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MeetingoftheGeneralAssemblyoftheInternationalCheerUnion
aTexasnon-profitcorporationTuesday23April2019Orlando,Florida,USA
1. MeetingcalledtoOrderat2:11PM/14:11EST2. WelcomeandOpeningofMeeting-ICUSecretaryGeneralKarlOlson
- WelcomesICUOfficers,ICUNationalFederationMembers,DistinguishedSportOfficials,InvitedGuests,colleaguesoftheSportofCheerleading/theInternationalCheerUnion
- Expressesappreciationforthediscussionsandprogressmadewithinthecommitteeandcontinentalbreakoutmeetingsofthepastfewdays,includingseminarsforAnti-Doping,NationalFederationdevelopment,SpecialOlympicsandprogrammesforathleteswithandwithoutdisabilities-looksforwardtoasuccessfulAnnualGeneralMeeting
- IntroducesthemembersoftheICUGoverningCouncil3. RollCall-ICUSecretaryGeneralKarlOlson
- ExplainsMembershipDues,FullandProvisionalMembershipstatus- 66fullmembers,38of39fullmembersingoodstandingarepresent,including
provisionalmembers,70totalmembersinattendance-thereisaquorum- Votingprocessexplanation
4. Approvaloftheminutesofpreviousmeeting-ICUSecretaryGeneralKarlOlson- Discussion:Nodiscussion- MexicoFederationmotionstoapprovetheminutes- Norwaysecondsthemotion- Motioncarries,2018MinutesApproved
5. President’sReport-ICUPresidentJeffWebba. OverviewofICUStrategicObjectives
i. TocontinueICU’songoingpositionasastrongInternationalFederationii. ToassistNationalFederationstobuildthesportwithintherespectivecountries,as
wellassupportingthemintheireffortstoberecognizedbytheirNOC’sandsportministries
ii. TocontinuetopursueIOCfullrecognition-criticalobjective.TwoyearsofIOCprovisionalstatuscompleted,3rdyearunderway.FullstatuspossibleatupcomingIOCmeetings,withnoguarantee,importanttoremainfocusedonfocusingonwhatisbestfortheAthletesandourSport
iii.Toconductalarge,highprofile,highqualityWorldChampionshiptopromoteourNationalFederationsandoursports
iv. Toensureasoundfinancialplatformforthefutureb. ReviewofthePast12Months
• IOCProvisionalRecognition:NearingtheendofrequiredIOCprovisionalrecognitionstatus.ThisachievementhascontributedtoNationalFederationsgainingmoreassistance,recognitionandacknowledgmentsbytheirlocalgovernmentand
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respectivesportauthoritiesandvalidatesdailytheacheivementsofourathletesaroundtheworld
• Education:In2018,ICUprovidedtraininginover90countries,anadditional1,000coachesandofficialsin10newcountriesthispastyear.TrainingisandcontinuestobeamajorfocusoftheICU,andisessentialtoguaranteequalityexperiencesfortheathletes
• Progressforathleteswithandwithoutdisabilities:AdaptiveAbilities(previouslycalled“ParaCheer”)andSpecialOlympicstraininganddevelopmentgreatlyadvancedinthepastyear.NotableisthegrowthofthesedivisionsattheWorldChampionships.Firstlaunchedin2017with5teamsfrom4countries,the2019WorldChampionshipswillhost25teamsfrom9countriesintheAdaptiveAbilitiesandSpecialOlympicsDivisionsspecifically.Greatprogress
• InternationalParalympicCommittee(IPC):DiscussionshavebeenunderwaywiththeIPCforthepastfewyearsforpotentialrecognitioninthefuture,andveryimportantwiththetremendousgrowthunderway-Classification.ICUisindiscussionstocreateaClassificationsystemcompliantwiththeexpertsattheIPC,expectthisatthe2020WorldChampionships-anothersignificantmilestonecomingsoonontheveryimportantproject
• SpecialOlympicsInternational(SOI)- Atthe2018ICUAGM,ICUandSOIsignedamemorandumofunderstanding-a
newimportantrelationshipwaslaunched,progressingondevelopmentforrulesandpoliciesspecificallyforSpecialOlympicCheerexpansionglobally
- InJuly2018,1stevercompetitiondemonstrationinChicagoattheSpecialOlympics50thAnniversaryCelebrationatSoldierField
- InMarch2019,the1stevercompetitiondemonstrationattheSpecialOlympicsAbuDhabiWorldGames2019intheUAE
- AfewdayspriortoAbuDhabi2019,CompetitiveCheerbecamearecognizedsportbytheSpecialOlympics-atrulyhistoricalmilestone
- AppreciationtoICUSecretaryGeneralKarlOlsonforhiscommitmentandhardworkwiththeteamatSOItomovethisforwardwithgreatsuccess
- (Videoplayed)SpecialOlympicsCEOTimShriverexpressesappreciationtoICUfortheworkonthisimportantdevelopmentwithintheSpecialOlympicsfamily;highlightingtheexcellentworkbyDarianPackardandScottWeavertowelcomeCompetitiveCheerasSOI’snewestrecognizedSport
• MajorEvents–past12months:- EuropeanChampionshipsinHelsinki,Finland(June/July2018)- EuropeanDoublesChampionshipsinAthens,Greece(December2018)- AsianChampionshipsinBali,Indonesia(October2018)- The1stEverFISUWorldUniversityChampionships–forUniversityNational
teamsheldinLodz,Poland(October2018).Thiswasatremendouslyhighprofileevent-andveryimportanttotheICUandourSportofCheerglobally.SpecialappreciationtotheWUClocalorganizingcommittee(LOC),whoarepresentattheAGM-ourgoodfriendsatLodzUniversityofTechnology:PrzemyslawJagielskiandhisteam.NewtoCheer-butobviouslyveryexperiencedinhosting
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FISUChampionships-Przemyslawandhisteamexceededallexpectationsinthishistoricalevent.Itwastremendouslysuccessful–andgratitudetoalloftheICUFederationswhoparticipatedaswell.PrzemyslawJagielskiwouldliketosayafewwords
- PrzemyslawJagielski:ExpressesappreciationtoICUandtheexcellentsupportprovidedleadinguptoandthroughouttheWUC.Attendingandexperiencingthe2018ICUWorldChampionshipsprovidedgreatassistancefortheLOCtoprepareforthe2018FISUWUCforCheerleading.TheLOCwasnewtoCheerbutlearnedagreatdealandverymuchenjoyedtheSport.ExpressesappreciationtoICUPresidentJeffWebbandpresentsacommemorativeplagueingratitudeforthewonderfulexperiencethatFISU,ICUandtheLOCtogether-providedtostudentathletes
- AlZa’tariRefugeeCampinJordan(April2019):Onlyafewweeksago,followingIOC’sAgenda2020forSportstoprovideopportunitiesfordisplacedpeoplesoftheWorld,theICUpartneredwithPeace&SportfromMonaco,underthePatronageofPrinceAlbertofMonacoandPeace&SportPresidentJoelBouzou,togetherwelaunchedatesttointroduceoursporttothepeopleoftheAlZa’tarirefugeecampontheborderofJordanandSyria.Thesessionwasverywellreceivedandabigsuccess.WelookforwardtomorecollaborationwithPeace&Sportgoingforward-togetherwereallyaremakingadifferencearoundtheworld!
• Lookingforward:MajorEventsPlanningUpdate-Next12months- 2019SportAccordConventioninGoldCoast,Queensland,Australia(May2019),
withexcellentpreparationsunderwaybyICU’sNationalFederationforAustralia;preparingtoshowcaseoursportinfrontoftheinternationalsportcommunityandleadership.ICUlooksforwardtoagreateventtherenextweek.Other2019eventsinclude:
- EuropeanChampionshipsSaintPetersburg,Russia(June2019)- 1stAfricanCuptobeconducedataGameReservenearCapeTown,SouthAfrica
(June2019)- Pan-AmericanChampionshipsinSanJose,CostaRica(October2019)- AsianChampionshipsinShenzhen,China(November2019)- Lookingforwardto2020-ICUlooksforwardtoaverysuccessful2ndeditionof
theFISUWorldUniversityChampionshipstobeheldinWonjuCity,Korea(September2020)
- Startingtomorrow:OurFlagshipevent:the2019ICUWorld&JuniorWorldChampionships,Orlando,USA(April2019)
• 2019ICUWorld&JuniorWorldChampionshipsReport- Beginsinthenextday:24April2019Orlando,Florida,USA- Incrediblecoverageandviewershipfromaroundtheworld- Participationfrom70nations,morethan3,000nationalteamathletes- CoverageoftheChampionshipslivestreamedwithaddedcoveragebythe
OlympicChannel
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- Newin2019:OpeningCeremonysong-explanationprovided.PlayedaseveryoneenteredtheICUGeneralAssembly.Lookforwardtoanamazing2019OpeningCeremonyandshowcaseofourSport’stopathletes
c. WorldDanceSportFederation(WDSF)Update• Regardingalong-standingdisputewithWDSFformanyyears-wehavegreatnews!• FollowingmeetingswithWDSF,theIOCandGAISF/SportAccordinMarch2018,and
directivesthatwereprovidedtobothWDSFandICU,on31January2019,WDSFhasofficiallydroppedallclaimstoCheerastheirdiscipline
• ICUunderstandsthatthereisstillsomeworktodoincountriesnegativelyaffectedbytheWDSFclaimsoverCheer;however,theseparationisofficial,andICUwillworkwithouraffectedfederationstoattempttocorrectanydamagethathasbeendone-butagain,thisisasignificantmilestoneforallofus
• Now,forthe1sttimeever,therearenoothersportsclaimingcheertobeoneoftheirdisciplines
d. NationalFederationRecognitionInitiative• 70NationalFederationMembershaveNationalSportsAuthorityrecognition• Nearly20NationalFederationMemberswithNationalOlympicCommittee
recognition• RecognitionisveryimportantforICU’sacceptanceintotheMulti-SportGames• Workshopshavebeenprovidedtoassistinrecognition,ICUisalwaysavailableto
assistinallwaysonthisveryimportantinitiativee. OverviewofImportantInitiativesoftheICU
• PreventionofSportBetting- TheICUiscommittedtoprotectingtheintegrityofoursport–positioningitself
tobeaheadofthedangersofSportbetting- Sportintegrityanddangersofcorruptionofsportbettingisanimportant
initiativeoftheworldsportscommunity- NocurrentindicationofexistingproblemswithCheerleadingatthemoment;
however,itisimportanttobeforevervigilantandproactive- ICUhascommittedtoworkcloselywiththeIOCandGAISFtoimplementbest
practicesineducationandpreventiontoensureoursportisprotectedasbestaspossiblebythissignificantdangerinsport
• SafeguardingAthletesfromHarassmentandAbuse- ICUiscommittedtotheSafeguardinginitiativeslaunchedbytheIOC- Meetingshavebeenheldwithbothinternalandexternalpartiestoseekbest
practices,programme&protocoldevelopmentforCheerleading- AnongoingandveryimportantinitiativetotheICU- Asastep,imageguidelineshavebeenestablishedbytheICU,withdiscussions
onimageandallaspectsofSafeguarding,policiesandprocedures,includedinallcommitteemeetings
- ICUhasalreadytakenaleadershiproleinaddressingthisimportantissuewithiconsandleadersinthecommercialsideoftheSport,forfurtherpolicydevelopmentandwillremainforevervigilantonthiscriticaltopicforallSports
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- Averyimportantongoingproject,ICUmemberswillbeupdatedondevelopments
f. Membership:• 116NationalCheerFederations• Asdiscussedinbreakoutmeetings,theICUGoverningCouncilrecommends2
proposedmembershipadjustments:Estonia&HongKong.TobediscussedlaterintheGeneralAssembly
• Excellentnews:NationalFederationrivalryissuesarefarlessthaneverbefore-mostlydomesticmattersatthispoint.ResolvingtheWDSFmatterhasbeenveryhelpful.AfewproblemsstillexistduetothepreviousDanceSportproblem;andtheICUiscommittedtosolveanythatcurrentlyexist.However,ICUremainsinastrongpositiontofurtherpromotestability,unityandinclusionforthebenefitofourAthletes
g. WorldAnti-DopingAgency• ICUcontinuestobeasignatoryinverygoodstandingwithWADA,andiscommitted
toprotectcleanathletesinourSport• AsaresultoftheWADAquestionnairethathasbeencompletedbymorethan600of
WADA’ssignatories,ICUis1of92signatoriesinthehighestclassofcompliance.CongratulationstoAnti-DopingCommitteeChairpersonMikeJackiforhisleadershipinthisimportantmatterinSport,andalsotoBradGuyeofClearidiumforhisguidanceandassistance
• InJune2018,throughtheassistanceofICU’smemberforCanada,CheerCanada,ICUsentaNationalteamathletetotheWADAAthletesForumheldinCalgary.GreatprogresswasgainedthroughathletefeedbackandcontributionsinthedevelopmentofWADAAnti-DopingCharterofAthleteRights.ICUisalsocommittedtothisandlooksforwardtopromotingcleansportwiththegreatinvolvementofourathletes–throughtheireyes,providingtheirimportantperspectivetoassurethebestpracticesareinplacetoprotectcleanathletes
h. Athlete365• AmajorinitiativeoftheIOC,andalsooftheICU,istheIOCprogrammeAthlete365,
placingafocusofallIFs,NOCsandallsportstakeholders–onourAthletes• Earlierinthemonth,IOChelditsIOCInternationalAthletes’ForuminLausanneand
ICUsentarepresentativefromtheICUSwitzerlandNationalCheerFederation,receivinggreatinformationtobeprovidedtoourAthleteCommission,tobedispersedtoourAthletesglobally.Thefeedbackonallpresentationsanddiscussionswasexcellent–itwasthrillingforaCheerAthletetobepartofthisexperiencewithAthletesfromothersports
• Includinginafewoftheimportantitems,isthedevelopmentoftheIOCAthletes’RightsandResponsibilitiesDeclaration”toincreaseawarenesstoourAthletesandholdaccountableallofstakeholderstoputthewellbeingofourAthletesfirst
• Additionally,theAthleteCareerProgrammeisanotherimportantAthlete365initiativetoprovidevaluableinformation,support,resourcesandopportunitiestoourAthletesatalllevels-toassisttheireffortstobesuccessfulinlifebeyondathleticcompetition
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i. E-Sports• AnewissueandthishasbeenamajortopicofdiscussionwiththeIOC,GAISFand
theworldofSports• E-Sportsisbiganditisn’tgoingaway;however,resources(timeandmoney)are
requiredtodeveloptheseprogrammesforanysport• FollowingadviceofotherInternationalSportFederations(IF),itisimportanttolook
forwardtodevelopanE-SportprogrammeforanIFsrespectivesport• ThefirststepinthisprocessistoapproveanICUGeneralAssemblyproclamation–
statingourintentinthisregard,withtheideaofaddinglanguageintotheICUstatutesin2020.ThislanguagewillreflectthatICUistheworldgoverningbodyandtakesresponsibilityforallthingsinCheer,includingE-Sport.Thiswillbereviewedlaterinthisassembly
j. MainGoalsandObjectivesforthenext12months• AnincredibleWorldandJuniorWorldChampionships:Startingtomorrow,this
continuestobeamemorablelifeexperienceforourathletes.Over70countriesrepresented;3,000athletes;6,000spectators,55judges.TheenergyandatmosphereoftheOpeningCeremoniesthroughthefinalawardsisareflectionofthegreatworkyoudoforourSportinyourcountries-andthemeaningthishastotheathletes.Schedulereview:- Wednesdaymorning&afternoon:JuniorWorldChampionshipsWelcomeand
competitionbeginningtomorrowmorningfinishingwiththeawardsintheeveningintheFieldHouse,31countriesand61JuniorNationalTeams
- Wednesdayevening:WorldChampionshipsOpeningCeremonyintheArena-avenuebuildespeciallyforCheer,followedbytheAthleteCulturalExchangeandNationalFederationreception
- Thursday:TheFinalsforAdaptiveAbilities,SpecialAbilitiesandthenewSpecialOlympicsDivisions–withawards;andSemi-FinalsforourSeniorDivisionsin2venues-theArenaforCheerleadingandFieldHouseforPerformanceCheer.Thetop10advancetotheFridayfinals
- Friday:TheSeniorDivisionFinals-atrulyelectricatmosphere,onethatisreflectiveofanylargefinalseventofanysportintheworld
• NationalFederationrecognition:AlwaysattheforefrontoftheICUobjectives,toassistourNationalCheerFederationsachieveNationalSportAuthority(NSA)andNationalOlympicCommittee(NOC)recognition-soICU’smemberscangainaccesstobettergovernmentsupport,accesstofacilities-andpotentiallyfunding,sowecanallbettersupporttheeffortsofourcoachesandathletes.Previouslymentioned,over70ICUmembershaveNSArecognition,over20withNOCrecognition;however,moreareneeded.SeminarshavebeenprovidedtoassistonthisveryimportantinitiativeandtheICUremainsateveryone’sdisposaltoassistoninanywaypossible
• ParticipationinMulti-SportGames:TheICUremainsincontactwithalloftheorganizersoftheMulti-SportGames,andICUhasslowlybeenaddinganumberofMulti-SportGamestotheworldschedule;however,oneveryimportantcriteriaforadmissiontotheseGames,whereICUalsoneedshelpfromICU’smembers,isthe
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requirementofmoreNOCrecognizedICUNationalFederations.Traditionally,thereisathresholdofanumberofNOCrecognitionsspecificallythatarerequiredforCheertobeadmittedtospecificGames,andasksthatallICUmembersstriveforNOCrecognitionineachrespectivecountry.ICUremainsatallICUmembers’disposaltoassistinallwayspossible
k. Conclusion:ICUPresidentWebbconcludesthePresident’sReportandexpressesappreciationofthesupportoftheGeneralAssemblyandlooksforwardtoanexcitingfuturetogether
6.SecretaryGeneral’sReport-ICUSecretaryGeneralKarlOlsona. 2019JuniorWorldChampionships(JWC)andWorldCheerleadingChampionships(WCC)
Preparations:Brieflyreviewstheschedule,openingceremonies,awards&closingceremonies-theexcitementfortheSport’spinnacleevent-andhighlightsthefollowing:• JWCWelcomeCeremony:Reminderforeachnationtosend1JWCathletefor
rehearsalat8AMonWednesday(Fieldhouse)• WCCOpening&ClosingCeremony:Reminderforeachnationtosend2WCC
athletesforrehearsalat12PMonWednesday(Arena)• Thursday:Semi-Finalsin2venues.PerformanceCheer(FieldHouse),Cheerleading
(Arena).FinalsalsoonThursdayinthesamevenuesrespectfullyforAdaptiveAbilities,SpecialAbilities&SpecialOlympicsDivisions.AwardsheldinthesamevenuesonThursdayaswell
• Friday:Top10forSeniorDivisionsadvancetoFriday’sfinals-allin1venueonFriday,theArena.Beginsat9AMonFriday.
b. 2019JWCandWCCFreeLiveStreamandEventCoverage–tocirculatefriendsofCheerleadingaroundtheworld• FreeLivestreamwillbepostedonICUwebsite,theICUApp(ICUWCC),promoted
onallICUsocialmediaplatforms-beginswithJWCWelcome.Reminderprovidedthattimesare-4GMTorsametimezoneasNewYorkCityasareference
• ICUisthrilledtohavetheOlympicChannelattendingtheevent.Greatcoveragewithinterviews,videosegmentsandspecialfeaturesofthechampionships-includingdiscussionswiththeNationalFederations,CoachesandAthletes
• OlympicChanneltolive-streamthefinalsonFriday,accessiblebyallICUplatformspreviouslymentionedordirectlyonolympicschannel.com.ExpressesappreciationtotheOlympicChannel’sexcellentcoverage(showsvideo:OlympicChannelspromotionalvideooftheICUWorldChampionships)
• FollowingtheChampionships:VideooftheChampionships&teamperformanceswillremainonICU’sYouTubeChannel
c. NationalFederationRecognitionInitiative• ICUinformationofourSport,recognitionlettersanddocumentsremainavailableon
theICUwebsite–locatedatthe“recognitiondocuments’link• AllICUVideosremainavailableontheICUYouTubeChannelandonmanysocial
mediaplatforms• ICUSocialMediaPlatformsremainasexcellenttoolsforNationalFederation
promotion:ICUonFacebook(nearly3.5millionlikes),Twitter,Instagram,SnapChat,andnewlyintroduced-WechatandVKontakte
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• ForanyICUNationalFederationrequiringadditionalassistancewiththeirNOCsandNSA,ICUremainsavailableasalwaystoassist
d. Multi-SportGamesInitiative• ReportsthatICUcontinuestoapplytoallMulti-SportGames;however,addsto
PresidentWebb’sreportthatthenumberofNOCrecognitionsintheICUremainsanimportantcriteriawhereICUneedsassistanceforallmembers
• Itisunderstoodthatthisprocessisa“chickenortheegg”scenario,numberofNOCrecognitionsiseasierwheninanOlympicMulti-SportGame,andadmissiontoanOlympicMulti-SportGameisonlypossiblewithacertainthresholdinthenumberofNOCrecognition.Thisisunderstood-andtheICUremainsavailabletoassisttoprovidecontinuetomoveforwardwiththeseopportunitiesforthebenefitofICUmembersandathletes
• Inthemeantimeandasdiscussedinbreakoutmeetings,ICUispleasedtojointheCSITWorldGamesin2-7July2019inTortosia,Spain.Opportunityforolderathletes-abiennialeventandtheICUlooksforwardtoagrowingparticipationintheCSITWorldGames.Divisionsanddetailsareshared
e. FISU/ICUWorldUniversityChampionships2020(UniversityStudentNationalTeams)
• Since2014,ICUhasbeenaproudpartnerofFISUandexpressestheappreciationtotheICUNationalFederationswhoparticipatedinthe2018WorldUniversityChampionships(WUC)inPoland.Awonderfulsuccess,greatjobbytheLOCandprovideslong-termbenefitstotheICU,ourmembers,athletes,coaches,stakeholdersandSportoverall
• FISUWorldUniversityChampionships2020tobeheldinWonjuCity,RepublicofKorea.The2020LOCisattendingtheAGM,andisverymuchcomprisedofICU’sKoreamember,KoreaCheerleadingAssociation(KCA)-andencouragesallICUmemberstospeakwiththeLOCwhileinOrlando
• 2020Divisionsandathletequalificationcriteriaarereviewed.MoreinformationontheFISUWUCCheerleadingFacebookpage,andalsoonFISU.net
• Lookingto2020,itisencouragedthatallICUNationalFederationsbeginspeakingtotheirrespectiveFISUNationalUniversitySportFederations(NUSFs)–tomakethisrelationshipinpreparationforWonjuCity2020
• Inclosing,althoughtheFISUWUCisasinglesportevent;itisre-emphasizedthatthewonderfulsuccessatthe2018FISUWUCforCheerisveryhelpfulinICU’sworkforadmissiontoMulti-SportsGames,andexpressesappreciationtotheAGMinadvanceforaevenmoresuccessfulFISUWUCin2020
7. ReportsofStandingCommittees-ICUPresidentJeffWebbIntroductionoftheICUstandingcommitteesandappreciationisextendedforthegreatworkandprogressofthecommitteesa. MedicalCommission
Dr.MisaelGarcia,ICUMedicalCommission&Anti-DopingCommitteeMemberIntroducestheprimaryresponsibilityoftheMedicalCommissionisthecareoftheathletes–remainingforevervigilantwithafocusonthesafetyandhealthofour
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athletesisoftheupmostimportance.FourmajoritemstopresentfromtheICUMedicalCommissionworkareasfollows:• DateCollectionandAnalysis:EffortsoftheMCthispastyearhasbeenfocusedon
datecollectionandanalysistoidentifythetypesofinjuriesrelatedtoCheerspecifically-thatcanvaryfromsporttosport
• GrowthofCheerGlobally–naturalincreaseonathletesexposedtoinjury:DatareflectsthegrowthoftheSportglobally(goodnews),butthisalsohighlightsthegreaterneedforincreasinginjuryeducationandpreventiontoallstakeholdersinourSport.Forthesakeofcreatinganimmediateimpact,Dr.GarciasuggeststhatthepresentationisfocusedonthetopreportedinjuryinCheerleading
• Topreportedinjury-AnkleSprain:Perhapsnotasurprise,asitissimilartoa2012study;however,thisitisimportanttohighlightthetopreportedinjury–foreveryonetotakeimportantmeasuresforpreventionpurposes.Forexample,precautionstakeninpre-tapingankles(andwrist)wouldbeastepinprevention
• Recommendedactions:Prevention,EducationandRehabilitation–educationofathletesandcoachesoninjuryprevention,especiallyonatopreportedinjurylikeananklespraincouldprovequitebeneficialtoourSportandforthewell-beingandsuccessesofourathletesbeingmostimportant
• InjuryPreventionSummary:Althoughallareasofinjurypreventionareimportant,onearea-likepreventionofAnklesprainscouldmakeanimmediateimpact.Dr.GarciaencouragestheICUmemberstopromoteeducation,andthereforeprevention,totheircoachesandathletesspecificallyontipslikepropertapingpriortotraining,aswellasexercisesandtechniquestospecificallystrengthentheankle.Agreatdealofresourcesareavailablelocallyinmostcountriestomakeanimmediateimpact-andadditionalinformationwillbeprovidedbytheMCasanaddedresource
• Anti-Doping/ProtectionofCleanAthletes:Dr.GarciacontinuesontoanotherveryimportantMedicaltopicthatwasdiscussed-notonlyCheerleading,butallsports-Anti-Doping&DopingPrevention;introducesBradGuyeofClearidiumtoprovidethereport.AsasignatoryofWADA,ICUandICU’sAnti-DopingProgrammereportisasfollows:- ICU’stestingprogramme,likeallsportanti-dopingprogrammes,canbebroken
downinto“incompetition”and“outofcompetition”testing- ICUconductsthe”incompetition”testingateventsliketheWorld
ChampionshipsandContinentalChampionships,andmembersatNationalChampionships-dependingonthelevelofrecognitionandfundingavailable;however,greateffortsaremadeglobally
- “OutofCompetition”testingisalsoconductedincoordinationwithClearidiumrepresentativestravelingtotestforothersports;however,anumberofcountriesarebecomemoresophisticatedinthisprocessalso-andweusethesynergyofevents,likethevariouschampionships,wheretestingrepresentativesarepresent–toconduct“outofcompetition”testingforregisteredathletesinthearea
- Manyknowormaynotknow,buttheWADAcodechangesperiodically,anditisscheduledtobeupdatedagainin2020,thepreviouslyupdatewasin2015;and
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in2020-ICUwillalsoupdateitsAnti-DopingTestingRulesandRegulationsincompliancewithWADA
- Newrequirementswillbeinplaceforadditionalanalysisonbloodandurinesamplesthatwillrequireimplementationofanewprogrammein2020.It’simportantforeveryonetobeawareoftheupcomingupdate
- PartofICU’stestingpool,thisincludesathleteprofileswithintheseniorandjuniordivisionsrespectfully,aswellaswithintheAdaptiveAbilities/ParaSportCheerdivisions-includingallgenders
- ICUappreciatesthegreatcooperationfromallmembers,coaches,athletesandallstakeholdersinthisveryimportantprocess.Itcanbeverytediousandinconvenience-butitisnecessary
- Previouslydiscussed,itemslikeTUEs-theICUrequestssubmissionsaminimum2weeksinadvance,although3-5weeksinadvanceispreferred
- Dataprivacy,forexample-dataintheWADAADAMSsystem,ishighlyimportantandallICUprocessesarefollowedinaveryconfidentialandnearlyanonymousmanner–allcompliantwithWADA
- BradGuyeexpressesappreciationtotheCommitteemembersforthegreatinputandproductivediscussionsinthemeetings,aswellasforcommitmentoftheallstakeholderinthisveryimportantsubject.AsksforanyquestionsonICU’sAnti-DopingProgrammeReportandalsofortheICUMedicalCommission(noquestions),andconcludesthepresentation
b. EntourageCommissionAljazBritvic,Chairperson,ICUEntourageCommissionReportsofverysuccessfulmeetings-withanaddedfocusonatooltofurtherassisttheimportantworktoprotecttheAthletefromtheEntourageperspective-theICUAthleteCodeofConduct.AlsoanimportantsubjectoftheIOC,theEntourageCommissionreportonisasfollows:• ICUAthleteCodeofConduct:Currently,thelegalframeworkoftheICUAthlete
CodeofConduct,toassurethedocumentaccomplishesitsintent,isunderreviewbyICU’slegalcounsel,withexpectationsofitsfinalizationsinthecomingyear
• ThreemainpointsoftheCodeofConductionareAwareness,ReportingandSanctioning–drivingtheobjectivetoprotectourathletes- Awareness:Veryimportantandafirststepintheprocess–asincreasingthe
levelofawareness,notonlyofourathletes-butallstakeholderswillhighlightandthereforeeducate-allofusontheindividualrolesandresponsibilitiesthatwehaveinprotectingtheathleteandimprovingtheoverallathleteexperience
- Reporting:Alsoapotentialchallenge–needstobeoutlined,sotheathletes,andanyoneknowledgeableofproblems,haveconfidencetomakeaconnectiontoreportapotentialproblem,ortheproblemremainsunsolved.ThisdetailwithintheCodecancreateneededconfidenceontherightstep–onceaproblemisidentified
- Sanctioning:AcriticalcomponenttoensurethereareconsequencesforviolatingtheCode;toassuretheCodeitselfiseffectiveandachievesitsobjectiveofwhywehaveICUAthleteCodeofConduct.Theprimaryissueunderreview
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forthesanctioningcomponentisthedeterminationofjurisdiction.Certainlytobeeffective-theremustbeconsequencesofanyviolationatthelocalandnationallevel;andthisisabigproject-butimportant.However,thepathneedstobedetermined–whichiscurrentlyunderreview-foratwhichpointdoessanctioningmoveandescalatetotheNationalFederationandthenICUlevel
• Moreworktobecompletedforsure;however,theEntourageCommissionisproudoftheworkcompletedtodateontheICUAthletesCodeofConduct
• ChairpersonBritvic,inclosing,movesbacktotheimportanttopicofAwareness(playsIOCvideo:TheRoleoftheEntourage).FinisheswithhighlightingtheimportantroleofEntourageandhowthiscanaffect,inapositiveornegativeway,theathlete,andexpressestheappreciationtotheEntourageCommissionandlooksforwardtothereleaseoftheICUAthleteCodeofConduct–asagreattooltocontinuetoplaceourathletesatthehighestprioritytoprotecttheirwellbeing.
c. ICUEthicsCommitteeBeverleyHon,ICUEthicsCommitteeMemberExpressesappreciationforthegreatworkoftheICUEthicsCommitteeonitsveryimportantworkandreportsthefollowing:• RoleandpurposeoftheICUEthicsCommittee:Toestablish,continuouslyevaluate
andupdateaframeworkofethicalprinciplesinICU’sguidingdocuments,includingcontinuallyreviewingICU’svariousCodesofConductforconsistency,aswellastoassurecompliancewiththevaluesandguidingprinciplesoftheIOC
• Responsibility:HighlightsthatethicsistheresponsibilityofallstakeholdersacrossallNationalFederations.- RemindstheGeneralAssembly–asdiscussedatthe2018AGM-thatitis
importantthatallICUmembersshouldcontinuallyreviewandbecomefamiliarwithallCodesofConductanddocumentspromulgatedbytheICU.
- ICUmemberscanassistinthisimportanteffortforourSport–aswellastoreportviolationstoassureallproblemsareaddressedfortheprotectionofourSport,ourcoachesandmostimportant-ourathletes.
• LocalGrievanceProcedureDevelopment:AmajorsubjectofdiscussionattheICUEthicsCommitteemeetingthisyear-ICU’sGrievanceProcedure.ItisaveryhelpfuldocumentandICUhasreceivedanumberofgrievancesin2018and2019-allfollowingthedueprocesses;howevertheEthicsCommitteehasanadditionalrecommendation:- Lookingforward,theEthicsCommitteeisencouragingICUNationalFederations
toassuretheirlocalGrievanceProceduresareinplacetoaddressproblemswhentheybegin–athelocallevel
- ICUcanassistanyICUFederationMemberswiththeirGrievancesProcedures–ifnotalreadyinplace–tofindquickerresolutionwithinthecountryoforigin,andnotalwaysrequiringtheICUEthicsCommitteetorevieweverycompliant,shouldthisbebetteraddressedlocally
• Protectingathletesfrommisconduct:FinalagendaitemtoreportfromtheEthicsCommitteecontinuesinthelineprotectingtheintegrityoftheICU,ourSport,NationalFederations,Coaches,allstakeholders-forthebenefitofourathletes.
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ReviewedbytheEthicsCommittee,anICUProclamationwillbepresentedlaterintheAGM
• Requestforanyquestions(noquestions).EthicsCommitteeReportisconcludede. ICUTechnicalCommittee-Cheerleading
CandiaLonsdale,ICUTechnicalCommitteeMemberCommitteeMemberLonsdalethanksICUTechnicalCommittee(TC)forsuccessfulandcomprehensivemeetings,andpresentstheTCCommitteeMeetingreportasfollows:• Education:
- MoreCredentialersGlobally:WonderfulprogresshasbeenmadeinthepastyearwiththeadditionofmoreICUpre-scheduledcoursesonmanycontinents-reachingmorecoachesintheworld.TheTCdiscussedtheneedtoaddmoreteacherstothecredentialingprocess-moreofalocalpresenceforgreaterreachatlowercost.Thepre-establishedcoursedateswillassistwiththisimportanteffortmovinginto2020
- AdaptiveAbilitiesTraining:AnexcitingdevelopmentforourSport,asthisgainsmorepopularityandmoreathleteswithdisabilitiescomeforwardtocreatemoreteams.TheTCseestheneedtoaddmoreAdaptiveAbilitiestrainingtotheexistingICUcurriculumforcoacheswhowanttogetinvolvedincreatingmoreAdaptiveAbilitiesprogrammes.Notonlyforcoaches,thiscanbeagreattoolforallathletestoeducatethemselvestobetterassistateamasanAdaptiveAbilitiesteammember,orwhomaywanttobecomecoachesthemselves
• AgeLimits:Followingthemanydiscussionsthathavebeenunderwayonmanyofthecommitteesandcontinentalbreakouts,theTCagreestobetteralignourageswiththeYouthOlympics;however,onanincrementalbasis–asdiscussedandyettobepresented
• RoutineTimes:TheTCalsodiscussedthisaswell,andisinfullagreementtomoveCheerleadingto2:15in2020,fromthe2:30musicroutinetimethatiscurrentlyunderway
• Image:ImageissuesofourSporthavebeendiscussedatlengthandtheTCagreestotheICUGoverningCouncilimageguidelinesthathavebeenpresentedtobesurethatstandardsneedtobealignedwiththeathletesthatCheerrepresents.Withthis,theTChas2pointstoemphasize:- Fulltopscoveringthemid-sectionoftheathleteisendorsedbytheTC,so
athleticismisthefocusindisplayingoursport-intheimagethatwewantrepresented
- Thefirstpoint,combinedwiththepowerofsocialmedia-theTCfeelsthatthiswilldrivethestandardsoftheICUandwilltrulyprioritizeourimageofsportthattheICUstandsforworldwide.NationalTeamathletesareiconsforallofourathletes-andthiswilldrivebehaviorandplaceICUinapositivepositionglobally
f. ICUTechnicalCommittee-PerformanceCheerKatarinaCafnik,ICUTechnicalCommitteeMemberCommitteeMemberCafnikthankstheICUTechnicalCommittee(TC)forthegreatsessionsandwonderfulcontributionstoPerformanceCheer,andreviewstheICUTechnicalCommitteeMeetingsummaryasfollows:
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• Routinetime:Aseveryoneknows,thePerformanceCheerroutinetimewasmovedto2:15for2019,from2:30intheyear2018andprior.Asdiscussed,studieswereinplacethatamajorityoftopteamsfinishedtheirroutinesfarearlierthan2:30,andthelowerteamsseemedtofeelthat2:30wasrequired-soamoveto2:15hasprovedtobeasuccessful.Duringthechampionshipsinthenextdays-thiswillagainbestudiedtoseeifevenamoveto2:00wouldprovetobebetterstillinfutureyears;however,amoveto2:15hasbeenasuccess
• ScoreSheets:Adjustmentshavebeenmadetosimplifytheprocessfortheteamanddoublescategories,andalsoforthegenresofhiphop,pomandjazz.Manyofthetechniquesarequitesimilarforallgenres-withtheexceptionofstyleandafewnuances.Currently–furtherreviewisunderwayforamoreunifiedscoresheet-withthegenredifferencesinmind,againtosimplifytheprocessasneeded–tohelpgrowoursport
• GrowthofourSport:TheTCisalsofocusednotonlyonthetechnicalsideofourSport,butalsotheTCseesthevalueinreviewingsuccessfulprogrammesfromourNationalFederationstheprovideopportunitiesformoreathletesandinspiresdevelopmentandgrowth.OneprogrammetohighlightisaprogrammedevelopedbyourGreeceNationalFederationcalled“CheerforFam”thathasstatisticallygrownparticipationinGreecewithlittleornocost,andtheTCwillcontinuetoreviewbestpracticesofthesesuccessstoriestohelpreplicatesimilarinitiativesinallcountries–toprovidetoolstoallICUmembers,sotheymayalsohavethesamesuccessthatGreecehashadtogrowperformanceCheer
• Education:GreatsuccesshasbeenunderwayforthepastyearswiththeICUMedallionCourses-andtoprovideevengreatertraininginthetechnicalaspectsandcredentialingsidetoreachmorecoachesglobally.In2020,furtherexpansionoftheBlueCourseandBlackcredentialingarebeingscheduledtocontinueinthetrajectoryofreachingmorecoaches-andtheTCseethisasacriticalstepstosafelytrainthestewardsofoursport-andalsotointroducenewprogrammesinallcountries
• HighKick:OneoftheoldergenresofPerformanceCheer,andadisciplineoftheICU,thatisgrowinginpopularityglobally;theIASFwillintroducethisasanOpenDivisionin2020-andtheICUwillofcourseobservethistoseethenumberofcountrieswhoparticipateinHighKickandalsowhointroduceitattheirnationallevel-forfutureconsideration
• AgeLimits:FinaltopicdiscussedinthePerformanceCheerTCwasareviewoftheagelimitsthathasbeendiscussedinmanyofthebreakouts.TheTCisalsoinfavorofbetteraligningourageswiththeagesoftheYouthOlympics-however,intheincrementalwaythathasbeendiscussed
g. ICUAthleteCommissionRobTonnaer,ICUAthleteCommissionChairpersonExpressesappreciationtotheICUGoverningCouncil,Federationofficers-andreportsthatoverthepastfewdays,andtheinclusioninICU’sotherscommitteemeetingstopromotethevoiceandinterestsofourathletes.Thereportisasfollows:
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• MedicalCommissionSurveyforDataCollection:TheACcommendstheICUMedicalCommissionsurveythathasbeenusedtocollectimportantinformationfordataandanalysis,withtheveryclearresultstoavoidassumptionsandtoprovideconcretesolutionsoninjurypreventionforthecoachesandathletes.TheAChighlyrecommendsthisiscontinuedtobeaheadoftrends-sothereisaclearviewonsituationsandcorrectiveactionsforathletesafetyandexpressesappreciationforthisinitiative
• Safeguarding:ContinuestobeofparamountimportancetoeveryoneandalsototheAC.TheACappreciatesthepositivestepsbeingmadeinthisregardandalsosuggeststheideaoftheimplementationofareportportalelectronicallyavailabletoathletestosafelyreportviolations.Anonymityisimportanttomaketheathletesfeelsafeonwhistleblowing–andthisisanaddedrecommendation
• DivisionAges:TheACalsoendorsesageadjustmentstobetteralignwiththeYouthOlympics.ShouldthisassistinanywayforourSporttobeclosertoinclusionintheGames-thisisendorsedbytheAC.Theageadjustmentmakessenseforbetteralignmentinthisregard
• ImageGuidelines:TheACalsoprovidesitsfullendorsementoftheImageGuidelinesaspresentedbytheICUGoverningCouncil.TheconcernspresentedandaddressedbytheImageGuidelinesarelegitimateandfallsalongtheimportantinitiativesforSafeguardingaswell.ThisisfullyendorsedbytheACandappreciationisexpressedtotheICUGoverningCouncilandExecutiveforputtingthisdocumentforward
• ICUAthleteCodeofConduct:Thisisaveryexcitingdevelopmentforathletestoknowwhatrulesanddirectivesareinplacetoprotecttheathlete.Therearemanyfactorsthatathletesmustdealwithonadailybasisandaguidelinesuchasthiswillbeveryhelpful.TheACthankstheICUEntourageCommissionforputtingthistogether;however,understandsalegalframeworkreviewofthedocumentisunderwayandlooksforwardtopassingthisdraftontotheACsoon
• ICUAthleteoftheYear:Asignificantsuccessin2018,andtheAChasitsnominationsinplace.Explanationisprovidedonthenominationprocess,thereviewbytheACofallnominationstoselecttherecipientfortheAthleteoftheYearaward.HighlightstheimportanceoftheawardtorecognizeourAthletes’personalandprofessionalaccomplishmentsPresidentWebbexpressesappreciationtoACmemberRobTonnaerforhisreport,andallcommitteesfortheirreportsontheirgreatworkfortheICUandtheSportofCheer.PresidentWebbasksthefloorforanyquestionsoncommentstothecommittees(noquestions).PresidentWebbintroducesICUTreasurerJohnNicholsfortheTreasurer’sReport
8.Treasurer’sReport-ICUTreasurerJohnNicholsICUTreasurerNicholsprovidesanoverviewof2018actualfinancialsaswellasthe2019proposedbudget.ThecontinualincreaseinWorldChampionshiprevenueissignificant,anotableincreaseof$200,000netover2018asindicatedintheproposed2019budget.Thisisgreatnews-asourSport’spinnacleeventcontinuestodrawconsiderableandpositive
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attention,aswellaswithpositivefinancialresults.Otherincomelines,lesssignificantinsizebutveryimportant-includesICUmembershipduesthatcontinuestoincrease,aswellasIOCDevelopmentFunding.AstheICUcompletedits2ndyearofIOCprovisionalrecognition-withthetargetforfullrecognitionassoonasitsavailable,andwithICU’scontinuedfocusonglobaldevelopmentofourSport,pendingchallengesunderway-likeDanceSport,andafewothercriticalinitiativesin2018;the2018financialsand2019proposedbudgetareasfollows:
a.2018Summary- 2018Revenue:Asnoted,theICU’smostsignificantfinancialsourceisWorld
Championshipsrevenue,anetof$860,000,followedbyIOCdevelopmentfunding$32,000,andICU’scontinuallyimprovingduessituation$26,7000,-aswellastheincreaseinICUeducationalcoursereimbursement,mostlynotedas“other”netof$36,800.Sponsorshipincomewasnotinplacefor2018asitwasin2017;however,ICUretainedover$200,000onthebalancesheetfrom2017inordertoabsorbimportantexpensesthatwillbereviewedundertheexpensesside
- 2018Expenses:Withthegoalofabreakevenscenariofor2018,expensescameinhigherthan2017,primarilyformanyaonetimeexpense–however,veryimportantDevelopmentFundinitiativesfurtherraisingtheprofileoftheICU–includesthefollowing:o ThelongtermWorldDanceSportFederationproblem-nowsolvedo Theinaugurallaunchofthe2018FISUChampionships-successfullycompletedo Mostlylegalcosts-thedevelopmentofacompliantNationalFederationin
Australia–withGymnasticsAustraliahandingovergovernancetotheICUinDecember2017ontheconditionofcompliancebytheendof2018-nowsolved
o ThelaunchofSpecialOlympics:multipleunbudgetedeventsandmeetingstofinalizerulesandlaunchCheer–verysuccessful/ledtoCompetitiveCheerbeingpartofthe2019SpecialOlympicsWorldGamesandMarch2019recognitionasaSpecialOlympicsSport
o ThecontinuationofdevelopmentofourSportaroundthatworld-leadingto1,000additionalcoachestrainedgloballyin10newcountriesin2018-quiteimportanttotheICU
- Theseimportantinitiatives,quitesignificanttothefutureofICUandourSport,ledtoexceedingthe2018budget;however,theICUExecutiveandGoverningCouncilfoundthistobeimportant-andwithICU’s2017reserves,theICUremainsinapositivefinancialposition
- 2018Result:Inadditiontothedevelopmentfundexpendituresbeinghigher,administrativecostsandremainingexpensesarealsoslightlyhigherthan2017tosupportthedevelopmentprojects;however,theICUboardandamajorityofthestaffarevolunteers,leadingtolittlecostinpersonnel.TheremainingexpensesincludesICU’sAnti-DopinginitiativesandICUAnnualmeetingexpenses$146,200,leaving$225,200asthetotaldeficitin2018;however,2017cashreservesagainleavetheICUinastrongposition.AllimportanttofurtherraiseICU’sprofileinacriticaltime-asweendourIOCprovisionalstatusperiod
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b. 2019BudgetProposal- 2019BudgetProposalRevenue:Obviouslyanotheryearofsignificantimprovement
over2019basedoncurrentWorldChampionshipsregistration-anetof$1,076,400,againtheWorldChampionshipsandJuniorWCincomeissignificant-reflectinghigher2019WorldChampionshipsnetincomeincreaseby$216,400.AlsoweprojectthecontinuedslightincreaseincollectionofICUmembershipduesandeducationreimbursementbyapproximatelyanincreaseofanother$16,200combined.IOCDevelopmentFundingisanticipatedasitwasin2018,butuntilpaiditisnotedhereconservatively$25,000,andnothinghasbeennotedforsponsorshipsin2019-althoughthisisapossibility
- 2019BudgetProposalExpenses:Previouslymentioned,theDanceSportproblemwassolvedbyJanuary2019,thereisnoFISUChampionshipsin2019,SpecialOlympicsprogrammeshavebeenlaunched,thevastmajorityoftheAustraliaFederationlegalworkhasbeencompleted;sothiswouldleadtoa$163,800reductionindevelopmentexpenses-withAdministrativesavingsincludedfor2019.AlthoughthereisaplanforaddedsavingsonexpensesforSportAccord/GAISFsviatheDanceSportresolutionandalsoforWADAexpenses,viaourcollaborationwithClearidium,savinganother$44,100;IOCexpenditurelineitemhasbeenincreased–tobesafeincaseanynewdevelopmentmoneywouldberequiredin2019
- 2019BudgetProposalResult:BasedontheincreaseinWorldChampionshiprevenuemostlyandimprovementsofotherincomelineitems-currentlyshowsaincomeincreaseof$225,700over2018-highlylikelyastheChampionshipsbegintomorrow.Placedagainsttheplannedreductionoftheseonetimeexpensesexplained,2019showsapositivecashsurplusof$208,900–placingtheICUinasimilarsituationaswefoundourselvesin2017.Thisisverygoodnews
c. Discussion- ICUTreasurerJohnNicholsasksforanyquestionsonthe2018ICUFinancialsand
2019ICUBudgetProposal- Noquestionsorfurtherdiscussion
d. AdoptionoftheICU2018Financialand2019ProposedBudget- PresidentWebbthanksTreasurerNicholsforthereport.CommentsonTreasurer
Nicholsreport-asaremindertotheAGMthatnoboardmembersarecompensated,allarevolunteers.ExpressesappreciationagainforTreasurerNichol’sreport.Withoutfurtherquestionsordiscussion-asksforamotiontoapprovethe2018Financialsand2019BudgetProposal
- MotionbyRussia- Mexicosecondsthemotion- Motioncarries,2018Financialsand2019BudgetProposalisapproved
9.Proposals-ICUPresidentJeffWebbICUPresidentJeffWebbexplainsthat,basedonfeedbackduringtheContinentalMeetingsthedayprior,theGoverningCouncilmetlasteveningandisrecommendinganumberoftheproposalstobepresentedtotheGeneralAssemblyforavote.Also,basedontheContinentalMeetingsthedayprior,theGoverningCouncildeterminedthatafewproposalsrequiredmoreinformation,asmanydetailsareincompleteforadecision-orwereproposalsnotwellreceived
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fromtheContinentalMeetings-inwhichonlyrequiringGoverningCouncilactionwasrequiredforefficiencypurposes,orhavebeenforwardedasProclamationstobeaddressednextintheGeneralAssembly:• PROPOSAL#1:JuniorWorldChampionshipsDivisions&WorldChampionshipAgeCriteria
BasedoninputfromalloftheICUContinentalmeetingsonMonday,thefollowingagegroupswererecommendedfortheJuniorWorldChampionships(JWC)andWorldChampionships(WC)in2020-2022.Pleasenotethat–asacompromise–withconcernsfromEurope,thisproposalisshowingnochangein2020from2019;andonlyincrementalchangesbeginningin2021andthen2022respectfully.PresidentWebbaddsthatthisproposalwasoriginallyproposedbyChineseTaipeitobetteraligntheICUwiththeYouthOlympicGamesagecriteria,butalsotheICUseestheimportancetoreducethespreadofagesonanindividualteam.(Aslideispresentedshowingthefollowing):
CHEERLEADINGDIVISIONS:(Cross-oversallallowedinalldivisionsoftheJWC&WC)Year SeniorAges JuniorAges YouthAges Note(s)2020 14+(Premier15+) 12-16(alldivisions) None Nochangefrom20192021 15+(Premier16+) 15-18(Elite/L5) 12-14(Adv/L4) 1stincrementalchange2022 16+(AllDivisions) 15-18(Elite/L5) 12-14(Adv/L4) 2ndincrementalchangePERFORMANCECHEER:(Cross-oversallallowedinalldivisionsoftheJWC&WC)Year SeniorAges JuniorAges YouthAges Note(s)2020 14+(Alldivisions) 12-16(Pom&HipHop) None Nochangefrom20192021 15+(AllDivisions) 15-18(Pom&HipHop) 12-14(Pom&HipHop)1stincrementalchange2022 16+(AllDivisions) 15-18(Pom&HipHop) 12-14(Pom&HipHop)2ndincrementalchangePresidentWebbhighlightstheneedtoincrementallyadjusttheagecategoriestoprovidetimetoallNationalFederationstoadjust-asneeded;butyetachievealignmentwithIOCguidelinesfortheYouthOlympics(YouthOlympicsis15-18)-whilereducingtheagespreadonindividualteams-tomoveforwardwiththesafestframework,addressingpotentialSafeguardingissues,forourathletes.PresidentWebbencouragestheGeneralAssemblytounderstandtheneedsofourSport-asawhole-acrossallcountriesoftheworld.
ICUCouncilRecommendedAction:“AsacompromisetoachievealignmentwithIOCguidelinesfortheYouthOlympics,andreducingtheagespreadonindividualteamsforathletesafetypurposes-theICUGoverningCouncilproposestheincrementalJWC&WCdivisionagecriteriaadjustment,beginningin2021-aspresented,toallowtimeforICUmemberstoadjusttothenewcriteria,whilebettersupportingourSportandathletesacrossallcountries”:Action:
- Discussion:PresidentWebbasksifthereisanydiscussion.Nodiscussion.
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- PresidentWebbasksforamotiontovote- MotionbyCanada- Australiasecondsthemotion- Motioncarries,ICUGeneralAssemblyapprovesProposal#1
• PROPOSAL#2:WorldChampionshipsinTeamCheerFreestylePommustceasetocompeteinTeamCheerFreestylePomDoublesmovingforward&WorldChampionshipsinTeamCheerHipHopmustceasetocompeteinTeamCheerHipHopDoublesmovingforwardAction:GoverningCouncilrecommendsnoactionatthistime,anddefersanydecisionpendingresubmissionandclarificationin2020
• PROPOSAL#3:Cheerleadingmusicportionofroutinetimelimitisshiftedfrom2:30to2:15beginningin2020.(Note:PerformanceCheerhasshiftedfrom2:30to2:15in2019)Action:BasedonoverwhelmingsupportbytheICUTechnicalCommittees,andbasedonbreakoutmeetingfeedback,theGoverningCouncilhasapprovedofthisactionfor2020.Novoteisrequired
10.Proclamations-ICUPresidentJeffWebbICUPresidentJeffWebbexplainsthat,basedonotherproposalsandfeedbackduringtheContinentalMeetings,theGoverningCouncilrecommendsthefollowingProclamationstobereviewed,discussedandvotedonattheGeneralAssembly:
• PROCLAMATON#1901:SafeGuarding
Thoroughlydiscussedinallmeetings,andagreementbetweenallfederations,theICUGoverningCouncilproposesthefollowingproclamation:“ICU recognizes the critical importance of ensuring the safety of its athletes andparticipants.Itisincumbentuponallstakeholders,includingallNationalCheerFederations,to adopt general principles for safe sport and to implement and monitor policies andproceduresforsafesport.ICUcontinuestosupporttheIOC’spositiononSafeGuardingforthe sport of Cheer, including ensuring that all athletes have the right to be treatedwithrespect, protected from non-accidental violence, and that the welfare of athletes isparamount.”Action:
- Discussion:Nodiscussion.- MotionbyPeru- Denmarksecondsthemotion- Motioncarries,ICUGeneralAssemblyapprovesProclamation#1901
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• PROCLAMATON#1902:E-Sport
Alsothoroughlydiscussed,theICUGoverningCouncilproposesthefollowingproclamation:“ICU retains the right, in itsdiscretion, todirect,develop, regulate,andcontrolall virtualelectronicande-sportCheeractivitiesandcompetitioninallformsworldwide,includingtherighttoendorse,sanction,andorganizeanyWorldChampionships”
Action:
- Discussion:Nodiscussion.- MotionbyDenmark- CostaRicasecondsthemotion- Motioncarries,ICUGeneralAssemblyapprovesProclamation#1902
• PROCLAMATON#1903:ICUStandardsandIntegrity
Additionally,oneoftheproposalshasincludedprotectionofICU’sBrand,includingICU’sstandardsandintegrityatevents.AsmentionedICUBrandguidelinesarebeingdevelopedandwillbeprovidedtoallmemberFederations.Additionally,allICUmembers–throughtheirICUmembershipasdocumentedintheICUstatutes-maintainalloftherightsandprivilegesgrantedbyICUmembershipandareboundtoICUstandardsandintegrityaswell.However,theICUGoverningCouncilhasapprovedandisrecommendingthatthefollowingProclamationbepresentedtothemembership,withnovoterequired-todocumentthisproclamationinresponsetorequests,proposalsanddiscussionregardingICUStandardsandIntegrity:“It is imperative that ICUprotect the integrityof the ICUnamebymaintaining standardsandconsistencyaroundtheeventsandactivitiesofICU,includingtheconductofendorsedorsanctionedevents.IfaneventoractivityissanctionedorendorsedbyICU,itmustmeetstandardstobedeterminedandprovidedbyICU.”
Action:
- ApprovedbyICUGoverningCouncil.NovoterequiredbyGeneralAssembly
11.ICUMembership-ICUPresidentJeffWebbICUPresidentJeffWebbexpressesthegreatnewsoffewerandfewerrivalryissuesinregardtotheICUMembership.FollowingallmembershipmattersbeingreviewedbytheContinentalMeetingswithfeedback,andtofurtherstrengthentheICU;theGoverningCouncilrecommendsthefollowingactionsonICUMembershipfor2019:• ESTONIA–ChangeofMembership:TheICUGoverningCouncilrecommendsterminating
themembershipoftheEstoniaCheerFederation(ECF)astheICUProvisionalMemberforEstonia&recommendstheadmissionoftheEstoniaCheerleadingUnion(EsCU)astheICUProvisionalMemberFederationforEstonia:
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Action:
- Discussion.Nodiscussion- MotionbyFinland- Mexicosecondsthemotion- Motioncarries,ICUGeneralAssemblyapprovestheterminationofmembershipof
theEstoniaCheerFederation(ECF)astheICUProvisionalMemberforEstonia&approvestheadmissionoftheEstoniaCheerleadingUnion(EsCU)astheICUProvisionalMemberFederationforEstonia
• HONGKONG–ChangeofMembership:TheICUGoverningCouncilrecommends
terminatingthemembershipoftheHongKongCheerleadingCoordination(HKCC)astheICUProvisionalMemberforHongKing&recommendsadmissionoftheHongKongCheerleadingFederationofHongKong,China(CFHK)astheICUProvisionalMemberFederationforHongKong:Action:
- Discussion.Nodiscussion- MotionbyCostaRica- SouthAfricasecondsthemotion- Motioncarries,ICUGeneralAssemblyapprovestheterminationofmembershipof
theHongKongCheerleadingCoordination(HKCC)astheICUProvisionalMemberforHongKing&recommendsadmissionoftheHongKongCheerleadingFederationofHongKong,China(CFHK)astheICUProvisionalMemberFederationforHongKong
• MALTA–NewMembershipApplication:TheICUGoverningCouncilacknowledgesthe
receiptofanapplicationinrepresentationforMalta,andrecommendsdeferringanyvoteonthisapplicationpendingreceiptofadditionalinformation.Action:
- Deferred;Novoterequiredatthistime.ICUPresidentWebbthankstheGeneralAssemblyfortheirinterestandsupporttostrengthmembershipwithintheInternationalCheerUnion
12.2020AnnualGeneralMeeting-ICUPresidentJeffWebbICUPresidentWebbannouncesthatin2020theSportAccordConventionwillbeheldatthesametimeandwilloverlapwiththenormallyscheduleddatesofthe2020ICUWorldChampionshipsWeek.DuetotheimportanceforICUtobewellrepresentedatSportAccord,PresidentWebbrequeststhattheICUGeneralAssemblyconsidermovingtheWorldChampionshipsandAnnualMeetingstoanotherweek–closelypriorto-orfollowingthenormalWorldChampionshipsscheduleddates.Movingdatesarequitecomplicated,withthesizeoftheevent,andfeasibilityandavailabilityoffacilities.Consequently,itistheGoverning
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Council’srecommendationtodelegatetotheExecutiveCommitteetheauthoritytoestablishthedatesfor2020tobeheldinOrlandoUSA.
Action: - Discussion:
Sweden-asksfortimeframeindecidingthenew2020datePresidentWebb-respondsitisadifficulttask,butwillworktoconfirmthe2020datesassoonaspossible.HopefullybytheendofMay2019,butnoguarantee;however,confirmationofthe2020datewillbeconfirmedassoonaspossible.
- Nofurtherdiscussion- PresidentWebbasksforamotiontoapprovethedelegationtotheExecutive
Committeetheauthoritytoestablishthedatesfor2020tobeheldinOrlandoUSA- MotionbySouthAfrica- PuertoRicosecondsthemotion- Motioncarries,theICUGeneralAssemblyapprovesthedelegationtotheExecutive
Committeetheauthoritytoestablishthedatesfor2020tobeheldinOrlandoUSA
13.HeinVerbruggenAward-ICUPresidentJeffWebbICUPresidentWebbexplainsthebackgroundoftheHeinVerbruggenAward,anawardmadeinthehonouroftheformerpresidentofSportAccord,HeinVerbruggen,atrueleaderinSportthroughouttheworld,andemphasisesthattheInternationalCheerUnionwouldnotbewhereitistodaywithoutPresidentVerbruggen’sleadership,courage,dedicationandguidance.PresidentWebbfurtherexplainstheintroductionoftheawardatthe2016ICUGeneralAssembly,andthatPresidentVerbruggen,whopassedin2017,hadfullknowledgeofthisdistinguishedICUawardbeingpresentedonhisbehalf
• 2019HeinVerbruggenRecipient:PresidentWebbannouncesthe2019HeinVerbruggenAwardrecipientPatrickBaumann,whomanymetwiththe2018ICUWorldChampionshipsOpeningCeremonies,FederationreceptionandWorldChampionships;whopassedawayinOctober2018attheYouthOlympicGamesinBuenosAires.PresidentWebbheartwarminglysharedafewofPatrickBaumann’sincrediblecontributionstoSport,astheSecretaryGeneralofFIBA,PresidentofSportAccord/GAISF,IOCMemberandamongmanyotherhighlevelpositionsandincrediblecontributions.Apersonwithincredibleenergy,dedicationandpassiontotheworldsport’scommunityasawhole,PatrickBaumannplayedaninstrumentalroleinsupportingtheICU.InhonourofPatrick’sfamily,thisawardisbeingannouncedinthisGeneralAssemblyonly-andwillbepresentedbytheICUtoPatrickBaumann’sfamilyinOctober2019duringthe2019SportAccordForuminSwitzerlandRecipientofthe2098HeinVerbruggenAward:PatrickBaumann(ICUGeneralAssemblystandingovation)
14.Adjournment-ICUPresidentJeffWebbICUPresidentJeffWebbextendshisgreatappreciationtoallNationalFederationsfortheircommitmenttoouryoungpeople,whateachhaveaccomplished,andtheirhardworkinthepromotionofourSport.RemindstheGeneralAssemblytospeaktotheirrespectiveheadcoaches,relayingmessagesofrespect,decorum,behaviorandsafety.Alwayssupportour
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athletesmovingforward,canmakeadifferenceinthelivesofmillionsofathletesaroundtheworld,andspeakin1voicetoaccomplishthisveryimportantgoal.Asksforagroupphotograph,wishessafetravelstoall2019ICUAnnualGeneralMeetingisadjournedat3:46PM/15:46(EST)Respectfullysubmitted,
KarlOlsonSecretaryGeneral
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APPENDIXASUMMARYOFATTENDANCE
MeetingoftheGeneralAssemblyoftheInternationalCheerUnionTuesday23April2019,Orlando,Florida,USA
ThefollowingvotingMemberFederationswereinattendance:1. Australia 14.Germany 28.Poland2. Argentina(byproxy) 15.Greece 29.PuertoRico3. Austria 16.Italy 30.RussianFederation4. Canada 17.India 31.Singapore(byproxy)5. Chile 18.Ireland(Rep.of) 32.Slovenia6. ChineseTaipei 19.Japan 33.SouthAfrica7. Colombia 20.Korea(Rep.of) 34.Sweden8. CostaRica 21.Malaysia 35.Thailand9. CzechRepublic 22.Mexico 36.Ukraine10. Denmark 23.Mongolia 37.UnitedKingdom11. Ecuador 24.Netherlands Includes:England,N.Ireland,12. Finland 25.NewZealand(byproxy) Scotland,Wales,Anguilla 13. France 26.Norway Gibraltar,GuernseyIncludes:FrenchGuiana 27.P.R.China 38.USAThefollowingvotingMemberFederationswerenotinattendance:1.Croatia Thefollowingnon-votingMemberFederationswereinattendance:1.Belarus 7.Guatemala 13.Spain2. Belgium 8.Indonesia(byproxy) 14.Switzerland3. Brazil 9.Kazakhstan 15.TrinidadandTobago4. Bulgaria(byproxy) 10.Nigeria(byproxy) 16.Uzbekistan(byproxy)5.DominicanRepublic 11.Peru6. Georgia 12.Philippines
Thefollowingnon-votingMemberFederationswerenotinattendance:1. Bahamas 5.Hungary 9.Rwanda2.Barbados 6.Jamaica 10.SaintKittsandNevis3. Bolivia 7.Moldova 11.Zimbabwe4. BosniaandHerzegovina8.Panama
ThefollowingProvisionalFederationswereinattendance:1. Armenia(byproxy) 4.Latvia(byproxy) 7.Serbia2. Azerbaijan(byproxy) 5.Mali(byproxy) 3. Botswana(byproxy) 6.Pakistan(byproxy)
ThefollowingProvisionalFederationswerenotinattendance:1. AmericanSamoa 13.Israel 25.SanMarino2. BritishVirginIslands 14.IvoryCoast 26.SaudiArabia3. Burundi 15.Kenya 27.SriLanka
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4. Cameroon 16.Kyrgyzstan 28.Suriname5. Egypt 17.Laos 29.Tanzania6. ElSalvador 18.Luxembourg 30.Uganda7. Estonia 19.Macau 31.UnitedArabEmirates8. Ghana 20.Macedonia 32.Venezuela9. Guam 21.Montenegro 33.Vietnam10. Haiti 22.Morocco 34.VirginIslands11. Honduras 23.Namibia 35.Zambia 12.HongKong 24.Romania