UCA VS NCA

[toughcc1]

I know of the differences in competitions between the two organizations, however, I am curious to know how a school chooses one over the other. Also, do you know of any colleges that compete in both? If so, which one(s)? I am curious to see the differences in their routines.

[Kong]

The styles between the two organizations differ.  Most schools would pick the style that best fits what they do at their school.

As for competing at both, squads cannot compete at both due to agreements with ESPN and being televised.  Besides, a collegiate cheerleading squad's primary responsibility is not competition.

Kong

[coolcoach]

They are both great companies.  We are a HS and we compete at UCA. I prefer it because on the HS level (and really on ALL levels) UCA emphasizes the importance of leading the crowd with a crowd-effective cheer.  That's what I feel that cheerleading is primarily about.

[candcrew]

I know of the differences in competitions between the two organizations, however, I am curious to know how a school chooses one over the other. Also, do you know of any colleges that compete in both? If so, which one(s)? I am curious to see the differences in their routines.

Since 2004 we've done both NCA and UCA residential camps (HS level).  We've decided to stick with UCA because, like Kong said, their style is more suited for us . . . more crowd oriented and straightforward fan involvement.  It's not that we didn't like NCA's material . . . we actually like their dances better but the cheers are more complicated and harder for our crowd to follow, even with signs, etc.  

[hlhscoach]

We went to NCA camp this year and LOVED it!  I'm in the process of building up the cheer program here, and my girls don't have a very high skill level (although we are improving each year).  My first year we went to UCA camp and the girls were intimidated by some of the other squads.  I decided to try NCA, and the girls felt less intimidated.  They actually won first place in the game day cheer competition (using UCA style signs and crowd leading techninques).  I think NCA has changed some of its cheer style.  The dances were way cute, and my girls left with a lot of confidence.  However, as far as competition goes, we always use the UCA competition format.  The NCA style uses really wordy cheers that my girls are not used to.  My biggest complaint with UCA is that they do not have different skill levels (NCA has an intermediate level).   That is way I chose other cheer companies for our competitions this year.  We may try UCA when our skill level improves. 

[candcrew]

I think NCA has changed some of its cheer style.  The dances were way cute, and my girls left with a lot of confidence.  However, as far as competition goes, we always use the UCA competition format.  The NCA style uses really wordy cheers that my girls are not used to.  My biggest complaint with UCA is that they do not have different skill levels (NCA has an intermediate level).   That is way I chose other cheer companies for our competitions this year.  We may try UCA when our skill level improves. 

Actually both camps have different skill levels, it just depends on where you attend.  I know that the last UCA camp we attended taught more "middle of the road" on the cheers and dance (which was fine for us even though we were at the "upper end" of the ability level for the squads attending our camp) but they actually did some more advanced stunts with only our squad because we were clearly ready for them while the rest of the squads weren't. 

ETA:  We went to NCA in 2004 and all squads were taught the same levels of cheers and dance . . . there was an option to send a few good dancers from each squad to an advanced dance but that was during another scheduled class time.

[EcheerCoach]

We/I prefer UCA due to the fact that the material is more challenging and suits our style more.  We tried NCA a couple of years ago, and held a private camp with our Middle School attending too.  Even though they were separated, they learned the same material that the High School learned.  I didn't care for this at all, neither did my girls. 

[candcrew]

We/I prefer UCA due to the fact that the material is more challenging and suits our style more.  We tried NCA a couple of years ago, and held a private camp with our Middle School attending too.  Even though they were separated, they learned the same material that the High School learned.  I didn't care for this at all, neither did my girls. 

Actually, if you are a HS and attend a smaller UCA resident camp with JH squads, there is a good chance that they will teach the intermediate materials to everyone but possibly give opportunities for more advanced stunts, dances, etc.  The same was true years ago with a UCA private camp as well . . . our JH squads were taught the same materials that the Varsity learned.  It all depends on what the instructors judge your ability levels to be. 

[LCSD1 coach]

I have noticed that NCA to me seems to be more sing song type cheers.  They tell a story.

Were back this year .....

UCA is like

BLack and White (mascot) Fight

I also prefere the UCA instruction video to the NCA one.

NCA there is no talking about their stunts they just do them.  This does not help me as a coach.

We have dont both camps and had a bad experience with our camp instructors from NCA.  It put a bad light on their program from my point of view.  Yes I complained and the instructors were let go.  I know it was my instructors and not the program but I feel more comfortable with UCA.  I do however purchase the NCA material after my camp is over so that we can have more dances and cheers to choose from.

[Jen H]

NCA there is no talking about their stunts they just do them.  This does not help me as a coach.

I've never had that sort of problem with our local NCA camp.  I'm very sorry that you had such a poor experience. At least you have more camps to choose fro, though, so you could find the right one for your team.

[LCSD1 coach]

Went to a camp this weekend and LOVED it.  I just might not do UCA or NCA anymore for this camp.  The stunting classes were awesome and it was only $99.00 for a 2 1/2 day camp.  They follow all NFHS rules and you stay at the school cutting costs there too. PM me and I'll tell you more.

[RPCmme]

As a former cheerleader, I attended NCA & UCA.  As a coach, I have chosen to take our teams to NCA camps.  We have terrific crowd support at our events, and though both organization utilize crowd involvement, I prefer NCA's approach and teaching style in this area.

I believe that UCA evaluates squads on dance, as well as cheer, in the Xtreme routine.  NCA evaluates cheers and sideline chants only.  That's a difference when making the call to attend one of these camps...but let's face it--they're both great!

[ucaCHEERalum]

Well, if you couldn't tell by my screen name I'm a little pro UCA.  I used to work for them - (shout out to the Midwest Staff).  I've had plenty of friends that worked for both organizations.  Just comparing material taught at camp, I've always felt that UCA was more geared toward leading a crowd. 

As has been said, NCA chants/cheer usually end up telling more of a story instead of requesting (and making it easy for a crowd) to yell along with the cheerleader. 

It all boils down to a matter of coach's personal preference.

When I describe the differences between the two companies to people who don't know cheer I usually use an analogy that compares the two companies to either baseball (national vs american league) or politics.

For example, both the NL & AL play baseball with the same basic rules, they just go about it a little differently (ie. designated hitter).

Its also pretty obvious who the more conservative of the two organizations is. 

[coachamie]

As a cheerleader and a coach I've done both UCA and NCA. For camps I prefer UCA. I feel the material is better the staff is stronger. Competition wise though our team prefers NCA. We use that competition style instead of the traditional UCA style. I agree that it depends on every coach and team's preferences, as well as the region they live in.

[RPCmme]

Also, doesn't UCA have a home routine?  It's not a requirement, but I believe teams may bring a dance to camp and have the routine evaluated on the first night of camp.  NCA used to have a home cheer, but it's been dropped.  It's been awhile since I've been to a UCA camp, so catch me up!

[Kong]

Also, doesn't UCA have a home routine?  It's not a requirement, but I believe teams may bring a dance to camp and have the routine evaluated on the first night of camp.

Yes they do.  It is, as you said, on the first night of camp and it is optional.  It also has a 1:15 time limit and you cannot do stunts or tumbling in the routine.

Kong