DALLAS, TX – One of the final events of the 2019-2020 season, NCA All Star Nationals 2020 marked the end of the last season for many, as the coronavirus pandemic took grip of the United States.
In March 2020, like most we touted the now untrue ism of “2 weeks to flatten the curve”, it would seem almost unfathomable that after 12 months we would still be reeling from the impacts of the COVID-19 health crisis. It unimaginable that today, almost 10 months into these life disruptions, we are considering the fate of cheerleading’s biggest event.
November 10, 2020
Justin Carrier, the Vice President of NCA, addressed hopeful attendees, imploring them to fully understand what NCA All Star Nationals in 2021 could entail. Carrier said his video was prompted by a direct inquiry as to the fate of the 2021 championship by a Gym Owner. At the time, Carrier added, “Yes, NCA All Star Nationals is absolutely happening.” Although later in the communication he did cite possible governor updates to local mandates that could possibly affect the running of the event.
In the over 6 minute Facebook Live video (for coaches & owners), he detailed some pro-active measures in place:
- Social Distancing
- Increased Sanitization
- Longer Intervals between Warm-up and Performance Times
- Face Coverings for Everyone (except for athletes in practice room or on performance floor)
- Limited Spectators
- Award Ceremonies (Live or Virtual)
- AccuScore (contactless)
- Self Monitoring of Temperature
Varsity Allstar has implemented season-wide Health and Safety Plans reviewable here.
Carrier continued to manage the expectations for attendees (both athletes and spectators), adding “the event is going to be very different than it has ever been.” While this November call was over two-and-half months prior to the scheduled in-person event, Carrier’s call projected some things that attendees may experience based on the current protocols including:
- Showing up just as your team is warming up
- Spectators entering performance hall, watching their athletes perform
- Athletes & Parents leave venue (completely exit the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center)
November 16, 2020
NCA All Star Nationals provided an updated Schedule Overview for the planned 2021 championship event in Dallas, TX. Also viewable on their website.
Source: Varsity All Star | NCA All Star Nationals WebsiteNovember 30, 2020
Following an earlier promise in May 2020, NCA announced that they would release any changes to the events ‘Crossover Policy’ by December 1, 2020. Working to combat and address the on-going struggles of gyms and teams planning to attend the 2021 NCA All Star Championship, the event producer announced increasing crossover athletes from 5 to 10.
The full crossover policy for the championship is linked here.
December 2, 2020
Varsity All Star moved full-steam ahead with plans for the 2021 NCA All Star Championship, including plans to host the elite-tumbling competition, Battle in the Arena. Varsity All Star encouraged the country’s top tumblers to consider entering.
It's time to battle. Tag a talented tumbler you want to see in at #BattleInTheArena so they can see how to enter! 💥
Head to https://t.co/bwFa3WeIw3 to learn entry rules! pic.twitter.com/dy7NQao1hU
— Varsity All Star (@VarsityAllStar) December 3, 2020
December 17, 2020
After an article published by the Texas Outdoor publication made assertions about the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Convention Center’s availability, doubt was cast on NCA’s ability to even secure the venue for the upcoming NCA All Star National Championship. In the article, which has since been redacted and updated to omit information, the publication cited the ‘Dallas Safari Club’ event cancelation due to plans for the convention center to be used possibly through June 2021 for coronavirus vaccination activities.
The Senior Vice President & General Manager for NCA, Buffy Duhon, made a clarifying post about their intent to use the convention center to host the event. Duhon clarified, that any plans to use the center for vaccine storage, would not impact the use of the Halls or the Arena. She closed by adding, that any changes will be communicated.
January 7, 2021
Varsity All Star announces the list of athletes who qualified to compete in the #BattleInTheArena tumbling event at this season’s championship event (held on the Friday evening preceding NCA). In the closing of the video announcement, the event’s producers announced that this year Battle in the Arena would be held virtually.
Source: Varsity All StarThe announcement fueled further speculation about the viability of an in-person NCA All Star National’s event for 2021
January 21, 2021.
In a communication sent from NCA All Star Nationals 2021 will be held virtually. Details on the event will be forthcoming from Varsity All Star & NCA.
Until we can get back to some of these great times, lets be glad that we have each other, our gyms, and the ability to do all star cheerleading.
This article will not be updated further.
Our NCA All Star Nationals 2021 Event Record, will be updated here.
