National Federation of State
High School Associations
2015-16 NFHS Spirit Rules
Rules Changes
Situations and Rulings
Points of Emphasis
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
NFHS Spirit Rules Committee
2015-16 NFHS Spirit Rules Book
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Activities & Sports – Spirit
Application of
NFHS Spirit Rules Book
 Spirit rules provide the minimum safety standards followed by all spirit teams
(cheerleading/dance/drill/pom etc…)
 Spirit rules should be followed while participants are in a supporting role at an
interscholastic contest and during all competition.
 Dance/drill/pom and other spirit teams that stunt, tumble or use props as a base
must follow the appropriate safety limitations in Rule 2 and Rule 3.
 Cheerleading or other spirit teams that use props as a base must follow the
appropriate safety limitations in Rule 3.
 It is important to note that cheerleaders must follow Rule 2-3 and dancers must
follow Rule 3-1 regarding apparel/accessories.
 Situations and photos are provided as examples only, and do not cover all
circumstances in which the rules apply.
Education-Based
Athletic/Activity Programs
 Interscholastic athletics/activities shall supplement the educational
environment and provide students with educational experiences.
 Participation in education-based activity programs promotes student
academic achievement.
 Spirit teams are very visible and in a position of great influence and
therefore high standards for appearance and conduct are essential.
 Coaches should ensure uniforms, costumes, music and materials are
age-appropriate and suitable for the educational environment.
 Coaches are expected to be advocates and models of good
sportsmanship and follow all rules as written.
National Federation of State
High School Associations
2015-16 NFHS Spirit Rules
Rules Changes
Rule 1 - Definitions
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
Rule 1 - Definitions
Added new definition . . .
Airborne – A type of skill performed
free of contact with a person or the
performing surface.
Rule 1- Definitions
Added/revised definitions . . .
Drop – Landing on the performance
surface from an airborne position.
Knee/Seat/Thigh Drop – See “Drop” definition.
Front Drop – See “Drop” definition.
Split Drop – See “Drop” definition.
Rule 1- Definitions
Revised definition . . .
Flatback - A stunt in which a top
person is in a face up or face down
horizontal position, with hips and shoulders
in alignment.
Rule 1 - Definitions
Revised/added definitions . . .
Prop - Any item that is manipulated
(e.g. poms, signs, etc.).
Prop as Base - Any object that primarily
supports a performer’s weight. A single
unfolded mat on the performing surface is not
considered to be a base.
Rule 1 - Definitions
Revised definition . . .
Top Person – A person who is being
supported by another person(s) while off
the performing surface, who has been
tossed into the air or who is in weightbearing contact with a prop.
Rule 1 - Definitions
Revised definitions . . .
Quick Toss - A release that begins with a top
person in weight bearing contact with the performance
surface and ends in a partner stunt or pyramid.
Toss - A release stunt in which the base(s)
begin underneath the top person’s foot/feet, execute
a throwing motion from below shoulder level to
increase the height of the top person. The top person
becomes free from all bases, spotters, posts or bracers.
National Federation of State
High School Associations
2015-16 NFHS Spirit Rules
Rule Changes
Rule 2 - General Risk Management
Rule 3 – Dance/Drill/Pom Risk Management
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
Commemorative Patch
Rule 2-3 & 3-1
p. 14 & p. 32
ART. 10 . . . One American flag, not to exceed 2 inches
by 3 inches, may be worn or occupy space on each
item of uniform apparel. By state association
adoption, to allow for special occasions,
commemorative or memorial patches, not to exceed 4
square inches, may be worn on uniform apparel without
compromising the integrity of the uniform.
Inversions
Rule 2-5
p. 17
ART 1 . . . Unless allowed under the rules in
this section, a top person must not be in an
inverted position.
 Note: Inversions begin as illegal skills, unless
specifically allowed under the following
articles.
Inversions
Rule 2-5-2
p. 17
(no change from last year)
ART. 2... Suspended rolls are
allowed provided:
a. Two people on the performing
surface control the top person with
continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact
to a stunt, two-person cradle, loading
position or the performing surface.
b. A single base or post controls the
top person with continuous hands-tohands contact to a stunt, two-person
cradle, loading position or the
performing surface.
NOTE: A single base/post
suspended roll that ends on the
performing surface requires a spotter.
c. If caught in a cradle, load or stunt,
the new catchers are in place and are
not involved with any other skill when
the suspended roll is initiated.
d. The feet/ankles of the top person
are released.
Inversions
Rule 2-5-3
p. 17
ART 3…Braced inversions in a
pyramid that do not flip or roll are
allowed provided the following
conditions are met:
a. The top person does not begin
in an extended inverted position.
b. Braced inversions that do not
release are allowed. Bracer(s) do
not require a spotter.
c. Braced inversions that release
must follow the release transition
rule 2-7-6.
Inversions
Rule 2-5-4
p. 17
ART. 4 . . . Braced flips or rolls in a pyramid
are allowed provided all the following conditions
are met:
a. The top person begins in a multi-base loading position, stunt, cradle, or on the
performing surface.
b. The top person does not begin in an extended inverted position.
c. The top person maintains continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact with a bracer on each
side. The bracers are in multi-base preps with a spotter. The top person is between or in
front of the bracers.
d. At least three catchers (one base and two spotters or two bases and one spotter) who
were the original bases/spotters catch the top person in a loading position, stunt or cradle,
or assist the top person to the performing surface. If the flip ends in a cradle, the bracers
may release the top person once she/he begins to descend and is no longer inverted.
e. The top person ends in a non-inverted position.
f. The top person does not perform more than one and one quarter (1¼) flipping rotations
and no more than one half (½ ) twist.
g. The bases/catchers remain stationary except as necessary for safety adjustments.
Legal Inversions
Rule 2-5-4
p. 17
Inversions
Rule 2-5-5
p. 18
ART. 5…In all other inversions:
a. An inverted top person is allowed to pass through an extended position, but must not pause or stop
while extended.
b. In inversions where the base of support begins and remains below prep level:
1. At least one base or spotter must be in a position to protect the head/neck of the top person.
2. The base or spotter must maintain contact with the top person’s upper body (waist and above,
including arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the
performing surface. The contact must be sufficient to stabilize/control the top person’s position.
EXCEPTION: A top person in an inverted position on the performing surface may be released to a
loading position below shoulder height.
c. In inversions where the base of support begins at or passes through prep level:
1. At least two people on the performing surface must be in a position to protect the head/neck of
the top person.
2. The bases/spotters must maintain contact with the top person’s upper body (waist and above,
including arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the
performing surface. The contact must be sufficient to stabilize/control the top person’s position.
EXCEPTION: In a foldover stunt, the top person may initiate the inversion without upper body
contact.
3. The top person must not go directly to an inverted position on the performing surface from prep
level or higher.
d. Dismounts from inverted stunts to a cradle or an upright position on the performing surface are
allowed provided the top person begins in a static or “pump and go” position (i.e., handstand) and does
not perform any skill (e.g., toe touches, twists, etc.). Dismounts to the performing surface from shoulder
height or above must follow Rule 2-9-2.
Legal Inversions
Rule 2-5-5
p. 18
Legal Inversions
Rule 2-5-5
p. 18
Legal Inversions
Rule 2-5-5
p. 18
Legal Inversions
Rule 2-5-5
p. 18
Illegal Inversions
Rule 2-5-5
p. 18
Legal Inversions
Rule 2-5-5
p. 18
Inversions
Rule 2-5-6
p.18
ART. 6 . . . An inverted top person must not hold
objects (poms, signs, etc.) in his/her hands, except
during a transition from an inverted position on the
performing surface to a non-inverted stunt.
Rationale: The committee reorganized 2-5 to improve
clarity. With a continued focus on risk minimization, a
new Article 3 was added dealing with braced inversions
in a pyramid.
Note: The reorganization of Section 5 – Inversions
should no longer inadvertently restrict braced flips from
beginning or ending in extended positions.
Non-Release Stunts
Rule 2-6-4
p. 22
SECTION 6 – NON-RELEASE STUNTS…
(P) ART 4 . . . A top person may be moved from a
vertical position to a horizontal position (straight body or
cradle) provided all the following conditions are met:
a. The top person maintains contact with at least one original base or spotter.
b. At least two catchers and/or bases catch the upper body of the top person.
c. The catchers must be to the side or front of the person(s) moving the top
person.
d. When the catchers are not the original bases, they remain close to the
original bases and are in place prior to the movement to the horizontal
position.
e. When the catchers are not the original bases and the top person begins or
passes through an extended overhead position, three catchers are in place.
 The phrase “face up or face down horizontal position” has been
changed to just “horizontal position”, allowing other directions, such as
side-facing horizontal positions.
Non-Release Stunts
Rule 2-6-4
p. 22
Release Stunts/Tosses
Rule 2-7-4
p. 24
ART. 4 . . . Quick tosses are legal provided all
the following conditions are met:
a. The toss does not significantly exceed the height of the
intended stunt.
b. The base(s) apply upward force on any part of the body other
than under the foot/feet. EXCEPTION: A switch liberty is
permitted.
c. The top person is not caught under the legs in a split or
straddle position in a stunt shoulder height or above.
 The condition “the top person is not tossed again or does not lose
contact with the base(s) without first dismounting to a cradle or
the performing surface” was removed. Once the quick toss is
caught, the new skill is subject to the existing rules.
Legal Release Stunts/Tosses
Rule 2-7-4
p. 24
Release Stunts/Tosses
Rule 2-7-5
p. 24
(P) ART. 5 . . . Release transitions are legal
provided all of the following conditions are met
throughout the transition:
a. The skills before and after the release must be legal, including the required
spotters.
b. The top person maintains hand-to-hand/arm contact with at least one
bracer. Exception: A non-braced tick tock that begins at or below shoulder
level is allowed.
c. The top person and each bracer have a separate spotter with the exception
of bracers in shoulder sits and thigh stands.
d. The bracers do not provide primary support for the top person.
e. The released top person and bases make no more than a ¼ turn around the
bracer in a continuous movement in which the top person remains vertical over
the base(s).
f. The top person must be caught by original base(s).
 The phrase “multi-based non-braced” was replaced with just “non-braced”,
allowing single-based versions of this skill.
Legal Release Stunts/Tosses
Rule 2-7-5
p. 24
Suspended Stunts
Rule 2-8-6
p. 27
ART. 6 . . . A top person must not be in a face
down position between bases in which the top
person’s torso is suspended below the arms
and legs.
Tumbling
Rule 2-10 & 3-5
p. 29 & 37
ART. 7 . . . Airborne skills without hip over-head
rotation may not involve jumping from a
standing or squatting position backwards onto
the neck, shoulders or hands. This rule refers to
a type of entrance into the “kip-up/rubber band”
skills.
Drops
Rule 2-11 & 3-6
p. 30 & 38
ART. 1 . . . Airborne drops that go directly to the thighs, splits, knees, seat
or the performing surface are illegal unless most of the weight is first borne
on the hands or feet or the descent is controlled.
ART. 2 . . . Airborne drops to a push-up position, including Shoshanovas,
are illegal.
Exception: Springing from a crouch to a push-up position is allowed.
ART 3….Falling from a stand directly to the stomach or back on the
performance surface is illegal without first bearing weight on the hands.
ART. 4….Dropping to the performing surface from a handspring or flip is
illegal.
Legal Drops
Rule 2-11 & 3-6
p. 30 & 38
National Federation of State
High School Associations
2015-16 NFHS Spirit Rules
Situations and Rulings
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
2.5.2 - Inversions
2.5.2 SITUATION B: A participant in a prep grasps the
hands of a post who is standing in front of the stunt and
executes a suspended forward roll over the post,
landing in the hands of new bases that were involved in
a suspended roll immediately prior to moving in front of
the post to catch the cradle.
RULING: Illegal. COMMENT: Catchers of suspended
rolls that end in a cradle must be in place when the roll
is initiated.
2.5.3 - Inversions
2.5.3 SITUATION A: A top person in a
handstand on a base drops one leg/foot to a
spotter and is then transitioned to a liberty.
During the transition, the top person is braced
by a person in a prep without a spotter.
RULING: Legal. COMMENT: All aspects of
non-release stunt Rule 2-6 are being followed.
2.5.3 - Inversions
2.5.3 SITUTATION B: A top person in a
pyramid is popped from a handstand on a base
to an awesome while maintaining contact with a
bracer. Both the bracer and the top person
have spotters.
RULING: Legal. COMMENT: All aspects of the
release stunt Rule 2-7-5 are being followed.
2.5.4 - Inversions
2.5.4 SITUATION A: The top person in a
braced flip is assisted by: (a) one bracer in a
double-base prep and one person on the floor;
(b) two bracers in single-base preps; (c) two
bracers in double-base preps.
RULING: (a) and (b) illegal; (c) legal.
2.5.5 - Inversions
2.5.5 SITUATION A: An inverted top person
with her hands on a single base’s thighs
performs a cartwheel to the performing surface.
The base supports the top person’s torso
during the cartwheel.
RULING: Legal.
2.5.5 - Inversions
2.5.5 SITUATION B: A participant in a
handstand on the performing surface is
supported around the waist by a single base
and lifted to an upright position on the floor.
RULING: Legal.
2.5.5 - Inversions
2.5.5 SITUATION C: Two participants are: (a) standing back to
back with their arms hooked together. The base leans forward as
the top person does a backward roll over the base’s back and
lands upright on the performing surface; (b) facing each other; the
top person performs a handstand over the shoulder of the spotter
into a loading position. While assisting the top person during the
transition, the spotter does not turn around until the top person is in
the loading position.
RULING: (a) illegal; (b) legal. COMMENT: By facing away from the
inverted top person, the base or spotter is not considered to be in a
position to protect the head/neck.
2.5.5 - Inversions
2.5.5 SITUATION D: A top person in a straddle
sit at waist level rotates forward into an inverted
position, and then back up to the same position.
A base/spotter maintains contact on the top
person’s upper body.
RULING: Legal. COMMENT: All inversions
that begin and remain below prep level require
one hands-on base/spotter to maintain contact.
2.5.5 - Inversions
2.5.5 SITUATION G: A top person is based by two
persons at waist level. She is transitioned to a prep
position, and then cartwheels to her feet on the
performing surface with: (a) one spotter maintaining
upper body contact; (b) two spotters maintaining upper
body contact.
RULING: (a) illegal; (b) legal. COMMENT:
All inversions that begin or pass through prep level
must have two bases or spotters maintaining upper
body contact.
2.5.6 - Inversions
2.5.6 SITUATION B: A top person in a
handstand on the performing surface is lifted to
a prep while holding a sign.
RULING: Legal.
2.6.4 Non-Release Stunts
2.6.4 SITUATION A: The top person in a
double-base prep falls forward and is caught on
her upper body by the two original bases: (a)
while a spotter/post maintains contact with the
top person’s ankles; (b) after being released so
bases/spotter can catch higher on the top
person’s body.
RULING: (a) legal; (b) illegal.
2.7.4 - Release Stunts/Tosses
2.7.4 SITUATION A: A participant on the
performing surface is quick-tossed to: (a) a
chair; (b) a full extension; (c) interlocked
hands/wrists of the bases in preparation for a
basket toss; (d) suspended splits at shoulder
height.
RULING: (a), (b) and (c) legal; (d) illegal.
2.7.4 – Release Stunts/Tosses
2.7.4 SITUATION B: A participant on the
performing surface holds the hand of a bracer.
She is quick-tossed to a double base prep and
is immediately popped to a liberty.
RULING: Legal.
2.7.5 – Release Stunts/Tosses
2.7.5 SITUATION C: A team executes a singlebase, non-braced tick-tock that begins: (a) at
shoulder level; (b) above shoulder height.
RULING: (a) legal; (b) illegal. COMMENT: Nonbraced tick-tocks that begin at shoulder level do
not require the top person to maintain contact
with a bracer when performed with a single
base or with multiple bases.
2.8.6 - Suspended Stunts
2.8.6 SITUATION: A top person is held in a
face down position between two bases. Each
base holds one hand and one ankle. The top
person’s torso is suspended below her arms
and legs.
RULING: Illegal.
2.9.3 - Dismounts
2.9.3 SITUATION: A top person in a singlebase prep is popped and executes: (a) a twist
to the floor with the assistance of the base and
a spotter; (b) a toe touch during the dismount
with the assistance of the base and a spotter.
RULING: Both are legal. COMMENT:
Assistance is required on dismounts to the
ground involving a skill that begins from
shoulder level or above.
2.9.10 - Dismounts
2.9.10 SITUATION: The top person is in a hitch
pyramid with one foot in the bracer’s hands.
The bases pop and release the top person as
the bracer continues to hold onto the top
person’s foot and significantly increases the
height as she dismounts to a cradle.
RULING: Illegal.
2.10.7 & 3.5.7 - Tumbling
SITUATION: A participant: (a) jumps backward
from a standing position, landing on his/her
hands and shoulders and immediately kips up
to a standing position on the performing
surface; (b) rolls backwards onto her hands and
shoulders and immediately kips up to a tuck
position on the performing surface.
RULING: (a) illegal; (b) legal.
2.11.1 & 3.6.1 - Drops
SITUATION: A participant remains in contact
with the performing surface as she drops: (a) to
her knees, brushing the floor with her fingers at
the same time her knees land; (b) to her thighs
by spiraling downward before landing on the
floor.
RULING: Both are legal. COMMENT: (a) This
drop is legal because the participant is not
airborne before dropping to her knees.
2.11.2 & 3.6.2 - Drops
SITUATION: A participant: (a) leans forward
and lands in a push-up position on the
performing surface; (b) springs from a crouch to
a pushup position on the performing surface;
(c) jumps into the air and lands in a push-up
position on the performing surface.
RULING: (a) and (b) legal; (c) illegal.
2.11.4 & 3.6.4 - Drops
SITUATION: A participant executes a front
handspring and lands: (a) in a tuck position with
weight on one foot and the other leg extended
in front of her; (b) with weight on her seat with
one leg extended in front of her.
RULING: (a) legal; (b) illegal.
3.1.5 – Dance/Drill/Pom
3.1.5 SITUATION: Team members wearing dance
paws execute: (a) back walkovers; (b) a thigh stand; (c)
a full extension; (d) running tumbling.
RULING: (a) and (b) legal; (c) and (d) illegal.
COMMENT: Dance paws are not appropriate footwear
for extended stunts in which the feet of the top person
are in the hands of bases or for running airborne
tumbling. Footwear for these activities must have
adequate support and a non-slip sole.
3.4.1 – Dismounting From Props
3.4.1 SITUATION C: A top person dismounts
from a prop by leaning into the arms of two
posts who support her in a layout position that
is approximately waist high. She then executes
a walkover to the performing surface.
RULING: Legal. COMMENT: When a person
leaves the surface of a prop and is supported
by other participant(s), applicable stunting rules
in Rule 2 apply.
3.4.2 – Dismounting From Props
3.4.2 SITUATION: A top person executes a forward
suspended roll to the floor from a prop. She is assisted
by: (a) one post who is holding both hands of the top
person. No spotter is present; (b) one post who is
holding both hands of the top person. A spotter present;
(c) two posts each holding one hand of the top person.
RULING: (a) and (b) illegal; (c) legal. COMMENT:
Suspended roll dismounts from a prop require two
posts.
National Federation of State
High School Associations
2015-16 NFHS Spirit Rules
Points of Emphasis
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
Points of Emphasis
Coaches’ Responsibility: Education
Coaches’ Responsibility: Minimizing Risk
Concussions
Coaches’ Responsibility:
Education
Professional responsibility
 Read and fully
comprehend
(understand) NFHS
Spirit Rules.
 Correctly teach the
appropriate skills.
 Educate studentathletes of rules
changes.
Coaches’ Responsibility:
Minimizing Risk
Risk Minimization
 Participants placed under the
direction of a qualified &
knowledgeable coach.
 Athletes must be thoroughly trained.
 Coaches should provide a
comprehensive conditioning and
strength-building program.
 Skills should be taught in
progressions from easy to hard and
low to high.
 Practice should focus on risk
minimization.
 Overuse injuries – be aware of
intensity, duration and frequency of
specific skills.
 Only skills mastered in practice and
consistently executed safely should
be performed.
Concussions
 An athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent
with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache,
dizziness or balance problems) shall be immediately removed
from participation and shall not resume participation until cleared
by an appropriate health-care professional.
 Look to your state high school association and the NFHS for
education regarding prevention and treatment of concussions.
National Federation of State
High School Associations
Concussion in Sports
Course Objectives
Units
■ Understand what concussions are & their impact on
■ Concussion Overview
players
■ The Problem
■ Recognize the complications associated with concussions
■ Your Responsibility
■ Recognize signs and symptoms of concussion
■ Know when additional medical attention is needed
■ Understand what your responsibilities are in concussion
management
■ Understand the proper concussion management
protocols
More information available at
nfhslearn.comnfhslearn.c
om!
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
NFHS Suggested Guidelines for
Management of Concussion in Sports
In the Appendix
in all of the
2015-16 NFHS
Rules Book
National Federation of State
High School Associations
Heat Illness
Prevention
Course Objectives
■ Recognize that Exertional Heatstroke (EHS) is the leading preventable cause of death among athletes
■ Know the importance of a formal pre-season heat acclimatization plan
■ Know the importance of having and implementing a specific hydration plan, keeping your athletes well-hydrated, and providing
ample opportunities for, and encouraging, regular fluid replacement
■ Know the importance of appropriately modifying activities in relation to the environmental heat stress and contributing risk
factors (e.g., illness, overweight) to keep your athletes safe and performing well
■ Know the importance for all staff to closely monitor all athletes during practice and training in the heat, and recognize the signs
and symptoms of developing heat illness
■ Know the importance of, and resources for, establishing an Emergency Action Plan and promptly implementing it in case of
suspected EHS or other medical emergency
Units
■ Fundamentals
5. Recognize Signs Early
1. Start Slow, Then Progress
2. Allow for Individual Conditioning 6. Recognize More Serious Signs
7. Have an Emergency Action Plan
3. Adjust Intensity and Rest
4. Start Sessions Adequately Hydrated
More Information at
nfhslearn.com!
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
National Federation of State
High School Associations
Sports
Nutrition
Course Objectives
■ Emphasize the importance of proper fueling for physical activity, pre- and post-workout
■ Provide real-world effective advice for helping your students to make better food decisions
■ Underscore male-and female-specific issues surrounding the topic of nutrition
■ Clarify the warning signs for eating disorders and disordered eating
■ To provide an overview about dietary supplements, how they are regulated and how to avoid use of
contaminated dietary supplements
■ To highlight the risks to athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolicandrogenic steroids
■ Reinforce the no-drug policy of interscholastic athletics
Units
■ Nutrition
■ Supplements
More Information at
nfhslearn.com
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™
Inclusion of Students with Disabilities
Guidelines for Schools and State Associations for
Consideration of Accommodations
#WeAreHighSchool
www.nfhsnetwork.com
NFHS Spirit Facebook Page
www.cheersafe.org
www.youtube.com/user/AACCASafety
cheerrules.com/rules-questions/
NFHS Information
 Rule Change Proposal
Form –
February 5, 2016
 Spirit Rules
Committee Meeting
March 5-7, 2016
 Rules Online
Interpreters Meeting
July 18, 2016
NFHS Information
 Contact Information:
Susan M. Knoblauch sknoblauch@nfhs.org
Director of Activities & Sports
National Federation of State High School Associations
P.O. Box 690 | Indianapolis, IN 46206
(317) 972-6900
www.nfhs.org
twitter @nfhsfan
Administrative Assistant – Angela Hays
ahays@nfhs.org
National Federation of State
High School Associations
2015-16 NFHS Spirit Rules
Take Part. Get Set For Life.™