FAQ

Q: Do you choose your teams based on looks or size requirements?

A: No, Acrobatics and Tumbling teams are chosen based on athletic ability. There are no weight limits or height restrictions. Athletes are recruited based on position just like any other sport. In the aerial acrobatics portion athletes are recruited as bases, flyers or backs. Flyers are typically shorter than 5’3” and weigh less than 115. Most backs are over 5’6” and weight over 140. Bases are any size or height. An athlete may be recruited if they excel in the tumbling skill and only compete in that event.

Q: What are you ‘judged’ on?

A: Our teams are scored on the execution of skills. All skills performed in every event, even the Team Event have pre-determined start values. Officials are trained to evaluate each skill and make deductions if needed. You will be scored the same in Maryland as you will be in Oregon due to a standardized scoring system. Teams are not judged on looks, choreography and uniforms, but instead on how well they execute their athletic discipline.

Q: Where you do recruit these athletes?

A: Club gymnastics programs (several disciplines, including Acro, Artistic [specifically Levels 8-10], and Trampoline & Tumbling) and competitive cheer gyms (primarily Levels 4 & 5).

Q: Will Acrobatics and Tumbling athletes be crossovers in other varsity sports or with the cheer team?

A: No, we want to CREATE new opportunities for female student-athletes, not shift them.

Q: What is a standard uniform for Acrobatics and Tumbling?

A: It is a form fitting numbered jersey and shorts (much like a university volleyball team).

Q: What type of facility is required to host an event?

A: A basketball arena with 13 strips of carpet bonded foam (6 x 42 ft mats).

Q: Could this be a co-ed sport?

A: The NCATA’s mission is to bring Acrobatics and Tumbling to women’s emerging sport status. There is a possibility the sport could develop at different levels as a co-ed sport, but that is not the goal or intent of NCATA.

Q: Can a university have an Acrobatics and Tumbling team, a cheer team that competes and a gymnastics team? Or any combination of the three?

A: Currently all NCATA schools have both Acrobatics and Tumbling AND sideline cheer squads.  Although the athletes share a skill set they will not crossover. Gymnastics athletes train on a different type of mat or flooring than Acrobatics and Tumbling. Cheer teams have a different purpose. Individuals would not have time to train safely for both Acrobatics and Tumbling and fulfill cheerleading duties.