MPA Winter Cheer Coach Manual

MPA Winter Cheer Coach Manual Promote School Spirit & Competition Season 2015 2016

Table of Contents Letter to the Cheer Coaches...3 NFHS Spirit Rule Changes..4 NFHS Rule Book Corrections.5 The Role of a Cheerleader...6 The Maine Principals' Association Competition Guideline...8 The Deduction List...9 Routine Requirements...10 The MPA Technical Guidelines Tumbling Category...11 Pyramid & Partner Stunt Category...12 Jump Category...14 Motion Technique & Dance Category...15 Overall Routine Categories...16 2015 Cheer Competition Dates...18 MPA Score Sheets Sheet...20 Deduction Sheet......21 Emergency Plan...22 Partner Stunt Progression...23 Uniform Check-out Form...25 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: Ø The Maine Principals' Association: www.mpa.cc Ø Maine Cheer Officials: http://www.mainecheerofficials.com Ø Winter Cheer Bulletin: http://www.mpa.cc/images/bulletins/bulletin%20winter%20cheering.pdf Ø The National Federation: www.nfhs.org Ø AACCA - American Association of Cheerleading Coaches & Administrators: www.aacca.org Ø Site that helps to clarify legal stunts and pyramids www.cheerrules.com Ø The Maine Cheer Coaches' Association: Mainecheer.org Ø CheerSafe (Take the pledge) www.cheersafe.com 2

To: The 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 employee, owner or an all-star cheer coach, 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/ 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 sport of cheerleading and to honor the coaching position. As a team and as a coach we are striving for the highest ethical and moral conduct by our team and our fans. 3

2015-16 NFHS Spirit Rules Changes This summary of 2015-16 NFHS Spirit Rules changes is for information only and does not attempt to include all minor changes. For a complete and official list of rules, refer to the 2015-16 NFHS Spirit Rules Book. RULE 1 DEFINITIONS Drop Now defined as being airborne. Flatback Now defined as being both non-extended and extended, and specifies that hips and shoulders are in alignment. Prop Deleted wording about props used as bases. Prop as Base (New) An object that primarily supports a participant s weight. Toss Clarifies that a toss begins with the base(s) hands underneath the top person s foot/feet. RULE 2 GENERAL RISK MANAGEMENT Section 5 Inversions: Reorganized, renumbered, and added to. 3. 2-5-3 - Non-flipping Braced Inversions (New) a. Top person must not begin in an extended inverted position. b. Braced inversions that do not release have same requirements as upright braced non- release stunts. c. Braced inversions that do release have same requirements as upright braced release transitions. 4. 2-5-4 - Braced Flips: 1.Top person can rotate sideways; 2. Bracers must be in double-base preps; 3.Top person can execute a half twist. 2-5-6 Holding Props: An inverted person on the floor can hold a prop while being transitioned to a non-inverted stunt. 2-6-4 Vertical to Horizontal Transitions: Catching top person on his/her side is now allowed. 2-7-5 Release Transitions: Single bases now allowed. 2-8- 6 Suspended Stunts (New): A top person can t be suspended face down with arms and legs held above the torso. (AKA mission impossible) 2-10-7 Tumbling (New): Prohibits participant from jumping backwards onto the neck, shoulders, and hands as entry into a kip. (AKA suicide kip; rubber band ). This does not affect back handsprings. Section 11 Drops 2-11-1 - Eliminates restrictions on knee, seat, thigh or split drops in which contact is maintained with the floor/mat. 2-11-2 - Allows airborne front drops that start in a crouch and land in a push up position. 2-11-3 - Prohibits falling directly from a standing position to the stomach or back. 4

2015-16 NFHS Spirit Rules Book Corrections 1. 2.3.3 SITUATION B ruling correction: RULING: (a) legal; (b) illegal. 2. The EXCEPTION on Page 49 is for 2 5 5b and should be moved to Page 51 (the EXCEPTION is correct on Page 18). The caption on Page 51 should be moved to Page 49. 3. The picture on the bottom of Page 51 is Illegal. By Rule 2 5 5c, this stunt is illegal...the spotter needs to maintain upper body contact with the top person until she is no longer inverted or her hands are on the performing surface. 4. EXCEPTION should read...a non braced tick tock that begins at or below shoulder level is allowed. 2015 16 NFHS Spirit Rules Book Edits 1. Definition of Swan Dive (Page 10) should be shaded. 2. Shushunovas are misspelled on Page 30 & 38 3. Tumbling Situations on Page 30 should also be listed on Page 37 and were adjusted for Dance. RULE 3, SECTION 5 SITUATION RULINGS *3.5.1 SITUATION A: The top persons in two preps are facing each other and holding hands. Another participant executes a forward roll below their connected arms. RULING: Illegal. *3.5.1 SITUATION B: A participant executes: (a) a forward roll over a person lying on the floor; (b) a cartwheel by placing his/her hands on either side of a person lying on the floor; (c) a cartwheel by placing both hands on the thighs of a person lying on the floor; (d) an aerial cartwheel over the a person lying on the floor. RULING: (a) and (b) legal; (c) and (d) illegal. *3.5.1 SITUATION C: A participant executes the following over a small prop on the floor: (a) front walkover; (b) a front handspring. RULING: (a) legal; (b) illegal. *3.5.2 SITUATION: A participant who is holding poms executes: (a) an aerial cartwheel; (b) a back handspring; (c) a backward roll; (d) a one handed cartwheel with poms in the free hand. RULING: (a), and (b) illegal; (c) and (d) legal. *3.5.5 SITUATION: During a tumbling pass on the gym floor, a participant executes: (a) a series of back handsprings; (b.) an aerial cartwheel; (c) a single twisting back flip. RULING: (a) and (b) legal; (c) illegal. COMMENT: Some twisting tumbling skills are allowed only on mats, grass or rubberized tracks. NOTE: See Situation 3.1.5 for footwear restrictions on running airborne tumbling skills. *3.5.7 SITUATION: A participant: (a) executes a back handspring landing on her hands and shoulders and immediately kips up to a standing position on the performing surface; (b) rolls backwards onto her hands and shoulders and immediately kips up to a tuck position on the performing surface. RULING: (a) illegal; (b) legal 5

True Role of a Cheerleader (See Cheerleading Philosophy pg. 6 & 7 in the Spirit Rules Book & Sportsmanship pg. 13 Rule 2-2-1 & 2-2-2) Promote school spirit not only during games but 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 either 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. 6

Game situations for the winter season- Safety Issues NFHS and MPA Rules are in effect at all times when student 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 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 illegal. 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 only 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 during the time the ball is in play is not the appropriate time. Cheerleaders or mascots must not stand behind the free throw lane extended during the basketball game. See NFHS Spirit Rule Book page 40. 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. 7

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 tape lines will be vertical with one center line down the center 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 may be a situation that the officials are unaware of such as the music does not start due to technical difficulty, please notify the lead official immediately. A tie is broken by adding the team s five - technical scores - Tumbling, Partner Stunts & Pyramids, Jumps, Motions, and Dance. The team with the highest total wins. If a tie still exists, it will be broken with the team with the highest Overall Impression Score. 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. An Inquiry Meeting will be held before the Award Ceremony. All officials calls are final. 8

Deduction List Deduction points will be in effect at all times that MPA Certified Cheer Officials are officiating an event - No exceptions 1 Point Deduction (for each occurrence) - Unperfected Tumbling 5 Point Deductions (Not all situations are listed) Penalty Deductions are: 1 point and 5 points - Any situation that could endanger the student athlete(s) performing. - Falls to the floor by anyone in the stunt group. - Inappropriate hair devices - Inattentive spotter - Illegal stunt - Unassisted landing from shoulder height level or higher - Jewelry (this includes any body piercing) - Swearing by athlete or coach (heard by any official) - Inappropriate words in music - Rhinestones that don t comply with NFHS guidelines - Glitter on uniforms, on body, or on hair ribbons - NFHS Rule Violation v Deductions will be done after the scores are added together. Stopping of a routine ANY official can stop a routine due to safety hazards. TIE: A tie is broken adding the team s five technical 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 Overall Impression Score will break the tie. EXCEEDING TIME: -1 point for every second up to five seconds. Maximum deduction for exceeding the time will be 5 points. Take the 2 times recorded and average, rounding up to the nearest second. 9

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 = 90% (of the team) 10

MPA Technical Guidelines Tumbling Difficulty 1-2 2-5 5-7 7-9 9-10 Most of team with basic skills: Forward Rolls Round- Offs Cartwheels Walkovers Less than majority of team with handspring(s) and may include limited tucks Majority of team with handspring skills - standing, running, and/or series Minimal tucks standing or running or above Most of team with handspring skills (standing, running, and/or series) AND/OR Majority of team with tucks (standing or running) or above Most of team with tucks (standing or running) or above AND/OR Majority of team with layouts, fulls, or specialty passes ending in tuck or above Combining skills (jump-back handspring/tuck, series back handsprings, back handspringtuck, etc.) will increase difficulty and score higher within the ranges. SPECIALTY PASS = Running tumbling with entries, including front walk-over/handspring, aerial, or punch front, ending in a tuck or higher; or running tumbling involving skills such as back handspring step outs, whips, or Arabians ending in a tuck or higher Tumbling Technique 1-2 2-4 4-5 Below average technique less than majority demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization Average technique majority demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization Above average technique most demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization Technique = A team s effectiveness in demonstrating proper form (body position and control, landings), timing uniformity and precision MAJORITY/MOST QUANTITY TABLE # OF ATHLETES 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 MAJORITY 5 6 6 7 7 8 8 9 9 10 10 11 MOST 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 18 Transitions/Flow of Routine 1-2 2-4 4-5 Major issues during transitions (bumping; excessive travel) Minimal incorporation of skills during transition Choppy, lacks cohesion, excessive down time Some issues during transitions (bumping; excessive travel) Average incorporation of skills during transition Average coordination among all elements of the routine Clean transitions Excellent incorporation of skills during transitions Uncluttered changes between segments Strong coordination among all elements of the routine MAJORITY = 51% (of the team) MOST = 90% (of the team) 11

Stunts & Pyramid Difficulty 1-3 3-5 5-7 7-9 9-10 Beginner stunts such as: prep thigh stand shoulder stand shoulder sit pop up splits straddle press liberty and liberty variations at prep level Dismounts such as: Single Twisting Dismounts from the prep level with front spots Single Twisting Dismounts from liberty variations at the prep level Straight Cradles from 2-Legged stunts with the use of front spots Pyramid sequence built from prep level and below Basic entries and transitions such as: 180 to sponge Two-legged show-n-go Straight up extended twolegged stunt Basic entries and transitions Basic single leg stunts with front spots with average flexibility and/or advanced into two- legged extended stunts or to prep level up to extended level and/or Basic two-leg extended stunts or any combination thereof, chairs, and liberty with or without fronts. Suspended rolls from the performance surface Transitions/entries such as: Half up Switch up to prep level Inverted entry to below prep level Dismounts such as: Single Twisting Dismounts from the prep (half extension) level without front spots Single Twisting Dismounts from 2- Legged extended stunts with or without front spots Straight Cradles from extended liberty/liberty variations performed with front spots Straight Cradles from 2- Legged extended stunts without the use of front spot Pyramid sequence using liberty variations performed from the ground up with limited transitions Entries and transitions such as: Single-leg show-n-go, half up, switch up to prep level, inverted entry to below prep level, full twisting transitions to below prep level Non-release transitions to a horizontal position to prep level or above Liberty or liberty variations with average flexibility, basket tosses, toss to hands (co-ed), single based all girls stunting at prep level. Maximum participation with front spot Transitions/entries such as: Full up to extended two leg stunt Switch up to liberty position Inverted entry to prep level Dismounts such as: Single Twisting Dismounts from extended liberty variations with front spots Single Twisting Dismounts from 2- Legged extended stunts wit front spots Straight Cradles from extended liberty/liberty variations performed with front spots Transitional pyramid sequences using a combination of liberty variations with front spots Entries and transitions such as: Switch up to liberty position; Inverted entry to prep level Full twisting transitions to prep level (single leg) or above (two leg) Release transitions to/from/at the extended level maintaining a vertical position Liberty or liberty variations with average flexibility, basket tosses, toss to hands (co-ed), single based all girls stunting at prep level. Maximum Participation without front spot Transitions/entries such as: Full up to extended two leg stunt Switch up to liberty position Inverted entry to prep level Dismounts such as: Single Twisting Dismounts from extended liberty variations without front spots Single Twisting Dismounts from 2- Legged extended stunts without front spots Straight Cradles from extended liberty/liberty variations performed without front spots Transitional pyramid sequences using a combination of liberty variations without front spots Entries and transitions such as: Switch up to liberty position; Inverted entry to prep level Full twisting transitions to prep level (single leg) or above (two leg) Release transitions to/from/at the extended level maintaining a vertical position Liberty or liberty variations with above average flexibility, all girls single based extended stunts, extended co-ed single based stunts, basket tosses with twist or two positions. Maximum participation for most of stunt sequences Minimal use of front spots for most of stunt sequences Transitions/entries such as: Full up to extended single leg stunt Switch up to extended single leg stunt showing flexibility (Stretch, Scale, Scorpion, etc.) Inverted entry to extended position Dismounts such as: Single Twisting Dismounts from extended liberty variations without front spots and with maximum participation Single Twisting Dismounts from extended stunt with All Girl based stunting Pyramid sequences using a combination of liberty variations (without the use of front spots) with multiple transitions and body positions Entries and transitions such as: Full up to extended single leg stunt Switch up to extended single leg stunt showing flexibility (Stretch, Scale, Scorpion, etc.) Inverted entry to extended position Release transitions to/from horizontal position(s) to the extended level Braced flips to/from prep level or above MAJORITY = 51% (of the team) MOST = 90% (of the team) 12

The following are considered when scoring difficulty: Degree of difficulty Percentage of team participation Variety of entries, inversions, dismounts and transitions 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 Stunts Technique 1-2 2-4 4-5 Below average technique less than majority demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization Average technique majority demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization Above average technique most demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization Voice 1-2 2-4 4-5 Below average pitch and clarity/enunciation Below average volume relative to number of athletes Average pitch and clarity/enunciation Average volume relative to number of athletes Excellent pitch and clarity/enunciation Above average volume relative to number of athletes MAJORITY = 51% (of the team) MOST = 90% (of the team) 13

Jump Difficulty 1-5 5-7 7-9 9-10 2 advanced 3 advanced connected jumps connected jumps performed by most of the team performed by most of the team plus 1 additional advanced jump by most of the team Basic jump sequences consisting of basic jumps with or without an immediate connection 4 advanced connected jumps performed by most of the team OR 3 advanced connected jumps performed by most of the team plus 1 additional advanced jump by most of the team All approaches within the jumps must use a whip approach to be considered connected. Most of the team performing an advanced jump/tumble combination will increase the difficulty and score higher within the ranges. Each skill will be judged in its respective category. ADVANCED JUMPS = Pike, Right/Left Hurdlers (front or side), Toe Touch, Double Nine BASIC JUMPS = Spread Eagle, Tuck Jump The following are considered when scoring difficulty: Degree of difficulty; Percentage of team participation; Variety; Additional skills; Synchronization Minimum of 3 different jumps Jump Technique 1-2 2-4 4-5 Below average technique less than majority demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization Average technique majority demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization Above average technique most demonstrated excellent precision, form and synchronization Technique = A team s effectiveness in demonstrating proper form (height, flexibility, landing, body position, pointed toes), timing, uniformity and precision Unclear formations Little variety Spacing off throughout routine Formations & Spacing 1-2 2-4 4-5 Formations demonstrate some good use of floor, alignment, and symmetry Some variety Minor problems in spacing Clear, visually effective formations Large variety of formations Minimal/No spacing errors MAJORITY = 51% (of the team) MOST = 90% (of the team) 14

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.) Basic choreography and/or creativity Motions 1-2 2-4 4-5 Minimal formation changes, transitions, and level changes Some variety of motion Minimal movement during transitions Average use of floor (footwork, floor work, visual effect, etc.) Some original and visual material Average choreography and/or creativity Multiple advanced formation changes, transitions, and level changes Excellent variety of motion Difficult foot and body movement during transitions Excellent use of floor (footwork, floor work, visual effect, etc.) Excellent choreography and/or creativity Dance 1-2 2-4 4-5 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.) Basic choreography and/or creativity Average energy, musicality, rhythm and pace of music ( and counts) Minimal formation changes, transitions, and level changes of average complexity Some variety of motion and use of floor (Footwork, floor work, visual effect, etc.) Average choreography and/or creativity High energy, musicality, rhythm, and pace of music ( and counts) Multiple advanced formations, transitions, and level changes Excellent variety of motion and use of floor (footwork, floor work, visual effect, etc.) Excellent choreography and/or creativity REQUIRED: A minimum of four- eight counts performed by the whole team Motion & Dance - Technique For each Category 1-2 2-4 4-5 Below average technique many with bent wrists and/or poor placement Below average timing & synchronization Average technique- some bent wrists and/or placement off Average timing & synchronization Excellent technique proper placement, sharp precision Excellent timing & synchronization MAJORITY = 51% (of the team) MOST = 90% (of the team) 15

Overall Impression 1-2 2-4 4-5 BELOW AVERAGE AVERAGE ABOVE AVERAGE The following are considered when scoring: Overall Impression: Creativity/Choreography: Expression: 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 ability to demonstrate a natural look to make the routine appear effortless within their ability level. Smiles, spirit, facial expressions, naturalness maintained throughout the entire routine. A team s effectiveness in demonstrating genuine enthusiasm and confidence, and ability to capture the crowd. 16

Point Range Transition / Flow Formation & Spacing Voice / Projection Overall Impression 4-5 (Above Average / Excellent) Clean transitions, smooth flow Strong Variety, perfected use of floor & alignment, clean symmetry Strong and loud relative to numbers on floor, clear projection and enunciation, strong pitch & tone. Above average confidence & energy level, strong sense of ownership in presentation of routine. Executed clean, solid, wide range of creative variety throughout the routine (1 or 2 minor mistakes OR no mistakes) 4-2 (Average) Not perfected, some timing issues, some pauses, average flow Some variety, not perfected, some mistakes, not all centered and/or some spacing off. Average pitch, clarity & volume, not consistent throughout the routine. Average performance, may include minor and major mistakes. Lack of confidence throughout the entire routine. A few minor mistakes and/or a few of major mistakes. 1-2 (Below Average) Major issues, bumping, delayed with pauses, unsure. Major errors in spacing / use of center line. Little or no variety. Weak, winded, drawn out and unclear, words sung, not projected towards crowd. Weak routine, not clean, executed with many minor & major mistakes. Bobbles / falls / timing issues. Many minor mistakes and many major mistakes. 17

2016 Cheer Competition Dates Times not all determined Jan 2 nd = MCCA Gorham HS 11:00 am Jan 2 nd = MCCA Hampden High School 1:00 Jan 9th = Lobster Bowl (Oxford High School) am start Jan 9 th = Sacopee High School WMC 10:30 am Jan 9 th = Mountain Valley HS - MVC - 11:00 am Jan 9 th = Machias High School - DAC 9:00 am Jan 9 th = Big East - Ellsworth HS 1:00 pm Jan 9 th = Sumner High School Invitational - Time to be determined. Jan 15 th = Caribou HS -7:00 pm Jan 15 th = Brewer High School Invitational - middle school & high school Jan 16 th = SMAA -Noble High School 1:00 pm Jan 16t h = Stearns High School - 1:00 pm Class B, C & D Jan 18 th = KVAC (Augusta Civic Center) 10:00 am Jan 22rd = Marshwood Middle School 6:30 pm? Jan 23 th = Regionals (Augusta) Jan 23 th = Regionals (Bangor) Jan 24 th = MYCCA 10:00 am?? Jan 30 th = Cheers from the Heart Biddeford HS - 10:00 am youth and middle school and JV & Varsity- 3:00 pm OH 10:00 am Youth and Middle School, JV, & Varsity 2:30 pm Jan 30 th = Lawrence HS 10:00 am Feb 3 rd = Busline - Medomak Middle School - 5:00 pm Feb 6 th = States (Bangor) Feb 7 th = MYCCA So Portland Feb 13 th = MYCCA Scarborough Invitational 18

Feb 13 th = Bangor HS JV Invitational - 1:00 pm Feb 20 th = MYCCA LAYCL Vacation Classic - Lewiston Feb 27 th = MYCCA Oxford Hills Feb 27 th = MYCCA Elite Cheer & Dance March 5 TH = MYCCA Poland HS March 12 th = MYCCA River Valley March 13 th = MYCCA Lewiston Cheer (??) March 19 th = MYCCA Turner March 19 th = New England Championships (Lawrence HS, Lawrence, MA) March 26 th = MYCCA ME Cheer Classic 19

Maine Principals Association Cheering Score Sheet School Name: Class: A B C D Official s Initials: Date: Category MAX SCORE COMMENTS Official 1 * Tumbling Difficulty 10 Tumbling Technique 5 Transitions / Flow of 5 Routine Overall Impression 5 TOTAL 25 Official 2 * Partner Stunts & Pyramids Difficulty 10 Partner Stunts & 5 Pyramids Technique Voice 5 Overall Impression 5 TOTAL 25 Official 3 * Jumps Difficulty 10 Jumps Technique 5 Formations & Spacing 5 Overall Impression 5 TOTAL 25 Official 4 * Motions Difficulty 5 Motions - Technique 5 * Dance Difficulty 5 Dance Technique 5 Overall Impression 5 TOTAL 25 GRAND TOTAL 100 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) Unperfected Tumbling 5 Point Deduction(s) Any situation that could endanger the student athlete performing Falls to the floor by anyone in the stunt group Inappropriate hair devices Inattentive spotter Illegal Stunt Unassisted landing from shoulder height or above Jewelry Swearing by athlete or coach Inappropriate words in music Rhinestones that don t comply with NFHS guidelines Glitter on uniforms, on body, or on hair ribbons NFHS Rule Violation 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

Partner Stunt Progression Score Sheet - SAMPLE SHEET 1-10 Points Name/ # Thigh Stand 0-1-2 Prep Stand 0-1-2 Extension 0-1-2 Extension Retake 0-1-1.5-2 1 Legged Retake 0-1-1.5-2 Description: 2 tries in different groups. This allows you to see they can fly or base with different people - Use both scores or take the higher score for each individual that you are scoring. Both scores shows that groups can all do their job with different * Thigh Stand * Prep. Stand Level, * Extension Level: 0=Missed / 1 = Shaky / 2= Solid & Clean (No half points because this is a requirement to proceed to the next level and they should be hitting these stunts at this level. Last 2 Requirements shows a variation of 2 skills giving them the option to retake or power press. *Retake or Power Press basic extension Show-n- go Ex. Extension retakes to Awesome or extension retake to extension. & 1 Legged Retake or Power Press 0= Missed / 1 = Shaky / 1.5 Wobble / 2 = Solid & Clean Definitions: Missed = never hit the stunt/ so shaky it should have come down. Shaky = Showing movement throughout the stunt but stunt stands. Wobble= A quick loss of balance but cleaned up & end solid. Clean = Stunt that starts and ends solid and clean. 24

2015-2016 Winter Season Uniform Check-out & Return Name Shell Skirt Pants Jackets Poms Socks Shoes Briefs 25

NOTES: 26