NFHS Spirit Rules 2009-10

1. NFHS Spirit Rules2009-10 Rule Interpreter Meeting August 18, 2009 Take Part. Get Set For Life! Welcome to the 2009-10 NFHS Spirit Rules Interpretation Meeting.Welcome to the 2009-10 NFHS Spirit Rules Interpretation Meeting.

3. NFHS Mission “The National Federation of State High School Associations serves its members, related professional organizations and students by providing leadership for the administration of education-based interscholastic activities, which support academic achievement, good citizenship and equitable opportunities.” To set the stage and get in to the correct framework for the meeting, I would like to first begin with the NFHS mission. We are lucky to have this leadership which provides services that are focused to enrich the educational experience for all of our students nationwide. To set the stage and get in to the correct framework for the meeting, I would like to first begin with the NFHS mission. We are lucky to have this leadership which provides services that are focused to enrich the educational experience for all of our students nationwide.

4. Meeting Agenda NFHS Spirit Rules Book 2009 - 2010 Changes Points of Emphasis NFHS Services and Initiatives Frequently Asked Questions Today we will cover five items during this meeting. Today we will cover five items during this meeting.

5. NFHS Spirit Rules Book Quick reference to rules changes Points of emphasis for the season Table of contents Index – p.7 Philosophy Rules - Three Parts Rule 1 – Definitions Rule 2 – General Risk Management Rule 3 – Dance/Drill/Pom Risk Management - Each Rules has sections and articles - Rule 2 & 3 sections and articles typically have a situational ruling (look for the *) - The back of the book has photographs covering some rules/sections/articles (look for the P) First, lets navigate through the NFHS Rules Book. The annual NFHS rules book covers the rule changes for the new season in addition to covering all spirit rules for high school spirit programs. This rules book is consistent with all of the other sport specific rules books published by the Federation. First, lets navigate through the NFHS Rules Book. The annual NFHS rules book covers the rule changes for the new season in addition to covering all spirit rules for high school spirit programs. This rules book is consistent with all of the other sport specific rules books published by the Federation.

6. 2009-10 NFHS Spirit Rules Book Philosophy Maintain sound traditions Encourage sportsmanship Minimize risk Education-based Reasonable rules This spirit rules book encompasses mandatory rules for cheer (sideline and competitive), dance, drill, poms and flag teams. The rules book is written with the philosophy that interscholastic programs supplement the secondary curriculum. Spirit programs are one of the most traditional, visible and recognizable groups in a high school. And we are charged with providing leadership to maintain this traditions in a reasonable and safe manner by educating and minimizing risk. We are also charged with the ever challenging task of being ambassadors for sportsmanship through education and modeling. This spirit rules book encompasses mandatory rules for cheer (sideline and competitive), dance, drill, poms and flag teams. The rules book is written with the philosophy that interscholastic programs supplement the secondary curriculum. Spirit programs are one of the most traditional, visible and recognizable groups in a high school. And we are charged with providing leadership to maintain this traditions in a reasonable and safe manner by educating and minimizing risk. We are also charged with the ever challenging task of being ambassadors for sportsmanship through education and modeling.

7. 2009-10 NFHS Rules Process Rule writing process Rule changes are submitted to NFHS from state offices in November Spirit Rules Committee reviews recommendations for changes in January NFHS administrative staff reviews changes NFHS Board of Directors approves changes NFHS rules books are reviewed and edited for publication in April Rules are in place for the start of the school season As we face the difficult task to provide rules at a national level – we also have to keep in mind that the NFHS has a sound process in place to write rules for interscholastic sports and activities. Here is an overview of the process. As we face the difficult task to provide rules at a national level – we also have to keep in mind that the NFHS has a sound process in place to write rules for interscholastic sports and activities. Here is an overview of the process.

8. 2009 NFHS Survey According to a recent NFHS survey there are over 400,000 individuals participating in high school cheerleading. To understand how significant our rules our lets look at the number of participants the rules reach. This first of its kind comprehensive survey measured the number of participants (freshman through senior) 18,922 NFHS member high schools in the 50 states and District of Columbia. This number included both sideline and competition cheerleaders. (113,980 student are involved in competitive programs in the 2007-08 survey. The 400,000 number is a more accurate number in which is needed when tracking cheerleading injuries. (keep in mind this number is just for cheerleaders – not drill, dance, flags, poms; so we can presume that our rules reach out to even a larger number of students in the US).To understand how significant our rules our lets look at the number of participants the rules reach. This first of its kind comprehensive survey measured the number of participants (freshman through senior) 18,922 NFHS member high schools in the 50 states and District of Columbia. This number included both sideline and competition cheerleaders. (113,980 student are involved in competitive programs in the 2007-08 survey. The 400,000 number is a more accurate number in which is needed when tracking cheerleading injuries. (keep in mind this number is just for cheerleaders – not drill, dance, flags, poms; so we can presume that our rules reach out to even a larger number of students in the US).

9. 2009-10 NFHS Spirit Rules Changes 2-4-7 h Swedish Fall 2-6-2 b Cradle Dismounts 2-6-7 Twist Cradles 2-10-5 Toe/Leg Pitch So now lets get ready to look at the four NFHS 2009-10 NFHS rules changes for this year. So now lets get ready to look at the four NFHS 2009-10 NFHS rules changes for this year.

10. Rule 2 – 4 – 7 h Spotting “Triple-Base Swedish Fall” was added to the list of exceptions in rule 2-4-7 which requires a spotter for all stunts in which the supporting arm(s) of the base(s) is(are) fully extended above the head. The first rules change….A triple base Swedish fall will not require a spotter as long as all three bases face the flyer. The first rules change….A triple base Swedish fall will not require a spotter as long as all three bases face the flyer.

11. Rule 2 – 4 – 7 h Spotting Exception – A triple base Swedish fall provided all three bases face the flyer. Rationale – When all three bases face the flyer, the front base is in a better position of safety to protect the flyer if assistance is needed. This exception clarifies that an extra spotter is not required. When all three bases face the flyer, the front is in a better position of safety to protect the flyer is assistance in spotting is needed. This exception clarifies that an extra spotter is not required. When all three bases face the flyer, the front is in a better position of safety to protect the flyer is assistance in spotting is needed.

12. Rule 2 – 6 – 2 b Dismounts New Rule: For all cradle dismounts. The flyer must not hold props (signs, etc.) that are made of solid material and have corners or sharp edges. This rule addition 2 - 6 - 2 b regards cradle dismounts. This rule addition 2 - 6 - 2 b regards cradle dismounts.

13. Rule 2 – 6 – 2 b Dismounts Rationale: Holding hard objects while performing cradle dismounts can interfere with the safe execution of the cradle. Signs are defined as solid material – poms, cloth banners, etc… are not defined as solid material The revised rule will state: For all cradle dismounts the flyer must not hold props (sign, etc.) that are made of solid materials, and have corners or sharp edges.The revised rule will state: For all cradle dismounts the flyer must not hold props (sign, etc.) that are made of solid materials, and have corners or sharp edges.

14. Rule 2 - 6 - 7 Dismounts New Rule: A twist to a cradle involving more than one rotation is permitted only on appropriate mats, grass, rubberized and soft-yielding surfaces. This double down restriction is the same restriction that was placed on basket tosses three years ago. This double down restriction is the same restriction that was placed on basket tosses three years ago.

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16. Rule 2 - 6 – 7 Dismounts Interpretation: As with basket tosses, the double twist to a cradle cannot be done on a basketball court, unless the stunt is done on an appropriate mat. Students are still permitted to do single-twist cradles and non-twisting dismounts on appropriate surfaces (basketball court, etc…) Students are still permitted to do single-twist cradles and non-twisting dismounts on appropriate surfaces (basketball court, etc…)

17. Rule 2 - 6 – 7 Dismounts Rationale: This change reflects the skill level in high school cheerleading and is consistent with the NFHS focus on risk management. NOTE: Non-twisting or single-twist cradles are permitted on any appropriate surface. As a reminder – The NFHS will continue to monitor double downs and look at injury data. Coaches need to be aware of the progressions necessary to execute this stunt successfully. As a reminder – The NFHS will continue to monitor double downs and look at injury data. Coaches need to be aware of the progressions necessary to execute this stunt successfully.

18. Rule 2 – 10 – 5 Tosses New Rule: Toe/leg pitches to a jump or tumbling skill are illegal. I added these two photos from last year to better illustrate that this is allowed from a forward suspended roll \ Rule 2-10-5 clarifies and interpretation from the past year. Rule 2-10-5 clarifies and interpretation from the past year.

19. Rule 2 – 10 – 5 Tosses Rationale: This clarifies the intent of last year’s rule change permitting a forward suspended roll from the performing surface. The revised rule will state that toe/leg pitches to a jump or tumbling skill are illegal. There has been confusion between a toss and a pitch. This change in language will assist coaches in the clarification and interpretation of the rule. The revised rule will state that toe/leg pitches to a jump or tumbling skill are illegal. There has been confusion between a toss and a pitch. This change in language will assist coaches in the clarification and interpretation of the rule.

20. NFHS Spirit Rules Book Points of Emphasis Coaches’ Responsibilities Event Security Spring Floors The Points of Emphasis highlight the major rules changes and emphasize other rules for which additional clarification may be neededThe Points of Emphasis highlight the major rules changes and emphasize other rules for which additional clarification may be needed

21. NFHS Spirit Rules Book Points of Emphasis 1. Coaches’ Responsibilities Professionalism NFHS Spirit Rules Book Sportsmanship Minimize Risk A spirit coach has tremendous responsibility – and it is their obligation to support the NFHS rules to minimize risk, display sportsmanship and be professional at all times. A spirit coach has tremendous responsibility – and it is their obligation to support the NFHS rules to minimize risk, display sportsmanship and be professional at all times.

22. NFHS Spirit Rules Book Points of Emphasis Professionalism Read the rule book – rules 1, 2, 3; situations Comprehend rules to safely and correctly teach appropriate skill Follow rules and their intent Do not avoid the notes and comments section Ensure your participants are following the rules Be a role model Be an advocate for sportsmanship When addressing professionalism – coaches must be aware of the following….Also please note the coaches and officials code of ethics located at the end of the NFHS spirit rules book – This list is an excellent guide for all interscholastic coaches to follow. When addressing professionalism – coaches must be aware of the following….Also please note the coaches and officials code of ethics located at the end of the NFHS spirit rules book – This list is an excellent guide for all interscholastic coaches to follow.

23. Sportsmanship Spirit Leaders should center on “leading” or “directing” the crowd. Positive personal behavior and squad cohesiveness demonstrates these standards. Sportsmanship continues to be a problem in high schools across the US. Spirit participants should be reminded to cheer for their team not against the opponent. Don’t berate or harass officials, players, coaches or fans. Don’t kick the bleachers or pound the floor. Do not attempt to distract a player shooting a foul shot. Remain silent or sing the national anthem while standing at attention. Make signs that are in good taste. Sportsmanship continues to be a problem in high schools across the US. Spirit participants should be reminded to cheer for their team not against the opponent. Don’t berate or harass officials, players, coaches or fans. Don’t kick the bleachers or pound the floor. Do not attempt to distract a player shooting a foul shot. Remain silent or sing the national anthem while standing at attention. Make signs that are in good taste.

24. NFHS Spirit Rules Book Points of Emphasis Security – page 3 Practice plan Event plan School policy Administration crisis plan (Emergencies, weather alerts, fire, power outages, hostile crowds, transportation, evacuation) We are also in a day and age that we can not overlook having an emergency plan or crisis plan – Communicate with administration and event security so you are as prepared as possible for all potential situations. We are also in a day and age that we can not overlook having an emergency plan or crisis plan – Communicate with administration and event security so you are as prepared as possible for all potential situations.

25. NFHS Spirit Rules Book Points of Emphasis Spring Floors School teams are reminded that they are not allowed to compete on spring floors A final point of emphasis this year is reminding school teams that they are prohibited from competing on spring floors. Most competition venues are aware of this NFHS rule and have tried to make appropriate accommodations for high school teams. Coaches should know prior to going to an event what time of performance surface is available.A final point of emphasis this year is reminding school teams that they are prohibited from competing on spring floors. Most competition venues are aware of this NFHS rule and have tried to make appropriate accommodations for high school teams. Coaches should know prior to going to an event what time of performance surface is available.

26. NFHS Initiatives for 2009 RIO – Report Injury Online NFHS partnership with Dr. Dawn Comstock – Ohio Stat University The NFHS is proud to announce that beginning this school term their will be a process in place to begin tracking the incidence of cheerleading injuries using an online injury surveillance study. This random sample of 100 high school cheerleading programs across the US will provide the NFHS with date which can be used to drive future rule adjustments. This study is being completed through the NFHS partnership with Dr. Dawn Comstock at Ohio State University. The NFHS is proud to announce that beginning this school term their will be a process in place to begin tracking the incidence of cheerleading injuries using an online injury surveillance study. This random sample of 100 high school cheerleading programs across the US will provide the NFHS with date which can be used to drive future rule adjustments. This study is being completed through the NFHS partnership with Dr. Dawn Comstock at Ohio State University.

27. NFHS Coach Education www.nfhslearn.com Fundamentals of Coaching Sport Specific Courses Engaging Effectively with Parents NFHS First Aid for Coaches One of the most exciting initiatives coming from the NFHS is the NFHS coaches education program. Contact the NFHS for more details.One of the most exciting initiatives coming from the NFHS is the NFHS coaches education program. Contact the NFHS for more details.

28. Concussion Safety NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee http://www.nfhs.org/web/2006/08/sports_medicine.aspx Concussion safety continues to be a initiatives the NFHS sports medicine advisory committee emphasis. Concussion safety continues to be a initiatives the NFHS sports medicine advisory committee emphasis.

29. Heat and Hydration Sports Medicine Information Gatorade Hydration Video "Fueling Sports Performance" Heat and Hydration is also an area of concern for student athletes. Be aware of the needs for the student to get acclimated to the weather – especially in high humidity areas – Allow apply hydration time. Heat and Hydration is also an area of concern for student athletes. Be aware of the needs for the student to get acclimated to the weather – especially in high humidity areas – Allow apply hydration time.

30. Weather Lightning Disturbances Assign a staff member to monitor Develop an evacuation plan 30/30/30 plan 30 seconds, 30 minutes, 30 minutes For outdoor events weather issues can be very challenging. From winds, rain, sleet, ice snow and lightning; a coach must make prudent decisions and always err on the side of caution. Special emphasis is discussed in the rules book regarding how to handle lightning disturbances. For outdoor events weather issues can be very challenging. From winds, rain, sleet, ice snow and lightning; a coach must make prudent decisions and always err on the side of caution. Special emphasis is discussed in the rules book regarding how to handle lightning disturbances.

31. NFHS Spirit Rules Frequently Asked Questions Dance Drill Flags Pom Cheer Coaching Administration The next segment will address Frequently asked Questions that come our way when dealing with spirit teams. The next segment will address Frequently asked Questions that come our way when dealing with spirit teams.

32. Dance, Drill, Poms and Flags Inverted Flyer Questions Tumbling Questions Movement Questions Costume Questions Shoes Dance, drill, poms and flags will cover five areas - Dance, drill, poms and flags will cover five areas -

33. Q - Can teams flip one team member over another team member’s back? A - YES This is LEGAL as long as the flyer does not become inverted. Inverted flyers must have direct body-to-floor contact with the ground, otherwise the move is ILLEGAL. Page 23, Rule 2, Section 8, Article 2 This format covers the Question Answers Rationale Rule Book Citation – coaches have been receptive to this format and use it for reference throughout the year. This format covers the Question Answers Rationale Rule Book Citation – coaches have been receptive to this format and use it for reference throughout the year.

34. Q - Can teams perform a cartwheel over a partner’s thigh? A - NO This is ILLEGAL because the flyer in a partner stunt cannot become inverted. Page 23, Rule 2, Section 8, Article 2 See slide See slide

35. See slide See slide

36. Q - Can teams do a handstand? A - YES This is LEGAL as long it is done with bare hands to the ground or with non-skid gloves. Handstands on a prop are considered ILLEGAL. Page 39, Rule 3, Section 1, Article 5 Page 41, Rule 3, Section 5, Article 5 See slide See slide

37. Q - Can teams do a hand stand or cartwheel with poms in our hands? A - NO Tumbling with a prop in the hand is ILLEGAL. A forward roll is the only form of tumbling that may be done while holding poms. Page 36, Rule 3, Section 5, Article 1 Situation Ruling on Page 39, 3.5.1 See slide See slide

38. Q - Can teams hold poms in our hands while up in a lift? A - YES This is LEGAL because a flyer can hold objects in their hands as a load-in-toss exception. Page 25, Rule 2, Section 10, Article 1e Situation Ruling on Page 36, 2.10.1.C See slide See slide

39. Q - Can Dance/Drill/Pom and Flag Teams wear a belt with a hard latch/buckle? A - YES This is LEGAL as long as the belt is securely affixed to the costume. Page 34, Rule 3, Section 1, Article - See slide- See slide

40. Q - Can Dance/Drill/Pom and Flag Teams wear pedini shoes? A – YES This is LEGAL because the heel of the shoe raises the bottom of the foot off the floor Page 34, Rule 3, Section 1, Article 6 Situational Ruling on Page 38, 3.1.6 - See slide - See slide

41. Making rule interpretations Q – Is this legal A – ? Yes, a dancer is allowed to lean back and control themselves to a balanced position. As long as they are not inverted, and their feet are on the performing surface. - See slide – Often time we are asked to make rules and interpretations – we must do that with the intent of the rule in mind - - See slide – Often time we are asked to make rules and interpretations – we must do that with the intent of the rule in mind -

42. Cheer Three high mounts Inverted stunts Loss of Contact Significantly increasing height Bracers - Cheer frequently asked questions - Cheer frequently asked questions

43. NFHS Spirit Rules Frequently Asked Cheer Questions Q - Is this pyramid legal A – No This is not a Swedish fall This is three high Most cheer questions are regarding the legality of a stunt – I saw this on the internet – The team likes to do it – etc…Most cheer questions are regarding the legality of a stunt – I saw this on the internet – The team likes to do it – etc…

44. NFHS Spirit Rules Frequently Asked Cheer Questions Q - Is this stunt legal A – Yes This inverted flyer begins on the performing surface Coaches are sharing clips prior to performances to get ruling – be cautions however of performer error - Coaches are sharing clips prior to performances to get ruling – be cautions however of performer error -

45. NFHS Spirit Rules Frequently Asked Cheer Questions Q - Is this stunt legal A – Yes, however when the extension prep has their back to the audience –(IF) they significantly increase the height of the flier which may be called for a penalty There is also still a need to watch stunts that significantly increase the height of a flier – a gray area at times There is also still a need to watch stunts that significantly increase the height of a flier – a gray area at times

46. NFHS Spirit Rules Frequently Asked Cheer Questions Q – Why did I get a deduction? A. Flier has contact with the fliers not the bases in a split transitional stunt Often times we get competition questions – We can also encourage coaches to submit rule changes - Often times we get competition questions – We can also encourage coaches to submit rule changes -

47. NFHS Spirit Rules Meeting Summary NFHS Spirit Rules Book 2009 - 2010 Changes Points of Emphasis NFHS Services and Initiatives Frequently Asked Questions In summary - Be prudent and let common sense prevail - In summary - Be prudent and let common sense prevail -

48. Questions? Trends Future Concerns Any questions? Any questions?

49. NFHS Spirit Rules2009-10 Rule Interpreter Meeting August 18, 2009 Take Part. Get Set For Life! This concludes our 2009-10 NFHS Spirit Rules Interpretation Meeting.This concludes our 2009-10 NFHS Spirit Rules Interpretation Meeting.

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51. Rule Interp Quiz Getting Started…finding the quiz Linked at www.wacpc.com Go to the Education link, then the District/Rules Meeting link OR Go to Quiz Star web site at: http://quizstar.4teachers.org/indexs.jsp

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68. Rule Interp Quiz Important Reminders! You CANNOT return to a partially completed quiz. When you retake the quiz, or enter the quiz on a subsequent attempt, the questions will be in a different order, and your prior answers will be erased. You have 10 attempts to receive a passing score of 85%. We encourage you to retake the quiz to achieve a perfect score. If you have questions about the quiz contact Linda Schrage at: schrage_cheer@yahoo.com.

69. RULE-INTERP QUIZ Directions for the online quiz process