Jamie Graham, Director of State Association Partnerships
Contest Models for Spirit Cheer Traditional Full Routine Often focused on skill, choreography Game Day Abbreviated formats State Association Model Focus on effective crowd leadership Dance Full Routines Hip Hop, Jazz, Pom or other category Game Day Time Out, Half Time, State Association Model
State Association Game Day Contest Developed specifically for State Association contests Started with UIL and has been adopted by several other State Associations SPIRIT now it s own section in UIL Constitution Create awareness and exciting, a positive opportunity for performance and recognition at a reputable contest Extracurricular activity and safety Emphasize leadership roles in schools Stay true to mission and vision Traditional sideline roles in schools Create opportunities, not limitations Maximized participation Sideline to performance floor Opportunity for involving multiple spirit and student groups Doesn t limit outside competition opportunities for competitive programs Keep expenses for schools minimal
Does: Why GAME DAY format? Allow opportunity for EVERY squad to participate, with each team performing a minimum of THREE times! Showcase efforts of participants typically serving in support role, creates awareness of activity Emphasizes leadership and the traditional role cheerleaders have on sidelines and in schools Promote effective crowd-leading and school spirit Minimize expenses associated with participation Includes a qualifier in full format Does Not: Require extensive choreography Prevent participation in other types of competition Heavily emphasize difficulty or individual skill thus potentially limiting participation
Game Day State Championships Preliminary and Final rounds exemplifying a team s best GAME DAY performances in three categories: Band Chant Crowd Leading Fight Song Sideline practicality Crowd-leading engagement tools encouraged Signs Poms Megaphones Flags MASCOTS
Band Chant BAND CHANT RULES AND RESTRICTIONS 1 minute time limit Timing starts first beat of music Recorded marching band music Traditional sideline uniforms required Emphasis on crowd appeal No stunts or tumbling permitted Crowd-Leading tools permitted
Band CHANT: 60 Total Points Practical use of material Maximum Crowd Coverage
Crowd Leading Section CROWD LEADING RULES AND RESTRICTIONS 1 minute time limit Time will begin with buzzer sound, similar to time out at a basketball game, team will take the floor at the buzzer. Performance should not exceed one minute Emphasis on crowd involvement, leadership Crowd-leading tools highly encouraged No music permitted SKILL RESTRICTIONS No basket, sponge or elevator tosses allowed No inversions No twisting dismounts from stunts Single-leg extended stunts are limited to liberties and liberty hitches No running tumbling Standing tumbling is limited to ONE TUMBLING SKILL at a time with the most elite skill allowed being a standing back tuck
Crowd Leading: 90 Total Points Practical use of material Timing and Practicality of Tools Maximum Crowd Coverage Crowd Appeal convincing??
Fight Song FIGHT SONG RULES AND RESTRICTIONS 1 minute time limit Recorded music performed by marching band Up to three consecutive eight counts may be incorporated with stunts, tumbling and/or jumps. If repeated, incorporation must repeat as initially performed SKILL RESTRICTIONS (Same as Crowd Leading section) No basket, sponge or elevator tosses allowed No inversions No twisting dismounts from stunts Single-leg extended stunts are limited to liberties and liberty hitches No running tumbling Standing tumbling is limited to ONE TUMBLING SKILL and the most elite skill allowed is a standing back
Fight Song: 80 Total Points INCORPORATION RULES! Three CONSECUTIVE 8-Counts Ends when skills complete and back on ground OR routine ends don t hold and go into extended cheer at end! ANY time in routine Repetition Rules Practical use of material and tools Maximum Crowd Coverage Crowd Appeal
Finals FINAL ROUND ROUTINE RULES AND RESTRICTIONS Finalists will be determined by the total combined score from all preliminary categories, points do not carry over 3 minute time limit Time will begin with the first beat of Band Chant music Traditional sideline uniforms are required One continuous performance demonstrating the compilation of the Game Day elements performed in the preliminary round with the addition of an announcer-led game day situation. Each Performance will follow this order: Band Chant, (situational element) Crowd Leading, Fight Song Announcer to present GAME DAY situation following Band Chant Squad should demonstrate a STRONG understanding and adequate response to the OFFENSE or DEFENSE situation given. The same rules from the preliminary round apply to each section of the finals routine
Deductions: Safety Violations 5 points Procedure Violation 3 points Time Violation varies See State Specific Rules and Regulations After EACH PERFORMANCE, CHECK WITH Judges Table BEFORE leaving Music Table area