I appreciate hearing both sides of this issue. My daughter won her pageant at Regionals and she won't be going to our M. Majorette.There are other girls in our state the deserve to have a chance at a spot for Nationals. I believe there are many life long lessons to learn through baton twirling other then just learning how to twirl a baton. It is the formost reason we continue to spend all of the time and money it takes to keep going. This has turned out to be a very expensive sport!

As far as doing it to be stratigic.I think it is better to have the great competition.... then win because the other girls weren't able to compete because you "knocked" them out of a spot. I feel it is much better to truely earn the win. When you have to "earn" a win it means much more.
That is one of the life lessons you learn..."nothing comes easy".....among others that come from winning when there is good competition.
I really want my daughter to focus on doing her personal best...and have some fun. Not focus on knocking out her competition so it makes it easier for her to win a title.
Just my 2 cents!!