This past season, the USASF introduced a DEIS (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Sensitivity) Sub-Committee which focuses on issues of diversity and community within All Star and makes recommendations with the intention of promoting better understanding between and within the membership to be a more inclusive sport for all. 

“In a sport where everyone's value is derived by what they do on the floor no matter what they look like, I was naive to think that this mindset spilled over to all areas of the spirit industry," shared USASF DEIS Committee Chairman, Peter Lezin. "Hearing stories of so many people who felt this was not the case compelled me to be a part of the change so that everyone would feel included and represented moving forward.”

This June, the FloCheer team made the trip to Chicago, Illinois, to attend the annual USASF National Meeting and learn from other industry leaders as they work to grow and unite the communities of all star cheer and dance. 

The team sat in on a seminar led by Peter Lezin, Levon Burton, and Orson Sykes, where they discussed four steps to creating a fully inclusive environment regardless of race, gender, age, religion, sexual orientation, or abilities  

4 Steps To Becoming Inclusive In All Star

1. To Listen

The committee encouraged coaches and owners to always listen with an empathetic ear. They explained that not every conversation may be easy, but it's important to listen with honesty. They encouraged coaches to be honest that they may be new to these topics and might not understand, but to always make it clear that they are willing to learn and that they want to become the best ally for their athletes that they can be.

DEIS Coaches Tip:

Get out in front of the issue by having workshops with your staff and discuss goals for how you want to create an inclusive environment within your program.

2. To Provide Action

After listening to your athletes and coaches, it's time to form a plan of how to tackle what you've heard and begin working towards improving the culture within your program.

This season the USASF is creating a  DEIS tool kit to give gym owners the tools they need to better their program before a problem arises. The tool kit is intended to assist owners and coaches as they work to Develop a culture of inclusivity, Embrace challenges, Identify areas of improvement, and Support diverse athletes.

RELATED BLOG ARTICLES

(Written by USASF Members) 

• Discussing Race and Diversity in All Star
• An Athlete’s Perspective on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and Sensitivity in All Star

3. To Value All Input

When creating a culture of inclusiveness within your program, it's important to listen to the parents, coaches, and athletes within your gym or studio. Your team and your facility should be a safe place for everyone to feel like their opinions are valued. A sense of belonging may be different from one athlete to the next.

A truly inclusive and positive team culture will support all athletes and coaches, creating a sense of belonging with all.

The committee encouraged coaches to allow people to make mistakes and also allow them to apologize because everyone is learning. At the end of the day, success in all star is all about what you bring to the table, not your color, size, race, or gender.

4. To Form A Way Of Communication

To ensure a program's culture is continually embracing diversity, a two-way line of communication must be open and encouraged between the coaches and the athletes. 

Peter Lezin, Levon Burton, and Orson Sykes, all shared their advice on being a great role model within your gym or studio. They discussed how important it is to walk the walk and lead with love. They encouraged coaches to have their thoughts challenged and to get comfortable being uncomfortable.