BOLD RED. YCADA LEVEL 1 YCADA LEVEL

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1 YOUTH CHEER LEVELS GRID Please note: The following youth skill levels have been created to provide safety and convenience for teams who may perform at a different skill level than others. Coaches must consider tumbling and stunting abilities when choosing the level in which their team will compete. Coaches must also refer to the Youth Cheer Routine Guidelines, General Safety Rules (which apply to all levels), Glossary, Penalty Info, and Scoring sections for further guidelines regarding Youth Cheer routines. (Performing skills from a more advanced level will result in a 5.0 point deduction per occurrence.) Changes made from last year s rules, etc are marked in BOLD RED. STANDING TUMBLING YCADA LEVEL 1 YCADA LEVEL 2 All skills and series of skills with hand support performed from a standing position are allowed, including, but not limited to: Front rolls, back rolls, cartwheels, handstands, handstand forward rolls, and round offs. (EXCEPTION: Front and/or back walkovers and front and/or back handsprings are PROHIBITED.) CLARIFICATION: A ground up bridge is allowed, provided the performer return to the ground in a laying position. At least ONE hand must remain in contact with the performance surface during ALL skill/s execution. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Front and/or back walkovers, Handstands that fall to bridge position, front and/or back handsprings, tucks/flips, aerials, and dive rolls. All skills or series of skills with hand support performed from a standing position are allowed, including, but not limited to: Front and backward rolls, handstands, handstand forward rolls,handstands that fall to bridge position,front and back walkovers, cartwheels, and round offs. (EXCEPTION: Front and/or Back handsprings are PROHIBITED). CLARIFICATION: At least ONE hand must remain in contact with the performance surface during skill/s execution. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Front and/or back handsprings, tucks/flips, aerials, and dive rolls. RUNNING TUMBLING STUNTS INVERSIONS DISMOUNTS RELEASE MOVES TOSSES PYRAMIDS All skills and series of skills with hand support performed from a running or hurdle position are allowed, including, but not limited to: round offs and cartwheels. At least ONE hand must remain in contact with the performance surface during skill/s execution. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Front and/or back walkovers, front and/or back handsprings, tucks/flips, aerials, and dive rolls. Double leg stunts are only allowed at prep level (shoulder height) or below, single leg stunts are only allowed below prep level (shoulder level). Twisting, during a mount/transition is limited to 1/4 turn by the FLYER ONLY. Bases may move/turn while in a sponge/load in position and/or once the building of a stunt is completed. Free standing extended stunts are not allowed. (EXCEPTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS: Stunts where the arms of the bases are fully extended, but the flyer s body is horizontal or in a sitting position are allowed. ex, swedish falls, flatback, v-sits. Hitches are allowed, provided the base maintains contact with the feet of the flyer. Non-released single based stunts are permitted up to the allowed technical level, but are NOT allowed to cradle. (CLARIFICATIONS: A step into hands would be permitted with 1 flyer, 1 base, and 1 spotter. The spotter is required to be directly to the side or back of the stunt to protect the flyer s head/shoulders). PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: Transitional stunts that involve changing bases (ie. leap frogs, where the flyer moves to new bases or the original bases), front, back, or side tension rolls, single based split stunts, show and go stunts that travel while building or go above the permitted level, swing dance stunts, show and go stunts where the bases move or travel during the show and go, bases moving while building stunts. ALL Inversions are PROHIBITED. A flyer must never pass through an inverted (hips over head) position at any time during a stunt load in/mount/dismount/transition. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Forward suspended rolls, handstands that transition into a load in/sponge position. Cradles from all stunts prep level and below are limited to straight and/or 1/4 turn only. CLARIFICATIONS: A flyer in an arabesque that cradles to the front would be considered a 1/4 turn cradle. Anything other than a step off the front or shove wrap must be caught in a cradle. Straight cradles from extended flat backs/v-sits are allowed. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: cradles from extended stunts, alternate cradles (toe touch, pike, etc), cradles that land in prone position (on stomach), cradles to different bases, and single based cradles. No release moves other than those listed in the LEVEL 1 DISMOUNTS section are allowed. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Barrel/log rolls, helicopters, and single based tossed stunts. All tosses are PROHIBITED including sponge, basket, squishy, and scrunch tosses. Pyramids must follow stunts, release moves, dismounts, and inversion rules and are allowed up to 2-high, with the following EXCEPTIONS: 1) Flyers in double leg extended stunts must be braced on BOTH sides (with two separate people) with hand/arm connection to prep level or below stunts OR bracers standing on the ground. The connection must be made AT PREP LEVEL OR BELOW and PRIOR to the flyer passing above prep level. Connection may not be lost until the extended stunt is returned to prep level two leg or below. CLARIFICATION: Extended double leg stunts may not cradle from the extended level. Extended double leg stunts MAY NOT brace any other extended two leg stunts. 2) Single leg stunts are allowed at prep level, provided they are braced on AT LEAST one side by a prep level/below stunt/individual on the ground, with HAND/ARM connection. (If braced on BOTH sides, one side may be hand/arm and the other hand/foot). The hand/arm connection must be made at prep level or below and PRIOR to executing the single leg stunt. Connection may not be lost until the upward motion of a cradle, retake/sponge, or returned to prep level two leg stunt or below. 3) Moving/walking pyramids are allowed. PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: Collapsible/hanging/split pyramids, braced flips, extended single leg pyramids. All skills and series of skills with hand support performed from a running or hurdle position are allowed, including, but not limited to: cartwheels, round offs, front and/or back walkovers. CLARIFICATION: At least ONE hand must remain in contact with the performance surface during skill/s execution. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: front and/or back handsprings, tucks/flips, aerials, and dive rolls. Double leg extended stunts are allowed, single leg stunts are allowed at prep level (shoulder height) or below. Twisting during a load in/mount/transitions is limited to a 1/2 twist by the flyer and/or bases. Traveling show and go stunts are allowed. At least one base must maintain contact with the flyer during all transitions. EXCEPTIONS and CLARIFICATIONS: During twisting stunts, a simultaneous 1/4 twist by the flyer and 1/4 twist by the bases equals a 1/2 twist from the group. Therefore, if the flyer performs a complete 1/2 twist, the bases may NOT perform any additional twisting simultaneously during the execution of the flyer s twist. Prep level single leg stunts may switch legs, provided at least one base keeps continuous contact with the flyer s foot/ankle. Stepping stone transitions are allowed, but require one base with continuous hand/arm connection to the flyer during the entire transition. Bases may move /turn while building. Non-released single based stunts are permitted up to the allowed technical level, but are NOT allowed to cradle. (ex. a step into hands would be allowed with 1 flyer, 1 base, and 1 continuous spotter. The spotter must be directly to the side/back of stunt to protect the flyer s head/shoulder area. PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: Leap frogs, where the flyer moves to new bases or the original bases, front, side, or back tension rolls, single based split stunts, swing up stunts, swing dance stunts. ALL Inversions are PROHIBITED. A flyer must never pass through an inverted (hips over head) position at any time during a stunt load in/mount/dismount/transition. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Forward suspended rolls, handstands that transition into a load in/sponge position. Cradles from all stunts are limited to straight, 1/4 turn, or non-twisting alternate cradles (ie, toe touch, pike arch, or ball arch). CLARIFICATION: An arabesque that cradles to the front would be considered a LEGAL 1/4 turn cradle. Anything other than a step off the front or shove wrap must be caught in a cradle. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: 1/2 twist cradles, cradles that land in prone position (on stomach), cradles to different bases (fireman catches and fallbacks that do not return to the upright position), and single based cradles. No release moves other than those listed in the LEVEL 2 DISMOUNTS section are allowed. EXCEPTIONS: a single twisting barrel/log roll is allowed, provided it starts and ends in a cradle position. A 1/2 twist log roll up to an extended swedish falls is allowed. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: 1/2 twist cradles, single based cradles, and helicopters (that are fully released by bases). Sponge, squishy, scrunch, and/or basket tosses are allowed in a STRAIGHT BODY position only. Tosses must be caught in a cradle position by the original bases. Tosses may not intentionally travel and are limited to 1 flyer and up to 4 bases (including back and front spotters). PROHIB- ITED skills include, but are not limited to: toe touch toss, ball-x, pike arch, twisting or flipping tosses. Pyramids must follow stunts, release moves, dismounts, and inversion rules and are allowed up to 2-high, with the following EXCEPTIONS: 1) Extended single leg stunts are allowed, provided they are braced on AT LEAST one side with HAND/ARM connection to a prep level or below stunt, or individual on the ground. The connection must be made at prep level or below and PRIOR to executing the extended single leg and may not lose contact with the Hand/Arm connection until the upward motion for a cradle or downward transition to a prep level or below stunt. 2) Flyers must maintain contact with at least ONE base at all times and may not lose contact with bracing prep level stunts during transitions. A flyer(s) in a cradle/flatback position, may transition back into a stunt, provided at least ONE base maintains contact during the entire transition. Stepping stone transitions are permitted, provided at least one base keeps continuous hand/arm contact with the flyer. 3) Moving/walking pyramids are allowed. 4) Fake tick tocks are allowed, provided at least ONE base maintains continuous contact with the flyer s foot/ankle. These are allowed from prep to prep level or prep to extended level, with continuous contact with a base. PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: Collapsible/hanging/split pyramids, braced flips, braced tick tocks (release by bases). Copyright 2014 YCADA - Youth Cheer & Dance Alliance. All rights reserved. 1

2 YOUTH CHEER LEVELS GRID Please note: The following youth skill levels have been created to provide safety and convenience for teams who may perform at a different skill level than others. Coaches must consider tumbling and stunting abilities when choosing the level in which their team will compete. Coaches must also refer to the Youth Cheer Routine Guidelines, General Safety Rules (which apply to all levels), Glossary, Penalty Info, and Scoring sections for further guidelines regarding Youth Cheer routines. (Performing skills from a more advanced level will result in a 5.0 point deduction per occurrence.) Changes made from last year s rules, etc are marked in BOLD RED. STANDING TUMBLING YCADA LEVEL 3 All skills and series of skills performed from a standing position with hand support are allowed including but not limited to: Front rolls, back rolls, front walkovers, back walkovers, cartwheels, handstands, handstand forward rolls, handstands that fall into a bridge position, and round off back handsprings, front handsprings. CLARIFICATION: At least one hand must remain in contact with the floor during skill execution (Exception: both hands must remain in contact with the floor when performing front and back handsprings.) PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Tucks/flips, standing single/series back handsprings to a tuck or flip position, forward 3/4 flips to the seat. RUNNING TUMBLING Back tucks/flips may ONLY be performed from a round off or round off back handspring entry in a tucked body position. There is no limit to the number of round off series back handsprings followed by a tuck/flip. Aerial cartwheels and running front tucks/flips are allowed. No tumbling is allowed after a tuck/flip (EXCEPTION: tumbling out of a front tuck/flip is allowed). PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Alternate flipping body positions (x-out, layout, pike, step out) and twisting in any tucks/flips, forward 3/4 flips to the seat. STUNTS INVERSIONS Extended single leg stunts are allowed. Twisting during the load in/mount and/or transitions is limited to one full twist by the flyer and or the bases. CLARIFICATION: bases may turn up to 1/2 during load in and execution of stunt simultaneously with the flyer performing a 1/2 twist (creating a 360/full twist) and only to prep level. Teams are permitted to perform 360 to or from prep (shoulder) height provided they do not stop in an extended position. Examples would be full up to a prep, or fast forward from a prep. At least ONE base must maintain contact with the flyer during transitions. Transitional stunts may involve changing bases (i.e. Leap frogs to new bases are allowed. Fake tick tocks are permitted provided the flyer remains in contact with at least one base at all times. (Prep to prep, or prep to extended single leg transitions.) Prep level single leg stunts are permitted to switch legs (back to prep level or switch to extended level) provided the flyer is not released and maintains contact with at least one base. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Front, back or side tension rolls, swing and split stunts are prohibited. Swing dance stunts are prohibited. Inverted stunts are only allowed from ground-level as a load in into a non-inverted waist level or lower load in position (upright position). For example, the flyer may begin in a handstand on the ground that transitions into a sponge. CLARIFICATION: The flyer must maintain contact with at least 2 bases (spotter can be included in the count of the 2 bases) during the above listed type of inversion. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: A flyer must never move to an inverted position from a stunt. The flyer must maintain contact with at least 2 bases (spotter can be included in the count of the 2 bases) during the above listed type of inversion. DISMOUNTS Cradles from two leg extensions, prep level single leg stunts and extension preps may not exceed more than one and one quarter twisting rotation. Only basic cradles (straight and quarter turn) are allowed from extended single leg stunts. CLARIFICATION: Anything other than a step off the front or shove wrap must be caught in a cradle. PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: Flips, Cradle dismounts to different bases (i.e. fireman s catches, fall backs and pendulums) RELEASE MOVES No release moves are allowed other than those mentioned in the Dismounts and Tosses sections. EXCEPTIONS: 1) A single full twisting barrel (log) roll is allowed if it starts and ends in a cradle position. 2) A half twist Log Roll to a Swedish Fall is allowed. 3) Braced tick tocks (High to High, Low to High, switch up release moves, and ball ups) are allowed ONLY if the flyer is continuously braced between two prep level or below stunts with hand/arm connection ONLY and the flyer lands in an upright body position. 4) Single Based released toss stunts are allowed, but require a separate spotter for stunts shoulder height and above(ex. toss hands). See the General Safety rules for further guidelines for bases, flyers and spotters during braced release moves. Helicopters (that are released) are PROHIBITED. Any other full release tosses or pyramid and stunt transitions other than braced tick tocks which the flyer is fully released from the bases are prohibited. TOSSES Sponge, basket, squishy, scrunch tosses are allowed and must be caught in a cradle position by the original bases. Other toss positions are allowed, but limited to ONE TRICK, NON-TWIST- ING. (ie, toe touch, pretty girl, etc.) EXCEPTION: A pike-arch, ball-arch, and kick-arch will be allowed. These are the ONLY exceptions, to allow the flyer a safe position to open from the skill and be caught by the bases. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Ball-X or Ball-Star, Flipping (front or back), traveling TOSSES, Full twist tosses (ex. a full would be ILLEGAL). PYRAMIDS Pyramids must follow stunts, dismounts, inversions, and release moves rules and are allowed up to 2-high, with the following EXCEPTIONS: 1) The flyer must maintain contact with at least one base at all times. EXCEPTION: Braced tick tocks (High to High, Low to High, switch up release moves, and ball ups) are allowed ONLY if the flyer is continuously braced between two prep level or below stunts with hand/arm connection ONLY and the flyer lands in an upright body position. The flyer may be released no more than eighteen inches above extended arm level of the bases who are in direct contact with the ground. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Any other full release tosses or pyramid and stunt transitions other than braced tick tocks which the flyer is fully released from the bases, release moves that do not land in upright body position, collapsible pyramids, braced flips. CLARIFICATION: See the General Safety rules for further guidelines for bases, flyers, and spotters during braced release moves. Moving/walking pyramids are allowed. Copyright 2014 YCADA - Youth Cheer & Dance Alliance. All rights reserved. 2

3 YOUTH CHEER LEVELS GRID Please note: The following youth skill levels have been created to provide safety and convenience for teams who may perform at a different skill level than others. Coaches must consider tumbling and stunting abilities when choosing the level in which their team will compete. Coaches must also refer to the Youth Cheer Routine Guidelines, General Safety Rules (which apply to all levels), Glossary, Penalty Info, and Scoring sections for further guidelines regarding Youth Cheer routines. (Performing skills from a more advanced level will result in a 5.0 point deduction per occurrence.) Changes made from last year s rules, etc are marked in BOLD RED. STANDING TUMBLING YCADA LEVEL 4 Tucks/flips are allowed in any body position but may not exceed one flipping and one twisting rotation. CLARIFICATION: Flips may be performed in alternate positions (layout, x-out, pike, etc.) PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Forward 3/4 flips to the seat, toe-pitch flips, tumbling after a flip. (Exception: tumbling out of a front flip is allowed) RUNNING TUMBLING Flips in any body position are allowed but may not exceed one flipping and one twisting rotation, Aerials are allowed, tumbling out of a front flip is allowed. CLARIFICATION: Flips may be performed in alternate positions (layout, x-out, pike, etc.). PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Forward 3/4 flips to the seat, toe-pitch flips, tumbling after a flip. (Exception: tumbling out of a front flip is allowed.) STUNTS Extended single leg stunts are allowed. Twisting during the load in/mount is limited to one and one half (1 1/2) twist by the flyer and/or base(s). CLARIFICATION: If the flyer performs a 1 and 1/2 twist, the bases may NOT perform an additional 1/2 twist simultaneously. Bases may perform a 1/2 twist, while the flyer performs a simultaneous full twist, to create a total of 1 and 1/2 twist/s. Transitional stunts may change bases and may include up to one and one half twist. Swing up transitioned stunts are permitted provided the flyer does not go into an inverted position at anytime during the transition. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Swing Dance Stunts, front, back, or side tension rolls. INVERSIONS Inverted stunts are only allowed from ground-level as a load in/mount into a non-inverted stunt (upright position) at prep (shoulder) level or below. For example, the flyer may begin in a handstand on the ground that transitions into an extension prep. A flyer must never move to an inverted position from a stunt (Exception: see Pyramids and Dismounts). The flyer must maintain contact with at least 2 bases/posts during any inversion. EXCEPTION: PYRAMID INVERSION ONLY - A FLYER may pass through an inverted position, during a pyramid transition, if the top person remains in contact with a base(s) that is in direct weight bearing contact with the performance surface. The base that remains in contact with the top person may extend their arms during the transition, if the skill starts and ends in a position at prep level or below. Example: A flat back split which rolls to a load in position would be legal even if the base extends their arms during the inversion skill. Example: A flat back split which rolls to an extended position would be illegal because it did not first land in a position below extended level. DISMOUNTS Cradles from all single leg stunts are limited to one and one quarter (1 & 1/4) twists. Cradles from all two-leg stunts are limited to two and one quarter (2 & 1/4) twists. Flips are prohibited (EXCEPTION: Suspended forward rolls are allowed provided that all of the following conditions are met: 1) The top person begins in a non-inverted position from the performance surface or a stunt. 2) The top person has continuous hand-to-hand contact with two primary bases or with two posts who are controlling the top person. The top person cannot have contact with one base and one post or with bracers. 3) The bases or posts cannot be involved in any other skill or choreography during the suspended roll. 4) The top person lands in a double-based cradle or on the performance surface. They may not land in a loading position for a stunt). Cradles may not land in prone position (on stomach). Cradle dismounts to different bases (i.e. fireman s catches, fallbacks and pendulums) must originate from prep level or below. RELEASE MOVES Release moves are allowed but must not exceed eighteen inches above extended arm level (i.e. tick tocks would be allowed). Single Based released toss stunts are allowed, but require a separate spotter for stunts shoulder height and above (ex. full up heel stretch). The spotter must be directly to the side/back of stunt to protect the flyer s head and shoulders. Half (1/2) helicopters (total release from bases) with one half (1/2) twist by the flyer are allowed. Full helicopters (total release from bases) are prohibited. TOSSES PYRAMIDS Sponge, basket, squishy, scrunch tosses are allowed and must be caught in a cradle position by the original bases. Tosses are limited to two tricks. Tosses may not exceed one and one quarter (1 & 1/4) twisting rotations. (Ex. A Kick Full basket would be legal. A double twisting basket would be ILLEGAL.) Flipping (front or back) and traveling tosses are PROHIBITED. Pyramids must follow stunts, dismounts, inversions, and release moves rules and are allowed up to 2-high only, with the following EXCEPTIONS: 1) During a pyramid transition, a flyer may pass through up to 2 and 1/2 high if the flyer is braced between two extension preps. See the General Safety rules for further guidelines for bases, flyers and spotters during braced release moves. Moving/walking, split and hanging pyramids are allowed. 2) A FLYER may pass through an inverted position, during a pyramid transition, if the top person remains in contact with a base(s) that is in direct weight bearing contact with the performance surface. The base that remains in contact with the top person may extend their arms during the transition, if the skill starts and ends in a position at prep level or below. Example: A flat back split which rolls to a load in position would be legal even if the base extends their arms during the inversion skill. Example: A flat back split which rolls to an extended position would be illegal because it did not first land in a position below extended level. PROHIBITED skills include but are not limited to: Collapsible pyramids and braced flips. CLARIFICATION: SEE PYRAMID INVERSION EXCEPTION. Copyright 2014 YCADA - Youth Cheer & Dance Alliance. All rights reserved. 3

4 YOUTH CHEER GENERAL SAFETY RULES These rules must be used in addition to the Youth Cheer Levels Grid. (Any violations from this section will be a 2.5 point deduction) Changes made from last year s rules, etc are marked in BOLD RED. (a) All teams should be supervised during all official functions by a qualified Advisor/Coach. (b) Athletes and coaches may not be under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, performance enhancing substances, or over-the-counter medications while participating in a practice or performance that would hinder the ability to supervise or execute a routine safely. (c) No jewelry (except medical/religious taped down) or chewing gum will be allowed during performances. (d) Performers with a hard cast may not tumble or be involved in a stunt in any way, and may not be considered as spotters. Performers with hard braces i.e. exposed metal material must be appropriately covered with a padded material. Clarification: The appropriately padded material must be such that it protects both the athlete and the fellow athletes from injury. Performers with Hard Casts do not need to be wrapped with padded material as they are not permitted to tumble or stunt. This guideline refers to knee, wrist and elbow braces that have exposed metal pieces. (e) Fingernails, including artificial nails, shall be kept at a length appropriate for safe participation. (f) Proper warm-up and stretching exercises should be performed prior to performance. (g) All teams, coaches and advisors should have an emergency response plan in the event of injury. (h) Mini-tramps, springboards, or any other height increasing apparatus are prohibited (exception: spring floor). (i) Knee, seat, thigh 3/4 flips to a sitting position and jump-split drops are prohibited if the performer jumps into the air and lands directly in the positions listed. (j) Banners, flags, megaphones, poms, and signs (light up signs included) are the only props allowed. The use of poms and/or props is prohibited during tumbling, partner stunt/pyramid building, tosses, dismounts and all stunt transitions which require the use of hands (example a prep retake to prep with poms in hands would be considered ILLEGAL, performing a cradle with poms would also be considered ILLEGAL). Poms attached solely to the wrist are considered the same as all other poms in regards to this rule. The flyer may obtain and use poms/ props/signs when secure in a stunt. (For example, poms may be handed to a flyer once in an extension prep. The flyer may then transition to an extension with poms in hand. Exceptions are not limited to this example). (Tumbling exception: a forward/backward roll may be performed with poms in hand.) Hiding poms or props anywhere on the body or uniform is a safety issue and therefore, is prohibited (In stunting divisions only). Routine must begin with all props within the performing area. Props may be placed or dropped outside the performing area (once the prop is no longer needed) by a performer who remains inside the performing area (a performer will get a boundary violation for retrieving a prop that is outside the performing area). All Props brought on the floor must be used. (k) Bases may not hold props in their hands if the hands are the primary support for the top person. (l) All tumbling must originate from ground level. Participants may not tumble over, under or through stunts, pyramids or over/under individuals. Forward rolls over individuals are prohibited. Individuals are permitted to jump over other participants on the performance surface. (m) Spotted, assisted, or connected tumbling is prohibited. (n) Partner tumbling (using 2 connected persons) including Double Cartwheels, Double Rolls and Chorus-Line Flips are prohibited. Exception: When tumbling into a rebound that transitions to a stunt, physical contact is allowed. Individuals may also perform a handstand that is connected to individuals on the ground (connection can be hand/arm or foot, and can be connected to multiple performers) as choreography, provided the inverted individual is stationary in handstand prior to the connection. Examples of this would be but are not limited to the following: Participant standing on the ground grabs performer in a handstands legs and looks through, two performers standing on the ground interlock arms and connect to a performer in a handstand, or two handstands where the performers in the handstand connect feet. Gymnastic oriented load in/mounts, dismounts, and transitions such as cartwheels, round offs, and walkovers are not considered tumbling, but part of the stunts/choreography as long as inversion rules are followed. (o) Continuous back spotter: 1) Required for all stunts at shoulder level (including shoulder stands), all release moves/tosses, and all extended stunts (with the exception of a Chair, Russian Lift, Torch, Triple- Based Dead Man Lift/flat back, Swedish falls (spotter needs to be at the head and shoulder area and can not have torso underneath the flyers body) and Double-Based Vertical T-Lift). Thigh stands, shoulder sits, and double-based non-extended v-sits do not require a continuous back spotter. 2) Required for a triple-based extended v-sit (stunt contains 3 bases, 1 flyer and a continuous back spotter). Note: if the back spotter is holding the flyers waist and is not under the flyer s seat, an additional back spotter is not required. 3) Required for a single-based partner stunt under the head and shoulder area of the flyer (may be located directly behind or to the side of the stunt). 4) Must not step underneath the stunt to hold the feet (soles) of the flyer s shoes without the help of an additional back spotter located directly behind the stunt. Exception: One hand may go under a foot of the flyer in prep level and below stunts. In ALL Extended stunts and prep level stunts that cradle the spotter may not be under ANY foot of the flyer. 5) Must never pass through the vertical plane of the stunt. The back spotters torso may never pass under a stunt or the flyers body (example: may not walk under and/or through the stunt). 6) Must be in direct contact with the performance surface. 7) One required in front of the bases during a back half pendulum; one required behind the bases in a front half pendulum. 8) Inversions from ground-level require a spotter at the head and shoulder area of the flyer. (p) Bases: 1) Must be in direct contact with the performance surface. 2) Must never assume a back-bend, headstand or handstand position while basing a stunt. 3) Two required (4 max including 1 in the front) for a multi-based group stunt and/or toss. 4) Two required (must remain stationary) plus two additional catchers (must remain stationary) 1 on each side of a pendulum or stunt that moves away from the vertical axis (i.e. shooting star, shoot outs, etc.). Example: 2 bases under the feet of the flyer, 2 catchers one on each side of pendulum; one spotter in front or behind pendulum on opposite side of the direction the flyer is falling. If falling backward spotter needs to be in front of the stunt if falling forward spotter needs to be behind the stunt. Pendulums falling in one direction (front or back) require a total of 6 participants. Pendulums falling in two directions (front and back) require 7 participants. 5) Two required (must remain stationary) plus one back spotter during the transitioning from a prep level stunt to a flatback, fallback, Swedish falls or fireman catch that end at prep or extended level. An additional spotter at the head of the flyer is recommended but not required. 6) Two required plus a spotter during a pyramid transition when the flyer is completely released by the bases while remaining braced between two prep level stunts (exception: a single-based tick tock is allowed if the flyer remains vertical). (q) Flyer: 1) Must never pass over, under or through other stunts and/or pyramids. Individuals are permitted to jump over other participants on the performance surface. 2) Must never vault over another individual unless the flyer maintains constant physical contact with the base during the stunt and a spotter follows the flyer during the stunt (also known as Leapfrog or Up & Over stunts). Vaulting will refer to the flyer using their hands to get up and over another individual. 3) A flyer in a single leg extended stunt (i.e. liberty, stretch, etc.) must never brace, connect or touch another flyer in any other type of extended stunt. (Please see the definition of an extended stunt for further detail). Double-leg extended stunts MAY brace other double leg extended stunts. Stunts where the flyer is not at a complete extended level, but the arms of the bases are extended (i.e. Chair, Russian Lift, Triple-Based Dead Man Lift, Flat back, Swedish falls, Triple-based V-Sit and Double-Based Vertical T-Lift) may brace each other. 4) Must perform a pendulum ONLY from shoulder-height (prep level) or below; may end in an extended stunt from a pendulum. Flyers in pendulum must return to an upright position/stunt (if caught in a cradle position will be considered a fireman s cradle/cradle to new bases and would be illegal). 5) Must never be released to the prone position (face-down/stomach) unless the flyer is being braced between two stunts (exceptions: flyers may land in the prone position when transitioning to a flat back/swedish falls, during a pendulum, or from a barrel roll with four catchers). r) YCADA rules may be updated at any point in the season due to prevent imminent safety hazards. YCADA reserves the right to further clarify any of the cheer and dance rules. Any changes and clarifications will not eliminate or change the spirit of the rule. Copyright 2014 YCADA - Youth Cheer & Dance Alliance. All rights reserved. 4

5 YOUTH CHEER ROUTINE GUIDELINES The general requirements for the format of your routine. (Any violations from this section will be a 2.5 point deduction). Changes made from last year s rules, etc are marked in BOLD RED. 1) Each team will perform a choreographed performance not to exceed: a. Show Cheer: 2 minute 30 seconds b. Special Performances/Challenger: 1 minute 30 seconds c. Mascot: 1 minute 30 seconds 2) Formal entrances and exits are prohibited (i.e. crowd response chants or cheers, choreographed marching, or stunts). A quick team huddle prior to performance (performed off the performance surface) or walking directly in uniformed fashion to team s starting position is allowed. Spirited entrances are allowed. 3) Timing will begin with the first organized word, movement, or note of music following the teams announcement to take the floor. Timing will end with the last organized word, note of music, or movement by the team. 4) All participants must begin with at least one foot on the ground. Flyers may begin with both feet in bases hands provided that each of the bases has both hands on the performance surface. 5) Performance of tumbling or stunting skills after the completion of a teams routine/performance or during the teams entrance or exit of the floor is forbidden. 6) No tear away uniforms or removal of clothing is allowed. Items that may damage the performance surface are prohibited. 7) Routines must be appropriate for family viewing. Appropriate choreography and music MUST be used. Teams using excessive vulgar or suggestive movements, words or music will be penalized, forced to forfeit, or disqualified. Actions taken will be under the discretion of an event official. 8) Make up should be age appropriate and suitable for family viewing. Actions taken will be under the discretion of an event official. Copyright 2014 YCADA - Youth Cheer & Dance Alliance. All rights reserved. 5

6 YOUTH CHEER PENALTY INFO RULES PENALTIES: 2.5 points (per occurrence) deducted from your total possible score for each violation of any of the following: Youth Cheer Routine Guidelines OR Youth Cheer General Safety Rules 5.0 points (per occurrence) deducted from your total possible score for each violation of any of the requirements in the youth cheer levels grid. Please refer to the Youth Cheer Routine Guidelines, General Safety Rules, and Levels Grid for specific skill allowances and restrictions. EXECUTION PENALTIES: TUMBLING 0.5 point (per occurrence) deducted from your total possible score for hands/knees down on flipping or other head over heels tumbling skills following the landing or during execution. This includes back handsprings where the knees make contact with the floor. 1.0 point (per occurrence) deducted from your total possible score for each FALL on tumbling skills. Tumbling falls are any time the majority of the tumbler s body comes in contact with the performance surface either on an over rotation or under rotation during the attempted skill. STUNT SKILLS* 0.5 point (per occurrence) deducted from your total possible score for each obvious BOBBLE on a stunt/toss skill. Bobbles that precede a fall will not be counted in the total deduction. The largest deduction will supercede the total number of bobble deductions. 1.0 point (per occurrence) deducted from your total possible score for each FALL on a stunt/toss skill by any member of the stunt group. *The category stunt/toss skills will include inversions, release moves, pyramids, tosses, etc. for the purpose of simplifying penalty descriptions. Each member of the stunt group will be considered part of the stunt in relation to a fall. (i.e. any member of the stunt group falling to the ground would be considered a fall). BOUNDARY PENALTY: 0.5 point (per occurrence) deducted from your total possible score for each STEP OR TOUCH OUT OF BOUNDS with any part of the body. TIME LIMIT PENALTIES: 1.0 point deducted from your total possible score if your routine goes 4 7 SECONDS OVER time requirements. 2.0 points deducted from your total possible score if your routine goes 8-10 SECONDS OVER time requirements. 3.0 points deducted from your total possible score if your routine goes 11 OR MORE SECONDS OVER time requirements. INAPPROPRIATE MUSIC/CHOREOGRAPHY: Age appropriate choreography and music must be used. Penalties will be assessed under the Youth Cheer Routine Guidelines. Copyright 2014 YCADA - Youth Cheer & Dance Alliance. All rights reserved. 6

7 CHEERLEADING SCORE SHEETS The judges will score the cheer squads according to the following criteria in each level. YCADA LEVEL 1 SCORE SHEET: Choreography/Overall Impression... Performance/Showmanship/Use of Cheer... Dance... Motions... Jumps Difficulty... Jumps Execution... Stunts Difficulty... Stunts Execution... Pyramids Difficulty... Pyramids Execution... Dismounts Difficulty... Dismounts Execution... Tumbling Difficulty... Tumbling Execution... TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS = 100 (15 points) YCADA LEVEL 2 SCORE SHEET: Choreography/Overall Impression... Performance/Showmanship/Use of Cheer... Dance... Motions... Jumps Difficulty... Jumps Execution... Stunts Difficulty... Stunts Execution... Pyramids Difficulty... Pyramids Execution... Dismounts Difficulty... Dismounts Execution... Tumbling Difficulty... Tumbling Execution... Tosses Difficulty... Tosses Execution... TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS = 100 (15 points) (7 points) (2 points) YCADA LEVEL 3 AND 4 SCORE SHEETS: Choreography/Overall Impression... (15 points) Performance/Showmanship/Use of Cheer... Dance... Motions... Jumps Difficulty... Stunts Difficulty... Stunts Execution... Pyramids Difficulty... Pyramids Execution... Dismounts Difficulty... Dismounts Execution... Tosses Difficulty... (5 points) Tosses Execution... Tumbling Difficulty... (5 points) Tumbling Execution... TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS = 100 Copyright 2014 YCADA - Youth Cheer & Dance Alliance. All rights reserved. 7

8 YOUTH CHEER GLOSSARY Reference guide for all skills mentioned in the Youth Cheer Levels Grid & General Safety Rules. Aerial: Cartwheel or walkover executed without placing hands on the ground. Airborne: To be free of contact with a person or performance surface. Airborne Tumbling Skill: An aerial maneuver involving hip over head rotation in which a participant uses their body and the performance surface to propel himself/herself away from the performance surface. Arabesque: A stunt in which the working leg is extended behind (close to 90 degrees) while the supporting leg is in the hands of the base(s). The flyer s chest is up with one leg directly behind her. Hips should be in line with the floor. Awesome: A stunt where a top person has both feet together in the hand(s) of the base(s). Also referred as a cupie. Back Dismount: Flyer dismounts backwards (with or without the feet being held) to catchers who are not the original bases to a cradle from a stunt or pyramid. Back Walkover: A non aerial tumbling skill where one moves backward into an arched position, with the hands making contact with the ground first, simultaneously kicking one foot to rotate the hips over the head and land on one foot/leg at a time. Barrel Roll: A release move whereby the top person s body rotates at least 360 degrees while remaining parallel to the performance surface. An assisted barrel roll would be the same skill, with the assistance from an additional base that maintains contact throughout the transition. Base: A person who is in direct weight bearing contact with the performance surface (both feet are securely placed in the performance surface) and provides primary support for another person. Basket Toss: A toss with no more than 4 bases, 2 of which use their hands to interlock wrists. Bobble: An error during a technical skill. Obvious missed skills: hand(s) down on a tumbling skill/shaky stunts/pyramids/baskets, incomplete or obvious errors in regards to dismounts (i.e., incomplete twisting cradles), obvious errors during jump, motions and dance execution. Brace: A physical connection that helps to provide stability to a top person. A top person s hair and/or uniform is not an appropriate or legal body part to use while bracing a pyramid or pyramid transition. Bracers may not be a base. Braced Flip: A stunt in which a top person performs a hip over head rotation while in constant physical contact with another top person(s). Cartwheel: A non aerial gymnastic skill where one supports the weight of the body with the arm(s) while rotating sideways through an inverted position landing one foot/leg at a time. Catcher: One of the person(s) responsible for the safe landing of a top person during stunt entry, transition and/or dismount. Catchers do not have to make contact with the flyer, but must be in a position to minimize risk should the flyer fall. Continuous Back Spotter: A person located behind the stunt that maintains continuous visual contact with the flyer, keeps the arms up and may hold the calves or ankles of the flyer, or the bases wrists on an extended stunt. The continuous back spotter is responsible for the neck and shoulders of the flyer. Cradle: A release move in which the bases catch the top person with palms up, by placing one arm under the back and the other under the thighs of the top person. The top person must land face up in a pike position. Dead Man Lift: A type of flat back (see below). When the arms of the bases are extended, a Dead Man Lift requires two bases and an additional spotter. Dismount: The final part of a stunt (originated by bases) used to bring the flyer back to the performance surface (i.e. step off, shove wrap, cradle). Dive Roll: A forward roll where your feet leave the ground before your hands reach the ground. Drop: Dropping to the knee, thigh, seat, front, back or split position onto the performance surface from an airborne position or inverted position without first bearing most of the weight on the hands/feet which breaks the impact of the drop. Eighteen Inches above Extended Arm /Level: Measured from the end of the fingertips of the bases at a fully extended position overhead to the lowest position of the flyer. If the flyer is in a vertical position the lowest position of the flyer is the feet with the legs fully extended. If the flyer is in a horizontal position, the lowest position is the lowest visible position of the flyer. Extended Stunts: The supporting arm(s) of the base(s) is/are fully extended above the head. Some extended stunts are exceptions to extended stunt rules, see the Levels Grids for details. Extended Position: Anytime the bases take the feet of the flyer above the head of the bases, no matter how momentarily the flyer has passed through the extended position. Therefore, true show and gos would be considered an extended position. Extension Prep or Prep (Half): When the top person is being held at shoulder level by the base(s). - CONTINUED - Copyright 2014 YCADA - Youth Cheer & Dance Alliance. All rights reserved. 8

9 YOUTH CHEER GLOSSARY (continued) Flat Back: A stunt in which the flyer transitions from a stunt at prep level or below with both feet off of the ground to a lying horizontal face up position and is supported by two or more bases and one continuous back spotter held at the prep level. Flip/Tuck: An aerial skill that involves hip over head rotation without contact with the performance surface as the body passes through the inverted position. Flyer: A person who receives primary support from another person. Forward Roll: A non airborne tumbling skill where one rotates forward through an inverted position by lifting the hips over the head and shoulders while curving the spine to create a motion similar to a ball rolling across the floor. Forward Suspended Roll: The top person begins in a non inverted position from the performance surface or a stunt. The top person has continuous hand to hand contact with two primary bases or with two posts who are controlling the top person. The top person cannot have contact with one base and one post or with bracers. The bases or posts cannot be involved in any other skill during the suspended roll. The top person lands in a double based cradle or the performance surface. They may not land in a loading position for a stunt. Front Limber: Returning to a standing position from a back bend or back arch position. Front Bracer (Spotter): A person located in front of the stunt added to help control the stunt and for the additional safety of the flyer. Front Walkover: A non aerial tumbling skill where one rotates forward through an inverted position to a non inverted position by arching the legs and hips over the head and down to the performance surface landing one foot/leg at a time. Full Twist: A 360 degree twisting rotation. Half: See extension prep. Hand/Arm Connection: The physical contact between two or more individuals using the hand(s)/arm(s). Handspring: Springing off the hands by putting weight on the arms and using a strong push from the shoulders; can be done forward or backward. Handstand: A straight body inverted position where the arms are extended straight by the head and ears. Hand Support: When both hands make contact with the performance surface during a tumbling skill to support the tumbler s weight. Helicopter: Flyer in a horizontal position is released and rotates in the horizontal plane around the vertical axis, before being caught by the original bases. With the exception of a ½ helicopter (see levels grid for exact levels where it s allowed), released helicopters are prohibited. Assisted helicopters are permitted (one or more bases must maintain constant physical contact with the flyer). Inversion: When the athlete s shoulders are below his/her waist and at least one foot is above his/her head. Jump: An airborne position not involving hip over head rotation created by using one s own feet and lower body power to push off the performance surface. Knee (Body) Drop: Dropping to the knees, seat, thigh or splits from an airborne position without first bearing majority of the weight on the hands/feet. Leap Frog: A braced flyer is transitioned from one set of bases to another or back to the original bases by going through the arms of the brace/bracer. The flyer must remain upright and stay in continuous contact with the brace/bracer while transitioning. Limber: A forward or backward gymnastics flexibility skill that is similar to a walkover except the legs remain together through the entire skill. Mount (Load in): Any entrance into a stunt skill where one or more persons is supported by one or more persons. New Base(s): Bases previously not in direct contact with the top person of a stunt. Original Base(s): A base which is in contact with the top person during the initiation of the stunt. Pendulum: A stunt in which the flyer falls forward and/or backward away from the bases in a lay out position to the required number of catchers while maintaining constant hands to feet/legs contact with the bases. It is not a dismount. Pike: Body bent forward at the hips while the legs are kept straight. Pop: A controlled upward throwing motion by a base(s) to release the flyer free from contact with the bases to a cradle catch from a shoulder level stunt and above. Power Press: When bases bring the top person from an extended position, down to prep level or below, and then re extend. Prep Level: The height of the bases hands are at shoulder level (also known as shoulder height). For purposes of pyramids, shoulder sits are considered prep level stunts. Primary Support: Supporting a majority of the weight of the top person. Prone Position: A face down, flat body position. Copyright 2014 YCADA - Youth Cheer & Dance Alliance. All rights reserved. 9