2017-18 NFHS Rules Changes

Guiding Principles of the Rules Committee Athlete Safety (do we need to make a change) Progression of the activity (can we make a change without compromising safety) Clarity - Should we modify current wording for clarity Simplicity – Can we combine “classes” of skills for easier comprehension and fewer exceptions

2017-18 Rules Update

Summary Spotters are required for extended stunts only when they stop and bear weight in the extended position. The term “Static” has been removed from the rules. Inversion releases don’t have to start from a static position. Extended braced stunts can move/transition (and don’t have to grab arm to arm) Braced release pyramids can have bracers who are in double based preps OR single base with spotter. Braced inversions that release but don’t flip can have bracers who are in double based preps OR single base with spotter. Inversions at or passing through prep level must have two in position, but only one is required to be in contact. Inversions that release off the ground can now go to prep level skills Inverted dismounts and releases to stunts now allow ½ twist instead of just ¼. Back tucks and aerials permitted with poms.

3-2-7 Spotting Stunts An “extended stunt” only requires a spotter when it is stationary/bearing weight (Existing AACCA rule).

Spotting Stunts Examples: A show and go through a liberty that lands in a prep or back on the ground – no spot required. A prep that passes through extended with good technique – no spot required. Load, 360 through extended position back to prep or load – no spot required. A show and go through a liberty that lands in prep and presses back up to extension – no spot required until the extension. High to high full around. The spotter can remain in the back during the twist, as the weight is not being borne until it lands back again.

Braced Extended Stunts – removed “Static” 3-4-3 Braced Extended Stunts – removed “Static” Braced extended stunts may move up and down AND may change positions. Connection cannot be hand/arm to foot/leg (slight change). Example: Paper Dolls can transition to preps in one movement.

Braced Extended Stunts – removed “Static”

Spotting Released Pyramids 3-5-5 Spotting Released Pyramids Why this is safe: Former rule said a spot had to be in place for the prep if it is bracing a release This caused smaller teams to switch a double base prep with NO spot at a shoulder stand with a spot In general the safer skill is the double base prep. Allowed single base with spot for those who have the personnel. New wording allows the double base prep to be used w/out the spot

Spotting Released Pyramids “Two People” rule for bracers: There must be two people under the bracer of a release pyramid, a braced roll, or a braced inversion that releases. (exception: shoulder straddle does not need a spotter.) The “two people” can be a single base with a spotter OR a double base without a spot. (You can always have a double base with a spot.)

Inversions – Pyramid versions 3-3-x Inversions – Pyramid versions Broke out into three categories for clarity Braced Inversion Braced Roll Braced Flip

Braced Inversions (non-flip/roll) Same as last year. Starts in an inversion and goes to non-inverted. If not released: Same rules as normal pyramid (no specific requirements for the bracer or where contact is made.) If released: “Two people under the bracer” rule.

Braced Inversions (non-flip/roll) 3-3-3 Braced Inversions (non-flip/roll)

3-3-4 Braced Roll Maintains a connection on the ground while passing through inverted position. * “Two people under the bracer” rule. *Note, this is a new restriction. Last year, a braced roll could be done with a single base and no spot required.

3-3-5 Braced Flip Top not in contact with anyone on the ground when the hips pass over the head. No changes to this rule. Still requires 12 people: Double based prep with spotters on each arm and three people under the top person. NFHS changed wording regarding “three catchers” to allow single base catches with spots.

All Other Inversions (stunts that aren’t braced) Combined suspended roll rules and “other inversions” into one section!

“STATIC” Inversion Releases Rule: (removed “static”) Inversions may release to the following provided there is a spotter: 1. Dismounts with no more than a ½ turn. 2. Loading position with no more than ½ turn. 3. A stunt at prep level or below, no twisting. (This includes the handstand on the ground to load, and now prep.)

“STATIC” Inversion Releases Can ½ turn to load or cradle (was ¼). Can come from the ground or stunt (combined the rule). Can now pass through the inversion instead of having to be in a static or pump and go skill. Example: Flatback, hand on shoulder, drive up through inverted position, release to load. “Looks” like a flip, but it’s not. Illegal last year because it wasn’t a “static” inversion.

“STATIC” Inversion Releases Can now pass through the inversion instead of having to be in a static or pump and go skill.

“STATIC” Inversion Releases Can now pass through the inversion instead of having to be in a static or pump and go skill.

3-3-6b Inverted Stunts Inverted stunt rule is based on where the “base of support” is, which is the lowest point where the top person is being supported. Below Prep Level: Example: Cartwheel over the thighs of a base. Same rule as before. One person in contact with the upper body (waist and above).

3-3-6c Inverted Stunts Prep level or higher: One person in contact with the upper body (waist and above). One other person also in a position to protect, but not required to be in contact. Same as the previous “static inversions at prep level rule). For AACCA, single arm grip suspended rolls are legal, as they follow this rule. *NFHS Exception: Single base suspended roll still must be two hands to two hands (or two bases must be holding the single hand/arm of the top in order for it to be double based.)

Inversions Clarification with the new rules “- static”: You can reverse a pancake or yoyo. Existing rule “When the stunt begins in an inversion and transitions to a non-inverted position, the upper body contact may be released before the top person is no longer inverted.”

Inversions Swing Roll Down Definition was added to the glossary: A stunt in which the top person’s hands/arms and feet/legs are held while swinging forward and facedown into a roll where the head passes under the hips With the removal of “suspended rolls” in the rules, this definition was added in order to keep the “Teddy Bear Roll Down” illegal. The swinging stunt can swing up, as long as it begins from below prep level.

Splits can regrab other hands

Tumbling with Poms (NFHS) 3-8-2 Tumbling with Poms (NFHS) Standing Backs and Aerials can hold poms!

2017-18 NFHS Rules Changes