YOUTH CHEER LEVELS OVERVIEW A BASIC OVERVIEW OF THE HIGHEST SKILLS ALLOWED IN EACH LEVEL. YCADA LEVEL 1 YCADA LEVEL 2 Standing Tumbling: Up to walkovers Running Tumbling: Up to walkovers Stunts: Two leg prep level and below prep level single leg stunts (1/4 twist load in allowed) Inversions: Prohibited Dismounts: Straight ride and quarter turn are allowed Release Moves: Prohibited Tosses: Prohibited Pyramids: Up to extended two leg stunts braced on both sides (connection must be made at or below prep level and have to return to prep level to cradle) and prep level single leg stunts continuously braced on at least one side with hand/arm connection ONLY by prep level or below stunts (connection must be made prior to executing the prep level single leg stunt). Standing Tumbling: Up to single front/back handspring Running Tumbling: Up to single front/back handspring Stunts: Two leg extended stunts and prep level single leg stunts ( ½ twist load in variations are allowed) Inversions: Prohibited Dismounts: Straight ride and quarter turn are allowed. Single trick, non-twisting alternate cradles are allowed. Release Moves: Prohibited (exception: Barrel Roll) Tosses: Straight ride body position ONLY Pyramids: Up to extended single leg stunts braced on at least ONE side with hand/arm connection by prep level or below stunts (connection must be established at or below prep level) YCADA LEVEL 3 YCADA LEVEL 4 Standing Tumbling: Up to handspring series Running Tumbling: Up to back tuck from handspring or roundoff entry Stunts: Extended single leg variations, 360 to or from extension prep Inversions: Handstand to a load in position ONLY Dismounts: Up to 360/single twist from extended two leg stunts and all prep level stunts Release Moves: Braced tic-tocs only (must be braced on both sides by prep level or below stunts) Tosses: One trick non-twisting allowed Pyramids: Extended single leg stunts braced on one side, braced tic-tocs (high to high, low to high, switch up release moves, and ballups) the flyer must land in upright STANDING position and must be braced on both sides by prep level or below stunts) Standing Tumbling: Up to a full twisting layout Running Tumbling: Up to a full twisting layout Stunts: Extended single leg, 1 1/2 twist up to extended level, tic-tocs Inversions: Handstand to prep level, forward suspended roll, back walkover/forward roll out of cradle. Dismounts: Up to 1 & ¼ twisting dismounts from any single leg stunt and 2 & ¼ twisting dismounts from any two leg stunt Release Moves: Allowed as long as does not surpass 18 Tosses: Up to two tricks and 1 & ¼ twisting Pyramids: Extended single leg stunts braced on one side, braced release moves, 2 and ½ high transitions (provided they are braced between two prep level or below stunts). Limited braced inversions. NOTE: This is ONLY to be used as a quick reference guide for skill levels. These are NOT all skills allowed in each level or rules regarding technical or creative elements. All teams must still abide by ALL Youth Cheer Levels Grid regulations, Youth Cheer Penalty Info, Youth Cheer General Safety Rules, Youth Cheer Category Guidelines and Youth Cheer General Guidelines provided in the following and preceding pages.
YOUTH CHEER LEVELS OVERVIEW A BASIC OVERVIEW OF THE HIGHEST SKILLS ALLOWED IN EACH LEVEL. YCADA LEVEL 1 LIMITED Standing Tumbling: Up to round off Running Tumbling: Up to round off Stunts: Two leg prep level and knee stand single leg stunts Inversions: Prohibited Dismounts: Cradles are Prohibited. Shove wraps or step offs are LEGAL. Release Moves: Prohibited Tosses: Prohibited Pyramids: Connected stunts are permitted, but must follow all stunt guidelines. NOTE: This is ONLY to be used as a quick reference guide for skill levels. These are NOT all skills allowed in each level or rules regarding technical or creative elements. All teams must still abide by ALL Youth Cheer Levels Grid regulations, Youth Cheer Penalty Info, Youth Cheer General Safety Rules, Youth Cheer Category Guidelines and Youth Cheer General Guidelines provided in the following and preceding pages.
YOUTH CHEER LEVELS GRID Please note: The following youth skill levels have been created to provide safety and convenience for teams who may perform at a different skill level than others. Coaches must consider tumbling and stunting abilities when choosing the level in which their team will compete. Coaches must also refer to the Youth Cheer Routine Guidelines, General Safety Rules (which apply to all levels), Glossary, Penalty Info, and Scoring sections for further guidelines regarding Youth Cheer routines. (Performing skills from a more advanced level will result in a 5.0 point deduction per occurrence.) Changes made from last year s rules, etc are marked in BOLD RED. STANDING TUMBLING YCADA LEVEL 1 All skills and series of skills with hand support performed from a standing position are allowed, including, but not limited to: Front rolls, back rolls, cartwheels, handstands, handstand forward rolls, round offs and front/back walkovers. At least ONE hand must remain in contact with the performance surface during ALL skill/s execution. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Front and/or back handsprings, tucks/flips, aerials, and dive rolls. RUNNING TUMBLING STUNTS All skills and series of skills with hand support performed from a running or hurdle position are allowed, including, but not limited to: round offs, cartwheels, and front and/or back walkovers. At least ONE hand must remain in contact with the performance surface during skill/s execution. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Front and/or back handsprings, tucks/flips, aerials, and dive rolls. Continuous back spotter is required for all stunts shoulder level or above (exceptions: shoulder sit, chair, etc). Double leg stunts are only allowed at prep level (shoulder height) or below, single leg stunts are only allowed below prep level (shoulder level). Bases may move/turn while in a sponge/load in position and/or once the building of a stunt is completed. Twisting, during a mount/transition is limited to 1/4 turn by the FLYER and/or BASES. Clarification: Bases may move during the 1/4 turn mount. Free standing extended stunts are not allowed. (EXCEPTIONS & CLARIFICATIONS: Stunts where the arms of the bases are fully extended, but the flyer s body is horizontal or in a sitting position are allowed. ex, swedish falls, flatback, v-sits. Hitches are allowed, provided the base maintains contact with the feet of the flyer. Non-released single based stunts are permitted up to the allowed technical level, but are NOT allowed to cradle. (CLARIFICATIONS: A step into hands would be permitted with 1 flyer, 1 base, and 1 spotter. The STATIONARY spotter is required to be directly to the side or back of the stunt to protect the flyer s head/ shoulders). Superman transitions are ILLEGAL.PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: Transitional stunts that involve changing bases (ie. leap frogs, where the flyer moves to new bases or the original bases and stepping stone transitions), front, back, or side tension rolls, single based split stunts, show and go stunts that travel while building or go above the permitted level, swing dance/swing up stunts, show and go stunts where the bases move or travel during the show and go. INVERSIONS ALL Inversions are PROHIBITED. A flyer must never pass through an inverted (hips over head) position at any time during a stunt load in/mount/dismount/transition. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Forward suspended rolls, handstands that transition into a load in/sponge position. DISMOUNTS Cradles from all stunts prep level and below are limited to straight and/or 1/4 turn only. CLARIFICATIONS: A flyer in an arabesque that cradles to the front would be considered a 1/4 turn cradle. Anything other than a step off the front or shove wrap must be caught in a cradle. Straight cradles from extended flat backs/v-sits are allowed. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: cradles from extended stunts, alternate cradles (toe touch, pike, etc), cradles that land in prone position (on stomach), cradles to different bases, and single based cradles. RELEASE MOVES No release moves other than those listed in the LEVEL 1 DISMOUNTS section are allowed. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Barrel/log rolls, helicopters, and single based tossed stunts. EXCEPTIONS: A flyer may be released by bases during a transition from a cradle position to a reload/sponge position and/or flatback position, provided the flyer does not go above 12 inches from the bases hands. TOSSES All tosses are PROHIBITED including sponge, basket, squishy, and scrunch tosses. PYRAMIDS Pyramids must follow stunts, release moves, dismounts, and inversion rules and are allowed up to 2-high, with the following EXCEPTIONS: 1) Flyers in double leg extended stunts must be braced on BOTH sides (with two separate people) with hand/arm connection to prep level or below stunts OR bracers standing on the ground. The connection must be made AT PREP LEVEL OR BELOW and PRIOR to the flyer passing above prep level. Connection may not be lost until the extended stunt is returned to prep level two leg or below. CLARIFICATION: Extended double leg stunts may not cradle from the extended level. Extended double leg stunts MAY NOT brace any other extended two leg stunts. 2) Single leg stunts are allowed at prep level, provided they are braced on AT LEAST one side by a prep level/below stunt/individual on the ground, with HAND/ARM connection. CLARIFICATION; prep level bracers must have both feet in the hands of bases.(if braced on BOTH sides, one side may be hand/arm and the other hand/ foot). The hand/arm connection must be made at prep level or below and PRIOR to executing the single leg stunt. Connection may not be lost until the upward motion of a cradle, retake/sponge, or returned to prep level two leg stunt or below. 3) Moving/walking pyramids are allowed. PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: Collapsible/hanging/split pyramids, braced flips, extended single leg pyramids.
YOUTH CHEER LEVELS GRID Please note: The following youth skill levels have been created to provide safety and convenience for teams who may perform at a different skill level than others. Coaches must consider tumbling and stunting abilities when choosing the level in which their team will compete. Coaches must also refer to the Youth Cheer Routine Guidelines, General Safety Rules (which apply to all levels), Glossary, Penalty Info, and Scoring sections for further guidelines regarding Youth Cheer routines. (Performing skills from a more advanced level will result in a 5.0 point deduction per occurrence.) Changes made from last year s rules, etc are marked in BOLD RED. STANDING TUMBLING YCADA LEVEL 2 All skills or series of skills with hand support performed from a standing position are allowed, including, but not limited to: Front and backward rolls, handstands, handstand forward rolls,handstands that fall to bridge position,front and back walkovers, cartwheels, and round offs. (EXCEPTION: A SINGLE front/back handspring is allowed). CLARIFICATION: At least ONE hand must remain in contact with the performance surface during skill/s execution. Both hands must be used in front/back handsprings. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Front and/or back handsprings series, tucks/flips, aerials, and dive rolls. RUNNING TUMBLING STUNTS All skills and series of skills with hand support performed from a running or hurdle position are allowed, including, but not limited to: cartwheels, round offs, front and/ or back walkovers. (EXCEPTION: A SINGLE front/back handspring is allowed. ex. round off bhs is LEGAL. Round off two bhs is ILLEGAL). CLARIFICATION: At least ONE hand must remain in contact with the performance surface during skill/s execution. Both hands must be used in front/back handsprings. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: front and/or back handsprings series, tucks/flips, aerials, and dive rolls. Double leg extended stunts are allowed, single leg stunts are allowed at prep level (shoulder height) or below. Twisting during a load in/mount/transitions is limited to a 1/2 twist by the flyer and/or bases. Traveling show and go stunts are allowed. At least one base must maintain contact with the flyer during all transitions. EXCEPTIONS and CLARIFICATIONS: During twisting stunts, a simultaneous 1/4 twist by the flyer and 1/4 twist by the bases equals a 1/2 twist from the group. Therefore, if the flyer performs a complete 1/2 twist, the bases may NOT perform any additional twisting simultaneously during the execution of the flyer s twist. Prep level single leg stunts may switch legs, provided at least one base/back spotter keeps continuous contact with the flyer s foot/ankle. Stepping stone transitions are allowed, but require one base with continuous hand/arm connection to the flyer during the entire transition. Bases may move /turn while building. NON-TWISTING Superman transitions are allowed from prep level or below.non-released single based stunts are permitted up to the allowed technical level, but are NOT allowed to cradle. (ex. a step into hands would be allowed with 1 flyer, 1 base, and 1 continuous spotter. The STATIONARY spotter must be directly to the side OR back of stunt to protect the flyer s head/shoulder area. PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: Leap frogs, where the flyer moves to new bases or the original bases, front, side, or back tension rolls, single based split stunts, swing up stunts, swing dance stunts. INVERSIONS DISMOUNTS ALL Inversions are PROHIBITED. A flyer must never pass through an inverted (hips over head) position at any time during a stunt load in/mount/dismount/transition. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Forward suspended rolls, handstands that transition into a load in/sponge position. Cradles from all stunts are limited to straight, 1/4 turn, or single trick, non-twisting alternate cradles (ie, toe touch, pike arch, or ball arch). CLARIFICATION: An arabesque that cradles to the front would be considered a LEGAL 1/4 turn cradle. A hitch kick cradle would be ILLEGAL. Anything other than a step off the front or shove wrap must be caught in a cradle. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: 1/2 twist cradles, cradles that land in prone position (on stomach), cradles to different bases (fireman catches and fallbacks that do not return to the upright position), and single based cradles. Exception:a cradle from a single based stunt to a group cradle is allowed (i.e. 2 bases, 1 back spotter, 1 flyer). RELEASE MOVES No release moves other than those listed in the LEVEL 2 DISMOUNTS section are allowed. EXCEPTIONS: a single twisting barrel/log roll is allowed, provided it starts and ends in a cradle position. No other skill may be involved during the skill. i.e. kick full barrell roll = ILLEGAL. A 1/2 twist log roll up to an extended swedish falls is allowed. EXCEPTIONS: A flyer may be released by bases during a transition from a cradle position to a reload/sponge position, transition up to a Swedish Falls, and/ or flatback position, provided the flyer does not go above 12 inches from the bases hands. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: 1/2 twist cradles, single based cradles, and helicopters (that are fully released by bases). TOSSES Sponge, squishy, scrunch, and/or basket tosses are allowed in a STRAIGHT BODY position only. Tosses must be caught in a cradle position by the original bases. Tosses may not intentionally travel and are limited to 1 flyer and up to 4 bases (including back and front spotters). PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: toe touch toss, ball-x, pike arch, twisting or flipping tosses. PYRAMIDS Pyramids must follow stunts, release moves, dismounts, and inversion rules and are allowed up to 2-high, with the following EXCEPTIONS: 1) Extended single leg stunts are allowed, provided they are braced on AT LEAST one side with HAND/ARM connection to a prep level or below stunt, or individual on the ground. The connection must be made at prep level or below and PRIOR to executing the extended single leg and may not lose contact with the Hand/Arm connection until the upward motion for a cradle or downward transition to a prep level or below stunt. 2) Flyers must maintain contact with at least ONE base at all times and may not lose contact with bracing prep level stunts during transitions. A flyer(s) in a cradle/ flatback position, may transition back into a stunt, provided at least ONE base maintains contact during the entire transition. Stepping stone transitions are permitted, provided at least one base keeps continuous hand/arm contact with the flyer. 3) Moving/walking pyramids are allowed. 4) Fake tick tocks are allowed, provided at least ONE base/back spotter maintains continuous contact with the flyer s foot/ankle. These are allowed from prep to prep level or prep to extended level, with continuous contact with a base. PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: Collapsible/hanging/ released split pyramids, braced flips, braced tick tocks (release by bases).
YOUTH CHEER LEVELS GRID Please note: The following youth skill levels have been created to provide safety and convenience for teams who may perform at a different skill level than others. Coaches must consider tumbling and stunting abilities when choosing the level in which their team will compete. Coaches must also refer to the Youth Cheer Routine Guidelines, General Safety Rules (which apply to all levels), Glossary, Penalty Info, and Scoring sections for further guidelines regarding Youth Cheer routines. (Performing skills from a more advanced level will result in a 5.0 point deduction per occurrence.) Changes made from last year s rules, etc are marked in BOLD RED. STANDING TUMBLING YCADA LEVEL 3 All skills and series of skills performed from a standing position with hand support are allowed including but not limited to: Front rolls, back rolls, front walkovers, back walkovers, cartwheels, handstands, handstand forward rolls, handstands that fall into a bridge position, and round off back handsprings, front handsprings. CLARIFICATION: At least one hand must remain in contact with the floor during skill execution (Exception: both hands must remain in contact with the floor when performing front and back handsprings.) PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Tucks/flips, standing single/series back handsprings to a tuck or flip position, forward 3/4 flips to the seat. RUNNING TUMBLING Back tucks/flips may ONLY be performed from a round off or round off back handspring entry in a tucked body position. CLARIFICAITON: The flip/tuck must be immediately preceded by a round off or round off back handspring. Cartwheel step in tucks are ILLEGAL. There is no limit to the number of round off series back handsprings followed by a tuck/flip. Aerial cartwheels and running front tucks/flips are allowed. No tumbling is allowed after a tuck/flip (EXCEPTION: tumbling out of a front tuck/flip is allowed). PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Alternate flipping body positions (x-out, layout, pike, step out) and twisting in any tucks/ flips, forward 3/4 flips to the seat. STUNTS Extended single leg stunts are allowed. Twisting during the load in/mount and/or transitions is limited to one full twist by the flyer and or the bases. CLARIFICATION: bases may turn up to 1/2 during load in and execution of stunt simultaneously with the flyer performing a 1/2 twist (creating a 360/full twist) and only to prep level. Teams are permitted to perform 360 to or from prep (shoulder) height provided they do not stop in an extended position. Examples would be full up to a prep, or fast forward from a prep. At least ONE base/continuous spotter must maintain contact with the flyer during transitions. Transitional stunts may involve changing bases (i.e. Leap frogs to new bases are allowed. Fake tick tocks are permitted provided the flyer remains in contact with at least one base/back spotter at all times. (Prep to prep, or prep to extended single leg transitions.) Prep level single leg stunts are permitted to switch legs (back to prep level or switch to extended level) provided the flyer is not released and maintains contact with at least one base or back spotter. Forward traveling leap frogs may be caught in a double cradle. Backward leap frogs may not land in prone.superman transitions are allowed from prep level and below and may incorporate 1/2 twist by the flyer only. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Front, back or side tension rolls, swing, split stunts and single leg extended stunts that brace other single leg extended stunts are prohibited. Swing dance stunts and swing up stunts are prohibited. INVERSIONS Inverted stunts are only allowed from ground-level as a load in into a non-inverted waist level or lower, upright LOAD IN position. For example, the flyer may begin in a handstand on the ground that transitions into a sponge. CLARIFICATION: Flyer transitioning from handstand to standing position on the ground THEN loading in would be ILLEGAL CLARIFICATION: The flyer must maintain contact with at least 2 bases (spotter can be included in the count of the 2 bases) during the above listed type of inversion. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: A flyer must never move to an inverted position from a stunt. DISMOUNTS Cradles from two leg extensions, prep level single leg stunts and extension preps may not exceed more than one and one quarter twisting rotation. Only basic cradles (straight and quarter turn) are allowed from extended single leg stunts. CLARIFICATION: Anything other than a step off the front or shove wrap must be caught in a cradle. PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: Flips, Cradle dismounts to different bases (i.e. fireman s catches, fall backs) RELEASE MOVES No release moves are allowed other than those mentioned in the Dismounts and Tosses sections. EXCEPTIONS: 1) A single full twisting barrel (log) roll is allowed if it starts and ends in a cradle position. No other trick is allowed during the skill. i.e. kick full barrel roll would be ILLEGAL. 2) A half twist Log Roll to a Swedish Fall is allowed. 3) Braced tick tocks (High to High, Low to High, switch up release moves, and ball ups) are allowed ONLY if the flyer is continuously braced between two prep level or below stunts with hand/arm connection ONLY and the flyer lands in an upright body position. EXCEPTIONS: A flyer may be released by bases during a transition from a cradle position to a reload/sponge position, transition up to a Swedish Falls, and/or flatback position, provided the flyer does not go above 12 inches from the bases hands. 4) Single Based released toss stunts are allowed, but require a separate spotter for stunts shoulder height and above(ex. toss hands). See the General Safety rules for further guidelines for bases, flyers and spotters during braced release moves. Helicopters (that are released) are PROHIBITED. Any other full release tosses or pyramid and stunt transitions other than braced tick tocks which the flyer is fully released from the bases are prohibited. TOSSES Sponge, basket, squishy, scrunch tosses are allowed and must be caught in a cradle position by the original bases. Other toss positions are allowed, but limited to ONE TRICK, NON-TWISTING. (ie, toe touch, pretty girl, etc.) EXCEPTION: A pike-arch, ball-arch, and kick-arch will be allowed. These are the ONLY exceptions, to allow the flyer a safe position to open from the skill and be caught by the bases. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Ball-X or Ball-Star, Flipping (front or back), traveling TOSSES, Full twist tosses (ex. a full would be ILLEGAL). PYRAMIDS Pyramids must follow stunts, dismounts, inversions, and release moves rules and are allowed up to 2-high, with the following EXCEPTIONS: 1) The flyer must maintain contact with at least one base at all times. EXCEPTION: Braced tick tocks (High to High, Low to High, switch up release moves, and ball ups) are allowed ONLY if the flyer is continuously braced between two prep level or below stunts with hand/arm connection ONLY and the flyer lands in a STANDING, upright body position. The flyer may be released no more than eighteen inches above extended arm level of the bases who are in direct contact with the ground. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Any other full release tosses or pyramid and stunt transitions other than braced tick tocks which the flyer is fully released from the bases, release moves that do not land in upright body position, collapsible pyramids, released split catches, braced flips. CLARIFICATION: See the General Safety rules for further guidelines for bases, flyers, and spotters during braced release moves. Moving/walking pyramids are allowed.
YOUTH CHEER LEVELS GRID 2015-2016 Please note: The following youth skill levels have been created to provide safety and convenience for teams who may perform at a different skill level than others. Coaches must consider tumbling and stunting abilities when choosing the level in which their team will compete. Coaches must also refer to the Youth Cheer Routine Guidelines, General Safety Rules (which apply to all levels), Glossary, Penalty Info, and Scoring sections for further guidelines regarding Youth Cheer routines. (Performing skills from a more advanced level will result in a 5.0 point deduction per occurrence.) Changes made from last year s rules, etc are marked in BOLD RED. STANDING TUMBLING YCADA LEVEL 4 Tucks/flips are allowed in any body position but may not exceed one flipping and one twisting rotation. CLARIFICATION: Flips may be performed in alternate positions (layout, x-out, pike, etc.) Tumbling after a flip is prohibited (Exception: tumbling out of a front flip is allowed) PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Forward 3/4 flips to the seat, toe-pitch flips, tumbling after a flip. RUNNING TUMBLING Flips in any body position are allowed but may not exceed one flipping and one twisting rotation, Aerials are allowed, tumbling out of a front flip is allowed. CLARIFICATION: Flips may be performed in alternate positions (layout, x-out, pike, etc.). Tumbling after a flip is prohibited.(exception: tumbling out of a front flip is allowed.) PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Forward 3/4 flips to the seat, toe-pitch flips, tumbling after a flip. STUNTS Extended single leg stunts are allowed. Twisting during the load in/mount is limited to one and one half (1 1/2) twist by the flyer and/or base(s). CLARIFICATION: If the flyer performs a 1 and 1/2 twist, the bases may NOT perform an additional 1/2 twist simultaneously. Bases may perform a 1/2 twist, while the flyer performs a simultaneous full twist, to create a total of 1 and 1/2 twist/s. Transitional stunts may change bases and may include up to one and one half twist. CLARIFICATION: During transitions at least one base/continuous spotter must remain with the flyer. Ex. bases may not free toss a flyer to all new bases. Swing up transitioned stunts are permitted provided the flyer does not go into an inverted position at anytime during the transition and at least one original base/continuous spotter remains in contact with the flyer. Superman transitions are allowed from prep level or below and may incororate a 3/4 twist by the flyer only. Forward traveling leap frogs my land in a double based cradle. Backward leap frogs may not land in prone position.prohibited skills include, but are not limited to: Swing Dance Stunts, front, back, or side tension rolls, and single leg extended stunts that brace other single leg extended stunts. INVERSIONS DISMOUNTS RELEASE MOVES Inverted stunts are only allowed from ground-level as a load in/mount into a non-inverted stunt (upright position) at prep (shoulder) level or below. For example, the flyer may begin in a handstand on the ground that transitions into an extension prep. A flyer must never move to an inverted position from a stunt. EXCEPTIONS: a back walkover out of a group cradle or forward roll/front walkover from waist level prone position is allowed, provided at least 2 of the original bases/back spotter assist the inversion. Flyer must have both hands in contact with the floor prior to the inversion being executed. (Additional Exception: see Pyramids and Dismounts). The flyer must maintain contact with at least 2 bases/posts during any inversion. EXCEPTION: PYRAMID INVERSION ONLY - A FLYER may pass through an inverted position, during a pyramid transition, if the top person remains in contact with a base(s)/back spotter that is in direct weight bearing contact with the performance surface. The base/back spotter that remains in contact with the top person may extend their arms during the transition, if the skill starts and ends in a position at prep level or below. Example: A flat back split which rolls to a load in position would be legal even if the base extends their arms during the inversion skill. Example: A flat back split which rolls to an extended position would be illegal because it did not first land in a position below extended level. Cradles from all single leg stunts are limited to one and one quarter (1 & 1/4) twists. Cradles from all two-leg stunts are limited to two and one quarter (2 & 1/4) twists. Flips are prohibited (EXCEPTION: Suspended forward rolls are allowed provided that all of the following conditions are met: 1) The top person begins in a non-inverted position from the performance surface or a stunt at prep level or below.. 2) The top person has continuous hand-to-hand contact with two primary bases or with two posts who are controlling the top person. The top person cannot have contact with one base and one post or with bracers. 3) The bases or posts cannot be involved in any other skill or choreography during the suspended roll. 4) The top person lands in a double-based cradle or on the performance surface. They may not land in a loading position for a stunt). Cradles may not land in prone position (on stomach). Cradle dismounts to different bases (i.e. fireman s catches, fallbacks) must originate from prep level or below. Release moves are allowed but must not exceed eighteen inches above extended arm level (i.e. tick tocks would be allowed). CLARIFICATION: Bases may not free toss a flyer to all new bases. Single Based released toss stunts are allowed, but require a separate spotter for stunts shoulder height and above (ex. full up heel stretch). The spotter must be directly to the side/back of stunt to protect the flyer s head and shoulders. Half (1/2) helicopters, NON-TWISTING (total release from bases) are allowed. Full helicopters (total release from bases) are prohibited. TOSSES PYRAMIDS Sponge, basket, squishy, scrunch tosses are allowed and must be caught in a cradle position by the original bases. Tosses are limited to two tricks. Tosses may not exceed one and one quarter (1 & 1/4) twisting rotations. (Ex. A Kick Full basket would be legal. A double twisting basket would be ILLEGAL.) Flipping (front or back) and traveling tosses are PROHIBITED. Pyramids must follow stunts, dismounts, inversions, and release moves rules and are allowed up to 2-high only, with the following EXCEPTIONS: 1) During a pyramid transition, a flyer may pass through up to 2 and 1/2 high if the flyer is braced between two extension preps. See the General Safety rules for further guidelines for bases, flyers and spotters during braced release moves. Moving/walking, split and hanging pyramids are allowed. 2) A FLYER may pass through an inverted position, during a pyramid transition, if the top person remains in contact with a base(s) that is in direct weight bearing contact with the performance surface. The base that remains in contact with the top person may extend their arms during the transition, if the skill starts and ends in a position at prep level or below. Example: A flat back split which rolls to a load in position would be legal even if the base extends their arms during the inversion skill. Example: A flat back split which rolls to an extended position would be illegal because it did not first land in a position below extended level. PROHIBITED skills include but are not limited to: Collapsible pyramids and braced flips. CLARIFICATION: SEE PYRAMID INVERSION EXCEPTION.
YOUTH CHEER LEVELS GRID 2015-2016 Please note: The following youth skill levels have been created to provide safety and convenience for teams who may perform at a different skill level than others. Coaches must consider tumbling and stunting abilities when choosing the level in which their team will compete. Coaches must also refer to the Youth Cheer Routine Guidelines, General Safety Rules (which apply to all levels), Glossary, Penalty Info, and Scoring sections for further guidelines regarding Youth Cheer routines. (Performing skills from a more advanced level will result in a 5.0 point deduction per occurrence.) Changes made from last year s rules, etc are marked in BOLD RED. YCADA LEVEL 1 LIMITED STANDING TUMBLING All skills and series of skills with hand support performed from a standing position are allowed, including, but not limited to: Front rolls, back rolls, cartwheels, handstands, handstand forward rolls, and round offs. (EXCEPTION: Front and/or back walkovers and front and/or back handsprings are PROHIBITED.) A ground up bridge is allowed, provided the performer returns to the ground/laying position. For all skills Both hands must remain in contact with the floor during skill/s execution. PROHIBITED skills include, but are not limited to: Handstands that fall to bridge position, one arm cartwheels, front/back walkovers, front/back handsprings, tucks/ flips, aerials, tumbling into a load in stunt, and dive rolls. RUNNING TUMBLING All skills and series of skills with hand support performed from a running or hurdle position are allowed, including, but not limited to: round offs and cartwheels. All skills with hand support performed from a running, punch, or hurdle enterance are allowed. (EXCEPTION: front and/or back walkovers, and front and/or back handsprings are PROHBITED). Both hands must remain in contact with the floor during skill/s execution. PROHIBTED skills include, but are not limited to: Front and/or back walkovers, front and/or back handsprings, handstands that fall to bridge position, one arm cartwheels, flips/tucks, aerials, tumbling into a load in stunt, and dive rolls. STUNTS Double leg stunts are ONLY allowed up to prep (shoulder) level or below; (EXCEPTION: stunts where the arms of the bases are fully extended, but the flyer s body is horizontal or in a sitting position are allowed, ex. Extended flatbacks, V-sits, etc). (EXCEPTION: Prep level Cupies/awesomes are PROHIBITED). Single leg stunts are only allowed at knee stand level. Hitches are allowed, provided the bases maintain contact with the feet of the flyer. Twisting is limited to a 1/4 turn by the FLYER ONLY during a load in/mount/transition. Bases may not turn/move while the flyer is in an upward or downward motion, in a sponge/load in, or once the stunt is completed. PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: transitions stunts that involve changing bases (ex. leap frogs), front, back, or side tension rolls, single based split stunts, swing up stunts, moving stunts, single leg stunts above knee stand level, tumbling into a load in stunt, and show and go stunts that travel above allowed stunt level. INVERSIONS DISMOUNTS Inversions are PROHIBITED. A flyer must never pass through an upside down (hips over head) position at any time during a load in/mount, transition, or dismount. PROHIBITED stunts include, but are not limited to: handstands that transition into load in/transitions, forward suspended rolls, etc). Only show wrap, step off the front/back dismounts are allowed. Cradles are PROHIBITED. PROHIBITED dismounts include, but are not limited to: Cradles, alternate cradles, toe touch dismounts, dismounts that land in prone position, etc. RELEASE MOVES No release moves are allowed other than those mentioned in the Dismounts section. Helicopters and barrell rolls are PROHIBITED. TOSSES PYRAMIDS All tosses are PROHIBITED including sponge, basket, squishy and scrunch tosses. Connected stunts are permitted, but must follow stunt guidelines.
YOUTH CHEER GENERAL SAFETY RULES THESE RULES MUST BE USED IN ADDITION TO THE YOUTH CHEER LEVELS GRID. (Any violations from this section will be a 2.5 point deduction) Changes made from last year s rules, etc. are marked in BOLD RED. (a) All teams should be supervised during all official functions by a qualified Advisor/Coach. (b) Athletes and coaches may not be under the influence of alcohol, narcotics, performance enhancing substances, or over-the-counter medications while participating in a practice or performance that would hinder the ability to supervise or execute a routine safely. (c) No jewelry (except medical/religious taped down) or chewing gum will be allowed during performances. (d1) Performers with a hard cast may not tumble or be involved in a stunt in any way, and may not be considered as spotters. Performers with Hard Casts do not need to be wrapped with padded material as they are not permitted to tumble or stunt. (d2) Performers with hard braces i.e. exposed metal material must be appropriately covered with a padded material. Clarification: The appropriately padded material must be such that it protects both the athlete and the fellow athletes from injury. This guideline refers to knee, wrist and elbow braces that have exposed metal pieces. (e) Fingernails, including artificial nails, shall be kept at a length appropriate for safe participation. (f) Proper warm-up and stretching exercises should be performed prior to performance. (g) All teams, coaches and advisors should have an emergency response plan in the event of injury. (h) Mini-tramps, springboards, or any other height increasing apparatus are prohibited (exception: spring floor). (i) Knee, seat, thigh 3/4 flips to a sitting position and jump-split drops are prohibited if the performer jumps into the air and lands directly in the positions listed. (j1) Banners, flags, megaphones, poms, and signs (light up signs included) are the only props allowed (exception: a small soft item may be used to mark center). The use of poms and/or props is prohibited during tumbling, partner stunt/pyramid building, tosses, dismounts and all stunt transitions which require the use of hands (example a prep retake to prep with poms in hands would be considered ILLEGAL, performing a cradle with poms would also be considered ILLEGAL). Props may be placed or dropped outside the performing area (once the prop is no longer needed) by a performer who remains inside the performing area (a performer will get a boundary violation for retrieving a prop that is outside the performing area). All Props brought on the floor must be used (exception small soft item or megaphone may be used to mark center) (j2) Poms attached solely to the wrist are considered the same as all other poms in regards to this rule. The flyer may obtain and use poms/props/signs when secure in a stunt. (For example, poms may be handed to a flyer once in an extension prep. The flyer may then transition to an extension with poms in hand. Exceptions are not limited to this example). (Tumbling exception: a forward/backward roll may be performed with poms in hand.) Hiding poms or props anywhere on the body or uniform is a safety issue and therefore, is prohibited (In stunting divisions only). Routine should begin with all props within the performing area to avoid a boundary violation of 0.5 pts. (k) Bases may not hold props in their hands if the hands are the primary support for the top person. (l) All tumbling must originate from ground level. Participants may not tumble over, under or through stunts, pyramids or over/under individuals. Forward rolls over individuals are prohibited. Individuals are permitted to jump over other participants on the performance surface. SHUSHUNOVAS are NOT allowed. (m) Spotted, assisted, or connected tumbling is prohibited. (n) Partner tumbling (using 2 connected persons) including Double Cartwheels, Double Rolls and Chorus-Line Flips are prohibited. Exception: When tumbling into a rebound that transitions to a stunt, physical contact is allowed. Individuals may also perform a handstand that is connected to individuals on the ground (connection can be hand/arm or foot, and can be connected to multiple performers) as choreography, provided the inverted individual is stationary in handstand prior to the connection. Examples of this would be but are not limited to the following: Participant standing on the ground grabs performer in a handstands legs and looks through, two performers standing on the ground interlock arms and connect to a performer in a handstand, or two handstands where the performers in the handstand connect feet. Gymnastic oriented load in/mounts, dismounts, and transitions such as cartwheels, round offs, and walkovers are not considered tumbling, but part of the stunts/choreography as long as inversion rules are followed.
YOUTH CHEER GENERAL SAFETY RULES THESE RULES MUST BE USED IN ADDITION TO THE YOUTH CHEER LEVELS GRID. (Any violations from this section will be a 2.5 point deduction) Changes made from last year s rules, etc. are marked in BOLD RED. (CONTINUED) (o) Continuous Back Spotter/Front Spotter: 1) Continuous back spotter required for all stunts at shoulder level (including shoulder stands), all release moves/tosses, and all extended stunts (with the exception of a Chair, Russian Lift, Torch, Triple- Based Dead Man Lift/flat back, Swedish falls (spotter needs to be at the head and shoulder area, facing the flyer, with direct physical contact with the flyer. If facing away from the flyer/stunt, another back spotter is required) and Double-Based Vertical T-Lift). Thigh stands, shoulder sits, and double-based non-extended v-sits do not require a continuous back spotter. EXCEPTIONS: Required at head/shoulder area for all barrel rolls. 2) Continuous spotter required for a triple-based extended v-sit (stunt contains 3 bases, 1 flyer and a continuous spotter). Note: if the back spotter is holding the flyer s waist and is not under the flyer s seat an additional spotter is not required. 3) Spotter required for a single-based partner stunt under the head and shoulder area of the flyer (may be located directly behind or to the side of the stunt). 4) Must not step underneath the stunt to hold the feet (soles) of the flyer s shoes without the help of an additional back spotter located directly behind the stunt. Exception: One hand may go under a foot of the flyer in prep level and below stunts. In ALL Extended stunts and prep level stunts that cradle the spotter (continuous back spotter and/or front spotter) may not be under ANY foot of the flyer. 5) Must never pass through the vertical plane of the stunt. The back spotters torso may never pass under a stunt or the flyers body (example: may not walk under and or through the stunt). 6) Must be in direct contact with the performance surface. 7) One required in front of the bases during a back half pendulum; one required behind the bases in a front half pendulum. 8) Inversions from ground-level require a spotter at the head and shoulder area of the flyer. 9) A Front Base (spotter) may be added to help control the stunt for the additional safety of the flyer. The front base spotter should be located in front of the stunt, facing the stunt. In all extended stunts and prep level stunts that cradle, the front spotter may not be under ANY foot of the flyer. (p) Bases: 1) Must be in direct contact with the performance surface. 2) Must never assume a back-bend, headstand or handstand position while basing a stunt. 3) Two required (4 max including 1 in the front) for a multi-based group stunt and/or toss. 4) Two required (must remain stationary) plus two additional catchers (must remain stationary) 1 on each side of a pendulum or stunt that moves away from the vertical axis (i.e. shooting star, shoot outs, etc.). Example: 2 bases under the feet of the flyer, 2 catchers one on each side of pendulum; one spotter in front or behind pendulum on opposite side of the direction the flyer is falling. If falling backward spotter needs to be in front of the stunt if falling forward spotter needs to be behind the stunt. Pendulums falling in one direction (front or back) require a total of 6 participants. Pendulums falling in two directions (front and back) require 7 participants. 5) Two required (must remain stationary) plus one back spotter during the transitioning from a prep level stunt to a flatback, fallback, Swedish falls or fireman catch that end at prep or extended level. An additional spotter at the head of the flyer is recommended but not required. 6) Two required plus a spotter during a pyramid transition when the flyer is completely released by the bases while remaining braced between two prep level stunts (exception: a single based tic toc is allowed if the flyer remains vertical). (q) Flyer: 1) Must never pass over, under or through other stunts and/or pyramids. Individuals are permitted to jump over other participants on the performance surface. 2) Must never vault over another individual unless the flyer maintains constant physical contact with the base during the stunt and a spotter follows the flyer during the stunt (also known as Leapfrog or Up & Over stunts). Vaulting will refer to the flyer using their hands to get up and over another individual. 3) A flyer in a single leg extended stunt (i.e. liberty, stretch, etc.) must never brace, connect or touch another flyer in any other type of extended stunt. (Please see the definition of an extended stunt for further detail). Double-leg extended stunts MAY brace other double leg extended stunts. Stunts where the flyer is not at a complete extended level, but the arms of the bases are extended (i.e. Chair, Russian Lift, Triple-Based Dead Man Lift, Flat back, Swedish falls, Triple-based V-Sit and Double-Based Vertical T-Lift) may brace each other. 4) Must perform a pendulum ONLY from shoulder-height (prep level) or below; may end in an extended stunt from a pendulum. Flyers in pendulum must return to an upright position in a stunt/load in (if caught in a cradle position will be considered a fireman s cradle/cradle to new bases and would be illegal). 5) Must never be released to the prone position (face-down/stomach) unless the flyer is being braced between two stunts (exceptions: flyers may land in the prone position when transitioning to a flat back/swedish falls, during a pendulum, or from a barrel roll with four catchers). r) YCADA rules may be updated at any point in the season due to prevent imminent safety hazards. YCADA reserves the right to further clarify any of the cheer and dance rules. Any changes and clarifications will not eliminate or change the spirit of the rule.
YOUTH CHEER ROUTINE GUIDELINES THE GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR THE FORMAT OF YOUR ROUTINE. (Any violations from this section will be a 2.5 point deduction). Changes made from last year s rules, etc. are marked in BOLD RED. 1) Each team will perform a choreographed performance not to exceed: a. Show Cheer (Mount and Non Mount): 2 minute 30 seconds b. Performance Cheer (Mount and Non Mount): 2 minutes b. Special Performances/Challenger: 1 minute 30 seconds c. Mascot: 1 minute 30 seconds 2) Formal entrances and exits are prohibited (i.e. crowd response chants or cheers, choreographed marching, team huddles or stunts). A quick team huddle (performed off the performance surface) prior to performance or walking directly in uniformed fashion to team s starting position is allowed. Spirited entrances are allowed to include kicks and/or jumps. Any tumbling and/or stunting while entering or exiting the floor is not allowed. 3) Timing will begin with the first organized word, movement, or note of music following the teams announcement to take the floor. Timing will end with the last organized word, note of music, or movement by the team. Clarification: Anything other than a quick 4) All participants must begin with at least one foot on the ground. Flyers may begin with both feet in bases hands provided that each of the bases have both hands on the performance surface. 5) Performance of tumbling or stunting skills after the completion of a teams routine/performance or during the teams entrance or exit of the floor is forbidden. 6) Only registered participants of a team are allowed on the performance surface. CLARIFICATION: Coaches may NOT set up signs, poms, etc. for the team. 7) No tear away uniforms or removal of clothing is allowed. Items that may damage the performance surface are prohibited. 8) Routines must be appropriate for family viewing. Appropriate choreography and music MUST be used. Teams using excessive vulgar or suggestive movements, words or music will be penalized, forced to forfeit, or disqualified. Actions taken will be under the discretion of an event official. 9) Make up should be age appropriate and suitable for family viewing. Actions taken will be under the discretion of an event official. 10) For the categories mentioned below, violations of the following will result in a forfeiture of scores (team receives a overall team score of 0): a. Show Cheer Mount/Show Cheer Non Mount: Music must be incorporated into the performance. b. Performance Cheer Mount/Performance Cheer Non Mount: Music is prohibited. c. Show Cheer Non Mount/Performance Cheer Non Mount: Stunts, dismounts, cradles, lifts, release moves, tosses and pyramids are prohibited. d. Show Cheer Mount/Performance Cheer Mount: Stunts are required (some require tosses).