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Cheer League Rules & Guidelines (Revised 12/4/2013)

Mission Statement The mission of Clayton County Parks and Recreation Department is to foster leisure

activities, pursuits and experiences through the provision of comprehensive and affordable recreation programs and

facilities to the citizens of Clayton County

Who we are… What we believe… What we hope to achieve in the future.

Southern Premier Youth Football League

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Table of Contents

RESOLUTION

MISSION

PURPOSE

MEMBER PARKS

CHEERLEADING DIRECTORS

COACHING STAFF

TEAM COMPOSITION

ELIGIBILITY

CERTIFICATION

SQUAD COMPOSITIONS

TEAM ROSTER

PRACTICES

GAMES

STUNTING

TUMBLING & JUMPS

CAMPS

COMPETITION

SCORE CRITERIA

SCORING SHEET

UNIFORMS

CONDUCT

RULE CHANGES

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RESOLUTION:

It is solemnly resolved by the Board and Members of the Southern Premier Youth Football League (SPYFL) that our primary goal is to provide a safe and wholesome environment for our children to enjoy youth football and cheerleading. All rules, policies and actions of the Southern Premier Youth Football League (SPYFL) should be interpreted with this primary purpose in mind.

MISSION:

The mission of the Southern Premier Youth Football League (SPYFL) program is to provide quality learning experiences and opportunities in a supervised environment for all participants. These participants should leave with a strong foundation in the sport of cheerleading and develop qualities essential to being great leaders and becoming a team player.

PURPOSE:

It shall be the purpose of the Southern Premier Youth Football League (SPYFL) Program to promote and uphold team spirit for those we encounter, to develop good sportsmanship by example, to support good relations in the community and between teams and squads during events. We will work in harmony with the county representatives, team management, coaches, and volunteers.

PARK MEMBERS

College Park East PointForest ParkJonesboro

Morrow Lake City North Clayton

Panhandle Riverdale

Union City

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RULES & REGULATIONS

ATHLETIC CHEER AIDES:

A. Each park shall have a Park Athletic Cheer Aide, approved by the Cheer Coordinator, to assist all cheerleading coaches, assistant coaches, training aids, and squad volunteers report.

B. An Athletic Cheer Aide from each park will handle the cheerleading coaches when any problems from their park arise with professionalism, courtesy and customer focused objectives.

C. If the Athletic Cheer Aide cannot resolve park problems, then the Athletic Cheer Aide will follow protocol and pass the issues up the chain of command to the Cheerleading Coordinator of the Clayton Co. Parks and Recreation Department.

D. Park Athletic Cheer Aides shall form the Spirit Team and members shall meet through-out the season to ensure the programs are running smoothly and to go over camps, competitions, park changes, rules updates, etc.

E. All Park Athletic Cheer Aides, Coaches and Team Moms must uphold and abide by all rules and regulations of the Clayton County Parks & Recreations.

COACHING STAFF:

A. All coaches must fill out a background check and coach’s rules and regulation.

B. All head coaches shall be at least 18 years of age.

C. Cheer trainers or Junior Coaches may be used to teach cheers and cheer routines but is under the direct authority and supervision of the head cheerleading coach.

D. Coaches are required to attend all practices, games, park and county scheduled activities. The Athletic Cheer Aide must be notified in the event a head coach cannot attend any of the following to ensure appropriate supervision is provided.

E. The Assistant coach will have the authority when the head coach is not available.

F. All coaches are required to ensure that squad members are safe, safety being the top priority at all times, that First Aid is available, and an emergency contact list is kept up to date and present at all times.

G. All head coaches must have CPR training, Coaches certification, Concussions Training and attend designated Coaches Clinics and Workshops. All assistant coaches must have Coaches certification and attend designated Coaches Clinics and Workshops.

H. All coaches, aides, and trainers are required to abide by the Clayton County Park rules. When rules are violated, their volunteer services will be restricted or removed. Coaches

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will be notified of undesirable conduct or \behavior and will be restricted or removed by the Athletic Coordinator depending on the rule violation.

I. The head coach will be required to organize and arrange all practice schedules, provide game schedules, uniforms, travel information, event and schedule updates including playoffs and championship games where applicable to participants and parents.

J. All cheers, chants, dances or cheer activities shall be well planned, practiced, and organized to promote the safety of the cheerleaders at all times.

TEAM COMPOSITION:

A. All squads must have paid registration fee and each cheerleader must be listed on the roster to allow participation in scheduled events and activities.

B. Each cheerleading team will be limited to a maximum of twenty (20) cheerleaders per team. Each squad must have a minimum of five (5) cheerleaders to constitute a team.

C. Each team must have one (1) Head Coach

D. The league is comprised of teams from each member park and associated participating squads in the CCF League. When two (2) or more teams of the same age group represent any one park, a Head Coach may freeze up to four (5) cheerleaders. A draft conducted by the Athletic Cheer Aide will be utilized to determine cheerleader assignment of all other registered cheerleaders.

E. Cheerleaders may not participate on more than one (1) squad.

F. A cheerleader may not switch teams, nor can they be on two (2) county rosters. Any cheerleader reassignments will be conducted by the Athletic Cheer Aide with Cheer Coordinator approval. Team Reassignment form must be submitted with reason for the change.

G. If there is more than one football team in an age group, the Athletic Cheer Aide should provide cheerleaders among those teams where feasible.

H. Cheerleaders must cheer in their age group according to age of registration. No Mascots.

I. A Cheerleader may cheer up one age division provided her birthday falls within (12) months of the minimum age of the older age division stipulated by the age cut-off date to constitute a squad.

J. A Cheerleader may receive a “Sibling Tag Exemption,” permitting her to cheer up two age divisions, provided she has a sibling playing football and/or cheering with an older age group.

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ELIGIBILITY:

A. All cheerleaders must be registered in order to participate in the Southern Premier Youth League league on a squad.

B. All participants must have a completed Clayton County registration form signed by parent or legal guardian given written consent of participation and verification sign off by County Representative.

C. All participants must provide a birth certificate as proof of age. Other state issued documents, passports or military ID shall be reviewed by the Cheer Coordinator.

D. No participant shall be cut without just cause; participants will be dismissed from a squad due to safety or health issues, violent behavior, or other life threatening situations relating directly to the participants or other participants.

CERTIFICATION:

A. All cheerleaders shall be certified and stamped by the Clayton County Athletics Cheerleading Coordinator and/or a designated member of the Clayton County Athletics Division.

B. All certification books shall consist of birth records, pictures, cheerleader affidavits and the team roster. In absence of birth records, the following may be used health shot records, school document, or passport.

C. Team certification must take place prior to the last Friday before the first scheduled game.

D. Cheerleaders will not be added to official roster after certification, extenuating circumstances will be reviewed by the Clayton County Athletics Cheerleading Coordinator.

E. Cheerleader ages shall correspond with the CCFL rules and regulations. Ages of cheerleaders shall be determined as of July 31st, of the current year. All participants in the 5U flag Football Cheerleading must be age 4 as of the July 31st age control date.

SQUAD COMPOSITIONS 5U Flag Football Cheerleading

Pee-Wee 5-6 Mighty Mite 7-8

Bandit 9-10 Junior 11-12 Senior 13-14

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TEAM ROSTER:

A. Each Park Coordinator must submit to the Athletic Cheer Aide a typed Official Team Roster Form with the following information for each participant on the team:

1. Full Name2. Age & Date of Birth3. Sizes4. Parent Name5. Address & Phone Number6. School Attending

B. Included on the Team Roster shall be: 1. Team Color2. Team Name3. Head & Asst Coaches & Contact Information4. Team Mom Name & Contact Information5. Training Aide Name & Contact Information6. Athletic Cheer Aide & Contact Information7. Park Coordinator & Contact Information

PRACTICES:

A. All practices are defined as any gathering of cheerleaders on a Clayton County Cheerleading Program to discuss the subject of cheerleading, to view cheerleading films, demonstrations, or exhibits, or exercise and study cheerleading materials.

B. Cheerleading practice should correspond with the dates set for the CCFL season

C. All practices will be limited to 10 hours per week until school begins. After school starts teams will only be allowed to practice no more than 6 hours a week.

D. Practices shall not be held more than 3 days per week.

E. No team is allowed to practice without head coach supervision or designated adult supervision.

F. All cheerleaders must practice in designated area with safe conditions.

G. No stunting is allowed on pavement areas or without the coach present. (Please refer to stunting guidelines of the National Federation State High School Association, Spirit Rule Book for further explanation)

H. Cheerleaders should practice in adequate practice attire, cotton shorts, shirts and tennis shoes. Non-restrictive clothing should be worn (jeans are not recommended).

I. Only registered participants and certified coaches are allowed in the practice area and participation in all program activity pursuant to the Clayton County Athletics Manual; page 6; Rule 2.1 Certification Requirements.

J. No jewelry is permitted.

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K. No participants will be mandated or threatened to attend or participate in all facets of practice.

L. No mandatory practices on Sunday

M. No cheer camps or clinics are mandatory. Tumbling classes are permitted voluntarily.

N. Head coach should advise parent of child’s failure to attend scheduled practice will result in child’s sitting out during half time performance. Failure to attend practices could also result in a child not being able to participate in cheering during team game due to lack of knowledge of cheers and chants.

CCFL GAMES:

A. Cheerleaders are required to cheer at every scheduled CCFL game (regular season, playoffs and championship) and approved scheduled County\Park activities.

B. All cheerleader team books will be checked every game at least 15 minutes before kick-off to receive points.

C. All home team cheerleaders are expected to introduce themselves to the visiting team participating in any courteous spirit efforts.

D. All visiting squads whose cheering area is within 20 yards of the home squad shall alternate cheering and chanting throughout the game.

E. All squads are to go onto the field after each game to congratulate the teams.

F. All squads are to perform during half time; the home team squad performs last. All performances shall be limited to Three (3) minutes to allow each squad equal time to perform and adequate time to clear the fields for continuation of the game. All squads should cheer, encourage and display good sportsmanship during squad performance.

G. Sexual or provocative body motions are prohibited during performance.

H. No music containing profanity or sexual innuendo will be allowed during performance (i.e. the Wal-Mart standard should be used)

I. All squads are required to travel and cheer with their assigned football team and to perform half-time show in order to receive attendance points for games and verification of certification book.

J. All squads are required to kneel and reframe from cheering when a player is injured until instructed by the coach.

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STUNTING:

A. All full extension stunt groups are required to have a two (2) bases, back spotter, front spotter and flyer

B. Cheerleaders shall adapt their routine to the environment conditions and playing surfaces

for which stunts, pyramids, and routines are used (i.e. no mounting or tumbling should be done on cement or during rain or on wet slippery surfaces.

C. Pyramids and partner stunts may be a part of the squad’s routine, provided the following

safety precautions are taken: i. No pyramid or stunt formation is to be higher than two levels (per the

National Federations Spirit Rules Book) ii. No base should support more than 1 person iii. No free roll-off or free flips off pyramids or stunt iv. No knee drops v. No collapsing pyramids or stunts (does not mean cradling) vi. No toe pitches vii. No single support split catch viii. Spotters should be present throughout the mounting, result, and

dismounting stages of pyramids. (Spotters should always be in position throughout with hands up and eyes on the top mount.)

ix. Back dismounts into a cradle must be received by at least three (3) people (example: Fireman’s catch)

D. All stunting should be performed at the level of the group to prevent injury.

TUMBLING & JUMPS:

A. Tumbling maneuvers permitted are the following: 1. Cartwheels 2. Round Off 3. Front rollover 4. Forward and back walkover 5. Mastered Back hand spring

B. A cheerleader who misses all practices at which a pyramid, stunt, or gymnastics maneuver was mastered shall not perform the maneuver at the next performance unless approved by Cheerleader Coach.

C. These rules and regulations apply to all practices, game situations and outside

competition.

D. All mastered jumps are permitted and allowed based on the coach’s guidance and approval.

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CAMPS:

A. The county will have an annual cheer camp. All parks are encouraged to participate B. Individual park cheerleader camps should be scheduled and approved by the Cheerleader

Coordinator. The approved camps should be scheduled around all County Scheduled events.

C. No coach shall require a cheerleader or squad to attend or participate in any cheerleading

camp. All camps should be designated and conducted to provide an extra opportunity for development and growth.

UNIFORMS:

A. Uniforms are expected to be clean and neat at each game.

B. All squads should be uniform at all CCFL scheduled activity events as required

C. No jewelry is allowed while cheerleaders are on the field during games or performances. CONDUCT:

A. There will be no offensive cheers or chants performed at any time during the practices, games, scheduled activities\events or county performances.

B. There will be no provocative dancing of any sort during the games or county

sponsor activities\events.

C. If any coach, sponsor or representative observes a cheerleader conducting herself in a questionable manner; it will be that person’s obligation to notify the County representative of that park.

D. Any cheerleader participant whose behavior or actions are disrespectful and harmful to

themselves or others will be asked to leave the field and the parent will be notified. E. All coaches are to set an example for your squad at all times by following the rules set by

the County.

RULE CHANGES

A. Rules will be reviewed annually pursuant to the Clayton County Athletics Manual.

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Cheer Competition Rules & Guidelines

Purpose The purpose of this document is to provide the following rules and guidelines that will govern all the participants, coaches and judges participating in the Clayton County Football League cheerleader competition. The CCFL Competition Rules and Safety Guidelines comply with the technical and safety aspects of NFHS standards, as applicable to cheerleaders of school age and for liability reasons.

Objective The objective is providing the rules and guidelines that must be adhered to for the annual competition. The rules will be reviewed regularly with the relevant clarifications and updates will be made available to all coaches prior to the competition. Wherever possible, rules are quoted exactly as the standards listed within the NFHS booklet. However, division ages ranges reflect the general squad compositions outlined in the Cheerleader Guidelines, and are designed to allow all squad age ranges to compete. CCF League is designed to give equal opportunity to all.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Competition Rules

Competition Overview

Cheer Team Divisions

Competition Notes & Policies

General Competition Rules

Competition Score sheet

Violations\Deductions

Glossary of Terms

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COMPETITION:

A. All cheer squads at the member parks are required to compete in the Clayton County annual cheer competition. Exception: 5u Flag Football Cheerleaders will participate in Exhibition only.

B. Competition divisions shall correspond with the CCFL age divisions. Ages of

cheerleaders shall be determined as of July 31.

C. All participants listed on the roster must participate. All justified non-participants participation will be provided two (2) weeks prior to the Annual Competition Event

D. The Clayton County Athletic Division will provide one (1) trophy award in each age

group for the Top three (3) placed teams. Teams with the highest score will be placed according to their total score.

E. The Grand Champion winners may be presented individual awards as well as a team

award.

F. All awards will be determined by the County Park Coordinators or designated person.

G. The judges for the Annual Cheerleader Competition will be selected and secured by the Athletics Manager or designated person.

H. The Cheerleading Coordinator shall designate an organization\person to create and

teach the mandatory competition cheer to all park coaches at least one (1) month prior to competition date.

I. Each member park is responsible for sending a coach or designated person from their

squad to learn the competition overview session.

J. All squads can have any of the following routine sections. 1 Introduction 2. Cheer 3. Dance

K. All squad’s routine performances should be limited to three (3) minutes. All squads will be deducted points for time over the three (3) minutes.

L. The first motion, word, music tune will start the time for each squad performance.

M. All squads are required to be in full CCFL cheerleader uniform.

N. All music that will be used by the squad during their performance will be previewed and

approved for content by the Athletic Cheer Aide.

O. All music should be tested on Competition music system to ensure proper sound check. Music issues will be reviewed and decided upon by Cheerleading Judging Board, Cheerleader Coordinator or designated person to determine if squad can re-perform their routine.

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P. All squads are required to perform within the box cheer area. Points will be deducted for any out of box violation.

Q. All full extension stunts will require a base, spotter, flyer and front spotter.

R. All squads will be provided a one (1) time walk-thru for cheerleader placement on the performance area, limited to one (1) minute only, which will not be judged by the judges.

S. The Clayton County Cheerleading Program Board Coordinator or designated person will provide two (2) field spotters for each squad performance as an extra measure of protection for the squad.

T. All judges’ scores and competition results are final.

U. All coaches, volunteers, cheerleaders, and squad trainers are restricted from the judges’ booth for any reason.

V. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated. Squads may be dismissed according to Athletic Manager, Cheerleader Coordinator or designated person.

W. All rules of the Competition Rules & Regulations will be followed.

COMPETITION OVERVIEW

GUIDELINES - Guidelines for your routine are as detailed here. Strict compliance with all rules is required. A penalty will be deducted from the total score for each rule infraction. The amount of the penalty depends on the severity of the infraction. All rule clarifications must be submitted via the Clayton County Parks & Recreation Cheerleading Coordinator prior to the event. The Judges decisions are final. No discussion with Judges or Table Officials will be permitted. During the event a CCFL Competition Officer will be available for questions or clarification. A formal submission system is available if required.

All cheer squads at the member parks are required to compete in the county annual cheer competition. A mandatory cheer will be incorporated into the cheer competition routine. Each team must be under the supervision of a coach, team parent, or other responsible adult over 18 at the competitions. Competition divisions shall correspond with the CCFL age divisions. All participants listed on the roster must participate. All justified non-participants participation will be provided two (2) weeks prior to Annual Competition event. All teams must dress in regular season uniform for competition. This is mandatory. Violation of this rule will result in an automatic five (5) point deduction.

SQUAD MEMBER ELIGIBILTY - Eligibility is determined as outlined in the CCFL Cheerleader Guidelines.

SQUAD ROSTER - An Official Roster form will be required for check off on the day of competition. All participants must be listed by name, and other details as specified on the cheerleader affidavit form. A non participant form must be submitted for all the cheerleaders not performing prior to competition except for emergencies which will be reviewed the CCFL Cheerleader Coordinator. This form must be signed off by the child’s parent or legal guardian. You must sign and return this entry form. No substitutions will be allowed.

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DISQUALIFICATION - Any squads with false information on their roster will be disqualified. Any cheerleader, coach, or supporter of your squad, involved in any act of harassment of Judges Scorekeepers or Officials, or conduct deemed likely to bring Cheerleading into disrepute will result in your entire squad being disqualified.

JUDGES - An impartial panel of expert qualified judges will judge the competitions. The Panel will consist of 3 to 4 Judges with a Head Judge Appointed to communicate with Clayton County Cheerleading Coordinators according. The judges for the Annual Cheerleader Competition will be selected and secured by the Cheerleading Coordinator. All judges’ scores and decisions are final. (All coaches, volunteers, cheerleaders, and squad trainers are restricted from the judges’ booth for any reason.) AWARDS AND TROPHIES: The Clayton County Athletics Division will provide one (1) team trophy award in each age group for the Top three (3) placed teams. Teams with the highest score will be placed according to their total score. The Grand Champion winners may be presented individual awards as well as a team award per age group. All trophies and awards will be determined by the Cheerleading Coordinator.

CHEER TEAM DIVISION

SQUAD COMPOSITIONS5U Flag Football Cheerleading

Exhibition onlyPee Wee 5-6

Mighty Mite 7-8Bandit 9-10Junior 11-12 Senior 13-14

Cheer squad performers may only compete on one cheer team. All teams will compete within their own age level, based

on the criteria outlined in the Cheerleader Guidelines.

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CHEER COMPETITON SCORE RUBIC SKILLS (30 Points) Jumps/Jump Sequence 10 Stunts/Pyramids/Transitions 10 Tumbling 10 PARTICIPATION (10 Points) Attendance 10 CHOREOGRAPHY (60 Points) Cheer/Motions 10 Dance 10 Execution/Perfection of Routine 10 Crowd Appeal 10 Degree of Difficulty 10 Overall Impression 10 SCORE SHEET EXPLAINATIONS JUMPS Team single jumps with good execution, up to 5 points. Team double jumps with good execution, up to 8 points. Team triple jumps with good execution, up to 10 points. STUNTS/PYRAMID Below prep level stunts, showing body positions, transitions, and dismounts, with great execution by most of the team, up to 5 points possible. Prep level stunts showing body positions and transitions, and cradle dismounts, with great execution by most or all of the team, up to 8 points possible. Extended stunts, showing body positions, transitions, and dismounts with a twist cradle, done with great execution by most or all of the team, up to 10 points possible. ATTENDANCE Each squad shall receive 1.10 points per game for attendance. There must be 5 participants present and a half-time performance done for each game to receive an attendance score. *This element should include the entire team. TUMBLING* Basic tumbling- forward and backward rolls, cartwheels, and hand stands, up to 6 points possible.

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Intermediate tumbling- round offs, round offs with a jump, back bend kickovers, and back walkovers, done by a few of the team members, up to 8 points possible.

Advanced tumbling- Standing backhand springs, round off back handsprings, front walkovers, standing tucks, up to 10 points possible.

*All skills should be done by the entire team. Points will be deducted for poor execution ofthe skills.

COMPETITION NOTES AND POLICIES

Content of the Routine

Each squad shall perform a routine containing all elements of cheerleading and must include at least one cheer. The routine performances should be limited to (3) minutes. All squads will be deducted points for time over the allotted time. Each team will be given 5 minutes in the warm up area to prepare for the competition. Spotters for each squad performance will be provided as an extra measure of protection for the squad. Poor sportsmanship will not be tolerated. Squads may be dismissed according to Athletics Superintendent, Cheerleader Coordinator or designated person.

Performance Withdraw Team members who must withdraw from competition due to injury, illness, or other reason may do so at any time.

Direct Substitution NO SUBSTITUTIONS OF SQUAD MEMBERS ARE PERMITTED

Interruption of Routine In the event your routine is interrupted because of failure of the competition equipment or facilities, etc., you will be permitted to restart your routine from the beginning. In the event your routine is interrupted because of failure of your media or performer, you may continue your routine. In the event that an injury occurs during your performance, you may either continue or withdraw from the competition.

The event coordinator reserves the right to stop a routine due to injury if deemed necessary.

Tie Break In the event of a tie, ‘a performance of the mandatory cheer by each squad’ will be used to break the tie.

Surface / Flooring At the competitions, all cheer teams will compete within a 42’ x 42’ cheerleading mat.

Choreography All choreography should be age appropriate and suitable for family viewing. Inappropriate moves and/or gestures, to include vulgar or suggestive music selections, may result in a penalty at the discretion of the judging panel. Judges’ decisions are final.

GENERAL COMPETITION RULES Each squad will perform 3 minute routine including jumps, dance, stunts, pyramids, creativity, transitions, and at least 1 cheer. Guidelines for your routine are listed below. Strict compliance with all rules is required. If you have any questions contact your park Spirit Team member.

TIME: Routine maximum time limit is 3 minutes. Timing begins on the first beat of music, voices in unison, or choreographed movement, after your team is announced on the floor.

BEGINNING OF ROUTINE: Routine must begin within the approx. 42' x 42’ performance

area. You will be allowed to set up poms & signs prior to your start.

MUSIC: The music can be in segments throughout your routine or played at one time. You are required to bring two (2) audio (CD) copies of your music - the one you will use and a backup. A representative of your squad must start and stop your music. All music should be tested on Competition music system to ensure proper sound check. Music issues will be reviewed and decided upon by CCFL Cheerleader Coordinators, and Judges will determine if the squad can re-perform their routine.

PERFORMANCE AREA: You are not allowed outside the approx. 42' x 42' performance area after you begin your routine. The performance area is marked.

PROPS: Signs, megaphones, and poms are the only props that are allowed to be used. All signs

must evoke a crowd response using words.

ENDING OF ROUTINE: Timing will stop when your squad comes to a complete final

stationary position or final beat of music. Failing to make the end of your routine clear may result in additional time being deducted.

POINT DEDUCTIONS: A penalty will be deducted from your final score for each rule infraction. The amount of the penalty depends on the severity of the infraction. Category Violations: Inappropriate Choreography/Music Teams will be deducted the full range of points for Choreography/Music for any vulgar or offensive movements, words or music. Routines must be appropriate for viewing and listening by the general public. Uniform Distractions The Head Judge reserves the right to stop a routine due to a uniform distraction (Example: garment not being securely fastened/attached, straps break, no briefs, etc). Each performer is required to take the necessary steps to avoid inappropriate exposure (leave performance floor or adjust uniform which will result in a deduction of a Major Mistake and/or Safety Guideline infraction assessable from a 5 point deduction depending on the amount of distraction. If a judge stops the routine, the penalty will be 5 point deduction . Thus, executing a” clean” routine is very important. Deductions/penalties are assessed at the sole discretion of the judges based. All judges’ decisions are final. NOTE: A cheerleader’s uniform represents his/her image, thus will include: his/her shoes, socks, head accessories, etc. Points will be deducted for team without uniform image. ABSOLUTLEY NO JEWELRY, GLITTER/SHIMMER OR GUM IS TO BE USED BY ANY PARTICPANTS WHILE PARTICPATING IN THE CHEER COMPETITION. Deduction: Obvious Bobbles/Mistakes Obvious errors during technical skills (Examples: hand(s) down on tumbling (weight bearing): obvious missed skills: shaky stunts/pyramids, incomplete twisting cradles; memory mistakes involving obvious execution of incorrect moves; etc) will result in 1 point deduction for each mistake. Major Mistakes Major errors during technical skills (examples: falls from individual stunts; falls during tumbling skills; actual falls to floor during dance skills or transitions) will result in a 2 point deduction for each mistake. Major Falls Major falls during technical skills or other mistakes (examples: multiple falls in a single sequence/series by a single couple; pyramids that fall or that are severely missed) during the performance will result in a 5 point deduction for each mistake.

Boundary Violations All skills must originate and be completed within the competition boundary. No lineups, skills or transitions are allowed outside of the competition boundary. Anytime a participant unintentionally steps outside of the competition boundary, they must return immediately. No scoring will take place outside of the competition boundary. Props may be partly touching out of bounds without penalty. A team member may pick up or set down a prop that is partially outside of the performance area. However, a team member may not pick up or set down a prop that is completely outside of the performance area. Safely tossing props off the performance floor is acceptable. EACH violation of the above restrictions will result in a 1 point deduction per occurrence. Time Limit Violations Time limit violations are as follows: 1-5 seconds overtime one tenth 1 point deduction 6-10 seconds overtime three tenths 2 point deduction 11 or more seconds overtime five tenths 3 point deduction Safety Violations A 1 point deduction per occurrence will be given for each safety/general competition guideline violation (example: a penalty will be assessed for jewelry). Safety Violations are in effect until the team leaves the performance floor. Please read and study the appropriate Cheerleading Rules and Regulations and Registration Guidelines sections to ensure your team does not have any safety violations. The CCFL Cheerleading Coordinator reserves the right to make decisions on any violations not covered in this book and interpretation of rules covered. Division Violations Participants may not compete in more than one team/division within the competition. Each squad will be disqualified from the competition. Any squad that performs a stunt in violation of the rules set forth in the current National Federation Spirit Rules Book shall have points deducted at the discretion of the technical judges from the final average score.

Props: Pom-poms, megaphones and signs are the only acceptable props. Any squad using props other than pom-poms, megaphones and signs, shall have 2 points deducted from the final average score.

GLOSSARY OF TERMS

AERIAL - A cartwheel without hands touching the ground or floor sometimes referred to as a walkover or round off without hands. ARABIAN - Half-twist into a front flip. The twist is complete before the rotation of the flip occurs. BASE - A person who is in direct weight-bearing contact with the performing surface and provides primary support for another person. BASKET TOSS - A toss involving three or four launchers, two of which have their hands interlocked. BRACER - A person who stabilizes a stunt by direct contact with a top person. The stunt would remain stable without the bracer. CRADLE - Catcher(s), with palms up, catches a top person by placing one arm under the back and the other arm under the thighs of the top person. DEAD MAN LIFT - A stunt in which the top person is in a layout position, supported away from the performing surface by one or more bases. EXTENDED STUNT - A stunt in which the supporting arm(s) of the base(s) is/are fully extended above the head. This does not include stunts in which the top person is at shoulder stand level. FLIP - An aerial stunt involving head-over-heels rotation. FREE-FALLING FLIP - An unassisted aerial rotation where the top person is not in constant contact with bases or spotters. FRONT DROP - Dropping from an airborne position to a horizontal, face-down position on the performing surface. HANGING PYRAMID - A pyramid in which one or more persons are suspended off the performing surface. KNEE/SEAT/THIGH SPLIT DROP - Dropping to the knee(s) seat, thigh or split onto the performing surface from a jump or stand without first bearing most of the weight on the hands/feet which breaks the impact of the drop. LAYOUT - Tumbling move with prostrate (flat) positioning of the body. PENDULUM - A stunt in which the top person falls forward/backward to at least a four-person catch while maintaining constant hands-to-feet/legs contact with the base. RECATCH - landing from a multi-based toss in a new toss, stunt, or any position other than a dismount. SPONGE TOSS - a multi-based toss where partner is tossed into the air by his/her feet. SPOTTER - A spotter is a person who is in direct contact with the performing surface and may help control the building of, or dismounting from, a mount or pyramid. An inattentive person is not considered a spotter. A spotter does not provide primary support when assisting a stunt. STUNT - Any skill in which one or more persons are supported by one or more persons. SUSPENDED ROLL - Involves head-over-heels rotation with the top person having both hands in continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact with the base(s). TICK-TOCK - Technique where a flyer switches feet in a stunt. TOP PERSON - (or Flyer) The person on top of a partner stunt or pyramid. VAULT - A stunt in which the hands of the top person are used to assist in clearing a base(s) or prop(s) WHIP BACK - Back handspring motion but hands do not touch the ground, typically performed in a series of back handsprings. X-OUT - A position where the legs of an individual performing a flip straighten out and split form an "X”

southern premier youth football league COMPETITION SCORE SHEET

SQUAD NAME: _________________ PARK NAME: ______________ AGE GROUP: _______

PARTICIPATION SCORE(0-10)

COMMENTS

Attendance

SKILLS SCORE(0-10)

COMMENTS

Jumps/Jumps Transitions

Stunts Transitions

Pyramids Transitions

Tumbling

CHOREOGRAPHY SCORE(0-10)

COMMENTS

Cheer/Motions (Mandatory Cheer)

Dance

Execution/Perfection of Routine/ Degree of Difficulty

Crowd Appeal

Overall Impression

Judge Name: ____________________________________________ Total Score: ______________

Southern Premier Youth Football League COMPETITION SQUAD PERFORMANCE SUMMARY

PARK NAME:

SQUAD NAME:

AGE GROUP:

Category Violations: • Inappropriate Choreography/Music (0.1 to 0.5 pt.)• Uniform Distractions (5 pt.)• Obvious Bobbles/Mistakes (1 pt. each mistake)• Major Mistakes (2 pts. each mistake)• Major Falls (5 pts. each mistake)• Boundary Violations (1 pt. for per occurrence)• Time Limit Violations

o 1-5 seconds overtime (1pt)o 6-10 seconds overtime (2 pt.)o 11 or more seconds overtime (3 pt.)

• Safety Violations (1 pt)• Division Violations (Disqualifications from competition)• Props Violations (2 pt.)

o Allowed Props – pom-poms, megaphones and signs

Deduction Summary:

______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

Deduction Points:

“One deduction summary sheet per squad, deduction points will be subtracted from the overall score.”