History

1994 five European countries met in Stuttgart (Germany) and changed the history of cheerleading. The meeting focused on extending cheerleading like other sports across the borders of Europe. Thus the European Cheerleader Association© (ECA) was founded. The basic rules & regulations for the association as well as future European Cheerleading Championships (ECC) were proposed.

An unofficial ‘European Cheerleading Competition’ organized by ‘Orange Fire’ – cheerleader of the Stuttgart Bats took place later that day. The first official ECC was held, also in Stuttgart, in July 1995. In fact, the first three ECC’s were organized by Mrs Carmen Grunikiewiz and ‘Orange Fire’ – without them there may not be a European Cheerleader Association today.
The ECA’s first president was Ms Pernilla Eklund (Sweden).ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
The ECA meets once a year during a weekend in February for the discussion of important issues and topics. Rules used to change once a year, but since 1999 they are adjusted every four years.

Attendance of the AGM is open to members only and by invitation from the ECA board. Each country has the permission to attend with the maximum of 2 (two) representatives. In exceptional cases 1 (one) observer or translator will be allow to sit in, too. However written permission needs to be requested prior to the AGM from the ECA board.
Voting during the AGM is as follows: One country – one vote. The voting representative’s name is taken at the beginning of the meeting.

N.B. Please note that all costs/expenses (travel/accommodation/food, etc.) for attending the meeting lies with the country representative! The ECA will not be liable for any costs occurring from the country representative’s attendance.

EUROPEAN CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIPS (ECC & JECC)

The ECC takes place the first weekend in July. Due to the increase of members the numbers of teams competing has increase thus forcing the split of the ECC into a Junior and Senior championships, taking place over two days.

The categories are Cheer, Cheer Mixed, Dance, Individuals, Partner Stunts, and Group Stunts. Each member is entitled to register the maximum of 2 (two) teams/person/couple per category per division. (N.B.: there is no junior division in individuals, partner ~ and group stunts.) - Rules, regulations and requirements for the championships are discussed/adjusted every 4 (four) years if necessary.

Rules & Regulations for the ECC and JECC are stated in the ECA Rules & Regulations Handbook (currently: 1-May-01).

In accordance with the International Cheerleading Federation (ICF) the senior ECC (since 2000) only takes place biennial. This was agreed by the ECA members to minimise injuries and financial strain on the athletes (who depending on country would have 3-4 major competition in one year). The Cheerleading World Championships (CWC) also take place biennial in November.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

In conjunction with the ICF the ECA holds international coaches’ seminars (Class I & II) and judges training. Thus ensuring that all coaches with the ICF Level I and Level II certificates are on the same coaching standards. This enables the exchange of information, support, trainings camp etc.