CHEER TEAM RULE BOOK
Program Type
1. ALL STAR: All athletes must be registered with the USASF in the Athlete ID system. A team that does not
cheer for any sport, but is formed for the primary purpose of competing. The team works out in a private
gym/studio and is coached by a paid professional. USASF Rules and Guidelines apply.
2. ALL STAR PREP: Teams must be affiliated with a USASF member program. All athletes must be registered
with the USASF in the Athlete ID system. An entry-level program that is offered as an introduction to
traditional All Star Cheer. This type of program should include a shorter season, limited weekly practices, a
lower financial commitment, limited travel and a uniform that differs from their traditional All Star
program. Teams can ONLY compete 1-Day at any 2-Day events. Athletes registered in All Star Prep
divisions are not allowed to crossover to a team competing in a standard USASF All Star division at any
given event. USASF Rules and Guidelines apply.
3. SCHOOL: A team that is made up of official school team members or official school competition team
members. All members must attend that school. AACCA Safety Guidelines apply.
4. YOUTH LEAGUE: A community team with the main purpose of cheering for and/or supporting a
recreational team (i.e. youth football, pee wee sports, community sports teams, etc.). All Youth/Rec Teams
will need to provide a notarized letter from the city Director of Youth League that proves legitimacy of the
organization. The letter must include how many teams are associated with the recreational program and
approximate time or season(s) they cheer. Teams will ONLY compete 1-Day at any 2-Day events.
AACCA Safety Guidelines apply. Note: Competitive only youth programs are considered an All Star
Program, and must compete as an All Star Team and follow the All Star rules and regulations.
Cheer Routine Requirements
1. ALL STAR TEAMS: Maximum time limit is 2 ½ minutes. Routines should include: motions, jumps, tumbling,
building skills, pyramids/tosses and dance. Music is allowed for a portion or the entire routine. Routines
must adhere to the USASF General Safety and Level Rules.
2. ALL STAR PREP TEAMS: Maximum time limit is 2 minutes. Routines should include: motions, jumps,
tumbling, building skills, pyramids and dance. Music is allowed for a portion or the entire routine. Routines
must adhere to the USASF General Safety and Level 1-3 Rules.
3. SCHOOL, COLLEGE & YOUTH LEAGUE TEAMS: Maximum time limit is 2 ½ minutes. Routines should
include: cheer/motions, jumps, tumbling, stunts/pyramids and dance. Music is allowed for a portion or the
entire routine. Routines must adhere to the AACCA General Safety and Cheer Power Division Rules and
Restrictions. *College team members must be currently enrolled at the Institution they are representing at
the time of the performance.
4. SCHOOL GAME TIME EVENTS: Maximum time limit is 1 minute. Game Time Events offered: Time Out
Cheer, Fight Song & Time Out Dance. Routines must adhere to Cheer Power Game Time Rules and
Restrictions. Teams will ONLY compete 1-Day at any 2-Day events.
5. SHOW/EXHIBITION/SPECIAL ATHLETE (Non-competing) Teams:
a. SHOW/EXHIBITION TEAMS: Each participant receives an award. Maximum time limit is 2 ½
minutes. Music may be used for a portion or the entire routine. Routine must follow USASF General
Safety and Level Rules.
b. SPECIAL ATHLETE TEAMS: Each participant receives a trophy. Maximum time limit is 2 ½
minutes. Music may be used for a portion or the entire routine. Routine must follow USASF Level 12 Rules & Special Athlete Guidelines.
c. PARENT TEAMS: Maximum time limit for a routine is 2 ½ minutes. Music may be used for a
portion or the entire routine. Routine must be suitable for family viewing. Routine must follow
USASF General Safety and Level 1-5 Rules. Only allowed at events where time permits.
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CHEER TEAM RULE BOOK
ACP GENERAL SAFETY GUIDELINES
A Safety Violation will be assessed for violation of the following:
1. DIVISION VIOLATIONS: If your division changes at the event, you are subject to a 2-point penalty.
Examples:
a. All-Girl to Coed divisions and vice versa.
b. Team number changes that ultimately change your competition division.
c. Level and/or division changes.
d. In lieu of the penalty, you may be given the option to pay the ‘event change fee’ and be placed in the
correct division (If applicable).
2. MINIMUM NUMBER OF ATHLETES:
a. Teams that compete with fewer than the minimum number of athletes required for that
division may receive a 1.0 deduction or be disqualified.
3. PRACTICE: Athletes must always practice and perform on an appropriate surface. Technical skills (stunts,
pyramids, tosses or tumbling) may not be performed on concrete, asphalt, wet or uneven surfaces.
4. COSTUMING/UNIFORMS:
a. All costuming/uniforms should be age appropriate and acceptable for family viewing. Cheer teams
must wear cheer/athletic attire while performing.
b. Uniform Skirt/Shorts: When a skirt is worn as part of the uniform, briefs under the skirt are
required. The skirt must fully cover the hips. The skirt must completely cover the briefs and must
fall at least 1 inch below briefs (regular and boy cut briefs). When shorts are worn as part of the
uniform, there must be a minimum of a 2” inseam.
c. Uniform Top: Uniform tops may not include an exposed midriff (crop top) except when worn by
athletes competing in the Senior divisions. Uniform tops must be secured by straps or material
over at least one shoulder or around the neck (tube tops are not allowed).
d. Makeup should be uniform and appropriate for both the performance and the age of the athletes.
Face/Eyelid Rhinestones are not allowed. False eyelashes are allowed but may not be decorated in
rhinestones or additional jewelry.
e. Bows should not be excessive in size (acceptable bows are generally no more than 3” in width) and
shouldn’t be a distraction to the performance. Bows should be worn in a manner to minimize risk
for the participants, should be adequately secured and should not fall over the forehead into the
participants’ eyes or block the view of the participant while performing.
5. ROUTINE APPROPRIATENESS:
a. All facets of a performance/routine, including both choreography and music selection, should be
appropriate and suitable for family viewing and listening.
b. Examples of inappropriate choreography may include, but are not limited to, movements such as
hip thrusting and inappropriate touching, gestures, hand/arm movements and signals, slapping,
positioning of body parts and positioning to one another. Music or words unsuitable for family
listening, which includes, but not limited to, swearwords and connotations of any type of sexual act
or behavior, drugs, explicit mention of specific parts of the body. Violent acts or behavior are other
examples of inappropriate choreography.
c. Removing improper language or words from a song and replacing with sound effects or other
words, may still constitute ‘inappropriate’.
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6. JUDGES DISCRETION: Judges reserve the right to assess warnings and/or deductions when a team’s
choreography, uniform, makeup, bows, etc. do not meet the standards of what ACP deems ‘appropriate’.
7. TIME VIOLATIONS: Timing will begin/end with the first/last organized word, movement or note of music
by the team after they are officially announced and have taken the floor.
a. Teams must enter and exit in a timely manner.
b. Organized entrances are not allowed. Teams should walk on the floor, place their props and
immediately go to their starting positions.
8. COACHES BOX: Coaches must remain in the designated coaches area during the team’s performance.
Coaches will not be allowed to assist the team during the team’s entrance, routine performance or exit.
Exception: Teams competing in the Tiny age division will be allowed to have coaches assisting at the front
of the mat (not directly in front of the judges).
9. SPORTSMANSHIP: Any unsportsmanlike behavior from athletes, spectators and/or coaches. Coaches must
display good sportsmanship and require the same from members of their program.
10. TIE POLICY: Due to American Cheer Power’s philosophy in rewarding athletes, ACP WILL NOT break any ties.
a. Team scores with a difference of up to .05 based on a 100-point scale MAY result in a tie upon the
judges’ discretion.
11. MASCOTS: Will be counted as a team member if performing during the routine. A mascot who wears a
costume that obstructs his/her vision is not allowed to tumble, stunt or spot.
2017-2018 COMPETITION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Varsity Spirit has implemented a policies and procedures for all events. In order to provide a positive, fair and
professional competition environment the coach of each team is required to sign this form, but before signing,
please read and review the following:
A. GENERAL
1. Coaches’ credentials must be worn at all times. You will not be allowed to enter the warm up area,
Coaches Hospitality Room (if applicable) or enter AccuScore without these valid credentials. Bracelets
or lanyards attached to bags do not count.
2. I will follow all USASF (All Star Team) or AACCA (School Team) rules and regulations. I understand that
any violation of these rules and regulations could result in a penalty, point deduction or
disqualification.
3. I have read and understand the Varsity registration and competition guidelines.
B. SAFETY GUIDELINES
1. I am aware of the rules pertaining to each division and agree to abide by them (athlete eligibility,
safety).
2. I understand that Varsity Spirit reserves the right to remove any persons from a competition for unsafe
or unsportsmanlike conduct.
C. SCORING
1. Scoring officials will only discuss my routine and scores. I understand that my coaches/directors may
not challenge scores and/or deductions of other teams.
2. I understand that I have 20 minutes after my performance to report to AccuScore to review my scores.
After this time period, I waive the right to review my scores.
D. MUSIC GUIDELINES
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1. I have read and understand the USA Cheer Music Copyrights Educational Initiative and all sound
recordings used in our team’s music shall only be used with written license from the owners(s) of the
sound recordings.
2. These guidelines are as of June 16, 2016. For the most up to date music information, visit
http://varsity.com/music. If you have any questions, cheer teams should email [email protected] and
dance teams should email [email protected]. Please check Preferred Provider list for updates
and changes periodically.
3. Teams must be able to provide proof of licensing, in the form of a printed copy, during registration at
the event they are attending.
4. If a team does not have the required paperwork, they will be given the option to perform to an
approved track of music or a track with counts (provided by Varsity Spirit).
5. If a team does not have the required paperwork, and chooses not to perform to the approved track of
music or a track with counts, the team will be disqualified from the competition and not be allowed to
perform.
6. If there are concerns regarding a team’s use of music, a Challenge Form must be completed
immediately following the team’s performance.
7. A challenge can only be made by the official coach, advisor, director or gym owner of a team competing
at the event at which the challenge is being made.
8. Challenge Process
a. All music challenges must be submitted in writing to the event director.
b. There will be a $100 fee to request a music challenge, which must be in the form of a check made
payable to St Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
c. Challenges will be reviewed and finalized within 48 hours of the event.
d. If the challenge is correct, fees collected will be voided. If the challenge is incorrect, fees will be
donated to St. Jude.
9. Each team is required to have a representative remain at the music station that knows the routine and
music. This representative is responsible for starting the music and stopping the music in case of
technical malfunction or injury. Please make sure that all devices have a head phone jack to connect to
sound system and are fully charged, volume turned up and placed in airplane mode. If using a CD make
sure it’s unscratched so it doesn’t skip.
E. SPOTTER POLICY
In an effort to promote a higher level of safety for competing athletes, Varsity Spirit will allow programs to
provide spotters at Varsity Spirit competitions. We feel that the program is more qualified to provide spotters
because of their familiarity with routine skills and safety concerns. The use of spotters is left to the discretion
of the coach or gym owner. Programs may use up to 4 spotters for each performance; however, spotters are not
required. Definition of Additional Spotter: Individuals on the competition floor provided as a safety
precaution to spot certain elements of a routine.
Additional Spotters:
a. Should only be used during the stunt, pyramid, and/or basket toss sections. Additional spotters are
provided for added safety and should stand at the back of the floor when not spotting those
sections.
b. Should not touch, assist, or save skills being performed. Additional spotters should only be used to
prevent a fall to the competition floor. Any touch, assist, or saved skill will be given a major fall
deduction.
c. Should be dressed so that they are presentable, professional, and distinguishable from the
performing athletes. Program provided additional spotters should not wear clothing similar to the
performing team’s uniform.
d. Should not dress or act in a manner that distracts from the athletes and their performance.
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e. Should be at least 18 years old and familiar with spotting the skills of the performing team. Note:
To provide the safest competitive environment, teams should not attempt skills beyond their ability
level.
F. INTERRUPTION OF PERFORMANCE
1. UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
a. If, in the opinion of the competition officials, a team’s routine is interrupted because of failure of the
competition equipment, facilities, or other factors attributable to the competition rather than the
team, the team affected should STOP the routine.
b. The team will perform the routine again in its entirety, but will be evaluated ONLY from the point
where the interruption occurred. The degree and effect of the interruption will be determined by
the competition officials.
2. FAULT OF TEAM
a. In the event a team’s routine is interrupted because of failure of the team’s own equipment, the
team must either continue the routine or withdraw from the competition.
b. The competition officials will determine if the team will be allowed to perform at a later time. If
decided by officials, the team will perform the routine again in its entirety, but will be evaluated
ONLY from the point where the interruption occurred.
3. INJURY
a. The only persons that may stop a routine for injury are: a) competition officials, b) the gym owner /
coach from the team performing or c) an injured individual.
b. The competition officials will determine if the team will be allowed to perform at a later time. If the
competition officials allow a routine to be performed at a later time, the spot in the schedule where
the re-performance is to take place is at the sole discretion of competition officials. The team may
perform the routine again in its entirety, but will be evaluated ONLY from the point where the
interruption occurred.
c. The injured participant that wishes to perform may not return to the competition floor unless:
1. The competition officials receive clearance from, first, the medical personnel attending to that
participant, the parent (if present) AND THEN the head coach/advisor of the competing team.
2. If the medical personnel do not clear the participant, the participant can only return to the
competition if a parent or legal guardian in attendance signs a return to participation waiver.
3. Any athlete who exhibits signs or symptoms consistent with concussion should be removed
from the activity at that time and should not be allowed to return to activity that day. The
athlete should not return to activity on a subsequent day until evaluated by and receives
written clearance for such participation from a qualified physician (MD or DO specifically
trained in concussion management).
d. In addition to the USA Cheer head injury policy, we encourage you to be familiar with the specific
laws of the state where the competition is being held.
ALL STAR & ALL STAR PREP
ACP will adhere to USASF Level Rules, Age Grid Guidelines, Image Policy, etc.
Go to www.usasfrules.com for more detailed information.
SCHOOL/COLLEGE & YOUTH LEAGUE
ACP will adhere to AACCA Cheer Safety Rules and ACP Age Divisions/Restrictions.
Go to www.aacca.org for AACCA Cheer Safety Rules.
Go to cheerpower.com/GUIDELINES.htm for ACP Age Divisions/Restrictions.
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