USA Cheer is releasing the high school rules updates for the 2019-20 season on May 1, 2019.  A summary of the changes for the upcoming season is listed below:

Along with the updated rules, USA Cheer will make available their comprehensive rules education training for school coaches and officials.  This online training session will cover the entire spectrum of rules and will include video examples and exam questions. Training for officials will include in-depth education on how to officiate, and “you make the call” scenarios based on existing and updated rules.

2019-20 USA Cheer/AACCA School Cheerleading Rules

Summary of Changes

  • The definition of “Dive Roll” has changed to allow a momentary airborne position. True “Dive Rolls”, where the hips go over the head while airborne, are still prohibited.
  • A participant in a walking boot or plaster cast may not be involved in tumbling or jumps as well as other previously listed skills.
  • A top person in a stunt or pyramid may not release a sign directly to the ground. It must be handed to someone on the ground or come down with the top person, with existing restrictions like spotters not holding props or cradling with hard props.
  • Extended triple based straddle sits no longer require an additional spotter.
  • In transitions from vertical to horizontal positions, the requirement that the new catchers are to the front or side of the person moving the top person has been removed.
  • Braced flips may use one or two bracers. If one bracer is used, there must be a hand/arm connection between both of the top and bracer’s hands/arms. This will allow prep level Bajas and better technique for Side Somis. All of the other requirements for a braced flip remain in place.
  • Inversions may release to non-inverted extended level stunts.
  • In prep level inversions, the required contact between the top and base(s) may be maintained by either the top or the base(s).
  • A top person may perform a forward roll with props from a prone position below prep level.
  • The rules regarding Switch Libs have been adjusted to allow landing on one or both feet.

USA Cheer works closely with the NFHS Spirit Rules Committee to combine resources and expertise. The changes listed above are being made by both organizations. In working towards a common set of rules, other rules changes have been made by each organization that were already in place by the other.

  • The NFHS spirit rules will allow vertical-to-vertical releases that begin at extended level, such as high-to-high tick tocks, with the same restriction in place by USA Cheer/AACCA that extended to extended releases may not make more than 1/4 twist.
  • The USA Cheer/AACCA rules will restrict participants from moving over or being under partner stunts or pyramids except when helping build, stabilize or dismount that partner stunt or pyramid.

Look for the release of the full set of rules and rules education programs on May 1, 2019!