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Please tear out along the perforations. You may make copies of this form.
C.
UNIFORM GUIDELINES
1.
All participant uniforms must cover the midriff when standing at
attention. Covered midriff does include flesh or nude colored body
suits and liners; however, fringe would not count as a cover.
2.
Any team in violation of the uniform guidelines will be assessed a five
(5) point deduction.
3.
A traditional sideline uniform is required for all Game Day divisions.
D.
TIME LIMITATIONS
1. Each performance routines presentation must include at least one
cheer or sideline chant. The musical portion must not exceed
one minute and thirty seconds
. Total time limit is
two
minutes and thirty seconds
. Timing will begin with the first
movement, voice, or note of music, whichever comes first.
2. Each Game Day performance should consist of a Cheer, Sideline and
Band Chant or Fight Song. The music portion must not exceed one
minute with an overall maximum performance time of three minutes.
Time will begin after the first audio cue is given.
3. If a team exceeds the time limit, a penalty will be assessed for each
violation. Three (3) point deduction for 1-5 seconds over, Five (5)
point deduction for 6-10 seconds over and Seven (7) point deduction
for 11 seconds and over.
4. The routine time limit is 2:30. Acknowledging the potential variance
caused by human reaction speed and sound system time variations,
judges will not issue a deduction until their stopwatches show a time
of 2:33.
5. Because penalties are severe, it is recommended that all teams time
their performance several times prior to competition and leave a
several second cushion to allow for variations in sound equipment.
6. Introductions
a. All introductions (tumbling, entrances, chants, spellouts, etc.) are
considered part of the routine and will be timed as part of the
performance.
b. All team breaks, rituals and traditions need to take place prior
to entering the mat.
c. Teams should take the floor immediately with spirit and
enthusiasm, but without excessive gestures. Example: chest
bumps, hugs, hand shakes, etc.
d. All teams should refrain from any type of excessive celebration
following the team’s performance. Any team in violation will
receive a ONE point deduction.
e. There should not be any organized exits or other activities after
the official ending of the routine.
E.
MUSIC
1. Teams may use an unlimited number of songs in their routine at all
competitions.
2. NHSCC MUSIC GUIDELINES --
Due to television network
requirements, all music used by teams competing at the National
High School Cheerleading Championship must be licensed by either
ASCAP, BMI or SESAC. Any violation of the licensing requirement
will subject the team to disqualification from the Championship and
omission from any associated television programs.
3. NHSCC MUSIC GUIDELINES –
Teams may not use Disney
themes, however, Disney music that is ASCAP, BMI or SESAC is
acceptable.
Note: All teams must provide their own Fight Song / Band Cadence music.
Teams competing in the Game Day Categories will not be required to
have ASCAP Licensing on their Fight Song / Band Cadence.
F.
COMPETITION PERFORMANCE AREA
1. Participants must start in the competition area with at least one foot on
the ground.
2. Teams may line up anywhere inside the competition area.
3. UCA Competitions comply with the NFHS & AACCA surface ruling
that school based programs may not compete on a spring floor.
4. Approximate floor size will be 54 feet wide by 42 feet deep (9
strips).
5. Deductions will not be assessed for out of bounds at any of the UCA
Competitions. With the exception of the NHSCC.
6. BOUNDARY FOR THE NHSCC – Any team member stepping outside
or touching outside the performance area will cause the squad to
receive a .5 penalty per occurrence.
a. The white line is considered a warning mark.
b. A penalty will be assessed when any ONE full hand, foot or
body part touches outside of the performance surface.
7. Signs or props may be placed or dropped outside the competition
area by a team member who must remain inside the competition
area.
G.
NHSCC QUALIFICATION
:
1. All teams must compete in the same division at the National
Championship in which they qualified.
2. Individuals may NOT represent more than one team at the National
Championship.
3. It is understood that teams that participate in the National High
School Cheerleading Championship will NOT knowingly and
willingly participate in any other cheerleading event promoted
as a national or international championship for the 2014-2015
school year. (Exception: USA National Championship) Teams who
violate this rule will be subject to disqualification and will forfeit the
opportunity to participate in the subsequent National High School
Cheerleading Championship.
H. SPOTTER POLICY
In an effort to promote a higher level of safety for competing athletes,
UCA will provide additional spotters at all UCA school and recreational
cheer competitions. School and Recreational cheer programs do not
always have a large number of staff and coaches available to spot
routines. To ensure that the safety of participants is not compromised due
to limited number of team provided spotters, additional spotters will be
provided by UCA.
Guidelines:
1. UCA Competition provided additional spotters will be mandatory on
the competition floor.
2. A limited number of additional spotters may be available upon
coaches’ request in rehearsal/warm up.
3. School-based teams and recreational teams may provide additional
spotters in rehearsal/warm up.
Definition of Additional Spotter:
Individuals on the competition floor provided as a safety precaution to spot
certain elements of a routine. Competition provided additional spotters
will follow the listed guidelines:
Additional Spotters:
1. Should only be used during the stunt, pyramid, and/or basket toss
sections. Additional spotters are present for added safety and should
stand at the back of the floor when not spotting those sections.
2. Should not touch, assist, or save skills being performed. Additional
spotters should only be used to prevent a fall to the competition floor.
3. Should be dressed so that they are presentable, professional, and
distinguishable from the performing athletes.
4. Should not dress or act in a manner that distracts from the athletes
and their performance.
5. Should be at least 18 years old and familiar with spotting the skills of
the performing team.
Note:
To provide the safest competitive environment, teams should not
attempt skills beyond their ability level.