MPA Winter Cheer Coach Manual Promote School Spirit & Competition Season 2018-2019
Table of Contents Letter to Winter Cheer Coaches:... 4 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 2019 Maine Rubric - Official 1... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2019 Maine Rubric Official 2... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2019 Maine Rubric Official 2... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2019 Maine Rubric Official 3... Error! Bookmark not defined. 2019 Maine Rubric Official 4... Error! Bookmark not defined. Maine Principals Association Cheering Score Sheet... 20 Maine Principals Association Cheering Deduction Sheet... 21 Emergency Action Plan... 22 Cheer/Stunt Check-Off Form... 23 Sample Form... 23 2018-2019 Winter Season Uniform Check-out & Return... 24 The Maine Cheering Coaches Association... 25 Member Registration Form... 25 2019 Maine Principals Association Cheerleading Championship... 26 2019 MPA Cheerleading Championship... 28 2018 Coaches Quiz... 29 Direct all National Federation Rules Interpretation Questions to: Susan Hartnett: sehartnett@comcast.net Denise Gelinas: dhgelinas@gmail.com Important Web Sites: All other questions should be addressed with your Athletic Director. 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_winter_cheering.pdf Ø The National Federation: www.nfhs.org Ø NFHS Copyright free course: https://nfhslearn.com/courses/61124/understanding-copyrightand-compliance Ø USA Cheer Music Copyright: http://usacheer.net/presssafety/music 2
Ø AACCA - American Association of Cheerleading Coaches & Administrators: www.aacca.org Ø Site that helps to clarify legal stunts and pyramids www.cheerrules.com 3
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 an 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 complies. 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 4
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 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. Cheers! Susan & Denise <0 5
Spirit Rules Changes - 2018-19 1-Definitions (NEW): Head Spring - A tumbling skill in which a person places both hands and their head on the performing surface, pushes off with the hands while flipping the legs overhead and landing on their feet. Rationale: A rule regarding head springs was added. 1-Definitions (NEW): Head Spin - A skill in which a person balances on their head while rotating on the performing surface. Rationale: A rule regarding head spins was added. 1-Definitions (NEW): Headstand - A skill in which a person balances on their head on the performing surface. Rationale: A rule regarding headstands was added. 1-Definitions: Non-release Stunt A stunt in which contact is maintained between a top person and base(s). a person on the performing surface. Rationale: Contact can be maintained by a base, spotter, or post. The revised definition more accurately describes the skill. 1-Definitions: Swedish Fall An extended stunt in which the top person in a prone position supports her own upper body by placing her hands on the shoulders of a base while her lower body is supported by another base's extended arms. Rationale: The revised definition more accurately describes the stunt. 1-Definitions: Suspended Roll: A stunt in which upright base(s) or post(s) hold a top person's hand(s)/arm(s) while the top person performs continuous hip-over-head rotation. Rationale: Eliminating upright allows more skills to be used without increasing risk. 1-Definitions: Assisted Inverted Floor Skill - An inverted participant on the performing surface that is partially supported by non-inverted participant(s) who is/are also on the performing surface. Rationale: There are no rules or situations that use this definition. Remove excess content. 1-Definitions: Tension Drop - A partner stunt (e.g. shoulder stand) in which the base leans forward until the top person dismounts to the performing surface without assistance. 3.7.11 Tension drops are not permitted. Rationale: Eliminate duplicate content. 1-Definitions (NEW): Shoulder stand - A top person stands on a base's shoulders. Rationale: Definition needed to interpret skill. 1-Definitions: Release Transition/Release Pyramid Transition A top person changes from one stunt to another (including loading positions) during a temporary loss of physical contact with his/her base(s). all personnel on the performing surface. Rationale: The revised definition more accurately describes the stunt. 3-1-11 (NEW); 4-1-11 (NEW): Apparel / Accessories: ART. 11 For religious reasons, in the event there is documented evidence provided to the state association that a participant may not expose his/her uncovered 6
head, the state association may approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other participant and which is attached in such a way it is unlikely to come off during performance. Rationale: This language is aligned with other NFHS rule books. Religious head covering, wrap, or other required religious garments that are not dangerous or likely to come off during participation are not a risk. 3-2-8 and 4-2-8: Stunting Personnel: (p)art. 8 A spotter is required for tosses to single base shoulder stands and single base prep-level stunts in which the foot/feet of the top person are in the hands of the base. Rationale: Often when performing this skill, the top person's feet get caught on the front of the shoulders of the base and the momentum takes the top person off the back of the stunt with their head toward the ground. The spotting requirement will help decrease safety risk to the top person's head and neck area. 3-3-5b (NEW); 3-3-5g (NEW): ART. 5 Braced flips in a pyramid are permitted provided all the following conditions are met: b. The top person shall have at least three people involved who were the original bases or spotters. There must be three people involved in the toss and catch of the top person either as a base or spotter. g. When the catchers are not the original bases, the new catchers are in place when the flip is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not part of any other skill. Rationale: Allowing three new catchers to catch the top person during a braced flip does not increase the safety risk to the top person. 3-3-6a: (1) ART. 6 In all other inversions: a. Inversions may release to the following provided there is a spotter: 1. Non-inverted dismounts with no more than a ½ turn. Rationale: Releases from inversion to the performing surface or a cradle should not end in an inverted position for the safety of the top person. 3-3-6b (1) and 4-3-6b (1): ART. 6 In all other inversions: b. In inversions where the base of support begins and remains below prep level at least one person shall be in a position to protect the head/neck of the top person and shall maintain contact with the top person upper body (waist and above, which may include arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the performing surface. The contact shall be enough to stabilize/control the top person's position. Rationale: This will allow additional inversions below prep level while maintaining contact with a base. The risk is limited since the top person s base of support is below prep level and the base will have contact with the top person until they are no longer inverted or have their hands on the performance surface. 3-3-6c and 4-3-6c; 3-3-6c (2) Exceptions 1,2: ART. 6 In all other inversions: c. Inversions where the base of support begins at or passes through prep level: 1. Require two bases or a base and a spotter. 2. Requires at least two people on the performing surface must be to be in a position to protect the head/neck of the top person, one of whom must maintain contact with the top person's upper body (waist and above, which may include arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the performing surface. The contact must be enough to stabilize/control the top person's position. EXCEPTIONS: 1. A foldover that begins at or below prep level and does not stop in an extended position is allowed. When the catchers are not the original bases, the new catchers shall be in place when the inversion is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not part of any other skill. 2. In a single-base suspended roll, there must be continuous hands-to-hands contact between the base and the top person. Rationale: Combining c1 and 2 clarifies and simplifies the rule. Exception 1- Allowing new catchers to catch the top person during a foldover does not increase the safety risk of the top person. Exception 2- Eliminating the criteria for continuous hands-to-hands contact does not increase the safety risk. The safety of the top person in a single base suspended roll is covered in the rule and does not require an exception to address the safety of the skill. 3-5-5f: ART. 5 Release transitions are permitted provided all the following conditions are met throughout the transition: f. The top person is caught by original base(s). When the catchers are not the original bases, the new catchers are in place when the transition is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not part of any other skill. 7
Rationale: Allowing new catchers to catch the top person during a release does not increase the safety risk for the top person because the new catchers must remain close to the original bases and must be in place prior to the initiation of the release. 3-7-2 and 4-7-2; 3-7-3 and 4-7-3; 3-7-2 and 4-7-2 (NEW): ART. 2... Dismounts to the performing surface from prep level or above require assistance from a base or spotter. This assistance must be enough to slow the momentum of the top person. ART. 3... Dismounts to the performing surface from prep level or above that involve a skill (e.g., toe touch, twist, etc.) require two bases or a base and a spotter. Assistance is required from at least one base or spotter. This assistance must be enough to slow the momentum of the top person. ART. 2 Dismounts to the performing surface from prep level or above are permitted provided the following conditions are met: a. Assistance from a base or spotter is required and the assistance must be enough to slow the momentum of the top person. b. If the dismount involves a skill (e.g., toe touch, twist, etc.) two bases or a base and a spotter is required, and the assistance must be enough to slow the momentum of the top person. Rationale: This does not change the criteria or rule for dismounts to the performing surface. This change is for formatting purposes, which makes the rule easier to understand and interpret. 4-8-2b: (p) ART. 2 Tumbling while holding props is not permitted except for the following: b. holding pom(s) or props during airborne or non-airborne tumbling skills in which hand(s) are not being used for support. The props shall not be made of hard material, have corners, or sharp edges. Rationale: Allowing soft props for dance for interpretive purposes conforms to the current trends of the sport. 4-8-8 (NEW): Tumbling: ART. 8 Headstands, head spins and head springs in which the hands are not used for support are prohibited. Rationale: When hands are not used for support in headstands, headspins and headsprings, the performer cannot stabilize him/herself, increasing the risk of injuries to the neck 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 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 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 may take the floor. o Getting ready is. o On deck is. o 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 and a designated area for team alternates. 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 v 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 2019 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 Majority / Most - 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 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 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 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
2019 Maine Rubric Official 2 Partner Stunts Difficulty Basic Partner Stunts Novice Partner Stunts Intermediate Partner Stunts Advanced Partner Stunts Elite Partner Stunts 1.0-1.9 2.0-3.9 4.0-5.9 6.0-7.9 8.0 10 Max groups participating in basic stunts. Max groups participating in novice stunts. Max groups participating in advanced stunts. Max groups participating in elite stunts. All Executed with or Without Fronts - Thigh Stands - Thigh Prep Hitch - Shoulder Sits - Straddle Sit - Shoulder Stand - Prep level stunts - Prep Level Hitch Dismount Variations such as: - Straight Cradles - Straight cradles from 2 legged stunts with or without fronts All executed with or without fronts: - Extensions - Retake Extensions - Extension Variations - Basket Toss - straight ride 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 Max groups participating in intermediate stunts. - Straight Up Lib/Post w/ Front - Straight Up Body Position 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 - Straight Up Lib/Post - No front - Lib Power Press/Retake - No front - 1/2 up to lib with front - 1/2 Up to one leg body position - Switch Up to lib w/ Front - Switch up to one leg body position - Full Up to Liberty w/ Front - Full Up to Body Position w/ Front - Low to high lib with front - Double trick tosses (pike kick, kick single, etc.) Dismount variations such as: - Cradle - Twist - Flipping - Etc. - Single Base Ext. - Single Base Coed Style Lib. - Single Base 1 Leg Body Position - Switch up to Lib - Switch up to Body Position - Full Up to 2 Feet Ext. - Full Up to Lib - Full up to 1 Leg Body Position - ½ Twisting Switch up to Lib/ Body Position - Low to High Tick Tock Lib. - Low to High Tick Tock to Body Position - 1.5 rotation up to 2 feet - 1.5 rotation to Lib/ Body Position - Full Twisting Switch Up - Double up to 1 leg skill - Twisting Tick Tock/ Express Up - Multiple trick tosses (ball kick single, hitch kick single, etc.) Dismount variations such as: Twists Flipping Etc. (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. 15
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 2019 Maine Rubric Official 2 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. 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. 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 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 front spots Novice Pyramid(s) 2019 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 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 Max Participation less one Group. Max Participation less one Group. Max Participation less one Group. Max Participation less one Group. Elite Skills include; stretch, bow & arrow, arabesque, scale scorpion, etc. Dismount Variations - Including but not limited to twisting and flipping that ends in cradle, sponge, prone, or performing surface. 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 17
2019 Maine Rubric Official 3 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 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. - 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.). - 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. 2019 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 - 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 - 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 - 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 - 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
2018-2019 Winter Season Uniform Check-out & Return Name Shell Skirt Pants Jackets Poms Socks Shoes Briefs $ Pai 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) If you can not attend the meeting, send check to: Kristie Reed, 290 Murray Rd, Carmel, ME 04419 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 $25 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
2019 Maine Principals Association Cheerleading Championship Music Copyright Compliance All copyright permissions must be properly and completely obtained by the individual or group that is responsible for creating the routine music for a team. All recordings mixed together in cheer routines should be properly licensed and written confirmation of such licenses should be provided to the Maine Principals Association. You may use recordings that are purchased from vendors that comply with US Copyright laws or create/commission original works for your team (i.e. an original song and recording to which you own or license the rights by written agreement). Under US Copyright law, no teams are permitted to create a re- mix, mash- up or medley without proper written authorization from the copyright owners. US Copyright laws apply any time music is not being used for personal use. Purchasing a legal copy of a song (itunes, CD, Amazon download, etc.) only grants the user private, personal use of the music. If you purchase a recording, that alone does not give you the right to make additional copies or mix the recording with other recordings for any other purpose- - including use at school functions or other public performances. Personal use gives you the right to listen to the song, but does not give you any other rights in the bundle of rights to that piece of music, which is why the music should not be copied, modified or used in a public place without additional consent. However, if teams wish to use only a single song in their routine, they may bring a legally purchased copy of that recording to be used at the event. Teams may not re- mix these recordings in any way (such as adding sound effects, changing tempo or mixing with any other recordings), but you may make minor edits for timing purposes only (i.e. removing a chorus or bridge to fit the duration of the music time limit). Remember: Do not use mash- ups, either created by you or sold by music providers using music without proper licensing. Do not download songs from sites that do not have properly licensed music. Do not copy or distribute to others a recording you have legally purchased. Licenses/Permissions must be received in writing (or email) and must be provided to you by all copyright owners. If you request a license and you get no response, this does NOT mean that you have permission to use the music. Coaches are responsible for ensuring that the music used by their teams for any public performance and all competitions follows the above guidelines. Guidelines for Music Providers: When recordings and compositions are completely original: Ø All elements in the recordings, including instrumentation and vocal performances, are owned or controlled by the music provider. If any elements are not owned or controlled by the music provider, the music provider must obtain the appropriate licenses from the applicable copyright owners to edit, re- arrange or otherwise alter such works to create a new work for your team. Ø If teams want to create their own re- mix or otherwise edit any music purchased from a provider of original music, their license agreement with such providers of original music must also specifically include this right to edit, re- arrange or otherwise alter works. When recordings are cover recordings of popular music: 26
Ø Guidelines provide that cover recordings of popular music may be used in re- mixes only if the purchase/license of the cover recording includes an explicit right to alter the cover recordings and create new works from these cover recording elements. Unlicensed samples may not be used in routine music. Ø No unauthorized third- party recordings may be used in any way in the new recordings without a proper license. Sampling a series of words or beats from any recording is not permitted unless an appropriate written sampling license was obtained. Music providers should allow each team to make up to 40 copies of the recordings. Ø A mechanical license fee may need to be paid to reproduce copyrighted musical compositions on CDs, records, downloads, etc. If the music provider does not own or control the underlying musical composition, they will need to obtain a mechanical license to make copies of each recording. The music provider is responsible for obtaining the mechanical license and paying any royalties for each copy made- - this includes the copy provided upon your initial purchase of the recording, any subsequent recordings in which they are incorporated, and any additional copies that will be distributed to the team. 27
2019 MPA Cheerleading Championship Music Copyright Compliance Form In order to protect the Maine Cheerleading Championship and its participants, we are requiring that all participating teams provide proof of music copyright compliance prior to the competition. By signing this form, you are verifying that all copyright requirements were met prior to you obtaining your music from your producer. I,, verify that all copyright permissions Coach s Name were properly and completely obtained by, Music Mixer s Name prior to production of the 2017 MPA Cheerleading Championship routine music for the team from. School s Name Class and Region These permissions can be verified by certification document(s) available upon request. I acknowledge that this form will be kept on file by the Maine Principals Association, and I will need to keep my certification documents on file for a minimum of THREE (3) years. By signing this form, I confirm that the information above is complete and accurate. I also acknowledge that my signing of this form releases the Maine Principals Association of any liability pertaining to my use of copy written music in my routine. Coach Name (Printed): Coach Signature: Date: Administrator Name (Printed): Administrator Signature: Date: NOTE: This form must be completed and returned to the MPA office prior to the championship. 28
2018 Coaches Quiz 1. A stunt in which contact is maintained between a top person and a person on the performing surface is a Non Release Stunt? 2. Bracers in a flip pyramid can be located on the side or the back of the top person? 3. Jewelry is prohibited at any event the athletes are actively cheering? 4. Braced Inversion 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. Is a spotter is required for tosses to single-base shoulder stands and single base prep level stunts in which the foot/feet of the top person are in the hands of the base? 8. Is it legal for a top person to be popped rotates 360 degrees and lands on her feet in the hands of the same bases in an extension? 9. It is legal for an athlete to hold poms during airborne tumbling skills? 10. It is legal when the catchers are not the original bases and the catchers are not in place when the transition is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not parts off any other skill? 11. One foot must be on the ground when the routine starts after being announced? 12. It is legal at any point during basketball game for a cheerleader or mascot to stand in the Free Throw Lane Extended? 13. What is considered majority? Most? 14. What is the maximum rotation for an inverted stunt?, Twist dismount?, Twist entry/transitional? 15. In Partner Stunts: once a range is determined, the dismount drives the range? 16. MPA requires that all basket tosses and twists dismount 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 skills must be done to score in a range? 29
19. One less the Max is required in Pyramids to meet the requirement in a specific range? 20. It is illegal to put rhinestones on hair bows and other accessories? 21. It is illegal for a top person to go directly to an inverted position on the performing surface from a prep level or higher? 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. Is it legal for individual tumbling the length or the width of the basketball court? 30