DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE
DEPENDENTS SCHOOLS
OFFICE OF THE DIRECTOR, EUROPE
UNIT 29649, Box 7100
APO AE 09002-7000
AKS-7470
MEMORANDUM FOR ALL HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETIC DIRECTORS
THROUGH: PRINCIPAL
SUBJECT: Cheer Guidelines - School Year 2015-2016
Attached is important information that your cheer coaches will need in preparation for the
winter cheer season. Please insure that any applicable forms meet the required suspense date.
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Seadore at DSN 545-1513 or civilian 0611143-545-1513 (49-611-143-545-1513).
“Original Signed By”
Karen Seadore
ISS –Athletics
Attachment: As stated
2015-2016 Cheer Guidelines
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CHEERLEADING GUIDELINES
2015-2016
Table of Contents
1. Rules
A. Rulebook
B. DoDDS- E
C. Appropriate Attire & Uniforms
D. Winter Season
2. Game Starting Times
3. Winter Cheerleading Tournament & Competition
A. Spirit Award & All-Tournament Cheerleaders
B. Cheerleading Competition
4. All-Europe Cheerleader Selection
5. Eligibility
6. Centrally Funded Travel
7. DoDDS-E Athletic Rules
8. Stars & Stripes Reporting
9. Attachments
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DoDDS-Europe Cheerleading Guidelines 2015-2016
1. Rules
A. Rules and safety for cheering will be in accordance with the 2015-2016 National
Federation High School Spirit Rule Book (please also see attachment #1 for
corrections to the printed rulebook). Copies of these rule books have been mailed to the
Athletic Directors at each school. Coaches can purchase/download an electronic copy of
the spirit rules at various sites on the internet. If any coach is in need of a rule book,
please have your AD email the DoDDS-E Athletic Director ASAP.
While some of the NFHS Rules are highlighted within these guidelines, coaches are
expected to have a copy of and be familiar with all of the rules in the 2015-2016
NFHS Spirit Rule Book.
For your reference, AACCA Safety rules are included as attachment #2. Another good
source to review to increase safety awareness in cheer is: http://www.cheersafe.org/
Note: NFHS and AACCA are very closely aligned, however, in the event of a difference,
NFHS rules will be followed.
B. DoDDS-E
1. Varsity cheerleaders are authorized in the fall and winter seasons. The seasons are
separate and cheerleaders selected in the fall are not automatically on the winter
squad. Tryouts should be held for both the fall and winter squads.
2. Junior varsity cheerleaders are also authorized when the school has junior varsity
football/basketball teams. If your school does not have JV teams, then there should
not be a JV cheer team. Junior Varsity cheerleaders are not authorized to travel to
away games.
3. Cheerleaders may earn varsity/junior varsity athletic letters in the fall and the winter
season.
4. Division I-II schools are authorized 12 varsity cheerleaders. Division III schools are
authorized 10 varsity cheerleaders. A school mascot is also authorized for the regular
season. Junior Varsity cheerleading programs are authorized the same number of
cheerleaders as listed above. Alternates may be selected but they are only authorized
to substitute for another cheerleader on the sideline or at half-time.
5. Space will determine the number of cheerleaders on the sidelines at each site. The
maximum number will never exceed 12/10, (12- D I & II;10-DIII) cheerleaders and 1
mascot. (Principals, Athletic Directors, and local officials should determine a safe
number that can cheer on the sideline during games at their site.)
6. Cheerleading coaches are encouraged to evaluate and select their squad consistent
with all other sport coaches. Documentation should always be available if questions
are raised about the selections.
7. Travel – Regular season 15-16: When a school is authorized 2 busses for travel for
basketball, varsity cheerleaders can travel. When only one bus is authorized, varsity
cheerleaders may travel on a space available basis as determined by local
administration.
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Appropriate Attire & Uniforms
Cheerleaders and coaches must be familiar with NFHS Section 3 Apparel/Accessories.
1. Cheerleaders cannot wear watches, jewelry, or any piercings (no fish line or spacers
are permitted).
2. Fingernails must be kept short.
3. Hair must be secured.
NFHS Spirit Rule 2.3.3 Situation B Comment States: “Hair must be worn in a
manner that does not interfere with the safe execution of a stunt or tumbling. Long
hair that is not secured presents significant risk during partner stunts, pyramids,
tosses and airborne tumbling.”
4. Every attempt should be made to have each member of the squad wear a “team”
uniform. Teams are expected to wear the school uniform in school colors for all
facets of the European competition (sideline and Saturday competition).
5. All uniforms should be appropriate for the weather conditions and audience and meet
all school dress codes. In extreme temperatures or wet weather, the uniform must be
appropriately modified.
6. NFHS Spirit Rule 2.3.7 states that glitter on cheerleaders or on signs/props is
prohibited! This rule will be firmly enforced. Glitter or any other substance that can
come off onto the floor or mats will not be tolerated.
C. Winter Season
1. The winter season varsity cheerleading squad will serve as the competition squad for
their school. Schools are not authorized to have a separate “competition” squad. The
varsity cheerleaders are required to cheer for both the girls and boys varsity basketball
teams and if a JV team is selected they would cheer for the JV basketball teams.
2. When varsity games are played at home and at another site on the same day,
cheerleaders will not travel. Junior varsity cheerleaders are not authorized to travel to
away games.
3. The following skills may only be executed (during practice or a performance) on
grass, a rubberized track, or a mat: a basket toss, one arm single base stunt, or
twisting tumbling is practiced or executed. (NFHS Rules: 2.7.3, 2.6.11, 2.10.6)
4. During the regular season, appropriate mats, if available, may be used during halftime
and quarter performances, if doing so does not interfere with the game’s progress. A
delay caused by using mats for these
performances will not be tolerated.
5. During a 30 second timeout, cheerleaders
are not to enter the court. (NFHS Spirit
Rule: 2.1.10) Cheerleaders may cheer on
the court during a full timeout and during
the breaks between quarters; however they
must be clear of the court when it is time to
resume the game.
6. Cheerleaders must not stand/cheer behind
the basket in the free throw lane. (NFHS
Spirit Rule: 2.1.12) See diagram to the
right.
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2. Start Times
The head cheer coach should coordinate starting game times with the head coach of each
sport.
3. Winter Cheerleading Tournament & Competition
A. DoDDS-E Spirit Award (Awarded to 1 team per Division) & All-Tournament
Cheerleader Selections (12 from DI/DII and 10 from DIII) - Judging takes place during
games and half-times during the first 2 days of the tournament. See attachment 3 for
specific details.
B. DoDDS-E Cheerleading Competition – 2:15-2:30 minute routine performed on a
matted surface (max 90 seconds of music). See attachment 4 for specific details.
4. All-Europe Cheerleader Selections - See attachment 5 for details.
1. Video Tryouts – Each candidate will be recorded performing the skills required for
the All-Europe Tryouts.
2. Nomination Form – Each coach must submit the nomination form for the
cheerleaders who completed a tryout. Both the video tryout and nomination form
are required for each candidate.
3. Judging – The tryouts will be judged by a panel of judges and final selections will be
announced in March.
4. Awards – 12 Cheerleaders selected each to the 1st Team and 2nd Team, for a total of
24 cheerleaders.
5. Eligibility
A. All members of the cheerleading team, including managers, must meet the academic
eligibility. It is the responsibility of the head coach and athletic director to insure that
no member of the cheerleading team participates if she/he is ineligible.
B. Only students in grades 9th-12th are eligible for Varsity or Junior Varsity participation.
C. Students in grades 7 and 8 are not authorized to participate in practice or games.
6. Centrally Funded Travel
All squads will travel with their football/basketball teams to the DoDDS-E Championships &
Tournament. The maximum number of persons traveling and permitted entry into the
Championships is as follows:
Div I-II: 12 Cheerleaders and 2 Adults; 1 of the adults must be the DoDDS person.
Div III: 10 Cheerleaders and 2 Adults. 1 of the adults must be the DoDDS person.
Students cannot be substituted for the adults. There are no exceptions.
Schools violating this policy will be sanctioned.
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7. DoDDS-Europe Athletic Rules
A. Player participation at practice and games:
Any athlete or team participating in the DoDDS Interscholastic Athletic Program is
expected to participate in all DoDDS scheduled events and practices for the sport in
which he/she participates. Participating in a non-DoDDS event, in lieu of a scheduled
DoDDS practice or match is not permitted. Any athlete or team who misses a practice or
match because of a non-DoDDS athletic activity loses the privilege of continued
participation for that season.
B. Controlled Substance Policy
(1) Students shall not possess, use, or sell controlled or mind altering substances,
tobacco, alcoholic beverages, hallucinogenic drugs, inhalants, or a combination of
drugs or paraphernalia expressly prohibited by federal or local laws.
(2) Athletes who possess, use or sell controlled substances other than tobacco (to
include electronic cigarettes) and alcohol will be removed from athletic
participation for the remainder of the school year.
a) Athletes who are members of an athletic team (from the 1st day of practice
through the awards ceremony) will be removed from the team for the
remainder of the season (1st offense) if they possess, use or sell alcohol or
tobacco during the school day or at any school event. If an athlete violates this
policy for the second time in a school year, the student will be removed from
athletic participation for the remainder of the school year. Athletes violating
the policy at a season ending event (regular season event or the championships)
will not be permitted to participate in the next sport season.
b) Athletes who are members of an athletic team (during the season) who
possess/use tobacco and /or alcohol outside of the time and events stated above
in point B (2) a), will be subject to the following:
(1) 1st offense – Suspended from all competition for the next seven
calendar days. If the suspension occurs during a time period when
games are not scheduled, the team member will miss the next
scheduled DoDDS-E competition. If traveling on an overnight trip,
the athlete will miss the entire weekend of competition.
Athlete must show proof of attending one counseling session and
scheduling and attending two more counseling sessions during the
next three weeks to be reinstated to the team. If the offense occurs at
the end of the season, the seven-calendar days/one athletic
competition will be carried over to the next season in which the
athlete participates.
(2) 2nd offense – Athlete is removed from athletic participation for the
remainder of the school year.
(3) Coaches/sponsors and/or volunteers will not possess, use and/or consume alcoholic
beverages on athletic trips while in a supervisory role. Therefore, from the time of
departure from the school, until the return to the school, consumption of alcoholic
beverages is prohibited.
(4) DoDDS faculty, sponsors, and volunteers may not smoke in the presence of
students.
(5) All students to include those in the International schools who participate in the
2015-2016 Cheer Guidelines
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DoDDS-E athletic program will be subject to this policy.
8. Stars and Stripes Reporting
Competition results will be submitted to Stars and Stripes immediately following the
competition by the tournament director. It is the responsibility of each head coach to provide
information to the tournament director in a timely fashion.
Coaches are required to submit roster information that includes the cheerleader’s full name,
main position (flyer, base, etc.) grade, and hometown. A memorandum requesting this
information will be forwarded to the coaches sometime in January.
9. Attachments

Attachment 1 – Corrections to NFHS Spirit Rules Book
2015-2016 NFHS
Corrections

Attachment 2 – Summary of AACCA Cheerleading Safety
2015-2016 AACCA
Rules



Attachment 3 – Spirit Award & All-Tournament Cheerleader Information
Attachment 4 – Saturday Cheerleading Competition
Attachment 5 – All-Europe Cheerleader Selections Information
Karen Seadore, CAA
DoDDS-Europe – Directors Office
ISS –Athletics
DSN: 545-1513
CIV: 0611-143-545-1513
Outside Germany: 0049-611-143-545-1513
Cell: 0162-23422
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Attachment 3
SPIRIT AWARD & ALL-TOURNAMENT CHEERLEADERS
1. SPIRIT AWARD:
This award will be presented to one team of each division showing the best balance of technique,
spirit, enthusiasm, and crowd effectiveness. A panel of judges from the European Cheerleading
Committee will judge the teams at one game during the tournament. A schedule of judging
locations will be provided closer to the tournament.
A. All cheerleading teams are expected to cheer a minimum of 2 games per day. Judging of
teams will be at one of the games on the scheduled day, but behavior and sportsmanship
demonstrated throughout the tournament will be considered in the judging of the spirit
award.
B. All teams are expected to follow the game schedule for the assigned venue on judging
day. Failure to be at the stated location may result in elimination of your team for the
Spirit Award.
C. Please pre-test your music for half-time between games.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that iPods are used, not all gyms will have CD players.
D. Quarter cheers: “visitor” after 1st quarter; “home” after 3rd quarter
Half-time---“visitor” performs first, “home” performs second
NOTE: Time is short, as basketball teams need warm-up time. Your team must be aready
to take the floor for halftime performances IMMEDIATELY following the whistle to end
play after the first half. During the tournament pool games for the basketball teams, the
half time is 5 minutes in length. It is critical that cheer teams not use the full 5 minutes.
E. Stunts that require mats must always be matted, no exceptions. Mats are not permitted to
be used during the tournament basketball games. Prepare your halftimes and other
performances accordingly!
F. Safety Violations: Your team may be disqualified from the Spirit Award competition in
the event that severe and/or repeated safety/rule violations are observed by the
tournament judges.
2. ALL-TOURNAMENT CHEERLEADERS:
Cheerleaders from each division (12 from DI/DII and 10 from DIII) will be selected using a
combination of coach nominations and a panel of judges from the European Cheerleading
Committee. These cheerleaders will be selected based on demonstrated skills and crowd
effectiveness while at the tournament.
3. DRAFT SCORE SHEET:
Any changes to the score sheets that will be used for the Spirit Award will be emailed to all
coaches/schools no later than January. It is recommended that you have these score sheets in
mind when planning your quarter and halftime performances.
DRAFT - 2016 Spirit
Award Score Sheet
4. AWARDS:
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Attachment 3
The Spirit Award and All-Tournament Cheerleader Awards will be presented at the awards
ceremony after the Cheerleading Competition.
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Attachment 4
CHEERLEADING COMPETITION
The following are the that may be used for this year’s Cheer Competition.
1. PURPOSE: The purpose of the DoDDS Cheerleading Championships is to develop
leadership, confidence, and skill among participants in the cheerleading program. The
competition rules are defined to insure a safe environment for all competitors. Safety is our
primary consideration! The 2014-2015 National High School Federation Spirit Rules is the
adopted rulebook for DoDDS-Europe and adherence to the rules, as outlined, is essential
during all cheerleading activities.
2. PARTICIPANTS: All DoDDS schools and International Schools who participate in the
DoDDS-E winter sports basketball leagues are eligible for this competition. Each Varsity
team will be allowed a maximum of 12 for Div. I & II, 10 for Div III, members to include
both males and females on the floor during their competition routine.
3. RULE BOOKS: Teams are expected to follow the safety regulations as outlined in the
2014-2015 National High School Federation Spirit Rule Book. Violations will earn penalties
toward the team score. A team may be asked to leave the performance floor if the violation
is severe.
IMPORTANT: If a coach is unsure of the legality of a stunt, a video of the stunt can be
emailed to Jim Lord of AACCA for a legality ruling. He will evaluate the stunt according to
NFHS and AACCA : [email protected]
(Please bring any emails on these rulings with you to the competition.)
NOTE: The DoDDS-Europe Director’s Office representative reserves the right to disqualify
any team who is unable to follow the safety rules and competition regulations set forth.
4. TIME LIMITS FOR COMPETITION: Each Varsity team will perform one combination
routine lasting a maximum of 2:30 minutes, but not less than 2:15 within which will be a
maximum of 1 ½ minutes (90 seconds) of music (can be split into several segments or
played as one 90 second segment). Teams can arrange their routine in any order of dance,
tumbling, stunting, and cheering providing that the time limits stated above are adhered to
and all members begin with both feet on the ground. Note: The music segment(s) must not
exceed a cumulative time of 90 seconds.
5.
VIOLATION IN TIME REQUIREMENTS: Timing will begin with the first motion,
movement, or sound. An additional stopwatch will be active while the music or taped
production is being broadcast to ensure teams remain with the required the music segment .
Any team going over or under the time requirement will be assessed a penalty. Because of
the severity of the penalty, it is suggested that coaches keep the routine well within the time
limit.
Teams are allowed to set up the area by placing poms and spirit materials. After arranging
their items, they must come to a complete stop before the routine and timing starts. (Spiriting
on/off the competition area is allowed, but it will not be scored or timed.)
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Attachment 4
6. COMPETITION AREA: Participants must begin their routines within the competition area
and with both feet on the ground. They may line up in any manner inside this area. The
competition area will be confined to 7 strips of joined regulation cheer mats. (42’x 42’).
7. BUILDING ROUTINES: Routines should be choreographed so that the routine flows from
one segment to another without interruption. Stunting, tumbling, and jumps are permitted
and encouraged in all segments.
8. INTERRUPTIONS: If the routine is interrupted, the judges will invoke the following :
A. If the interruption is caused by a facility failure or by personnel managing the
competition, the squad will be allowed to repeat the entire routine.
B. If the interruption is due to the squad’s equipment or injury, the squad must either
continue the routine or withdraw from the competition. Officials reserve the right to
stop the routine if an injury occurs.
9. LOTTERY FOR ORDER OF COMPETITION: A lottery system will be used to
determine the order of competition. This random lottery will occur at the area level with the
European Athletic Director and several members of the tournament staff.
10. USE OF PROPS: Props, signs, and megaphones are permitted, but not required. However,
any prop, including flags, signs, poms, megaphones, or any item used as a prop that becomes
a safety hazard will result in penalty assessed by the rules judge.
11. FLOOR SPOTTERS: Floor spotters will be hired by the DoDDS-E Cheerleading
Committee. Use of floor spotters for all teams at the European Competition is mandatory.
Floor spotters will also be present for the scheduled mat run through prior to competition.
12. DRAFT SCORE SHEETS: Any changes in the score sheets or rubric that will be used by
the judges at the competition will be emailed to schools/coaches. Consider reviewing the
score sheets and rubric while choreographing the competition routine.
DRAFT - 2016
DRAFT - 2016
Saturday Competition Score
Competition
Sheet Rubric
DRAFT - 2016 Rules
Deductions
13. SCORING: The total score will be calculated by adding the points from each judge and
subtracting the assessed penalties. Score sheets will be sent via email to all participating
schools during the week following the competition.
14. COACHING RESTRICTIONS: Coaches are not authorized to be in the vicinity of the
judges’ table during the competition routines and scoring period.
15. AWARDS: The top three teams in each division will receive a team plaque. Depending on
time, the awards will either be given immediately following the competition or during the
halftime of the basketball game following the competition.
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Attachment 4
16. PRACTICE TIMES:
Optional - Open Gym: The competition mats will be set up at a gym in the tournament
area. This gym will be open to cheerleaders and their coaches ONLY. A schedule of open
hours will be provided.
 Open gym time must be adult supervised – DoDDS cheer coach must be on site!
 Time is limited to 20 minutes if other teams are waiting to use the floor.
 Only members listed on the cheer travel roster are authorized to enter the gym.
 Teams may not use the Open Gym in lieu of cheering for their basketball teams. Use of
the gym is during free time only.
 No basketball players or other spectators may enter.
 No food or drinks allowed. Teams are expected to keep the facility clean!
 If at any time the facility or times allotted are abused, or if other problems/issues arise,
the gym will be locked for the remainder of the tournament.
Required - Official Mat run-through: Each team will be assigned one (1) 15 minute
“official” practice run-through prior to the competition. (The actual dates and times will be
sent prior to the championships.) If you are not cheering and would like to observe other
teams’ competition routines, you may do so. Only the individuals listed on your cheerleading
travel roster will be permitted into the gym during mat run-throughs. Parents, basketball
players and other spectators are not authorized to be in the facility. No one will be permitted
to move around or make noise when a team is on the mat. A designated tournament
representative will be responsible for ensuring that teams do not exceed the time allowed.
All teams will do their routine at least once in its entirety, including stunts. This will allow
the floor spotters to assess each team’s ability and level of stunting difficulty. You must be
at the gym 15 minutes prior to your scheduled run-through. Failure to be at the
location will result in forfeiture of your run-through time.
Competition Day: There will be an open warm up session prior to competition. Teams are
encouraged to stay together and be respectful of all other teams present. The mat area will
have to be shared. Additionally, there will be space to warm-up outside of the competition
area. Each team will have time in this area prior to entering the competition floor.
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Attachment 5
ALL-EUROPE CHEERLEADING SELECTIONS
1. ALL EUROPE CHEERLEADERS:
12 All-Europe Cheerleaders are selected for the All Europe 1st team and 12 are selected for the
2nd team based on overall skill level and team performance for the season. These individual
awards go to the top 24 cheerleaders across divisions that are nominated by their coaches.
Each team may nominate a maximum of 5 cheerleaders. However, coaches should be discerning
in making their nominations and only the absolute best cheerleaders should be nominated. If you
do not have anyone outstanding it is perfectly acceptable to not nominate anyone. The question
coaches should ask themselves is: “Does the cheerleader have the skills and abilities of the top 24
cheerleaders in Europe?”
2. VIDEO TRYOUT
A. When: A video of the cheerleader performing the established requirements will be taken
during the European Basketball and Cheerleading Tournament. A schedule showing
available times will be published closer to the tournament.
B. Where: Tony Bass Gym on Clay Kaserne. This is the “Open Gym” where mat runthroughs are done and where they were held last year. It is a short walk from the main
fitness center.
C. Tryout Video Details: Cheerleaders must be prepared to perform all skills in one take. If
they are unhappy with their initial performance, they may opt to have a “re-take”. The
second video, if they choose to re-shoot their tryout, will be the one scored. The initial
performance will be erased.
D. Required Skills: Subject to change!
Cheer – the required cheer will be available no later than January 15, 2015
Jumps - a toe touch and other two best jump
Stunting - One stunt sequence (load, execute, dismount)
Standing Tumbling – one skill/series
Running Tumbling – one tumbling pass
Dance – the required dance will be available no later than January 15, 2015
Note: The tryout should move smoothly from skill to skill. Energy and spirit should be
demonstrated throughout the video.
E. Attire: Cheerleaders trying out for All Europe and their entire stunt group will be
required to wear a plain white shirt with dark colored shorts (preferably black). NO
uniforms or other school indicators will be worn during the tryouts. The mascot, team
colors, and school name will be uniform for all performances as demonstrated in the
instructional video.
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Attachment 5
F. DRAFT Scoring: Each video will be scored using the following rubric by a panel of
DoDDS cheer coaches.
All-Europe Cheer
Rubric
3. NOMINATION FORM
Coaches will complete a nomination form for each candidate that completes a video tryout for
All-Europe. These forms should be submitted to a member of the tournament committee at the
tournament after the completion of the video tryout.
2016 All-Europe
Nomination
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