nca competition rule book for school teamsnca.s3.varsity.com.s3.amazonaws.com/files/... ·...

Coaches,

This Rulebook has been updated to include minor clarifications and grammatical errors. A summary is included below.

1. TIME OUT CHEER AND FIGHT SONG: No twisting dismounts from stunts. Twisting into stunts is allowed. (pg. 15)2. FIGHT SONG: Performances can incorporate up to three (3) eight counts of skills (stunts, tumbling, and/or jumps).

The three (3) eight counts must be consecutive. During the Fight Song, the three (3) 8 counts may be repeated if performed identically. The three 8 counts of skills includes loading and dismounting from stunts (unless routine finishes in stunt/pyramid). (pg.16)

3. PERFORMANCE DIVISION JUDGING RANGES: jump combinations are defined as continuous movement between jumps. Jump combinations do not necessarily require a whip approach. (pg. 4)

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to email me at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Justin CarrierVice PresidentNCA & NDAVarsity Spirit BrandsOffice: 972.840.4038Fax: 972.840.4061

NCA COMPETITION RULE BOOKFOR SCHOOL TEAMS

NCA SENIOR & JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOLNATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

Dallas, TexasJanuary 23-24, 2016

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

NCA Scoring Process

2015 - 2016 NCA School Judging Ranges

Eligibility Policy

Division Violations

Inappropriate Choreography, Music and Outfitting

Interruption of Performance

Performance Area

Legality Verification

How to Qualify: NCA Senior & Junior High School National Championship

2015 - 2016 High School & Junior High Division Guidelines

New This Season

Music Information

Judging Panels

Code of Conduct

2015 - 2016 NCA School Performance and Game Time Divisions

2015 - 2016 NCA School Rules and Restrictions

Performance Routine Requirements

Performance Game Day Divisions

Game Time General Rules

Competition Area

Game Time Routine Requirements and Skill Restrictions

NCA Game Time Scoring

Game Time National Champion Awards

NCA Best Cheerleader

NCA Group Stunt

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2015 - 2016 AACCA SAFETY RULESFor the most up-to-date AACCA Safety Rules for the 2015 - 2016 championship season, please visit http://www.aacca.org

SCHOOL CHEER RULE BOOK • 1REVISED 12.7.15

NCA SCHOOL COMPETITION RULES

SCHOOL CHEER RULE BOOK • 2

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.

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 SYSTEM

BUILDING 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

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.

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

REVISED 12.7.15

NCA SCHOOL COMPETITION RULESTIME 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 usea stop watch or similar device to measure the official time. Acknowledging the potential variance caused by human reactionspeed and sound system time variations, judges will not issue a deduction until their stopwatch/clock shows a time thatexceeds 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.


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

REVISED 12.7.15

2015-2016 NCA SCHOOL JUDGING RANGESThe following grid outlines the point ranges for specific skill sets performed by MOST of the team. Skills performed by LESS than most of the team will move the score into a lower range. In each category, most of the team must master each listed skill unless the skills are separated by the word “or.” MOST is defined as approximately 75% of the team.

BHS = Back HandspringJUMP COMBINATIONS = Defined as continuous movement between jumps. Jump combinations do not necessarily require a whip approachNOTE: Elementary & Junior High/Middle School Teams must follow the additional AACCA Restrictions located in the NCA Rule Book.

STUNT DIFFICULTY PYRAMID DIFFICULTY TUMBLING DIFFICULTY

5 - 6 5 - 6 5 - 6Extension Preps orOne Leg Variations Below Prep Level

Pyramids involvingExtended Two Leg Stunts

and/or One Leg Stunts at Prep Level

Cartwheels orRound-offs or

Forward/Backward Rolls

6 - 7 6 - 7 6 - 7Extensions or

One Leg Variations at Prep LevelPyramids involving

Extended One Leg StuntsRound-off BHS or

Standing BHS

7 - 8 7 - 8 7 - 8Extended One Leg Stunts

Required Dismount:Single Twist from Two Leg Stunts

Pyramids involving Extended One Leg Stunts with

Multiple Transitional Sequences, at leastone of which is a release pyramid transition

and Multiple Extended Structures

Round-off BHS Back Tucks orRound-off Tucks or

Standing BHS Series orJump/BHS Combinations

8 - 9 8 - 9 8 - 9Elite Skills

Single Twist from One Leg Stunts orExtended Stunt Sequence performed

by a Single Base, Unassisted

Pyramids involving Extended One Leg Stunts with

Multiple Transitional Sequences, at least one of which is a Braced Flip Transition and

Multiple Extended Structures

Layouts orStanding Back Tucks or

Standing BHS Back Tucks

ADVANCED MAX SCORE – 9.0 ADVANCED MAX SCORE – 9.0 ADVANCED MAX SCORE – 9.0

INTERMEDIATE MAX SCORE – 8.0 INTERMEDIATE MAX SCORE – 8.0 INTERMEDIATE MAX SCORE – 8.0

NOVICE MAX SCORE – 7.0 NOVICE MAX SCORE – 7.0 NOVICE MAX SCORE – 7.0

REVISED 12.7.15

STUNTSElite Stunt Skills* include (but are not limited to):• Full up to extended position• Release moves that land in an extended position• Tick tock variations• Toss extended stunts• Other unique mounts and transitions of similar difficulty level

*Advanced Divisions only

JUMP DIFFICULTYTeams will be scored in the following ranges:

Novice: 6.0 – 7.0Intermediate: 7.0 – 8.0Advanced: 8.0 – 9.0

• 6.0 / 7.0 / 8.0 – Single jumps• 6.2 / 7.2 / 8.2 – Double jump combinations• 6.4 / 7.4 / 8.4 – Triple jump combinations with no variety• 6.6 / 7.6 / 8.6 – Triple jump combinations with variety• 6.8 / 7.8 / 8.8 – Quad jump combinations or triple jump

combinations and a single jump, no variety• 7.0 / 8.0 / 9.0 – Quad jump combinations or triple jump

combinations and a single jump, must include variety

TOSSESTosses are not required, but may be rewarded in the “Pyramid” category.

MOTIONS/GIRLS DANCEThis category will be judged based on a team’s ability to incorporate transitions, level changes, footwork and floorwork, with a variety of visual movement in their dance with a high level of perfection.Motion technique throughout the routine will also be considered.

Novice: 7.0 – 8.0Intermediate: 8.0 – 9.0Advanced: 9.0 – 10.0

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

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 VERIFICATIONAs 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.


REVISED 12.7.15

REVISED 12.7.15


2016 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

DVD QUALIFICATIONDVD’s must be sent to NCA, attn: HSN DVD Qualification, 2010 Merritt Drive, Garland, TX 75041, and postmarked no later than November 13, 2015.

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 14, 2015 (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.



2015 - 2016 HIGH SCHOOL & JUNIOR HIGHDIVISION GUIDELINESHigh 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 High School Open 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.



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%• Turn off all notifications• 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 CONDUCTTo 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

Accuscore 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 fromfuture NCA Championships.


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emen

tary

Sch

ool a

nd n

ot a

Jun

ior H

igh

or M

iddl

e Sc

hool

*Ath

lete

s yo

unge

r tha

n 9t

h gr

ade

will

be

allo

wed

to p

artic

ipat

e in

the

Hig

h Sc

hool

Ope

n D

ivis

ion

if th

ey a

re e

nrol

led

in th

e sc

hool

they

are

repr

esen

ting,

are

reco

gniz

ed a

s fu

ll tim

e ch

eerl

eade

rsfo

r tha

t sch

ool a

nd re

ceiv

e w

ritte

n pe

rmis

sion

from

NCA

pri

or to

the

com

petit

ion.

NCA

rese

rves

the

right

to s

plit,

com

bine

and

del

ete

divi

sion

s as

war

rant

ed a

nd/o

r dee

med

app

ropr

iate

. Pl

ease

refe

r to

the

NCA

Rul

eboo

k fo

r Age

Elig

ibili

ty, S

kill

Rest

rictio

ns a

nd E

nrol

lmen

t Req

uire

men

ts p

rior t

o re

gist

erin

g fo

r a s

peci

fic d

ivis

ion.

NO

VIC

EIN

TE

RM

ED

IAT

EA

DV

AN

CE

D

SMA

LL H

IGH

SCH

OO

LG

AM

E TI

ME

DIV

ISIO

NS

SMA

LL T

IME

OU

T CH

EER

HIG

H S

CHO

OL

5 - 1

7 M

embe

rs9th

- 12

th G

rade

Fem

ale/

Mal

e

SMA

LL F

IGH

T SO

NG

HIG

H S

CHO

OL

5 - 1

7 M

embe

rs9th

- 12

th G

rade

Fem

ale/

Mal

e

SMA

LL T

IME

OU

T D

AN

CE H

IGH

SCH

OO

L5

- 17

Mem

bers

9th -

12th G

rade

Fem

ale/

Mal

e

LARG

E H

IGH

SCH

OO

LG

AM

E TI

ME

DIV

ISIO

NS

LARG

E TI

ME

OU

T CH

EER

HIG

H S

CHO

OL

18 M

embe

rs o

r Mor

e9th

- 12

th G

rade

Fem

ale/

Mal

e

LARG

E FI

GH

T SO

NG

HIG

H S

CHO

OL

18 M

embe

rs o

r Mor

e9th

- 12

th G

rade

Fem

ale/

Mal

e

LARG

E TI

ME

OU

T D

AN

CE H

IGH

SCH

OO

L18

Mem

bers

or M

ore

9th -

12th G

rade

Fem

ale/

Mal

e

NOT

E: A

ny n

on-c

heer

lead

er p

artic

ipan

t(s) w

ho p

erfo

rms

with

you

r tea

m (F

lag

Runn

ers,

Ban

d M

embe

rs, e

tc.),

w

ill c

ount

tow

ard

your

TOT

AL n

umbe

r of p

artic

ipan

ts.

Team

s m

ust c

ompe

te in

sam

e ca

tego

ries

(Sm

all o

r Lar

ge) t

o be

el

igib

le fo

r Nat

iona

l Cha

mpi

on w

ithin

that

div

isio

n. T

wo

cham

pion

s w

ill b

e aw

arde

d.

JUN

IOR

HIGH

/MID

DLE

SCHO

OLG

AM

E TI

ME

DIV

ISIO

NS

TIM

E O

UT

CHEE

R JH

/MS

No

Team

Size

Lim

it9th

Gra

de a

nd B

elow

Fem

ale/

Mal

e

FIG

HT

SON

G J

H/M

SN

o Te

am S

ize L

imit

9th G

rade

and

Bel

owFe

mal

e/M

ale

TIM

E O

UT

DA

NCE

JH

/MS

No

Team

Size

Lim

it9th

Gra

de a

nd B

elow

Fem

ale/

Mal

e

GA

ME

TIM

E

NC

A S

CH

OO

L D

IVIS

ION

SFA

LL 2

015

- SP

RIN

G 2

016

CH

AM

PIO

NS

HIP

S

RE

VIS

ED

12.

7.15

NO

VIC

E S

KIL

LS R

ES

TR

ICT

ION

SN

ovic

e te

ams

will

follo

w A

ACC

A S

afet

y G

uide

lines

with

thes

e ad

ditio

nal s

kill

rest

rict

ions

.

STA

ND

ING

TU

MB

LIN

G:

Stan

ding

tum

blin

g is

lim

ited

to a

sta

ndin

g si

ngle

bac

k ha

ndsp

ring.

Sta

ndin

g ba

ck h

ands

prin

g se

ries

and

jum

p/ba

ck

hand

sprin

g co

mbi

natio

ns a

re n

ot a

llow

ed.

Stan

ding

tuck

s ar

e no

t allo

wed

. R

UN

NIN

G T

UM

BLI

NG

: Ru

nnin

g tu

mbl

ing

is li

mite

d to

fron

t and

bac

k ha

ndsp

ring

serie

s. F

lips

and

aeria

ls a

re n

ot a

llow

ed (n

o tu

cks)

. S

TUN

TS:

Sing

le le

g st

unts

may

not

be

held

or p

ass

thro

ugh

an e

xten

ded

posi

tion.

No

exte

nded

libe

rties

. Tw

istin

g tra

nsiti

ons

are

limite

d 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.

Al

l rel

ease

mov

es m

ust l

and

in a

cra

dle.

The

onl

y in

vers

ions

allo

wed

are

tran

sitio

ns fr

om g

roun

d le

vel i

nver

sion

s to

no

n-in

verte

d po

sitio

ns.

No

othe

r inv

ersi

ons

are

allo

wed

.Ex

ampl

e: L

egal

: Goi

ng fr

om a

han

dsta

nd o

n th

e gr

ound

to a

non

-inve

rted

stun

t suc

h as

a s

houl

der s

it.Ex

ampl

e: Il

lega

l: Go

ing

from

a c

radl

e to

a h

ands

tand

or f

rom

a p

rone

pos

ition

to a

forw

ard

roll.

PYR

AM

IDS:

Ext

ende

d on

e le

g st

unts

mus

t be

brac

ed b

y at

leas

t one

per

son

at p

rep

leve

l or b

elow

. Co

nnec

tion

mus

t be

mad

e pr

ior t

o

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 br

aced

by

othe

r top

per

sons

, the

y m

ay n

ot p

erfo

rm a

ny s

kill

durin

g tra

nsiti

on a

nd m

ust l

and

in a

cra

dle.

Inv

ersi

on in

pyr

amid

s ar

e no

t allo

wed

with

the

exce

ptio

ns o

f the

inve

rsio

ns a

llow

ed u

nder

Nov

ice

Stun

ts.

Rele

ase

mov

es in

pyr

amid

s ar

e no

t al

low

ed w

ith th

e ex

cept

ion

of th

e re

leas

e m

oves

allo

wed

und

er N

ovic

e St

unts

. D

ISM

OU

NTS

: On

ly s

traig

ht p

op d

owns

, bas

ic s

traig

ht c

radl

es a

nd ¼

turn

s ar

e al

low

ed.

TO

SSES

: Th

e on

ly b

ody

posi

tion

allo

wed

is a

stra

ight

ride

.

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

time

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

ga

me

•Em

phas

is o

n cr

owd

invo

lvem

ent

•At

leas

t 2 c

ompo

nent

s re

quire

d fro

m th

e fo

llow

ing:

che

ers,

cha

nts,

tra

ditio

nal y

ells

and

/or d

rum

cad

ence

s•

No

mus

ic p

erm

itted

, dru

m c

aden

ce c

an b

e us

ed (C

D or

Liv

e Dr

umm

er)

•N

o ba

sket

s, s

pong

e, e

leva

tor o

r sim

ilar t

ype

toss

es p

erm

itted

•N

o in

vers

ions

•N

o tw

istin

g di

smou

nts

from

stu

nts

•Si

ngle

leg

exte

nded

stu

nts

are

limite

d to

libe

rties

and

libe

rty h

itche

s•

No

runn

ing

tum

blin

g •

Stan

ding

Tum

blin

g is

lim

ited

to s

tand

ing

back

han

dspr

ings

and

sta

ndin

g ba

ck tu

cks

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

time

limit

•Up

to th

ree

cons

ecut

ive

eigh

t cou

nts

may

be

inco

rpor

ated

with

stu

nts,

tu

mbl

ing

and/

or ju

mps

– if

repe

ated

, inc

orpo

ratio

n m

ust r

epea

t as

initi

ally

pe

rform

ed•

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

time

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

full

com

petit

ion

rule

s at

nc

a.va

rsity

.com

/Com

petit

ions

/Rul

es-A

nd-D

ivis

ions

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

: Ba

ck F

lips

may

ON

LY b

e pe

rform

ed in

tuck

pos

ition

onl

y an

d fro

m a

roun

d of

f or r

ound

off

back

han

dspr

ing(

s).

Othe

r ski

lls w

ith h

and

supp

ort p

rior t

o th

e ro

und

off o

r rou

nd o

ff ba

ck h

ands

prin

g ar

e al

low

ed.

Exam

ple:

Fro

nt h

ands

prin

gs a

nd fr

ont w

alko

ver t

hrou

gh to

roun

d of

f bac

k ha

ndsp

ring(

s) b

ack

tuck

s ar

e le

gal.

No

twis

ting

whi

le a

irbor

ne.

Exce

ptio

n: A

eria

l car

twhe

els

are

allo

wed

. N

o tu

mbl

ing

is a

llow

ed a

fter a

flip

or a

n ae

rial c

artw

heel

. Ca

rtwhe

el tu

cked

flip

s an

d/or

car

twhe

el –

bac

k ha

ndsp

ring(

s) –

tuck

s ar

e no

t allo

wed

. S

TUN

TS:

Twis

ting

trans

ition

s to

and

from

an

exte

nded

pos

ition

may

not

exc

eed

½ tw

istin

g tra

nsiti

on.

Rele

ase

mov

es m

ust s

tart

belo

w p

rep

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

pers

ons

at p

rep

leve

l or b

elow

. Br

aced

flip

s ar

e no

t allo

wed

.

DIS

MO

UN

TS:

Only

stra

ight

pop

dow

ns, b

asic

stra

ight

ride

s, a

nd ¼

turn

s ar

e al

low

ed fr

om a

ny s

ingl

e le

g st

unt.

Up

to 1

¼ tw

ists

are

allo

wed

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

AN

D R

ES

TRIC

TIO

NS

TO

TA

KE

EFF

EC

T FO

R 2

015

- 201

6 C

HA

MP

ION

SH

IP S

EA

SO

N.

NC

A S

CH

OO

L D

IVIS

ION

S20

15 -

2016

RU

LES

AN

D R

ES

TRIC

TIO

NS

RE

VIS

ED

12.

7.15

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 theroutine starts.

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

• Teams should utilize all areas of their squad’s technical strength in jumps, tumbling, partner stunts, pyramids, motiontechnique, 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.


REVISED 12.7.15

REVISED 12.7.15

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. Seespecific 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 notenter the division without their cheerleaders.

• MASCOTS are limited to the same props as cheerleaders (poms, signs, flags, megaphones and/or banners) and are NOTallowed to stunt in any Game Time Division.

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

• The team and each participating member/coach should constantly display good sportsmanship throughout the entireperformance in regards to respect for themselves, other teams and the viewing audience of all ages. Teams shouldrefrain 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 publicrepresentatives and ambassadors of their school in regards to grooming, traditional and appropriate attire, conservativemake-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 floorfor 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.• 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.• 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 inany type of specialty skill.

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

• Teams should utilize all areas of their squad’s crowd-leading strengths. The use of poms, signs, flags, megaphonesand/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 from stunts.• No twisting dismounts from stunts.• Single leg extended stunts are limited to liberties and liberty hitches.• No running tumbling.• Standing tumbling is limited to standing back handsprings and standing back tucks.



FIGHT SONG REQUIREMENTS • Each team will perform a routine not to exceed 1 minute.• 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. During the fight song, the three (3) eight counts may be repeated, if performed identically. The there (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 from stunts.• No twisting dismounts from stunts.• Single leg extended stunts are limited to liberties and liberty hitches.• 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.• No running tumbling.• Standing tumbling is limited to standing back handsprings and standing back tucks.

TIME OUT DANCE REQUIREMENTS • Each team will perform a routine not to exceed 1 minute.• 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 three NCA Game Time National Champion titles will be awarded at the NCA Senior and Junior High School National Championship (Small High School, Large High School, and Junior High/Middle School).

The National Championship title will be presented to the team having the highest average of all THREE (3) scores.

To be eligible to win the NCA Game Time National Championship title, teams must compete in all THREE (3) of the Game Time categories offered.

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 REQUIREMENTSThese 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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