Pictured are 3 teams that are affected by TSSAA’s decision 

Every November, dance and cheer teams from all over the state come to MTSU to compete for a state title.  

However, this year, TSSAA has limited the high school competition to 45 dance routines and 60 cheer routines ( schools can enter up to 2 routines each). In the middle school division - there are only 15 allowed performances. The teams had to log on at 9 am on 9/15 and were told it was first come, first serve and they would know the results on 9/22. This is due to the construction at Murphy Center and the fact that space is limited. 

Can you imagine only allowing 23 football teams statewide to compete for the State Title all based on the click of a button?  How would that land if whoever had the fastest internet dictated the baseball post season bracket? It is unfathomable to think that those sports that are not predominantly female would have the same restrictions and limitations put on them.

Suggestions that were given to remedy this were to split the dance and cheer competitions into two separate days or to change the venue. Both of these alternatives were rejected by TSSAA.

These athletes deserve to compete.  For some schools - this is the end of their season.  They do not have the financial backing to attend another competition or a Nationals out of state.

Please sign this petition so that all athletes are provided equal access and an opportunity to compete in November.