Why do children have to remain at competitions all day when they are either an AM or PM performance? I understand you say it's for support but surely the parents and other competitors within the group can provide that?

Modified on Sat, 16 May at 5:12 AM

Why do children have to remain at competitions all day when they are either an AM or PM performance? I understand you say it's for support but surely the parents and other competitors within the group can provide that? (12th April 2026)

Thank you for your feedback - this is a really valid question, and we appreciate that our “One-For-All” policy can sometimes feel confusing, particularly for parents who may not fully see the purpose behind it.

The policy was introduced to make sure that every one of our Members has a consistent support network at competitions - people who can celebrate their successes with them, and just as importantly, support them when things don’t quite go to plan.

It also ensures that Members have a team of peers around them throughout the day. This plays a big role in helping manage nerves, building excitement, and making competitions feel like a fun and enjoyable experience rather than something intimidating. Being the only Member on a competition floor can be quite a daunting experience, and this approach helps ensure that no one is ever in that position.

While it might seem that other Members or parents could provide that support, in reality this isn’t always possible. Members are often competing at different times, and there are occasions where a child could otherwise find themselves without teammates present. Additionally, parents aren’t permitted on the field of play, so they’re not able to provide that direct support in those key moments.

Another important part of this policy is allowing Members to support each other. Watching their teammates perform, cheering them on, and sharing the experience together is something our Members really value, and it helps strengthen the team environment we aim to create.

That said, as our Squad activities continue to grow, this is something we keep under regular review. We’ll be gathering and considering feedback at the end of the season to make sure we’re continuing to strike the right balance for all of our Members and families.

Thank you again for taking the time to share your thoughts.