1. 2016-2017 WVSSAC CHEER RULES CLINIC In Partnership with MedExpress
Please silence cell phones
Additional rule books $6.00

2. Sports Physicals
MedExpress is honored to support our hometown teams in West Virginia this season. We’re here to help make sure your athlete is healthy and ready for the season ahead.
No appointment is ever necessary
Most insurance accepted, but not required
Visits usually last less than an hour
Multiple WV locations

3. Our Services Sports, school & camp physicals
Rashes, poison ivy and allergic reactions
Minor surgical procedures
Flu shots
On-site prescriptions
Select locations only

4. Our Services Fractures, sprains, strains and dislocations
Cuts, scrapes and splinters
X-rays, stitches and splinting done on site
Colds, flu and viral illnesses
Bronchitis, pneumonia and asthma attacks
Ear, throat and sinus infections
Chest X-rays and IVs done on site

5. Physicals just got easier.
MedExpress Locations:
Lewisburg
Logan
Martinsburg
Edwin Miller Blvd.
Martinsburg Commons
Morgantown
Don Knotts Blvd
Suncrest
Parkersburg
South Parkersburg
Vienna
Princeton
Weirton
Wheeling
Elm Grove
Glen Dale
National Road
Beckley
Beckley Crossing
Harper Road
Bridgeport/Clarksburg
Emily Drive
Jerry Dove Dr.
Charleston
Kanawha City
Patrick Street Bridge
South Charleston
Southridge
Cross Lanes
Teays Valley
Fairmont
Fayetteville
Huntington
Huntington West

6. REQUIRED CHEER READING www.wvssac.org
The Interscholastic – online – FALL EDITION (new alignments)
Coaches Packet - Online
WV Cheer Manual – online
NFHS Spirit Rule Book – sent to school
Tournament draw website
Please put on card
Mark judge on top of card

7. PACKETS ONLINE

8. Sportsmanship is Contagious Is yours worth catching?
Athletes
Officials
Coaches
Fans
Parents
Administrators
NFHS FREE SPORTSMANSHIP COURSE – NFHSLEARN.COM

9. STATE – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10
SEASON DATES
High School
Starts
August 1
Ends
Elim GBSK or BBSK
Middle School
August 8
February 25
Regional Outline (C2A & B) Due October 5 - $50.00 fine
Regional Entry Form (C4) Due October 5 - $50.00 fine
Music Form (C5) Due October 5 - $50.00 fine
REGIONALS – NOVEMBER 5
STATE – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10

10. COACHING Coaching Authorization
Form 39 every year
If schools play contest without eligibility submitted, forfeit contest – fine $25.00
Out of Season Coaching Changes Weeks 50, 51 & 52

11. Change Out of Season Coaching Rule 127-3-7.2 & 7.2a
Three weeks must be consecutive
May begin on or after week 49 and must conclude by Friday of week 4
Must be established by each county BOE
No activity during week of July 4th
3 weeks must be voluntary for athletes

12. Change Out of Season Coaching Rule 6 Flex Days
Principal approval of 6 flex days per sport
Flex days cannot be used during the first week of each HS or MS season
Use of any part of the day for an activity will count as a flex day
Flex days can only be used on Sunday with WVSSAC approval
Flex days cannot be used as part of the tryout
Flex days must be voluntary for athletes

13. All cheer competitions must be sanctioned
SANCTIONS
All cheer competitions must be sanctioned
NO competition will be sanctioned if a spring floor is used. (Article 7 – page 19 NFHS Rule Book)
Approved WVSSAC judges must be used - Minimum of 1 safety judge required
Refer to website

14. Order of Performance Regional & State Competition
AAA A AA
Regional & State Competition
2 contracted coaches only

15. Want to become a WV Cheer Judge?
Required attendance to judge
Must pass National Federation Spirit Test
Parkersburg
August 21 4:00-8:00
Morgantown August 27 12:00-4:00
Please mark your card if you are a judge and/or coach

16. WV Cheer Judge
Certified to judge last year – eligible to judge regional or state
Must attend 2 hour clinic or one of the 4 hr trainings – NFHS cheer test
August 4 – 7:15-9:15 – East Fairmont HS
August 15 – 6:30-8:30 – WVSSAC office

17. Point of Emphasis Required end of the year Cheer Injury Survey Safety
DUE DATE – $50.00 Fine
Middle School – March 1
High School – March 22
Safety
Cover try out cheer program information to parents and students (1 hr)
Non-School Participation Rule
Release date November 5 or December 10

18. Point of Emphasis Outside Assistance
Tumbling Class – must be voluntary
Uniform rules
Basketball – 30 second time-out, no stunting during foul shots
70% participation rule
Music Copyright – Regional/State

20. Courts recognize a coach has ten legal duties
Properly plan the activity
Provide proper instruction
Warn of inherent risks
Provide a safe physical environment
Provide adequate and proper equipment
Match your athletes appropriately
Evaluate athletes for injury or incapacity
Supervise the activity closely
Provide appropriate emergency assistance
Protect against physical and psychological harm from others

21. NFHSLearn.com Free Courses
Heat Illness Prevention – 1 time required ALL coaches
Concussion in Sports – ALL COACHES annually
Sudden Cardiac Arrest – 1 time required ALL coaches
Creating a safe and respectful environment – strongly recommended
Concussion for Students
Sportsmanship
Sports Nutrition
Engaging Effectively with Parents
NCAA Eligibility
Interscholastic Officiating
Learning Pro – Suite of 4 courses
Coaching unified sports
Positive sport parenting
Introduction to Music Adjudication
Captains Course
Coaching Pole Vault
Introduction to Pitch Smart
Coaches and officials alike are encouraged to review the course offerings at NFHSLearn. There are a number of free courses that would be of interest to coaches, officials, parents, fans.

22. WVSSAC Policy & Senate Bill 336
ALL COACHES will be required to annually complete the NFHS Concussion Course – Senate Bill 336
The principal shall monitor and maintain appropriate records regarding completion of the course
ANY COACH that does not complete the NFHS Concussion Course annually will not be permitted to coach until the course has been completed and would be in violation of the law.
Information/Directions regarding the NFHS Concussion Course may be found at

23. (2013 Concussion Legislation)
Senate Bill 336
(2013 Concussion Legislation)
1.Provide information to parents and athletes
Physical Form
CDC letter
2. Concussion Course
3. RTP protocol and approved health professionals
4. Injury Report – Required for all concussions
and all sports

24. Concussion Return To Play (RTP) Protocol
An athlete removed from a contest that shows signs/symptoms of a concussion shall be immediately evaluated by an appropriate health care professional. If no appropriate health care professional with training in evaluation of head injuries is available, the athlete shall not be allowed to RTP.
No more than one progression step per day is permitted. (NEW REQUIREMENT)
Must have written permission to RTP. 1

25. Concussion Return To Play (RTP) Protocol

26. Concussion Return To Play (RTP) Protocol
Appropriate Health Care Professional with training of head injuries
Medical Doctor (MD)
Doctor of Osteopathy (DO)
Doctor of Chiropractic (DC)
Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP)
Physician Assistant (PA-C)
Registered Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC/R) 1

27. Heat Acclimatization/WVSSAC Guidelines All coaches are required to take the FREE NFHS – Heat Illness Prevention Course 1 time
Most problems related to
Too soon
Too hard
Too long
Heat illness is the leading cause of preventable death among high school athletes.
Heat Index Guidelines - Chart
Additional materials may be found on the Sports Medicine Section of the WVSSAC website

28. Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness
ALL COACHES required to take course one time
SCA occurs when the heart stops suddenly
400,000 people in the U.S. suffer SCA annually
10% survive
75% are adults
Every 3 days an athlete dies
Refer to packet for additional information

29. GENERAL RULES
ALL rules from the NF Spirit rules book & the WV Cheer Manual must be followed during all ACTIVITIES, PRACTICES, PERFORMANCES, and COMPETIONS

30. New Format for NF Spirit Rules Book
Rule 1 – Definitions
Rule 2 – General Risk Management
Rule 3 – Cheerleading Risk Management
Rule 4 – Dance/Drill/Pom Risk Management
Photographs Illustrating Rules

31. Rules Changes

32. NF Rule 1 - Definitions
Bracer – A top person who is connected to another top person. WV Modification: - A top person who stabilizes and/or assists another top person
Cradle Position (New) – A face-up, open-pike position.
Quick Toss – A release that begins with the top person in having both feet in weight-bearing contact with the performing surface and ends in a partner stunt or pyramid.
Static – Staying or remaining at the same level
There were three changes to definitions in this year's rules book:
Bracer – A top person who is connected to another top person.
Cradle Position (New) – A face-up, open-pike position.
Quick Toss – A release that begins with the top person in having both feet in weight-bearing contact with the performing surface and ends in a partner stunt or pyramid.

33. NF 3-2-7 (f) A spotter is required for extended stunts except:
f. Triple-base extended stunts in which the top person is horizontal.
Rationale: Risk minimization.
Next Rule 3 - Cheer
3-2-7 f
A spotter is required for extended stunts except:
f. Triple-base extended stunts in which the top person is horizontal. This is a significant change for the Swedish Fall stunt.
Rationale: Risk minimization.

34. NF Inversions
ART 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.
2-5 Reorganizes, clarifies and adds to the Inversions section.
The Inversions Section was reorganized to improve clarity. It was reordered and was expanded from four articles to six.

35. NF a
Braced flips in a pyramid are allowed provided all the following conditions are met:
a. The top person maintains continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact with two bracers who are in multi-base preps with a spotter. The top person is not behind the bracers.
Rationale: Braced flips may start in a single-base stunt but still require two bracers in spotted preps.
3-3-5 a
Braced flips in a pyramid are allowed provided all the following conditions are met:
a. The top person maintains continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact with two bracers who are in multi-base preps with a spotter. The top person is not behind the bracers.
Rationale: Braced flips may start in a single-base stunt but still require two bracers in preps. The bracers may be on any side, including behind the top person.

36. NF 3-3-6 (b)(c) In all other inversions:
b. Static inversions at prep level require two bases or a base and spotter. The spotter is not required to be in contact with the top person. WV Modification: All NF Rules requiring spotters other than hand to hand/ arm must be hands-on spotters.
c. A release transition from a static inverted position to a non-inverted position is permitted provided:
1. The top person lands at or below prep level.
2. The top person does not twist more than 1⁄4 rotation.
3. There is a spotter.
3-3-6 b
The inversion section of the rules book was organized for clarity…
In all other inversions:
b. Static inversions at prep level require two bases or a base and spotter. The spotter is not required to be in contact with the top person.
c. A release transition from a static inverted position to a non-inverted posi- tion is permitted provided: 1. The top person lands at or below prep level. 2. The top person does not twist more than 1⁄4 rotation. 3. There is a spotter.
(Note: Static = A skill that remains at the same level)

37. NF (f)
In all other inversions:
f. When the stunt begins in an inversion and goes to a non-inverted position, the upper body contact may be released before the top person is no longer inverted. Does not include handstand-up.*
* A handstand on the performing surface is not a partner stunt, BUT when it is lifted, becomes a partner stunt and requires a spotter until the top person is no longer inverted.
Rule f, g
f. When the stunt begins in an inversion and goes to a non-inverted position, the upper body contact may be released before the top person is no longer inverted.
g. 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 and does no more than a one-quarter turn.
Rationale: The inversion section is simplified and reorganized. Rules for inverted stunts are less restrictive and permit additional low level/low risk stunts without creating undue risk to participants.

38. Here is an illustration of 3-3-6 g.

39. NF 3-4-3
In pyramids where one static extended stunt braces another static extended stunt the connection must be hand/arm to hand/arm. WV MODIFICATION: - In braced stunts and pyramids, the bracer(s) must be at shoulder height or below Double-based extensions may only brace other double-based extensions,
ILLEGAL LEGAL
Rule (Note: Reminder: Static is defined as staying at the same level)
Rationale: Removing the requirement for bracers of non-release, static stunts to be at shoulder height or below does not create undue risk.

40. NF
A participant must not jump unassisted onto the back of a base who is in a horizontal position.
Rationale: Risk minimization.
Rule prohibits a participant from jumping on the back of a base in a horizontal position.
Rationale: Risk minimization.

41. NF 3-5-2 (b),(e) In all release stunts and tosses:
b. The top person must not land in an inverted position.
e. The top person must not make more than 1 1/4 twists during the release.
Rationale: Risk minimization.
Rule b, e
In all release stunts and tosses: a. The top person must be directed vertically and be caught by the original bases. b. The top person must not land in an inverted position. c. Participants must not pass over or under other participants or through a prop. d. The tossers/catchers and spotter must remain in their original locations unless making necessary safety adjustments, except that bases of release transitions may move as outlined in e. The top person must not make more than 1 ¼ twists during the release.
Rationale: Risk minimization.

42. NF 3-5-5(b)
Release transitions are permitted provided all of the following conditions are met throughout the transition:
The top person maintains hand-to-hand/arm contact with at least one bracer except for the following:
A non-braced top person in a vertical position at prep level may be released to a stunt at any level provided the top person remains vertical. WV MODIFICATION: Middle Schools are not allowed to perform switch-ups past he prep level
A non-braced top person in a cradle position or horizontal position at prep level or below may be released to a loading position or stunt prep level or below.
LEGAL
3-5-5 b
Release transitions are permitted provided all of the following conditions are met throughout the transition:
b. The top person maintains hand-to-hand/arm contact with at least one bracer except for the following:
1. A non-braced top person in a vertical position at prep level may be released to a stunt at any level provided the top person remains vertical.
2. A non-braced top person in a cradle position or horizontal position at prep level or below may be released to a loading position or stunt prep level or below.
Rationale: With the advancement of cheerleading skill, allowing lower level non-braced transitions do not create undue risk.

43. NF (a)(c)
Non-braced suspended splits that originate from or pass through prep level or above are permitted provided
a. At least three bases slow the momentum of the top person.
c. At least two of the bases support under the top person’s legs and the third base may support under the legs or be in contact with the top person’s hands.
Rationale: Reducing the number of required bases for suspended splits does not significantly increase risk.
3-6-2 a, c
Non-braced suspended splits that originate from or pass through prep level are permitted provided
a. At least three bases slow the momentum of the top person.
c. At least two of the bases support under the top person’s legs and the third base may support under the legs or be in contact with the top person’s hands.
Rationale: Reducing the number of required bases for suspended splits does not significantly increase risk.

44. SECTION 10 (New) CHEERING ON PROPS AS BASES
ART The height of the prop must not exceed 3 feet.
ART Jumps and/or stunts are not permitted on props.
Rationale: Specifically clarifies that cheerleaders have limitations when cheering on props.
A new section to the rules book is Section 10 - CHEERING ON PROPS AS BASES
ART The height of the prop must not exceed 3 feet.
ART Jumps and/or stunts are not permitted on props.
Rationale: Specifically clarifies that cheerleaders have limitations when cheering on props.

45. WV Modifications CM p.9-13 Uniforms and Appearance
1. Uniforms shall be functional and meet the school’s approval. Uniforms and practice
apparel must also be safe and conducive to safe physical activity. All midriffs and
torsos (front and back) must be covered. No cutouts are permitted and uniforms
must have a standard front and back neckline (v-neck, scoop or square).Sheer material is not permitted on the torso.
2. When a skirt is worn, it is required that the skirt must fully cover the hips. The
required full cut briefs must be completely covered by the skirt and the skirt must fall
a minimum of 2" below boy cut briefs and 3" below regular briefs. Skorts must have
a minimum of 3" inseam. No shorts or capris are permitted as part of a uniform.
Shorts may be worn as part of the practice apparel and shorts that are not lycra
are allowed at Pep Rallies and “Meet the Team” events.
7…. It is considered unsafe for any team member to have their hair in their eyes, or a ponytail or braid hanging below the natural bra line.

46. WV Modifications (cont’d)
Bracer NF Definition WV Modification - A top person who stabilizes and/or
assists another top person
• Flatback and Superman stunts may originate no higher than the prep position.
• NF 3-2-1(b) WV Modification - A base must not hold objects or props.
• NF 3-3-6(a) WV Modification - A top person in an inverted position on the
performance surface can be release by the spotter, after no longer inverted.
• NF WV Modification - Suspended rolls may not be performed over a post,
base or spotter.
• NF 3-3-6(b) WV Modification - All inversions in a stunt that require a head/shoulder
spotter, the spotter must maintain contact with the top person.
• NF 3-3-6(d)[1] WV Modification - All inversions in a stunt below prep level require
a base or spotter to protect the head/neck area that maintains contact with top
person.
• NF WV Modification - An inverted top person shall not hold any objects

47. WV Modifications (cont’d)
NF WV Modification - A participant may not move under or be under a
partner stunt or pyramid. No exceptions.
• NF WV Modification - In braced stunts and pyramids, the bracer(s)
must be at shoulder height or below [Exceptions: 1. The following extended stunts
may brace any other extended stunt, except during release transitions (Chair, Multi
based flatback, Multi-based straddle lift), 2. Double-based extensions may only
brace other double-based extensions, except during a totem pole or release transition.
• NF WV Modification -” Up& Overs” must have a continuous hands-on back
spotter if/when the top person passes through the extended level.
• NF WV Modification - Basket Tosses performed on any surface are illegal
for all cheer squads in WV. Any toss from a stunt below prep level is considered
a basket toss.
• NF Airborne Twisting Tumbling Skills WV Modification - With the exception
of aerials, cartwheels and round-offs, all are illegal in WV on any surface.
• NF Knee Drops WV Modification - Drops that go directly to the thighs,
splits, knees, or seat on the performing surface are illegal unless most of the
weight is first borne on the hands.

48. Situations affected by WV Modifications
No rolls over posts/base(s)
2-5-5 Situation A: No tumbling on or over another person
3-3-6 Situation E & J:Spotters must maintain contact until top person is no longer inverted
3-3-7: an inverted person must not hold objects
3-4-3 Situation A: Only double-based extensions may connect or braced each other

49. Situations affected by WV Modifications (cont’d)
3-5-2 : Basket tosses are illegal
3-9-1 Situation B: (a) In drops, the hands of the participant must first take on the weight before landing.
(b)In spirals to the performing surface the participant must land one knee/thigh at a time.

50. Rule 3-3-6 (b) WV Modification
ILLEGAL
Spotter must maintain contact at shoulders

51. Rule 3-3-3 WV Modification
1 2 3 ILLEGAL- Over Post

52. (Spot must be on upper back)
Rule (d) [1]
ILLEGAL SPOT
(Spot must be on upper back)

53. 3-9-1 Drops ILLEGAL Drop Rule for Cheer & Dance 2-11 & 3-6
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.
ILLEGAL

54. Middle/ 9th Grade CM p
ILLEGAL STUNTS
Middle School/9th Grade Cheerleaders ARE NOT PERMITTED TO PERFORM THE STUNTS GOVERNED BY NFHS RULES:
3-3-2,3-3-3, 3-3-4, 3-3-5, 3-3-6, inversions *,
3-4-4(e) Extended pendulum,
3-5-4(b) Switch-ups [Switch-ups from the performing surface to the load or prep position are allowed.]
3-7-2 dismount to performing surface from prep level or above [See Spotting Rule H.2, CM p.16]
3-7-3 dismount to the performing surface involving a skill. *
There are 2 exceptions to the ban on inversions in middle school. They are:
1. Forward Suspended Roll Dismount to Performing Surface or Cradle
2. Handstand-up from the performing surface to a stunt prep level or below.

55. WV Modification for FORWARD Suspended Roll
Forward suspended rolls may only be performed as dismounts to the performing surface or cradle.
2 bases or 2 posts must control the top person in a forward suspended roll with continu­ous hand-to-hand contact
Bases/posts must have supporting arms extended prior to and during the initiation of the forward roll
Top person must not invert prior to the initiation of the forward roll
Forward suspended roll must be initiated from the prep position only
During the roll, the feet of the top person must be released

56. 1. Forward Suspended Roll
1 2 3 Legal

57. (Spot must be on upper back)
2. Handstand up from performing surface to a stunt at prep level or below
ILLEGAL Spot
(Spot must be on upper back)

58. Jr./MS/9th Grade
Spotters
All unbraced stunts with the base of support above prep/shoulder height must have a hands-on back spotter and a free standing spotter.
All unbraced single leg stunts with base of support at prep level or higher AND all extended stunts must have a hands on spotter and a free standing spotter
All extended stunts in a pyramid with the base of support above prep level that is braced by a spotted double base prep require only a back hands-on spotter.

59. Jr./MS/9th Grade Spotters
All cradles from any height must have a hands-on back spotter and a free standing spotter.
All backward dismounts require a free standing spotter
All straight down dismounts from above prep level must have 2 people assisting.

60. COMPETITION – Rules Changes
Page 21
K. High Schools - The Regional Cheer Entry Form (C4) AND the Music Warranty (C5) must be submitted by each participating school to the WVSSAC by the specified date. A late penalty of $50.00 per form will be assessed.
Page 24
B.2.a (2) If dance is incorporated, there must be a minimum of 8 consecutive 8-counts of full squad dance in order to earn any of the possible points. (See p.31 for components of dance, and the Score Sheet CJ-2 for point value.)

61. COMPETITION -- Outlines
High School Regional/State - Form C2A (Contact Info), p.6 and Form C2B (Narrative) CF p.7
Other Competitions for High School and Middle School – Form C3 p. 8 and Form C2B, p.7
Follow format of the Cheer Narrative Sample CF p.3. Include the words to the technical cheer
Use terminology found in Rule 1 of NF Rule Book and Cheer Manual (pictures)
Send videos to PAT not Kelly
MUST MEET DEADLINE

62. High School Regional & State
FORMS DUE BY THE DEADLINE ARE

67. Questions about SAFETY??
Call or PAT
Phone: