WIAA/DAIRY FARMERS OF WASHINGTON/LES SCHWAB TIRES STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2017 State Cheerleading Championships January 28, 2017 XFINITY Arena at Everett EVENT INFORMATION THIS PACKET CONTAINS: Site-Specific Information WIAA Bound for State Cheerleading Regulations TOURNAMENT MANAGER Dave Pilcher (360) 604-3400 C: (360) 991-8250 David.pilcher@evergreenps.org
WELCOME TO THE 2017 STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIPS! To: From: Qualified school coaches and athletic directors Dave Pilcher, Event Manager Congratulations on your 2016-17 season! As you prepare for this outstanding state championship, please read carefully the information provided in this packet. We are so pleased that this event will be held on the beautiful campus of the University of Washington and are looking forward to an outstanding event! 1.0 TENTATIVE SCHEDULE: The practice and performance schedule will be based upon the number of teams that qualify in each category. 1.1 Teams will be drawn onto the schedule within each category. 1.2 The schedule will be posted on the WIAA website on Monday, January 23, 2017. 1.3 Teams must be ready to enter the floor 10 minutes before their practice/performance time slot. 12:45 am Coaches meeting in Green Room (lower concourse) 2:00 pm First cheer performance 5:00 pm Coaches makeup meeting in Green Room (lower concourse_ 8:00 pm Parade of teams followed by the presentation of awards 2.0 SITE INFORMATION XFINITY Arena at Everett 2000 Hewitt Avenue, Everett, WA 98201 2.1 XFINITY ARENA GENERAL REGULATIONS: For your comfort and safety, the following items are not allowed into XFINITY Arena: Glitter Silly String Animals (except ADA) Cans Bottles Glass Weapons Fireworks Coolers Food Beverages Balloons Beach Balls Alcohol Backpacks Projectiles Illegal Substances Spikes Oversized Bags Laser Pointers Chains Artificial Noisemakers Glitter will not be allowed on signs, bows or clothing, in makeup, or in any form whatsoever. If any team is observed to have glitter of any type, that school may be billed for additional cleanup costs. 2.2 Appropriate dress is required. Shirts and shoes are required at all times. Since XFINITY Arena at Everett is a hockey facility, the temperature may be lower than in most gymnasiums, so please plan accordingly. 2.3 Due to the expanded Clean Indoor Air Act (I-901) XFINITY Arena is a smoke free facility. 2.4 Participants may bring in a beverage for their own consumption through the pass gate only. All beverages must be contained in a plastic or unbreakable container, must be stored in the participants bags, and must remain in the lower level concourse and hallways only. Water coolers and drinking fountains are available to refill water bottles. 2.5 BUS UNLOADING - Buses will stop and unload on Wall Street, then park for free at the Everett Train Station parking lot (on Pacific Avenue). 2017 STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT INFORMATION Page 2
2.6 SPECTATOR PARKING - Spectator parking is on a first-come, first-served basis in the parking lots, parking garage, and street parking around the XFINITY Arena at Everett. PLEASE REFER TO THE ATTACHED MAP FOR DRIVING DIRECTIONS AND AVAILABLE PARKING NEAR XFINITY ARENA 2.7 FACILITY/PARTICIPANT ENTRANCE: Participants and coaches will enter the XFINITY Arena on Wall Street (look for the sign "Participant Pass Gate"). One coach may be admitted at no charge for every five cheerleaders (one to five cheerleaders, one coach admitted free; six to ten cheerleaders, two coaches) up to a maximum of three coaches. Cheerleaders in uniform will be allowed re-entry at any time. Coaches will be issued wrist bands during the coaches meeting; the wrist bands must wear be worn appropriately for re-entry into the facility. 2.8 LOCKER ROOMS 2.8.1 Four (4) locker rooms are available. 2.8.2 Please do not leave valuables in the locker rooms. Teams are responsible for any valuables brought into the facility. 3.0 ATHLETIC TRAINER: A certified athletic trainer will be on site at all times. Any school athletic trainer(s) must register with the meet athletic trainer. Please bring supplies for taping, etc. 4.0 COMPETITION FLOOR: Nine (9) cheer mats will be used for the competition floor. 5.0 WARM-UP/PRACTICE AREAS 5.1 18 cheer mats will be available for warm-up prior to the scheduled competition. 5.2 Teams will be scheduled for a minimum of two (2) five (5) warm-ups. 6.0 INTENT TO PARTICIPATE: All qualified teams will be scheduled to compete in the state championships unless the WIAA office is notified otherwise. 7.0 TEAM REGISTRATION AND ROSTERS: The team registration form, team photo and team rosters must be entered online through the WIAA website at wiaa.com/mywiaa by January 18, 2017. If not submitted by the deadline, team photo and roster will not be included in the program. 8.0 PERFORMANCE RULES 8.1 Each team will compete in the category in which that team qualified. 8.2 A team could increase the number of participants provided the team remains within the same category (provided each participant meets all WIAA and local school district eligibility rules.) 9.0 EXHIBITION PERFORMANCES: College and/or special teams may provide exhibition performances before, during or following the regular team performances. 10.0 PARADE OF TEAMS: All team representatives will march onto the competition floor following the final performance. The main lights will be turned down as it marches onto the competition floor. Teams and spectators are encouraged to wear or carry glow-in-the-dark fluorescent paraphernalia. 11.0 SPECTATOR and PARTICIPANT SEATING: Spectators will enter through the north doors of XFINITY Arena. Please encourage your team s fans to arrive early. 11.1 Participants and spectators may not block or reserve seats. 11.2 The teams will face to the north to perform, with the north side of XFINITY Arena designated for spectators. 11.3 The south side of XFINITY Arena will be designated for participating teams. 11.4 The west and east sides of XFINITY Arena will be open for either spectators or participants. 2017 STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT INFORMATION Page 3
11.5 One of the hockey team benches will be designated for coaches to watch their team s performance. 12.0 PICTURES: Team photos will be taken as scheduled in the northeast corner of the lower concourse and action photos will be taken throughout the competition. Those photos will be available for viewing on the Northwest Sports Photography Web site at www.4nsp.com. 13.0 PROGRAMS: One program will be provided to each participating team. Programs will be on sale at the event. 14.0 FLOWERS: Single stem roses will be on sale on a first come-first served basis. 15.0 SOUVENIR MERCHANDISE: A variety of souvenir items will be available for sale throughout the event. In order to reduce long lines at the event, merchandise can be pre-ordered on the rushteamapparel.com Website from Saturday, January 21, beginning at 10 PM through Wednesday, January 25, at 12 noon. All pre-orders will be packaged according to school and must be picked up by one designated team member or parent only. Coaches must designate a pick up person to pick up the team s pre-orders. 16.0 WEBCAST: The event will be webcast live via the nfhsnetwork.com for a nominal membership fee. There is no charge for on demand viewing 24 hours following the conclusion of the awards ceremony. DVD s of the performances can be ordered via nfhsnetwork.com. 17.0 CONCESSIONS: Concession stands will be open throughout the event. 18.0 TICKET PRICES: $10 adults / $8 students / $8 seniors A premium seating option will be available through a WIAA facebook promotion for up to 20 people. 19.0 LODGING: Go to the WIAA website at www.wiaa.com; click on activities; click on cheer; click on the Hotel and Restaurant Guide provided by Everett. 2017 STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT INFORMATION Page 4
TO: FROM: RE: All Participating Teams and Coaches ATI 2017 State Cheerleading Medical Services and Athletic Training Facilities On behalf of ATI, we welcome you and your team to the WIAA/Dairy Farmers of Washington/Les Schwab Tires State Cheerleading Championships. We will be glad to assist you in meeting your team s needs. The following facilities and services will be available to you: 1. Access to a taping and first aid area. You will need to provide your own tape and other supplies. 2. Ice. 3. Athletic Training Staff to assist your team and team trainer. 4. Emergency medical services are available at local hospitals in the vicinity. 5. Additional specialty health care services are available in the community. You are welcome to use the taping area or ask us to tape for you. If you have special needs please check with us in an appropriate time frame so that we may properly assist you. Please have your ATC and/or medical provider introduce him or herself to our medical team by visiting the ATI area (just outside the NE entrance onto the arena floor.) 2017 STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT INFORMATION Page 5
WIAA/DAIRY FARMERS OF WASHINGTON/LES SCHWAB TIRES 2017 Bound for State Regulations JANUARY 28, 2017 XFINITY ARENA AT EVERETT 2017 STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT INFORMATION Page 6
Changes from the 2015-16 Cheer Regulations are indicated in bold type and shaded. Facility Access Please enter through the participant pass gate. Cheerleaders and coach(es) must be listed on a squad roster on school letterhead provided by the athletic director of the school. The pass list will allow access to any tournament game. 1. Cheerleader Roster limits - Cheerleaders in uniform are admitted free through the pass gate at regional and state events where there is a tradition of cheerleader involvement by that school during the regular season in that sport and there is a designated area on the sidelines of the court/field. There is no limit on the number of cheerleaders approved by the participating school. Due to the restricted area for crowd movement in front of each student rooting section, the number of cheerleaders allowed in front of their crowd at any given time may be restricted. Any number of cheerleaders may participate in performances on the court/field during approved dead ball periods. 2. Cheerleader Coaches - One coach may be admitted at no charge for every five cheerleaders (one to five cheerleaders, one coach admitted free; six to ten cheerleaders, two coaches) up to a maximum of three coaches. Dressing Room A room may be available for changing clothes and preparing for games. Please do not use the public restrooms for this purpose. Check-in at Site - The cheerleader coach must report to the Tournament Manager one-half to one hour prior to each of their game times to verify supervisory responsibilities and to determine performance schedules. Warm-up Area A designated warm-up area may be provided. Cheer squads MUST bring their own mats and MUST be supervised while in the warm-up area. On-Court Performance Schedule One (1) minute is allocated for the following: Between 1 st and 2 nd quarter Between 3 rd and 4 th quarter Between any subsequent overtime periods During a full time out (cheerleaders are not allowed onto the court during a 30-second timeout) Stunts may be practiced only in the designated warm-up area IF THE SQUAD BRINGS A MAT and performed ONLY on the competition floor. No coaches will be allowed onto the competition floor as spotters. Each squad is responsible to provide any matting required to meet NFHS safety rules. 54.2.1 All members of a cheer squad involved in stunting shall wear their hair away the face and off the shoulders. 54.2.2 A nonskid surface mat(s) of a minimum of 6 x 8 is required for performing basket tosses and other similar multi-base tosses on a hard surface. (Folding panel mats and yoga mats are neither acceptable nor appropriate) Introduction of Starting Line-up Cheerleaders may be on the competition floor but must remain within the designated half court area during the pre-game introduction of starters. Cheerleaders may be introduced prior to their first game. Half-time Music Squads are required to have their own music unless the band is playing. A representative of the cheer squad must be present at the announcer s table to cue the music. Half-time Entertainment Seven (7) minutes will be allocated for half-time entertainment. Since the clock is running, the time allotted for performing groups begins when the group enters the court and end when the group exits the court (NOT when the music begins and ends.) All half-time entertainment must be cleared with the Tournament Manager prior to the contest. The recommended performance order is listed below. This schedule can be changed upon mutual agreement of all performance groups and/or the tournament manager depending upon half-time presentations or special promotions. 1 st - Home Dance/Drill Team (3 minutes maximum) 2 nd - Visiting Dance/Drill Team (3 minutes maximum) 2017 STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT INFORMATION Page 7
3 rd Home Cheerleaders (30 seconds) 4 th Visiting Cheerleaders (30 seconds) 5 th Home Band (if time permits) 6 th Visiting Band (if time permits) Length of Routines Squads are recommended to be prepared with both short and long routines, depending upon the available time and the number of squads on site. Props - Cheer crowd involvement cue cards may be used as props (not to exceed 3 x 3 ). The cue cards are to be used by cheerleaders in the cheerleader area only and the words must be supportive of their team and not degrading to opponents. Megaphones may be used only by the cheerleaders. Responsibility of the Cheerleaders - Only school district accepted cheers should be used at the appropriate times. Cheers or yells with degrading opponent implications and profanity must be avoided. Cheerleaders actions, responsibility, acceptance, and control of student sections will be evaluated and scored as contributing to sportsmanship awards. 2017 STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT INFORMATION Page 8
STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIPS JANUARY 28, 2017 XFINITY ARENA AT EVERETT Changes from the 2015-16 Cheer Regulations are indicated in bold type and shaded. Excerpt from the WIAA Handbook: 20.3.1.D Stunt Certification is required for Cheer Coaches who intend to have their cheer squad(s) perform stunts. The certification program must be approved by either the Washington State Cheer Coaches Association or the WIAA. Coaches must be recertified every three (3) years. 1.0 QUALIFYING EVENTS 1.1 The team must have performed in at least ten (10) school events, such as school assemblies, sideline cheerleading, half-time performances, pep rallies, etc. 1.2 The team must have participated in at least one (1) WIAA, WSCCA or school sponsored competition, and must have scored at least 59 as a minimum qualifying score in the non-tumbling divisions or 65 as a minimum qualifying score in the tumbling divisions (whole numbers only; there will be no rounding of decimals) after all deductions (based upon the cumulative scores awarded by the four judges) in the competition. 1.2.1 The competition must: 1) Be staffed entirely by school personnel and/or affiliates (school administrators, teachers, coaches, booster clubs, etc); 2) Have all registration/entry fees deposited into the school ASB account; 3) Not exceed the maximum per team registration/entry fee as approved by the WIAA and WSCCA; 4) Utilize WOA/WSCJA judges. 1.3 The team can qualify for WIAA State competition in one of two ways: (1) Must have scored at least 59 as a minimum qualifying score in the non-tumbling divisions or 65 as a minimum qualifying score in the tumbling divisions (whole numbers only; there will be no rounding of decimals) after all deductions (based upon the cumulative scores awarded by the four judges) in the competition, or (2) Receive one of the top fifty scores of all competing teams during the competition season. 1.4 Qualifying competitions may be held during the months of November, December and January. 2.0 CATEGORIES: NFHS Spirit rules will be strictly enforced in all categories. 2.1 Cheer Categories (One male may be a member of the following squads) 2.1.1 Small: 12 and under participants 2.1.2 Medium: 13-16 participants 2.1.3 Large: 17 and over participants 2.1.4 Non-Tumbling: Tumbling, except for inversions into load-in positions and dismounts of stunts and pyramids, is not allowed. Tumbling is defined as any skill with feet over head rotation. 2.2 Coed: 2 or more males 2.3 The categories may be divided at the state championships by classification and/or if four or more teams qualify that meet the following: Super Large: More than 20 participants Large Coed: 5 or more males Coed Non-Tumbling: 2 or more males 2017 STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT INFORMATION Page 9
2.4 A school may participate in a maximum of three different categories, provided each student participates in only one category. 3.0 STATE EVENT FORMAT: 3.1 If one (1) to three (3) schools of the same classification qualify within a specific category, that classification will be combined with the other classification. 3.2 If less than four (4) teams qualify in a given category, a first place trophy will be awarded if a team achieves a qualifying score (based on the averaged score of the three judges.) 3.2.1 75 average for a team participating in the non-tumbling category. 3.2.2 85 average for a team participating in the tumbling category. 3.3 If less than four (4) teams qualify for state over a three-year period, that category will either be permanently combined with the closest category (in terms of number of participants on the team) or will be eliminated the following year. 3.4 If up to 30 schools qualify for the state championships, one coaches meeting will be held. If 31 or more schools qualify for the state championships, two coaches meetings will be held. All coaches are urged to be members of the Washington State Cheer Coaches Association (WSCCA). 4.0 COMPETITION SCHEDULE: A random draw of all teams participating in each category will be done. Teams drawn for the first competition slot would not be drawn for the first slot during the following year; teams drawn for the final competition slot would not be drawn for the final slot during the following year. 5.0 PRACTICE SCHEDULE: Available practice time will be divided equally among the teams. The practices are closed to other teams. 6.0 SCORING/JUDGING 6.1 Four (4) WOA judges plus two (2) safety/technical judges will judge each routine. 6.2 Judges will be positioned on one side of the facility. 6.3 Points deducted for any safety violations will be subtracted from the final score. 6.4 Placement of teams will be posted on the WIAA Web site following the event. 7.0 ROUTINES 7.1 Routines are limited to two and one-half (2 1/2) minutes. 7.2 The music portion cannot be longer than one and one-half (1 1/2) minutes. 7.3 All routines will be timed (both the music portion and total time.) There will be a five (5) point deduction for every ten (10) seconds over the maximum time limit. 1-10 seconds over = 5 point deduction 11-20 second over = 10 point deduction 7.4 Routines consist of cheer, chants, stunts, dance, jumps, and/or tumbling. 7.5 Cheers, chants and signs are to be directed only toward the school s team. 7.6 Spotters will not be provided. 7.7 NFHS rules apply with this addition to 2-2-3: Members of a cheer squad involved in stunting shall wear their hair away from the face and off the shoulders. 2017 STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT INFORMATION Page 10
8.0 PERFORMANCE AREA 8.1 The 54 x 42 cheer mat area represents the performance boundary area. 8.2 No points will be deducted if hands cross outside the performance area to drop or pick up pom pons, signs and/or megaphones. 8.3 Entrances and exits from the performance area will not be judged by the performance judges. Safety/Technical judging starts when the first music or choreographed motion begins and ends when the music stops. 8.4 Any damage to the floor resulting from a team s performance will be that school s responsibility. 9.0 ENTRANCE PROCEDURES: All teams must be ready to take the floor one team ahead. Teams must stay out of view until the official announcement is made to enter the floor. 10.0 MUSIC: All music must be approved by the local school district. 10.1 All music must be emailed directly to the WIAA through www.wiaa.com/mywiaa at least one week prior to the state championships. Coaches are encouraged to bring a backup music system to the site. 10.2 Music may be checked prior to the coaches meeting. 10.3 If a routine is stopped due to mechanical failure or serious injury, the squad will have the choice to perform again. The head coach must inform the tech table within ten (10) minutes if the squad chooses to perform again. The squad will perform the entire routine again with the judging commencing from the point of the mechanical failure or serious injury. 10.4 Music may have words, but all must be appropriate. 10.5 A representative of each team must be present at the announcer's table to cue the music when their team is performing. No responsibility is taken by the sound crew if a school representative is not there. 11.0 AWARDS: A minimum of four (4) schools must compete in a category in order for a first place trophy to be awarded. 11.1 A second place trophy will be awarded if five (5) to eight (8) schools compete in a category. 11.2 A third place trophy will be awarded if nine (9) to twelve (12) schools compete in a category. 11.3 A fourth place trophies will be awarded if thirteen (13) to sixteen (16) schools compete in a category. 12.0 AWARDS CEREMONY: Each participating school will be involved in the closing/awards ceremonies. 13.0 SPECTATOR and PARTICIPANT SEATING: Participants and spectators may not block or reserve seats. Areas will be designated for spectators and for participating teams. 14.0 GAMES COMMITTEE: For the purpose of ruling on appeals, the Games Committee shall consist of the event manager, the head judge, the head safety/technical judge and two participating coaches, athletic directors or school administrators not involved in the dispute in question (either competing in a different category or in a different classification.) 2017 STATE CHEERLEADING CHAMPIONSHIP EVENT INFORMATION Page 11