This PowerPoint DOES NOT take the place of coaches reading and knowing the rules!
This presentation should only be used as a reference.
It is the coach’s responsibility to make sure stunts are legal. Don’t rely on your choreographer to know the rules.
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These rules are for ALL Iowa cheerleaders
(grades 7-12), not just the cheerleaders of coaches who are ICCA members!
All cheerleaders are required to comply to all NFHS spirit rules in all situations.
 Practices
 Competitions
 Pep Rallies
 Exhibitions & Performances
 Sideline and Halftime Performances
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The National Federation of State High
School Associations has led the development of education-based interscholastic sports and activities that help students succeed in their lives.
 Rules provide direction.
 Rules build awareness.
 Rules support activities.
 Rules improve activities.
 Rules establish a consistent standard.
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 Rule 2-1-1 “A coach must not permit a team member to participate if in the judgment of the coach, the participant does not conform to the
NFHS rules.”
 The purpose of the NFHS Spirit Rules is to minimize risk to the participants. For this reason, coaches need to make sure the rules are followed even if the cheerleaders and/or their parents don’t agree with them.
 The NF rule book is legally defendable as long as coaches are following the rules, which includes participant readiness.
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 As with any athletic activity, the coach is responsible for enforcing general risk management rules, recognizing a teams’ particular ability level, and ensuring that team members follow progressions.
 Only those skills mastered in practice by being consistently executed safely and correctly should be performed in public.
 Coaches are accountable for approving and documenting mastery of skills before allowing participants to progress to the next level or to perform skills in public.
 Elite level stunts can be performed safely when appropriate progressions are followed and team members are properly trained and prepared.
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 Cheerleading is an athletic activity.
It’s up to coaches to make sure that this image of cheerleading is upheld.
 Coaches should remain cognizant of this image when choosing cheerleading uniforms and approving cheer/dance movements and words for their cheerleaders to perform.
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Rule Changes with Rationale
Points of Emphasis
Table of Contents
Index (p. 9)
Philosophy (p. 11)
Rule 1 – Definitions (p. 12)
Rule 2 – General Risk Management (p. 16)
Situations (p. 25) – help clarify the rules
Rule 3 – Dance/Drill/Pom Risk Management (p. 35)
Pictures (p. 43) – help clarify the rules
Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussions (p. 73)
Handling Contests During Lightning Disturbances (p. 76)
Coaches’ Code of Ethics (p. 77)
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 Each rule has sections and articles.
 New/revised rules are shaded.
 Rule 2 & 3 sections and articles typically have a situational ruling (look for * by a rule).
 The back of the book has photographs covering some rules/sections/articles (look for P by a rule).
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Spirit Rules Changes for 2011-12
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Rule 1 Definitions
Sec 1 – Stunts
Sec 2 – Stunting Personnel
Sec 3 – Non-Release Stunts
Sec 4 – Release Stunts
Sec 5 – Suspended Stunts
Sec 6 – Dismounts
Sec 7 – Tumbling
Sec 8 – Body Positions
Sec 9 – Drops
Sec 10 – Props
Rule 2 Risk Management
Sec 1 – General
Sec 2 – Sportsmanship
Sec 3 – Apparel/Accessories
Sec 4 – Stunting Personnel
Sec 5 – Non-Release Stunts
Sec 6 – Release Stunts/Tosses
Sec 7 – Suspended Stunts
Sec 8 – Dismounts
Sec 9 – Tumbling
Sec 10 – Twists
Sec 11 – Drops
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Non-Release Stunts Release Stunts
Cupie/Awesome
Prep and Extension
Flatback/Deadman Lift
Pyramid (including Hanging Pyramid)
Leapfrog (non-release transition)
Basket Toss
Elevator Toss
Helicopter
Log Roll
Quick/Load-in Toss
Liberty Release Transition
Non-Release Transition (includes Vaults) Tick-tock
Pendulum Multi-base Toss
Side T-lift
Swedish Fall
Totem Pole
Suspended Stunts
Suspended Roll
Suspended Splits
Swinging Stunt
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Add d.
A spotter must not: d. Hold objects in her/his hand(s).
Rationale: If a spotter’s hands are not free, the ability to spot safely is greatly diminished.
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Delete (c) and the last phrase in (g)
Rationale: Eliminating (c) will allow the top person to land on her/his side. Removing the last phrase of
(g) will allow a single-base full pendulum in which the top person drops to the side.
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EXCEPTION: A backward leapfrog to a prone position is permitted provided there are at least two catchers and the top person maintains continuous hands-to-hands contact with the post throughout the transition. The original bases, post, and catchers must remain stationary.
Rationale: This stunt presents minimal risk to participants if adequate restrictions are in place.
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Basket tosses, elevator tosses, and similar multi-base tosses are permitted only on grass (real or artificial) or a mat.
Rationale: Prohibiting these tosses from being performed on hard surfaces is consistent with the NFHS focus on risk minimization.
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Quick/load-in tosses that begin with the top person in weight-bearing contact with the performing surface and end in a stunt or pyramid are legal provided all the following conditions are met: c. The top person does not twist during the release unless it is performed on grass (real or artificial) or a mat.
Rationale: Prohibiting airborne twists during quick/load-in tosses from being performed on hard surfaces is consistent with the NFHS focus on risk minimization.
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Add c. and add Note
Note: A slight downward swing to prepare for an upward swing is permitted.
Rationale: Allowing a downward swing from a stunt higher than a cradle presents increased risk to the top person.
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A twist to a cradle is permitted only on grass
(real or artificial) or a mat.
Rationale: Prohibiting all twisting cradle dismounts from being performed on hard surfaces is consistent with the NFHS focus on risk minimization.
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New
Airborne twisting tumbling skills are permitted only on grass (real or artificial) or a mat, with the exception of roundoffs and aerial cartwheels.
Rationale: Prohibiting twisting tumbling skills from being performed on hard surfaces is consistent with the NFHS focus on risk minimization.
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Remove rule pertaining to vaults
Rationale: Rules pertaining to vaults are now covered in the Non-Release Stunts section.
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The term “top person” has replaced
“flyer” throughout the book.
Sections in all rules have been revised, reordered, combined, or eliminated.
Several definitions in Rule 1 have been changed, reordered, clarified, or eliminated and new definitions have been added.
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Concussions
NFHS Spirit Rules Book
Twisting Dismounts/Tumbling/Tosses
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 A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that interferes with normal brain function.
 An athlete does not have to lose consciousness (be “knocked out”) to have suffered a concussion.
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Common Symptoms of Concussion Include:
 Headache
 Fogginess
 Difficulty concentrating
 Easily confused
 Slowed thought processes
 Difficulty with memory
 Nausea
 Lack of energy, tiredness
 Dizziness, poor balance
 Blurred vision
 Sensitive to light and sounds
 Mood changes – irritable, anxious, or tearful
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Suggested Concussion Management:
1. No athlete should return to play (RTP) or practice on the same day of a concussion.
2. Any athlete suspected of having a concussion should be evaluated by an appropriate health-care professional that day.
3. Any athlete with a concussion should be medically cleared by an appropriate health-care professional prior to resuming participation in any practice or competition.
4. After medical clearance, RTP should follow a stepwise protocol with provisions for delayed RTP based upon return of any signs or symptoms.
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Although all concussions cannot be prevented, many can be minimized or avoided. Proper coaching techniques and good officiating of the existing rules can minimize the risk of head injury.
It is strongly suggested that all coaches view
“Concussion in Sports,” at www.nfhslearn.com.
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Coaches have a professional responsibility to read the NFHS Spirit Rules Book, including the situation rulings, and fully comprehend all rules in order to correctly teach the appropriate skills to their athletes.
In addition, coaches should educate their student athletes so they are made aware of the rules and rule changes.
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To be consistent with the NFHS’s focus on risk minimization, any twist to a cradle; airborne twisting tumbling skills; and basket tosses, elevator tosses, and other similar multi-base tosses will only be permitted on grass
(real or artificial) or a mat.
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The links below list guidelines to serve as useful reminders of basic procedures for both coaches and participants of spirit teams.
 Coaches’ Responsibilities
*This site includes Partner Stunt Progressions and
Tumbling Skill Levels.
http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=3084
 Participants’ Responsibilities http://www.nfhs.org/content.aspx?id=3085
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 When it is necessary for an athlete to wear a medical appliance (such as an insulin pump) during athletic competitions, the device shall be padded and securely attached to the player’s body underneath the uniform.
 Devices attached to the head (such as hearing aids and cochlear implants) do not need to be padded, but shall be firmly secured to the body.
 No medical appliance should pose a risk of injury to others.
 It is recommended that the athlete notify the official of the presence of the medical appliance prior to a contest.
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 Practice plan
 Event plan
 School policies
 Administration crisis plan
Plans are in place for emergencies, weather alerts, fire, power outages, hostile crowds, transportation, evacuation, accidents, etc.
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Proactive Planning
 Assign a staff member to monitor local weather conditions before and during events.
 Develop an evacuation plan, including identification of appropriate nearby shelters.
 Develop criteria for suspension and resumption of play: a. When thunder is heard, or a cloud-to-ground lightning bolt is seen, suspend play and take shelter immediately.
b. Once play has been suspended, wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or flash of lightning is witnessed prior to resuming play (30-minute rule).
c. Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count, reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin.
 Hold periodic reviews for appropriate personnel.
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This information is on the ICCA website - www.iowacheercoaches.org
It was also included in the fall mailing.
 NFHS Spirit Rule 2-3-2: “Fingernails, including artificial nails, must be kept at an appropriate length (short, near the end of the fingers) to minimize risk for the participants.” ICCA/IHSAA addition: “All nails, including artificial nails, must be cut to a length so that the nail is not visible when the cheerleader holds up her/his hands from the palm side. This is what is considered safe.”
 NFHS Spirit Rule 2-3-3: “The hair must be worn in a manner to minimize risk for the participant. Hair devices, if worn, must be secure and appropriate for the activity.” ICCA/IHSAA addition: “All cheerleaders’ hair must be pulled away from the face and off the shoulders: i.e. ponytail. This would be for both stunting and nonstunting squads.”
 NFHS Spirit Rule 2-3-7: “Glitter that does not readily adhere on the hair, face, uniform, costume, or the body is illegal. Glitter may be used on signs, props, or backdrops if laminated or sealed.”
ICCA/IHSAA addition: “No spray on/roll on glitter. Glitter in eye shadow should be minimal.”
 NOTE: These rules will be in effect for ALL Iowa school (grades 7-12) events, including practices, games, meets, tournaments, competitions, and all other events in which school cheerleaders participate.
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 Hair must be secured away from the face. If cheerleaders move their heads, their hair needs to stay out of their faces.
 It is not legal for cheerleaders to use their hands to move their hair away from their faces.
 Hair tucked behind the ears is not legal, because hair is not secured in this situation.
 Short hair that could be in the face needs to be secured back.
 Bangs pulled across the forehead, wispies, & chunks of hair beside the face all need to be and stay out of the eyes.
 Anytime hair gets in the way of a stunt, it’s illegal. Hair should be off the shoulders for stunting.
Note: Bumpits are illegal.
More information regarding the hair rule is on the ICCA website www.iowacheercoaches.org
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Wearing jewelry was by far the most frequently violated rule by Iowa cheerleaders this past year.
*Note: Hair ties on wrists are illegal!
* It is not acceptable to cover any piercing with tape or fill any piercing with a spacer or clear stud.
Lack of consistency by coaches at all times is the most common reason that the jewelry, hair, nail, and gum rules are violated. These rules must be followed at practices, games, and all performances.
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With the exception of religious and medical
medals, examples of jewelry include, but are not limited to: necklaces, bracelets, rings, all facial and body piercings (includes spacers and
fishing line), wrist bands, corsages, and hair ties on wrists. This rule is consistent with rules concerning jewelry in the NFHS rule books for other athletic activities.
“No jewelry” means
NO JEWELRY.
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 If you attend a competition and the National Federation Spirit
Rules are not being followed (some competitions say they’re following them but they really don’t), you may be found liable if your cheerleaders don’t follow the rules while participating and get hurt (illegal stunts, spring floors, etc.).
 Coaches are reminded that not all stunts seen on television, online at cheer company sites, and/or YouTube are legal including stunts in routines at national competitions. This is why it’s important for all coaches to know, understand, and follow the NF rules.
 The only activities where cheerleaders are covered by the IHSAA catastrophic insurance are IHSAA sponsored events (which includes the ICCA events) as long as cheerleaders are following the National Federation Spirit Rules. Cheerleaders are not covered by the IHSAA at other competitions!
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Additional rule information can be found on the ICCA website. Coaches are responsible for this information, also.
www.iowacheercoaches.org
 Rules Most Frequently Violated
 Clarifying the Hair Rule
 State Rules Regarding Number of
Cheerleaders for Playoff Events
 Interpreting the Legality of Stunts
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We need to rely on the professional integrity of our coaches to make sure all rules are followed.
Coaches must take care of their own cheerleaders so others won’t need to address the rules with them.
Coaches should accept responsibility if their cheerleaders are at fault, rather than blaming others, including those who address the rules violation(s).
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Be proactive to help prevent rule violations at your school. Coaches and cheerleaders should welcome visitors to their school and remind them of the rules before they begin cheering.
Our intent isn’t to “catch” cheerleaders not following the rules.
Coaches should talk to the cheerleading coach and/or appropriate administrator of the school in violation of the rules in a courteous manner before reporting the rule violation(s).
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 Ask cheerleaders if their coach is present and, if not present, who is responsible for them.
 Be sure YOU see the violation and it’s not one just reported to you by your cheerleaders.
 Let the coach know that following the NF rules is important for the safety of the cheerleaders and the liability of the coach and school. All schools in Iowa must follow these rules because they’ve been adopted by the IHSAA and ICCA for the safety of
Iowa cheerleaders.
 Remember to be calm, positive, and tactful when addressing rule violations with cheerleaders and coaches.
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Report violations immediately to:
Donna McKay (jdmckay4@mchsi.com) so violations can be handled in a timely manner. Her email is also available on the ICCA website .
Only coaches who have attended a rules meeting may report violations.
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When a school is reported for a rules violation the first or second time, both the coach and one of the school’s administrators will be contacted by Donna McKay.
If a school violates the National Federation rules for a third time, the IHSAA will contact the school.
Continued violation of the rules could lead to a cancellation of catastrophic insurance coverage for that school by the IHSAA.
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All rule questions should also be directed to:
Donna McKay (jdmckay4@mchsi.com)
ONLY AFTER you have tried to find the answers in the rules book and/or the Interpreting the Legality of Stunts sheet.
For the State Competition, please email a video (Quick
Time or Windows Media format) requesting a legality interpretation of a specific stunt(s).
Entire routines will not be reviewed!
The rules interpretation deadline for the State Competition is Thursday, October 20 .
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Rules books to schools for all sports will now be provided on an even-odd year rotation.
One National Federation Spirit Rules
Book will be provided to each high school on odd numbered years.
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 The fall mailing was sent out to all Iowa high schools in late July/early August. It contained the NF Rules Book,
ICCA event paperwork, and other information.
 Paperwork deadline for State, Honor Squad, All-State
Postmarked by Tuesday, September 27
 ICCA Coaches’ Conference – Ames
Friday, April 13 – Saturday, April 14
 ICCA Website www.iowacheercoaches.org
 Extra rules books may be obtained from
Elisa Kahler at the IHSAA.
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www.nfhslearn.com
 Fundamentals of Coaching
 First Aid for Coaches
 AACCA
 Fundamentals of Coaching Cheer & Dance
Take Part. Get Set For Life!
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 Read the rule book and situations, including the notes and comments, to minimize risk.
 ALWAYS follow the rules and their intent.
 Comprehend rules to safely and correctly teach appropriate skills.
 Ensure your cheerleaders are following the rules.
 Be a role model.
 Take classes to increase your cheer coaching knowledge.
 Be an advocate for sportsmanship.
 Be a member of your professional organization (ICCA).
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