2019-2020 WVSSAC CHEER CLINICRevised -- 8/19/19

➢ RE-PRINT/READ revised cheer documents. Do not use information from dated information before 8/19/2019.

➢ Cheer Manual (CM) and the Interscholastic (INT) has revisions. Changes in the CM will be indicated as such: Add or Delete

➢ Judges must pass exam to be certified. CM – Page 18. Judges are expected to submit honest qualifications and affiliations. Judges

must review updated deductions and scoring procedures. CM – Pages 15 & 24

➢ Stunting - high to high’s are legal. NFHS – Page 27

➢ DANCE UPDATE: No jumps, tumbling, partner stunts or pyramids in the dance in order to earn any of the 8 possible points. there

must be a minimum of 6 consecutive 8-counts of full team dance. Jumps are permitted. No more than two athletes can assist in a

lift of another athlete and the waist of the athlete being lifted can go no higher than prep level. Lifted athletes may not be inverted.

All lifts should be included in the narrative of the dance and be pre-approved. NOTE: Additional dance beyond the required six 8-

counts is not restricted. CM – Page 14

➢ Middle School Dismounts. CM – Pages 8 & 9

➢ Deductions / penalty points. CM – Page 15

➢ Tumbling and Stunting levels and degree of difficulty. CM – Pages 20-23

➢ Hair regulations. CM - Pages 13 & 15; INT – Page 12

➢ Clarification: release date for middle school teams to participate with all-star teams are after the county or conference

championship or after high school regionals. INT – Page 12

Know ALL rules/information from the:

• NFHS Spirit Rules Book

• WVSSAC Handbook

• Interscholastic

• WVSSAC Cheer Manual & Forms• Cheer Coaches Packet

• Training PowerPoints

MUST be followed during all:

• ACTIVITIES

• PRACTICES

• PERFORMANCES

• COMPETITIONS 2

NFHS App (optional)

WVSSAC CHEER RULES

NFHS New Logo NFHS Rule 1 - Definitions

Dive Roll – An airborne forward roll where the feet of the

performer are at or above the performer's waist prior to the

hands making contact with the performing surface. (ILLEGAL)

Switch Up – A stunt in which a top person starts with one foot

on the ground, is released, and lands in a vertical stunt on one

foot or both feet.

NFHS, Pages 11 & 13

Note: Middle schools only switch up to prep level. CM – Page 9

3

NFHS Apparel/Accessories 2-1-11ART. 11 … Supports, braces, casts, etc., that are unaltered from

the manufacturer's original design/production do not require any

additional padding. Supports/braces that have been altered from

the manufacturer's original design/production must be padded

with a closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less than one-

half-inch thick if the participant is involved in partner stunts,

pyramids or tosses. A participant wearing a plaster cast or a

walking boot must not be involved in partner stunts, pyramids,

tosses, jumps, or tumbling.

NFHS, Page 15

4

NFHS GENERAL RISK MANAGEMENT 2-1-7

ART. 7 … Performing surfaces and areas must be suitable for

spirit activities.

a. Surfaces and areas must be reasonably free from objects

and/or impediments.

b. Stunts and tumbling must be modified to be appropriate for

the surface and/or area and in relation to other participants.

(New) c. When using props that are made of hard material or

have sharp corners or edges:

1. A top person may not release the props to the

ground.

2. A person on the ground must gently toss or place the

props

NFHS, Page 145

3-2-1NFHS STUNTING PERSONNEL

3-2-1 A base must not:a. Assume a back-bend, headstand or handstand position.

b. Hold objects in a hand that is supporting a top person.

*A base must not hold props that are made of hard material or have sharp corners or edges*

NFHS, Page 19

6

Note: clarification

NFHS Stunting Personnel 3-2-7ART. 7…A spotter is required for extended stunts or transitions

that stop in an extended position except for the following:

a. Chair

b. Russian lift

c. Double-base split catch

d. Double-base vertical T-lift

e. Triple-base stunts in which the top person is horizontal

f. Triple-base suspended splits

g. Triple-base straddle sit

Rationale: A torch is a prep level skill in which the top person's foot is in the hands of the base, which requires a spotter. Torch is considered a single base stunt because the base has the foot of the top in both hands. This skill needs a spotter.

NFHS, Pages 19 & 20

G

Note: changed lettering & added G

7

NFHS STUNTING PERSONNEL 3-2-8

ART. 8…A spotter is required for single-base prep-level

stunts in which the foot/feet of the top person are in the

hands of the base and tosses to single-base shoulder

stands.

NFHS, Page 20

8

NFHS 3-2-8

ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOL CM – Page 8

WV Modification-Middle Schools require a hands on spotter and a free standing spotter

WV modification-

there must be a

hands on spotter.

CM- Page 7

NFHS, Page 56

ILLEGAL for WV

9

NFHS Inversions 3-3-3b5

3-3-3c

(New) ART. 3b5… When the catchers are not the original

bases, the new catchers are in place when the transition

is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not

part of any other skill. (An Example could be a foldover

being caught by another set of bases / close enough to

catch.)

(New) ART. 3c… The top person and at least one bracer

maintains hand-to-hand/arm contact.

INVERSIONS ARE ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS. INT – Page 12

NFHS, Page 21

10

INVERSIONS ARE ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS. INT – Page 12

NFHS 3-3-3b

NFHS, Page 57

WV must have

hands on spotter.

CM – Page 7

11

INVERSIONS ARE ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS. INT – Page 12

NFHS Inversions 3-3-5

ART. 5… Braced flips in a pyramid are permitted provided all the following conditions are met:

a. NEW: Both of the top person’s hands/arms are in continuous contact with a bracer. If a

single bracer is used, there must

be a hand/arm connection between both hands/arms of

top bracer.

b. Bracer(s) must be in a multi-base prep with a spotter.

c. The top person must be to the side of or in front of the bracer(s).

3-3-5 WV Modification-In braced pyramid flips, the bracers may only brace one top person

who is flipping. INT – Page 16

12

NFHS, Pages 21 & 59

NFHS 3-3-5

INVERSIONS ARE ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS. INT – Page 12

NFHS, Pages 59 & 60

13

ART. 6…. In all other inversions:

a. Inversions may release to the following provided there is a spotter:

1. Non-inverted dismounts with no more than a ½ turn.

2. Loading position with no more than ½ turn.

3. A stunt at any level with no twists.

NFHS Inversions 3-3-6a

NFHS, Pages 2, 21, 23, 61, 89

14

NF Page 2 (3-3-6a): Allows inversions to release to an extended level

NF Page 89 (3-3-6a): Inversions releasing to an extended level pose no additional risk.

NF Page 23 (3-3-6 Situation F): A top person in a prep level handstand is supported by two bases and

one spotter. The bases pop athlete and: (a) athlete performs a ½ twist before being caught in a prep;

(b) catch athlete in a loading position; (c) catch athlete in an extended liberty. RULING: (a) illegal; (b)

and (c) legal

INVERSIONS ARE ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS. INT – Page 12

Note: ONLY Non-Released inversions are allowed to twist.

NFHS Inversion 3-3-6c

ART. 6c….In all other inversions:

c. In inversions where the base of support begins at or passes

through prep level:

1. Require at least two people on the performing surface shall

be in a position to protect the head/neck of the top person

2. Contact must be maintained between at least one base and

the top person’s upper body, (*waist and above, which may

include arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted

or their hands are on the performing surface. The contact must

be sufficient to stabilize/control the top person's position.

NFHS, Pages 22 & 64

INVERSIONS ARE ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS. INT – Page 12

*WV Modification: must spot above bra line.

15

NFHS Inversion (Continued) 3-3-6c

NFHS, Page 64

INVERSIONS ARE ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS. INT – Page 12

EXCEPTIONS:

A foldover that begins at or below prep level and does not stop in an extended position is

allowed. When the catchers are not the original bases, the new catchers shall be in place

when the inversion is initiated, remain close to the original bases and are not part of any

other skill.

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ART. 7... An inverted top person must not hold objects (poms, signs, etc.) in his/her hands, except during a transition from an inverted position on the performing surface to a non-inverted stunt or from a prone position below prep level to a forward roll dismount.

NFHS Inversions 3-3-7

NFHS, Page 22

WV Mod. – INT Page 16NFHS 3-8-2 pg. 32

INVERSIONS ARE ILLEGAL FOR WV MIDDLE SCHOOLS. INT – Page 12

Note: no tumbling with poms or objects

17

ART. 4... A top person may be moved from a vertical position to a horizontal position or cradle position provided all the following conditions are met:

a. The top person maintains contact with at least one original base, post or spotter.

b. At least two catchers and/or bases catch the upper body of the top person.

c. When the catchers are not the original bases, they remain close to the original bases and are in place prior to the movement to the horizontal position.

d. When the catchers are not the original bases and the top person begins or passes through an extended overhead position, there are three catchers.

DELETE 3-4-8 and 3-4-9

NFHS Non-Release Stunts 3-4-4

NFHS, Page 25

Note: Re-lettered & deleted (redundant) – misprint in the book / editorial mistakes

18

NFHS Release Stunts/Tosses 3-5-4

ART. 4 … A switch up caught by the original bases is permitted as an exception to Rules 3-5-2 and 3-5-3.

NFHS, Page 27

19

ART. 5b …The top person and at least one bracer maintains hand-to-

hand/arm contact except for the following skills, in which the top person

may not change bases:

1. A non-braced top person in a vertical position at prep level or

above may be released to a stunt at any level provided the top

person remains in a position where the upper body remains

vertical and the legs are not in a seated/piked position. Vertical

releases from an extended position to an extended position may

not perform more than a ¼ twist.

ART. 5e …The released top person and base(s) make no more than a ¼ turn around the bracer.

NFHS Release Stunts/Tosses 3-5-5b 3-5-5e

NFHS, Page 27

20

Note: High to High’s are legal in WV. Example: Braced tick-tock allowed to move from a liberty to arabesque or other skill.

NFHS Suspended Stunts 3-6-2bART. 2 …Non-braced suspended splits that originate from or pass through prep level or above are permitted provided all the following conditions are met:

a. At least three bases slow the momentum of the top person.

b. The top person has both hands in contact with a base(s) once she reaches the full split position.

EXCEPTION: Top person may release one hand to grasp the hand of another base, post, or bracer to adjust his/her position.

NFHS, Pages 29 & 73(bottom pic)

21

Note: once reach the split can switch posts or grips with another person.

ART. 3 …Braced suspended splits are permitted provided all the following conditions are met:

a. The top person has at least two bases.

b. The top person and at least one bracer maintain continuous hand-to-hand/arm contact.

NFHS Suspended Stunts 3-6-3

NFHS, Pages 29 & 73

22

Note: Hit stunt 1st

then can grab another bracer.

NFHS Dismounts 3-7-9ART. 9 …In cradle dismounts where a bracer is involved after the bases release the top person, all the following conditions must be met:

c. Each top person and bracer has a separate spotter with the exception of bracers in double based preps, shoulder sits or thigh stands.

d. The bracers do not provide primary support for the top person and remain in place during the dismount.

e. The top person makes no more than a quarter turn ¼ around the bracer in a continuous movement.

f. When the top person is released to new catchers, the catchers must be in place prior to the initiation of the release and are not part of any other skill. [Note: can’t tumble, dance, etc. to that spot].

NFHS, Page 3123

Note: HS does not need a hands on spotter. MS needs only hands on spotter at prep level (no free standing spotter for straight cradles). CM – Pages 8 & 9

ART. 2 … Dismounts to the performing surface from prep level

or above are permitted provided the following conditions are

met:

a. Assistance from a base or spotter is required and the

assistance must be sufficient to slow the momentum of the

top person.

b. If the dismount involves a skill (e.g., toe touch, twist, etc.)

two bases or a base and a spotter is required, and the

assistance must be sufficient to slow the momentum of the top person.

3-7-2NFHS Dismounts

NFHS, Page 30

HS – 1 assistMS – 2 assistsStraight to the floor

All extended released dismounts to the floor are illegal for middle schools.

24

Note: b. Can cradle a single-based stunt.MS allowed at prep level with 2 assists (like a twist). Not allowed from extended level. CM – Pages 8 & 9

NFHS Picture Pages / WV Modifications CM – Page 16

• 52 Holding pom (pictures 1 & 2)

• 53 No Hands-on spot (pictures 4 & 5)

• 54 No Hands-on spot (picture 3)

• 55 Spot not above bra line (picture 4)

• 56 No Hands-on spot (picture 5)

• 57 No Hands-on spot (picture 4)

• 58 Bracers need hands on spotter (bottom pictures 4-5-6)

• 63 Spot not above the bra line (picture 2)

• 67 Single legged extended stunt connected/bracing other extended at bottom only extended extensions allowed stunts (pictures 5-6)

• 69 Hands on back spot needed at extended position (picture 2)

• 76 Back spot needed on one-man cradles. Protect head, neck & shoulders at side (picture 4)

• 78 No tumbling while holding objects (bottom pictures 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9)

• 79 Headstands, headspins, and headsprings are all illegal (all pictures)25

WVSSAC CHEER CHANGES FOR THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR

26

• Provision of one additional outside assistance day given to teams that advance to the state tournament.

• Elimination of rule that prohibits teams from wearing apparel that mentions past championships, honors won

and using such words in their competition routines.

• Elimination of rule that requires tattoos to be covered. Questionable tattoos must be approved by school

Principal or Superintendent of Schools.

➢ Reduction in the required number of “8 counts” of dance that must be included in the open routine is now six

consecutive eight counts. DANCE UPDATE: No jumps, tumbling, partner stunts or pyramids in the dance in

order to earn any of the 8 possible points. there must be a minimum of 6 consecutive 8-counts of full team

dance. Jumps are permitted. No more than two athletes can assist in a lift of another athlete and the waist of

the athlete being lifted can go no higher than prep level. Lifted athletes may not be inverted. All lifts should be

included in the narrative of the dance and be pre-approved. NOTE: Additional dance beyond the required six 8-

counts is not restricted.

• Addition of rule that prohibits cheer teams from participating in hand shake line with teams. Cheer teams may

choose to shake hands with other cheer teams, but are not permitted in the team lines.

• Skirts must fully cover the hips and fall at least 2" below the required boy cut brief to be worn underneath.

• Entering/exiting the performance area. Note: when returning to seats, a team must not re-enter

the competition area when another team is on the floor. CM – Page 12

• Tie Breaking Procedure. Posting Scores. CM - Page 12; INT – Page 13

• Uniform & Appearance. CM - Page 13; INT - Pages 11 & 12

• Technical & Open Portions / Timing Procedure. CM - Pages 13 &14; INT – Page 13

• No pelvic thrusts (forward or forward and back), booty pops or twerking. Note: excessive shaking

will be taken into consideration as twerking and may result in a 20-point rule violation deduction.

CM - Page 14

• Mention of past honors/awards either audible or visually for the entire routine is prohibited.

• Celebration and Sportsmanship. Note: As coaches remain off the performing surface, they

should not receive a 20-point deduction for excitement when their team executes a solid routine.

CM - Page 12; NFHS Pages 17 & 18

Rules of Emphasis

27

WVSSAC UNIFORMS AND APPEARANCE

FRONT BACK

You may choose:

A square, v, or scoop

neckline – no

cleavage may show at

any time.

One cut out is

permitted as long as it

is above a legal

neckline.

Shoulder must be a

minimum of 2" wide.

No sheer or nude

material on the torso –

front or back allowed.

Midriff must be covered

front and back while

standing at attention.

The only place sheer or

nude colored material

can be used is on the

sleeves of the uniform.

Skirts must fully cover

the hips and fall at least

2" below the required

boy cut brief to be worn

underneath.

Neckline must be

normal (cannot

expose back).

Torso must be

covered.

No cut outs permitted

on back.

Modified racer backs

are permitted.

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WVSSAC UNIFORMS AND APPEARANCE

• Uniforms shall be functional and meet the school’s approval.

• Uniforms and practice apparel must also be safe and conducive to safe physical activity.

• When standing at attention, apparel must cover the midriff, both front and back.

• Shoulder cutouts are allowed and one front cutout as long as it is above the legal neckline.

• No cutouts are permitted on torso.

• Uniforms must have a standard front and back neckline (v-neck, scoop or square).

• Skirts must fully cover the hips and fall at least 2" below the required boy cut brief to be worn underneath.

• Sheer material is not permitted on the front and back of the torso or midriff.

• For safety reasons, sequins, glitter, studs, beads, rhinestones and any other adornments that are raised and/or not

made of uniform material are not legal on uniforms. (Flat heat pressed is permitted).

• This also includes adornments on socks, shoes, hair ties, hair bows, practice wear and any other garments worn to

participate in cheer activities.

• Shorts with an inseam of 3’’ or longer are allowed as part of the uniform for pep rallies, scrimmages, and other

“non-game” events.

• Shorts are not to be worn as part of game day uniforms except for special circumstances. Schools wanting to wear

shorts as part of the game day uniform must first request and receive permission from the WVSSAC office.

• Pants/warm ups are allowed as part of the uniform in inclement weather. Stunting is not allowed in loose fitting

warm ups.

NOTE: At competitions, coaches must have picture/video proof of Cindy’s approval by showing Safety Judges the original text, e-mail or written communication.

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WVSSAC COMPETITION – OutlinesCheer Coaches Packet / Pages 12-17

• High School Regional/State –[Cheer Forms] Form C2A (Contact Info) and Form C2B (Narrative).

• Other Competitions for High School and Middle School – [Cheer Forms] Form C3 and Form C2B.

• Follow format of the Cheer Narrative Example on WVSSAC website[Cheer Forms]. Include the words to the technical cheer & be specific about dance.

• Use terminology found in Rule 1 of NFHS Rule Book, NFHS pictures, and Cheer Manual pictures.

• Send videos to Kelly not CINDY

• MUST MEET DEADLINE …..OCTOBER 7, 2019

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High School Regional & State

FORMS DUE 10/7/19 TO

Kelly CINDY C2A C2A

C2B C2B

C4 (Entry Form)

C5 (Music Form)

Outlines (MUST use Microsoft Word Format)

Cheer Coaches Packet / Pages 12-17 31

Note: High School

Coaches should

submit videos to

Kelly with narratives.

Review updated

narrative example

located on WVSSAC

website.

• Review rules in NFHS Spirit Rules Book, WVSSAC Handbook,

Cheer Manual, Interscholastic, and Coaches Packet

• All extended released dismounts to the floor are illegal for middle schools. CM – Page 9

• Reminder no Inversions. INT – Page 12

• Use free standing spotter when required CM – Page 8

WVSSAC Middle School Rules

32

• After Technical Cheer - 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 time for open routine

• Safety judges will record any violations or penalties on script sheet

33

• To begin the OPEN - on the signal from the safety judge, the right arm is

extended beside head to signal the coach that team 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.

COMPETITION INFORMATION / CM – Pages 13 & 14

• Must not exceed 2 minutes 30 seconds

• The time will begin with the first word, motion, or the beginning of the music.

• Time stops when all cheerleaders return to the cheer surface after the last motion, word, or note of music

• Music used at the discretion of the team

• Only one start & stop permitted when using music

• Music started by coaches only

• No voice-overs on cheers

• Poms are the only props allowed (after technical)

• DANCE UPDATE: No jumps, tumbling, partner stunts or pyramids in the dance in order to earn any of the 8 possible points. there must be a minimum of 6 consecutive 8-counts of full team dance. Jumps are permitted. No more than two athletes can assist in a lift of another athlete and the waist of the athlete being lifted can go no higher than prep level. Lifted athletes may not be inverted. All lifts should be included in the narrative of the dance and be pre-approved. NOTE: Additional dance beyond the required six 8-counts is not restricted.

COMPETITION INFORMATION OPEN ROUTINE / CM – Pages 13 & 14

34

PENALTIES / CM – Page 15

• Violation of ANY rule from the NF Spirit rule book or WVSSAC 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

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Technical/Safety Deductions

The following penalty points shall be deducted from the total score

Category Violation Point Deduction

Technical Cheer One jump omitted 5 points

Technical Cheer Two jumps omitted 10 points

*Technical Cheer Incidental touching 1-5 points

*Technical Cheer Incidental touching with fall 6-10 points

Technical Cheer Choregraphed touching 20 points

Stunts Bobbles 1-5 points

Stunts Early out 5 points

Stunts Slip and Fall 6 points

Stunts Base to knee(s) 6 points

Stunts Base to seat 8 points

Stunts Base to head/back 10 points

Stunts Top person falls 10 points

Stunts – Middle School Only No Free Standing Spotter where required 20 points

Tumbling 1 hand down 1 point

Tumbling 2 hands down 2 points

Tumbling 1 knee down 3 points

Tumbling 2 knees down 6 points

Tumbling Seat down 8-10 points

Tumbling Back or head down 10 points

Tumbling Step out forward or backward 1 point

Tumbling Step out + 2 steps 2 points

Pom/hair piece/devices Step on device 5 points

Pom/hair piece/devices Step on device with slip 6-9 points

Pom/hair piece/devices Step on device with fall 10 points

Time violations Per Violation 20 points

Rule violations Per Violation 20 points 36

_____ BINDER (HEAD SAFETY JUDGE)

_____CHEER MANUAL, THE INTERSCHOLASTIC, CHEER COACHES PACKET (tabbed)

_____ NF SPIRIT RULES BOOK (tabbed)

_____ PENALTY POINTS CARD

_____ OUTLINES (Head Safety Judge)

_____ 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

37

Prepare documents before competition

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 KELLY to review the narratives of each school .

• Arrive at venue 1 ½ hours before start of competition. Check venue and meet with other safety and table judges.

• Assign assistants duties of uniform or safety check.

• Conduct safety check of teams 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

38

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 6-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 makes final decision]

• 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]

39

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

Head Safety Judge Duties (Cont’d)

40

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. Appropriate Health Care Professionals 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)

Licensed Physical Therapist (PT)

41

42

Tips for judges: It’s not easy to be an attentive, fair, and consistent Judge!

❑ READ & KNOW ALL RULES! Complete trainings, become certified, practice, and judge all

levels of different competitions.

❑ Must have high integrity, fairness, confidentiality qualities! Do not hold grudges. Let it go!

Avoid Drama!!

❑ Be NICE! Smile often. ☺ Be humble. Be FAIR!!

❑ Sleep well the night before. Be organized. Be on time. Dress Professionally.

❑ Do not have pre-conceived notions/opinions of previous winning teams, previous

competitions, social media videos, or fan night performances.

❑ Be present in the moment. Give 100% attention to each team.

❑ Safety is first. Rules must be followed. Safety Judges need to be consistent & deduct least

amount possible to the situation. Discuss when large deductions occur and lowest score.

❑ Table judges must memorize score sheet & use levels of difficulty in stunting, tumbling,

dance, and cheer skills / terminology. DO NOT TIE TEAMS!

❑ BE CONSISTENT! Script as much as possible without looking down. Use record keeping sheet

and compare teams before finalizing each score. Write positive comments for each team.

❑ Judges should not talk with each other during competitions. Exception dance rule.❑ Do not make negative comments about style or judge on style.

❑ Consider the following ranges….90-100 – Elite Teams; 80-89 Above Average; 70-79 Average;

60-69 Below Average

Tips for Coaches: It’s not easy to be a continuous, successful, and competitive Cheer Coach!

❑READ & KNOW ALL RULES! Complete required courses. Develop & practice emergency plan. Know the score sheet and have a good idea of what judges are looking for.

❑Get approval from your AD, Principal, and/or Superintendent when necessary.

❑Develop a coaching philosophy. Be positive, professional, and a fair role model.

❑Develop rules, charts, forms, and plans (seasonal, monthly, weekly, daily, tryouts, and fundraising).

❑Schedule meetings with parents. Be organized. Control negativity and social media.

❑Set team and individual goals. Provide motivational quotes.

❑Use performance skills charts. Monitor levels of difficulty with each athlete.

❑Progress and perfect from beginner to intermediate to advanced to elite skills. IT’S A WORK IN PROGRESS!

❑Ask your team to bring their own creative ideas. YOU MAY BE SURPRISED HOW CREATIVE THEY CAN BE!

❑Control your own competitive routine. Compete at your own level. HAVE FUN!

❑Above all keep SAFETY as your top priority and document everything, especially injuries!!

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2019 Order of Performance

AAA

A

AA

44

Region I – East Fairmont

Region II – Hedgesville

Region III – Charleston

Region IV – Cabell Midland

State Comp - Huntington

2019-2020 WVSSAC Cheer ClinicianKelly Stewart , MS

304-816-1931 (cell)kellysstewart68@gmail.com or kelly.stewart@mail.wvu.edu

FB: Kelly Cunningham-Stewart

✓ Master of Science in Athletic Coaching Education✓ Developer & Adjunct Faculty Instructor for WVU Course

“Techniques of Coaching Cheerleading”✓ WVSSAC Official of the Year Award✓ WVSSAC Clinician, Facilitator, Head Safety Judge, Assistant

Safety Judge, Head Table Judge & Table Cheer Judge✓ Certifications with ASEP, AACCA, NCSS, ACEP & NFICEP✓ Formerly Certified Nationally with STUNT, USA Cheer,

Arbiter Sports, NCATA, WSA, Spirit Celebration & Mardi Gras✓ Formerly Certified in CPR, First Aid & Concussion Courses✓ Judge since 1990 for pop-warner to collegiate levels;

including all-star competitions and camps in WV, PA, OH, KY, VA, MD, DE, TX, and FL

✓ Co-Founder of WVU Competitive Cheer Club, 2 x National Champions & 2 x runner-up

✓ NCA Collegiate All-American✓ Fairmont State University, 2 x State Champions✓ Competed Nationally, 4th in nation✓ Former Choreographer✓ Certified as a Coach - 34+ years experience of

coaching cheerleading & gymnastics✓ Former Varsity Coach, AAA Runner-up, 3rd place, and

2 x Regional Champions (1997-1999)✓ Former Middle School Coach (Head & Assistant),

3 Junior High Award of Excellence Winners; 6 county championships; one runner-up

✓ 39+ years experience in cheerleading

CREDENTIALS / QUALIFICATIONS

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