UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE

UNIVERSITY OF EVANSVILLE PURPLE ACES CHEERLEADING PROGRAM Rules and Policies Last updated by Head Coach 01/10/07 Participation in intercollegiate athletics at the University of Evansville is a privilege and an opportunity. Along with this privilege come certain responsibilities. In addition to representing yourself, you represent the University of Evansville, the Department of Athletics and the team at all times. Therefore, the University of 1

Evansville Cheerleaders will adhere to certain standards of academic achievement, conduct, habits, dress, public appearance, performance, transportation policies, and selection procedures, all of which should reflect positively on the University, the team and you. In addition to these policies, you are also responsible for knowing and adhering to the standards outlined in the Student-Athlete Handbook, distributed by the UE Department of Athletics. These are policies and procedures of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), which governs and controls collegiate athletics on a national level. A. TRYOUTS AND SELECTIONS The Program Advisor/Sponsor and Program Head Coach will coordinate the Cheer Try-outs. The Try-outs may be conducted once or twice during the academic year, in the month of April and/or in the fall for the next school year. One squad comprises the University of Evansville Cheerleading Program. This squad cheers all home men and women basketball games along with any appearances throughout the season. Head Coach reserves the right to alter this squad list as s/he deems appropriate after Try-out selections. The Cheerleaders will be chosen on the basis of appearance, personality, enthusiasm, cheerleading skills, tumbling skills and dance ability. Cheer Program administration reserves the right to refuse a try-out or a position on any squad to any person for reasons of academic deficiency or social probation with any part of the University of Evansville, any past performances which dishonored the intercollegiate athletic program, physical liability or any reason deemed appropriate by the Program Head Coach. Tryout Requirements Tryout applicants must meet the following criteria: 1. Full-time UE undergraduate student, OR transfer undergraduate student who will be a full-time undergraduate student during the next school year, OR incoming freshman student who has already been accepted by the Admissions Department of UE, OR graduate student who must individually contact their Department Chair/Advisor for permission to participate. 2. A minimum 2.00 cumulative grade point average is required for those undergraduates already attending UE. 3. Each applicant must have completed necessary medical insurance and information forms from the UE Department of Athletics. Non-returning Cheerleaders in good standing with the Program and Cheerleaders waived of tryout participation by the Head Coach will help conduct tryout training/workshops during the weekend Tryout. This training is required if the candidate wants to participate in the April Tryout. There will be a non-refundable, mandatory $25.00 tryout fee; this fee will contribute to the Program funds. The candidates will be required to tryout in a white top, black shorts, white ankle socks and white athletic shoes. Female participants are expected to have done full make-up and hair with a bow. Male participants are expected to be well-groomed. The policies listed in section F. (UNIFORMS, PERSONAL HYGIENE AND DRESS) will apply. The Tryout Weekend The Program Tryout normally consists of a one-day workshop/tryouts (typically a Saturday morning) but is not limited to. In the the session, the interested candidates should expect to learn, practice and receive minimum critiquing for: 1. a cheer and/or series of chants 2

2. a portion of the UE Fight Song 3. a band cheer with music or counts 4. Jumps (required for women; optional for men) 5. Stunting 6. Co-Ed Partner Stunting and/or All-Girl Stunting FOR MEN, Co-Ed Partner Stunting at tryouts is required only for men; his partner will not be judged on her participation. If awarded a spot on the team, the male cheerleader will be required to perform a toss-hands with at least 2 flyers by summer cheer camp or the beginning of the season. Failure to do so will result in removal from the team. Individual discretions will be taken into consideration by the Head Coach. FOR WOMEN, basing and/or flying will need to be demonstrated only at the tryout workshop. Judging of these skills will be performed by the Head Coach and graduating seniors. 6. Standing and Running Tumbling: FOR WOMEN, a standing back handspring and a running round-off, back handspring are required. Mats and spotting will be provided if necessary. A spotted back handspring is permissible; however, if awarded a spot on the team, the cheerleader must be able to perform, without a spot, all tumbling used at tryouts. Failure to do so by summer cheer camp or by the beginning of the season will result in removal from the team. The Head Coach will take individual discretions into consideration. FOR MEN, at tryouts, tumbling is optional. However, after being awarded a spot on the team, the male cheerleader will be asked to perform a spotted or non-spotted standing back handspring or standing back tuck by summer cheer camp or the beginning of the season. During this evening session, each candidate will be assigned a number. Candidates will not be called or recognized by name, but rather by number so as not to influence judging. Female candidates will be put into groups. Male candidates will have their choice of stunting partners, with the mandatory expectation to choose at least two for tryouts. One cut will take place after the Friday night try-out clinic. All participants that make it through the cut will be asked to return on Saturday morning for tryouts. These policies may change if tryouts are all done in one day. Policies governing the cheer and chants, school song portion, band cheer, jumps, tumbling and stunting will be announced preceding the Try-out. The judges will consist of the head coach, the assistant coach and possibly one additional un-biased judge. Once the tryouts are completed, qualifying participants will be asked to join the UE Cheer team. The head coach and assistant coach have final decision on all tryout decisions and can make changes depending on tryouts. Injured Candidates interested in a Program Tryout In the event that a returning Cheerleader is unable to participate in the April Try-out due to surgery or an injury resulting from Cheerleading or a University class situation, the following system will be engaged: 1. S/he will be excused from the April Try-out, but - if able - will be required to attend Try-out training/workshops. Selections will be made for all but one position. 2. At some point prior to summer camp, a private try-out will be conducted with the Head Coach and any invited judge(s). 3. This try-out will involve the now-healed Cheerleader and the next two or three best scorers from the April Try-out. 4. Positions for this Cheerleader and the bottom two or three unsuccessful candidates from the April Try-out will be discussed prior to selection 5. If a Cheerleader s recovery is not complete and the individual cannot try-out, the Program Head Coach will determine who fills what positions. Video Tryouts, Private Tryouts 3

In the event that a candidate is unable to attend the April Try-out and/or Try-out training/workshops for reasons other than an injury, s/he must contact the Program Head Coach or the Program Advisor to set-up special agreements regarding either a video try-out or a private try-out. All Video try-outs must include a close-up face-shot of the candidate, and all relevant material that appropriately demonstrates the candidate's individual skills: 1. cheer or chant 2. jumps (including jump series and jump-tumbling) 3. standing and running tumbling (spotted is allowed) 4. co-ed and/or all-girl stunting 5. a short speech indicating why the candidate is pursuing a spot with the UE Cheer Program Ace Purple Mascot Position Ace Purple, the Mascot of the University of Evansville Purple Aces, is considered a part of the Cheer Program. If you are interested in trying out for the Ace Purple Mascot Position, please see the Mascot General Information (this link is located on the main page of the UE Cheer Website) or the athletic department. B. ACADEMIC STATUS and STUDY TABLES Each Cheerleader must maintain a yearly minimum grade point average of 2.0. Any semester with less than a 2.0 GPA will result in immediate dismissal from the UE Cheer Program. For the remainder of the policies regarding Academic Status, please refer to pages 14 and 15 of the Student-Athlete Handbook. Study Tables Each Team Member may attend weekly Study Tables. Study tables will be used when a drop in GPA is expected and brought to the attention of the coaching staff. It is the responsibility of all members of the cheer team to notify the coaching staff when his or her grades are slipping for any reason. At that point, study tables will be arranged for the team member to improve individual grade and overall GPA. It is not the responsibility of the coaching staff to require all members to attend study tables, team members and/or administrative staff must/may notify coaching staff when study table help is needed. If overall GPA does drop below 2.0 at end of grading period it will result in immediate dismissal. C. CONDUCT AND EXPECTATIONS It cannot be stressed enough that the Cheerleaders play important roles as University representatives. They are highly visible symbols of the University of Evansville and thus must conduct themselves at all times as positive, mature, adult role models. They should do nothing which brings embarrassment to the University, the Department of Athletics, the NCAA and, most importantly, to themselves and to their families. This will hold true regardless of the circumstances. Selection as a Cheerleader is a prestigious honor and has separated that individual from the rest of the student body, and appropriate conduct is mandated accordingly. The following rules specifically apply: 1. No smoking or use of smokeless chewing tobacco during practice, while in uniform, attending UE-sanctioned events, and traveling to and from away games/events. 2. No alcoholic beverages will be consumed 24 hours prior to athletic events. Violation of this clause will result in suspension/benching for that game/event and the next game/event. 3. No alcoholic beverages will be consumed during games/events, during transit to or from away-games/events, in the hotel where the squad is staying, or during a pre-game reception. Underage drinking with or without false identification will not be tolerated and will result in immediate removal from the team. 4. Student-athletes violating any of these clauses are subject to disciplinary action outlined in the Student- Athlete Handbook, pages 3 to 8. 4

5. Abusive language to any team member and/or coaching staff, on or off the field of play, during practice or any UE-sanctioned athletic event will not be tolerated. Consistent violation of this clause can be used as grounds for dismissal from the program. 6. Any action which brings undue embarrassment to the Cheer Program or UE will be grounds for dismissal from the Program. 7. The administrative advisor/sponsor will be involved with the coaching staff in any consideration of dismissing an individual from the program. In conjunction with the above, team members will be required to perform community service projects and promotional activities as scheduled. Active recruitment for the cheer program is also required. Individual Evaluations Individual Evaluation Meetings with the Head Coach will take place at least once each semester. Additional meetings with the Head Coach and / or Program Advisor may be scheduled as needed by the coaching staff or team member. D. ATTENDANCE All practices are private and closed to the public. Non-team members may view practice at the invitation of only the Head Coach or Program Advisor. Prior permission to attend a practice should be sent to the Head Coach or Program Advisor at least 24 hours in advance to the practice. Consistent attendance and on-time arrivals are vital to a well-prepared squad. Preliminary late arrivals without an excused absence will result in the person running laps; consistent tardiness will be subject to more serious disciplinary action. *Note: tardiness over 30 minutes (after the 5-minute grace period) without an excuse is considered an unexcused absence. These policies can be found under the heading Unexcused tardiness over 30 minutes. The policies immediately following apply to unexcused tardiness less than 30 minutes. 1. For cheer and tumbling practices: one lap for every minute late past a 5-minute grace period 2. For games/events: two laps for every minute late past a 5-minute grace period These laps will be run at the end of practice or at the next practice following a game/event. Laps will be used as disciplinary action only for the first 3 practices attended less than 30-minutes tardy and for the first 2 games/events attended less than 30-minutes tardy. Past those designated limits, the below system will be engaged. PRACTICES: At the 4 th practice attended tardy without an excuse, a meeting with the Cheerleader, Head Coach and/or the Program Advisor will be scheduled at which his/her dedication to the team and time management skills will be discussed. A warning will be issued at this time, and the Cheerleader will be suspended for the next game/event. The 5 th practice attended tardy without an excuse will result in dismissal from the program. GAMES/EVENTS: At the 3 rd game/event attended tardy without an excuse, the Cheerleader will be suspended for that and the next game/event. A meeting with the Cheerleader, Head Coach and/or the Program Advisor will be scheduled at which his/her dedication to the team and time management skills will be discussed. A warning will be issued at this time. The 4 th game/event attended tardy without an excuse will result in dismissal from the program. Suspension = the on-time attendance to that game/event in full, assigned uniform; the suspended individual will sit with the Head Coach during the game/event, but will not participate in any team activities. Unexcused tardiness over 30 minutes (after the 5-minute grace period) = Unexcused Absence 1. The 1 st unexcused tardy over 30 minutes to any UE Cheer-sanctioned practice/event will result in suspension from a game. 2. The 2 nd unexcused tardy over 30 minutes to any UE Cheer-sanctioned practice/event will result in dismissal from the team. 5

Excused Absences include: 1. Illness to the Cheerleader or immediate family members, which require the Cheerleader s attention and travel away from campus. 2. Death in the immediate family. 3. Required class obligations (i.e. tests scheduled during regular class time or mandatory lectures required for class) Sorority/Fraternity events are not considered excused absences. In order for an a greek event to be considered excused it must be for the individuals greek group, not another persons, there must be at least 1 week notice and the coach must agree that this is a valid excuse for missing a game and/or event. The cheerleader must make an effort to move the greek event or show up at a later time. Review sessions and individual or group study sessions will not be considered excused absences from practices or games/events. Notices of these situations must be submitted, when possible, to the Head Coach at least 24 hours in advance. It is recognizable that this may not be possible when the situation involves an illness or death in the immediate family. The Cheerleader must make a responsible and concerted effort to contact the Head Coach. An email message, not followed up with a phone call is not considered a concerted effort. Absence involving arranged transportation to away-event If arranged transportation to an away game/event is missed, the Cheerleader is responsible for arriving to the away event at his/her personal expense, so long as the distance is drivable (within driving distance). If the Cheerleader chooses not to make the attempt, s/he will be suspended from the following game/event. Repeated tardiness, unexcused absences or missed practice or games/events will be grounds for dismissal from the program. E. SUMMER CAMP Summer Camp is a required event. Missing the Camp with an unexcused absence is grounds for dismissal from the Program. The Program Sponsor and Head Coach will make arrangements for summer camp with camp happening at the university or at an offsite university. Once all individuals have tried out and the team has been chosen, the coach will lay out the plans for the summer camp. Once the deposit and/or fee for camp has been placed, any team members not able to attend camp or transferring schools will be required to pay the squad fund back the amount that has already been spent. Some expense to the individual may be incurred for camp clothing; every attempt will be made to keep this expense to a minimum. F. UNIFORMS, PERSONAL HYGIENE AND DRESS Each Cheerleader is expected to practice good personal hygiene and be well-groomed. Male Squad Members are permitted to have facial hair provided that he was groomed in that way during April Try-outs or grew the facial hair over the summer. Attempts to grow facial hair during the season will not be permitted. No beards will be permitted. Male squad member s hair must be clean-cut. Female Squad Members will be groomed so that no hair is their face during a practice or game/event. Bows are to be worn with the uniform at all times. Appropriate make-up is expected for all team public appearances. Ankle socks are required as part of the uniform. No jewelry of any kind will be permitted during participation in practice or games/events. Body piercings that 6

cannot be removed are required to be covered sufficiently to protect the individual and mask the piercing during team public appearances. For safety purposes, metal rings through the tongue, nostrils and eyelids will not be permitted at any time. Tattoos must also be covered during team public appearances. Gum chewing will not be permitted at any practice or game/event. The Program administration reserves the right to dismiss a team member if his/her appearance or hygiene habits change drastically from what was presented at tryouts. Shoes may or may not be provided and are for performance and practice use only. They are not to be worn outside. If shoes are lost, the individual responsible will buy a replacement pair. Pieces* of the Uniforms will be provided and all pieces are for performance use only. Female uniforms include *shells, *skirts, socks, *shoes, bows, briefs, bodysuits, make-up and *poms. Male uniforms include *shells, *pants, socks, *shoes, and *megaphones. They are not to be worn without jurisdiction of the Head Coach, Program Advisor or Captains. Each squad member is responsible for the care and appearance of uniforms. Any lost or damaged uniform item(s) will be replaced by the person responsible for that uniform. All uniforms will be returned to coaching staff at the end of each season. There is a possibility of each cheerleader paying for shoes, make-up, partial camp fee and warm-up as well as appropriate under gear. The items to be purchased by the team member will be decided upon by the coach and may vary from year to year. Each Cheerleader is required to purchase his/her own Warm-up Suit. Cheerleaders will dress uniformly for all team public appearances. Once the uniform items are given out at the beginning of the year each cheerleader is responsible for these items at all times. If the team member is dismissed or quits the team prior to January 1 of that season, they must return all uniforms, cheer equipment, practice gear and any other uniform items decided upon by the coach. Practice Attire Upon being invited into the Program, each Cheerleader will be provided a set of Practice Attire. Each Cheerleader is responsible for purchasing any additional requisite Practice Attire. These additional orders will be placed through the Program s clothing distributors, so that appropriate discounts will apply or will be required of each cheerleader to buy themselves. At the discretion of the Coach, the Cheerleaders are required to wear Practice Attire or their Uniforms to class for the purpose to on-campus representation of the Program. All practice attire may be returned to coaching staff upon quick dismissal from program. G. HEALTH HABITS, CONDITIONING AND TUMBLING Each Cheerleader is expected to practice good health habits during the season. This includes not only diet, but time management skills and consistently acquiring enough sleep. Obtaining and maintaining a Cheer-applicable Strength and Conditioning program is essential for the progress of the Program. All Cheerleaders are required to attend team weight-lifting workouts, which will be prepared and monitored by the Head Coach for the UE Strength and Conditioning Department. These workouts are scheduled at the Varsity Weight Room two to three times a week and will be listed in each semester s team schedule. All team members will be broken into groups with a leader in each group to lead and motivate each team. Additional weekly conditioning practices may be scheduled with the Program Head Coach. These conditioning 7

practices may include such things as swimming, playing basketball, dodge-ball, other team sports, and running. Regular attendance policies will apply to these workouts and conditioning practices. Tumbling Practices The maintenance and betterment of Tumbling Skills are essential for the progress for the Program. All Cheerleaders are required to attend team tumbling practice, which are sponsored by and will take place once a week at MEGA Gymnastics, Tumbling & Cheer. This tumbling practice will be listed in each semester s team schedule. Attendance policies pertaining to practices will also apply to these tumbling practices. Cheerleaders will not attempt tumbling skills without proper instruction, adequate facilities, equipment and supervision and/or spotters. Any advanced partner stunts or tumbling must be demonstrated consistently to the Head Coach before use in a game/event. H. EVENTS AND PUBLIC APPEARANCES The Cheerleaders will meet in sufficient time prior to a game/event to stretch and practice at the time and place designated by the Head Coach. Additional to the policies outlined in the Conduct section, squad members will: 1. Not converse unnecessarily with the student body or other spectators as this hinders their attention to the game/event 2. Be responsible for all equipment necessary for that game/event 3. Give your undivided attention to the game/event and display good sportsmanship at all times. 4. In all cases, the team s actions are under the direct supervision of the Team Captains. 5. Remember that the Cheerleaders primary purpose is to support the team by motivating and entertaining the crowd. I. COMPETING To obtain acknowledgment for the University, the Cheerleaders may participate in area competitions which will specifically lead to some level of national recognition. The Head Coach retains the right to choose the Competition Team via internal tryouts and/or personal invitation. Participation in and travel to these competitions will be funded by the Cheerleading Program and other sponsors. Competing is completely up the coaching staff. J. MEDICAL Each Cheerleader must have a physical and the necessary medical paperwork on file with the Athletics Department and any other UE department needing the information. Injuries, Therapy and Rehabilitation All Injuries received during practices or at games/events must be reported to the Athletic Training Department, where an examination will take place and treatment will be prescribed. The Program Head Coach will work with the Sports Medicine personnel for the individual s medical updates. The individual will be required to follow in full the therapist s and/or physician s guidelines and therapy schedule. Any deferment from these guidelines and/or schedules will not be tolerated and may result in seasonal suspension from games/events and/or the Program. K. CAPTAINS 8

The role of Captain is considered a privilege, with the individual being responsible for higher expectations and more tasks than his/her team members. Captains may or may not be chosen in the beginning of the season in a democratic manner by the squad and/or coaching staff. The number of captains depends on the amount of members per squad. The Captains will help develop practice schedules and the year s activities with the Head Coach and Program Sponsor. Depending on the year captains may or may not be chosen. A captain is not a requirement of the team. L. TRAVEL Out-of-town trips will be coordinated by the Program Sponsor, the Head Coach and the Department of Athletics. At the beginning of the season, the Program Sponsor and the Head Coach will determine in which away-games and tournaments the team will participate. NCAA rules limit the squad size at pre-season and post-season tournaments to 12 on-court participants. These participants will be chosen by the Head Coach. The Program Sponsor and/or Head Coach will travel with the team. The squad will travel to and from the awaygame/event as a team. The only exception to this will be if the individual travels with his/her own family to the away-game city. In this case, the individual will receive no per diem. Any deferment from this policy must be made in advance with the Cheerleader s and the Head Coach or Program Advisor. The Head Coach will announce any curfew on away-game trips. Squad members must be in their rooms at that designated time. M. DEMERITS and ADDITIONAL DISCIPLINARY POLICIES The following system of demerits will be enforced for the list of offenses: 2.5 - Chewing gum during practice or game/event 5 - Not wearing appropriate or full uniform to game/event 5 - Losing or misplacing uniform or equipment 5 - Not coming prepared to game/event 5 - Not turning cell phone off before a practice or game/event; use of a cell phone without prior permission from the Head Coach for personal calls during a practice or game/event 10 - Disrespectful behavior towards the Coach, Program Advisor or fellow team member An accumulation of 20 demerits will result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the Head Coach. The Cheerleader may work off the first offense only. Arrangements to do so must be worked out with the Head Coach. The Program administration reserves the right to distribute demerits accordingly for inappropriate behavior or violation of any of the cheer program policies. The Program administration reserves the right to suspend a Cheerleader from participation in the Program for any violation(s) against the Program and/or the University. N. HARLAXTON Those attending a Harlaxton semester will be not be allowed to cheer for that academic year. Team members are allowed however to attend Harlaxton in the summer as long as they do not miss the summer cheer camp. Fight Song Evansville, all hail to thee True and loyal we will be We will fight, fight, fight 9

With all our might, Cheering with pep and vim for white and purple And with every victory Our hearts with praise will fill. So we will back you with a Rah! Rah! Rah! All hail to our Evansville UE The below information was taken from the website for The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors at http://www.aacca.org/. The UE Cheer Program endorses and follows these guidelines for the proper progression and safety of their stunts and tumbling. For more information, please contact the AACCA at: 6745 Lenox Center Court, Ste 318, Memphis, TN 38115, 800-533-6583. 2008-2009 College Safety Rules Section A - General Program Guidelines 1. Cheerleading squads should be placed under the direction of a qualified and knowledgeable advisor or coach. 2. All practice sessions should be supervised by the advisor/coach and held in a location suitable for the activities of cheerleaders (e.g., use of appropriate matting, away from excessive noise and distractions, etc.) 3. Prior to the performance of any skill, the immediate environment for the activity should be taken into consideration including, but not limited to proximity of non-squad personnel, performance surface, lighting and/or precipitation. Technical skills should not be performed on concrete, asphalt, wet or uneven surfaces or surfaces with obstructions. 4. Advisors/coaches should recognize the particular ability level of all participants and should limit the squad's activities accordingly. Participants should not be pressed to perform activities until they are safely prepared. 5. Skills that have not been mastered should be performed only in a supervised practice environment. 6. Thorough training in proper spotting techniques should be mandatory for all squads. 7. All cheerleaders should receive proper training before attempting any form of cheerleading gymnastics (tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids and jumps). 8. All cheerleading squads should adopt a comprehensive conditioning and strength building program. 9. A structured stretching exercise and flexibility routine should precede and follow all 10

cheerleading activities. 10. All programs should qualify cheerleaders according to accepted teaching progressions. Appropriate spotting should be used until all performers demonstrate mastery of the skill, and when spotting is required by specific rule. 11. In environments where there is close proximity to the athletic event and out of bounds plays pose a significant risk of injury to the participant, no technical skills should be performed while the ball is in play. 12. All partner stunts, pyramids, and tosses should be reviewed and approved by the coach prior to execution. Section B - General Restrictions 1. The use of any height-increasing apparatus (e.g. mini-trampoline, etc.) other than a spring floor is prohibited for performance. 2. The top person in a partner stunt, pyramid or transition cannot be released from bases with the intent to land or be caught in an inverted body position. 3. An individual may not jump, flip or dive over, under, or through partner stunts, pyramids or individuals from basket tosses, similar tosses, partner stunts or other tosses from hands. 4. Drops (knee, seat, thigh, front, back and split) from a jump, stand or inverted position are prohibited unless the majority of the weight is first borne on the hands/feet which breaks the impact of the drop. 5. Jewelry of any kind is prohibited (e.g., navel jewelry, tongue jewelry, earrings, necklaces, etc.) Medical bracelets are allowed provided they are taped to the body. 6. Soft-soled athletic shoes must be worn while cheering or competing. Gymnastics shoes, jazz shoes and/or boots are prohibited. 7. Basket and Elevator/Sponge Tosses are prohibited on surfaces other than grass (real or artificial) or a mat. 8. Flipping skills into or from stunts, tosses or pyramids are prohibited on surfaces other than grass (real or artificial) or a mat. 9. Two and one half high pyramids are prohibited on surfaces other than grass (real or artificial) or a mat. Section C - Partner Stunts 1. Twisting dismounts with more than a 360 degree rotation require an additional spotter that assists on the cradle. 2. Stunts in which the base uses only one arm for support require a spotter when: 11

a. the stunt is anything other than a cupie/awesome or basic liberty. All other one-arm stunts require a spotter (e.g., heel stretch, arabesque, high torch, scorpion, bow and arrow, etc.). b. the load-in or dismount involves a twist. The spotter must be in place during the twist and assist on the cradle during twisting dismounts. c. the top person is popped from one arm to the other. 3. Single based split catches are prohibited. 4. Flips into or from partner stunts are prohibited, with the following exceptions (These exceptions are limited to one flip and require an additional spotter who assists with the cradle.): a. Rewinds (no twisting allowed.) b. Front flip dismounts from shoulder height or below to a cradle. c. Back flip dismounts from shoulder height double based stunts to a cradle. 5. Leg pitch, toe pitch, walk-in, sponge, and straddle catch front and back flips are prohibited. 6. Twisting dismounts greater than two rotations are prohibited. Exception: side facing stunts - i.e. Arabesque, Scorpion, double full twisting cradles to the front are legal. 7. Front, back and side tension drops are prohibited. Section D - Pyramids 1. Pyramids higher than 2 ½ body lengths are prohibited. Pyramid height is measured by body lengths as follows: chairs, thigh stands and shoulder straddles are 1 ½ body lengths; shoulder stands are 2 body lengths; extended stunts (i.e. extension, liberty, etc.) are 2 ½ body lengths. Exception: an extended stunt on top of a thigh stand is allowed. 2. In all pyramids, there must be at least two spotters designated for each person who is above two persons high and whose primary support does not have at least one foot on the ground. One of the spotters must be in the back and the other must be at the side or in front of the pyramid to spot the front. Once the pyramid shows adequate stability and just prior to the dismount, this spotter can move to the back to catch the cradle. 3. Cradles from pyramids over two high must use at least two catchers. 4. Toe touch and twisting dismounts off of pyramids two high or above must use three catchers. 5. All flips into or from pyramids are prohibited, with the exception of a forward flip dismount to a cradle and legal rewinds (see definitions). 6. Front, back and side tension drops are prohibited. 12

Section E - Tosses 1. Basket tosses or similar tosses may only be performed from ground level, can use no more than four bases, and must be cradled by three of the original bases, one of which must catch in a scoop under the head and shoulders. 2. Basket and elevator/sponge tosses may not be directed so that the bases must move to catch the top person. 3. Basket and elevator/sponge tosses cannot exceed one flipping and two twisting rotations. 4. In flipping basket or elevator/sponge tosses (tuck, layout, or pike position) only two additional skills are allowed. One twisting rotation is considered to be one skill. Examples: Legal (two skills) Tuck flip, X-out, Full Twist Double Full-twisting Layout Kick, Full-twisting Layout Pike, Open, Double Full Twist Arabian Front, Full twist Illegal (three skills) Tuck flip, X-out, Double Full Twist Kick, Double Full-twisting Layout Kick, Full-twisting Layout, Kick Pike, Split, Double Full Twist Full-twisting Layout, Split, Full Twist Note: An Arabian Front followed by a 1 ½ twist is considered to be a legal skill. 5. Basket and elevator/sponge load-ins can land in a stunt or pyramid provided that the toss does not significantly exceed the height of the intended skill. Flips into stunts or pyramids from a basket or elevator/sponge load-in are prohibited. Section F - Tumbling 1. Tumbling skills performed over, under or through partner stunts, pyramids or individuals are prohibited. 2. Tumbling skills that exceed one flipping rotation are prohibited. 3. Tumbling skills with two or more twisting rotations are prohibited. 4. Dive rolls are prohibited. Section G - Specific Basketball/Indoor Court Rules 1. The following skills are prohibited at basketball and other athletic contests conducted on courts: a. Basket tosses, elevator/sponge tosses and other similar multibased tosses. 13

b. Partner stunts in which the base uses only one arm to support the top person. c. Flips or released twists into or from partner stunts. d. Two and one half person high pyramids. e. Inversions in partner stunts and pyramids. f. Twisting tumbling skills. The only exception to the above rule is during halftime or postgame performances where the area is free of obstructions and non-cheer personnel, and all skills are performed on a matted surface. Pregame and timeouts are not exceptions to this rule and are subject to the listed restrictions. Section H - Glossary Base - A person who is in direct contact with the performing surface and is supporting another person s weight. Top - A person who is either being supported by another while off of the performing surface or who has been tossed into the air by another person. Middle - A person who is being supported by a base while also supporting a top person. Toss - A movement by one or a group of participant that propels a person into the air so that the person is airborne (i.e., free of contact with the performing surface). Stunt - A skill in which a top person is supported by a base or bases. Pyramid - A skill in which a top person is being supported by a middle layer person. Flip - When a person is airborne while the feet pass over the head. Dive Roll - A forward roll wherein the performer is airborne prior to the beginning of the forward roll. Cradle - Dismount from a stunt/pyramid/toss in which the top person lands in a face-up, semi-piked position. Helicopter Toss - A stunt in which the top person is tossed into the air with the body parallel to the ground and completes a 360 degree horizontal rotation (like the blades of a helicopter.) Rewind - Skill in which the top person starts with BOTH FEET on the ground, is tossed into the air and performs a backward or side rotation into a stunt, pyramid or loading position (this would include a cradle). Flips are limited to one rotation into a pyramid, stunt or loading position and one and one quarter rotations into a flatback or cradle and cannot twist. Loading Position -Any intermediate position below shoulder level that uses continuous motion to put a top person in a stunt or pyramid. Examples: Elevator/sponge load, basket load, smoosh, scoop from 14

the back, etc. Flatback - A stunt in which the top person is in a face-up, straight-body position parallel to the performing surface. Height-increasing Apparatus- Any type of equipment that increases the height of a skill The above safety rules are general in nature and are not intended to cover all circumstances. All cheerleading gymnastics, including tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids, jumps and tosses should be carefully reviewed and supervised by a qualified and knowledgeable advisor or coach. The American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators makes no warranties or representations, either expressed or implied, that the above guidelines will prevent injuries to individual participants. 15