nca competition rule book for school...

NCA COMPETITION RULE BOOKFOR SCHOOL TEAMS

NCA SENIOR & JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Dallas, TexasJanuary 24-25, 2015

NCA HIGH SCHOOL OPENNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

St. Louis, MissouriJanuary 18, 2015

TABLE OF CONTENTSNCA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO BE THE ARBITRATOR AND INTERPRETER OF ALL RULES COVERED IN THIS DOCUMENT.

SCHOOL CHEER RULE BOOK • 2

Eligibility Policy

Division Violations

Inappropriate Choreography, Music and Outfitting

Interruption of Performance

Performance Area

Legality Verification

How to Qualify: NCA Senior & Junior High School Championship

2014 - 2015 High School & Junior High Division Guidelines

2014 - 2015 Recreation & Youth League Division Guidelines

Music Information

Judging Panels

Code of Conduct

2014 - 2015 NCA School Performance and Game Time Divisions

2014 - 2015 NCA School Rules and Restrictions

Performance Routine Requirements

Performance Game Day Divisions

NCA Scoring Process

2014 - 2015 NCA School Judging Ranges

2014 - 2015 NCA Sliding Criteria

Game Time General Rules

Game Time Routine Requirements and Skill Restrictions

NCA Game Time Scoring

NCA Best Cheerleader

NCA Group Stunt

3

3

3

4

4

5

6

7

7

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10

11

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19

2014 - 2015 AACCA SAFETY RULESFor the most up-to-date AACCA Safety Rules for the 2014 - 2015 championship season, please visit http://www.aacca.org

NCA SCHOOL COMPETITION RULESNCA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO BE THE ARBITRATOR AND INTERPRETER OF ALL RULES COVERED IN THIS DOCUMENT.


NCA fervently encourages and supports sportsmanship, integrity and fairness among participants and coaches in all facets of cheerleading including, but not limited to, team/squad practice and performance. We strive to uphold the highest standards and promote this to the best of our abilities, and believe that coaches are instrumental in promoting and instilling this among their respective team members.

ELIGIBILITY POLICYIn fairness to all, NCA strictly enforces its age/grade requirements for each division. NCA reserves the right to assess a penalty, disqualify, reclaim any and all awards and/or remove video appearance for any team/gym found to be in violation of the eligibility policy, whether before, during or after the Event. A Team Roster Form will be sent to all coaches participating in an NCA Championship. One roster must be completed per team, and should include each participant’s name, age, grade and birth date. This form must be signed and given to NCA during the event check-in. A school representative must sign and date this form. For High School and Junior High teams these forms must be notarized by school administration. The Team Roster Form will be reconciled against the Release and Waiver Form to ensure all members are accounted for.

DIVISION VIOLATIONSParticipants may not compete in multiple divisions within the School Cheer categories at the same championship (example: performers may not compete on a Junior Varsity and Medium Varsity team). Participants may compete with the same school for Performance and Game Time Divisions. If a team performs with a member participating in more than one performance division, the second and each subsequent team will receive a 2.0 deduction off of their final score for each illegal participant (maximum penalty is 10.0).

INAPPROPRIATE CHOREOGRAPHY / MUSIC / OUTFITTINGAll facets of a performance or routine, including choreography, music selection and outfitting (cheerleading), should be suitable for family viewing and listening. Uniforms for all team types should be appropriate for the age of the participants performing the routine. Outfitting for cheerleading performances should follow traditional dress standards. In general, school performances, including but not limited to the actual routine, signs, cheers, chants and hand signals/gestures, should adhere to outfitting, performance and music guidelines and criteria in place and approved by the administration or institution to which the school team belongs.

A deduction of 1.0 will be given for vulgar or suggestive choreography, which includes, but is not limited to, movements such as hip thrusting and inappropriate touching, gestures, hand/arm movements and signals, slapping, positioning of body parts and positioning to one another. Deductions will be given for music or words unsuitable for family listening, which includes, but is not limited to, swearwords and connotations of any type of sexual act or behavior, drugs, mention of specific parts of the body torso, and/or violent acts or behavior. Removing improper language or words from a song and replacing with sound effects or other words constitutes inappropriate, and deductions will be made accordingly.

NCA has adopted the NFHS ruling that states: “when standing at attention, apparel must cover the midriff.” If a school or recreational team is found to be in violation of this rule, the team will receive a 1.0 deduction off of their final score.

Any uniform or music in which the appropriateness is questionable or with which uncertainty exists should be submitted to NCA for approval. Because multiple performances of a routine when compared to one another will generally lack distinction, NCA is not able to approve with absoluteness the appropriateness of choreography (since movements can be easily modified, NCA could feasibly approve a particular movement when viewed on a video or in person, only to have it performed differently during competition). However, choreography, if questionable, may be submitted to NCA for feedback.


INTERRUPTION OF PERFORMANCE

INJURYThe Safety Judge, Head Judge, coach, athlete or competition official reserves the right to stop a routine due to an obvious injury. In the event that an injury causes the team’s routine to be interrupted during a Nationals’ Preliminary Competition, Classic Championship or a Regional Championship, the team will have 30 minutes to regroup before performing their routine again from the beginning. Judging will resume from the point at which the injury/interruption occurred as determined by the Judges. The routine must be performed full-out from the beginning of the routine. All point deductions accumulated to that point will carry over. If a team prefers not to re-work the routine, then at the coach’s discretion, they may take the score they have received up to that point. If a skill has not been performed a “0” will be given in the category. In the event that an injury causes the team’s routine to be interrupted during final competition (Nationals), the judges will determine if there is sufficient time and feasibility for the team to complete their performance. If not, scores will be based on the performance prior to the injury.

UNIFORM DISTRACTIONSThe Safety Judge or Head Judge reserves the right to stop a routine, assess a deduction, and/or disqualify a team for a uniform distraction (e.g. garment not being securely fastened/attached, straps break, pants split, etc.). Each performer is required to take the necessary steps to avoid inappropriate exposure prior to the performance. If a judge stops the routine or a performer leaves the floor to adjust a uniform a penalty or disqualification may result. The team may or may not be given an opportunity to return to complete their performance.

INTERPRETATIONS / RULINGSNCA has the authority to make a decision on any issue, protest, penalty or rule that is unclear or not specifically addressed in this book. NCA will render a judgment in an effort to ensure that the competition is conducted in a manner consistent with the general spirit and goals of the competition and NCA.

MUSICIn the event a technical error causes a team’s music to be interrupted, the coach will have the opportunity to stop the performance. Generally, the team will perform immediately unless NCA determines for safety reasons they should be moved later in the performance order. It is recommended that coaches have a backup CD with them at the music table. Judging and timing will resume from the point at which the malfunction occurred as determined by the Judges.

PERFORMANCE AREANCA Competitions comply with the NFHS and AACCA surface ruling that school-based programs may not compete on a spring floor. Most NCA Competitions will have a Competition Area measuring 42’ deep by 54’ wide carpet-bonded foam floor. See each event for confirmation of the floor type and size.



LEGALITY VERIFICATION

As a coach, it is important to be current on the NCA & AACCA Safety Rules. If you have questions concerning any safety rules or questions regarding specific performance elements, please follow these steps. This will ensure that you receive a timely and accurate response to your questions.

• All questions must be in written form. • Due to the differences in interpretation and terminology; no phone calls will be accepted.• Do not rely on prior rulings from NCA Championships.• A separate video must be submitted for each Competition to ensure legality.• For all Legality questions, you must send a video that contains the skill in question. • Video must include the following: 1. Front, side and back view of skill. 2. Name of the Championship where you will be performing skill and the Division you will be performing in. 3. Include your name, team name, email and phone number with your video. 4. Do not send the entire Routine, only the skill(s) in question. Your video will be kept on file at NCA.

VIDEOS THAT ARE NOT IN THE ABOVE FORMATWILL NOT BE VIEWED.

VIDEOS MUST BE RECEIVED IN THE NCA OFFICE at least THREE WEEKS PRIOR to the Championship date.Videos not received in the NCA office three weeks prior to the championship date will NOT be reviewed.

You must email your videos to: [email protected]. Note: Emailed videos may not exceed 10MB and should be in either Windows Media Player or Quicktime formats.

DO NOT DEPEND ON YOUR CHOREOGRAPHERTO DETERMINE IF SOMETHING IS LEGAL.

IF YOU FEEL THAT SOMETHING MAY BE ILLEGAL, SEND A VIDEO TO THE NCA OFFICE.



2015 NCA SENIOR AND JUNIORHIGH SCHOOL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

HOW TO QUALIFY

CAMP QUALIFICATIONSquads may qualify for the NCA Senior and Junior High School National Championship at NCA Summer Camp by meeting specific criteria as measured by the NCA Staff. Bids are based on overall performance and potential. For more information, contact the NCA office.

• NO QUALIFICATION NECESSARY FOR GAME TIME DIVISIONS / CATEGORIES• NO QUALIFICATION NECESSARY FOR THE

NCA HIGH SCHOOL OPEN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

DVD QUALIFICATIONDVD’s must be sent to NCA, attn: HSN DVD Qualification, 2010 Merritt Drive, Garland, TX 75041, and postmarked no later than November 15, 2014.

Squads should perform a 30 second cheer without music, showing their best ability in all areas of cheerleading. A spirited entrance is allowed and timing will begin with the first movement of the cheer. The cheer must adhere to the NCA Safety Rules. DVD’s submitted for qualification will not be viewed for legalities. For more information on legalities, see page 5.

REGIONAL OR CLASSIC CHAMPIONSHIP QUALIFICATIONSquads may qualify for the NCA Senior and Junior High School National Championship at an NCA Competition by December 15, 2014 (teams attending later competitions are responsible for payment deadlines). Squads placing in the top three of each Division (in Divisions with 5 or more teams) and first place teams (in Divisions with less than 5 teams), or receiving a final score of 70 or above. Refer to each specific Competition for complete details on performance and payment requirements. The routine must adhere to the NCA Rules.



2014 - 2015 HIGH SCHOOL & JUNIOR HIGHDIVISION GUIDELINES

High School/Junior High Division squads must consist entirely of students who have not graduated from high school. Divisions are determined by the grade of the participants at the time of the competition, regardless of the participant’s current age.

Generally, every member of a team representing a school must be enrolled at that school, must be on a team officially representing the school and must perform in the official uniform of that school. All exceptions to this rule must receive written approval from NCA at least 2 weeks prior to competition. In an approved exception, a cheerleader must be a full-time member of the competing team and may not represent any other school-based team throughout the entire season. Promoting cheerleaders from other campuses for the sole purpose of competition will not be allowed. Members must be officially recognized by the competing school’s administration as a member of the competing team’s cheerleading squad.

NEW THIS SEASONThe lowest official grade level for all athletes participating in high school divisions is listed as 9th grade. However, athletes younger than 9th grade will be allowed to participate in these divisions if they are enrolled in the school they are representing, are recognized as full-time cheerleaders for that school and receive written permission from NCA prior to the competition.

NCA strongly recommends that you have an alternate (not a member of another competing squad at the same event), who is prepared to substitute in the event of injury, probation, etc. No cheerleader may represent more than one School Performance Division team, even in the event of injury or emergency. Once a team checks into the Championship, the team will not be allowed to change divisions due to an injury. Note: Cheerleaders may compete in Performance and Game Time Divisions.

Teams that compete with fewer than the minimum number of athletes required for that division will receive a 2.0 deduction. Teams that compete with more than the maximum number of athletes will be disqualified.

A mascot counts as a member of the team if and only if he/she performs gymnastics, stunts, or serves as a spotter for a stunt or pyramid. Mascots must be appropriately attired so their mobility, vision, etc. are not impaired.

2014 - 2015 NCA RECREATION & YOUTH LEAGUEDIVISION GUIDELINES

Non-school affiliated teams cheer for an organized sport (basketball, football, soccer, etc.). These divisions will not be offered at Nationals but may be offered at other championships on a case-by-case basis when appropriate.

NOTE: Participant’s age is based on birth date as of August 31, 2014. NCA may require written documentation of a Rec/Youth team’s eligibility prior to competition. NCA reserves the right to request from the coach proof of age of any participating athlete up to and including a birth certificate.



MUSIC INFORMATION

REGIONALSRoutine should be on CD. Duplicate CDs must be available at the music table in case of lost or broken CDs. Coaches are strongly advised to create routines (mix music) that finish a few seconds under the time limit to ensure that the team does not go over time. Judges’ decisions on timing of total routine and music portion of routines are final.

NATIONALS AND CLASSICSMusic should be on CD or digital music player (iPod, iPhone, MP3). If utilizing CD, Duplicate CDs must be available at the music table in case of lost or broken CDs. Coaches are strongly advised to create routines (mix music) that finish a few seconds under the time limit to ensure that the team does not go over time. Judges’ decisions on timing of total routine and music portion of routines are final. If utilizing digital music player, NCA & NDA will provide the necessary cables. Be sure to follow these steps below prior to your performance:

• Set up a playlist for each routine• Turn OFF any equalizer, sound check and/or volume limit• Turn your volume up to 100%• If using a phone, make sure it is in airplane mode to avoid incoming calls during performance

JUDGING PANELS

HEAD JUDGE The Head Judge is responsible for overseeing the entire Judging Panel that consists of Panel Judges, Safety Judge, and Point Deduction Judge. The Head Judge will also fill out his/her own score sheet for each performance.

PANEL JUDGES Panel Judges are responsible for scoring each team’s performance based on the NCA Score Sheet. Each Panel Judge fills out his/her own score sheet for each performance. Panel Judges score technical ability and the overall routine, but they do not determine or score deductions or safety violations.

SAFETY JUDGE The Safety Judge is responsible for administering all safety violations, time violations, and boundary violations.

POINT DEDUCTION JUDGE (PERFORMANCE DIVISIONS ONLY) The Point Deduction Judge is responsible for assessing deductions in each routine for obvious bobbles or falls from technical skills.

ALL JUDGES’ DECISIONS ARE FINAL.

CODE OF CONDUCT

To ensure the most positive experience for all attendees, NCA asks that the following Code of Conduct be adhered to during all NCA Championships:

• Any questions or concerns that affect a team’s performance or experience must be communicated by the coach to the NCA Event Information Table. The appropriate NCA Official will then be called to discuss the situation with the coach.

• Participants, coaches or spectators are prohibited from making contact with the Judges during the competition.• Judges’ rulings are final related to deductions, final team placements and legalities.• Any unruly, aggressive or belligerent behavior by participants, coaches or spectators toward any other attendee or NCA

Event Staff will result in a deduction, potential team disqualification, removal from the event and/or barred participation from future NCA Championships.


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ngle

bac

k ha

ndsp

ring.

Sta

ndin

g ba

ck h

ands

prin

g se

ries

and

jum

p/ba

ck

ha

ndsp

ring

com

bina

tions

are

not

allo

wed

. St

andi

ng tu

cks

are

not a

llow

ed.

RU

NN

ING

TU

MB

LIN

G:

Runn

ing

tum

blin

g is

lim

ited

to fr

ont a

nd b

ack

hand

sprin

g se

ries.

Flip

s an

d ae

rials

are

not

allo

wed

(no

tuck

s).

STU

NTS

: Si

ngle

leg

stun

ts m

ay n

ot b

e he

ld o

r pas

s th

roug

h an

ext

ende

d po

sitio

n. N

o ex

tend

ed li

berti

es.

Twis

ting

trans

ition

s ar

e lim

ited

to a

½ tw

ist b

y th

e to

p pe

rson

(ful

l ups

are

not

allo

wed

). E

xcep

tion:

Log

Rol

ls/B

arre

ll ro

lls a

re a

llow

ed.

All

rele

ase

mov

es m

ust l

and

in a

cra

dle.

Inv

ersi

ons

in s

tunt

s ar

e no

t allo

wed

.

All

inve

rsio

ns m

ust m

aint

ain

cont

act w

ith th

e pe

rfor

man

ce s

urfa

ce.

Ex

cept

ion:

Tra

nsiti

ons

from

gro

und

leve

l inv

ersi

ons

to n

on-i

nver

ted

posi

tions

are

allo

wed

.

Exam

ple:

Leg

al: G

oing

from

a h

ands

tand

on

the

grou

nd to

a n

on-i

nver

ted

stun

t suc

h as

a s

houl

der s

it.

Exam

ple:

Ille

gal:

Goi

ng fr

om a

cra

dle

to a

han

dsta

nd o

r fro

m a

pro

ne p

ositi

on to

a fo

rwar

d ro

ll. P

YRA

MID

S: E

xten

ded

one

leg

stun

ts m

ust b

e br

aced

by

at le

ast o

ne p

erso

n at

pre

p le

vel o

r bel

ow.

Conn

ectio

n m

ust b

e m

ade

prio

r to

exec

utin

g si

ngle

leg

exte

nded

stu

nt a

nd m

ust b

e m

ade

at p

rep

leve

l or b

elow

. An

y tim

e a

top

pers

on is

rele

ased

by

the

base

s an

d

brac

ed b

y ot

her t

op p

erso

ns, t

hey

may

not

per

form

any

ski

ll du

ring

trans

ition

and

mus

t lan

d in

a c

radl

e. I

nver

sion

in p

yram

ids

are

no

t allo

wed

with

the

exce

ptio

ns o

f the

inve

rsio

ns a

llow

ed u

nder

Nov

ice

Stun

ts.

Exce

ptio

n: R

elea

se m

oves

in p

yram

ids

ar

e no

t allo

wed

with

the

exce

ptio

n of

the

rele

ase

mov

es a

llow

ed u

nder

Nov

ice

Stun

ts.

DIS

MO

UN

TS:

Only

stra

ight

pop

dow

ns, b

asic

stra

ight

cra

dles

and

¼ tu

rns

are

allo

wed

. T

OSS

ES:

The

only

bod

y po

sitio

n al

low

ed is

a s

traig

ht ri

de.

GA

ME

TIM

ET

IME

OU

T C

HE

ER

RU

LES

AN

D R

ES

TR

ICT

ION

SSh

owca

se y

our b

est s

idel

ine

crow

d-le

adin

g m

ater

ial

The

use

of s

igns

, pom

s, fl

ags

and/

or m

egap

hone

s is

enc

oura

ged

• 1

min

ute

15 s

econ

ds ti

me

limit

• Ti

me

will

beg

in a

nd e

nd w

ith B

uzze

r sou

nd, s

imila

r to

Tim

e Ou

t at a

gam

e •

Emph

asis

on

crow

d in

volv

emen

t•

At le

ast 2

com

pone

nts

requ

ired

from

the

follo

win

g: c

heer

s, c

hant

s,

tradi

tiona

l yel

ls a

nd/o

r dru

m c

aden

ces

• N

o m

usic

per

mitt

ed, d

rum

cad

ence

can

be

used

(CD

or L

ive

Drum

mer

)•

No

bask

ets,

spo

nge,

ele

vato

r or s

imila

r typ

e to

sses

per

mitt

ed•

No

inve

rsio

ns a

nd/o

r tw

istin

g in

to o

r out

of s

tunt

s•

No

sing

le le

g ex

tend

ed s

tunt

s•

No

runn

ing

tum

blin

g or

flip

s al

low

ed

• M

axim

um d

ifficu

lty in

tum

blin

g is

lim

ited

to s

tand

ing

back

han

dspr

ing

FIG

HT

SO

NG

RU

LES

AN

D R

ES

TR

ICT

ION

SPe

rform

you

r fav

orite

sch

ool fi

ght s

ong

• 1

min

ute

15 s

econ

ds ti

me

limit

• Up

to th

ree

eigh

t cou

nts

may

be

inco

rpor

ated

with

stu

nts,

tum

blin

g

and/

or ju

mps

, inc

orpo

ratio

n m

ust r

epea

t as

perfo

rmed

initi

ally

•

Sam

e sk

ill re

stric

tions

as

liste

d in

Tim

e Ou

t Che

er R

ules

and

Res

trict

ions

TIM

E O

UT

DA

NC

ER

ULE

S A

ND

RE

ST

RIC

TIO

NS

Perfo

rm y

our f

avor

ite T

ime-

Out d

ance

• 1

min

ute

15 s

econ

ds ti

me

limit

• Tr

aditi

onal

sid

elin

e un

iform

s re

quire

d•

Emph

asis

on

crow

d en

terta

inm

ent

• N

o st

unts

or t

umbl

ing

perm

itted

See f

ull

co

mp

eti

tio

n r

ule

s at

nca.v

ars

ity.

co

m/g

am

eti

me.a

spx

INT

ER

ME

DIA

TE

SK

ILLS

RE

ST

RIC

TIO

NS

Inte

rmed

iate

team

s w

ill fo

llow

AA

CCA

Saf

ety

Gui

delin

es w

ith th

ese

addi

tiona

l ski

ll re

stri

ctio

ns.

STA

ND

ING

TU

MB

LIN

G:

Flip

s ar

e no

t allo

wed

. N

o st

andi

ng b

ack

tuck

s or

bac

k ha

ndsp

ring

back

tuck

s. R

UN

NIN

G T

UM

BLI

NG

: Fl

ips

may

onl

y be

per

form

ed in

a tu

ck p

ositi

on.

Flip

s m

ay o

nly

be p

erfo

rmed

from

a ro

und

off o

r rou

nd o

ff ba

ck

ha

ndsp

ring

entry

. N

o tu

mbl

ing

is a

llow

ed a

fter t

he fl

ip.

No

twis

ting

durin

g th

e fli

p. C

artw

heel

bac

k tu

cks

are

not a

llow

ed.

STU

NTS

: Tw

istin

g tra

nsiti

ons

to a

nd fr

om a

n ex

tend

ed p

ositi

on m

ay n

ot e

xcee

d ½

twis

ting

trans

ition

. Re

leas

e m

oves

mus

t sta

rt be

low

pre

p

leve

l and

mus

t be

caug

ht a

t pre

p le

vel o

r bel

ow.

Rele

ase

mov

es m

ay n

ot p

ass

abov

e ex

tend

ed a

rm le

vel.

P

YRA

MID

S: D

urin

g a

pyra

mid

tran

sitio

n, to

p pe

rson

may

pas

s ab

ove

2 pe

rson

s hi

gh w

hile

in d

irect

, arm

-to-a

rm c

onta

ct w

ith tw

o ot

her t

op

pe

rson

s at

pre

p le

vel o

r bel

ow.

Brac

ed fl

ips

are

not a

llow

ed.

D

ISM

OU

NTS

: On

ly s

traig

ht p

op d

owns

, bas

ic s

traig

ht ri

des,

and

¼ tu

rns

are

allo

wed

from

any

sin

gle

leg

stun

t. U

p to

1¼

twis

ts a

re a

llow

ed

fro

m a

ny tw

o le

g st

unt.

TO

SSES

: Up

to 1

tric

k al

low

ed d

urin

g a

toss

. To

sses

may

not

exc

eed

1 tw

istin

g ro

tatio

n.

JUN

IOR

HIG

H /

MID

DLE

SC

HO

OL

/ ELE

ME

NTA

RY

SK

ILLS

RE

ST

RIC

TIO

NS

Juni

or H

igh,

Mid

dle

Scho

ol, a

nd E

lem

enta

ry te

ams

will

follo

w A

dditi

onal

Res

tric

tions

as

liste

d in

the

AA

CCA

Saf

ety

Gui

delin

es.

AD

VA

NC

ED

SK

ILLS

RE

ST

RIC

TIO

NS

Adv

ance

d te

ams

will

follo

w th

e st

anda

rd A

ACC

A S

afet

y G

uide

lines

with

no

othe

r ski

ll re

stri

ctio

ns.

Ru

les

and

Res

tric

tio

ns

to t

ake

effe

ct f

or

20

14

- 2

01

5 C

ham

pio

nsh

ip S

easo

n.

NC

A S

CH

OO

L D

IVIS

ION

S2

01

4 -

20

15

RU

LES

AN

D R

ES

TR

ICT

ION

S

CR

EA

TE

D 5

.7.1

4

NCA PERFORMANCE DIVISIONSNCA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO BE THE ARBITRATOR AND INTERPRETER OF ALL RULES COVERED IN THIS DOCUMENT.

PERFORMANCE ROUTINE REQUIREMENTS• Each team will perform a choreographed routine not to exceed 2 minutes and 30 seconds (150 seconds).• Up to 1 minute and 30 seconds (90 seconds) of the routine may be performed to music. No voice-overs or words may be

recorded to make the team’s vocal projection sound louder.• Organized, formal entrances that involve organized cheers or run-ons with jumps, tumbling or stunts are not permitted.

Cheerleaders should enter the performance area in a timely fashion.• Timing will begin with the first organized word, movement or note of music by the team after they are officially

announced and have taken the floor. Cheerleaders must have at least one foot on the performing surface when the routine starts.

• Timing will end with the last organized word, movement or note of music by the team. Teams must exit the performance area immediately following the routine.

• Teams should utilize all areas of their squad’s technical strength in jumps, tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids, motion technique, projection and expression, choreography, showmanship and dance.

• Team names will be called twice: once as the team on deck and once as the next team to perform.• Routines must be appropriate for family viewing. Any vulgar or suggestive movements, words or music will result in a

score deduction. No tear-away uniforms or removal of clothing is allowed.

NON-TUMBLING DIVISIONSThe Non-Tumbling divisions will prohibit all tumbling, except for inversions into or from load in positions, stunts and pyramids. Tumbling is defined as any skill with feet over head rotation.

PERFORMANCE GAME DAY DIVISIONSThese divisions will follow NCA Performance Division Guidelines with Intermediate or Advanced restrictions and requires a cheer portion that emphasizes crowd-leading ability. Categories on the score sheet include: Spacing and Formations, Crowd Effective Material and Use of Props.

NCA SCORING PROCESSThe scoring process for NCA Championships will be on a 100 point scale. Scores for each category will range from 0-10, including tenths of points (example: 5.5, 9.2, etc.). These scores will be entered into a computer that will add the scores. All point deductions and/or penalties will be deducted from the subtotal to get the FINAL SCORE. Your Day 1 score will count as 25% of your final score. Your Day 2 score will account for the other 75%. Teams will compete in reverse order from how they placed in prelims (e.g. squads with the highest score after prelims in a particular division will compete last in that division on finals).

DEDUCTION SYSTEMBUILDING BOBBLE - .25Examples:• Stunts and Pyramids that almost drop/fall, but are saved• Blatant incomplete twisting cradles (landing on stomach, etc.)• Knee or hand of base touching ground during cradle or dismount

BUILDING FALL - .50Examples:• Cradling, dismounting, or bringing down a stunt or pyramid early (not timing issues)• Base falling to the floor during a cradle or dismount

SCHOOL CHEER RULE BOOK • 11 • REVISED 8.11.14

NCA PERFORMANCE DIVISIONSNCA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO BE THE ARBITRATOR AND INTERPRETER OF ALL RULES COVERED IN THIS DOCUMENT.

ATHLETE FALL - .25Examples:• Hands down in tumbling or jumps• Knees down in tumbling or jumps• Blatant incomplete tumbling twist(s)• Multiple body parts touch the floor in tumbling or jumps• Drops to the floor during individual skills (tumbling, jumps, etc.)

MAJOR BUILDING FALL - .75Examples:• Falls from individual stunt, pyramid or tosses to the ground (top person lands on ground or multiple bases land on ground)

MAXIMUM - 1.0When multiple deductions should be assessed during an individual stunt or toss (by a single group), or during a pyramid collapse, then the sum of those deductions will not be greater than 1.0.

TIME LIMIT VIOLATIONSTeams that exceed 2:30 will be subject to the following deduction:• 1 - 5 seconds over time will result in a .5 deduction• 6 or more seconds over time will result in a 1.0 deductionThe routine time limit is 2:30. Routines that exceed this time limit run a risk of being assessed a deduction. Judges will use a stop watch or similar device to measure the official time. Acknowledging the potential variance caused by human reaction speed and sound system time variations, judges will not issue a deduction until their stopwatch/clock shows a time that exceeds 2:33.

SAFETY VIOLATIONS• Building skills performed out of level will be issued a 1.0 deduction.• Tumbling skills performed out of level and violation of any other General Safety Guidelines will be issued a .50

deduction.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT DEDUCTIONWhen a coach is in discussion with an official, other coaches, athletes and parents/spectators they must maintain proper professional conduct. Failing to do so may result in a 2.0 deduction, removal of coach, or disqualification.

BOUNDARY VIOLATIONSThe performance surface is defined as the 42’ x 54’ competition floor. The competition boundary is defined as the performance surface and any immediate adjacent safety border. A .25 deduction will be assessed per occurrence for an athlete that makes contact with both feet outside the competition boundary. Stepping on, or just past the white tape is not a boundary violation.

MINIMUM NUMBER OF ATHLETESTeams that compete with fewer than the minimum number of athletes required for that division may receive a 1.0 deduction or be disqualified.

UNIFORM MIDRIFF DEDUCTIONNCA has adopted the NFHS ruling that states: “when standing at attention, apparel must cover the midriff.” If a school or recreational team is found to be in violation of this rule, the team will receive a 1.0 deduction off of their final score.


ST

UN

TS

PY

RA

MID

S o

r T

OS

SE

ST

UM

BLI

NG

JUM

PS

MO

TIO

NS

/DA

NC

E5

- 6

5 - 6

5 - 6

5 -

66

- 7

Exte

nsio

n Pr

eps

orOn

e Le

g Va

riatio

ns

Belo

w P

rep

Leve

l

Pyra

mid

s in

volv

ing

Exte

nded

Tw

o Le

g St

unts

and/

or O

ne L

eg S

tunt

sat

Pre

p Le

vel

Cartw

heel

s or

Roun

d-of

fs o

rFo

rwar

d/Ba

ckw

ard

Rolls

Sing

le o

r Dou

ble

Jum

p Co

mbi

natio

nsN

ovic

e Te

ams:

Min

imal

tra

nsiti

ons/

leve

l cha

nges

. Av

erag

e Le

vel o

f Exe

cutio

n.

6 -

76

- 7

6 - 7

6 -

77

- 8

Exte

nsio

ns o

rOn

e Le

g Va

riatio

ns

at P

rep

Leve

l

Pyra

mid

s in

volv

ing

Exte

nded

One

Leg

Stu

nts

Basi

c St

raig

ht R

ides

Roun

d-of

f BHS

or

Stan

ding

BHS

Trip

le J

ump

Com

bina

tions

of A

dvan

ced

Jum

psN

ovic

e Te

ams:

Mul

tiple

tran

sitio

ns/le

vel

chan

ges.

Inc

lude

s Va

riety

of M

ovem

ent,

Foot

wor

k an

d/or

Flo

orw

ork.

Abov

e Av

erag

e Le

vel o

f Exe

cutio

n.

Inte

rmed

iate

Tea

ms:

Min

imal

tran

sitio

ns/le

vel

chan

ges.

Ave

rage

Lev

el o

f Exe

cutio

n.

7 -

87

- 8

7 - 8

7 -

88

- 9

Exte

nded

One

Leg

Stu

nts

Requ

ired

Dism

ount

:Si

ngle

Tw

ist f

rom

Tw

o Le

g St

unts

Pyra

mid

s in

volv

ing

Exte

nded

One

Leg

Stu

nts

with

M

ultip

le T

rans

ition

al

Sequ

ence

s, a

t lea

st o

ne o

f w

hich

is a

rele

ase

pyra

mid

tra

nsiti

on a

nd M

ultip

le

Exte

nded

Stru

ctur

es

Sing

le T

wis

ting

Toss

es o

rN

on-T

wis

ting

Toss

es

ex. T

oe T

ouch

,Sw

itch

Kick

, Tuc

k Ar

ch

Roun

d-of

f BHS

Bac

k Tu

cks

orRo

und-

off T

ucks

or

Stan

ding

BHS

Ser

ies

orJu

mp/

BHS

Com

bina

tions

Trip

le J

ump

Com

bina

tions

of A

dvan

ced

Jum

ps(In

term

edia

te T

eam

s)

Inte

rmed

iate

Tea

ms:

Mul

tiple

tra

nsiti

ons/

leve

l cha

nges

. In

clud

es V

arie

ty

of M

ovem

ent,

Foot

wor

k an

d/or

Flo

orw

ork.

Ab

ove

Aver

age

Leve

l of E

xecu

tion.

Adva

nced

Tea

ms:

Min

imal

tran

sitio

ns/le

vel

chan

ges.

Ave

rage

Lev

el o

f Exe

cutio

n.

8 -

98

- 9

8 - 9

8 -

99

- 1

0

Elite

Ski

llsSi

ngle

Tw

ist f

rom

On

e Le

g St

unts

or

Exte

nded

Stu

nt S

eque

nce

perfo

rmed

by

a Si

ngle

Bas

e, U

nass

iste

d

Pyra

mid

s in

volv

ing

Exte

nded

One

Leg

Stu

nts

with

M

ultip

le T

rans

ition

al

Sequ

ence

s, a

t lea

st o

ne

of w

hich

is a

Bra

ced

Flip

Tr

ansi

tion

and

Mul

tiple

Ex

tend

ed S

truct

ures

Doub

le S

kill

Toss

esin

clud

ing

a Tw

ist

ex. K

ick

Fulls

Layo

uts

orSt

andi

ng B

ack

Tuck

s or

Stan

ding

BHS

Bac

k Tu

cks

Trip

le J

ump

Com

bina

tions

of A

dvan

ced

Jum

ps(A

dvan

ced

Team

s)

Adva

nced

Tea

ms:

Mul

tiple

tran

sitio

ns

and

leve

l cha

nges

. In

clud

es V

arie

ty o

f M

ovem

ent,

Foot

wor

k an

d/or

Flo

orw

ork.

Ab

ove

Aver

age

Leve

l of E

xecu

tion.

20

14

-20

15

NC

A S

CH

OO

L JU

DG

ING

RA

NG

ES

The

follo

win

g gr

id o

utlin

es th

e po

int r

ange

s fo

r spe

cific

ski

ll se

ts p

erfo

rmed

by

a M

AJOR

ITY

of th

e te

am w

ith a

hig

h le

vel o

f per

fect

ion.

Skill

s pe

rform

ed w

ith L

ESS

than

a h

igh

leve

l of p

erfe

ctio

n or

by

LESS

than

a m

ajor

ity o

f the

team

will

mov

e th

e sc

ore

into

a lo

wer

rang

e.In

eac

h ca

tego

ry, t

he m

ajor

ity o

f the

team

mus

t mas

ter e

ach

liste

d sk

ill u

nles

s th

e sk

ills

are

sepa

rate

d by

the

wor

d “o

r.”

BHS

- Bac

k Ha

ndsp

ring

NOT

E: E

lem

enta

ry &

Jun

ior H

igh/

Mid

dle

Scho

ol T

eam

s m

ust f

ollo

w th

e ad

ditio

nal A

ACCA

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.7.1

4

STUNTS SLIDING CRITERIA• Degree of Difficulty• Level of Perfection• Percentage of Team Participation• Strong Body Positions/Body Control• Minimal Use of Bases• Additional Skills

PYRAMIDS SLIDING CRITERIA• Degree of Difficulty• Level of Perfection• Creative/Difficult Dismounts• Percentage of Team Participation• Minimal Use of Bases• Variety/Speed of Transitions• Multiple Structures• Additional Skills

TOSSES SLIDING CRITERIA• Degree of Difficulty• Level of Perfection (Technique and Timing)• Percentage of Team Participation• Height• Strong Body Positions• Minimal Use of Bases (Lack of Front Spots)• Specialty Incorporation• Additional Skills• Other Unique Transitions• Synchronization of Skills

STANDING TUMBLING SLIDING CRITERIA• Degree of Difficulty• Level of Perfection (Technique, Timing, Landing)• Percentage of Team Participation• Height of Skills• Form• Specialty Combinations/Creativity• Synchronization of Skills• Additional Skills

RUNNING TUMBLING SLIDING CRITERIA• Degree of Difficulty• Level of Perfection (Technique, Timing, Landing)• Percentage of Team Participation• Height of Skills• Form• Specialty Combinations/Creativity• Synchronization of Skills• Additional Skills

JUMPS SLIDING CRITERIA• Hyperextended/Flexibility• Jump/Tumbling Combinations• Jump Combinations• Synchronization of Skills• Toe Point• Landings• Arm Placement• Difficulty of Approaches• Additional Skills

MOTIONS/DANCE SLIDING CRITERIA• Use of Motions and Dance• Synchronization• Sharpness• Rhythm• Body Control• Placement• Visual Effect• Pace• Energy/Entertainment Value• Formations

ELITE STUNTING SKILLS INCLUDE (BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO):• Full Up to Extended Position• Major Releases that land in an Extended Position• Major Tick Tock Variations• Inverted Transitions to an Extended Position• Toss Extended Stunts• Other Unique Mounts & Transitions of Similar Difficulty Level

ADVANCED JUMPS INCLUDE:• Toe Touch• Front Hurdler • Pike• Double Nine

NCA SLIDING CRITERIAThe following are examples of traits and qualities of the execution

to help the Judges determine skill placement within the point range.

CREATED 5.7.14

NCA GAME TIME DIVISIONSNCA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO BE THE ARBITRATOR AND INTERPRETER OF ALL RULES COVERED IN THIS DOCUMENT.

GAME TIME GENERAL RULES

• All cheerleading skills including tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids and jumps for the Game Time Divisions must follow the AACCA Safety Guidelines. All skills should be carefully reviewed and supervised by a qualified adult coach. See specific skill restrictions for each category.

• Cheer teams are encouraged to include other sideline spirit groups (i.e. dance team, song/pom, mascot, pep/short flag, etc.), but sideline spirit groups will not be judged separately. Additional performance-based and spirit groups may not enter the division without their cheerleaders.

• MASCOTS are limited to the same props as cheerleaders (poms, signs, flags, megaphones and/or banners) and are NOT allowed to stunt in any Game Time Division.

• Routines must be appropriate for family viewing. Any vulgar and/or suggestive movements, words or music will result in a score deduction.

• The team and each participating member/coach should constantly display good sportsmanship throughout the entire performance in regards to respect for themselves, other teams and the viewing audience of all ages. Teams should refrain from any taunting, bragging or suggestive expressions or gestures as well as discrimination of any nature.

• We recommend that the team and each of its members display an overall appearance conducive to serving as public representatives and ambassadors of their school in regards to grooming, traditional and appropriate attire, conservative make-up, uniformity, etc.

COMPETITION AREA

• Participants may stand or enter outside the competition area. • All permitted skills (stunts, pyramids, tumbling etc.) must be performed on the competition mat. • Competitions comply with the NFHS and AACCA surface ruling that school based programs may not compete on a

spring floor. Approximate floor size will be a traditional mat of 42 feet deep by 54 feet wide (9 strips). Performance floor for the Time-Out Dance will depend upon event location.

• Objects cannot be thrown outside the competition floor.• Poms, signs, flags, megaphones and/or banners may be placed or dropped outside the competition area by a team

member.



GAME TIME ROUTINE REQUIREMENTS

• Each team will perform a routine not to exceed 1 minute and 15 seconds.• Teams may not set up props in advance of any category.• See specific Category for details on the start and stop for each type of routine.• All introductions (entrances, chants, spell-outs, etc.) are considered part of the routine and are timed as part of the

performance. • There should not be any organized exits or other activities after the official ending of the routine.

TIME OUT CHEER REQUIREMENTS

• Each team will perform a routine not to exceed 1 minute and 15 seconds.• In most locations, Time Out Cheer will begin and end with a buzzer sound similar to a time-out at a game.• No music may be used during the performance. Live drummer and/or drum track is allowed. All specialty skills (i.e.

jumps, stunts, tumbling) must be performed within a safe distance of all Drummers. Drummers cannot be involved in any type of specialty skill.

• Each team’s presentation must include at least two components required from the following: cheers, chants, traditional yells, and/or drum cadences.

• Teams should utilize all areas of their squad’s crowd-leading strengths. The use of poms, signs, flags, megaphones and/or banners is encouraged.

• Judging will be based on the following criteria:1. Crowd communication, including: crowd effective material, spacing and formations, voice and pace, crowd leading skills and use of poms, signs, flags, megaphones and/or banners. 2. Placement, synchronization and strength of motions.3. Overall impression and crowd appeal.4. Emphasis on crowd involvement and practicality. All material should be suitable for a game or pep rally.

SPECIFIC SKILL RESTRICTIONS• No baskets, sponge, elevator, or similar type tosses permitted.• No inversions and/or twisting into or out of stunts regardless of contact with bases. • No single leg extended stunts.• No running tumbling or flips allowed.• Maximum difficulty in tumbling is limited to a single back handspring.



FIGHT SONG REQUIREMENTS

• Each team will perform a routine not to exceed 1 minute and 15 seconds.• Teams are encouraged to use their traditional team fight song.• Timing will begin with the first organized movement, voice or note of music, whichever comes first and end with the last

beat of music or organized movement.• Props (poms, signs, flags, megaphones and/or banners) are permitted in this category.• Performances can incorporate up to three (3) eight counts of skills (stunts, tumbling and/or jumps). The three (3) eight

counts must be consecutive and the same three (3) eight counts can be repeated if the fight song is repeated. The three (3) eight counts of skills includes loading and dismounting from stunts (unless routine finishes in stunt/pyramid).

• Judging will be based on the following criteria:1. Crowd-oriented material, fit to music, using effective spacing and formations, and incorporating visual effects.2. Placement, synchronization and strength of motions3. Overall impression and crowd appeal. 4. Emphasis will be placed on practicality. All material should be suitable and able to be performed multiple times during a game or pep rally.

SPECIFIC SKILL RESTRICTIONS• No baskets, sponge, elevator, or similar type tosses permitted. • No inversions and /or twisting into or out of stunts regardless of contact with bases. • No single leg extended stunts.• A jump is considered a skill and can only be performed in the three (3) eight count segment.• A kick will not be considered as a skill and can be performed at any time during the routine.• Maximum difficulty in tumbling is limited to a standing back handspring.

TIME OUT DANCE REQUIREMENTS

• Each team will perform a routine not to exceed 1 minute and 15 seconds.• Any dance style that is appropriate for a time-out situation within a sideline cheering setting is acceptable (i.e. jazz,

pom, hip hop, etc.)• Timing will begin with the first organized movement, voice or note of music, whichever comes first and end with the last

beat of music or organized movement.• Camp material may be easily adapted to fit this category.• Poms are the only props permitted.• Judging will be based on the following criteria:

1. Creativity and musicality, variety and the execution of transitions and formations. 2. Placement, synchronization and strength of motions/movement.3. Visual effect and spacing.4. Overall impression and crowd appeal. 5. Emphasis will be on audience appropriateness and appeal. This is a performance-based Category. Crowd leading components will not be judged.

SPECIFIC SKILL RESTRICTIONS• Tumbling and/or stunting of any kind is prohibited, including during entrances and exits. • Dance skills (i.e. turns, leaps, kicks, etc.) are permitted.



NCA GAME TIME SCORING

SAFETY VIOLATIONS• Building skills performed out of level will be issued a 1.0 deduction.• Tumbling skills performed out of level and violation of any other General Safety Guidelines will be issued a .50

deduction.

GAME TIME BOUNDARY VIOLATIONSAny skills not performed on a competition mat may result in a .25 deduction per occurrence.

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT DEDUCTIONWhen a coach is in discussion with an official, other coaches, athletes and parents/spectators they must maintain proper professional conduct. Failing to do so may result in a 2.0 deduction, removal of coach or disqualification.

MINIMUM NUMBER OF ATHLETESTeams that compete with fewer than the minimum number of athletes required for that division may receive a 1.0 deduction or be disqualified.

UNIFORM MIDRIFF DEDUCTIONNCA has adopted the NFHS ruling that states: “when standing at attention, apparel must cover the midriff.” If a school or recreational team is found to be in violation of this rule, the team will receive a 1.0 deduction off of their final score.

GAME TIME NATIONAL CHAMPION AWARDS

Up to four NCA Game Time National Champion titles will be awarded at the NCA Senior and Junior High School National Championship and at the NCA High School Open National Championship (Small High School, Large High School, Junior High/Middle School, Elementary). Elementary may only enter two categories (Time Out Cheer and Time Out Dance).

The National Championship title will be presented to the team having the highest total of two (2) category scores. If a team enters three categories, then their two highest scores will be totaled to determine their total scores (Fight Song and Time Out Dance scores will be converted to 100%).

To be eligible to win the NCA Game Time National Championship title, teams must compete in at least two of the Game Time categories offered and their final ranking must be in the top 3 in a minimum of one of the categories (Fight Song, Time Out Cheer, Time Out Dance). Fight Song category is not offered in the Elementary Division.

Participants cannot compete twice in the same Game Time Category.

If a team wins the NCA Game Time National Championship title, as well as a Performance Division National Championship title, individuals will only receive one national championship jacket. Teams will receive a banner and trophy for each national title.


BEST CHEERLEADER & GROUP STUNTNCA RESERVES THE RIGHT TO BE THE ARBITRATOR AND INTERPRETER OF ALL RULES COVERED IN THIS DOCUMENT.

BEST CHEERLEADER & GROUP STUNT REQUIREMENTS

These divisions will not be offered at Nationals but may be offered at other championships on a case-by-case basis when appropriate.

BEST CHEERLEADER REQUIREMENTSEach participant will perform the following in this order: three consecutive jumps, tumbling pass, and a cheer. Overall performance may not exceed 90 seconds. Music is not allowed. A partner may not be used during the performance. Judging is based on voice projection, showmanship, cheer execution, spirit and ability in the areas of jumps and tumbling, as well as overall impression. There is a five-trick limit (jumps, gymnastics, splits) in your performance after your tumbling pass. A back handspring back tuck, toe touch back handspring, or round-off back tuck are each considered two tricks. There will be a .5 penalty if more than five tricks are performed in your cheer and a separate penalty if the routine exceeds the time limit.

• Elementary Best Cheerleader: 6th grade and below • Junior Best Cheerleader: 7th - 9th grade• Senior Best Cheerleader: 10th - 12th grade• Males and females will compete in the same division based on grade. • There is no limit as to how many individuals may enter from a team.

GROUP STUNT REQUIREMENTSEach group stunt routine may be up to, but no longer than 60 seconds, with background music. Timing will begin with the first sound of music or movement of the team. The routine does not have to be choreographed directly to the music. Teams will be judged on technique, strength and stability of stunts, flow of routine, degree of difficulty (taking into consideration the number of stunts), perfection of routine and overall impression. There will be a penalty each time there is a violation of the NCA High School Rules, and a separate penalty if your routine exceeds the time limit.

• Junior Best Group Stunt: 9th grade and below (up to 5 members, all females)• Senior Best Group Stunt: 9th-12th grade (up to 5 members, 1 may be male)• Coed Best Group Stunt: 9th-12th grade (up to 5 members, 1-2 may be males)• Note: These groups must follow the NCA High School/Junior High Rules.


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