Purpose

1. 1 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

2. 2 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Purpose Explain new NFHS rule changes and review important safety information Review important VHSL policies and information Rules clinics are the only opportunity we have to talk directly to coaches and officials.Rules clinics are the only opportunity we have to talk directly to coaches and officials.

3. 3 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Clinic Attendance If your school has cheerleaders, a coach must attend the annual cheer rules clinic.

4. 4 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Clinic Attendance Competition judges must attend each year to be eligible for varsity and post-season consideration

5. 5 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens CLINIC MAKE-UP Officials who are unable, due to extreme or unusual circumstances, to attend one of the VHSL Rules Clinics, MAY be given an opportunity to meet the clinic requirement by viewing the PowerPoint presentation online.

6. 6 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens CLINIC MAKE-UP The request must come from the association commissioner or assignor. Past clinic attendance and present circumstances along with any additional pertinent information will be considered in the decision to grant or deny the request. If the request is granted The official must pay a $25 administrative fee to VHSL in order to receive credit for attendance The association commissioner/assignor must verify that the official did in fact view the presentation

7. 7 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens CLINIC MAKE-UP Ditto for coaches The request must come from Athletic Director or Principal. Past clinic attendance and present circumstances along with any additional pertinent information will be considered in the decision to grant or deny the request. $25 fee must be paid to VHSL. Coach must take online rules exam. Coaches or officials who falsify information will be subject to disciplinary action.

8. 8 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Aug. 2* Aug. 27* Graduation Date* Important DatesSideline Cheerleading First Practice First Performance �Season� ends No school may start practice earlier than Aug. 1 No school may select competition squad prior to Aug. 1 No squad may participate in a competition prior to Aug. 24 District and regional competitions must be completed no later than the published deadlines.No school may start practice earlier than Aug. 1 No school may select competition squad prior to Aug. 1 No squad may participate in a competition prior to Aug. 24 District and regional competitions must be completed no later than the published deadlines.

9. 9 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Important DatesCompetition Cheerleading First Practice First Performance District Deadline Regional Deadline Aug. 2* Aug. 27* Oct. 30 Nov. 6 No school may start practice earlier than Aug. 1 No school may select competition squad prior to Aug. 1 No squad may participate in a competition prior to Aug. 24 District and regional competitions must be completed no later than the published deadlines.No school may start practice earlier than Aug. 1 No school may select competition squad prior to Aug. 1 No squad may participate in a competition prior to Aug. 24 District and regional competitions must be completed no later than the published deadlines.

10. 10 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Important DatesCompetition Cheerleading Competition cheer squad may NOT be selected prior to August 2 If your school participates in both sideline and competition cheer, and you selected sideline cheerleaders prior to the end of the 2009-10 school year, you MUST hold a tryout for competition cheer on or after August 2. No school may start practice earlier than Aug. 1 No school may select competition squad prior to Aug. 1 No squad may participate in a competition prior to Aug. 24 District and regional competitions must be completed no later than the published deadlines.No school may start practice earlier than Aug. 1 No school may select competition squad prior to Aug. 1 No squad may participate in a competition prior to Aug. 24 District and regional competitions must be completed no later than the published deadlines.

11. 11 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Important Dates Competition Cheerleading VHSL State CompetitionNovember 13, 2010Stuart C. Siegel Center (VCU) VHSL activity calendars are adopted by the VHSL Executive Committee two to three years in advance. VHSL activity calendars are adopted by the VHSL Executive Committee two to three years in advance.

12. 12 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Important DatesCompetition Cheerleading No school may permit its cheerleaders to participate in a competition after the date of the VHSL State Competition. No school may start practice earlier than Aug. 1 No school may select competition squad prior to Aug. 1 No squad may participate in a competition prior to Aug. 24 District and regional competitions must be completed no later than the published deadlines.No school may start practice earlier than Aug. 1 No school may select competition squad prior to Aug. 1 No squad may participate in a competition prior to Aug. 24 District and regional competitions must be completed no later than the published deadlines.

13. 13 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Rules clinics are the only opportunity VHSL has to address coaches and officials in a given sport.Rules clinics are the only opportunity VHSL has to address coaches and officials in a given sport.

14. EXAM REQUIREMENT All cheer judges must take and pass the exam to be eligible to work VHSL competitions. Minimum score of 70 for regular season eligibility Minimum score of 80 for post season eligibility Cheer coaches who miss the rules clinic must take the exam 14 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

15. ONLINE EXAM Exam will be taken online -- exams.nfhs.org VHSL will provide a link to the NFHS site from the Cheer landing page of the VHSL web site. NO PAPER COPIES OF THE EXAM WILL BE ISSUED. 15 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

16. TESTING DATES Exam opened on July 25, 2010 Exams completed by Aug. 22, 2010 � no fee Officials have 4 weeks to complete the exam requirement This provides our staff with time to process results from the NFHS and send information to commissioners in time to make any necessary adjustments to assignments 16 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

17. LATE FEES Officials who do not complete the exam during the first four weeks must pay late fees, as follows Aug. 23-29 - $50.00 late fee Aug. 30 � Sept. 5, $75.00 late fee After Sept. 5 - $100.00 late fee 17 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

18. EXAM CLOSES Exam will close on Thursday, September 30, 2010 All applicable fees must be paid before credit will be given. Officials who have not completed the exam requirement may NOT be assigned to VHSL contests. 18 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

19. VHSL ID REQUIRED Officials must have a VHSL ID to take the exam Officials should have only ONE VHSL ID, regardless of the number of sports you officiate. If you do not have a VHSL ID, contact your association commissioner. Registration fees must be paid prior to receiving a VHSL ID. 19 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

20. EXAM LAYOUT 100 True/False questions Order of the questions is random No two tests will be alike If you need to re-take the exam (because you failed on your first attempt), the questions will appear in a different order. 20 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

21. RE-TESTING Officials who score less than 80 may take the exam a second time No additional attempts will be permitted Do NOT attempt the exam until you are prepared to take it. Officials who score 80 or higher on their first attempt are not permitted a second try. 21 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

22. 22 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

23. 23 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sportsmanship The sole purpose of VHSL and other �education-based� athletics and activities programs is to provide students with opportunities to learn skills that will make them better people.

24. 24 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Coaches Your role as a coach is to facilitate this process. Understand that YOU are a role model. Your leadership, poise, timeliness, character, honesty, integrity, the way you treat people � these are just some of the ways your students will learn. Make sure you are �teaching� the right things!

25. 25 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Judges Judges must remember that they are ALWAYS judges, whether you are at a competition, or at the grocery store. Always be professional. One judge represents all judges. A judge�s integrity must be above question. If one judge cheats, all judges are cheaters (in the eyes of coaches/fans)

26. 26 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Judges Do not discuss other competitions, other judges, or other teams. It�s not professional, and you never know who�s listening!

27. 27 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sportsmanship Sideline cheerleaders Are a support group Lead or direct cheering of student and adult fans Aid school and game officials in the promotion of good sportsmanship �Performing� is secondary

28. 28 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sportsmanship Effective cheerleading squads enhance the atmosphere in which a game is played.

29. 29 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sportsmanship Examples of poor sportsmanship include: Directing cheers at the opposing student body �In-your-face� or �one-upmanship� tumbling � tumbling intended to �challenge� the other squad to do the same.

30. 30 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sportsmanship Yelling at or otherwise attempting to distract opposing players at any time Using megaphones as noisemakers (other than for amplifying one�s voice) Taunting anyone Booing anyone Interfering in any way with game officials, including not getting out of the way when asked to do so

31. 31 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sportsmanship Leading or participating in actions or cheers that are clearly negative and/or show disrespect for participants Example: �M-i-s-s-i-t, Miss it, Miss it� (when an opponent is attempting a free throw)

32. 32 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sportsmanship Cheerleaders have a responsibility to Treat opposing cheerleaders and players as they would want to be treated � as a guest or acquaintance Select positive cheers which praise your team without antagonizing or belittling the other team. Begin popular, positive cheers when booing or inappropriate chants begin Respect the integrity and judgment of game officials. Provide positive support for your team and lead others in doing the same.

33. 33 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sportsmanship Cheerleaders do NOT need to Be on the field or court at the conclusion of a game Participate in post-game handshakes with opposing players

34. 34 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sportsmanship It is critical that cheerleaders represent their schools and communities in a positive manner and that they encourage, through their actions and leadership, others to do the same. This is your sole mission! It is why you are at the game.

35. 35 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sportsmanship VHSL has established clear guidelines for players, coaches, cheerleaders and other support groups, and fans. Districts and Regions have been encouraged to adopt these guidelines for regular season play

36. 36 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sportsmanship Cheer coaches and sponsors are responsible for knowing the guidelines and requiring that your squad follow them. Failure of a cheerleading squad to follow the adopted guidelines at a VHSL State Tournament will result in their removal from the contest. Repetitive failure to comply with the guidelines could result in the suspension of all cheerleading activities.

37. 37 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens The Keys Courtesy and respect are the keys to good sportsmanship and professional behavior! If your words or actions are not respectful of those they are intended for, then don�t say it, and don�t do it.

38. 38 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens NFHS Spirit Rules The Virginia High School League (VHSL) is a member of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS). VHSL member schools must follow NFHS rules. These rules apply to ALL cheerleading programs, sideline and competition.

39. 39 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens NFHS Spirit Rules Failure to abide by NFHS Spirit Rules is a violation of VHSL rules. Penalties could involve Monetary fines Putting your program on probation Putting your school on probation Most importantly, failure to abide by NFHS Spirit Rules could result in serious injuries to your cheerleaders.

40. 40 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens NFHS Spirit Rules Some of the more common violations are as follows: Performing stunts during a basketball or volleyball game when the ball is in play, including free throws in basketball; and just prior to the serve in volleyball Standing behind the free throw line extended during a basketball game Wearing jewelry of any kind

41. 41 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens NFHS Spirit Rules Chewing gum or eating candy while cheering Twisting dismount to a cradle involving more than one rotation when not on an appropriate surface Performing stunts or pyramids that are more than 2 levels high Not using the required number of spotters or bracers

42. 42 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Appropriate Surfaces The definition of an �appropriate surface� is dependent on the type of skill being performed. When performing any kind of tumbling, individual or partner stunt, the surface MUST be dry. Cheerleader safety is paramount!

43. 2010-11 NFHSSpirit Rule Changes

44. Risk Management(2-1-15, Concussions) Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms, or behaviors consistent with a concussion shall be immediately removed from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by an appropriate healthcare professional.

45. Risk Management(2-1-15, Concussions) Mandated by NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee. State associations may choose to define a physician in accordance with their state statutes.

46. Risk Management(2-1-15, Concussions) Signs, symptoms and behaviors consistent with a concussion include (but are not limited to): Loss of consciousness Headache Dizziness Confusion Balance problems

47. Risk Management(2-1-15, Concussions) NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion (in the Rule Book, Appendix B, page 87) Must know state association requirements for returning the athlete to participation. Concussions are very serious injuries.

48. Risk Management(2-1-15, Concussions) The coach has 100% of the responsibility during sideline activities. It is imperative that coaches are informed and able to recognize signs, symptoms and behaviors consistent with concussions. When in doubt � sit them out!

49. Risk Management(2-1-15, Concussions) In competitions, the responsibility for cheerleader safety is shared by coaches and judges. Coaches and judges must be able to recognize signs, symptoms and behaviors consistent with concussions. When in doubt � sit them out!

50. Risk Management(2-2-8, Protective Equipment) Added a requirement that supports, braces, etc., which are hard and unyielding or have rough edges or surfaces must be padded with a closed-cell, slow-recovery foam padding no less than �� thick. Knee and ankle braces which are unaltered do not require any additional padding.

51. Risk Management(2-2-8, Protective Equipment) A participant wearing a cast (excluding a properly covered air cast) must not be involved in a stunt. A cheerleader who has her �doctor�s permission� to participate while wearing a cast, still cannot be involved in a stunt. And, the cast must be padded in accordance with the rule.

52. Risk Management(2-2-8, Protective Equipment) Rationale for this change: The change is a clarification from the NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee

53. Risk Management(2-6-7, Dismounts) Old rule said, �A twist to a cradle involving more than one rotation is permitted only on appropriate mats, grass, rubberized, and soft-yielding surfaces. New rule adds an exception which permits 1 � twists from side-facing stunts if on appropriate surface.

54. Risk Management(2-6-7, Dismounts) Rationale for this change: Twist cradles from side-facing stunts present only minimally more risk than single twists. The extra � twist allows the flyer to face forward before completing the rotations. Change is consistent with 2-13-2, which allows an extra � turn in double twisting cradles.

55. Risk Management(2-8-14 Partner Stunts/Pyramids) �Suspended splits involving bracer(s) that originate at any height and drop to any level are legal provided all the following conditions are met: The flyer has both hands in contact with the bracer(s) The flyer does not become inverted. The flyer has at least two bases. The flyer and bracer(s) each have a separate spotter. (Exception: Bracers in shoulder sits or thigh stands.)

56. Risk Management(2-8-14 Partner Stunts/Pyramids) In suspended splits when the flyer is NOT released by the bases, the bracer(s) must maintain hand/arm contact with the flyer until she/he is no longer in a split position. In suspended splits when the flyer IS released by the bases, the release must be continuous, vertical up-and-down movement in which the flyer remains over the base(s). The bracers must maintain hand/arm contact with the flyer during the entire loss of contact with the bases. (NOTE: See 2-12-1 � Transitional Stunts)

57. Risk Management(2-8-14, Partner Stunts/Pyramids) Rationale for this change: Bracers are frequently used in many types of stunts. This rule allows a flyer in suspended splits to have contact with bracer(s) rather than with base(s).

58. Risk Management(3-1-6, Dance/Drill/Pom) Dance paws and Pedini-style dance shoes that have heels of sufficient height to raise the bottom of the foot off the floor are now legal.

59. Risk Management(3-7, Dance/Drill/Pom) Rule 3-7 is a new section defining the requirements of assisted inverted floor stunts for dance/drill/pom squads.

60. NFHS Spirit2010-11Points of Emphasis

61. Concussion Management Cheerleader safety is paramount. Coaches must teach safe skills. Skills must be appropriate for YOUR cheerleaders. Surfaces must be appropriate. Advanced skills must not be taught until all basic skills have been MASTERED by ALL members of your squad. Coaches should strongly consider AACCA certification. A Concussion is a very serious injury.

62. Concussion Management Coaches and judges must be knowledgeable and able to recognize signs and symptoms of concussion. A cheerleader who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors associated with a concussion should be immediately removed from participation and seen by an appropriate healthcare professional.

63. Concussion in Sports www.nfhslearn.com Concussion in Sports - What You Need to Know is the first course that the NFHS is offering at no cost. The only requirement is registering on www.nfhslearn.com, which is quick and easy. This 20 minute course is designed for coaches, officials, parents, administrators and students to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussions and a step-wise process to return to the sport. Check it out and share this information with others.Concussion in Sports - What You Need to Know is the first course that the NFHS is offering at no cost. The only requirement is registering on www.nfhslearn.com, which is quick and easy. This 20 minute course is designed for coaches, officials, parents, administrators and students to learn how to recognize the signs and symptoms of concussions and a step-wise process to return to the sport. Check it out and share this information with others.

64. Double Downs/Twists Coaches are responsible for Teaching and enforcing general risk management rules Identifying teams� ability levels Following proper progressions in learning new skills NFHS responsibility is to revise rules to minimize risk whenever trends indicate a continuation of poor execution of skills resulting in injury.

65. Double Downs/Twists Double downs/twists will no longer be allowed at the high school level after this year if coaches continue to allow athletes to perform this skill with improper technique. In order to retain these skills, coaches MUST insist on �perfection before progression� when allowing teams to stunt.

66. Jewelry Spirit coaches are expected to follow the rules written for the safety of all participants. Spirit rules regarding jewelry (2-2-1 and 3-1-2) apply to ALL spirit activities, including practices. Coaches must teach and enforce this rule.

67. Jewelry Examples of jewelry include, but are not limited to: Necklaces Bracelets Rings All facial and body piercings (includes spacers and fishing line) Wrist bands Corsages Hair ties worn on the wrist

68. Jewelry Making a fashion statement is not one of the responsibilities that cheerleaders have. �No jewelry� means NO JEWELRY!

69. 69 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

70. 70 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Contest Limitations Regular season competitions ... 5* Any competition that is not part of your district, regional or state competition The competition �season� begins on the first practice date as published on the VHSL Calendar Cannot select competition squad prior to this date

71. 71 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sanctioning Competitions involving more than one non-district opponent must be sanctioned Competitions sponsored by �outside� groups must be co-sponsored by a VHSL member school and must be sanctioned

72. 72 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Sanctioning Sanctioned events are listed under �Resources� on the main cheer page of the VHSL website For more info about sanctioning � Lora Bickley (VHSL office) � lbickley@vhsl.org

73. 73 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Contest Limitations The competition �season� ends on the �Regional Deadline� (see VHSL Calendar), or with the squad�s elimination from District, Regional or State competition, whichever is later.

74. 74 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Contest Limitations Once your season has ended, you may not compete in other competitions The VHSL State Competition is the last legal competition for any VHSL school

75. 75 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Contest Limitations Any event in which one squad�s performance is compared/ranked to other squads� performances is, by definition, a competition. NO VHSL school may permit any cheerleading group to represent that school in any competition after the VHSL State Competition.

76. 76 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens VHSL Competitions Routines Minimum 2 � minutes Maximum 3 minutes Music not to exceed 90 seconds Squad Size Maximum of 20 cheerleaders plus 1 mascot

77. 77 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Routine Score

78. 78 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Routine Score (Cont.)

79. 79 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Technical Score

80. 80 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Technical Score (Cont.)

81. 81 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens

82. 82 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Heat & Hydration Fall season athletes are especially susceptible to heat related difficulties Recognition Management Prevention VHSL web site � Sports Medicine

83. 83 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Practice Guidelines You need a written policy Schools may adopt VHSL �Fall Season Practice Guidelines� or develop their own Check with your AD/DSA BE SMART Athletes need to acclimate to heat AND to activity

84. 84 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Frequently Asked Questions Question: Since the season for Sideline cheer ends on graduation day, may a school�s sideline squad participate in a competition in January? Answer: NO.

85. 85 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Frequently Asked Questions Question: May a school select it�s �sideline� cheer squad in the Spring prior to the end of the school year? Answer: Only if permitted by your school. This is because, technically, the sideline �season� does not end until a school�s graduation date. A separate tryout for a competition squad must be held on/after the first Fall practice date as published in the VHSL Calendar.

86. 86 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Frequently Asked Questions Question: May a school permit its sideline cheerleaders to practice during the summer? Answer: NO. This is a violation of VHSL Rules. Further, the athletes who participate in such illegal practices are not covered by VHSL catastrophic insurance.

87. 87 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Frequently Asked Questions Question: May a school permit its cheerleaders to do general conditioning during the summer? Answer: Yes. But, conditioning may not be �sport specific� � in other words, no tumbling, cheering, or stunting. Weight training, rope jumping and other general conditioning exercises are permitted. The conditioning sessions must be �open� to all students (cannot limit to just cheerleaders or prospective cheerleaders).

88. 88 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens For more information Questions about the cheerleading program AT YOUR SCHOOL should be directed to your athletic director. Do not contact the VHSL directly without permission from your AD. www.vhsl.org � go to the cheerleading �landing page� for general information.

89. 89 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens If you have a question regarding the legality of a stunt, email your question to the VHSL Cheerleading Rules Interpreter, BILL AHERN, at bahern@uca.com. Include as a �cc.� on your email, the �commissioner� who assigns judges for your area competitions. VHSL Program Coordinator for Cheerleading is Joyce Sisson, VHSL Assistant Director

90. 90 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Clinic Cards Please PRINT legibly � if we can�t decipher it, you weren�t here! One card per person � fill out both sides if you officiate and coach Hand out clinic cards at end of clinic � collect at end � one card per person.Hand out clinic cards at end of clinic � collect at end � one card per person.

91. 91 Virginia High School League Building Better Citizens Thank you for your attention. Hand out clinic cards at end of clinic � collect at end � one card per person.Hand out clinic cards at end of clinic � collect at end � one card per person.