Arkansas Activities Association 3920 Richards Road North Little Rock, AR Phone: Fax:

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2 Arkansas Activities Association 3920 Richards Road North Little Rock, AR Phone: Fax: Annette Savage, AAA Staff Spirit Liaison Regulations governing interscholastic spirit team competition, coaching, and participation

3 Competitive cheer and competitive dance are sports and participants must abide by all athletic rules as stated in the Arkansas Activities Association Handbook. Students participating as a member of a school s non-competitive cheer or dance team must meet eligibility requirements for interscholastic non-athletic competitive activities. You may access the AAA Handbook by going to ahsaa.org and clicking on AAA Handbook under Quick Links on the left side of the page.

4 SPIRIT SEASON CHECKLIST This checklist is designed to assist you in planning your cheer/dance season AUGUST Downloaded Spirit Handbook Received National Federation Rules Book August 17 Cheer/Dance Seasons Begin August 16 Deadline to post team rosters for competitive cheer and competitive dance August 16 Deadline to complete Cheer and Dance Rules Presentation on AAA website Competitive Coaches Joined Arkansas High School Coaches Association Sideline Coaches Applied for AAA Activity Identification Pass Submitted Teacher-Coach Verification or Non-Competitive Advisor Verification OCTOBER October 10 Deadline to submit State Dance Championship Entry October 15 Deadline to post head coach & team pix for competitive dance NOVEMBER November 14 Deadline to submit State Cheer Championship Entry November 14 State Dance Competition at Bryant Middle School November 15 Deadline to post head coach & team pix for competitive cheer DECEMBER December 15 Deadline to submit All-State/All-Star nominations December 19 State Cheer Competition at Hot Springs Convention Center JANUARY January 19 Cheer & Dance All-Star Coaches Meeting JUNE June 26-July 9 Athletic Dead Weeks June All-Star Games June AHSCA Coaching Clinic

5 SPIRIT RULES CHANGES Rule 1 Revises definitions of Drop, Flatback, Prop, Top Person, and Toss. Changes Aerial to Airborne. Adds a definition for Prop as Base. Deletes the definition of Totem Pole Clarifies the use of an American flag and commemorative patches worn on uniforms. 2-5 Reorganizes, clarifies and adds to the Inversions section Adds article for braced inversions that do not flip or roll Allows a top person in a braced flip to execute a half twist. Allows a top person in a braced flip to rotate sideways Adds exception to allow an inverted person on the floor to hold a prop while being transitioned to a non-inverted stunt Allows a top person moving from vertical to horizontal position to be caught on his/her side Clarifies that transitional stunts can continue from the quick toss position Allows release transitions to have a single base Prohibits suspending a person face down with his/her arms and legs held above the torso , Prohibits airborne skills without hip-over-head rotation that jump from a standing or squatting position backwards onto the neck, shoulders/hands , Eliminates restriction on drops from a non-airborne position , Prohibits airborne drops to a push-up position , Prohibits falling directly to the stomach or back from a standing position without first bearing weight on the hands.

6 Spirit Rules Committee Donna McKay, Chair Iowa Diane Wolf Idaho Denise Gelinas Maine Section 1 Kelly Geddis West Virginia Section 2 Jamie Rohrer Florida Section 3 Shaunda Brown Missouri Section 4 Reggie Romine Kansas Section 5 Amy Cassell Oklahoma Section 6 Lori Rupp Utah Section 7 David Pilcher Washington Section 8 Susie Knoblauch, Editor NFHS Robert B. Gardner, Publisher NFHS

7 Points of Emphasis Coaches Responsibility: Education Coaches have a professional responsibility to read and fully comprehend the entire NFHS Spirit Rules Book. It is important for coaches to read the entire rules book to fully understand all rules to correctly teach the appropriate skills to their athletes. It is also the coaches responsibility to educate their student-athletes so they are aware of the rules changes. Coaches Responsibility: Minimizing Risk Risk minimization for participants must be the primary objective for all spirit coaches. Protecting the head, neck, and shoulders of participants during stunting must be a top priority. Participants should be placed under the direction of a qualified and knowledgeable coach who can recognize a squad s particular ability level and limit their activities accordingly. Partner stunts and other gymnastics-related activities should be taught in natural progressions from easy to hard and low to high. Practice should focus on risk minimization for all stunting personnel. During practices, coaches should ensure that athletes are thoroughly trained in proper spotting techniques and receive appropriate training before attempting any form of stunting and tumbling. Only those skills mastered in practice and consistently executed safely should be performed. Coaches should also provide a comprehensive conditioning and strength-building program to ensure optimum fitness for their athletes. Overuse injuries are a common problem characterized by irritation to a body part. Cutting back on the intensity, duration and frequency of specific activities/skills will help to minimize the potential for overuse injuries to athletes. A coach should be mindful of other athletic activities in which their participants are involved and should educate parents and participants regarding overuse injuries and over-training. Concussions The understanding of sports-related concussions has evolved dramatically in recent years. We have learned that young athletes are particularly vulnerable to the effects of concussion. The majority of concussions for spirit participants are acquired during partner stunts. 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. Application of NFHS Spirit Rules Book The NFHS Spirit Rules Book provides rules and safety limitations that should be followed by all cheerleading/dance/drill/pom and other spirit teams that stunt, tumble or use props as a base. 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. In addition, coaches are expected to be advocates and models of good sportsmanship and follow all rules as written.

8 Arkansas Activities Association SPIRIT PARTICIPANT ELIGIBILITY - Students wishing to participate as a member of an interscholastic competitive cheer or dance team must meet ALL athletic eligibility rules as outlined in the AAA Handbook. Students participating as a member of a school s non-competitive (sideline) cheer or dance team must meet eligibility requirements for interscholastic non-athletic competitive activities. PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS - In any school year that a student tries out for or participates as a member of the school s cheer or dance team, the student shall present to the coach a physical examination verification prior to beginning an organized practice or workshop for try-outs. This shall be valid for one calendar year. TRY-OUTS The AAA recommends that Arkansas spirit coaches offer a focused and non-biased try-out that evaluates the required skills, athletic abilities, spirit, leadership, and teamwork. It is important that you take control of your try-outs. The football coach doesn t have a panel to choose his quarterback. You have to break the old mentality that YOU and your staff cannot be trusted to pick your squads. The use of teacher evaluations and grade point standards for competitive spirit squads different from that of other athletic programs is inequitable. It is important that you as a coach conduct your try-outs. You will minimize controversy and gain support of your administrators, parents, and student athletes if you are fair and firm, consistent, and communicate with those involved in your program. STUDENT PARTICIPATION LIMITATIONS - Only a school s cheer team members are authorized to participate on the sidelines, floor or field during an athletic contest or spirit competition, except when drill/dance/pom teams are authorized by the school administration. An individual who is designated as a part of the team to stand or perform with the team on the sidelines, floor, or field during an athletic contest or sport competition (ex: mascot) shall meet all eligibility requirements of the cheer and dance team members. TEAM PARTICIPATION LIMITATIONS - At regional and state basketball tournaments no more than twelve members of a school s cheer team shall be permitted on the sidelines (floor) during play. The complete team may perform at full timeouts and between quarters and games. The AAA does not define or restrict the number on a team. Each school or district determines this when adopting tryout procedures or other policies. FACILITIES LIMITATIONS - At regular season events the home site may define limitations due to space and facility constraints. Such information should be communicated in advance to visitors to the facility. It is also recommended that the host clearly identify seating arrangements in indoor athletic facilities. Areas might be identified and marked off for home spectators, home students, band, cheerleaders, dance teams, visitor spectators, and visitor students. A visiting spirit team should not be seated among the home team s fans. SIGNAGE - All signs displayed including football run-throughs should be positive in nature. In general, the only signs that mention or depict the name or mascot of the opponents should be Welcome or signs giving directions. The coach should review all signs as to sportsmanship, spelling, grammar and appropriateness and permit only positive signs to be used. TUMBLING As a matter of safety and sportsmanship, tumbling shall be restricted to the half court where the team is cheering and shall stop before reaching the centerline. If more space is needed, tumbling may be on the diagonal away from the team bench and end before reaching the centerline. Exception: Tumbling as part of a performance on the main court area. BODY ART A small, appropriate design painted or transferable may be worn on the face or other appropriate location.

9 RULES - The National Federation Spirit Rules Book shall be the official rules for practice, sideline, performing, or competitive participation. School spirit teams are also subject to pertinent rules of the AAA handbook and the AAA Sportsmanship Manual. In addition, we require middle schools and junior high schools to follow the additional rules for middle schools and junior high schools published by AACCA which include the following: 1. Basket tosses, elevator tosses, and similar multi-based tosses are prohibited. 2. The total number of twists in a dismount from stunts cannot be greater than one rotation. Exception to this rule: Side facing stunts (i.e. Arabesque, Scorpion, etc.) may add a one-quarter twist in order to cradle to the front. SPONSORSHIP Varsity/UCA/UDA is the official sponsor of the Arkansas High School State Cheer and State Dance Championships. Varsity is the #1 spirit company in the nation, and we are excited to have them as our sponsor. NATIONAL COMPETITIONS The National Federation of State High School Associations endorses the UCA and UDA Nationals in Orlando, Florida; therefore, these are the only national cheer and dance competitions Arkansas high school teams are allowed to enter. SCHOOL TEAM A school team is defined as a team composed solely of players from one member school within a district or attendance zone, in the case of multiple junior or senior high schools within a district. NON-SCHOOL TEAMS During the school year, a school coach may not coach his or her school team in any outof-season competitions. Cheerleaders and dancers may compete in out-of-season competitions, but may not be school sponsored in anyway. These non-school teams may not use school equipment or uniforms. School transportation and facilities may only be used in accordance with school board policies as they relate to any other non-school group using facilities or transportation. RULES MEETING Rules meetings for cheer and dance must be completed by August 16. Failure to do so will result in a $50.00 fine. If a school fails to comply the following year, the school shall also be issued a warning in that sport or activity which may require forfeiture of events during that school year. The Cheer and Dance Rules Meetings will be ONLINE beginning in July. From our home page, log in with your username and password in the upper right hand corner. After you log in, click Online Rules Meeting in the member area. SAFETY CERTIFICATION - All cheerleading coaches must be currently safety certified by the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators. A school s safety certified coach must be present at any practice, game, or performance where any member of the team will be learning, practicing, or performing partner stunts or tumbling. The AACCA safety certification remains in effect for each certified individual for a period of four consecutive years and a coach can recertify by repeating the course. All cheerleading participants in AAA member schools shall be grounded until their coach has successfully completed the AACCA Safety Certification course. No cheer team shall be eligible to enter any cheer competition unless the coach has completed the AACCA Safety Certification program and completed the current year s on-line spirit rules presentation. In the event of a violation, the cheer team will be grounded and shall incur a $50 fine for a team stunting without a certified coach. Further violations penalties may be assessed against the school as provided in the AAA Handbook. VERIFICATION FORMS The school must submit a Teacher-Coach Verification form each year for each teachercoach who does not have a coaching endorsement certifying that the school has ON FILE documentation for each AAA required item. The school must submit a Non-Competitive Spirit Team Advisor Verification form each year for each non-competitive spirit advisor certifying that the school has ON FILE documentation for each required item.

10 COMPETITIVE CHEER COACHES SPIRIT COACHING REQUIREMENTS A. Licensed Teacher regularly employed and paid by the local board of education for professional duties which shall be for a minimum of three regular class periods or equivalent time each day. Assignment to a professional education duty other than a classroom teaching assignment all or part of the required three periods is permissible, but such assignment does not excuse a coach from the licensure required as a teacher. 1. Currently AACCA Safety Certified 4-year certification, renewable by retaking the course. 2. Successfully complete the NFHS Coaches Education online courses Fundamentals of Coaching, First Aid, Health and Safety for Coaches, Fundamentals of Coaching Cheer and Dance 3. AAA state rules exam. 4. Certification CPR (recertification as required) 5. Certification AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) (recertification as required) 6. Complete the AAA Heat Illness Training. 7. Complete the AAA Concussion Training. 8. Complete the AAA Communicable Disease Course. 9. Complete the online Spirit Rules Presentation under own username; login and verify online. 10. Those meeting these criteria can be paid a stipend for coaching. B. Licensed Teacher with ADE coaching endorsement regularly employed and paid by the local board of education for professional duties which shall be for a minimum of three regular class periods or equivalent time each day. Assignment to a professional education duty other than a classroom teaching assignment all or part of the required three periods is permissible, but such assignment does not excuse a coach from the licensure required as a teacher. 1. Currently AACCA Safety Certified 4-year certification, renewable by retaking the course 2. Complete the AAA Heat Illness Training. 3. Complete the AAA Concussion Training. 4. Complete the AAA Communicable Disease Course. 5. Complete the online Spirit Rules presentation under own username; log in and verify online C. Registered Volunteer Employed by the school district, not as a licensed teacher (ex.: aide, tutor, secretary, bookkeeper, study hall supervisor, cafeteria worker, etc.) OR a community volunteer not employed by the school. 1. Meet ALL of the following criteria: a. Currently AACCA Safety Certified 4-year certification, renewable by retaking the course. b. Successfully complete the NFHS Coaches Education online courses Fundamentals of Coaching, First Aid for Coaches, Fundamentals of Coaching Cheer and Dance c. AAA state rules exam. d. Certification CPR (recertification as required) e. Certification AED (Automatic External Defibrillator) recertification as required) f. Complete the AAA Heat Illness Training. g. Complete the AAA Concussion Training. h. Complete the AAA Communicable Disease Course. i. Must present to the school a current health certificate (tb skin test). j. Must present to the school results of a criminal background check (fingerprinting). k. Upon completion of the above requirements, obtain a letter from the school administration authorizing the volunteer to represent the school in the named sport(s) for the current (name year) school year ONLY. l. Complete and send to the AAA office a Registered Volunteers Enrollment Form. This must be submitted again each year that the individual serves in this volunteer capacity. (Printable form on Coaches Education web page) m. School submits your name and Registered Volunteer assignment to the AAA on the School s Required Registered Volunteer-Coach Verification form indicating that the school has ON FILE documentation of all the required items. (Printable form on Coaches Education web page) This must be done each year also. n. Complete the online Spirit Rules presentation under own username and login and verify online. 2. A Registered Volunteer may not receive monetary compensation for services; however, the school can reimburse the RV for expenses such as travel, clinics, etc.

11 NON-COMPETITIVE CHEER ADVISORS (Sideline only) A. Full time licensed teacher or classified employee (minimum of three periods a day) 1. Must meet ALL of the following criteria: a. Complete the online Spirit Rules Presentation under own username and login and verify online. b. Currently AACCA Safety Certified 4-year certification, renewable by retaking the course. c. Certification CPR (recertification as required) d. Certification AED (defibrillator recertification as required) e. Complete the AAA Heat Illness Training. f. Complete the AAA Concussion Training. g. Complete the AAA Communicable Disease Course. h. Current background check (fingerprinting repeat as required for teachers) i. A minimum of six hours of in-service training provided by the school specific to the activity in which the advisor is involved 2. Those meeting these criteria can be paid a stipend for coaching. B. Registered Volunteer Employed by the school district in a job not defined as a faculty member OR a community volunteer not employed by the school. 1. Must meet ALL of the following criteria: a. Complete the online Spirit Rules Presentation under own username and login and verify online. b. Currently AACCA Safety Certified 4-year certification, renewable by retaking the course. c. Certification CPR (recertification as required) d. Certification AED (defibrillator recertification as required) e. Complete the AAA Heat Illness Training. f. Complete the AAA Concussion Training. g. Complete the AAA Communicable Disease Course. h. Current background check (fingerprinting repeat as required for teachers) i. A minimum of six hours of in-service training provided by the school specific to the activity in which the advisor is involved j. Upon completion of the above requirements, obtain a letter from the school administration authorizing the volunteer to represent the school in the named sport(s) for the current (name year) school year ONLY. k. Complete and send to the AAA office a Registered Volunteers Enrollment Form. This must be submitted again each year that the individual serves in this volunteer capacity. (Printable form on Coaches Education web page) 2. A Registered Volunteer may not receive monetary compensation for services; however, the school can reimburse the RV for expenses such as travel, clinics, etc. COMPETITIVE DANCE COACHES / NON-COMPETITIVE DANCE ADVISORS Competitive or non-competitive dance coaches must meet the same criteria as the corresponding cheer coach EXCEPT THAT dance coaches are not required to be AACCA safety certified

12 SPIRIT RULES Competition The state cheer competition will have semifinal rounds if there are enough schools entered in a division, with finals following later on the same day. The state spirit competitions will involve teams only; there will be no solo or small ensemble competition. The minimum number to constitute a team is five. Because of safety issues, the maximum number of athletes competing on a competitive cheer team will be 36. A member of an interscholastic spirit team may not compete on a non-school team during the interscholastic spirit season. Competitive dance season will be Week 7 through the state competition on the second Saturday in November. Competitive dance team declaration deadline is June 1 without penalty. Deadline with $25 penalty is Week #6. Competitive cheer season will be from Week 7 through the state competition on the third Saturday in December. Competitive cheer team declaration deadline is June 1 without penalty. Deadline with $25 penalty is Week #11. The AAA will only sponsor a state senior high competition for the sports of dance and cheer. Senior high dance and cheer teams may participate in five invitational competitions before the state competition. Junior high school dance and cheer teams may compete in five invitational competitions. Cheer teams and dance teams for AHSCA All-Star basketball and football games will be housed in the All-Star dormitory. Teacher-coaches of competitive cheer and competitive dance teams are eligible to join the Arkansas High School Coaches Association. State tournament sites will be determined by the same invitation to host process currently being used by the AAA Board of Directors. Credentialed Registered Volunteers may serve as spirit coaches for competitive teams or advisors for non-competitive teams. Schools having a cheer or dance team will indicate on the Fall and Winter Declaration for Sports whether they are a competitive (competing for a state championship) or non-competitive (sideline/support only) team. Schools declaring as non-competitive shall not be permitted to compete as a school team at any time.

13 STATE DANCE COMPETITION Time Limit Each team will have a maximum of two (2) minutes to demonstrate their style and expertise. Timing will begin with the first note of the music and end with the last note of the music or the last movement, whichever is last. Categories JAZZ A jazz routine incorporates stylized dance movements and combinations, formation changes, group work, leaps, and turns. Emphasis is placed on proper technical execution, extension, control, body placement, and team uniformity. Creative choreography will capture the attention of the audience and judges. Having your own style will distinguish your team from the rest. POM Poms must be used for at least 80% of the routine. Important characteristics of a pom routine include synchronization and visual effects, along with proper pom placement and dance technique. Motions should be very sharp, clean, and precise. Your team should be synchronized and appear as one. A routine that is visually effective is extremely important, including level changes, group work, formation changes, etc. Keep in mind that pom routines carry a more traditional theme, whereas, jazz routines are more stylized. HIP-HOP Routines should include street style movements with an emphasis on execution, style, creativity, body isolations, and control. The uniformity of all movement throughout the performance should complement the beats and rhythm of the music. Teams may also put an additional focus on incorporations such as jumps, jump variations, combo jumps, stalls, and floor work. HIGH KICK The emphasis will be on synchronization, choreography, and technique. Each routine must have at least 50 kicks. A kick is considered an extension of the leg lifted with force above the performance floor. A contagion/ripple will count as one kick (not a kick counted for each dancer performing it).

14 STATE CHEER COMPETITION Time Limit Each team will have a maximum of two (2) minutes and thirty (30) seconds to demonstrate their style and expertise. Timing will begin with the first movement or note of the music and end with the last note of the music or the last movement, whichever is last. Your routine must have one minute of just cheer without music. One minute and 30 seconds with music

15 AAA 2015 State Cheerleading Championships December 19, 2015 Hot Springs Convention Center Arena The Arkansas Activities Association State Spirit Championships are conducted to showcase the overall technical, athletic, and competitive readiness of Arkansas high school spirit teams while instilling the value of training, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Our goal is to ensure that this is a positive and equitable experience for all regardless of the point outcome. ROUTINE TIME Each team performance will be two (2) minutes thirty (30) seconds with a five (5) second grace period either way. The routine must have one minute of just cheer without music. UNIFORMS All team members must be dressed in school approved uniform that complies with NFHS and AAA guidelines. MASCOTS Mascots are not allowed to perform. They may show their support by standing outside of the designated area and cheer on their squad. WARM UPS A warm up area will be available before your competition. COMPETITION AREA The competition area size will be 42 X 54 (9 mats). Only coaches, performers, authorized photographers, and press will be allowed on the floor. AWARDS Championship and runner-up trophies will be awarded in each classification. Champions will also receive a banner. JUDGING The AAA will select a panel of qualified judges who will score the teams according to the judging criteria on a 100-point system. Judging diversity is encouraged at the state level. It is not uncommon to receive a high score from one judge and an average score from another. Judges are encouraged to critique with professional diversity and equity. All decisions as rendered by the judges concerning scores and rule interpretations will be accepted as final. ALL JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL. ENTRY FEE There is no entry fee for the AAA State Cheerleading Championship, but each team must submit an entry form to the AAA. SOUVENIRS Various souvenir items will be available at the spirit championships. CONCESSIONS Concessions will be available. No coolers or outside food items may be brought into the seating area of the arena. VIDEOTAPING All recording devices such as IPhones/Smartphones, IPads/Tablets, digital cameras, and camcorders are prohibited unless authorized by the Arkansas Activities Association or the participating school. Noncommercial devices will need AAA Camera Tags which may be picked up at the host school. Videotaping will only be allowed from the stands. Videographers must provide their own power source. Videotaping in the arena aisles is strictly prohibited. Videotaping must not obstruct any person s view of

16 the competition, and no one will be allowed within the competition area to videotape. No videotaping will be used for review. PHOTOGRAPHS Photographs of each team must be taken before your team competes. Photos may be ordered on-line from LifeTouch. No preorders are required. MEDICAL/INJURY INTERVENTION Trainers will be on site. If an injury occurs during the performance and the athlete is unable to complete the performance, the coach will stop the competition until the injured athlete is removed from the competitive area. The team will be permitted to leave and re-group to perform later. An alternate may be substituted. Coaches need to communicate with the AAA administrator. Do not allow athletes to compete injured. If an injury occurs during competition, coaches have a responsibility to act in the best interest of their athletes. A participant who is bleeding, has an open wound, has any amount of blood on his/her uniform, or has blood on his/her person, shall be directed to leave the competition area until the bleeding is stopped, the wound is covered, the uniform and/or body is appropriately cleaned, and/or uniform is changed before returning to competition. SPORTSMANSHIP All athletes and spectators must abide by the rules of the AAA Sportsmanship Manual. ADMISSION PRICES Adults and students... $6.00 Pre-school... No charge AAA Passes will be honored with photo ID.

17 Arkansas Activities Association 3920 Richards Road North Little Rock, Arkansas STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP December 19, 2015 Entry Form Deadline for Entries: November 14, 2015 School School Mailing Address School Colors Mascot Coach Home Phone Cell Phone Asst. Coach Home Phone Cell Phone Competitive Class (Check one) 7A 6A 5A 4A 3A 2A-1A Return to AAA by November 14, 2015

18 Arkansas Activities Association 3920 Richards Road North Little Rock, Arkansas STATE COED CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP December 19, 2015 Entry Form Deadline for Entries: November 14, 2015 School School Mailing Address School Colors Mascot Coach Home Phone Cell Phone Asst. Coach Home Phone Cell Phone Competitive Class (Check one) 7A/6A/5A 4A/3A/2A/1A Return to AAA by November 14, 2015

19 2015 AAA State Cheer Championship Score Sheet SCHOOL Judge COMMENTS CATEGORY MAXIMUM VALUE TEAM SCORE MUSIC SECTION - 65 points STUNTS Execution Proper technique, form, synchronization, spacing 10 Difficulty Level of skill, number of bases, transitions, variety PYRAMIDS Execution Proper technique, form, synchronization, spacing 10 Difficulty Level of skill, number of bases, transitions, variety 5 15 TUMBLING Execution Proper technique, form, synchronization, spacing Difficulty Synchronized squad tumbling, level of skill, transitions 10 JUMPS Synchronized squad jumps, jump technique, type of jump, spacing 5 DANCE Technique, sharpness, placement, timing, and spacing 5 OVERALL Choreography, Visual Appeal, Image 10 CHEER SECTION - 35 points CROWD LEADING Crowd Effective Material 10 Proper use of signs, poms, megaphones to lead crowd 5 Use of Motions to Lead Crowd 5 20 INCORPORATIONS Proper use of skills to effectively lead crowd 5 Execution of incorporations 5 10 OVERALL Cheer Impression 5 TOTAL SCORE 100

20 2015 AAA State COED Cheer Championship Score Sheet SCHOOL Judge COMMENTS CATEGORY MAXIMUM VALUE TEAM SCORE MUSIC SECTION - 65 points STUNTS Execution Proper technique, form, synchronization, spacing 10 Difficulty Level of skill, number of bases, transitions, variety 10 Use of Coed Skills Main base demonstrates ability to support skill 5 25 PYRAMIDS Execution Proper technique, form, synchronization, spacing 10 Difficulty Level of skill, number of bases, transitions, variety 5 15 TUMBLING Execution Proper technique, form, synchronization, spacing Difficulty Synchronized squad tumbling, level of skill, transitions 10 JUMPS Synchronized squad jumps, jump technique, type of jump, spacing 5 OVERALL Choreography, Visual Appeal, Image 10 CHEER SECTION - 35 points CROWD LEADING Crowd Effective Material 10 Proper use of signs, poms, megaphones to lead crowd 5 Use of Motions to Lead Crowd 5 20 INCORPORATIONS Proper use of skills to effectively lead crowd 5 Execution of incorporations 5 10 OVERALL Cheer Impression 5 TOTAL SCORE 100

21 Competitive Varsity Cheer Teams 7A 6A 5A 4A 3A 2A 1A BENTONVILLE ALMA BEEBE ARKADELPHIA ATKINS AUGUSTA ALPENA BRYANT BENTON FARMINGTON ASHDOWN BOONEVILLE BIGELOW CADDO HILLS CABOT EL DORADO GREENE CO. TECH BAUXITE CEDARVILLE CARLISLE JACKSONVILLE LIGHTHOUSE CONWAY GREENWOOD HOPE BROOKLAND DREW CENTRAL EAST POINSETT CO OMAHA FAYETTEVILLE JONESBORO HOT SPRINGS DUMAS ELKINS GURDON SOUTHSIDE-BE BRANCH HAR-BER LAKE HAMILTON JACKSONVILLE GENTRY FORDYCE HECTOR ST. JOE HERITAGE RUSSELLVILLE LAKESIDE GOSNELL GLEN ROSE J.D. LEFTWICH NORTH LITTLE ROCK SHERIDAN LR CHRISTIAN GRAVETTE HARMONY GROVE- HASKELL ROGERS SILOAM SPRINGS MAUMELLE HAMBURG MANSFIELD JUNCTION CITY PALESTINE- WHEATLEY SPRINGDALE TEXARKANA MCCLELLAN HIGHLAND MAYFLOWER PARKERS CHAPEL VAN BUREN MORRILTON HUNTSVILLE PARIS RECTOR WEST MEMPHIS NETTLETON LINCOLN PIGGOTT SALEM SYLVAN HILLS NASHVILLE PRESCOT WESTERN YELL VALLEY VIEW NEWPORT SMACKOVER VILONIA PEA RIDGE WEST FORK WILBUR MILLS POCAHONTAS POTTSVILLE SHILOH CHRISTIAN STUTTGART WALDRON WESTSIDE CONS Competitive Varsity Dance Teams 7A 6A 5A 4A 3A 2A 1A BENTONVILLE ALMA BEEBE ARKADELPHIA GLEN ROSE CARLISLE CALICO ROCK BRYANT BENTON FARMINGTON BAUXITE MCGEHEE MOUNTAINBURG JACKSONVILLE LIGHTHOUSE CABOT GREENWOOD GREENE CO TECH BROOKLAND MOUNTAIN VIEW OMAHA CONWAY JONESBORO HOT SPRINGS DUMAS PARIS FAYETTEVILLE LAKE HAMILTON Little Rock Christian GOSNELL HAR-BER MOUNTAIN HOME MCCLELLAN WESTSIDE CONS HERITAGE RUSSELLVILLE MORRILTON ROGERS SHERIDAN NETTLETON SPRINGDALE TEXARKANA VALLEY VIEW VAN BUREN WILBUR MILLS

22 COMPETITIVE JUNIOR HIGH CHEER TEAMS 7A 6A 5A 4A 3A 2A BETHEL ALMA BEEBE BAUXITE HARMONY GROVE BRYANT ANNIE CAMP GREENE CO TECH BROOKLAND LAMAR CABOT FRESHMAN ACADEMY - RED CABOT FRESHMAN ACADEMY - WHITE BENTON LAKESIDE GENTRY MAYFLOWER DOUGLAS MACARTHUR MORRILTON GRAVETTE CABOT JH - RED EAST HILLS NETTLETON LINCOLN CABOT JH - WHITE LAKE HAMILTON PARAGOULD NASHVILLE CENTRAL MANN VALLEY VIEW NEWPORT DARBY NORTH HEIGHTS PEA RIDGE DUNBAR SHERIDAN STUTTGART ELMWOOD FULBRIGHT KIRKSEY LAKESIDE LINCOLN LINGLE MARY FRANCES GEORGE NORTH LITTLE ROCK OAKDALE RAMSEY SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON WEST JH TRINITY Competitive Junior High Dance Teams 7A 6A 5A 4A 3A BETHEL ALMA BEEBE BAUXITE CONNER BRYANT BENTON GREENE CO TECH BROOKLAND CABOT FRESHMAN LAKE HAMILTON LAKESIDE ACADEMY RED TRINITY CABOT FRESHMAN ACADEMY - WHITE MANN NETTLETON CABOT - NORTH SHERIDAN VALLEY VIEW CABOT SOUTH CENTRAL CHAFFIN DUNBAR FULBRIGHT KIRKSEY LAKESIDE LINCOLN LINGLE MARY FRANCES GEORGE NORTH LITTLE ROCK OAKDALE RAMSEY SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON These are the schools that had declared for competitive cheer and dance by July 22, 2015.

23 STATE SPIRIT CHAMPIONS CHEER DANCE 7A Champion 7A Runner-up Har-Ber North Little Rock 7A Champion 7A Runner-up Bentonville Bryant 6A Champion 6A Runner-up Benton Sheridan 6A Champion 6A Runner-up Alma Jonesboro 5A Champion 5A Runner-up Lakeside Valley View 5A Champion 5A Runner-up Nettleton Greene County Tech 4A Champion 4A Runner-up Shiloh Christian Pottsville 4A Champion 4A Runner-up Bauxite Arkadelphia 3A Champion 3A Runner-up Elkins Harmony Grove - Haskell 1A-2A-3A Champion 1A-2A-3A Runner-up Glen Rose McGehee 1-2A Champion Bay 1-2A Runner-up Gurdon 5-7A Coed Champion Bryant 5-7A Runner-up Bentonville 1-4A Coed Champion Pea Ridge 1-4A Runner-up West Fork

24 AAA 2015 State Dance Championships November 14, 2015 Bryant Middle School Gym The Arkansas Activities Association State Dance Championships are conducted to showcase the overall technical, athletic, and competitive readiness of Arkansas high school dance teams while instilling the value of training, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Our goal is to ensure that this is a positive and equitable experience for all regardless of the point outcome. CATEGORIES Teams must enter at least three (3) categories to qualify for the championship. Two-thirds of team must perform each routine. Jazz A jazz routine incorporates stylized dance movements and combinations, formation changes, group work, leaps, and turns. Emphasis is placed on proper technical execution, extension, control, body placement, and team uniformity. Creative choreography will capture the attention of the audience and judges. Having your own style will distinguish your team from the rest. High Kick The emphasis will be on synchronization, choreography, and technique. Each routine must have at least 50 kicks. A kick is considered an extension of the leg lifted with force above the performance floor. A contagion/ripple will count as one kick (not a kick counted for each dancer performing it). A 10-point deduction will be given for routines that do not have a minimum of 50 defined kicks. Hip-Hop Routines should include street style movements with an emphasis on execution, style, creativity, body isolations, and control. The uniformity of all movement throughout the performance should complement the beats and rhythm of the music. Teams may also put an additional focus on incorporations such as jumps, jump variations, combo jumps, stalls, and floor work. Pom Poms must be used for at least 80% of the routine. Important characteristics of a pom routine include synchronization and visual effects, along with proper pom placement and dance technique. Motions should be very sharp, clean, and precise. Your team should be synchronized and appear as one. A routine that is visually effective is extremely important, including level changes, group work, formation changes, etc. Keep in mind that pom routines carry a more traditional theme, whereas, jazz routines are more stylized. COMPETITION ROUTINE GUIDELINES 1. Formal entrances which involve dance, technical skills, and all traditions/chants are not permitted. Dancers should enter the performance area in a timely fashion. 2. All staging, backdrops, special effects, or any items that may damage or otherwise alter the performance floor or environment are prohibited (water, powder, feathers, glitter, etc.) 3. Each team performance will not exceed two (2) minutes. 4. Timing will begin with the first choreographed movement or note of the music. 5. Timing will end with the last choreographed movement or note of music, whichever is last. 6. If a team exceeds the time limit, a penalty will be assessed for each violation. Three (3) point deduction for 3-5 seconds over, five (5) point deduction for 6-10 seconds over, and a seven (7) point deduction for 11 seconds and over. 7. Each team must have a coach/representative to play their music. This person is responsible for bringing the music to the music table and pushing play and stop for the team 8. All music must be on a CD or flash drive. AAA recommends that you bring two copies in case sound systems have trouble reading your CD or flash drive. 9. In order to keep the competition on time, all team rituals and traditions need to take place prior to entering the performance floor. Teams should enter the floor and immediately start their routine.

25 MASCOTS Mascots are not allowed to perform. They may show their support by standing outside of the designated area and cheer on their squad. WARM UPS A warm up area will be available before your competition. COMPETITION AREA Only coaches, performers, authorized personnel, and AAA-approved press will be allowed on the floor. AWARDS Championship and runner-up trophies will be awarded in each classification. JUDGING The AAA will select a panel of qualified judges who will score the teams according to the judging criteria on a 100-point system. Judging diversity is encouraged at the state level. It is not uncommon to receive a high score from one judge and an average score from another. Judges are encouraged to critique with professional diversity and equity. The judges scores will be AVERAGED together to determine the overall team score. All decisions as rendered by the judges concerning scores and rule interpretations will be accepted as final. To be eligible for the state championship and runner-up, a team must have entered a minimum of three dance routines out of the four dance categories. If a team entered all four dance categories, the highest three scores will be considered for the championship awards. In case of a tie for an award, the tie will be broken using scores from the combined scores from the judges score sheets starting with Technique, continuing with Choreography, Group Execution, and Overall Effect respectively until the tie is broken. The team must perform with a minimum of two-thirds (2/3) of the team that has been entered on the AAA web site team roster/eligibility listing. ALL JUDGES DECISIONS ARE FINAL. SCORES Individual score sheets are for the exclusive use of each particular judge. Each judge has the responsibility and authority to review and submit his or her final scores and rankings prior to the final tally of the scores for all teams. Scores and rankings will be available only to coaches at the conclusion of the competition. PROCEDURAL QUESTIONS Any questions concerning the rules or procedures of the competition will be handled exclusively by the coach of the team and will be directed to the competition director. Such questions should be made prior to the team s competition performance. Any questions concerning the team s performance should be made to the competition director immediately after the team s performance and/or following the outcome of the competition. SPORTSMANSHIP All athletes and spectators must abide by the AAA sportsmanship rules published in the AAA Handbook. INTERRUPTION OF PERFORMANCE UNFORSEEN CIRCUMSTANCES 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. 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.

26 FAULT of TEAM 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. 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. INJURY The only persons that may stop a routine for injury are: a) competition officials, b) the coach from the team performing, or c) an injured individual. 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. The injured participant that wishes to perform may not return to the competition floor unless: o The competition officials receive clearance from, first, the medical personnel attending to that participant, the parent (if present) AND THEN the head coach of the competing team. o 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. o In the event of a suspected concussion/head injury, the participant cannot return to perform without clearance from a licensed medical professional that has training related to head injuries, even with a waiver from a parent or legal guardian. All AAA concussion guidelines must be followed. TUMBLING AND TRICKS (Executed by individuals) Tumbling and tricks are acrobatic or gymnastic skills executed by an individual dancer without contact, assistance, or support of another dancer(s) and begins and ends on the performance surface. Tumbling is allowed, but not required, with the following limitations: ALLOWED Forward/Backward Rolls Shoulder Rolls Cartwheels Headstands Handstands Backbends Front/Back Walkovers Stalls/Freezes Head spins Windmills Kip up Round Off Headsprings (with hand support) NOT ALLOWED Aerial cartwheels Front/Back Handsprings Front/Back Tucks Side Somi Layouts Shushunova Headsprings (without hand support) Dive Rolls (in any position) Continuous double (partner) cartwheels Toe Pitches Front Aerials Airborne skills without hand support are not allowed. Tumbling skills with airborne hip over head rotation is limited to three (3) connected skills. Example: Three (3) consecutive headsprings are allowed; four (4) are not allowed. Drops to the knee, thigh, back, front, head, shoulder, or seat onto the performing surface are not allowed unless the dancer first bears weight on the hand(s) or foot/feet. Landing in a push-up position onto the performance surface from a jump in which the legs are in front of the body and swing behind are not allowed. All variations of a shushunova are not allowed. Airborne skills without hip-over-head rotation may not jump from a standing or squatting position backwards onto the neck, back, shoulders, and/or hands. Any kip up motion must initiate from the back/shoulder area touching the ground. (NOTE: This rule refers specifically and only to the rubber band / bronco kip up skill.)

27 DANCE LIFTS & PARTNERING Dance lifts and partnering are executed by partners or groups. 1. The executing dancer must receive support from a supporting dancer who is in direct contact with the performance surface through the entire skill. (Exception: Kick Line Leaps) 2. Elevators, thigh stands, shoulder sits, and chair sits are allowed. Extension and all other cheer based stunts are not allowed. 3. Swinging lifts and tricks are allowed provided the executing dancer s body does not make a complete circular rotation and is in a supine position at all times. Swinging in a prone position is not allowed (backward and forward or a complete circular rotation). 4. Hip-over-head rotation of the executing dancer may occur as long as ALL of the following apply: A. When passing through the inverted position, the executing dancer s shoulders may not exceed the height of the supporting dancer s shoulders when standing upright B. A supporting dancer maintains contact until the executing dancer returns to the performance surface or to the upright position. C. The skill is limited to one (hip-over-head rotation. 5. Vertical inversions are allowed as long as: A. The supporting dancer maintains contact until the executing dancer returns to the performance surface or returns to the upright position B. When the height of the executing dancer s shoulders exceeds shoulder level of the supporting dancer, there is at least one additional dancer to spot who does not bear weight. RELEASE MOVES Unassisted dismounts to the performance surface) 1. An executing dancer may jump, leap, step, or push off a supporting dancer if: A. The highest point of the released skill does not elevate the executing dancer s hips above shoulder level B. When the height of the skill is between hip level and shoulder level, the executing dancer may not pass through the prone or inverted position after the release. C. Toe pitches are not allowed. 2. A supporting dancer may release/toss an executing dancer if: A. The highest point of the release/toss does not elevate the executing dancer s hips above shoulder level B. The executing dancer is not supine or inverted when released. C. The executing dancer does not pass through a prone or inverted position after release. D. Toe pitches are not allowed. CHOREOGRAPHY AND COSTUMING Suggestive, offensive, or vulgar choreography, and/or music is inappropriate. Routine choreography should be appropriate and entertaining for all audience members. Vulgar or suggestive material is defined as any movement or choreography implying something improper or indecent, appearing offensive or sexual in content, and/or relaying lewd or profane gestures or implications. Inappropriate choreography, costuming, and/or music may affect the judges overall impression and/or score of the routine. Please make sure that all choreography and costuming is age appropriate. All routine choreography must begin and end on the performance floor. The use of powder, glitter, or any other airborne substance that lingers in the competition area shall be strictly prohibited. Footwear must be appropriate for the activity involved. At a minimum footwear must cover the ball of the foot. Dancers performing on a floor cover may be barefoot. Shoes with wheels are not allowed (Example: roller skates, roller blades, heelys, etc.) Wearing socks and/or footed tights only is prohibited. All costume malfunctions resulting in team members being exposed are grounds for disqualification. Please make sure that you have several dress rehearsals prior to competition to work out any costume problems.