SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND YOUTH FOOTBALL CONFERENCE CHEERING RULES LATEST REVISION June 2015
TABLE OF CONTENTS I. CHEERING RULES... 1 A. Cheerleader Eligibility... 1 1. Participation... 1 2. Age Limits... 1 3. Grade Limits:... 2 4. Roster Submissions... 2 B. Safely Rules... 2 1. Rules Meeting... 2 2. General Safety Rules... 2 3. NFHS Rules... 3 4. AACCA Certification... 3 5. Coaches Clinic... 3 6. Stunt Limitations... 3 C. Competition Rules... 4 1. Competition Suspensions or Stoppage... 4 2. Coaching Rosters... 4 3. Squad Size... 4 4. Spotting... 4 5. Judging... 5 6. Scheduling/Facilitv... 5 7. Timing... 6 8. General Competition Rules... 6 D. Competition Scoring... 7 1. Scoring Categories... 7 2. Scoring Method... 7 3. Scoring Consistency... 7 4. Penalties... 7 5. Final Score Tally... 8 6. Awards... 8 APPENDIX A SNEYFC CHEER COMPETION SCORING GUIDELINES... 9 APPENDIX B STUNT LEVELS... 18 APPENDIX C COMPETITION TABLESELS... 19
I. CHEERING RULES A. Cheerleader Eligibility 1. Participation a) Cheerleaders must cheer for a league that is a current member of the SNEYFC. All eligible cheerleaders shall cheer for a minimum of 6 regular season games in their league's Senior, Junior, Micro, or Mini division for the current playing season to be eligible to compete in that season's SNEYFC sponsored competition(s). A cheerleader may not compete in more than one division for any SNEYFC sponsored competition within the playing season. Failure to provide documentation and forms as required by and within the time frames defined by these Cheering rules or the SNEYFC by-laws will result in disqualification of the entire cheering squad or the cheerleader in question from the current season's competition, at the discretion of the Executive Board. b) It is the responsibility of each league's cheerleading director/representative to keep attendance of participants cheering at all regular season games in order to determine competition eligibility. Attendance is to be recorded on the conference attendance sheet. 2. Age Limits a) Senior cheerleaders should have achieved their twelfth (12th) birthday but should not have achieved their fifteenth (15th) birthday prior to 31 December of the current calendar year and should be in the 7th or 8 th Grade. b) Junior cheerleaders should have achieved their tenth (1 Oth) birthday but should not have achieved their thirteenth (13th) birthday prior to 31 December of the current calendar year and should be in the 5th or 6 th Grade. c) Micro cheerleaders should not have achieved their eleventh (11th) birthday prior to 31 December of the current calendar year and should be in the 3rd or 4th Grade. d) Mini cheerleaders should have achieved their 5 th birthday in the current calendar year in order to compete and should not have achieved their 8 th birthday prior to 31 December. Of the current calendar year and should be in Kindergarten, First or Second grade. e) All competing cheerleaders must have achieved their fifth (5th) birthday by December 31st of the current calendar year. 1
f) Exceptions to age for competing cheerleaders will be considered by the Executive Board on a case-by-case basis. Requests for waivers of age requirements must be submitted in writing and signed by the league President. Included with the request shall be a justification for the request, a copy of the cheerleader's birth certificate, and the league's registration form. These requests shall be submitted to the roster validation committee prior to the October meeting. The competition committee will review the requests and forward them to the Executive Board with their recommendation. 3. Grade Limits: A cheerleader must be in the eighth (8th) grade or lower to participate in Conference activities. 4. Roster Submissions Rosters and supporting documentation shall be submitted in accordance with the by-laws and as outlined on the back of the roster form. A coaches roster listing a minimum of the head coaches name and phone number shall be submitted at the June Conference meeting. B. Safely Rules 1. Rules Meeting A mandatory meeting will be held in the month of August of each year. Mandatory is defined as at least one coach, listed on the coaching roster, from each division is in attendance. The meeting will be to review with all of the leagues cheerleading coaches the rules of the NFHS spirit book, the SNEYFC Cheerleading rules, the coaches code of conduct, and the expectations regarding roster submissions and other required paperwork. 2. General Safety Rules a) An adequate warm up period including stretching shall precede all tryouts, practices, games, and competitions. b) Jewelry is prohibited with the exception of religious or medical medals. If such medals are worn, they shall be taped to the body. c) Corsages may not be worn while cheering, or pins of any kind may not be worn on the uniform. d) Hair devices, which are safe and adequately secured, may be worn to keep hair away from a cheerleader's eyes and face. Prong type fasteners are PROHIBITED. 2
e) Cheerleaders shall wear sneakers that are appropriate for cheerleading activities. Laces shall be tied and tucked in. 3. NFHS Rules All SNEYFC leagues shall follow the current year's National Federation of State High School Associations Spirit Rules. The SNEYFC shall provide 5 copies of the current rulebook to each member league. Exceptions that are safety related for the different divisions of the SNEYFC are contained in Appendix A & Appendix B. Where there is a conflict between the NFHS rules and the rules contained herein the SNEYFC rules shall prevail. It is the responsibility of the head coach to be knowledgeable of the NFHS and the SNEYFC Cheering rules and to insure that their assistants are appropriately familiar with both sets of rules. ALL squads are required to comply with Appendix A & B at ALL times including tryouts, practice, games, and competitions. Failure to comply with these rules may result in suspension of the coach, cheerleader, squad or entire league as determined by the Executive Board. 4. AACCA Certification All SNEYFC leagues shall submit a list of personnel in June, who have a current AACCA certification and who are either coaching or assisting that league for the current year. Leagues shall have a minimum of one (1) AACCA certified person as required by the SNEYFC by-laws. 5. Coaches Clinic All SNEYFC leagues shall ensure that the Cheer Director and each of the Division Adult Coaches attend the SNEYFC sponsored and/or approved coaching clinic. The attending adult coaches must be listed on the coaching roster that is to be submitted to the Executive Board no later than the June meeting. Leagues who fail to have each of the Cheer Director and adult coaches of each division, as listed on the coaching roster that is submitted to the Executive Board attend the current season's SNEYFC sponsored and/or an proved coaching clinic shall be disqualified from the SNEYFC Competition, and from doing any stunting at any SNEYFC functions (i.e. games etc.l 6. Stunt Limitations Refer to - Appendix A & B 3
C. Competition Rules 1. Competition Suspensions or Stoppage Any member of the SNEYFC competition committee who is present at the competition shall be authorized to stop the competition or a leagues routine for an emergency. The competition committee shall decide if the competition shall continue and if a routine was interrupted where that routine will continue from (i.e. from the beginning, or from another logical point). 2. Coaching Rosters a) Leagues shall submit a finalized roster of coaches for each participating division at the August meeting of the roster validation committee. There shall be a maximum of five (5) coaches per division allowed. This may be the same roster submitted earlier in the year. b) All coaches listed on the roster must have read, and signed the coach's code of conduct contained in Appendix F of the by-laws. Signed copies of the code of conduct shall be submitted with the team season roster at season roster validation. c) Only the coaches on the roster shall be allowed to enter the competition free and enter the practice gym. d) Failure to submit the proper roster information including the signed coach's code of conduct may result in the disqualification of the coaches in question or the entire squad as determined by the Executive Board. 3. Squad Size a) Teams may compete in either a small squad division (1-15 cheerleaders) or a large squad division (16-25 cheerleaders) but not both. b) Alternates are not allowed. c) There must be total of (4) competing teams in each division to hold a separate small/large division. If there are (3) teams or less, then all teams must compete in the same division. 4. Spotting a) An alert spotter is required for all stunts shoulder height and above. The back spotter shall maintain constant visual contact with the flyer until the flyer has safely dismounted. b) Spotters shall be considered part of the squad and count towards the 25- member limit. 4
5. Judging a) The VP of cheering and one other competition committee member shall brief the judges on the SNEYFC cheering rales prior to the start of the competition. b) Stunting questions for the judges may be submitted from each league no later than two weeks prior to the competition date. All stunting questions must be submitted in writing to the VP of cheering. All questions will be answered in writing prior to the competition c) Judges We select judges with the finest qualifications and with a variety of backgrounds, styles and affiliations. The judges are unfamiliar with the competing teams and routines. In the case that a judge is familiar with a team, has provided choreography, or is affiliated in some other way, that judge would not be allowed to judge. d) Head Judge The judgment/decisions of the scoring judges regarding any areas of the competition are final and may not be protested or appealed in any manner. Great care is taken to ensure teams are not penalized without merit; therefore no penalty is assessed without careful review of all information on any questionable matter before the decisions for penalties has been finalized. e) Judges decisions A panel of judges will be selected by the Vice President of Cheer to judge the SNEYFC Competitions). A Head Judge will oversee the panel and in the event of a tie, will cast the placement vote based upon the team's overall performance 6. Scheduling/Facilitv a) The SNEYFC competition shall be scheduled for a date after the end of the SNEYFC regular season. It shall consist of four different sessions for each of the four divisions participating (Seniors, Juniors, Micros and Minis). 5
b) It shall be scheduled at an indoor facility that has sufficient space for the performance of competition routines and warm-ups/practices. The SNEYFC board of directors shall approve the location submitted by the competition committee. c) Practice time shall be determined by order of appearance. Actual order of appearance for each division shall be determined by a blind draw at the competition roster validation meeting. d) Competition shall be performed on a wrestling mat or an installed gymnastics floor measuring a minimum of 42 feet by 42 feet. 7. Timing a) All squads shall perform on the cheering surface provided. b) Each cheerleading squad member shall start with at least one foot on the cheer surface. c) Each team shall have no less than two (2) minutes and no more than two minutes, thirty seconds (2:30) to perform. d) Timing will begin with the first movement, the first beat of music, or the first word spoken by any member of the cheering squad after the announcer has stated, "you may begin". e) All squads are allowed music in their routines. The music segment must not exceed Seniors 90 seconds, Juniors 75 seconds, Micros 60 seconds and Minis 45 seconds. f) Timing will stop when a squad gives a hand vocal signal that the routine is complete. g) Time shall be kept by designated cheer competition members. 8. General Competition Rules a) The only props allowed will be signs, poms and megaphones. Signs may be no larger than 2' X 3' and must be made of fabric, foam board or cardboard. No glitter is allowed and props may not be worn or attached to cheerleaders. Props may be used providing they are not hazardous and do not leave hazardous foreign matter behind. Penalty points will be assessed if props are walked on or are hazardous to spectators. Glitter will not be allowed under any conditions including on props, spectator signs, flowers or on any member of the cheerleading squad, their coaches or assistants b) No squad shall pay for choreography by any professional for SNEYFC Competition. c) Make up, stickers and/or temporary tattoos on cheerleaders during competition are PROHIBITED. 6
d) Entire cheer routine must be performed on the competition floor mat. e) A penalty deduction will be assessed for unsafe falls to the performing surface, (an unsafe fall is where the trunk/torso or head of the top person touches the mat) f) A penalty deduction will be assessed for stepping on poms, props or any other accessories on the performance mat. g) All NFHS Rules MUST be adhered to with the herein additional limitations restrictions. D. Competition Scoring 1. Scoring Categories Each squad shall be judged in thirteen (10) categories, (Voice, Expression, Partner Stunts, Pyramids, Formations, Transitions, Jumps, Tumbling, Motion & Dance). Judges will be assigned to score on specific categories with no judge assigned to score more than 25 points maximum. The table below shows the judge assignments and the maximum points that can be awarded for each of the categories. 2. Scoring Method Each Judge scores a specific category for the routine. This allows your routine to be scored in its entirety by each judge for accuracy and difficulty. Penalty judges are separate and watch for infractions. Each routine is scored against the score sheet and its criteria. The final scores, once totaled should accurately reflect the proper placement of each team. 3. Scoring Consistency We mention the following because scores can and will vary from judge to judge. Each judge's view of perfection will be different which translates into scoring inconsistencies. To make scoring more consistent, the Judges will score according to the guidelines on the official SNEYFC score sheet known as Table 2-10. The VP of Cheer, the Competition Advisor and the Penalty Judge will review video playback on all penalties that are assessed after each session before finalizing scores. 4. Penalties a) Penalty Judges will observe and record rule and guideline infractions during the actual competition routine. They will deduct points for each spotting, safety, NFHS and general safety infraction. b) Timers will also assess penalties for not complying with the rules for overall routine and music time. 7
c) Penalties are assessed solely at the discretion of the penalty judges or timers. Table 1 summarizes penalty points. 5. Final Score Tally The Vice President of cheering will designate two personnel to compile the final scores encompassing the judges scoring sheets, penalty sheets, and the time sheets for music and total routine time. No other persons are to view the score sheets for the competition other that the Vice President of cheering (in addition to the Executive Board) or the two Tallying personnel. No discussions of the scoring sheets shall take place before the final decisions are awarded at the end of each division's competition session. 6. Awards Awards will be provided in accordance with the By-Laws. Additional token awards such as participation pins or certificates may also be awarded as budgets allow or are approved. 8
APPENDIX A SNEYFC CHEER COMPETION SCORING GUIDELINES 9
Stunting Limitations MINIS DIVISION [AGES 5,6, & 7 - KINDERGARTEN, 1 ST & 2 ND GRADE] All pyramids and/or mounts are limited to 2 persons high - meaning the top person is in direct contact with the base(s) who is in direct contact with the cheering surface. Mini cheerleading squads are limited to stunts done at shoulder height and below. Any variation of a half-extension must be executed continuously with a front hands-on spotter. Any stunt requires a back spotter. Extended hanging "T" stunt is allowed PROHIBITED STUNTS Basket or Pocket Tosses Inverted Stunts/ Flipping Stunts One legged stunts at shoulder Level Vertical to Horizontal transitions. Front Pendulums Release moves Dismounts: All bases and spotters must maintain continuous hands-on contact to the top person during pencil or walk down dismounts or the stunt will be illegal. Cradle dismounts are NOT ALLOWED. Suspended Roll dismounts are NOT ALLOWED Dismounts from shoulder height MUST have a spotter. Twist dismounts are NOT ALLOWED 10
Timing: Each squad shall have no less than 2 MINUTES and no more than 2:30 MINUTES to perform. Each cheerleader must begin with at least one foot on the competition mat. Timing begins with the first movement or the first word spoken after the emcee states "you may begin" Music timing is as follows and must not exceed: Minis: 45 seconds. Competition Requirement: Teams competing are allowed only 25 cheerleaders on the competition mat. There will be only 5 coaches allowed in the coaches designed area while their team is performing. No hand motions from the coaches are allowed. ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU SHOULD THINK SAFETY FIRST. WINNING SECOND 11
Stunting Limitations MICROS DIVISION [AGES 8,9, &10-3 RD & 4TH GRADE] Micro cheerleading squads are limited to stunts done at shoulder height & below. All pyramids and/or mounts are limited to 2 persons high - meaning the top person is in direct contact with the base(s) who is in direct contact with the cheering surface. Having the flyer above the shoulders to settle in a half-extension position is allowed, but the bases elbows cannot lock out above the shoulders on the upward momentum. Any stunt at the Half Level requires a back spotter Extended hanging "T" stunt is allowed PROHIBITED STUNTS The following stunts at the extended level are NOT ALLOWED: o Teddy Bears/Straddle lifts, Chair lifts, Russian lifts, Split catches, Dead man lifts and One/two legged stunts where contact is hand to foot, o Basket or Pocket Tosses o Inverted Stunts/Flipping Stunts o Vertical to Horizontal transitional stunts o Pop skill dismounts (Ex: twist or toe touch) from shoulder height or below Dismounts: The bases & spotters must maintain continuous eye contact with the top person for all cradle dismounts All bases and spotters must maintain continuous hands-on contact to the top person during pencil dismounts or the stunt will be illegal. Timing: Each squad shall have no less than 2 MINUTES and no more than 2:30 MINUTES to perform. Each cheerleader must begin with at least one foot on the competition mat. 12
Timing begins with the first movement or the first word spoken after the emcee states "you may begin" Music timing is as follows and must not exceed: Micros: 60 seconds. Competition Requirement: Teams competing are allowed only 25 cheerleaders on the competition mat. There will be only 5 coaches allowed in the coaches designed area while their team is performing. No hand motions from the coaches are allowed. ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU SHOULD THINK SAFETY FIRST. WINNING SECOND 13
Stunting Limitations JUNIORS DIVISION [AGES 10,11 & 12-5TH & 6TH GRADE] All pyramids and or mounts are limited to 2 persons high - meaning the top person is in direct contact with the base(s) who is in direct contact with the cheering surface. Junior cheerleading squads may execute double base full extensions with a hands-on front spotter. All stunts at shoulder level or above require a spotter. Vertical to Horizontal transitional stunts are legal provided 4 catchers are used. PROHIBITED STUNTS Basket or Pocket Tosses Inverted Stunts Single base extensions Single legged extended stunts Straight up full extensions from the floor or load in position Pop skill dismounts from shoulder height or below (Example :twist or toe touch) Dismounts: The bases & spotters must maintain continuous eye contact with the top person for all cradle dismounts All bases and spotters must maintain continuous hands-on contact to the top person during pencil dismounts or the stunt will be illegal. 14
Timing: Each squad shall have no less than 2 MINUTES and no more than 2:30 MINUTES to perform. Each cheerleader must begin with at least one foot on the competition mat. Timing begins with the first movement or the first word spoken after the emcee states "you may begin" Music timing is as follows and must not exceed: Juniors: 75 seconds. Competition Requirement: Teams competing are allowed only 25 cheerleaders on the competition mat. There will be only 5 coaches allowed in the coaches designed area while their team is performing. No hand motions from the coaches are allowed. ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU SHOULD THINK SAFETY FIRST. WINNING SECOND 15
SENIORS DIVISION [AGES 12,13 & 14-6TH & 7TH GRADE] Stunting Limitations Single leg stunts are allowed in a pyramid structure. Extended single leg stunts are allowed in a pyramid structure. An extended single leg stunt must be braced on both sides either by hand to hand or hand to foot connections and is permitted to begin from ground up. Cradle dismounts from a single leg variation pyramid structure must remain braced until the decent. (Liberty variation pyramid can be executed with shoulder sits on the sides) Pop skills in a pyramid structure must originate from 2 feet. Suspended Splits must stop at the shoulder level of the bases before being extended above the head. They must have continuous hand-to-hand or hand-to-body contact. Skill pocket tosses are allowed. Inverted stunts defined by the NFHS Spirit Rules are allowed. Transitional stunts Vertical to Horizontal as defined by NFHS. PROHIBITED STUNTS Basket Tosses Single base full extensions [free standing] Tosses to any split position 16
Dismounts: For all catch dismounts, bases must keep continuous eye contact with the top person. All dismounts from shoulder height and above must have at least one spotter. Twist dismounts are not allowed from a full extension. Timing: Each squad shall have no less than 2 MINUTES and no more than 2:30 MINUTES to perform. Each cheerleader must begin with at least one foot on the competition mat. Timing begins with the first movement or the first word spoken after the emcee states "you may begin" Music timing is as follows and must not exceed: Seniors: 90 seconds. Competition Requirement: Teams competing are allowed only 25 cheerleaders on the competition mat. There will be only 5 coaches allowed in the coaches designed area while their team is performing. No hand motions from the coaches are allowed. ALWAYS REMEMBER YOU SHOULD THINK SAFETY FIRST. WINNING SECOND 17
APPENDIX B STUNT LEVELS 18
APPENDIX C Competion Tables 19
Table 1 SNEYFC CHEER COMPETITION PENALTY TABLE Penalty Descriplion Penalty Points Wearing jewelry, make up, glitter, long fingernails, unsafe hair devices, improperly covered braces, stepping off the mat or cheer surface, stepping on poms and other props, inattentive spotter, not following general rules. -5 points Bumping into another cheerleader/stunt causing a fall or safety issue, Improperly performed legal stunts, tumbling off the mat and each stunt that falls to the cheer surface Not following NFHS spirit rules and /or SNEYFC safety rules -10 points -10 points -15 points Failure to perform within the 2 minute minimum and 2.5 minute maximum time limit or exceeding the music time limit -1 point for every 5 seconds 20
Table 2 SNEYFC Visual Cheerleading Score Sheet TEAM DIVISION # OF CHEERLEADERS Voice Categories Scoring Range Judges Volume, tone, pitch, clarity, appropriate inflections, appropriate use of words. 1 2.9: Poor enunciation, weak voices, minimal team cheering. 3 4.9: Good enunciation, average voices, partial team cheering. Judge 1 5 Score MAX Total Comments 5: Excellent enunciation, strong voices, full team cheering Judge 5 5 Expression & Enthusiasm Smiles, spirit, naturalness. Showmanship maintained throughout entire routine 1 2.9: Limited smiles, eye contact & facial expression. Inconsistent enthusiasm throughout routine. 3 4.9: Good smiles, eye contact & facial expression. Enthusiasm sustained through majority of routine. 5: Excellent smiles, eye contact & facial expression. Spirit & enthusiasm sustained through entire routine. Judge 1 5 Judge 5 5 Formations & Spacing 1 2.9: Poor spacing. 1-2 varied formations. Use of floor, varied, interesting, properly aligned & symmetrical 3 4.9: Some spacing off. Some formation (when appropriate). changes. At least 3-4 varied formations. 5: Good/Perfect spacing. Great variety of formations. 4+ varied formations. Judge 1 5 Judge 5 5 Transitions Cheerleaders move smoothly & cleanly from one segment of the routine to the next avoiding unnecessary crossing & bumping. Skills are incorporated into transitions 1 2.9: No variety in transitions, sloppy, poor use of floor. 3 4.9: Limited variety in transitions, some confusion, average use of floor. 5: Multiple variations of transitions, clean, good flow, good use of floor. Judge 1 5 Judge 5 5 Overall Effect/ Overall Appeal Exciting, entertaining, dynamic, confident, & visually effective. Overall effect that voice, enthusiasm, spacing, formations & transitions contributed to the routine. Consider variety & execution throughout routine Judge 1 5 Judge 5 5 21
Table 3 SNEYFC Senior Division Stunts Cheerleading Score Sheet Categories Scoring Range Judges Partner Stunts Degree of Difficulty Skill level, % of team involved, variety, dismounts 0: No partner stunts. 1 2.9: Two legged stunts performed at half extension with a front spotter. One legged stunts performed at half extension level with 2+ body positions and a front spotter. Cradle dismounts. Judge 2 7 Score MAX Total Comments Members Stunts 23-25 6 20-22 5 16 to 19 4 12 to 15 3 8 to 11 2 4 to 7 1 Teams not adhering to the guidelines above may be scored in a lower range. 3 4.9: One leg stunts performed at half extension level with 2+ body positions without a front spotter. 2 legged extensions performed with a front spotter. Pocket toss performed with straight ride cradle. Inversions performed from ground level. Full up/down to/from half extension level. Suspended roll dismounts. 5 7: 2 legged full extension performed without front spotter. Inversions performed from thigh level and above. Pocket toss performed with single skill. Full up/down to/from extension level. Single twist dismounts from a half extension Judge 6 7 Partner Stunts Execution 0: No partner stunts. 1-1.9 Below Average technique, body position, flexibility. Stunts/dismounts need polish. Timing off. 2-2.9: Average technique, body position, flexibility. Clean stunts/dismounts. Good timing. 3: Above Average technique, body position and flexibility. Strong stunts/dismounts. Perfect timing. 0: No pyramids. Judge 2 3 Judge 6 3 Pyramids Degree of Difficulty Skill level, % of team involved 1 2.9: Below Average: Thigh stand level and below, 1-2 body position in single leg stunt, no variation of top person positioning. 3 4.9: Above Average: stunts at half extension with front spotters; 3+ body positions. Inversions landing in below half extension level. 5 7: Above Average: Inversions originating from thigh level and above landing in half extension level, liberty variation pyramid as defined in SNEYFC Judge 2 7 Judge 6 7 0: No pyramids Pyramids Execution Timing, variety, technique, clean dismounts 1-1.9: Below Average body positions, flexibility, technique. 2-2.9: Average body positions, flexibility, technique. 3: Above Average body positions, flexibility, technique. Judge 2 3 Judge 6 3 Overall Effect/ Overall Appeal Exciting, entertaining, dynamic, confident & visually effective Overall effect of the partner stunts and pyramids on the entire routine. 22 Judge 2 5 Judge 6 5
Table 4 SNEYFC Junior Division Stunts Cheerleading Score Sheet Categories Scoring Range Judges Partner Stunts Degree of Difficulty Skill level, % of team involved, variety, dismounts 0: No partner stunts. 1 2.9: Two legged stunts performed at half extension with a front spotter. One legged stunts performed at half extension level with 2+ body positions and a front spotter. Cradle dismounts. Judge 2 Score MAX 7 Total Comments Members Stunts 23-25 6 20-22 5 16 to 19 4 12 to 15 3 8 to 11 2 4 to 7 1 3 4.9: : One legged stunts performed at half extension level with 2+ body positions without a front spotter. Cradle dismounts 5 7: 2 legged full extension performed without front spotter. Inversions performed from thigh level and above. Pocket toss performed with single skill. Full up/down to/from extension level. Single twist dismounts from a half extension Judge 6 7 Teams not adhering to the guidelines above may be scored in a lower range. 0: No partner stunts. 1-1.9 Below Average technique, body position, flexibility. Stunts/dismounts need polish. Timing off. Judge 2 3 Partner Stunts Execution 2-2.9: Average technique, body position, flexibility. Clean stunts/dismounts. Good timing. 3: Above Average technique, body position and flexibility. Strong stunts/dismounts. Perfect timing. 0: No pyramids. Judge 6 3 1 2.9: Below Average: Thigh stand level and below, 1-2 body position in single leg stunt, no variation of top person positioning. Judge 2 7 Pyramids Degree of Difficulty Skill level, % of team involved 3 4.9: Average: stunts at half extension with front spotters; 2+ body positions 5 7: Above Average: stunts at half extension level without front spotters; 3+ body positions Judge 6 7 0: No pyramids Pyramids Execution Timing, variety, technique, clean dismounts 1-1.9: Below Average body positions, flexibility, technique. 2-2.9: Average body positions, flexibility, technique. 3: Above Average body positions, flexibility, technique. Judge 2 3 Judge 6 3 Overall Effect/ Overall Appeal Exciting, entertaining, dynamic, confident & visually effective Overall effect of the partner stunts and pyramids on the entire routine. Judge 2 5 Judge 6 5 23
Table 5 SNEYFC Micro Division Stunts Cheerleading Score Sheet Categories Scoring Range Judges Partner Stunts Degree of Difficulty Skill level, % of team involved, variety, dismounts 0: No partner stunts. 1 2.9: One or Two legged stunts performed at thigh level or below; half extension performed with a front spotter. One legged stunts performed at half extension level with one body position and a front spotter Judge 2 7 Score MAX Total Comments Members Stunts 23-25 6 20-22 5 16 to 19 4 12 to 15 3 8 to 11 2 4 to 7 1 3 4.9: : One legged stunts performed at half extension level with 2+ body positions and a front spotter. Basic dismounts. 5 7: One legged stunts performed at half extension level with 2+body positions without a front spotter. Full up/down to/from half extension level. Cradle dismounts. Judge 6 7 Teams not adhering to the guidelines above may be scored in a lower range. 0: No partner stunts. 1-1.9 Below Average technique, body position, flexibility. Stunts/dismounts need polish. Timing off. Judge 2 3 Partner Stunts Execution 2-2.9: Average technique, body position, flexibility. Clean stunts/dismounts. Good timing. 3: Above Average technique, body position and flexibility. Strong stunts/dismounts. Perfect timing. Judge 6 3 0: No pyramids. 1 2.9:: Below Average: Thigh stand level and below, 1-2 body position in single leg stunt, no variation of top person positioning. Judge 2 7 Pyramids Degree of Difficulty Skill level, % of team involved 3 4.9: Average: stunts at half extension with front spotters; 2+ body positions 5 7: Above Average: stunts at half extension level without front spotters; 3+ body positions Judge 6 7 0: No pyramids Pyramids Execution Timing, variety, technique, clean dismounts 1-1.9: Below Average body positions, flexibility, technique. 2-2.9: Average body positions, flexibility, technique. 3: Above Average body positions, flexibility, technique. Judge 2 3 Judge 6 3 Overall Effect/ Overall Appeal Exciting, entertaining, dynamic, confident & visually effective Overall effect of the partner stunts and pyramids on the entire routine. Judge 2 5 Judge 6 5 24
Table 6 SNEYFC Mini Division Stunts Cheerleading Score Sheet Categories Scoring Range Judges Partner Stunts Degree of Difficulty 0: No partner stunts. Score MAX Total Comments Skill level, % of team involved, variety, dismounts 1 2.9: Two legged stunts at thigh level or below performed with or without front spotter. Judge 2 7 Teams not adhering to the guidelines above may be scored in a lower range 3 4.9: One leg stunts performed at thigh level or below; performed with front spotters 5 7: One leg stunts performed at thigh level performed without front spotters; half extension performed with a front spotter. Judge 6 7 0: No partner stunts. 1-1.9 Below Average technique, body position, flexibility. Stunts/dismounts need polish. Timing off. Judge 2 3 Partner Stunts Execution 2-2.9: Average technique, body position, flexibility. Clean stunts/dismounts. Good timing. 3: Above Average technique, body position and flexibility. Strong stunts/dismounts. Perfect timing. Judge 6 3 Pyramids Degree of Difficulty Skill level, % of team involved, 0: No pyramids. 1 2.9: Below Average: performed from below thigh level Judge 2 7 Average= 1-2 Body Positions 3 4.9: Average: performed at thigh level with front spotters Above Average= 3+ Body 5 7: Above Average: performed at thigh level Positions without front spotters; 2 legged half extension with Judge 6 7 front spotters. 0: No pyramids Pyramids Execution Timing, variety, technique, clean dismounts 1-1.9: Below Average body positions, flexibility, technique. 2-2.9: Average body positions, flexibility, technique. 3: Above Average body positions, flexibility, technique. Judge 2 3 Judge 6 3 Overall Effect/ Overall Appeal Exciting, entertaining, dynamic, confident & visually effective Overall effect of the partner stunts and pyramids on the entire routine. Judge 2 5 Judge 6 5 25
Table 7 SNEYFC Tumbling and Jumps Cheerleading Score Sheet Categories Scoring Range Judges Tumbling Degree of Difficulty Skill level, % of team involved, timing. 0: No tumbling performed. 1 2.9: Forward/backward rolls, cartwheels, round offs, front/back walkovers, <25% of team w/standing back handsprings, round off back handspring, limited tucks. Use tenths of points to reward 3 3.9: 25%-50% of team with standing teams for more advanced skills handsprings, or jump/handspring combos and/or that are incorporated but do not 25%-50% of team with round off handsprings, meet team percentage round off tucks, round off handspring tucks. requirements. 4 4.9: >50% of team with standing handsprings, Majority = 1 over 50 or jump/handspring combos and/or >50% of team with round off tucks, round off handspring tucks. Judge 3 7 Score MAX Total Comments 5 5.9: 25% - 50% of team with standing tucks, handsprings tucks, or jump/tuck combos and/or >25% of team with round off layouts, fulls, front tucks, or specialty passes ending with tuck or better. 6-7: >50% of team with standing tucks, handsprings tucks, or jump/tuck combos and/or >50% of team with running layouts, fulls, front tucks or specialty passes ending with tuck or better. Judge 7 7 0: No tumbling. Tumbling Execution Jumps Degree of Difficulty 1-1.9: Below average execution, timing and landings. 2-2.9: Average execution, good timing, good landings, good body positions, good height. 3: Above average execution, great timing, great landings, great body positions and height 0: No jumps. Judge 3 3 Judge 7 3 Majority = 1 over 50% Jumps combined with tumbling will be scored under the tumbling criteria but counted toward the total number of jumps performed. 1 1.9: 1 Jump performed by 100% of team, tuck, straddle, eagle jumps. 2 2.9: 2 Total Jumps. 1 Jump performed by 100% of team and 1 additional jump performed by majority of team. Incorporation of herkie, toe touch, front hurdler, side hurdler, or a combination of 2 or more intermediate and/or basic jumps. Judge 3 5 3 3.9: 3 Total Jumps. 1 Jump performed by 100% of team and at least 2 intermediate/advanced jumps performed consecutively with no prep in between by majority of team. Incorporation of pikes, double nines. 4-5: 4 Total Jumps. 1 Jump performed by 100% of team and at least 3 intermediate/advanced jumps performed consecutively with no prep in between by majority of team. Judge 7 5 0: No jumps. 1 2.9: Below average height, poor sync, some toes not pointed, bent knees, watch arm placement and head position, sloppy. Judge 3 5 Jumps Execution Timing, technique, height, execution 3-4.9: Average height, good sync, straight legs, good arm placement, good body position, clean, feet together in landings. 5: Above average height and flexibility, great arm placement, great body position, clean, heads & chests up on landings. Judge 7 5 Overall Effect/ Overall Appeal Exciting, entertaining, dynamic, confident, & visually effective. Overall effect of jumps and tumbling on the entire routine. 26 Judge 3 5 Judge 7 5
Table 8 SNEYFC Cheer and Dance Cheerleading Score Sheet Score Categories Scoring Range Judges MAX Total Motions Degree of Difficulty 0: No motions. Comments Variety and Amount of Motions Motions = V s, T s, touchdowns, or variations Motions performed by the top person of a stunt are not included in motion count but impact Overall Effect/Overall Appeal score. 1-1.9: 1-3 motions performed by majority of the team, no variation, no levels. 2-2.9: 4-5 motions performed by majority of team. Little variety of motions, some level changes. 3-3.9: 6-7 motions performed by majority of team, good variety, good level changes. 4-5: 8+ motions performed by majority of team, great variety, great level changes. Judge 4 5 Judge 8 5 Motions Execution 0: No motions. Technique, controlled, timing, sharp, tight, speed Motions performed by the top person of stunts are included in 2 2.9: Average sharpness and precision, execution score average levels, some variety, good technique, limited speed. Technique = Wrist/Arm Placement as well as leg/ footwork. 1 1.9: Motions not together, poor precision, not sharp, levels off, lack of technique, slow, no variation. 3 3.9: Good speed, good sharpness and precision, good synchronization, good levels, some variety, good technique. 4 5: Great speed, very sharp and precise, strong motions, great synchronization, great variety, great levels, strong technique. Judge 4 5 Judge 8 5 Dance Degree of Difficulty Majority = 1 over 50% 8-count of dance = Unique/Original physical movement of arms and feet. Score range can be moved down if not unique/original. Co-ed teams: Male participants do not have to dance but should be utilized during the dance Dance Execution Co-ed teams: Male participants do not have to dance but should be utilized during the dance. 0: No dance. 1 1.9: Only 1 8-count, less than majority of team incorporated, slow, no footwork, no levels used. 2 2.9: 1-2 8-counts, less than majority of team incorporated, average speed, limited footwork, some levels used. 3 3.9: 2-3 8-counts, majority of team incorporated, good speed, good footwork, good levels, good variety. 4 5: 4+ 8-counts, majority of team incorporated, great speed, great footwork, great levels, great variety. 0: No dance. 1 1.9: Low energy, synch off, timing off. 2 2.9: Inconsistent energy, synch off, timing off. 3 3.9: Good energy, good synch, good timing. 4 5: Great energy, great synch, great timing. Judge 4 5 Judge 8 5 Judge 4 5 Judge 8 5 Overall Effect/ Overall Appeal Exciting, entertaining, dynamic, confident & visually effective. Overall effect of the motions and dance on the entire routine. 27 Judge 4 5 Judge 8 5
Table 9. SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND YOUTH FOOTBALL CHEERLEADING SCORE SHEET Team: Number of Cheerleaders: Div: Judge Number: Deduction/Judge Explanation Deduction per Occurrence Bumping / Mistakes in Routines and Touchdowns in tumbling Stunts/Pyramids that almost drop//fall but are saved or go to a clean dismount Incomplete twisting cradles Memory involving obvious execution Moves Tripping on the Floor While transitioning Severe Balance Checks Hands Down on Tumbling Missed Jump Bumping during Transition.25 * /.5 Number of Occurrence Total Deduction Falls Partner Stunts / Pyramids that fall Fall from Individual to the ground during routine (with exception to hands down in tumbling. Collapse Entire Pyramid falls/collapse Total Deduction.5 * /1.0 1.0 * / 2.0 A Pyramid with multiple mishaps will not be assessed more than 2.0 points 28
Table 10. Southern New England Youth Football Conference Competition Penalty Sheet The Penalty Judge will watch during the competition for any National Federation Spirit Rule Infractions as well as SNEYFC rule infractions. POINT DEDUCTIONS: -5 Points- Wearing jewelry, long fingernails, unsafe hair devices, improperly covered braces, stepping off the mat or cheer surface, stepping on pomes and/or other props, inattentive spotter, not following general rules. -10 Points- Bumping into another cheerleader/stunt causing a fall or safety issue, improperly performing legal stunts, tumbling off the mat and each stunt that falls to the cheer surface unsafely. -15 Points- Not following NFHS spirit rules and/or safety rules. PENALTY POINTS ARE ASSIGNED AT THE DESCRETION OF THE PENALTY JUDGES VIOLATIONS Rule Infraction Page # Category Rule # Point Deduction Music: Time: Total Penalty Points: Comments 29
Table 11. SNEYFC Game Attendance Log Town Opposing Team (Across top) Cheerleader Names (Down) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 Division Week 1 Week 2 Week 3 Week 4 Week 5 Week 6 Week 7 Week 8 Week 9 Week 10 30