Competition Rules and Guidelines

Overall Rules

It is important that coaches and all team members understand and abide by all safety regulations. All National Federation Rules will apply for school and rec teams and All Star DANCE teams. Consult the National Federation Rules for Spirit Groups book for a complete listing and explanations. (Ask your Athletic Director if you haven't seen one.) All Star CHEER teams will follow USAF rules. Some National Federation highlights which apply to cheerleading/dance are as follows:

1. No jewelry is allowed. If such religious or medical medals must be worn, they should be taped to the body under the uniform. THIS INCLUDES ALL PIERCINGS! (belly button, tongue, etc.) THIS RULE IS FOR ALL TEAMS, REGARDLESS OF AFFILIATION!
2. Cheer: No glitter is allowed (face, hair, body, signs) unless it is laminated to a sign. Dance: Glitter is allowed as long as it readily adheres to the body. All hair should be fastened with soft holders and cosmetic holders such as hair spray or mousse. Any hair devices that fall to the floor and are not immediately corrected may result in a penalty violation. Spring loaded and “claw” type clips are not acceptable.
3. Fingernails should be cut to a length so they are not visible above the fingertips when looking at the palm.
4. Acrylic or press-on nails are not appropriate.
5. Pants must be short enough to avoid contact with the participants foot while performing.
6. National Federation violations will result in a 10-point penalty. All other violations (timing, sportsmanship, foot fault) will result in a 5 point penalty.

Interruption of Performance

1. If, in the opinion of the tournament officials, a team's routine is interrupted because of failure of tournament equipment, facilities, or other factors attributable to the tournament rather than the team, the team will be allowed to present its routine from the place in the routine where the interruption occurred or the entire routine. The degree and effect of the interruption will be determined by the tournament officials. In the event a team's routine is interrupted because of failure of the team's own equipment the team must either continue the routine or withdraw from the competition.
2. In the event of an injury, tournament officials or coach reserve the right to stop the routine. The team will be allowed to present its routine from the place in the routine where the interruption occurred or the entire routine.

Cheer General Rules

(College Teams are responsible for following all General Cheer Rules and any School, Conference, Club or State rules that apply. All Star Cheer Teams must follow USAF guidelines. Please call if you need clarification)

1. School/Rec Team Size: Small Varsity teams may not exceed 12 members. Large Varsity teams may have 13 or more members. All other divisions are not subject to size restrictions.
2. All members of a school cheer team must be current members of the official school spirit team and must attend the school they are representing.
3. Each team will have a maximum of two minutes and thirty seconds to demonstrate its cheerleading style and expertise. Timing will begin with the first movement, voice, or first note of music, whichever comes first.
4. If a school team uses music in its presentation, the music portion must not exceed one minute and thirty seconds. All star/collegiate teams may use any music throughout the presentation. Music and choreography should be appropriate for family viewing.
5. The competition will be a 40'x40' cheer mat. 6. All introductions (tumbling, entrances, chants, spell-outs, etc.) are considered part of the routine and are timed as part of the performance. There should not be any organized exits or other activities after the official ending of the routine. A spirited run-on and/or run-off would not be timed.

Dance General Rules

1. Each team will have a maximum of three minutes to demonstrate their style and expertise. Timing will begin with the first note of music and end with the last note of music or the last movement. Entrances and exits will not be judged unless they are included in the overall time period.
2. There is no limitation on the number of team members. However, all participants must be official members of the team. “All Star” and/or rec. department teams are allowed to compete and should enter based on the average age of their team members. Divisions will be separated if numbers warrant.
3. All music must be on a cassette tape and recorded at the beginning of the tape or on a CD.
4. No tumbling, partner stunts, pyramid building, toe-touches to a push-up position, knee drops, standing or stepping on backs, or lifts will be allowed.
5. You must land with at least one foot on the ground after a jump, leap, or kick before landing in another position.
6. All music and choreography should be appropriate for family viewing.

Categories

• Pom: Emphasis on synchronization and visual effect. Poms must be used 80% of the routine. No props.
• Jazz: Emphasis on technical moves, style, and execution. No poms or props.
• Hip-Hop: Emphasis on sharp, synchronized choreography; “street dance” or “hip-hop” style. No poms or props.
• Kick: Must contain at least 50 total kicks and 16 high kicks by each team member. A kick may be in any direction and at any level.
• Open: Any other style of dance appropriate for a family viewed event: lyrical, prop, novelty, modern, etc.

Stunt Team/Dance Challenge/Dance Solo Rules/Dance Duet and Trio

1. Each team and/or individual will have a maximum of one minute to present their routine. Music may be used for all or part of the routine (cheer).
2. Partner Stunt and duets are limited to two people. Trios are a three person group. Stunt/Dance Teams may consist of 4-6 members of a competing team. Stunt/Dance challenge teams and soloists who wish to compete independently must pay the $9 per person entry fee.
3. All team performance rules (with the exception of the time limit) will apply.
4. Dance routines may be any style. There will not be separate categories. Divisions will be divided as entries warrant.