1. SAFETY JUDGES’ POWER POINT 2 Hour
SAFETY JUDGES’
POWER POINT
2 Hour

2. CHEER NOTES www.wvssac.org
The Interscholastic – online
NFHS Spirit Rules Book
WV Cheer Manual and Forms – online [pictures and terms for stunts included]
Mark “Judge-2Hour” on top of card

3. Order of Performance Regional & State CompetitionAA
AAA
Regional & State Competition
2 contracted coaches only

4. 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. 1

5. 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)

6. NEW/REVISED RULES

7. NF Rule 1 - Definitions
Head Spin - A skill in which a person balances on their head while rotating on the performing surface.
Head Springs - A tumbling skill in which a person places both hands and their head on the performing surface, pushes off with the hands while flipping the legs overhead and landing on their feet. 
Headstand - A skill in which a person balances on their head on the performing surface.
WV MODIFICATION- Head spin, Head Springs, and Headstands in which the hands are used or not used will be illegal for all cheer squads in WV.

8. Definitions:
Non-release Stunt – A stunt in which contact is maintained between a top person and a person on the performing surface.
Release Transition/Release Pyramid Transition – A top person changes from one stunt to another (including loading positions) during a temporary loss of physical contact with all personnel on the performing surface.
Shoulder stand - A top person stands on a base's shoulders.
Suspended Roll: A stunt in which base(s) or post(s) hold a top person's hand(s)/arm(s) while the top person performs continuous hip-over-head rotation.

9. Definitions:
Swedish Fall – A stunt in which the top person in a prone position supports her own upper body by placing her hands on the shoulders of a base while her lower body is supported by another base's extended arms. 

10. 3-1-11 Apparel / Accessories Section 1 (Pg 15)
(New) ART. 11 … For religious reasons, in the event there is documented evidence provided to the state association that a participant may not expose his/her uncovered head, the state association may approve a covering or wrap which is not abrasive, hard or dangerous to any other participant and which is attached in such a way it is unlikely to come off during performance.

11. 3-2-8 STUNTING PERSONNEL Section 2 (Pg 17)
ART. 8 … A spotter is required for tosses to single base shoulder stands and single base prep-level stunts in which the foot/feet of the top person are in the hands of the base.

12. 3-2-8 www.nfhs.org WV modification- there must be a hands
on spotter to be legal.
ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOL
WV Modification-Middle Schools require a hands on spotter and a free standing spotter

13. 3-3-5b Braced Flips Section 3 INVERSIONS (Pg 19)
ART. 5b…There must be three people involved in the toss and catch of the top person either as a base or spotter.
(2 bases and a spotter)
ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS

14. WV MODIFICATION: 3-5-5 In braced pyramid flips, the
Section 3 INVERSIONS
REMINDER:
WV MODIFICATION: In braced pyramid flips, the
bracers may only brace one top person who is flipping.
ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS

15. Section 3 INVERSIONS (Pg 19)
(New) ART. 5g… When the catchers are not the original bases, the new catchers are in place when the flip is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not part of any other skill.
NOTE: This stunt requires 14 participants so this skill could not be used in our regional or state or stand alone competitions. This may be used in situations where 14 or more participants are used with the exception of a foldover which would only require 8 participants for this.
ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS

16. 3-3-6a1 ART. 6a1… Non-inverted dismounts with no more than a ½ turn.
Section 3 (Pg 19)
3-3-6a1
a. Inversions may release to the following provided there is a spotter.
ART. 6a1… Non-inverted dismounts with no more than a ½ turn.
Clarifies that inversions may release into non-inverted
dismounts.

18. Section 3 (Pg 19)
3-3-6b
Inversions
ART. 6b… In inversions where the base of support begins and remains below prep level at least one person shall maintain contact with the top person until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the performing surface.
ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS

19. 3-3-6b
Section 3 (Pg 19)
ILLEGAL FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLS
Inversions
NF 3-3-6b WV MODIFICATION- participants may only perform one cartwheel on the performing surface (no double cartwheels allowed)

20. 3-3-6B
ILLEGAL FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLS
NF 3-3-6B-WV Modification – Top persons feet performing the straddle roll must be below knee level before the roll is initiated.

21. 3-3-6b
Reminder: WV Modification
in pictures one and two the
assist must be above the
bra line.
ILLEGAL FOR MIDDLE SCHOOLS

22. WV ADDITIONS CHEER MANUAL
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. Uniforms
must have a standard front and back neckline (v-neck,
scoop or square). One cutout is permitted as long as it
is above the legal neckline. Sheer material is not
permitted on the torso. See pictures pg. 47 (Uniforms
and appearance).

23. WV ADDITIONS CHEER MANUAL
2. Note: Beginning school year, all schools will only be permitted to wear boy briefs. The skirt must fully cover the hips and fall a minimum of 2” below the boycut briefs. When skorts are worn the inseam must be a minimum of 3”. No lycra shorts or capris are permitted as part of the uniform.

24. WV ADDITIONS CHEER MANUAL
3. hair ties, hair bows(patches and lettering must be attached with stitches that completely encompass the edges of the patch or lettering),

25. WV CHEER MANUAL DEFINITIONS MODIFICATIONS
Bracer NF Definition WV Modification - A top person who stabilizes and/or assists another top person and must not be higher than prep level.
Flatback Definition WV Modification - a stunt in which a top person is in a face- up, horizontal position with hips and shoulders in alignment.
Sponge Definition WV Modification - The base(s) absorb(s) a top person’s downward momentum to push/lift the top person into position for the next stunt/ skill.
Swan Dive Definition WV Modification - A top person released from a stunt by base(s) and is caught in a prone position. This includes cradles on the stomach and side. WV Modification-Illegal.
Flatback and Superman stunts may originate no higher than the prep position.
Transitions to Superman may not pass through the extended level.

26. WV CHEER MANUAL DEFINITIONS MODIFICATIONS
Head spin NF Definition WV Modification-A skill in which a person balances on his or her head while rotating on the performing surface. WV Modification- Illegal.
Headspring NF Definition WV Modification-a tumbling skill in which a person places both hands and his or her head on the performing surface, pushes off with hands while flipping the legs overhead and landing on his or her feet. WV Modification-Illegal.
Headstand NF Definition WV Modification -A skill in which a person balances on his or her head on the performing surface. WV Modification-Illegal.
Release Transition/Release Pyramid transition NF Definition WV Modification- A top person changes from one stunt to another (including loading position) during a temporary loss of physical contact with all personnel on the performing surface, WV Modification- transitions must have a hands-on back spotter for the top person(s), unless the transition doesn’t pass through the extended level.

27. NF RULES WV MODIFICATIONS
NF 3-2-1(b) WV Modification - A base must not hold objects or props.
NF Spotting WV Modification-In stunts that require a spotter, the spotter must be a hands on spotter. (see D. Spotting pages 12 and 13)
NF WV Modification-the spotter is required for all extended stunts and transitions that pass through the extended level.
NF 3-3-3(a) WV Modification- If the top person is released from the bases, the
bracer(s) must have two bases.
NF 3-3-4(b) WV Modification-The bracer(s) have two bases and a spotter.
Exception: braced foldover.
NF WV Modification-In braced pyramid flips, the bracers may only brace a one top person who is flipping.
NF WV Modification - Suspended rolls may not be performed over a post, base or spotter. Suspended rolls or Chorus line flips may not be initiated from the back of another participant. Suspended rolls or Chorus line flips may not land in a seat drop.
NF 3-3-6B – WV Modification- participants may only perform one cartwheel on the performing surface (no double cartwheels allowed)
NF 3-3-6B-WV Modification – Top persons feet performing the straddle roll must be below knee level of bases before it is initiated.

28. NF RULES WV MODIFICATIONS
NF WV Modification - An inverted top person shall not hold any objects.
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 that do not flip, at least one bracer must be at shoulder height or below. One extended stunt may not brace or connect with another extended stunt. [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.
NF WV Modification -” Up & Overs” must have a continuous hands- on back spotter if/when the top person passes through the extended level.

29. NF RULES WV MODIFICATIONS
NF3-5-3 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 3-5-5(c) WV Modification-Exception: Flap Jack and like stunts must have double based preps with a spotter as bracers.
NF WV Modification- Tumbling while holding props is not permitted N0 Exceptions.
NF Airborne Twisting Tumbling Skills WV Modification - With the exception of aerials, cartwheels and round-offs, all are illegal in WV on any surface.
3-8-8 WV Modification-Headstands, headsprings and head spins in which the hands are used or not used will be illegal for all cheer squads in WV.

30. NF RULES WV MODIFICATIONS
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.
It is highly recommended that any stunt that may be questionable as to legality OR any stunt to which a creative element has been added, be videoed and ed to Carol Hostuttler for an interpretation. Do this prior to its practice or performance.

31. Situations affected by WV Modifications
3-3-6 D-Only 3 people may execute a chorus line flip
3-3-6 E – Spotting
3-3-7 A – Holding Signs
3-3-7 B – Holding Signs
3-4-3 A – (c,d) Connected/Braced Extended Stunts
3-4-4 B – (b) Fall from extension to Superman
3-5-2 – Basket Toss
3-8-2 – (e) Holding Poms
3-8-8-headstands, head flips and head spins
3-9-1 B – (a) Drops

32. Situations affected by WV Modifications
3-1-1 B – (c) Uniforms and Appearance
3-1-4 – (e) Uniforms and Appearance
3-1-7 – (b) Uniforms and Appearance
3-2-1 – (b) Spotting
3-2-5 A – Spotting
3-2-5 C -- Spotting
3-2-7 – (b) Spotting
3-3-1 – Basket Toss
3-3-4 B –(b) Bracers in a flip pyramid
3-3-6 A – Forward Suspended Roll (FSR)
3-3-6 B- Shall maintain contact until no longer inverted

33. NF Picture Pages/ WV Modifications
52 Holding pom (picture 3)
53 No Hands-on spot (picture 5)
54 No Hands-on spot (picture 4)
55 Spot not above bra line (picture 5)
57 No Hands-on spot (picture 5)
58 bottom pictures WV- bracers need a spotter (picture 4-5-6)
59-bottom pictures WV-bracers need a spotter (picture 4-5-6)
60 Bracing two tops flipping WV-allows only one top flipping (p1-5)
64 Spot not above the bra line (picture 1-2-3)
68 Single legged extended stunt connected/bracing other extended stunts (pictures ) at bottom only extended extensions allowed
70 Back spot needed at extended position (picture 2) top
77 Back spot needed on one-man cradles (picture 4) bottom
79 No tumbling while holding objects (bottom pictures)
80 All illegal WV modification headstands, headspin and headspring

34. Middle/ 9th Grade CM ADDITIONS
II-D All stunts in a pyramid with the base of support above prep level that is braced by a double base, spotted prep require only a back hands-on spotter. (no free standing spotter)
II-F All one-man stunts require a hands-on back spotter and a free standing spotter (4) AND if cradled require 2 catchers, a back hands-on spotter and a free standing spotter (5).

35. Middle/ 9th Grade CM ADDITIONS
H. DISMOUNTS
All cradles from a two legged prep that DO NOT include any skill require two catchers and a back hands-on spotter. [No free spot needed]
2. All other cradles require 2 catchers, a head and shoulders back hands on spotter AND a free standing spotter. [5 participants]
3. All twisting cradles from any height must have a back hands-on spotter and a free standing spotter. [5 participants]
4. All straight down dismounts from prep level or above must have 2 people assisting.

36. Middle/ 9th Grade WV MODIFICATIONS
NF thru Inversions-WV MODIFICATION- NO STUNT INVERSIONS WILL BE PERMITTED.
NO EXCEPTIONS
No backwalkovers out of cradles….No handstands to load or shoulder sit… No
Forward suspended rolls

37. COMPETITION
Cheer Manual
portion

38. SAFETY JUDGE EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST
_____ BINDER (HEAD SAFETY JUDGE)
_____CHEER MANUAL (tabbed)
_____ NF SPIRIT RULES BOOK (tabbed)
_____ PENALTY POINTS CARD
_____ OUTLINES
_____ ROUTINE/TEAM CHECKLISTS (filled out w/preliminary info)
_____ SCORE SHEETS (filled out w/preliminary info)
_____SCORE SHEETS (safety judge’s copy)
_____ SCRIPTING SHEETS (filled out w/preliminary info)
_____ STOP WATCH
_____ SIGNAL PROP
_____ PENCILS
_____ CLIP BOARD

39. 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 Carol not Cindy

40. FORM C2A

41. FORM C2B

42. PENALTIES
Violation of ANY rule from the NF Spirit rule book or WV Cheer Manual = 20 point deduction
Pom/Hair Piece Rule EXCEPTION
Incidental Touch Rule EXCEPTION
Two Jump Rule EXCEPTION
Stunt or Tumbling Bobble 1-5
Stunt or Tumbling Falls 6-10

43. TECHNICAL/SAFETY JUDGE DEDUCTIONS
THE FOLLOWING PENALTY POINTS SHALL BE DEDUCTED FROM THE TOTAL SCORE:
Stunts
Bobbles 1-5 points
Early out 5 points
Falls 6-10 points
Base to knee(s) 6 points
Base to seat 8 points
Base to back 10 points
Flyer (free) falls 10 points
Time violation 20 points (per violation)
Rule violation 20 points (per violation)
Pom/hair piece/device violation points
Step on w/no slip/fall 5 points
Step on w/slip 6-9 points
Step on w/fall 10 points
Technical Cheer
One jump omitted 5 points
Two jumps omitted 10 points
Incidental Touching Rule 1-10 points
Touch 1-5 points
Touch w/fall 6-10points

44. SCRIPTING FORM SCRIPTING SHEET

45. EXAMPLES OF DEDUCTIONS:
HOW MANY POINTS SHOULD BE DEDUCTED?

46. EXAMPLES OF DEDUCTIONS:
HOW MANY POINTS SHOULD BE DEDUCTED?

47. Rules of Emphasis
Entering/exiting the performance area during any part of the performance of other squads is illegal. P. 22
Moves that involve pelvic thrust(s) are illegal. P.23
Mention of past honors/awards either audible or visually for the entire routine is prohibited. P.23

48. COMPETITION - Word rules -Technical & Open CM
Requirements – “Cheer words shall only refer to the performing squad’s own school and/or mascot in positive terms.”
Prohibitions – “No cheer words that refer directly or indirectly to any person(s), group, mascot, or school that is not part of the performing squad’s or that refer to past honors, awards or past placements.
Open
Prohibitions –No cheer words or words in the music that refer directly or indirectly to any person(s), group, mascot, or school that is not part of the performing squad’s.”
-- No cheer words or words in the music that refer directly or indirectly to sex, drugs or alcohol or words that refer to past honors, awards or past placements.

49. CHEER MANUAL
B.2.a (2) In the dance incorporation, there must be a minimum of 8 consecutive 8-counts of full squad dance in order to earn any of the possible points. (See Cheer Manual for components of dance, and the Score Sheet CJ-2 for point value.)
The rule of thumb is that to earn any of the possible 8 points for dance, any tumbling or stunting skills mentioned in the NFHS Spirit Rules Book and the WVSSAC Cheer Manual may not be incorporated into the dance. You can refer  Modifications and Degree of Difficulty page in the Cheer Manual (the possible mentions are not just limited to these pages.)

50. Head Safety Judge Duties
Head Safety Judge Will:
Attend the meeting for the regional tournament directors
Review the narratives for the region, marking anything that is questionable.
Meet with CAROL to review the narratives of each school
Arrive at venue 1 ½ hours before start of competition to asses the venue and meet with other safety and table judges
Assign assistants duties of uniform or safety check
Conduct safety check of squads with one assistant and fill out, with scripting, any violations, Form CJ-6, giving the copy to the coach, keep the original
NO COACHES’ MEETING

52. TECHNICAL PORTION
Prior to arm drop, NO synchronized team motions, i.e. stomping, kneeling, salutes, commands, etc.
Head safety judge will signal designated cheerleader to begin routine
30-40 seconds
2 different jumps
NO touching, stunts, pyramids, tumbling, bracing, or use of music

53. TECHNICAL
To begin the TECHNICAL portion - on the signal from the safety judge, the right arm is extended beside head. Time begins when the hand is slapped down to the side

54. After Technical
Cheerleaders will remain on the floor to be judged – May move to place poms and/or to new formation
Safety judges will record time; reset watch for open routine
Safety judges will record any violations or penalties on script sheet

55. To Begin OPEN
To begin the OPEN - on the signal from the safety judge, the right arm is extended beside head to signal the coach that squad is ready to begin. Arm remains extended until start of routine. The time will begin with the first word, motion, or the beginning of the music.

56. OPEN ROUTINE Must not exceed 2 minutes 30 seconds
No voice-overs on cheers
Poms are the only props allowed (after technical)
Music used at the discretion of the team
Only one start & stop permitted when using music
Music started by coaches only
Eight, 8-counts of consecutive full squad dance = any of the 8 points possible for dance
Time stops when all cheerleaders return to the cheer surface after the last motion, word, or note of music

57. Head Safety & Safety Judge Duties
Head Safety & Safety Judge Will:
Script violations & penalties, number of 8-counts in the dance, number each stunt series and indicate right, center or left
Record times on script sheet
Confer with assistants [Head Safety Judge]
Relay to table judges if # of 8-count threshold in dance has been met. [Head Safety Judge]
Record violations & penalties on score sheet. Violations must be documented. (See form CMF – CJ1) [Head Safety Judge]
Gather all table judges’ score sheets & check for correct scoring & signature [Head Safety Judge]
Hand safety and table judges’ score sheets and Form CJ-6 to the runner [Head safety Judge]

58. Head Safety Judge Duties (Cont’d)
In Tabulation Room Head Safety Judge Will:
Check & sign off on Master Score Sheets
(CMF-CJ3), Tabulators’ Check List (CMF-CJ4),
& Announcement Forms
Announcement forms are released to the tournament director for publication

59. Questions about SAFETY??
Call or CAROL
Phone:
NOTE: MY SIGN MAY APPEAR LIKE THIS AND THE B REPRESENTS MY MOTHER.