2010-2011
Iowa Cheerleading
Coaches’ Association
NFHS Spirit Rules
Meeting
1
Please Note!
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.
2
Following the Rules
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
3
National Federation Rules
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.
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Rules
Rules
Rules
Rules
Rules
provide direction.
build awareness.
support activities.
improve activities.
establish a consistent standard.
4
Following the NF Spirit Rules

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.
5
Awareness of Individual and
Team Limitations
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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.
6
Cheerleaders as Athletes
 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.
7
Rules Book Layout
Rule Changes with Rationale
Points of Emphasis
Table of Contents
Index (p. 7)
Philosophy (p. 9)
Rule 1 – Definitions (p. 10)
Rule 2 – General Risk Management (p. 14)
Situations (p. 24) – help clarify the rules
Rule 3 – Dance/Drill/Pom Risk Management (p. 35)
Pictures (p. 44) – 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)
8
Rule Section Organization
 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).
9
NFHS Spirit Rules
Spirit Rules Changes for 2010-11
10
Rule 2-1-15
An athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or
behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as
loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness,
confusion or balance problems) shall be
immediately removed from the contest and shall
not return to play until cleared by an appropriate
health-care professional. (Please see NFHS
Suggested Guidelines for Management of
Concussion on page 73).
11
Rule 2-2-8
Supports, braces, etc., which are hard and
unyielding or have rough edges or surfaces
must be padded with a closed–cell, slow
recovery foam padding no less than one-half
inch thick. Padded knee and ankle braces which
are unaltered from the manufacturer’s original
design/production do not require any additional
padding. A participant wearing a cast
(excluding a properly covered air cast)
must not be involved in a stunt.
12
Rule 2-2-8 Supports & Braces
Comment:
Clarification from
NFHS Sports
Medicine Advisory
Committee for all
NFHS rules books.
13
Rule 2-6-7
Add exception: 1 ¼ twists are permitted
from side-facing stunts.
Comment: Twist cradles from side-facing
stunts present only minimally more risk
than single twists. The extra ¼ twist allows
the flyer to face forward before completing
the rotation. This is consistent with 2-13-2,
which allows an extra quarter-turn in
double twisting cradles.
14
Rule 2-6-7 Double Downs
To be consistent with
Rule 2‐13‐2, there was
an exception added to
Rule 2‐6‐7 regarding
stunts involving twists.
During stunts,
participants are now
permitted to do 1 ¼
twists from side‐facing
stunts.
15
New Rule 2-8-14
Suspended splits involving bracer(s) that
originate at any height and drop to any
level are legal provided all the following
conditions are met:
16
Rule 2-8-14 Suspended Splits
a.
b.
c.
d.
The flyer has both hands in contact with the bracer(s).
The flyer does not become inverted.
The flyer has at least two bases.
The flyer and bracer(s) each have a separate spotter.
Exception: Bracers in shoulder sits or thigh stands.
e. In suspended splits when the flyer is not released by the
bases, the bracer(s) must maintain hand/arm contact with
the flyer until she/he is no longer in a split position.
f. In suspended splits when the flyer is released by the
bases, the release must be a continuous vertical up-anddown movement in which the flyer remains over the
base(s). The bracers must maintain hand/arm contact
with the flyer during the entire loss of contact with the
bases. (Note: See 2-12-1)
17
Rule 2-8-14 Suspended Splits
COMMENT: Bracers
are frequently used
in many types of
stunts. This rule
allows a flyer in
suspended splits to
have contact with
bracer(s) rather than
with base(s).
18
Rule 3-1-6
Added
Exception: Dance paws and pedini-style
dance shoes that have heels of sufficient
height to raise the bottom of the foot off
the floor.
COMMENT: Dance paws allow movement
of the foot without compromising the look
and feel of barefoot dancing. Dance paws
also help protect the foot by preventing
friction burns and skin tears.
19
New Section 3-7
Assisted inverted floor stunts are legal provided both the
following conditions are met:
a. The inverted participant is in direct, weight-bearing
contact with the performing surface and provides
primary self-support throughout the stunt.
b. The assisting non-inverted participant is in direct,
weight-bearing contact with the performing surface
and provides only partial support for the inverted
participant.
COMMENT: Assisted floor stunts are becoming common,
especially in hip hop routines. Previously, the only
reference to this type of stunt was a situation/ruling in
Rule 2.
20
Major Editorial Changes
21
Rule 2-6-12a
a. The flyer maintains hand-tohand/arm contact with at least one
bracer until the flyer is descending.
This editorial change now allows bracers
to let go of the flyer once she/he is
descending instead of trying to hold
on and possibly becoming inverted.
22
Rule 2 - Section 12

Section 12 has been reorganized to help clarify
transitional stunts for coaches.

The section is divided into:
2-12-1 Release transitions
2-12-2 Non-release transitions that involve
changing bases
2-12-3 Non-release transitions that do not
involve changing bases

All aspects of a transition stunt MUST be legal.

Interpreting the Legality of Stunts
www.iowacheercoaches.org
23
Points of Emphasis
Concussions
Double Downs
Jewelry
Coach & Participant Responsibilities
24
Points of Emphasis
Concussions
25
Suggested Guidelines for
Management of Concussion
 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.
26
Suggested Guidelines for
Management of Concussion
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
27
Suggested Guidelines for
Management of Concussion
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.
28
Prevention
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.
29
Points of Emphasis
Double Downs
30
Double Downs
It has been stressed to spirit coaches that they are responsible
for teaching and enforcing general risk management rules,
identifying teams’ ability levels, and following proper
progressions in learning new skills. It is the NFHS’s
responsibility to revise rules to minimize risk whenever trends
indicate a continuation of poor execution of skills resulting in
injuries.
31
Double Downs
For this reason, the NFHS
is calling attention to the
fact that double downs/twists
will no longer be allowed at
the high school level after
this year if coaches continue
to allow athletes to perform
this skill with improper
technique.
32
Double Downs
In order to retain double
downs/twists in the
future, it is imperative
that coaches insist upon
“perfection before
progression” when
allowing teams to stunt.
It is suggested that middle
school/junior high
cheerleaders NOT
perform double
downs/twists.
33
Points of Emphasis
Jewelry
34
Jewelry
Spirit coaches are expected to follow the rules
written for the safety of all participants of
cheerleading and dance. The spirit rules
regarding jewelry (2-2-1 and 3-1-2) apply to
all spirit activities, which includes both
practices and performance events.
* Nose piercings are not allowed.
It is not acceptable to cover
any piercing with tape or fill
any piercing with a spacer or
clear stud.
35
Jewelry
It is the coach’s responsibility to teach and enforce
this rule. Recent fashion trends have coaches
and participants questioning this simple ruling
with unnecessary challenges.
36
Jewelry
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.
37
Iowa Cheerleaders
Wearing jewelry was by far the most
frequently violated rule by Iowa
cheerleaders this past year.
*Note: Hair ties on wrists are illegal!
Lack of consistency by coaches at all times is
the most common reason that the jewelry,
hair, nail, and gum rules are violated.
38
Points of Emphasis
Coach and Participant
Responsibilities
www.nfhs.org
39
Coach and Participant
Responsibilities
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
40
Rules Book Correction
p. 60 Suspended Splits
41
Major Editorial Changes
Page 60 had the same exact rule as listed
on page 61.
The IHSAA has placed a label with the
correct rule (2-8-13 from page 20) over
the incorrect rule.
42
43
Medical Appliances
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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.
44
Security
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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.
45
Guidelines on Handling Contests
During Lightning Disturbances
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.
46
ICCA Information
47
NF/ICCA/IHSAA SPIRIT RULES
This information is on the ICCA website - www.iowacheercoaches.org
It was also included in the fall mailing.

NFHS Spirit Rule 2-2-2: “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 2-2-3: “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 2-2-7: “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.
48
Competitions
 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!
49
Clarifying the Hair Rule

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
50
Additional Rule Information
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
51
Integrity of Coaches
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).
52
Preventing Rules Violations
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).
53
If You See a Rule Violation
 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.
54
Reporting Rule Violations
Report violations immediately to:
Jeanne Ehn (jehn@heartofiowa.net)
or
Nancy Huether (nhuether@huxcomm.net)
so violations can be handled in a timely
manner. Their emails are also available
on the ICCA website.
Only coaches who have attended a rules
meeting may report violations.
55
When Rules Are Violated
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 Jeanne Ehn or Nancy Huether.
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.
56
Rule Interp Contact Information
Donna McKay
842 7th St. SE
Mason City, IA 50401
jdmckay4@mchsi.com (on the ICCA website)
All rule questions should be directed to Donna McKay 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 send a video or DVD
requesting a legality interpretation of a specific stunt(s).
Entire routines will not be reviewed!
The rules interpretation deadline for the State Competition is
Saturday, October 23.
57
Information Reminders
 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 28
 ICCA Coaches’ Conference – Ames
Friday, April 8 – Saturday, April 9
 ICCA Website
www.iowacheercoaches.org
 Extra rules books may be obtained from
Elisa Kahler at the IHSAA for $10.00 each.
58
NFHS Coach Education
www.nfhslearn.com
 Fundamentals of Coaching
 First Aid for Coaches
 AACCA
 Fundamentals of Coaching Cheer & Dance
Take Part. Get Set For Life!
59
Professionalism
 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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Thank You For Your Time!
We look forward to seeing you at
ICCA events!
We hope you have a safe and
rewarding cheer year!
61