreat. The improvement, close gaps in procedure or policy, four main goals of the Strategic Plan are: and identify topics for future review or Introduce and Advance Programs and Services implementation. A Director exit interview was also Increase Member Engagement and Partnerships created to collect feedback on the overall Improve Operational Effectiveness experience for Directors and will be used to Define and Improve ACA’s Relationship with improve the Board’s efficiency and effectiveness. Cheer Canada Lastly, the Board reviewed our Executive Director on her role with the ACA. The ACA is passionate about developing the sport of cheerleading and promoting participation for life as With our season being cut short from COVID-19, we an athlete, coach, official, administrator, supporter, would like to thank all members for your ongoing or enthusiast. The passion for our sport can be heard support and effort to make cheerleading a priority and felt from the mat to the boardroom. This for our youth. We are very optimistic about our 2019/2020 season, the Board met 11 times to discuss sport this upcoming season and are finding ways to our strategic plan, to make policy and governance make sure we follow guidelines while continuing decisions, and to discuss day-to-day matters to the growth of cheerleading in Alberta. support our ED and Staff. On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you to The Board embraced collaboration and the voice of all of our members who have volunteered on our our membership by actively heading Scholastic, All- Committees and Task Groups - we could not do the Star, and Event Producer meetings and attended work we do without your help! Congratulations to Cheer Canada PSO meetings. We took the feedback all of our teams on wonderful and safe routines this from our members, fellow PSOs, and Cheer Canada season. To our coaches who volunteer countless to effectively help our cheer community by listening, hours in pursuit of our sport, thank you! supporting, and actioning where required. KAYLYNN MCCORMACK The Board and ED believed it was essential to hire staff and consultants to assist with improving our President coaching and judging programs. I want to thank our staff and consultants for the extensive time and effort they have put into the 2019/20 season. PAGE 07 MEMBERSHIP CLUBS & SCHOOLS STATISTICS

29% + 2 Schools from 2018/2019 93 71% - 1 Club from 2018/2019

93 schools and clubs in 2019/20 27 CLUBS versus 92 in 2018/2019. 66 SCHOOLS

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 08 ATHLETES STATISTICS

3098 ALL-STAR 32% 4567 1469 SCHOLASTIC

68% - 161 Athletes from 2018/19 (4728)

GENDER

4396 7 164

- 192 + 7 + 27 from 2018/19 (4588) from 2018/19 (0) from 2018/19 (137)

AGE 0-12 13-18 19-54 55+

SCHOLASTIC 16% 16% 0% (28) 0%

ALL-STAR 46% 18% 4% 0% (1) TOTAL 62% 34% 4% 0% (1) 2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 09 ALBERTA ZONES

Cheerleading is in 100% of Alberta Zones!

1 SOUTH | 7 NORTH CENTRAL | 21 3 Clubs & 4 Schools 5 4 Clubs & 17 Schools

2 SOUTH CENTRAL | 6 EDMONTON | 37 4 Clubs & 2 Schools 6 3 Clubs & 34 Schools

CALGARY | 9 7 NORTH EAST | 6 3 5 Clubs & 4 Schools 4 Clubs & 2 Schools

4 CENTRAL | 5 8 NORTH WEST | 2 2 Clubs & 3 Schools 2 Clubs

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 10 COACHES-IN-TRAINING STATISTICS

20% 118 ALL-STAR

148 30 SCHOLASTIC 80%

GENDER

143 0 5

AGE 0-12 13-18 19-54 55+

SCHOLASTIC 3% 13% 5% 0%

ALL-STAR 16% 56% 7% 0%

TOTAL 19% 69% 12% 0%

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 11 COACHES STATISTICS

212 ALL-STAR 40% 142 SCHOLASTIC 354 60% - 1 Coach from 2018/19 (355)

GENDER

327 0 27

+ 11 - 12 from 2018/19 (316) No change 2018/19 (0) from 2018/19 (39)

AGE 13-18 19-54 55+

SCHOLASTIC 4% 36% 0% (1) ALL-STAR 12% 48% 0% (2)

TOTAL 16% 84% 0% (2)

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 12 ALL-STAR COACHES PROGRAM REPORT

ICU CERTIFICATES REMOTE (VIRTUAL) Improvements have been made to our Facilitator CREDENTIALING Tracking Sheets to capture all information for the A remote (virtual) credentialing system was ICU – this saves time for closeout of data sent to piloted in December 2019. 10 coaches from the ICU for a crosscheck. around the Province participated. The Certificate preparation is now done monthly. This process proved successful as it is easy for enables the ICU to prepare certificates promptly and to expedite coaches' receipt time. facilitators to administer and comfortable We have implemented electronic and paper for coaches. systems to track certificates issued and to allow Remote credentialing will continue for confirmation that coaches have received them coaches outside of the geographic area through a proof of receipt. where our facilitators are located. We have worked with the ICU so that coaches A policy will be developed for Remote credentialing for the first time will receive a hard Credentialing. copy certificate; however, for subsequent levels, We are currently utilizing the remote system coaches will receive the next level label only to for ALL credentialing due to COVID-19. adhere to their original certificate. This will reduce mailing costs for the ACA. Coaches must retain their original certificate and keep it in a safe place.

ALL-STAR COACH CREDENTIALING LEVELS COMPLETED CREDENTIALING SESSIONS (ICU) 11 EDMONTON 34 NOVICE 14 CALGARY 28 39 INTERMEDIATE 114 1 LETHBRIDGE 16 MEDIAN 1 ATHABASCA 9 ADVANCED 1 REMOTE (VIRTUAL) 16 ELITE/PREMIER + 10 Sessions - 17 Credentials from 2018/2019 from 2018/2019

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 13 SCHOLASTIC COACHES PROGRAM REPORT

EXAMINATIONS Online Exams: The online exam system was changed to a Content updated, additional questions added to assist more user-friendly program, ClassMarker, with variety in exam banks, Premier Level exam created which is also used by ICU. and access to exams will be set up through a main A new practical exam testing system was portal (similar to ICU) so that coaches don’t have to piloted using Jotform. The system is user wait for an email with the individual exam link. friendly and removes the need for physical Practical Field Experience Form: documents. Currently, coaches certifying at Level 3 require 100 hours of coaching at Level 2, but there is no ACA COACH CERTIFICATION requirement for Level 2 coaches. To be consistent with industry standards, those who wish to certify at Level 2 The ACA Coach Certification course is will be required to have 100 hours of coaching at Level currently under review and will be released 1. A PFE form will be required. within late Spring/early Summer. The review Certificates: includes: Certificates are now issued electronically immediately upon completion of requirements. Manual: In Research/Development Stage: Content and formatting updated. Virtual Course Training option Practical Exam: Teacher/Staff Advisor Guide/Checklist Content updated and added specific Premier Division Coach Guide requirements for number of skills for each level. Course Schedules: Performance Cheer Online Certification Updates will be made to course layout to ensure Coach in Training Program the best use of time possible for coach learning.

SCHOLASTIC COACH SC HOLASTIC COACH CERTIFICATION SESSIONS (ACA) CE RTIFICATIONS COMPLETED (ACA) 3 EDMONTON 37 LEVEL 1 2 CALGARY 7 22 LEVEL 2 80 1 ATHABASCA 5 LEVEL 3 5 ICU 4 TO ACA 3 CROSSOVERS - 1 Session 11 RECERTIFICATION (ANY LEVEL) from 2018/2019 - 18 Certifications 2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA from 2018/2019 PAGE 14 OFFICIALS STATISTICS

2% 7% 36 EDMONTON

40 3 CALGARY

90% 1 LETHBRIDGE

GENDER

36 0 4

EXPERIENCE 2- YEARS 50% 3+ YEARS 50%

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 15 JUDGING PROGRAM REPORT

In October 2019, two judges, Mia Heitland and All judges were given competition dates at Adam Ferland, attended Cheer Canada's judges' training and were asked to block off Scoring Instructor's Training in Ottawa, Ontario. dates in their calendar. The two-day training provided over 20 hours of training and covered all aspects of judging. From those that attended judges' training, 40 became certified to judge through the The ACA held three judges training sessions in successful completion of Cheer Canada's 2019/20. Each session was facilitated by our Judging Certification Exam. Cheer Canada trained instructors. This was the first year that training was offered not only in For the 2019/20 season, 32 judges judged two Edmonton but also in Calgary and Lethbridge. or more competitions, seven judges judged one to two competitions, and two judges did Edmonton and Calgary training included not judge any competitions. sessions for coaches to further educate coaches to understand scoring methods. Although the season ended early due to COVID-19, there were 532 judging positions filled in 2019/20. JUDGES' TRAINING PARTICIPANTS COACHES' TRAINING PARTICIPANTS

54 EDMONTON 22 EDMONTON 9 CALGARY 67 7 CALGARY 29 4 LETHBRIDGE

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 16 JUDGING PROGRAM REPORT CONTINUED

JUDGES' FACEBOOK GROUP JUDGES' MATERIALS In 2019/20, the Judges' Facebook Group was Time, effort and money were put into building consistently utilized to increase communication two fully stocked materials bins for our judges with judges. The group enabled sharing of so that all materials they would need were information on an ongoing basis to keep judges available to them at each event. These informed, provided training and tips, notified of materials were organized and easy for judges event sign ups, provided updates from the cheer to access. world, and answered judging related questions. In addition, questions and accompanying videos JUDGES' POSITIONS were regularly posted for judges to practice Much work was put into defining judging roles their skills (typically on a weekly basis). more clearly. Role and responsibility documents were developed for Supervisory, COMMUNICATION Score Check, and Safety Judges and the Tabulation team. This assisted all involved to To improve communication, we were active in have a better understanding of the roles. We the Judge Facebook group, sent regular emails will add this information to our Judges to judges, provided event schedules and Training sessions to further educate current information further in advance of competitions and new judges. than previously (goal was 5-7 days ahead of the event), asked for judge and event There was an emphasis placed on judging as producer feedback after each competition, and a job/professional position this season. This provided summaries of feedback to judges post- led to increased accountability and event to continually educate, develop and professionalism within our judging team. support our judging team. There is still more work to be done, but this year, we saw a lot of improvement. 2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 17 JUDGING PROGRAM REPORT CONTINUED

COMPETITION SCHEDULING NOTE TO MEMBERS To assist with improvements in judges Although we are developing initiatives scheduling for competitions, a new sign up to increase the understanding of system (SignUpGenius) was introduced. This judging roles and grow our numbers of system allowed us to easily share event certified judges, we need help from the information with judges and enable them to cheer community in Alberta! sign up for positions in specific sessions at competitions. For background, the ability to Not only do we need additional judges, sign up for an event was made available once but we also need judges from outside the ACA received the order of performance of Edmonton to join our judging team. from the event producer. This enabled us to Our event producers bear a high cost verify how many positions were required for for travelling judges, and we want all each session. While the timing was dependent event producers to thrive to enable a upon information being received from event great experience for athletes. producers, there were significant improvements in this area. Judges could sign- We know that many knowledgeable up for the sessions they were available for, and experienced individuals across ensure they had no affiliations and indicate Alberta could greatly contribute in a their preference for judging position (e.g., judging capacity. We encourage you to building). This information was then compiled, reach out to us for more information if judges were checked for affiliations, and you are interested in judging - we are confirmation was made to ensure they passed here for you and need your help to the judging exam in which they would be grow cheerleading in Alberta! judging. Panels were then built for each event.

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 18 ASAA COMMISSIONER REPORT

May 27, 2020

Re: ASAA Commissioner Report to ACA Membership

At the 2019 APM in Red Deer our new ASAA Cheerleading Policy was passed. Thank you to all the coaches who participated in creating this policy.

Unfortunately, Metro Edmonton Zones and ASAA Provincials needed to be cancelled due to COVID-19. The ASAA spent most of March and April trying to find ways to potentially still run the championships, but eventually had to concede that it would be far more difficult to do and would not replicate the championship in a way that would honour our athletes or coaches.The host for the 2020 ASAA Provincials was Harry Ainlay High School and the 2021 championships was slated to be hosted by Morinville Community High School, however due to the cancellation the hosts have been shifted in order to allow those hosts who lost out on 2020 to still run a championship. The next two hosts will be Harry Ainlay High School for 2021 and Morinville Community High School for 2022.

Potential changes for 2020/21 are the division names in the ASAA registration system. I know this has caused a lot of grief over the past few years, but we are now planning on aligning the names of the ASAA divisions with those of Cheer Canada. The reason we hadn’t already done so was to allow time to make sure Cheer Canada would not make any other changes to names or divisions. This is being brought in as a Notice of Motion at the ASAA AGM in June.

If you have any questions regarding ASAA policy or divisions, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or Joel Bundock at [email protected].

J E N N I F E R G U I N E Y ASAA Commissioner

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 19 2019/20 SANCTIONED COMPETITIONS

In 2019-2020, 16 competitions were sanctioned by the ACA. 10 of these competitions were held and 6 were postponed/cancelled due to COVID-19.

Competitions Held: Inspire Cheer & Dance Championships (Edmonton) Cold Snap Cheer & Dance Championships (Edmonton) Imagine Cheer and Dance Championship (Lethbridge) PAC Battle of Champions (Calgary) Victoria Cheer Championships (Edmonton) Rise Up Cheer Challenge (Stony Plain) Edwin Parr Cheerfest (Athabasca) Red Deer Cheer & Dance Challenge (Red Deer) True North Cheer & Dance Championships (Edmonton) Cheerific Western Cheer Challenge (Edmonton)

Postponed/Cancelled Due to COVID-19: Stampede City Showdown (Calgary) Metro Senior High Edmonton Zone Cheerleading Championships (Edmonton) ACA Elementary/Junior High Edmonton Zone Competition (Edmonton) ASAA Senior High Provincial Championships (Edmonton) ACA Elementary/Junior High Provincial Championships (Edmonton) All-Star Cheer Extravaganza (Edmonton)

The Elementary/Junior High and Senior High Zones and Provincials remain important competitions for school teams. Although the competitions were cancelled due to COVID-19, we would like to thank our hosts for their contributions and for continuing to host in 2021. Thank you St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School for hosting Zones and Harry Ainlay School for hosting Provincials. We look forward to working with you again in 2021!

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 20 2020 TRUE NORTH CHEER & DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS OVERVIEW

TEAMS The 2020 True North Cheerleading and Dance 205 58 SCHOLASTIC | 28% Championships was held at the Edmonton Expo 147 ALL-STAR | 72% Centre in Edmonton from February 28th to + 2 Teams March 1st, 2020. from 2018/2019 (203)

This event has raised the profile of the sport of ATHLETES 3096 cheerleading in Alberta, which has helped us to 985 SCHOLASTIC | 2329% % grow and change attitudes about the true 2111 ALL-STAR | 68% - 76 Athletes athleticism and leadership that these athletes from 2018/2019 (3172) commit. COACHES 371 In addition, this event is the ACA’s major 101 SCHOLASTIC | 27% fundraiser for the year. Funds raised assist our 270 ALL-STAR | 73% organization to pay for operating costs, provide - 1 Coach from 2018/2019 (372) education and training of coaches and judges, offer annual scholarships and meet the needs of school and all-star cheerleading programs in 2019 2020 the Province. PROVINCES # % # % Alberta 178 88% 183 89% Saskatchewan 14 7% 17 8% SPECTATORS Manitoba 7 3% 3 1% 5004 - 497 Spectators British Columbia 4 2% 2 1% from 2018/2019 (5501) TOTAL 203 1 0 0 % 205 1 0 0 %

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 21 2020 TRUE NORTH CHEER & DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS

In 2020, the ACA incorporated numerous improvements to our True North Cheer & Dance Championships. These improvements were made for you, our dedicated clubs, schools, coaches, CITs, athletes and judges who continue to support us and encourage us to keep raising the bar.

Our post-competition survey results received 196 responses from spectators, coaches, and athletes. 80% of respondents stated that True North met or exceeded their expectations, which we are very thankful for.

Some of our 2020 improvements included: Re-designed floor plans in both the competition hall and warm-up hall. Improved medals for second and third place winners. Award blankets for all first-place winners. Food trucks. Additional vendors - we had 25! Improved volunteer management and the addition of a new role - "Head Volunteer". Improved athlete gifts (scrunchies) and throwaways (sunglasses, re-usable straws, necklaces).

Thanks to your input and our observations, we have many more improvements planned for our next True North competition. We are looking forward to continuing to improve and extend our sincere thanks to all those that attend and support the ACA.

We would like to thank our long-time Platinum Sponsor, Total Spirt Cheerleading. Their sponsorship and friendship have been truly appreciated, and we love the True North gear that they create! Thank you Total Spirit!

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 22 2020 TRUE NORTH CHEER & DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS THE DETAILS (ALL-STAR)

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 23 2020 TRUE NORTH CHEER & DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS THE DETAILS (ALL-STAR)

29%

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 24 2020 TRUE NORTH CHEER & DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS THE DETAILS (SCHOLASTIC)

29%

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 25 2020 TRUE NORTH CHEER & DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS THE DETAILS (SCHOLASTIC)

29%

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 26 AWARDS NOMINEES

Annually, the ACA recognizes the outstanding work and achievements of individuals and teams who have contributed to the sport of cheerleading in Alberta. Although we may not be presenting awards in person this year, we have recognized all nominees and recipients through social media and our website. All recipients will be receiving a physical award. Please review and send congratulations to the 2019/20 awards nominees and recipients!

Scholarships

(High School and Post-Secondary) This award is given to an individual who has demonstrated continued commitment to the sport of cheerleading. Nominees should be active role models within the school and wider communities and somebody who possesses positive attributes such as leadership, teamwork, inclusion, hard work and integrity.

High School Scholarship Nominees Post-Secondary School Scholarship Nominees Alyssa Evans, Rundle College Alivia Ziolkowski, Perfect Storm Athletics - Edmonton Brianna Sams, Alberta Cheer Empire Caitie Benedictson, Perfect Storm Athletics – Calgary Hope Forster, Jasper Place High School Jane Gosling, Cheerific Jaidyn Boyd, Perfect Storm Athletics – Calgary Julianna Durham, University of Alberta Olivia Drier, Deep Blue Athletics Nicole Chang, University of Alberta Rubie Shatford, Ross Sheppard High School Paulla Conway, Sister Annata Brockman Megan Campbell, Perfect Storm Athletics – Sherwood Vanessa Havery, Perfect Storm Athletics - Calgary Park

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 27 AWARDS NOMINEES

Athlete of the Year All-Star Athlete of the Year Nominees Abby Zinken, Premier Academy – Red Deer (Scholastic and All-Star) Alissa Van Diemen, Perfect Storm Athletics – This award is given to an individual who has Lethbridge demonstrated continued commitment and Alivia Ziolkowski, Perfect Storm Athletics – excellence in the sport of cheerleading Edmonton Bronwyn Edmonds, Extreme Cheer Sensation through their role as a cheer athlete. Brook Pawlick, Perfect Storm Athletics - Edmonton Callie Kowlazyk, Deep Blue Athletics Scholastic Athlete of the Year Nominees Carolin Bastien, Alberta Cheer Empire Adriel Dawood, VF Chargers Junior High Cheer Hallie Jutras, Perfect Storm Athletics - Edmonton Team Hanna Ruis, Deep Blue Athletics Brenna Karczmarczyk, Edwin Parr Jr. High School Jada Scott, Perfect Storm Athletics – Lethbridge Jacob Raw, Paul Kane High School Kaitlin Taylor, Deep Blue Athletics Jason Hamlett, St. Oscar Romero High School Lauren Ell, Calgary Stars Kayle Mak, Paul Kane High School Madison Taylor, Deep Blue Athletics Lore Pasaran Ugarte, Victoria School of the Arts Morgan Lachance, Matrix Cheer Allstars Meaghan Sager, Harry Ainlay High School Naomi Quefelec, Perfect Storm Athletics – Calgary Niamh Russell, Austin O’Brien High School Reagan Marsters, Perfect Storm Athletics - Rubie Shatford, Ross Sheppard High School Edmonton Rylee Harding, Coalbanks Elementary School Rhea Madsen, Alberta Cheer Empire Shyanne Boon, Morinville Community High Sara Yaremko, Perfect Storm Athletics – Sherwood School Park Shailyn Rockey, Perfect Storm Athletics - Edmonton Tori Jack, Perfect Storm Athletics - Lethbridge

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 28 AWARDS NOMINEES

Novice Coach of the Scholastic Novice Coach of the Year Nominees Emma Shebansky, Christ the King Year Kendra Stamper, Christ the King Natasha Danyliuk, Johnny Bright School (Scholastic and All-Star) Shauna Stamper, Christ the King This award is given to new (within first three years of being fully certified) coaches who have All-Star Novice Coach of the Year Nominees demonstrated continued commitment, support Alex Cross, Perfect Storm Athletics – Edmonton and excellence in the sport of cheerleading Carley Spears, Premier Academy - Bonnyville through their role as a coach. Jenna Livingston, Perfect Storm Athletics - Edmonton Tamara Nawrot, Premier Academy - Bonnyville

Coach of the Year All-Star Coach of the Year Nominees Annie Pham, Alberta Cheer Empire (Scholastic and All-Star) April LaChance, Matrix Cheer All-Stars This award is given to an individual who has Dannica Robertson, Champions Dance and demonstrated continued commitment, support Cheerleading and excellence in the sport of cheerleading David Liska, Perfect Storm Athletics - Edmonton through their role as a coach. Erin Phelan, Alberta Cheer Empire Jenelle Adams, Deep Blue Athletics Jenna Jelinski, Ultimate Cheer Fusion Scholastic Coach of the Year Nominees Jessica Haggath, Sabres Cheer Breanne Kruger, W.P. Wagner High School Jodi Poirier, Calgary Stars Brittany Ringuette, G.H. Primeau Junior High School Kaylynn McCormack, Perfect Storm Athletics – Julie Arsenault, Michael Strembitsky School Edmonton Sarah Allen, VF Chargers Junior High Cheer Team Leanne Livingston, Perfect Storm Athletics – Edmonton Wanda Semashkewich, Edwin Parr Jr. High School Melissa Kirkendall, Premier Academy - Bonnyville Nicole Colby, Deep Blue Athletics Nicole Kennedy, Perfect Storm Athletics - Edmonton

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 29 AWARDS NOMINEES

Rookie Judge of the Year Nominees Annie Pham This award is given to a judge in their first or Cady Paproski second year of judging who has demonstrated a Dana Boschee Katelyn Cabalo high level of officiating skills and shown Maegan Shtokal enthusiasm to learn and grow into their role. William Kwok

Judge of the Year Nominees Adam Ferland This award is given to a judge with three or Breanne Cunningham more seasons of judging experience. The Christie Roethlingshoefer Holly Elliott recipient will have demonstrated excellence in Jenna Lau their officiating and will have upheld Melissa Kolodenko professional standards throughout the season. Mia Heitland Sara Hyland

Teacher Advisor of the Nominee Jamie Iversen, Riverview Middle School Year This is a NEW award given to a Teacher Advisor who has demonstrated outstanding service and commitment in a scholastic cheerleading program through teaching, advising, and mentoring.

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 30 AWARDS NOMINEES

Supporting School & Community Spirit Award

This award was created to recognize school or club Cheer Force Jets | BRONZE teams who are working to increase school and/or Perfect Storm Athletics – Calgary | BRONZE Perfect Storm Athletics – Edmonton | SILVER community spirit by cheering at events or volunteering their time in their community.

Team Sportsmanship Award

This award is given to teams who have Christ the King demonstrated continued levels of sportsmanship, Drumheller Dynos Legacy Salisbury Composite High School positive attitudes and fair play, and have positively Premier Academy - Bonnyville contributed to the school and/or wider community.

AND THE WINNERS ARE......

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 31 AWARDS RECIPIENTS

High School Scholarship

OLIVIA DRIER | Deep Blue Athletics Post-Secondary School Scholarship

NICOLE CHANG | University of Alberta

Team Sportsmanship Award

DRUMHELLER DYNOS LEGACY

Supporting School & Community Spirit Award

CHEER FORCE JETS | BRONZE PERFECT STORM ATHLETICS – CALGARY | BRONZE PERFECT STORM ATHLETICS – EDMONTON | SILVER Rookie Judge of the Year

DANA BOSCHEE

Judge of the Year

BREANNE CUNNINGHAM

Teacher Advisor of the Year JAMIE IVERSEN | Riverview Middle School

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 32 AWARDS RECIPIENTS

Novice Coach of the Year | Scholastic KENDRA STAMPER | Christ the King School

Novice Coach of the Year | All-Star MELISSA KIRKENDALL | Premier Academy - Bonnyville

Coach of the Year | Scholastic WANDA SEMASHKEWICH | Edwin Parr Jr. High School Coach of the Year | All-Star ANNIE PHAM | Alberta Cheer Empire

Athlete of the Year | Scholastic JASON HAMLETT | St. Oscar Romero Catholic High School

Athlete of the Year | All-Star ALIVIA ZIOLKOWSKI | Perfect Storm Athletics - Edmonton

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 33 2020/21 SEASON FOCUS

We have many plans for 2020/2021. Although some of these plans may change due to COVID-19, we are pleased to provide you with an overview of some of the things we are are focusing on:

Planning session to review our governance structure and update our Strategic Plan. Review of I.D. Card process. Review of, and improvements to, the Membership Registration process. Development of guidelines and policies for Worlds Bids. Development of an event Cancellation and Refund Policy. Implementation of 2020/21 Music Policy. Release of new Competition Policy. Review of ways to improve Judges Training and Scheduling. Review of ACA and Event Producer Roles and responsibilities for judging and Cheer Genie. Development of new event Sanctioning Guidelines and policies. Development of Judge-in-training and Coach-in-training programs. Development of Teacher/Staff Advisor information. Improved support and processes for ACA Zones and Provincials.

In addition to the above, to assist members financially during COVID-19, the ACA Membership fees will not be increasing for the 2020/21 season; however, they will likely increase for the 2021/22 season.

True North fees will not be changing; however, crossover athlete fees will increase, and there may be a minimum team requirement for those competing for Worlds Bids.

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 34 2019/20 MEMBER CLUBS Stronger Together

Adrenaline Athletics | Clairmont Alberta Cheer Empire - North | Edmonton Alberta Cheer Empire - South | Edmonton Calgary Stars Gymnastics and Cheerleading Centre | Calgary Champions Dance & Cheerleading | Calgary Cheer Force Jets | Cold Lake Deep Blue Athletics | Spruce Grove Diamond Elite Cheerleading | Okotoks Dynasty Cheer All Stars Inc. | Calgary Dynos Legacy All-Star Cheerleading | Drumheller Extreme Cheer Sensation | Lethbridge Grande Prairie Gymnastics (Gymniks All Stars) | Grande Prairie Matrix Cheer All-Stars | Strathmore Northern Cheerleading (Norfort Gymnastics) | Fort McMurray Perfect Storm Athletics - Calgary | Calgary Perfect Storm Athletics - Edmonton | Edmonton Perfect Storm Athletics - Lethbridge | Lethbridge Perfect Storm Athletics - Sherwood Park | Sherwood Park Premier Academy Cheerleading and Tumbling - Bonnyville | Bonnyville Premier Academy Cheerleading and Tumbling - Fort McMurray | Fort McMurray Premier Academy Cheerleading and Tumbling - Red Deer | Red Deer Rocky Rush Cheerleading Club | Rocky Mountain House Royalty Elite Athletics | Leduc Sabres Cheer Sport & Tumbling | Rochfort Bridge Stingerz Elite Allstar Cheerleading | Drumheller Ultimate Cheer Fusion | Medicine Hat University of Calgary Cheerleading | Calgary

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 35 2019/20 MEMBER SCHOOLS Stronger Together

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 36 2019/20 MEMBER SCHOOLS Stronger Together

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 37 2019/20 MEMBER SCHOOLS Stronger Together

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 38 SPONSORS & SUPPORTERS

The ACA would like to thank Alberta Sport Connection (ASC) for their grant support in 2019/20. We received $39,193.00 in funding which was a $2,053 increase from the 2018/19. Although there has been some changes with ASC this past year, they are always ready to help us out through information and advice!

The ACA continued to grow our partnership with Total Spirit Cheerleading, as a Platinum Sponsor of our 2020 True North Cheer and Dance Championships. Total Spirit also provided us with True North gear to give out to our members through contests. Thank you Total Spirit!

Our continued True North DJ, A/V and Judges scoring hardware provider Cheerific, provided the live feed to the coaches' lounge at True North. Thank you Cheerific for being onsite for all of the ACA's large sanctioned events!

Although there was no casino in 2019/20, we are thankful for the support the AGLC has provided us over the years and the funds that we have carried over to help us in 2019/20! We are looking forward to our 2020 or 2021 casino once re-scheduled.

2019/20 ANNUAL REPORT | ACA PAGE 39 ANNUAL REPORT 2019/20

11759 Groat Rd, NW Edmonton, AB T5M 3K6 780.446.5355 [email protected]