2017 2018 WVSSAC CHEER RULES CLINIC In Partnership

2017 -2018 WVSSAC CHEER RULES CLINIC In Partnership with Med. Express Please silence cell phones Additional rule books $6. 00 Put email on card Mark judge on top of card

Sports Physicals Med. Express is honored to support our hometown teams in West Virginia this season. We’re here to help make sure your athlete is healthy and ready for the season ahead. • No appointment is ever necessary • Most insurance accepted, but not required • Visits usually last less than an hour • Multiple WV locations

Our Services Injury and Illness • Fractures, sprains, strains, and dislocations • Cuts, scrapes, and splinters • X-rays, stitches, and splinting done on site • Colds, flu, and viral illnesses • Bronchitis, pneumonia, and asthma attacks • Ear, throat, and sinus infections • Labs and IVs available

Our Services Other Services • Rashes, poison ivy, and allergic reactions • Minor surgical procedures • Flu shots • Sports, school & camp physicals • On-site prescriptions (Select locations only)

Physicals just got easier Med. Express Locations: • Beckley • • Beckley Crossing Harper Road • Bridgeport/Clarksburg • • Emily Drive Jerry Dove Dr. • Charleston • • • Kanawha City Patrick Street Bridge South Charleston Cross Lanes Elkins, Randolph Ave Teays Valley Fairmont Fayetteville Huntington • • Huntington West • Lewisburg • Logan • Martinsburg • • Edwin Miller Blvd. Martinsburg Commons • Morgantown • • Don Knotts Blvd Suncrest • Parkersburg • • • South Parkersburg Vienna Princeton Summersville Weirton Wheeling • • • Elm Grove Glen Dale National Road

REQUIRED CHEER READING www. wvssac. org • • • The Interscholastic – online – FALL EDITION Coaches Packet - Online WV Cheer Manual – online NFHS Spirit Rule Book – sent to school NFHS – Free Music Copyright Course Tournament draw website

PACKETS ONLINE www. wvssac. org

Sportsmanship is Contagious Is yours worth catching? Athletes Officials Coaches Fans Parents Administrators NFHS FREE SPORTSMANSHIP COURSE – NFHSLEARN. COM

SEASON DATES High School Middle School Starts July 31 Starts August 7 Ends Elim GBSK or BBSK Ends February 24 Regional Outline (C 2 A & B) Due October 4 - $50. 00 fine Regional Entry Form (C 4) Due October 4 - $50. 00 fine Music Form (C 5) Due October 4 - $50. 00 fine REGIONALS – NOVEMBER 4 STATE – SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9

COACHING Coaching Authorization • Form 39 every year If schools play contest without eligibility submitted, forfeit contest – fine $25. 00 Out of Season Coaching Changes Three weeks window

Out of Season Coaching Rule 127 -3 -7. 2 & 7. 2 a § Three weeks must be consecutive § May begin on or after week 49 and must conclude by Friday of week 4 § Must be established by each county BOE § No activity during week of July 4 th § 3 weeks must be voluntary for athletes

Out of Season Coaching Rule 6 Flex Days § Principal approval of 6 flex days per sport § Flex days cannot be used during the first week of each HS or MS season § Use of any part of the day for an activity will count as a flex day § Flex days can only be used on Sunday with WVSSAC approval § Flex days cannot be used as part of the tryout § Flex days must be voluntary for athletes § Flex days do not roll over from previous year

SANCTIONS All cheer competitions must be sanctioned NO competition will be sanctioned if a spring floor is used. (Article 7 – page 19 NFHS Rule Book) Approved WVSSAC judges must be used Minimum of 1 safety judge required Refer to website

Order of Performance AA A Regional & State Competition 2 contracted coaches only www. wvssac. org

Want to become a WV Cheer Judge? Required attendance to judge Must pass National Federation Spirit Test Parkersburg August 20 4: 00 -8: 00 Morgantown August 26 12: 00 -4: 00 Please mark your card if you are a judge and/or coach

WV Cheer Judge • Certified to judge last year – eligible to judge regional or state • Must attend 2 hour clinic or one of the 4 hr trainings – NFHS cheer test • August 3 – 7: 15 -9: 15 – East Fairmont HS • August 14 – 6: 30 -8: 30 – WVSSAC office

Point of Emphasis • Required end of the year Cheer Injury Survey • DUE DATE – $50. 00 Fine • Middle School – February 28 • High School – March 21 • Safety • Cover try out cheer program information to parents and students (1 hr) • 727 -2 -10 Non-School Participation Rule • Release date November 4 or December 9

Point of Emphasis • Outside Assistance • Tumbling Class – must be voluntary • Uniform rules – false eyelashes not permitted (synthetic or real hair) • Basketball – 30 second time-out, no stunting during foul shots • 70% participation rule

Music Copyright Required for Regional & State Free course at NFHS nfhslearn. com-coming soon Complete Form C 5 with Principal Signature DUE October 4

Courts recognize a coach has ten legal duties 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. Properly plan the activity Provide proper instruction Warn of inherent risks Provide a safe physical environment Provide adequate and proper equipment Match your athletes appropriately Evaluate athletes for injury or incapacity Supervise the activity closely Provide appropriate emergency assistance Protect against physical and psychological harm from others

NFHSLearn. com Free Courses Heat Illness Prevention – 1 time required ALL coaches Concussion in Sports – ALL COACHES annually Sudden Cardiac Arrest – 1 time required ALL coaches Bullying – Hazing and inappropriate behaviors – strongly recommended Appearance Performing Enhancing Drugs and Substances Concussion for Students Sportsmanship Sports Nutrition Engaging Effectively with Parents NCAA Eligibility Interscholastic Officiating Coaching unified sports Positive sport parenting Captains Course Introduction to Pitch Smart

WVSSAC Policy & Senate Bill 336 • ALL COACHES will be required to annually complete the NFHS Concussion Course – Senate Bill 336 • The principal shall monitor and maintain appropriate records regarding completion of the course • ANY COACH that does not complete the NFHS Concussion Course annually will not be permitted to coach until the course has been completed and would be in violation of the law. • Information/Directions regarding the NFHS Concussion Course may be found at www. nfhslearn. com

Senate Bill 336 (2013 Concussion Legislation) 1. Provide information to parents and athletes - Physical Form - CDC letter 2. Concussion Course 3. RTP protocal and approved health professionals 4. Injury Report – Required for all concussions and all sports – must submit report within 30 days of concussion

Concussion Return To Play (RTP) Protocol An athlete removed from a contest that shows signs/symptoms of a concussion shall be immediately evaluated by an appropriate health care professional. If no appropriate health care professional with training in evaluation of head injuries is available, the athlete shall not be allowed to RTP. No more than one progression step per day is permitted. Must have written permission to RTP.

Concussion Return To Play (RTP) Protocol

Concussion Return To Play (RTP) Protocol Appropriate Health Care Professional with training of head injuries Medical Doctor (MD) Doctor of Osteopathy (DO) Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) Advanced Registered Nurse Practitioner (ARNP) Physician Assistant (PA-C) Registered Certified Athletic Trainers (ATC/R)

Heat Acclimatization/WVSSAC Guidelines All coaches are required to take the FREE NFHS – Heat Illness Prevention Course 1 time • Most problems related to • Too soon • Too hard • Too long • Heat illness is the leading cause of preventable death among high school athletes. • Heat Index Guidelines - Chart • Additional materials may be found on the Sports Medicine Section of the WVSSAC website

Sudden Cardiac Arrest Awareness § ALL COACHES required to take course one time § SCA occurs when the heart stops suddenly § 400, 000 people in the U. S. suffer SCA annually § 10% survive § 75% are adults § Every 3 days an athlete dies § Send for AED § Refer to packet for additional information

Senate Bill 40 Emergency Action Plan • Rule 127 -2 -15 • Can adopt Anyone Can Save A Life Program – www. anyonecansavealife. org – Implementation meets all requirements of this rule • Required 2017 - ALL practice and games • Must complete and submit to WVSSAC, County Board and Emergency Response Agency • Training and practice required

GENERAL RULES ALL rules from the NF Spirit rules book & the WV Cheer Manual must be followed during all ACTIVITIES, PRACTICES, PERFORMANCES, and COMPETITIONS 31

NF Rule 1 - Definitions • Bracer – A top person who is connected to another top person. WV Modification: - A top person who stabilizes and/or assists another top person • Flatback Definition WV Modification a stunt in which a top person is in a face-up, horizontal position with hips and shoulders in alignment. • Swan Dive Definition WV Modification A top person released from a free standing stunt by base(s) and is caught in a prone position. WV Modification – Illegal. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -2 -7 ART. 7. . . A spotter is required for extended stunts or transitions that stop in an extended position except for the following: NF 3 -2 -7 WV Modification-the spotter is required for all extended stunts and transitions that pass through the extended level. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -3 -2 ART. 2. . . An inverted top person may pass through an extended position but must not begin, end, pause or stop in an extended inverted position. • Removes the word static and clarifies article 2. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -3 -3 ART. 3. . . Braced inversions in a pyramid that do not flip or roll are permitted provided the following conditions are met: a. The inverted top person shall have at least two bases or a base and a spotter. NF 3 -3 -3(a) WV Modification- If the top person is released from the bases, the bracer(s) must have two bases. b. If the inverted top person is released the following conditions shall be met: 1. The skills/stunts before and after the release are permitted. 2. Each bracer is at prep level or below. If in a prep or shoulder stand, the bracer(s) shall have two bases or a base and a spotter. 3. The bracers do not provide primary support for the top person. 4. The top person and base(s) make no more than a ¼ turn around the bracer in a continuous movement. 5. The top person is caught by original base(s). 6. The top person does not land in an inverted position. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -3 -3(a) www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -3 -4 ART. 4. . . Braced rolls in a pyramid are permitted provided the following conditions are met: a. The inverted top person has at least two bases or a base and a spotter. b. The bracer(s) have two bases or a base and a spotter. NF 3 -3 -4(b) WV Modification-The bracer(s) have two bases and a spotter. Exception: braced foldover. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -3 -5 (a) Braced flips in a pyramid are allowed provided all the following conditions are met: a. The top person maintains continuous hand to hand/arm contact with two bracers who are in multi base preps with a spotter. The top person is not behind the bracers. Rationale: Braced flips may start in a single base stunt but still require two bracers in spotted preps. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -3 -5(b-d) ART. 5. . . Braced flips in a pyramid are permitted provided all the following conditions are met: b. The top person shall have at least three people involved who were the original bases or spotters. c. If the flip ends in a cradle, the bracers may release the top person once he/ she begins to descend and is no longer inverted. d. The top person ends in a non inverted position. NF 3 -3 -5 WV Modification-In braced pyramid flips, the bracers may only brace a one top person who is flipping. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -3 -5 ILLEGAL 40

NF Rule 3 -3 -6(a), (b) ART. 6. . . In all other inversions: a. Inversions may release to the following provided there is a spotter: 1. Dismounts with no more than a ½ turn. 2. Loading position with no more than ½ turn. 3. A stunt at prep level or below. b. In inversions where the base of support begins and remains below prep level, at least one person shall be in a position to protect the head/neck of the top person and shall maintain contact with the top person's upper body (waist and above, which may include arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the performing surface. The contact shall be sufficient to stabilize/control the top person's position. * A handstand on the performing surface is not a partner stunt, BUT when it is lifted, becomes a partner stunt and requires a spotter until the top person is no longer inverted. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -3 -6 (b) 1 2 3 ILLEGAL SPOT (Spot must be above the bra line) 42

NF Rule 3 -3 -6(c) c. Inversions where the base of support begins at or passes through prep level: 1. Require two bases or a base and a spotter. 2. At least two people on the performing surface must be in a position to protect the head/neck of the top person, one of whom must maintain contact with the top person's upper body (waist and above, which may include arms/hands) until the top person is no longer inverted or his/her hands are on the performing surface. The contact must be sufficient to stabilize/control to top person's position. EXCEPTIONS: 1. A foldover that begins at or below prep level and does not stop in an extended position is allowed. 2. In a single base suspended roll, there must be continuous hands to hands contact between the base and top person. 3. The top person must not go directly to an inverted position on the performing surface from prep level or higher. 4. If caught in a cradle, load or stunt by catchers who are not original bases, the new catchers are in place and are not involved with any other skill when the transition is initiated. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -3 -6 WV Modification 1 2 3 ILLEGAL- Over Post 44

NF Rule 3 -3 -8 ART. 8. . . A Swing Roll Down stunt [Teddy Bear] is not permitted. ILLEGAL www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -4 -3 ART. 3. . . In pyramids where one extended stunt braces another extended stunt, the connection must not be hand/arm to foot/leg. NF 3 -4 -3 WV Modification - In braced stunts and pyramids that do not flip, at least one bracer must be at shoulder height or below. One extended stunt may not brace or connect with another extended stunt. [Exceptions: 1. The following extended stunts may brace any other extended stunt, except during release transitions (Chair, Multi based flatback, Multi based straddle lift), 2. Double based extensions may only brace other double based extensions. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -4 -3 ILLEGAL LEGAL 47

NF Rule 3 -5 -3 • Art 3…Tosses are permitted provided all of the following conditions are met…. Example: Ball up from load=toss=illegal WV Modification – Basket Tosses performed on any surfaces are illegal for all cheer squads in WV. Any toss from a stunt below prep level is considered a basket toss. Exception: Switch up from load 48

NF Rule 3 -5 -5(c) ART. 5. . . Release transitions are permitted provided all of the following conditions are met throughout the transition: c. Each bracer is at prep level or below. If at prep level, the bracer(s) shall have two bases or a base and a spotter. NF 3 -5 -5(c) WV Modification-Exception: Flap Jacks and like stunts must have double based preps with a spotter as bracers. (Pic. p. 72 shows Double bases prep w/spots) www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -6 -2 ART. 2. . . Non braced suspended splits that originate from or pass through prep level or above are permitted provided all the following conditions are met: a. At least three bases slow the momentum of the top person. b. The top person has both hands in contact with a base(s) once she reaches the full split position. EXCEPTION: Top person may release one hand to grasp the hand of another base to adjust his/her position. • Adds an exception to allow the top to release to grab another base to adjust position. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -6 -2 ART. 2. . . Non braced suspended splits that originate from or pass through prep level or above are permitted provided all the following conditions are met: a. At least three bases slow the momentum of the top person. b. The top person has both hands in contact with a base(s) once she reaches the full split position. EXCEPTION: Top person may release one hand to grasp the hand of another base to adjust his/her position. • Adds an exception to allow the top to release to grab another base to adjust position. www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -6 -2 www. nfhs. org

NF Rule 3 -8 -2 ART. 2. . . Tumbling while holding props is not permitted except for the following: a. a forward roll, backward roll. b. holding pom(s) during airborne tumbling skills in which the hand(s) are not being used for support. NF 3 -8 -2 WV Modification- Tumbling while holding props is not permitted N 0 Exceptions. ILLEGAL www. nfhs. org

WV Additions CM p. 9 -11 Uniforms and Appearance 4. Glitter, shimmer, or dust that does not readily adhere to the skin, face or hair is prohibited. Attached eyelashes are prohibited. A sign that has glitter that is sealed by laminate or other means is permitted. 7. Hair Regulations All members of the cheer team must have hair off the shoulders and away from the face regardless if he/she is a base, top person, or spotter. It is considered unsafe for any team member to have their hair in their eyes, or a ponytail or braid hanging below the natural bra line. Hair pieces and/or hair extensions may not hang below the nape of the neck. 54

WV Modifications p. 12 • • • Bracer NF Definition WV Modification - A top person who stabilizes and/or assists another top person and must not be higher than prep level. Flatback Definition WV Modification a stunt in which a top person is in a face up, horizontal position with hips and shoulders in alignment. Swan Dive Definition WV Modification - A top person released from a stunt by base(s) and is caught in a prone position. WV Modification-Illegal. Flatback and Superman stunts may originate no higher than the prep position. NF 3 -2 -1(b) WV Modification - A base must not hold objects or props. NF 3 -2 -5 Spotting WV Modification-In stunts that require a spotter, the spotter must be a hands on spotter. (see D. Spotting pages 12 and 13) NF 3 -2 -7 WV Modification-the spotter is required for all extended stunts and transitions that pass through the extended level. NF 3 -3 -3(a) WV Modification- If the top person is released from the bases, the bracer(s) must have two bases. NF 3 -3 -4(b) WV Modification-The bracer(s) have two bases and a spotter. Exception: braced foldover. NF 3 -3 -5 WV Modification-In braced pyramid flips, the bracers may only brace one top person who is flipping. 55

WV Modifications (cont’d) • NF 3 -3 -7 WV Modification An inverted top person shall not hold any objects. • NF 3 -4 -2 WV Modification - A participant may not move under or be under a partner stunt or pyramid. No exceptions. • NF 3 -4 -3 WV Modification - In braced stunts and pyramids, the bracer(s) must be at shoulder height or below [Exceptions: 1. The following extended stunts may brace any other extended stunt, except during release transitions (Chair, Multi based flatback, Multi based straddle lift), 2. Double based extensions may only brace other double based extensions, except during a totem pole or release transition. • NF 3 -4 -9 WV Modification -” Up& Overs” must have a continuous hands on back spotter if/when the top person passes through the extended level. 56

WV Modifications (cont’d) • NF 3 -5 -3 WV Modification - Basket Tosses performed on any surface are illegal for all cheer squads in WV. Any toss from a stunt below prep level is considered a basket toss. • NF 3 -5 -5(c) WV Modification-Exception: Flap Jacks and like stunts must have double based preps with a spotter as bracers. • NF 3 -8 -2 WV Modification- Tumbling while holding props is not permitted N 0 Exceptions. • NF 3 -8 -6 Airborne Twisting Tumbling Skills WV Modification With the exception of aerials, cartwheels and round offs, all are illegal in WV on any surface. • NF 3 -9 -1 Knee Drops WV Modification - Drops that go directly to the thighs, splits, knees, or seat on the performing surface are illegal unless most of the weight is first borne on the hands. 57

Situations affected by WV Modifications 3 -1 -1 B – (c) Uniforms and Appearance 3 -1 -4 – (e) Uniforms and Appearance 3 -1 -7 – (d) Uniforms and Appearance 3 -2 -1 – (b) Spotting 3 -2 -5 A – Spotting 3 -2 -5 C Spotting 3 -2 -7 – (b) Spotting 3 -3 -1 – Basket Toss 3 -3 -4 B –(b) Bracers in a flip pyramid 58

• • • Situations affected by WV Modifications (cont’d) 3 -3 -6 A – Forward Suspended Roll (FSR) 3 -3 -6 E – Spotting 3 -3 -7 A – Holding Signs 3 -3 -7 B – Holding Signs 3 -4 -3 A – (c, d) Connected/Braced Extended Stunts 3 -4 -4 B – (b) Fall from extension to Superman 3 -5 -2 – Basket Toss 3 -8 -2 – (e) Holding Poms 3 -9 -1 B – (a) Drops 59

Middle/ 9 th Grade CM p. 29 -30 ILLEGAL STUNTS Middle School/9 th Grade Cheerleaders ARE NOT PERMITTED TO PERFORM THE STUNTS GOVERNED BY NFHS RULES: • 3 -3 -2, 3 -3 -3, 3 -3 -4, 3 -3 -5, 3 -3 -6, 3 -3 -7 inversions *, • 3 -4 -4(e) Extended pendulum, • 3 -5 -4 Switch-ups [Switch-ups from the performing surface to the load or prep position are allowed. ] • 3 -7 -2 dismount to performing surface from prep level or above [See Spotting Rule H. 2, CM p. 16] • 3 -7 -3 dismount to the performing surface involving a skill. *There are 2 exceptions to the ban on inversions in middle school. They are: 1. Forward Suspended Roll Dismount to Performing Surface or Cradle 2. Handstand-up from the performing surface to a stunt prep level or below. 60

WV Modification for FORWARD Suspended Roll • Forward suspended rolls may only be performed as dismounts to the performing surface or cradle. • 2 bases or 2 posts must control the top person in a forward suspended roll with continu ous hand to hand contact • Bases/posts must have supporting arms extended prior to and during the initiation of the forward roll • Top person must not invert prior to the initiation of the forward roll • Forward suspended roll must be initiated from the prep position only • During the roll, the feet of the top person must be released 61

1. Forward Suspended Roll 1 2 3 Legal 62

2. Handstand up from performing surface to a stunt at prep level or below 1 2 3 ILLEGAL Spot/Legal Stunt (Spot must be above bra line)

Spotters Jr. /MS/9 th Grade • All unbraced stunts with the base of support above prep/shoulder height must have a hands-on back spotter and a free standing spotter. • All unbraced single leg stunts with base of support at prep level or higher AND all extended stunts must have a hands on spotter and a free standing spotter • All extended stunts in a pyramid with the base of support above prep level that is braced by a spotted double base prep require only a back hands-on spotter. 64

Jr. /MS/9 th Grade Spotters • All cradles from stunts with the base of support at above prep level must have a hands on back spotter and a free standing spotter. • All backward dismounts require a free standing spotter • All straight down dismounts from above prep level must have 2 people assisting. 65

COMPETITION – Rules Changes Page 23 • III. B. 1. Technical b. Prohibitions 4. Cheer words that refer to past honors, awards or past placements. • III. B. 2. Open b. Prohibitions 4. Cheer words that refer to past honors, awards or past placements. Page 24 • B. 2. a (2) If dance is incorporated, there must be a minimum of 8 consecutive 8 -counts of full squad dance in order to earn any of the possible points. (See p. 31 for components of dance, and the Score Sheet CJ 2 for point value. ) • The rule of thumb is that to earn any of the possible 8 points for dance, any tumbling or stunting skills mentioned in the NFHS Spirit Rules Book and the WVSSAC Cheer Manual may not be incorporated into the dance. You can refer to p. 12 Modifications and p. 32 Degree of Difficulty page in the Cheer Manual (the possible mentions are not 66 just limited to these pages. )

COMPETITION Outlines • High School Regional/State –[Cheer Forms] Form C 2 A (Contact Info), p. 5 and Form C 2 B (Narrative) p. 6 • Other Competitions for High School and Middle School – [Cheer Forms] Form C 3 p. 7 and Form C 2 B, p. 6 • Follow format of the Cheer Narrative Sample [Cheer Forms] p. 3. Include the words to the technical cheer • Use terminology found in Rule 1 of NF Rule Book and Cheer Manual (pictures) • Send videos to PAT not Kelly • MUST MEET DEADLINE 67

High School Regional & State FORMS DUE TO Pat Kelly C 2 A C 2 B C 2 B C 4 C 5 68

Questions about SAFETY? ? Call or email PAT Phone: 304 777 2957 patricia_m_gross@yahoo. com 73