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Georgia High School Association Competition Cheerleading Guide 2016 – 2017 A guide for Competition Coaches, Tournament Host, and Officials
Georgia High School Association Competition Cheerleading …...Jun 13, 2016 · 8. Flash PHOTOGRAPHY is prohibited while teams performing. Anyone using flash photography whether on
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Microsoft Word - Competition Manual 2016 - Georgia High
SchoolHost, and Officials
Georgia High School Association Cheerleading
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The National Federation Spirit Rules Book will be used for all Georgia High School
Association sanctioned events and may be purchased through the GHSA. The GHSA Spirit
Manual and Competition Manuals may be found on line.
August 1
First Date for Practice
NOTE: Cheerleading teams are allowed to attend camp after the last day
August 10
Cancellation forms should be submitted to the GHSA office and all
Entering schools notified
August 15
Confirmation of tournaments should be submitted to the GHSA office.
First date allowed for regular season competitions.
October 1
Deadline for electronic notifications and submission of Post Season
November 5
Region winners determined; Coed and Single A Private/Public sectional
Winners determined.
November 11/12 State Competition
Friday (11): Sectionals for NonCoed; State finals for Coed and Single A
Saturday (12): State finals for noncoed
o 6 Varsity
Competition Cheer season ends when a school is eliminated from the regional/sectional
or state championship.
o
Tryouts must occur in the same ten consecutives days as the other cheer teams
in the school. (Spirit and Competitive must participate in tryouts in the same
consecutive days.)
o
Tryouts may occur after February 1.
o
Practices may occur only during the tryouts. This would be in preparation for the
actual tryout.
o
Teams may cheer for the Spring Football game, however, they cannot practice
for this game.
o
Once the tryouts are completed then the team should not practice until school
is out for summer.
All coaches are reminded that when selecting uniforms to please check with the GHSA
coordinator if in doubt. Also, remember uniforms should be appropriate and follow
rules. Traditional cheerleading uniforms should be selected and appropriate to both the
sport and for the athletes.
Competition Rules and Guidelines:
1.
Coaches are responsible for sharing rules and guidelines with the
participants and the parents as they feel necessary.
2.
Coaches will follow the instructions on the GHSA website for registering for
sanctioned events/tournaments/competitions.
3.
Teams may be charged an entry fee as determined by the host school.
4.
MANDATORY: All sanctioned events must have a minimum of 12 high
school teams to enter the event in order to host the event. Officials will be
paid for a minimum of 12 high school teams.
5.
It is suggested: The total number of teams should be limited to 40 to
provide adequate warmup and performance time. If more than 40 teams
are in attendance then the tournament host should work closely with the
booking agent to determine the number of panels of officials needed.
6.
Middle Schools may not compete at GHSA sanctioned events. If a middle
school tournament is hosted it should be held prior to or after the GHSA
sanctioned event and a separate awards ceremony be held.
a.
Middle Schools who are judged by GHSA officials will follow GHSA
and NFHS rules. They will need to be judged by the current rubric
and Scoresheet.
b.
Middle School tournaments do not have to be judged by GHSA
officials, however, if they are the officials will use GHSA rules to judge
the teams.
c.
Middle Schools should be made aware of the competition
procedures and rules. They should be informed of GHSA guidelines
and scoresheets that are being used in the middle school division.
GHSA officials may not adjust the rubric for middle school
competitions of more than 16 competitors.
d.
Middle School and high school events will be considered two
separate events. Either the arena must be cleared of all spectators
during the event of the host school must determine how to account
for attendance. All sales may have to be considered when
determining the percentage that will be paid to the GHSA for the
gate.
THEMSELVES PROFESSIONALLY AT ALL TIMES. All are subject to removal
should an incident occur. Sportsmanship is of utmost importance to the
safety of our athletes.
8.
Flash PHOTOGRAPHY is prohibited while teams performing. Anyone using
flash photography whether on a phone, camera or Ipad may be removed
from the competition. No flash lights of any kind may be used.
9.
If allowed by the host teams must provide their own sound equipment in
the warmup area.
a.
Guidelines for sound equipment are determined by the host.
b.
Music in warmups cannot interfere with floor performances.
c.
No sound equipment may be used at state and all music must be
appropriate and ready to use. There will be no sound checks at
region, sectionals, or state competitions.
10.
Once the doors have been opened to spectators no team should be
warming up on the competition mat except for regularly scheduled warm
up rotation.
11.
Specific competition times SHOULD NOT BE ASSIGNED. Teams should
know the order of rotation and be given an arrival time to check into the
competition. All teams should be present and ready to perform on the
floor. Schedules if made are for staff use only.
12.
Regions will determine if events can be televised.
13.
The coaches, teams, and/or parents should have no contact with officials
prior to, during or after the competition. Any concerns or issues should be
addressed by the school coach, AD, or principal in writing to the GHSA or to
the GHSA State Director or Coordinator.
14.
Upon official request, officials will assigned by the GHSA Booking Agent and
the Head Judge will be determined by the Booking Agent.
15. Order of Appearance: a.
Order of appearance may be assigned by the host school.
b.
The Region host shall determine the order of appearance prior to the
competition. An independent drawing should be held. In some cases
the Region Secretary will provide an order for competition rotations
for that specific region.
c.
Sectional and State order of appearance is determined by the GHSA.
16.
Coaching: PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE SECTION.
a.
Only certified school coaches and GSHA certified community coaches
are eligible to assist teams in any part of the competitive area
including warmups.
b.
A list of all coaches including certified community coaches is available
through the GHSA. All coaches can be asked to submit credentials
and identification. Coaches should be warned to have all credentials
with them including the GHSA pass.
c.
The competition area includes the warmup area as well as the
performance floor.
d.
Only TWO (2) coaches and the athletes should be in the warmup
area. The music person may go through warmups but tournaments
should ensure the music person remains the same person
throughout and has credentials to identify who they are. All
alternates and additional coaches, as well as parents, should remain
outside of the warmup area.
e.
Gym staff cannot go into the warmup area to spot tumbling and
stunts unless they are one of the two identified coaches and hold
community coach credentials.
17.
All decisions of the officials are final. THE GHSA does not allow appeals.
18.
No reviews will occur of scores or videos from the competition of stunts or
skills.
19.
A video filmed at practice may be reviewed for legality as executed in the
video.
a.
Each school may enter one Varsity Competition Team.
b.
A team may consist of a maximum of 16 performers.
i.
If a mascot performs with the team they will count as one of
the 16 performers.
ii.
The mascot will be subject o NFHS and GHSA rules.
iii.
The use of outside spotters is prohibited. Any spotters must be
included in the 16 performers. The GHSA does not allow for
additional spotters in the performance area including warm
ups.)
c.
The athletes participating in the performance must have been
declared eligible and cleared by the GHSA office.
d.
The athletes must currently be enrolled in the school they are
representing. (Note any exceptions in the Constitution and ByLaws)
e.
A team may have a roster of more than 16 performers and may use
any combination of eligible cheerleaders to make the team of 16.
f.
Rosters for post season competition will be submitted electronically
on the ghsa.net website by October 1.
i.
Substitutions may be made at any time after the submission.
However, notify the GHSA State Coordinator so that
adjustments can be made for state as needed.
ii.
Inform the host of any changes in team status or members
prior to region/sectional competitions.
2. Team Scheduling:
a.
Each school will select the tournaments they wish to enter prior to
the August 1 deadline.
b.
Varsity teams may be scheduled for up to six (6) invitational
tournaments.
c.
Junior Varsity teams may be scheduled for up to four (4) invitational
tournaments.
d.
No team member may compete in more than a total of six (6)
tournaments. (Example: A Junior Varsity team member competes
with the Junior Varsity Team in three events and she is pulled up to
Varsity. The Varsity team has four more events left for the season,
then the Junior Varsity team member cannot go over the allotted six.
She would only be able to complete in three of the remaining
competitions with the Varsity team and she would be unable to
compete with the Junior Varsity for any additional competitions.)
e.
No team may be involved in an exhibition during the season.
f.
If a team performs, but selects not to be judged at their home
tournament, then it will count as one of the allowed competitions.
This is not considered an exhibitions and has to count as a
competition.
1. Tournament Host:
a.
Is appointed by the school and is a member of the host school’s
personnel. This should not be a parent or parent involved with/in
the booster club.
b.
Is familiar with cheerleading procedures, tournament procedures,
has read and reviewed the GHSA Competition Guide Manual, and all
GHSA rules governing competition.
c.
Is to seek sanctioning from the GHSA by the designated deadline to
host the tournament. Request to sanction forms are located on line
at www.ghsa.net. They must be submitted to the GHSA office.
Contracts should be submitted at the same time.
https://app.ghsa.net/cheercontracts
d.
Should arrange all tournament staff to include scorekeepers, timers,
sound person, gate and ticket personnel, announcer, security, clean
up, concessions, etc. and in general organize the staff to assist with
team rotation and running the tournament.
e.
Should arrange for medical personnel to be on site to assist with
emergencies. Medical personnel should be present for all sanctioned
events. This can be a school trainer. An emergency plan should be in
place. (Reminder: Any school wishing to have taping done by the
trainer should provide their own tape.
f.
Should contact the Booking Agent as early as possible to request
officials and determine the Head Judge.
i.
Should obtain contact information for all officials.
ii.
Remain in contact with the booking agent and all officials
providing details and time lines as well as names of teams
competing.
iii. Complete updates as needed
iv.
Provide a meeting place for officials to remain in when they
arrive. It will serve as a meeting room for before and after
they are judging and should be away from all coaches,
athletes, and spectators.
Agent and determine how and when officials will be paid.
1.
Officials are paid for a minimum of 12 High School
Teams. They are paid $8 per team (always check the
GHSA for changes that may occur prior to the season)
for all Varsity and Junior Varsity teams. Transportation is
paid the GHSA set fee. Book Agents will negotiate fees
to judge middle schools and they may negotiate
transportation based upon the association rules.
2.
Inform officials as to when they will be paid and serve as
a liaison between the officials and the school and/or
school system.
g.
Should assist or arrange the rotational schedule of teams indicating
order of appearance. (Follow rules for creating order of
performance)
h.
Should provide adequate and uptodate score sheets, master tally
sheets, penalty sheets for the officials.
i.
Coordinate the running of the material and should any issues arise
remain accessible to the staff and officials.
j.
Coordinate the rotation schedule and should any emergencies occur
consult the head judge and make adjustments as needed.
k.
Address any issues that may occur with spectators and involve
security as needed.
l.
Ensure that the Head Judge has reviewed and signed the Master Tally
Score Sheet. All final tally sheets must be signed by the Head Judge
and copies provided to the Head Judge as well as the competing
teams.
m.
Complete the awards ceremony. Prior to presentation of the awards
remember that awards should be displayed for view.
n.
Distribute the original copy of the scoresheet and copies of the
Master Score Sheet to each competing team/coach.
i.
Prior to handing our copies of all may be made by the Host to
maintain at the school.
ii.
Copies of the Master Sheet only are to be made for the Head
Judge. Copies of all scoresheets do not have to be made for
the Head Judge.
iii.
Any major issues should be reported in writing to the state
coordinator.
MATS:
(The tournament director is responsible for placing the mats according to the
GHSA directions. The Head Judge will check placement when they arrive and can
ask that mats be changed to meet requirements. Competition will be halted until
such time as the mats are correctly placed.)
a. Mats should be 42’ X 42’
b.
Mats must be a minimum of 1 and 3/8 inches thickness
c. Mats cannot be spring floors
d.
Mats must be Blue at all GHSA sanctioned events. Strips to mark
floor in sections should be blue.
e.
The competition mat is the competition floor. White tape may be
used to mark the center of the mat and around the outside of the
mat. (This would be a safety precaution for the cheerleader to help
them to determine where they are on the mat when tumbling.)
f.
The entire mat is considered the competition floor.
g.
Outofbounds will be considered stepping off, tumbling off,
stunting off, dancing off, jumping off of the mat (performing off the
mat).
h.
In the case of an injury or accident, mats must be appropriately
cleaned of any bodily fluids before the competition can proceed.
i.
Mats must be placed according to the GHSA rules and failure to do so
can result in a penalty for the host school. Please read carefully and
see drawing.
1.
Locate the center by measuring fronttoback and sidetoside
2.
Mark the center with white tape forming an “X”.
3.
Measure three feet either side of it and this is where the first blue strips will
be placed from the back to the front, perpendicular to the judges’ table.
4.
From there measure 6’ on either side of that line and continue to do so.
There will be six lines of blue tape from back to front.
5.
White tape may then be placed around the border of the mat to define the
ends/edges of the mat. This does not define the boundary and is a safety
precaution only.
6.
When completed the length of the mats run parallel to the judges’ table.
7.
Mat placement: 7 mats wide, 7 mats long.
Example:
official’s association. Members of Officials’ Associations may not book themselves as
individuals. All officials must be booked through the Booking Agent representing the
association.)
1. The Judging Panel a.
Shall consist of the Head Judge, four routine judges, and two safety
judges. This would be a total of 7 judges.
b.
The panel will be assigned by the Booking Agent representing the
association.
c.
The Head Judge will be assigned by the Booking Agent. They will be
knowledgeable of the score sheet, the guide/rubric, as well as safety
rules and all GHSA procedures. The Head Judge will also be familiar
with the NFHS Safety Rules.
d.
The routine Judges will be assigned by the booking agent. They will
be familiar with the score sheet, rubric, and guide. They will
understand all aspects of the routine.
e.
The Safety Judges will be knowledgeable of the NFHS safety rules and
the GHSA guidelines and rules.
f.
Both Safety Judges will assist in the counting of team members who
are participating and in the number of skills executed by the team.
g.
REMINDER: Will maintain confidentiality, remain off of social media,
make no comments to the press unless prior approval is issued and/or
reframe from commenting on team performances, judges’ scores,
and/or tournaments/tournament host.
h.
Will not discuss or rule on any call or score made in competition
where they were on the panel, observing as a spectator or in
training, or view video tapes and make suggestions to
choreography or changes to a routine.
2. The Head Judge a.
Will be assigned by the Booking Agent.
b.
Will coordinate the panel and provide work directly with the booking
agents to determine the area of expertise and judging assignments
for each routine judge.
c.
Will remain in communication with the host school and tournament
director and communicate information to the panel and the booking
agent as needed.
d.
Will obtain all contact information and provide information to the
tournament host. Will make sure there is an understanding of how
the pay will be handled.
e.
Will have all needed competition items (provide to host as
requested) including GHSA Competition Manual and Guide, NFHS
Safety Rules Book, clean copies of Master Tally/Score Sheet, copies of
Safety Infraction Sheet, sticky notes, copies of the guide and any
other necessary items. (In an emergency these forms may have to be
used or copied for use.)
f.
Attend precompetition meeting with host as needed. Meet the
score keepers, the timers, and the announcer/music person. Make
sure they understand their responsibilities and the GHSA guidelines.
Discuss confidentiality with each group.
g.
Review braces, cast, or uniforms as necessary but do not review rules
at this time.
h.
Check all materials to makesure they are available and everything is
in order.
i.
Check competition order for any changes that may have occurred.
j. Once competition begins:
i.
Sit near the timer and signal when to start and stop the clock.
ii.
Signal the announcer/music person when to begin the routine.
iii.
Remind the announcer/music person to follow the GHSA
prescribed script – “In the hole ______, on deck ________, and
performing now_________”. Then “You may take the floor” at
your signal.
k.
Using the NFHS Spirit Rules book and the GHSA guidelines (Manual)
determine with the cooperation of the Safety Judges what infractions
may have occurred and sign off on the Safety Infraction sheet.
Record the rule number, page, or reference upon which the violation
was based upon.
understand new interpretations and updated material. Share with
the panel.
m.
Will send all scores and safety infraction sheets to the scorer’s table
after they have been checked and signed. Validate all rules violations
immediately following the team‘s performance.
n.
Will determine if a routine needs to be stopped due to an injury,
sound problems or other reason. After conferring with the
Tournament Host who will address the options with the school
coach, trainer/medical technicians, and/or sound technicians, and/or
other necessary personnel, the Tournament Host and Head Judge will
determine the best way to proceed. They will consider if the order of
appearance needs to be altered. They must also consider the time
element and how long teams have waited. Time should be allowed
for all teams in rotation to participate in their allotted rotational and
warmup activities. If too much time passes between the time of the
injury and the next team in rotation, then all remaining teams should
return to the warmup area and rotate back through. This is for
safety reasons.
o.
Will review and ensure that the tally sheets are complete and sign
them before they are copied for the coaches.
p.
Make sure the host returns all original score sheets to the coaches
along with a copy of the tally sheet prior to the coaches leaving the
tournament.
q.
Always conduct his or herself in an appropriate professional manner.
r.
Will not communicate and respond to coaches’ questions after the
tournament. All coaches will be advised to contact the GHSA State
Coordinator or the Booking Agent should questions arise. Parents
should not approach any tournament personnel.
s.
Will refer all concerns and issues to the Booking Agent and/or State
Coordinator immediately following any tournament.
t.
Complete all tournament report forms requested by the Booking
Agent or the State Coordinator.
3. Routine Judges a.
Provide all contact information and background information to the
Booking Agent and notify the agent of any changes in this
information. Work with the Booking Agent by providing key data
which will enable the booking agent to coordinate the assignments
for all judges. Provide information concerning school contacts, site
of employment, contact with gyms and schools, contact with teams,
and other items which could affect the placement of an official.
b.
Withdraw from judging when conflicts of interest exist of the
possibility exist that an official may not be able to judge a team fairly.
This would include, but not limited to, affiliation with any competing
team or gym where the judge works, relatives competing any team
or coaching a team, teams who are rival teams in an area school or
gym, the parent of an athlete on a rival team or competing team.
The Booking Agent will be provided this information and will
determine if the judge has a conflict of interest or may remain on the
judging list. Failure to disclose all/or any of the above information
can lead to dismissal from judging.
c.
Provide all contact information to the Head Judge and Tournament
Host to enable the dissemination of material concerning the
competition and to schedule pay.
d.
Be aware of the GHSA guide/regulation and the NFHS rules
concerning competition. Be prepared to judge in whatever position
he or she is needed to judge.
e.
Have all materials needed including the GHAS Competition Manual,
THE NFHS Spirit Rules Book, copies of the guide and other forms
needed for competition along with pens, sticky notes, and paper to
take notes on during the competition.
f.
Be ready to call violations for sportsmanship, jewelry, inappropriate
hair, hair devices, uniforms, shoes, glitter, and nails and indicate the
team member who is in violation of these GHSA rules.
g.
Be ready to identify boundary violation and infractions involving the
performing surface.
h.
Use the appropriate guide when scoring the team and remain
consistent in scoring.
i.
Always sign the score sheet with the full name where it can be read.
j.
Always dress and conduct his or her self in an appropriate
professional manner.
4. The Safety Judge a.
Know the NFHS spirit rules and interpretations with the expectations
of the GHSA.
b.
Carry the NFHS spirit rules book and the competition manual with
them to the competition along with pen and paper to take notes on.
c.
Maintain uptodate knowledge of all situations and rules. Review
the websites for rules interpretations and updates on a weekly basis
during competition season.
d.
Understand the Safety Infraction Sheet and the guide for calling
violations.
e.
During the routine specifically watch for and call violations for safety,
boundary, and illegal performances.
f.
One safety judge will sit at the table beside the Head Judge and
maintain the safety infraction sheet. The second safety judge will
walk the floor (side mat only) and determine violations as seen,
number of team members performing, and assist with counting
tumbling or other counting as requested by the Head Judge.
g.
Immediately after each team performs the two safety Judges will
meet with the Head Judge to determine violations.
i.
To call a violation two officials must be in total agreement that
the violation occurred.
ii.
To call a violation the officials must be able to identify the
specific rule that has been violated.
iii.
The violation must be identified in the blocks at the top of the
sheet and the rule sited on the correct line. All violations must
be marked and cannot be called if they are not. The officials
will mark the approximate time box, the approximate location,
and the type of violation. If the rule number is not identified
then the violation will become a warning and will not be
deducted as an actual violation.
iv.
The Head Judge will coordinate the discussion and it will not
consist of a debate. The three judges must identify if they saw
the violation in question, where and when. Two of the three
safety judges must agree that they saw the violation.
h.
All teams will be notified of any concerns or possible rules violations
that have not been called so that the coach may question and
attempt to correct any issues prior to the next competition.
i.
All outofbounds, uniform violation, loss of shoes/hair devices,
jewelry violation, etc. can be called by any judge. Warning are not
given for these type of violations. They are called.
j.
Will always conduct themselves in an appropriate professional
manner.
5. The Timer and Timing Guidelines
a.
The timer will work with the judging panel and time the routine
following GHSA procedures in timing.
b.
The timing of the routine will begin with the first movement, first
word, or first musical sound in the routine.
c.
When beginning with a stunt or pyramid, the team may set and
prepare to build prior to beginning the routine time. The flyer must
have one foot on the floor ready to begin the stunt and in
preparation of the signal to being. (5 point deduction per top
person who does not have one foot on the floor)
d.
The timing of the routine ends with the last motion or word of the
routine.
e.
If a routine ends with a stunt or pyramid, the timing will end with the
highest point of the stunt or pyramid. Any fall or error which occurs
after the stunt or pyramid hit the highest point will not count against
the team. (The judges will determine if the stunt or pyramid hit long
enough to count as an executed skill.)
f.
Tumbling outside of a routine is illegal and will result in a violation
as well as a penalty. If the team member tumbles while coming on
the floor time will begin when the team member tumbles. A team
member cannot tumble on or off the mat. It will be a GHSA
violation. (5 pt. deduction per team member who tumbles outside
of the routine.
g.
The timer will meet with the Tournament Host and the Head Judge to
review instructions.
h.
The timer will check all stop watchers/clocks to make sure they are
operational.
i.
The timer should sit by the Safety Judge and help to maintain the
Safety Score Sheet by assisting in the recording of the time a
violation occurs.
j.
The timer will verify the exact time that a routine stops and verify
start times with the judges when a routine has been stopped for any
reason.
k.
The timer may confer with the sound technician concerning the time
a routine was stopped or an injury occurred if there are any concerns
with the clock. If the sound technician has no way to monitor time
then the Head Judge and the Safety Judge will determine the starting
point for judging of the remainder of the routine.
l.
Good Judgement should be used when calling overtime violations. If
a team is five seconds or less over the time limit, consideration
should be given to when the clock actually stopped and the Head
Judge may select not to impose a penalty.
m. Timing Infractions:
routine or delay of meet.
ii.
For each 15 seconds or portion thereof, a five (5) point
deduction is assessed.
iii.
There will be a five (5) point deduction for delay of meet. A
team has thirty (30) seconds to begin once the announcer says,
“you may begin”. “you may begin” must be sated upon the
signal of the Head Judge.
iv.
There will be a five (5) point delay of meet deduction if a team
fails to line up at the mat when the name of the team is called
by the announcer as “nor performing”. A team will have thirty
seconds “30) to enter and begin to line up at the mate. Teams
must be position to begin the rotation for competition and
ready to perform when their name is called. Teams must have
music ready to being routine. It should be cued and ready.
v.
After a reasonable time and if a team has not reported, the
rotation will continue and the team will be eliminated from
competition. (The Tournament Host is responsible for
communicating any issues which may be occurring in warm
ups to help prevent the elimination of a team.)
vi.
If needed when a mechanical failure occurs during the music
portion of the routine, the Head Judge will determine when
the error occurred, the time it occurred, at what point the
routine/music stopped, and when the scoring stopped. The
Head Judge and Timer will then determine a signal to let all
judge know that they are to begin their scoring again. The
Head Judge will provide instructions to the panel.
vii. Music Considerations
1.
The length of the routine shall be two minutes and
thirty seconds; however, there is no limit of how much
of that music can be used. Music may be a part of the
entire routine but should not exceed the two minutes
and thirty seconds.
2.
Principals and/or Athletic Directors must review the
music to be used for the school’s routine. Music cannot
contain profanity, suggestive and inappropriate
language. Music in poor taste will result in a
sportsmanship deduction.
3.
The music (CD) should be furnished by the school and
labeled with the school name. The coach should
maintain two copies. Both copies should be with the
coach in the competition area.
4.
All music should be professional quality. It is suggested
that all music be recorded on CDR discs. The use of
paper labels is not recommended. A soft sharpie marker
should be used to write the name of the school on the
disc.
of ipads and phones. There are issues with start times
and phones ringing in the middle of the performance.
These will be determined to be delay of meet deductions
6. Scorers and Scorekeeping guidelines a.
The Scorers will meet with the Head Judge prior to the competition
to review procedures and guidelines for scoring.
b.
The Scorer will add all judges’ scores and record totals on the Judging
Tally Sheet and on the individual judges’ score sheets.
c.
The Scorers will follow GHSA procedures when adding the score
sheets:
i.
Each individual judge’s sheet will be tallied, making sure all
areas are scored.
ii.
The Scorers will then transfer the individual to the Tally Sheet
under the specific number of each judge (1 through 5).
iii.
The high and low scores of each team will be crossed through
on the tally sheet.
iv.
The remaining three scores will be totaled on the Tally Sheet.
v.
Deductions from the Safety Infraction Score Sheets will be
added and recorded on the Tally Sheet. The deductions will be
taken from the total of the three judges’ scores.
vi. Ties will then be broken by: 1.
Adding back in the high and the low to the total score
with the high score breaking the tie and determining the
final position.
2.
Add up the degree of difficulty scores (5 skills areas)
with the high score breaking the tie and determining
final position.
3.
If tie still remains it will go back to the judges for a tie
breaking vote between the tied teams.
d.
Deductions may be made for the following reasons:
i. NFHS/GHSA Minor Violations
2 points each
Lost hair devices, lost hair pieces, or inappropriate hair pieces,
inappropriate fingernails, untied shoestrings, jewelry, glitter
etc. – do not interfere with the execution of a skill. Two (2)
points per each individual violation and may be called by any
official. Only one official has to call.
Top person not beginning with one foot on the floor
Unsafe performing surface (loss of shoe, hair device, etc.)
Falls to the floor
Tumbling outside of the routine
Beginning routine off the mat
NOTE: Five (5) points per violation (individual calls). Again one
official can make the call.
Violations to major Stunting Rules located in the NFHS Spirit
Rules Book.
As defined by the GHSA acts of sportsmanship will be a 10
point deduction per act. The new rules specifically give the
officials the responsibility for calling unsportsmanlike acts
through the competition time.
vi. Timing Infractions
f. Disqualifications:
ii. Illegal substitutions 1.
Ineligible student on the team
2. Person on the team participating
iii.
Unauthorized props (Props will be defined as the use of any
item other than poms to initiate crowd response.)
1.
No part of a uniforms may be used as a sign, to include
briefs, socks, items worn as a part of the uniform or
under the uniform such as Tshirts
2. No signs allowed
7. Announcer a.
Prior to the beginning of the tournament the announcer should meet
with the Head Judge and Tournament Director to review procedures.
b.
The announcer will take all cues from the Head Judge
c.
Will announce teams using the correct procedures as defined by the
GHSA (_____________________________ is the name of the school)
i.
“Taking the floor now is ___________________”
ii. “On deck is ____________________” iii.
“In the hole is _________________” iv.
Once the team is lined up behind the mat the announcer will
announce, “____________________, You may take the floor.”
v.
The announcer will then receive a signal from the Head Judge
and will announce, “_________________, You may begin.”
d.
At no time should a team be told to take the floor prior to the signal
from the Head Judge.
e.
Cues must be used because of the possibility of Delay of Meet
deductions.
8. Sound Technician a.
Is responsible for supervising the setup and operation of the sound
equipment.
b.
Is responsible for following all of the directions of the GHSA
procedures. This host is responsible for providing and reviewing
procedures with the sound technician.
c.
Is responsible for explaining to the tournament host and coaches
how the music system words.
d.
Should remind the coach or person playing music that they are
responsible for starting and stopping the music during the
competition.
e.
Should allow for the music person to practice placing the CD into the
machine, starting the CD, and stopping the CD.
f.
The sound technician may insert the CD if needed and remove it if
needed.
g.
Should assist the tournament host and the head judge in determining
if there was an error in the sound system or if any issues are due to
the sound technician making a mistake when there is an error during
the performance.
h.
If able to do so, will assist with the determination of the time the
music or routine was stopped, in case of injuries, and in case of
violations where the routine must be stopped.
a.
All tournaments are to have medical personnel present. The
tournament host will determine the type personnel needed. It can be
a trainer, an EMT, or other emergency personnel available to assist in
an emergency.
b.
First aid and medical supplies should be available in an emergency.
c.
Schools needing taping for nonemergency situations should provide
their own tape. The team should bring tape and other non
emergency medical supplies with them to the competition. BE
PREPARED!
d.
The tournament host should have a list of emergency telephone
numbers such as paramedics, hospitals, doctors available in the area.
An emergency plan should be in place and all tournament personnel
aware of the plan and procedures.
e.
When an emergency or injury occurs the host and officials should
stop the competition until the injured person can be removed from
the warmup mat or the competition floor.
f.
Correct procedures should be followed in the handling of the injury
and the resuming of the competition.
g.
Teams must be allowed to warmup and the rotation should be
adjusted so that teams warmup prior to competing on the floor.
The Host and Head Judge will determine how long teams had to wait
and how to resume. If there was an extended period of time taken,
then the teams will be backed up and rotate through the warmups
again.
h.
After an injury has occurred the tournament host will consult with
the Head Judge to determine the order of rotation and when the
team with the injury will return. Should the team with the injury
select to compete again the Head Judge will determine the start time
for judging the routine and follow timing rules. (Located in the Timer
Section of the manual)
i.
An athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with
a Concussion (examples such as a loss of consciousness, headaches,
dizziness, confusion or balance problems) shall immediately removed
from the contest and shall not return to play until cleared by the
appropriate healthcare professional. (NFHS Rules: 2114; Refer to
NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussions)
Coaches are responsible for the following safety guidelines for all
athletes on the team.
j.
Using the professional judgement of the medical personnel on sight
the Tournament Host under the guidance of the Head Judge will not
allow a team member who has experience unconsciousness to return
to the floor without the written consent of a physician.
Severe injuries of any kind are considered extremely serious and a
team member who has experienced a serious injury should return to
the floor or compete. The appropriate medical action should be
taken and the emergency plan put into place. A substitute may be
sent in for the injured team member. (Please refer to NFHS Spirit
Rules: 2114)
k.
A team member who has a minor injury should not be allowed to
return without the release of the medical personnel who are on site.
l.
Team members who are bleeding, have an open wound, or have
excessive amounts of blood, may not participate in any event until
the appropriate treatment is administered and the uniform and/or
body has been cleaned (NFHS Rule: 2113)
m.
An injury can result in a change in the order of appearance.
n.
The coach must determine if the team will proceed, withdraw, or use
a substitute. The coach must notify the Tournament Host and the
Head Judge of their decision.
o.
The same procedures that are followed for a mechanical (music)
failure or other routine stopping event will be followed in
performing, timing and scoring of the routine.
November 5, 2016
Coed/Single A Sectionals
November 11, 2016
Noncoed Sectionals
November 11, 2016
Coed/Single A State Finals
November 12, 2016
Noncoed State Finals
REGION AND SECTIONALS TO BE HOSTED – SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5, 2016
South Central Georgia
1AA
1AAA
1AAAA
1AAAAA
1AAAAAA
1AAAAAAA
2AA
2AAA
2AAAA
2AAAAA
2AAAAAA
3AA
3AAA
3AAAA
3AAAAAA
4AA
4AAA
5AAA
8AA
8AAA
8AAAA
2AAAAAAA
3AAAAA
4AAAA
4AAAAA
4AAAAAA
5AAAAA
5AA
5AAAA
5AAAAAA
6AAA
6AAAAA
7AA
7AAAAA
Judging Guide
It is highly suggested that new judges who do not have a cheerleading
background be assigned a mentor judge who will train them and monitor
performance. The Mentor will update the Booking Agent on the progress of the
new judge and the new judges’ understanding of cheerleading terms, the
guide/rubric, and the forms. The period of mentoring would be determined by
the Booking Agent and mentor. Judges who are in training will not be paid to
attend a competition.
o
Be prepared and know your job!
o
Excuse yourself from the panel for one of the reasons below if it is determined
by the Booking Agent there would be a conflict of interest.
You are related to an athlete or a coach
You work at one of the competing schools
You previously coached a competing team
Choreographed for a competing team
Work in a gym where a team attends or a rival gym
You are friends with the coach or members of the team (including
parents)
You teach or work with a rival school of one of the competing teams
Cheered for a competing team in the last five years
Use common sense and if you feel there may be a reason let the Booking
Agent or Head Judge know the reason.
o
Notify your booking agent as quickly as possible if you are unable to attend for
any reason, must excuse yourself, or have an emergency. Make sure you have
the correct phone numbers of the Booking Agents and the Head Judge.
o
Make sure you have the correct information concerning how to contact the host
school.
o
Make sure you have the directions to the school and all information about the
competition including what time to arrive.
o
BE ON TIME! Arrive at the time designated by the Booking Agent, Head Judge
and/or Host. Arrive no later than 30 minutes prior to the competition or earlier.
Remember that arrival of 15 minutes or later can result in the removal from a
panel. (This is a decision of the Head Judge on site.)
o
Bring a pen, notepad, sticky notes, copy of the GHSA Cheerleading Manual,
scoring guide/rubrics, and the NFHS Spirit Rules book with you.
o
Remember that the tournament host is in charge of running the competition.
Allow them to do so! The Head Judge should communicate with the tournament
Conduct o
Dress professionally for all events! (Examples of inappropriate: jeans, shorts,
short shirts, high heals (can cut into expensive mats and scuff up basketball
courts), midriffs showing, sweat pants/shirts of any type, leggings that are not
covered below the rear by a long top, sunglasses, hats. Remember your clothing
should not be inappropriate, suggestive, too tight, too short, etc. Clothing
should not be a distraction. The athletes, coaches, and parents should see you
as a professional.
o
NO CELL PHONES AT THE JUDGES TABLE OR IN THE AREA OF SCORING. Do not
use a cell phone in a public arena when on break. Wait until you are in the car
after you leave the building to use the cell phone. Please check to make sure
scorekeepers, timers, runners, and other tournament personnel are not using or
have on display their cell phones.
o
NO TEXTING DURING THE COMPETITION!
o
DO NOT approach a parent, a coach, or any athletes to discuss routine or scores.
o
Do not make suggestions for changes in routines or offer to choreograph a
routine.
o
Do not discuss the scores of your judging panel with anyone. If you have any
issues please let the Head Judge or Booking Agent know.
o
Do not CHEW GUM while judging.
o
Smile at the team as they perform. Make the teams feel comfortable. It is not
the job of the judge to intimidate the teams.
o
Reframe from being hostile or condescending to coaches, fans, or cheerleaders.
o
Treat the host and competition staff with respect. They are working hard!
o
Do not smoke, drink or use profanity while at a school or serving as an official.
o
Do not argue with the Head Judge or another official. Allow the Head Judge to
do their job and if there is an issue contact the Booking Agent the following
Monday.
o
Do not applaud any team or performance.
o
Do not signal a coach. Communicate with the Tournament Host.
o
Do not signal other judges while at the judging table or while a routine is in
progress. An exception would be in the case of an injury.
o
Keep your cool at all times and act professionally. React with calm.
o
Do not try to control the crowd. Speak directly to the tournament host if there
are any issues and ask for help. Ask for security if needed. If you are faced with
a situation when
