USA Cheer and the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) have released the high school rules changes for the 2021-22 school year.

Following the virtual NFHS rules meeting, of which USA Cheer is a voting member, changes were made to reduce injury risk with braced connections and to clarify previous rule interpretations. Due to the limited participation allowed during the pandemic, there were fewer rules proposals and fewer changes than in previous years.

Summary of Changes:

Rule 3.2.1.b: Allows a base and top person to share a pom during a dismount from a thigh stand, shoulder sit/straddle, shoulder stand, or prep. This exception clarifies the interpretation of what is allowed during a dismount.

Rules 3.3.3 (released inversions) and 3.5.5 (released stunts): No longer require that a braced connection must be hand to hand/arm. This change allows for better technique during certain released transitions. Along with this change, the previous rule 3.5.5.c.1 regarding hand-to-foot connections was removed as it is no longer needed.

Rule 3.3.6.d: This rule regarding when an inverted top person’s upper body contact may be released during a transition was removed as a change in the 2020-21 rules made it unnecessary.

The 2021-22 NFHS/USA Cheer Spirit Rule Book will be available for purchase from USA Cheer at https://usacheer.org/high-school-cheer in mid to late June. Rule books may also be available through your state or local association.

Look for the 2021-22 High School Rules Course to be available soon at https://usacheer.org/high-school-cheer, with course options for all rules, changes only, and rule interpreters!