FAYETTE, Mo. - After spending several years as a member of the NAIA, the Central Methodist University competitive cheer program will be switching associations and joining the National Cheerleaders Association (NCA) this season. The program will undeclare from the NAIA ahead of the 2020-21 academic year.
The NCA, which is often viewed as one of the most prestigious associations across the competitive cheerleading platforms, hosts the single-largest college cheer event in the world. Each year, the fiercely competitive national event features 200+ teams that compete in front of thousands of spectators. The 2021 NCA Collegiate Nationals, featured at an oceanfront venue, is set for April 7-11 in Daytona Beach, Fla.
There are two qualification options for the NCA Collegiate Nationals: camp qualification and video qualification. Bids to nationals through the camp qualification methods are based on the team's successful completion of specific requirements in the areas of participation, conduct, and camp achievements. Teams must have a minimum of eight (8) participating team members attending the same NCA Collegiate Summer Camp to be considered for a bid. The video qualification method requires the submission of five separate skill segments: stunts, tumbling, basket/sponge tosses, pyramids, and a 45-second crowd segment.
The championship event featured 22 divisions for competitive cheer last season, six of which were available for NAIA programs to compete in. Some of the major benefits of joining the NCA are:
- Open qualifications to the NCA event, which leads to many more teams competing at the event
- No regional placement is required for qualification
- More division options geared toward each program's level and strength (such as Large Coed Division, Small Coed Division, and All-Girl Division)
- The NCA event is a five-day, four-night event in April (after the conclusion of the basketball season)
- NCA offers "paid bids" to teams attending their summer camps that provide substantial discounts for teams that attend the national competition, as well as hotel assignment and other priorities/benefits
- NCA awards, championship trophies, banners, and jackets are presented to all "Advanced Division" winners
- NCA offers "Accu-Score" to help resolve scoring disputes during the preliminary competitions
- NCA utilizes the most modern, up-to-date electronic scoring systems in the industry
About the NCA:
NCA was founded in 1948 by Lawrence "Herkie" Herkimer and continues to hold his vision of creating an atmosphere to cultivate the whole cheerleader. We embrace our rich heritage as the first cheerleading company and continue to pioneer the way with innovative camp curriculum, industry-leading championships, and events that reward the hard-working, well-rounded cheerleaders in America today!
