MPA Winter Cheer Coach Manual Promote School Spirit & Competition Season 2017-2018
Table of Contents Letter to Winter Cheer Coaches:... 3 Spirit Rules Corrections - 2017-18... 5 Spirit Points of Emphasis - 2017 2018... 6 Spirit Rules Changes - 2017 2018... 7 True Role of a Cheerleader... 9 Game situations for the winter season- Safety Issues... 10 The Maine Principals Association Competition Guideline... 11 Deduction List... 12 Routine Requirements... 13 2018 Maine Rubric - Official 1... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2018 Maine Rubric Official 2... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2018 Maine Rubric Official 2... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2018 Maine Rubric Official 3... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2018 Maine Rubric Official 3... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2018 Maine Rubric Official 4... Error! Bookmark not defined. Maine Principals Association Cheering Score Sheet... 14 Maine Principals Association Cheering Deduction Sheet]... 21 EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN... 22 Cheer/Stunt Check-Off Form... 23 2017-2018 Winter Season Uniform Check-out & Return... 24 The Maine Cheering Coaches Association... 25 Member Registration Form... 25 2018 Season Maine Coaches Quiz... 26 NOTES:... 28 Direct all National Federation Rules Interpretation Questions to: Denise Gelinas: ggelinas@maine.rr.com or Susan Hartnett: sehartnett@comcast.net All other questions should be addressed with your Athletic Director. Important Web Sites: The Maine Principals' Association: www.mpa.cc Maine Cheer Officials: http://www.mainecheerofficials.com Winter Cheer Bulletin: The National Federation: www.nfhs.org NFHS Copyright free course: https://nfhslearn.com/courses/61124/understanding-copyrightand-compliance USA Cheer Music Copyright: http://usacheer.net/presssafety/music AACCA - American Association of Cheerleading Coaches & Administrators: www.aacca.org Site that helps to clarify legal stunts and pyramids www.cheerrules.com 2
Letter to Winter Cheer Coaches: This packet will give you the necessary information you will need for the winter season. There have been some changes and clarifications to the National Federation Spirit Rules that all coaches / volunteers need to abide by to ensure the athletes will have a safe and positive winter season. These rules are put in place for the Maine cheer programs to help reduce the risk and liability to all that are involved. To start, the purpose of this season is to promote school spirit along with competition. The fundamentals of cheerleading can be used to get the crowd involved in supporting the team(s) they are cheering for throughout the season. Remember, the advanced / elite skills are not necessary when trying to promote school spirit. The Maine Principals Association expects all cheer coaches in Maine to abide by the National Federation Rules throughout the season. Additionally, there are rules put in place by the MPA Cheering Committee in regards to certain skills that are not permitted without a mat. All cheer coaches / volunteers must meet MPA Coaches Eligibility requirements, similar to coaches in other sports. Along with the general eligibility requirements, all Maine cheer coaches need to attend a MPA Mandatory Coaches Meeting and obtain the AACCA Certification: http://nfhslearn.com/ The cheerleaders that make up a competitive cheer team are required to cheer at a minimum of 50% of the games at their school for the particular sport that they are cheering for throughout the entire season. Also as a reminder, if you are an all-star gym coach, employee, or owner, please make sure that you are not violating the MPA rules with your athletes on the team. It is better to ask questions then to assume you know the answer. Coaching your athletes after the season has ended is not acceptable in any sport, including all-star cheerleading. We ask that all coaches please review the following site to clarify legal stunts and pyramids: http://cheerrules.com/ The copyright law for music it is a national topic. It has been in effect since the 1970s and the laws are in place to protect the work of artists and to ensure they are compensated for their creation of music. The MPA will once again purchase the licensing needed for each of their competitions but it is the responsibility of the school, coach, and/ or sponsor to make sure the school is in compliance. The MPA is providing the following information regarding the use of copyrighted music in cheer, which may include using music during rallies, games, competitions or any cheer routines in general. The MPA recommends following USA Cheer guidelines for the music copyright law. For specific questions in regards to the copyright law, please contact an attorney. This is not a cheer rule but a law. Check out the USA Cheer website for further details: http://usacheer.net/presssafety/music 3
Lastly, thank you for your time and please read through the information in this packet thoroughly. There are many important pieces of information necessary for you as coach, especially for liability reasons. Please share the NFHS and the MPA rules with all the coaches, your cheer team and their families. Have a fun but safe season! Sportsmanship is a commitment to ethics and integrity. It is a promise to uphold the dignity of the s port of cheerleading and to honor the coaching pos ition. As a team and as a coach we are s triving for the highes t ethical and moral conduct by our team and our fans. Cheers! Denise & Susan <0 4
Updated September 18, 2017 Spirit Rules Corrections - 2017-18 Publisher s Note: The National Federation of State High School Associations is the only source of official high school interpretations. They do not set aside nor modify any rule. They are made and published by the NFHS in response to situations presented. Robert B. Gardner, Publisher, NFHS Publications 2016 Corrections to Rules Book: Page 18 3-3-3 c - "The top person must maintain hand-to-hand/arm contact with a bracer." 4-3-3 c - Dance 3-3-4 c - "The top person must maintain hand-to-hand/arm contact with a bracer." 4-3-4 c - Dance Page 36 - Dance 4-3-6 B - In inversions where the base of support begins at or passes through begins and remains below prep level Page 87- Dance 4-10-14 - Should read LEGAL 5
Spirit Points of Emphasis - 2017 2018 Application of NFHS Spirit Rules Book The 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. The spirit rules should be followed while participants are in a supporting role at an interscholastic contest and during competition. Situations and photos are provided as examples only, and do not cover all circumstances in which the rules apply. Surfaces Considerations of practice/performance surfaces are a vital component of risk minimization. The following skills are only allowed on a mat, grass or rubberized track surface: a. Basket tosses, elevator/sponge tosses and other similar multi-base tosses. b. Partner stunts in which the base uses only one arm to support the top person. c. Twisting/tumbling skills (Arabians, full-twisting layouts, etc.). EXCEPTION: Cartwheels, round-offs and aerial cartwheels are allowed on surfaces other than a mat, grass or rubberized track. Cradle Dismounts NFHS injury reporting data reveals that more than 75 percent of all spirit injuries occur when dismounting to a cradle. Eighty-four percent of all concussions in spirit activities also occur when dismounting to a cradle. As such, coaches should be especially vigilant to minimize risk of this skill in practice, while participating in a supporting role at other interscholastic contests, and during competition. Risk minimization includes, but is not limited to, following proper progressions, teaching proper technique, adherence to NFHS surface restrictions and appropriate conditioning for the activity. Overuse Injuries Coaches are encouraged to limit the time spent practicing skills (e.g., headstands, head spins, head springs, etc.) that involve the head/neck area to avoid overuse injuries. 6
Spirit Rules Changes - 2017 2018 Rule 1: Deletes definitions for downward inversion, front drop, knee/seat/thigh drop, split drop, sponge and swan dive. Rule 1: Adds definitions for braced flip, braced inversion, braced roll, prep level and swing roll down (teddy bear roll down). Rule 1: Revises definition for switch liberty. Rationale: The definitions were added to clarify language used in the updated Spirit Rules Book: braced flip, braced inversion, braced roll, prep level and swing roll down (teddy bear roll down). The definition for switch liberty was revised to match common practice. 2-1-10, 2-1-12: Revises language to match basketball rules book on spirit squad location during basketball games. Rationale: Revised language was written to match the basketball rules book to create consistency across activities. 3-2-7, 4-2-7: Adds the words "extended stunts that stop" to allow for show-and-go and up-and-over stunts. Rationale: Language was revised to allow for show-and-go and up-and-over stunts without a spotter. The stunts allowed without a spotter do not end in an extended position. 3-3-2, 4-3-2: Removes the word static and clarifies article 2. Rationale: The word static was removed to clarify how a top person can pass through an extended position. 3-3-3, 4-3-3: Reorganizes and clarifies braced inversions in a pyramid. Rationale: Conditions for braced inversions in a pyramid that do not flip or roll are enumerated for clarification. 3-3-4, 4-3-4: Reorganizes and clarifies braced rolls in a pyramid. Rationale: Conditions for braced rolls in a pyramid were reorganized and clarified. 3-3-5: Reorganizes and clarifies braced flips in a pyramid. Rationale: Conditions for braced flips in a pyramid were reorganized and enumerated for clarification. 3-3-6, 4-3-6: Reorganizes and clarifies all other inversions, including suspended rolls. Rationale: Conditions for inversions that are released were clarified. A quarter turn was changed to a half turn; this increase does not elevate safety risks for participants. The number of bases and/or spotters was adjusted. Rules for suspended rolls were moved to this section. 3-3-8, 4-3-8: Prohibits a swing roll-down stunt. Rationale: Swing roll down stunts (teddy bear roll down) were defined and prohibited. 7
3-4-3, 4-4-11: Removes the word static and clarifies the connection. Rationale: The word static was removed for consistency throughout the rules book. Language was adjusted to clarify the connection for extended braced stunts. The connection cannot be made by holding the leg/foot in the hand. 3-5-5: Removes the requirement for spotter of a bracer in a double-based prep. Rationale: Adjusted the requirement for bases/spotters of bracers in a double-based prep. 3-5-9, 4-5-2c: Eliminates swan dives. Rationale: Swan dive rule was deleted, as releases to prone positions are covered in 3-5-2, 3-5-5, and 4-5-3. 3-6-2, 4-6-2: Adds an exception to allow the top to release to grab another base to adjust position. Rationale: Language was added to create an exception to allow the top to release one hand to grab another base to adjust position. 3-8-2, 4-8-2: Allows poms to be held during airborne tumbling skills. Rationale: Language was added to create an exception to allow the top to release one hand to grab another base to adjust position. 4-4-2: Removes the word static and clarifies article 2. Rationale: The word static was removed and language was added to clarify how a top person can pass through an extended position. 4-7-7, 4-7-8: Prohibits skills to a cradle. Rationale: Prohibits skills performed to cradle for dance/drill/pom participants. Dance/drill/pom participants may twist dismount to the performance surface. 4-10-14: Requires bases to be in contact with the top person when transitioning from a prop. Rationale: Minimizes the risk to participants when transitioning from props as bases to people as bases. This ensures that at no time will the top person be free of contact from a base while transitioning to a stunt from a prop. 8
True Role of a Cheerleader (See Cheerleading Philosophy pg. 7 & 8 in the Spirit Rules Book & Sportsmanship pg. 14 & 15 - Rule 2-2-1 & 2-2-2) Promote school spirit not only during games but also throughout the season and in school for all sports. Coaches and cheerleaders are role models not only for the school but also for the community. Stretching and warm-ups should not be done directly in front of a crowd. It should be done in area away from the crowd. Cheerleaders should show respect for the flag by standing at attention and not talking during the National Anthem. Go back to being Cheer Leaders. In order to get the student body involved cheerleaders need to earn their respect. Get the crowd of all ages involved. Use appropriate cheers and do not taunt the opponent. Go back to the basics. Utilize your materials such as signs, the band, and incorporate crowd cheers. Create easy cheers such as response cheers. Pyramids and stunts are done to excite the crowd. Remember: more difficult stunts do not always capture the audience. Be aware of your team s behavior - during pre-game, during the game, and after the game. Are the cheerleaders organized and enthusiastic? Does the team complete their time-out, quarter cheer, or half time routine and then walk off having discussions? Or do they try to get the crowd excited? Make sure the cheer team knows the rules of the game that they are cheering for know when it is appropriate to cheer. Cheer teams and coaches need to respect the rules and regulations of the opposing school when traveling to away games. When there is an injured player on either team cheerleaders should behave appropriately by standing quietly until the player is recovered or removed from the playing area. This is not a time for discussions. Opposing players, coaches, administrators, officials, and fans should be treated with respect. This extends outside of the game especially with social media. 9
Game situations for the winter season- Safety Issues NFHS and MPA Rules are in effect at all times when s tudent athletes are participating in practices, games, camps, or any other event(s ) throughout the year. * No jewelry permitted- not even belly button rings, spacers, or nose rings * Hair must be pulled back in a ponytail and out of the face. Uniforms must be appropriate for the sport. Rhinestones that are punched, sewn or glued on uniforms from the manufacturer are legal. Rhinestones woven into the hair or glued on the face are illegal. Any other use of rhinestones being used on accessories such as socks, shoes, bloomers or bows is an MPA Rule and is not allowed. No Exceptions. Glitter that does not readily adhere on the hair, face, body, uniform or costume is not permitted No chewing gum. No swearing. Keep talking to a minimum. Athletes must be attentive at all times. Please be aware of your surroundings and alter your skills to be safe and suitable for the facility or cheering surface. Stunting and tumbling should only take place on appropriate and safe surfaces. No stunting or tumbling when the ball is "in play". The ball is "in play" during the team's warm-up session and during game time. Remember: people are watching the game so stunting while the ball is in play is not the appropriate time and illegal according to the NFHS Spirit Rules. Cheerleaders or mascots must not stand behind the free throw lane extended anytime during the basketball game. See NFHS Spirit Rule Book page 50. In the State of Maine - Basket tosses, multi-base tosses, or twists from dismounts may only be performed on mats. Perform only perfected material. Individual tumbling across the basketball court is not permitted. Tumbling should be incorporated as a team skill. 10
The Maine Principals Association Competition Guideline The National Federation Safety Guidelines will be in effect. Teams may include up to 20 members. The performance surface at the Regional and State Competitions will be 42 X 42 carpeted gymnastic mats. The tapelines will be vertical with one centerline down the mat and across horizontally in the center to form a +. Teams may perform a choreographed routine not exceeding three minutes. Each team will be announced as follows: o o o o may take the floor. Getting ready is. On deck is. Now performing is. The timing starts on the first sound or routine movement. Team members may start the routine from any position. At least one foot needs to be on the mat. Routines will be scored from the moment the routine begins until the last timed motion. The penalty officials will review a routine from the moment the team steps onto the mat until the team exits the mat. This will include dismounts of stunts or pyramid or stunts in the routine that are not timed and anything else that may occur during this time. A Coaches Box will be provided for coaches only. A routine will only be stopped due to safety hazards. NOTE: If there is a hazardous situation in which the routine should be stopped (i.e. bodily fluid or injury) the routine will be stopped immediately and the team will continue the routine from the point of interruption at the end of the round. If a mat separates during a routine then the routine would continue immediately after the mats are adjusted and the team will continue the routine from the point of interruption. If there is a situation that the officials are unaware of, such as the music not starting due to technical difficulty, please notify the safety official immediately. Tie Breaker: Adding the team s six Technical Difficulty Scores - Tumbling, Partner Stunts, Pyramids, Jumps, Motions, and Dance. The team with the highest total wins. If a tie still exists, the team with the highest Technique Score from the six technical categories will break the second tie. If you are unable to attend a competition, please have the courtesy to call the person running the competition. A $75.00 fine will be administered for the MPA Competitions. Scores are based on performances at that day s event compared to other teams in the division. Teams will notice a variance in scores from event to event. An Inquiry Meeting will be held before the Award Ceremony. All officials calls are final. 11
Deduction List Deduction points will be in effect at all times that MPA Certified Cheer Officials are officiating an event - No exceptions Penalty Deductions are: 1 point and 5 points 1 Point Deduction (for each occurrence) Inappropriate hair devices / hair not in pony tail Inattentive Spotter Jewelry (this includes body piercing) Rhinestones that don t comply with NFHS guidelines Glitter on uniforms, on body, or on hair ribbons Inappropriate words in music Other 5 Point Deductions (Not all situations are listed) Any situation that could endanger the student athlete(s) performing. Illegal stunt Unassisted landing from shoulder height level or higher Unsporting behavior by athlete or coach NFHS Rule Violation Deductions will be applied after the scores are added together. Stopping of a routine ANY official can stop a routine due to safety hazards. EXCEEDING TIME: -1 point for every second up to five seconds. Maximum deduction for exceeding the time will be 5 points. The time used to determine deductions will be the average of two recorded times rounded up to the nearest second. TIE BREAKER: Adding the team s six Technical Difficulty Scores - Tumbling, Partner Stunts, Pyramids, Jumps, Motions, and Dance. The team with the highest total wins. If a tie still exists, the team with the highest Technique Score from the six technical categories will break the second tie. 12
Routine Requirements Routines must include but are not limited to: Include Tumbling Skills to meet the standard of the tumbling rubric. Include whole team Partner Stunts and Pyramid required by the rubric Include a cheer No certain length of time for the cheer but long enough for voice and motions to be judged. Include Jumps to meet the requirements of the rubric. Minimum of three different jumps. Include Dance A minimum of four eight counts of dance required by the whole team. MAJORITY = 51% (of the team) MOST = 75% (of the team) 13
- Basic Tumbling to be performed by MOST of the team. - Forward rolls - Cartwheels - Roundoffs 2018 Maine Rubric - Official 1 Tumbling Difficulty Basic Tumbling Novice Tumbling Intermediate Tumbling Advanced Tumbling Elite Tumbling 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.9 6.0-7.9 8.0-10 - Less than Majority - Maj Back Back Handspring Handspring (BHS) (BHS) and some Roundoff - Most of the team BHS performing basic - Maj BHS and Maj tumbling. Roundoff BHS - Most Back Handspring (BHS) and most Roundoff BHS OR Maj Roundoff Tuck - Most Standing BHS and some standing tucks and Maj Roundoff BHS Back Tuck or Most Roundoff Back Tuck - Maj standing tucks and most Roundoff Back Handspring (BHS) Back Tucks or Maj Roundoff BHS layouts - Most standing tucks and Maj Roundoff BHS Fulls or most Roundoff BHS Layouts - Some standing Fulls & most Roundoff BHS Fulls Tumbling Technique 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 Average Technique - Maj demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization. - A few minor mistakes AND/OR a major OR a couple of major tumbling execution mistakes. Below average technique - Less than Maj demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization - Many minor mistakes AND/OR many major tumbling execution mistakes. Above Average Technique - Most demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization - 1 or 2 minors OR no major tumbling mistakes Majority / Most ATHLETES 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 MAJORITY 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 MOST 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 15 Transitions and Flow 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 - Some issues during transitions (bumping, excessive travel) - Average incorporation of skills during transition - Average coordination among all elements of the routine - Average pace of routine - Major issues during transitions (bumping, excessive travel) - Minimal incorporation of skills during transition - Choppy, lacks cohesion, excessive down time - Slow pace of routine - Clean transitions - Excellent incorporation of skills during transitions - Uncluttered changes between segments - Strong coordination among all elements of the routine - Fast pace of routine Overall Impression Below Average Average Above Average 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 The following are considered when scoring: - Overall Impression / Creativity / Choreography / Showmanship - A team's effectiveness in performing a comprehensive and positive memorable experience - A team's effectiveness to implement innovative, visual, unique and intricate ideas, incorporations and music. - A team's effectiveness in demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and confidence, and ability to capture the crowd 14
2018 Maine Rubric Official 2 Partner Stunts Difficulty Basic Partner Stunts Novice Partner Stunts Intermediate Partner Stunts Advanced Partner Stunts 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.9 6.0-7.9 8.0 10 All Executed with or Maximum Without Fronts participation for - Thigh Stands novice stunts. - Thigh Prep Hitch All executed with or - Shoulder Sits without fronts: - Straddle Sit - Extensions - Shoulder Stand - Retake Extensions - Prep level stunts - Extension Variations - Basket Toss - - Basket Toss - straight ride straight ride - Prep / Ext Hitch Dismount Variations such as: - Straight Cradles - Straight cradles from 2 legged stunts with or without fronts Novice skills performed with 1 less than max participation Dismount variations such as: - Straight cradle 2- legged stunts w/out fronts - Single twisting dismounts from prep / half extension without fronts - Single twisting dismounts from 2- legged extended stunts w/ front spots Intermediate skills performed with 1 less than max participation Maximum participation for intermediate stunts. - Straight Up Lib/Post w/ Front - Straight Up Elite Skill w/ Front - Lib Power Press/Retake w/ Front - 1 Leg Elite Body Press Retake w/ Front - Single Trick Tosses (pike, toe touch, kick, etc.) - Dismount Variations Dismount variation such as: - Straight cradles - Single twisting dismounts from ext. lib variations with front spots Advanced skills performed with 1 less than max participation Maximum participation for most advanced stunts. - Straight Up Lib/Post - No front - Lib Power Press/Retake - No front - One Leg Elite skill power press - Switch to Lib w/ Front - 1/2 Up to Lib w/ Front - Switch to 1 Leg Elite Skill w/ Front - Full Up to Liberty w/ Front - Full up to Elite Skill w/ Front - One Leg Elite Body Press Retake - No Front - Double Trick Tosses (pike kick, kick single, etc.) Dismount Variations - Including twists Elite skills performed with 1 less than max participation Elite Partner Stunts Maximum participation for most elite stunt sequences - Single base ext. - Single base coed style lib - Single base 1 leg body position (Elite) -Low to high lib with front -Full up to 2 feet -Switch to lib - Switch to one leg body position (Elite) - 1.5 to two feet (ext.) - Full up to lib - Full up to 1 leg Body Position (Elite) skill -Low to high to lib no front - Low to high to elite skill no front - 1.5 to lib/body position - Double up - Full twisting express up - Twisting tick toc - Multiple trick basket Dismount Variations - Including twists (NOTE: Body Position = a position a flyer pulls in a single leg stunt showing flexibility). *Elite Skills include; stretch, bow & arrow, arabesque, scale scorpion, etc.; Minimum of 2 stunt skills with maximum participation to score in a particular range. Partner Stunts Technique 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 Average Technique - Maj demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization. - Average flexibility - A few minor mistakes AND/OR a major OR a couple of major stunt execution mistakes. Below average technique - Less than Maj demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization - Below average height / flexibility - Many minor mistakes AND/OR many major stunt execution mistakes Above Average Technique - Most demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization - Above average flexibility - 1 or 2 minor OR no major stunt execution mistake. When scoring partner stunt technique - the stunt skills to mistake ratio will be considered. 15
2018 Maine Rubric Official 2 The following are considered when scoring difficulty: Degree of difficulty Percentage of team participation Variety of entries, inversions, dismounts and transitions Pace and speed of skills performed Maximum Participation Athletes Stunt Groups Athletes Stunt Groups 20 4 or 5 12 14 2 or 3 16 19 3 or 4 10 11 2 15 3 9 or less 1 or 2 Formations and Spacing 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 - Formations demonstrate some good use of floor, alignment and symmetry. - Some variety. - Minor problems in spacing. - Unclear formations - Little Variety - Spacing off throughout routine - Clear, visually effective formations. - Large variety of formations. - Minimal / No spacing errors. Overall Showmanship 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 - Average pitch and clarity / enunciation. - Average volume relative to number of athletes. - Average athleticism (slightly out of breath, average stamina, etc.) - Average expressions / enthusiasm - Below average pitch and clarity / enunciation. - Below average volume relative to number of athletes. - Below average athleticism (out of breath, lacks stamina, etc.) - Lack of expression / enthusiasm - Excellent pitch and clarity / enunciation. - Above average volume relative to number of athletes. - Above average athleticism (not out of breath, strong stamina, etc.) - Strong expressions / enthusiasm 16
Basic Pyramid(s) Majority of groups participating in basic stunt sequences. - Basic Fundamental Pyramids to include a single structure or sequence with basic or no transitions. - Pyramid(s) are formed utilizing Basic stunts and remain at prep level or below. Dismount Variations such as: - Straight Cradles - Straight cradles from 2 legged stunts with or without Novice Pyramid(s) 2018 Maine Rubric Official 3 Pyramid(s) Difficulty Intermediate Pyramid(s) Advanced Pyramid(s) Elite Pyramid(s) 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.9 6.0-7.9 8.0-10 Majority of groups Majority of groups participating in participating in novice stunt intermediate stunt sequences. sequences Maximum Maximum Participation Participation - Novice Pyramids to - Intermediate include a single Pyramids are a structure or sequence transitioning pyramid with basic or no of at least 2 transitions. connected structures. - Pyramid(s) are - Pyramids and formed utilizing transitions are formed Novice stunts at the utilizing a combination extended level. of liberty variations and/or Intermediate stunts as well as front spotters. Dismount variations such as: - Straight cradle 2- legged stunts w/out fronts - Single twisting dismounts from prep / half extension without fronts - Single twisting dismounts from 2- legged extended stunts w/ front spots Dismount variation such as: - Straight cradles - Single twisting dismounts from ext. lib variations with front spots Majority of groups participating in advanced stunt sequences Maximum Participation - Advanced Pyramids are transitional pyramids of at least 2 connected structures that can also transitional release. - Pyramids and transitions are formed utilizing a combination of liberty variations and/or Advanced stunts. - Advanced transitional releases to include: - Release to, from or at extended level and maintains vertical position - Release to or from horizontal position to extended level Dismount Variations - Including twists Elite Skills include; stretch, bow & arrow, arabesque, scale scorpion, etc. Majority of groups participating in elite stunt sequences Maximum Participation - Elite Pyramids are highly advanced transitional pyramids of at least 2 connected structures and with multiple transitions including releases, braced flips and body positions changes. - Pyramids and transitions are formed utilizing a combination of liberty variations and Elite stunts or transitions. - Elite transitional releases and braced flips to include: - Braced flips to, from or at prep level and above - Braced flips to, from or at extended level Dismount Variations including twists Pyramid(s) Technique 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 Average Technique - Maj demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization. - Average height / flexibility - A few minor mistakes AND/OR a major OR a couple of major stunt execution mistakes. Below average technique - Less than Maj demonstrated excellent precision, timing and synchronization - Below average height / flexibility - Many minor mistakes AND/OR many major stunt execution mistakes. Above Average Technique - Most demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization - Above average height / flexibility - 1 or 2 minor OR no major stunt execution mistakes The following are considered when scoring difficulty: Degree of difficulty Percentage of team participation Variety of entries, inversions, dismounts and transitions Pace and speed of skills performed Maximum Participation Athletes Stunt Groups Athletes Stunt Groups 20 4 or 5 12 14 2 or 3 16 19 3 or 4 10 11 2 15 3 9 or less 1 or 2 17
- Little to no formation changes, transitions and level changes. - Little to no variety of motion - Lack of movement during transitions. - Below average use of floor (Footwork, floor work, visual effect, etc.). 2018 Maine Rubric Official 3 Motions Difficulty 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 - Minimal formation changes, transitions, and level changes. - Some variety of motion. - Minimal movement during transition. - Average use of floor (footwork, floor work, visual effect, etc.) - Some original and visual material. - Multiple advanced formation changes, transitions and level changes. - Excellent variety of motion - Difficult foot and body movement during transitions - Excellent us of floor (footwork, floor work, visual effect, etc.) Motions - Technique 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 Average Technique - Some bent wrists and/or placement off - Average timing and synchronization Below average technique - Many with bent wrists and/or poor placement - Below average timing and synchronization. Majority / Most Above Average Technique - Proper placement, sharp precision. - Excellent timing and synchronization. ATHLETES 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 MAJORITY 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 MOST 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 15 18
- 2 different advanced connected jumps performed by MOST of the team plus one additional different advanced jump incorporated separately into the routine. 2018 Maine Rubric Official 4 Jumps Difficulty Basic Jumps Novice Jumps Intermediate Jumps Advanced Jumps Elite Jumps 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.9 6.0-7.9 8.0-10 - 3 different advanced connected jumps performed by MOST of the team OR - 3 different advanced jumps performed by MOST of the team plus one additional advanced jump. - 3 different advanced connected jumps performed by MOST of the team plus one additional advanced jump by less than majority with BHS or better OR - 4 Advanced connected jumps by MOST of the team (3 of these must be different). - 3 different advanced connected jumps with a separate jump to BHS or better performed by MAJORITY of the team OR - 4 advanced connect jumps ending in BHS or better performed by MAJORITY of the team (3 of these must be different) - 3 different advanced connected jumps with a separate jump to BHS or better performed by MOST of the team OR - 4 advanced connect jumps ending in BHS or better performed by MOST of the team (3 of these must be different) Jumps Technique 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 Average Technique - Maj demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization. - Average height / flexibility - A few minor mistakes AND/OR a major OR a couple of major jump execution mistakes. Below average technique - Less than Maj demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization - Below average height / flexibility - Many minor mistakes AND/OR many major jump execution mistakes. Above Average Technique - Most demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization - Above average height / flexibility - 1 or 2 minor OR no major jump mistakes Dance Difficulty 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 - Average energy, musicality, rhythm and pace of music ("and" counts). - Minimal formation changes, basic transitions, and level changes. - Some variety of motion and use of floor (footwork, floor work, visual effect, etc.). - Below average energy, musicality, rhythm and pace of music ("and" counts). - Little to no formation changes, basic transitions, and level changes. - Little to no variety of motion. - Below average use of floor (footwork, floor work, visual effect, etc.). Minimum of 4 eight counts required Minimum of 4 eight counts required - High energy, musicality, rhythm and pace of music ("and" counts). - Multiple advanced formations, transitions, and level changes. - Excellent variety of motions and use of floor (footwork, floor work, visual effect, etc.). Minimum of 4 eight counts required Dance Technique 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.0 Average Technique - Some bent wrists and/or placement off - Average timing and synchronization Below average technique - Many with bent wrists and/or poor placement - Below average timing and synchronization. Majority / Most Above Average Technique - Proper placement, sharp precision. - Excellent timing and synchronization. ATHLETES 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 MAJORITY 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 MOST 4 5 5 6 7 8 8 9 10 11 11 12 12 13 14 15 19
Maine Principals Association Cheering Score Sheet School Name: Class: A B C D Official s Initials: Date: Category Official 1 Tumbling Difficulty 10 Tumbling Technique 5 Transitions and Flow 5 Overall Impression 5 TOTAL 25 Official 2 Partner Stunts 10 Difficulty Partner Stunts 5 Technique Formations and Spacing 5 Overall Showmanship 5 TOTAL 25 Official 3 Pyramid(s) Difficulty 10 Pyramid(s) Technique 5 Motions Difficulty 5 Motions Technique 5 TOTAL 25 Official 4 Jumps Difficulty 10 Jumps Technique 5 Dance Difficulty 5 Dance Technique 5 TOTAL 25 GRAND TOTAL 100 MAX SCORE COMMENTS 20
Maine Principals Association Cheering Deduction Sheet] School Name: Class: A B C D Official s Initials: Date: Routine Time: Time Penalty: 1 Point Deduction(s) Inappropriate hair devices / hair not in pony tail Inattentive spotter Jewelry Rhinestones that don t comply with NFHS guidelines Glitter on uniforms, on body, or on hair ribbons Other 5 Point Deduction(s) Any situation that could endanger the student athlete performing Illegal Stunt Unassisted landing from shoulder height or above Unsporting behavior by athlete or coach Other Final Deduction(s) 21
EMERGENCY ACTION PLAN 22
Cheer/Stunt Check-Off Form Sample Form Squad: Cheer: Signs Used: Starting Formation: Stunt 1 Stunt 2 Flyer Flyer Base 1 Base 1 Base 2 Base 2 Base 3 Base 3 Spotter Spotter Date Passed (5 for 5) Date Passed (5 for 5) Stunt 3 Stunt 4 Flyer Flyer Base 1 Base 1 Base 2 Base 2 Base 3 Base 3 Spotter Spotter Date Passed (5 for 5) Date Passed (5 for 5) 23
2017-2018 Winter Season Uniform Check-out & Return ame Shell Skirt Pants Jackets Poms Socks Shoes Briefs $ Paid 24
The Maine Cheering Coaches Association Member Registration Form Please make check payable to: MCCA Annual Dues: $25 - (Bring Dues and this form to the clinic) Registration: 8:00 am - 9:00 am The dues collected annually goes towards the guest speakers, pays for lunch on the clinic day, allows the MCCA to give a scholarship to a cheerleader in the East and the West, and also as an MCCA member it gives your team a 50% discount on the registration fee to the MCCA Annual Cheerleading Competition Check out the website: Mainecheerofficials.com SCHOOL NAME: COACH'S NAME: COACH S ADDRESS: COACH S PHONE NUMBER COACH S EMAIL ADDRESS: 25
2018 Season Maine Coaches Quiz 1. Jewelry is prohibited at any event the athletes are actively cheering? 2. A top person may pass through extended position while inverted, provided that he/she does not pause or stop at the top? 3. Bracers in a flip pyramid can be located on the side or the back of the top person? 4. Braced Inversions that do not flip only requires one bracer with no back spot? 5. Hair must be up and out of the face in a ponytail at all times when performing? 6. It is legal for 3 extended stunts to connect in an extension, 3 libs, and extended double hitch on the outside with center extension holding their feet? 7. It is illegal for a non-braced top person that remains in a vertical position to be released to a stunt at any level? 8. Is it legal for a top person to be popped rotates 360 degrees and land on her feet in the hands of the same bases in an extension? 9. It is illegal for an athlete to hold poms while performing a back handspring, round off, forward roll, or aerial? 10. It is illegal for a top person in a release stunt to land in an inverted position? 11. The definition of quick toss is the top person starts with both feet on performing surface and ends in a stunt? 12. It is legal at any point during basketball game to stand in the Free Throw Lane Extended? 13. What is considered majority? Most? 14. What is the maximum rotation for an inverted stunt? dismount? entry/transitional? 15. It is legal when an inversion from the performing surface is released and the top person lands in prep after performing ½ twist, lands in a thigh stand, or a loading position after performing a half twist? 26
16. The MPA requires that all basket tosses and twists dismounts to be done only on mats? 17. It is legal for a top person to sit in a straddle sit with two basses and a spotter and executes a roll by grasping both hands of the spotter and, as the bases holds his/her feet, executes the roll by swinging down and back up to a prep? 18. For the Rubric, a minimum of 2 stunt sequences must be done to score in a range except for the Basic Range? 19. The MPA requires all teams that are competing cheer a minimum of 50% of the games throughout the season? 20. It is illegal to put rhinestones on hair bows and other accessories? 21. Is it legal for individual tumbling the length or the width of the basketball court? 22. Teams are required to incorporate a whole team pyramid segment in the routine along with stunts, a minimum of four eight counts of dance, three different jumps, tumbling, and a cheer long enough to score voice? 23. Music Copyright Law requires teams to obtain music by a provider that is able to have proof that they are licensed to mash cheer music together for cheer routines? 24. Inquiry Meetings are a time to discuss the scores with the lead official? 25. It is illegal for a non-braced top person to be in a load position and released to an extension, flatback, or a cradle? 26. The new Tie Breaker Rule is: Adding the team s six Technical Difficulty Scores - Tumbling, Partner Stunts, Pyramids, Jumps, Motions, and Dance. The team with the highest total wins. If a tie still exists, the team with the highest Technique Score from the six technical categories will break the second tie? 27
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