ATLANTA, GA – Cheerleading is undoubtedly entering its most turbulent era. Both external and internal strife have all but brought the once bustling, free-to-reign, industry to its knees. Self declared leader in “spirit“, Varsity, the governing body of all star cheerleading, USASF, USA Cheer, and several others have undergone an identity shift in the wake of changes forced upon them by the coronavirus pandemic and continued pushback by competitors and individuals.
In ‘Power: Redistribution & Restitution’ we will examine the rising class action efforts aimed at unseating the tangled knot of power and the grapple they maintain on cheerleading.
Take Back Cheer:
Last month, the organization Take Back Cheer launched an informative website outlining the affects of the purported monopolization of cheerleading. The one-hundred and thirty-two page lawsuit filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia Atlanta Division, sorts a detailed history of Varsity Spirit, the USASF, USA Cheer, and other key players.
The detailed document seeks to educate and inform, regarding the strategic acquisitions that have yielded the structure of power and the relationships of those who enforce it.
Who Can Get Involved:
Event/Competition Producer Companies
Apparel Companies
Camp Companies
Cheerleaders or Parents of Cheerleaders
Click here to Follow the Case, Learn more, or Get Involved with ‘Take Back Cheer‘ and their movement.
What the Case is Seeking:
Robert A. Falanga, Esq. , Filing AttorneySpeaking to filing attorney, Robert Falanga, he said “the class action lawsuit seeks to obtain the equivalent of 20% times 4 years (class period) of Varsity Spirit’s net profits earned for for each of the following three classes: Event Competitions, Apparel, and Camps.”
The fourth class seeks restitution for cheerleaders, or parents of cheerleaders, who overpaid inflated prices for Varsity apparel, insurance, merchandise, hotels, and more.
If successful, the lawsuit will entitle each class member to a monetary settlement. Falanga adds, “they have nothing to lose, and everything to gain by signing up and opting into a class.”
Finally, the lawsuit seeks to separate the control of the cheerleading business, and the governing body authority of United States All Star Federation and USA Cheer.
What Happens Next:
Cheerleading will definitely continue to evolve, however, the path in which we head is undoubtedly at a crossroads. Cheerleading and its participants will in some capacity be affected by the outcomes of this movement, this and other lawsuits, and by external influences.
We will continue to follow this story and provide updates on this page.
