Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Spirit Rules Rules Changes Situations and Rulings Points of Emphasis

NFHS Spirit Rules Committee

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Activities & Sports – Spirit

Application of NFHS Spirit Rules Book Spirit rules provide the minimum safety standards followed by all spirit teams (cheerleading/dance/drill/pom etc…) Spirit rules should be followed while participants are in a supporting role at an interscholastic contest and during all competition. Dance/drill/pom and other spirit teams that stunt, tumble or use props as a base must follow the appropriate safety limitations in Rule 2 and Rule 3. Cheerleading or other spirit teams that use props as a base must follow the appropriate safety limitations in Rule 3. It is important to note that cheerleaders must follow Rule 2-3 and dancers must follow Rule 3-1 regarding apparel/accessories. Situations and photos are provided as examples only, and do not cover all circumstances in which the rules apply.

Education-Based Athletic/Activity Programs Interscholastic athletics/activities shall supplement the educational environment and provide students with educational experiences. Participation in education-based activity programs promotes student academic achievement. Spirit teams are very visible and in a position of great influence and therefore high standards for appearance and conduct are essential. Coaches should ensure uniforms, costumes, music and materials are age-appropriate and suitable for the educational environment. Coaches are expected to be advocates and models of good sportsmanship and follow all rules as written.

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Spirit Rules Rules Changes Rule 1 - Definitions

Added new definition... Airborne – A type of skill performed free of contact with a person or the performing surface.

Rule 1- Definitions Added/revised definitions... Drop – Landing on the performance surface from an airborne position. Knee/Seat/Thigh Drop – See “Drop” definition. Front Drop – See “Drop” definition. Split Drop – See “Drop” definition.

Rule 1- Definitions Revised definition... Flatback - A stunt in which a top person is in a face up or face down horizontal position, with hips and shoulders in alignment.

Rule 1 - Definitions Revised/added definitions... Prop - Any item that is manipulated (e.g. poms, signs, etc.). Prop as Base - Any object that primarily supports a performer’s weight. A single unfolded mat on the performing surface is not considered to be a base.

Rule 1 - Definitions Revised definition... Top Person – A person who is being supported by another person(s) while off the performing surface, who has been tossed into the air or who is in weight- bearing contact with a prop.

Rule 1 - Definitions Revised definitions... Quick Toss - A release that begins with a top person in weight bearing contact with the performance surface and ends in a partner stunt or pyramid. Toss - A release stunt in which the base(s) begin underneath the top person’s foot/feet, execute a throwing motion from below shoulder level to increase the height of the top person. The top person becomes free from all bases, spotters, posts or bracers.

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Spirit Rules Rule Changes Rule 2 - General Risk Management Rule 3 – Dance/Drill/Pom Risk Management

Commemorative Patch Rule 2-3 & 3-1 p. 14 & p. 32 ART One American flag, not to exceed 2 inches by 3 inches, may be worn or occupy space on each item of uniform apparel. By state association adoption, to allow for special occasions, commemorative or memorial patches, not to exceed 4 square inches, may be worn on uniform apparel without compromising the integrity of the uniform.

Inversions Rule 2-5 p. 17 ART 1... Unless allowed under the rules in this section, a top person must not be in an inverted position.  Note: Inversions begin as illegal skills, unless specifically allowed under the following articles.

Inversions Rule p. 17 (no change from last year) ART Suspended rolls are allowed provided: a. Two people on the performing surface control the top person with continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact to a stunt, two-person cradle, loading position or the performing surface. b. A single base or post controls the top person with continuous hands-to- hands contact to a stunt, two-person cradle, loading position or the performing surface. NOTE: A single base/post suspended roll that ends on the performing surface requires a spotter. c. If caught in a cradle, load or stunt, the new catchers are in place and are not involved with any other skill when the suspended roll is initiated. d. The feet/ankles of the top person are released.

Inversions Rule p. 17 ART 3…Braced inversions in a pyramid that do not flip or roll are allowed provided the following conditions are met: a. The top person does not begin in an extended inverted position. b. Braced inversions that do not release are allowed. Bracer(s) do not require a spotter. c. Braced inversions that release must follow the release transition rule

Inversions Rule p. 17 ART Braced flips or rolls in a pyramid are allowed provided all the following conditions are met: a. The top person begins in a multi-base loading position, stunt, cradle, or on the performing surface. b. The top person does not begin in an extended inverted position. c. The top person maintains continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact with a bracer on each side. The bracers are in multi-base preps with a spotter. The top person is between or in front of the bracers. d. At least three catchers (one base and two spotters or two bases and one spotter) who were the original bases/spotters catch the top person in a loading position, stunt or cradle, or assist the top person to the performing surface. If the flip ends in a cradle, the bracers may release the top person once she/he begins to descend and is no longer inverted. e. The top person ends in a non-inverted position. f. The top person does not perform more than one and one quarter (1¼) flipping rotations and no more than one half (½ ) twist. g. The bases/catchers remain stationary except as necessary for safety adjustments.

Legal Inversions Rule p. 17

Inversions Rule p. 18 ART. 5…In all other inversions: a. An inverted top person is allowed to pass through an extended position, but must not pause or stop while extended. b. In inversions where the base of support begins and remains below prep level: 1. At least one base or spotter must be in a position to protect the head/neck of the top person. 2. The base or spotter must maintain contact with the top person’s upper body (waist and above, including arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the performing surface. The contact must be sufficient to stabilize/control the top person’s position. EXCEPTION: A top person in an inverted position on the performing surface may be released to a loading position below shoulder height. c. In inversions where the base of support begins at or passes through prep level: 1. At least two people on the performing surface must be in a position to protect the head/neck of the top person. 2. The bases/spotters must maintain contact with the top person’s upper body (waist and above, including arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the performing surface. The contact must be sufficient to stabilize/control the top person’s position. EXCEPTION: In a foldover stunt, the top person may initiate the inversion without upper body contact. 3. The top person must not go directly to an inverted position on the performing surface from prep level or higher. d. Dismounts from inverted stunts to a cradle or an upright position on the performing surface are allowed provided the top person begins in a static or “pump and go” position (i.e., handstand) and does not perform any skill (e.g., toe touches, twists, etc.). Dismounts to the performing surface from shoulder height or above must follow Rule

Legal Inversions Rule p. 18

Illegal Inversions Rule p. 18

Legal Inversions Rule p. 18

Inversions Rule 2-5-6p.18 ART An inverted top person must not hold objects (poms, signs, etc.) in his/her hands, except during a transition from an inverted position on the performing surface to a non-inverted stunt. Rationale: The committee reorganized 2-5 to improve clarity. With a continued focus on risk minimization, a new Article 3 was added dealing with braced inversions in a pyramid. Note: The reorganization of Section 5 – Inversions should no longer inadvertently restrict braced flips from beginning or ending in extended positions.

Non-Release Stunts Rule p. 22 SECTION 6 – NON-RELEASE STUNTS… (P) ART 4... A top person may be moved from a vertical position to a horizontal position (straight body or cradle) provided all the following conditions are met: a. The top person maintains contact with at least one original base or spotter. b. At least two catchers and/or bases catch the upper body of the top person. c. The catchers must be to the side or front of the person(s) moving the top person. d. When the catchers are not the original bases, they remain close to the original bases and are in place prior to the movement to the horizontal position. e. When the catchers are not the original bases and the top person begins or passes through an extended overhead position, three catchers are in place.  The phrase “face up or face down horizontal position” has been changed to just “horizontal position”, allowing other directions, such as side-facing horizontal positions.

Non-Release Stunts Rule p. 22

Release Stunts/Tosses Rule 2-7-4p. 24 ART Quick tosses are legal provided all the following conditions are met: a. The toss does not significantly exceed the height of the intended stunt. b. The base(s) apply upward force on any part of the body other than under the foot/feet. EXCEPTION: A switch liberty is permitted. c. The top person is not caught under the legs in a split or straddle position in a stunt shoulder height or above.  The condition “the top person is not tossed again or does not lose contact with the base(s) without first dismounting to a cradle or the performing surface” was removed. Once the quick toss is caught, the new skill is subject to the existing rules.

Legal Release Stunts/Tosses Rule 2-7-4p. 24

Release Stunts/Tosses Rule 2-7-5p. 24 (P) ART Release transitions are legal provided all of the following conditions are met throughout the transition: a. The skills before and after the release must be legal, including the required spotters. b. The top person maintains hand-to-hand/arm contact with at least one bracer. Exception: A non-braced tick tock that begins at or below shoulder level is allowed. c. The top person and each bracer have a separate spotter with the exception of bracers in shoulder sits and thigh stands. d. The bracers do not provide primary support for the top person. e. The released top person and bases make no more than a ¼ turn around the bracer in a continuous movement in which the top person remains vertical over the base(s). f. The top person must be caught by original base(s).  The phrase “multi-based non-braced” was replaced with just “non-braced”, allowing single-based versions of this skill.

Legal Release Stunts/Tosses Rule 2-7-5p. 24

Suspended Stunts Rule p. 27 ART A top person must not be in a face down position between bases in which the top person’s torso is suspended below the arms and legs.

Tumbling Rule 2-10 & 3-5p. 29 & 37 ART Airborne skills without hip over-head rotation may not involve jumping from a standing or squatting position backwards onto the neck, shoulders or hands. This rule refers to a type of entrance into the “kip-up/rubber band” skills.

Drops Rule 2-11 & 3-6p. 30 & 38 ART Airborne drops that go directly to the thighs, splits, knees, seat or the performing surface are illegal unless most of the weight is first borne on the hands or feet or the descent is controlled. ART Airborne drops to a push-up position, including Shoshanovas, are illegal. Exception: Springing from a crouch to a push-up position is allowed. ART 3….Falling from a stand directly to the stomach or back on the performance surface is illegal without first bearing weight on the hands. ART. 4….Dropping to the performing surface from a handspring or flip is illegal.

Legal Drops Rule 2-11 & 3-6p. 30 & 38

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Spirit Rules Situations and Rulings

Inversions SITUATION B: A participant in a prep grasps the hands of a post who is standing in front of the stunt and executes a suspended forward roll over the post, landing in the hands of new bases that were involved in a suspended roll immediately prior to moving in front of the post to catch the cradle. RULING: Illegal. COMMENT: Catchers of suspended rolls that end in a cradle must be in place when the roll is initiated.

Inversions SITUATION A: A top person in a handstand on a base drops one leg/foot to a spotter and is then transitioned to a liberty. During the transition, the top person is braced by a person in a prep without a spotter. RULING: Legal. COMMENT: All aspects of non-release stunt Rule 2-6 are being followed.

Inversions SITUTATION B: A top person in a pyramid is popped from a handstand on a base to an awesome while maintaining contact with a bracer. Both the bracer and the top person have spotters. RULING: Legal. COMMENT: All aspects of the release stunt Rule are being followed.

Inversions SITUATION A: The top person in a braced flip is assisted by: (a) one bracer in a double-base prep and one person on the floor; (b) two bracers in single-base preps; (c) two bracers in double-base preps. RULING: (a) and (b) illegal; (c) legal.

Inversions SITUATION A: An inverted top person with her hands on a single base’s thighs performs a cartwheel to the performing surface. The base supports the top person’s torso during the cartwheel. RULING: Legal.

Inversions SITUATION B: A participant in a handstand on the performing surface is supported around the waist by a single base and lifted to an upright position on the floor. RULING: Legal.

Inversions SITUATION C: Two participants are: (a) standing back to back with their arms hooked together. The base leans forward as the top person does a backward roll over the base’s back and lands upright on the performing surface; (b) facing each other; the top person performs a handstand over the shoulder of the spotter into a loading position. While assisting the top person during the transition, the spotter does not turn around until the top person is in the loading position. RULING: (a) illegal; (b) legal. COMMENT: By facing away from the inverted top person, the base or spotter is not considered to be in a position to protect the head/neck.

Inversions SITUATION D: A top person in a straddle sit at waist level rotates forward into an inverted position, and then back up to the same position. A base/spotter maintains contact on the top person’s upper body. RULING: Legal. COMMENT: All inversions that begin and remain below prep level require one hands-on base/spotter to maintain contact.

Inversions SITUATION G: A top person is based by two persons at waist level. She is transitioned to a prep position, and then cartwheels to her feet on the performing surface with: (a) one spotter maintaining upper body contact; (b) two spotters maintaining upper body contact. RULING: (a) illegal; (b) legal. COMMENT: All inversions that begin or pass through prep level must have two bases or spotters maintaining upper body contact.

Inversions SITUATION B: A top person in a handstand on the performing surface is lifted to a prep while holding a sign. RULING: Legal.

2.6.4 Non-Release Stunts SITUATION A: The top person in a double-base prep falls forward and is caught on her upper body by the two original bases: (a) while a spotter/post maintains contact with the top person’s ankles; (b) after being released so bases/spotter can catch higher on the top person’s body. RULING: (a) legal; (b) illegal.

Release Stunts/Tosses SITUATION A: A participant on the performing surface is quick-tossed to: (a) a chair; (b) a full extension; (c) interlocked hands/wrists of the bases in preparation for a basket toss; (d) suspended splits at shoulder height. RULING: (a), (b) and (c) legal; (d) illegal.

2.7.4 – Release Stunts/Tosses SITUATION B: A participant on the performing surface holds the hand of a bracer. She is quick-tossed to a double base prep and is immediately popped to a liberty. RULING: Legal.

2.7.5 – Release Stunts/Tosses SITUATION C: A team executes a single- base, non-braced tick-tock that begins: (a) at shoulder level; (b) above shoulder height. RULING: (a) legal; (b) illegal. COMMENT: Non- braced tick-tocks that begin at shoulder level do not require the top person to maintain contact with a bracer when performed with a single base or with multiple bases.

Suspended Stunts SITUATION: A top person is held in a face down position between two bases. Each base holds one hand and one ankle. The top person’s torso is suspended below her arms and legs. RULING: Illegal.

Dismounts SITUATION: A top person in a single- base prep is popped and executes: (a) a twist to the floor with the assistance of the base and a spotter; (b) a toe touch during the dismount with the assistance of the base and a spotter. RULING: Both are legal. COMMENT: Assistance is required on dismounts to the ground involving a skill that begins from shoulder level or above.

Dismounts SITUATION: The top person is in a hitch pyramid with one foot in the bracer’s hands. The bases pop and release the top person as the bracer continues to hold onto the top person’s foot and significantly increases the height as she dismounts to a cradle. RULING: Illegal.

& Tumbling SITUATION: A participant: (a) jumps backward from a standing position, landing on his/her hands and shoulders and immediately kips up to a standing position on the performing surface; (b) rolls backwards onto her hands and shoulders and immediately kips up to a tuck position on the performing surface. RULING: (a) illegal; (b) legal.

& Drops SITUATION: A participant remains in contact with the performing surface as she drops: (a) to her knees, brushing the floor with her fingers at the same time her knees land; (b) to her thighs by spiraling downward before landing on the floor. RULING: Both are legal. COMMENT: (a) This drop is legal because the participant is not airborne before dropping to her knees.

& Drops SITUATION: A participant: (a) leans forward and lands in a push-up position on the performing surface; (b) springs from a crouch to a pushup position on the performing surface; (c) jumps into the air and lands in a push-up position on the performing surface. RULING: (a) and (b) legal; (c) illegal.

& Drops SITUATION: A participant executes a front handspring and lands: (a) in a tuck position with weight on one foot and the other leg extended in front of her; (b) with weight on her seat with one leg extended in front of her. RULING: (a) legal; (b) illegal.

3.1.5 – Dance/Drill/Pom SITUATION: Team members wearing dance paws execute: (a) back walkovers; (b) a thigh stand; (c) a full extension; (d) running tumbling. RULING: (a) and (b) legal; (c) and (d) illegal. COMMENT: Dance paws are not appropriate footwear for extended stunts in which the feet of the top person are in the hands of bases or for running airborne tumbling. Footwear for these activities must have adequate support and a non-slip sole.

3.4.1 – Dismounting From Props SITUATION C: A top person dismounts from a prop by leaning into the arms of two posts who support her in a layout position that is approximately waist high. She then executes a walkover to the performing surface. RULING: Legal. COMMENT: When a person leaves the surface of a prop and is supported by other participant(s), applicable stunting rules in Rule 2 apply.

3.4.2 – Dismounting From Props SITUATION: A top person executes a forward suspended roll to the floor from a prop. She is assisted by: (a) one post who is holding both hands of the top person. No spotter is present; (b) one post who is holding both hands of the top person. A spotter present; (c) two posts each holding one hand of the top person. RULING: (a) and (b) illegal; (c) legal. COMMENT: Suspended roll dismounts from a prop require two posts.

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Spirit Rules Points of Emphasis

Coaches’ Responsibility: Education Coaches’ Responsibility: Minimizing Risk Concussions

Coaches’ Responsibility: Education Professional responsibility  Read and fully comprehend (understand) NFHS Spirit Rules.  Correctly teach the appropriate skills.  Educate student- athletes of rules changes.

Coaches’ Responsibility: Minimizing Risk Risk Minimization Participants placed under the direction of a qualified & knowledgeable coach. Athletes must be thoroughly trained. Coaches should provide a comprehensive conditioning and strength-building program. Skills should be taught in progressions from easy to hard and low to high. Practice should focus on risk minimization. Overuse injuries – be aware of intensity, duration and frequency of specific skills. Only skills mastered in practice and consistently executed safely should be performed.

Concussions  An athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion (such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness or balance problems) shall be immediately removed from participation and shall not resume participation until cleared by an appropriate health-care professional.  Look to your state high school association and the NFHS for education regarding prevention and treatment of concussions.

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations Concussion in Sports ■ Understand what concussions are & their impact on players ■ Recognize the complications associated with concussions ■ Recognize signs and symptoms of concussion ■ Know when additional medical attention is needed ■ Understand what your responsibilities are in concussion management ■ Understand the proper concussion management protocols ■ List the steps a player should use to return to active play safely after a concussion Course Objectives Units More information available at nfhslearn.comnfhslearn.c om! ■ Concussion Overview ■ The Problem ■ Your Responsibility

NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports In the Appendix in all of the NFHS Rules Book

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations ■ Recognize that Exertional Heatstroke (EHS) is the leading preventable cause of death among athletes ■ Know the importance of a formal pre-season heat acclimatization plan ■ Know the importance of having and implementing a specific hydration plan, keeping your athletes well-hydrated, and providing ample opportunities for, and encouraging, regular fluid replacement ■ Know the importance of appropriately modifying activities in relation to the environmental heat stress and contributing risk factors (e.g., illness, overweight) to keep your athletes safe and performing well ■ Know the importance for all staff to closely monitor all athletes during practice and training in the heat, and recognize the signs and symptoms of developing heat illness ■ Know the importance of, and resources for, establishing an Emergency Action Plan and promptly implementing it in case of suspected EHS or other medical emergency Course Objectives More Information at nfhslearn.com! ■ Fundamentals 1. Start Slow, Then Progress 2. Allow for Individual Conditioning 3. Adjust Intensity and Rest 4. Start Sessions Adequately Hydrated Units Heat Illness Prevention 5. Recognize Signs Early 6. Recognize More Serious Signs 7. Have an Emergency Action Plan

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations ■ Emphasize the importance of proper fueling for physical activity, pre- and post-workout ■ Provide real-world effective advice for helping your students to make better food decisions ■ Underscore male-and female-specific issues surrounding the topic of nutrition ■ Clarify the warning signs for eating disorders and disordered eating ■ To provide an overview about dietary supplements, how they are regulated and how to avoid use of contaminated dietary supplements ■ To highlight the risks to athletes who use performance-enhancing drugs, including anabolic- androgenic steroids ■ Reinforce the no-drug policy of interscholastic athletics Course Objectives More Information at nfhslearn.com ■ Nutrition ■ Supplements Units Sports Nutrition

Inclusion of Students with Disabilities Guidelines for Schools and State Associations for Consideration of Accommodations

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NFHS Spirit Facebook Page

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NFHS Information  Rule Change Proposal Form – February 5, 2016  Spirit Rules Committee Meeting March 5-7, 2016  Rules Online Interpreters Meeting July 18, 2016

NFHS Information  Contact Information: Susan M. Knoblauch Director of Activities & Sports National Federation of State High School Associations P.O. Box 690 | Indianapolis, IN (317) Administrative Assistant – Angela Hays

Take Part. Get Set For Life.™ National Federation of State High School Associations NFHS Spirit Rules