Section IX

Cheerleading

2015 – 2016

Competition

SECTION IX CHEERLEADING COMMITIEE

Phone E-mail School

CHERIE WALKER Section IX Chairperson Pine Bush High School 118 State Rt. 302 Pine Bush, N.Y. 12566

845-728-6615 kccja@frontiernet.net Pine Bush HS 845-744-2031 Fax: 845-744-3488

PATTI ARCHIERE Minisink Valley High School 2320 Route 6 Middletown, N.Y. l0940

845-742-3263 pattimvcheer@yahoo.com Minisink Valley HS 845-355-5150 Fax: 845-355-S198

TRISH STOLZ Valley Central High School 1175 State Rt. 17k Montgomery, N.Y. 12549

845-283-3550 trishstolz@hvc.rr.com Valley Central HS 845-457-2400 Fax: 845-457-4418

BARBARA ALIDAD Monroe Woodbury High School 155 Dunderberg Rd. Central Valley, N.Y. 10917

845-494-3955 balidad@mw.k12.ny.us Monroe Woodbury HS 845-460-7000 Fax: 845-460-7098

KATELYNN DOUGHERTY 845-313-0951 kdoughertyll@gmail,com State Education Committee

Competitive Cheerleading - Full Implementation

In an effort to assist NYSPHSAA member schools with questions and concern pertaining to competitive cheerleading, please reference the topics and information included in this document. For additional information, please contact Todd Nelson, NYSPHSAA Assistant Director, at: tnelson@nysphsaa.org/518-690-0771

Traditional Cheer vs. Competitive Cheer:

The NYSPHSAA Cheerleading Committee is recommending any Cheerleading Squad that stunts or tumbles (see definitions below, as per AACCA) be considered a Competitive Cheer Squad and would be subject to all SED and NYSPHSAA rules and regulations. A team that does not stunt and tumble would be a traditional squad and NOT subject to SED and NYSPHSAA rules and regulations. . .

• Stunt: One or more persons supporting one or more top persons off of the ground. • Tumbling: Gymnastic skills that begin and end on the performing surface, including rolls,

inverted extended skills (cartwheels, handstands, walkovers, handsprings, etc.), aerials, twists and flips. NOTE: Jumps, leaps and side rolls on the performing surface are not considered to be tumbling.

NYSED Regulations:

All SED regulations (Age, Grade, Bona Fide Student, Duration of Competition, Health Exam, etc.) will be followed along with the regulations listed below:

• Mixed Competition: Will be outlined by SED in the Fall 2015 • Selection Classification: Will be outlined by SED in the fall 2015. • Coaching Certification: All Competitive Cheerleading coaches will have to have the following to

be certified coaches for the 2014-15 winter season as per SED regulations: All non-certified teacher coaches will have to apply for a temporary coaching certificate. Any outside clinician that works with a team more than 5 days during the season will also have to apply for a temporary coaching certificate. First Aid and CPR/AED Fingerprinted Child Abuse Course Violence Prevention Course Concussion Management Course DASA Training (if applying for a temporary coaching license) AACCA Safety Course (this is being recommended by the cheerleading committee and will

be voted upon by the Executive Committee in October) All non-PE coaches will have to begin to take the three required courses (Philosophy and

Principles of Coaching (first year), Theories and Techniques (by 3rd year) and Health Science (by 3rd year).

NVSPHSAA General Eligibility:

All current NYSPHSAA eligibility rules (including the transfer rule) will be enforced for all Competitive Cheerleading Squads. Two of those regulations are highlighted below:

• Fall Cheerleading and Winter Cheerleading: The Cheerleading Committee is recommending that students/teams be allowed to compete in both seasons because of well-established league and sectional events. The NYSPHSAA Championship events would be held only in the winter season.

• Interstate Sanctioning: Teams will have to follow the sanctioning process if they are attending an out of state event or hosting an event that has out of state schools competing. NY Schools may only compete against member/approved schools.

NVSPHSAA Competition Standards:

Sections should be prepared to vote on the following Competition Standards for the sport of competitive cheerleading at the October Executive Committee meeting.

• Minimum Practice Requirement: 10 team/8 individual • Representation: minimum of 2 required competitions before post season. Note: The 2015- 2016

season- NYSPHSAA Invitational(s) will not be considered post-season. • Maximum number of Contests: 12 • Nights Rest: 1 night per competition. Note: Cheering or performing during a sport event is not

considered competition. • Spirit Standards: NFHS Spirit Rule Book • Limitations per Day: 1 competition per day • Competition Standards: Routine - 2 minutes and 30 seconds must include Cheer and Dance • Judges: Minimum of 3 judges and 1 safety judge per competition • NYSPHSAA Divisions and Classes: 2 Divisions (1/11), small class and large class in each

division. 1 coed division.

NVSPHSAA 2015-2016 Cheerleading Championship:

The Cheerleading Committee is recommending a NYSPHSAA Championship Event of the winter 2015-2016 school years. Teams would qualify for the championship event through a process established by the Section. The Cheerleading Committee is recommending the following qualifying process and championship format:

• Qualifying Process: Each Section would send the winner of each class to the Championship event. A maximum of 10% of the teams competing in each class would qualify for the championship event. A Section could be more restrictive and only send the winner of each class to the championship event.

• Format: Each class would have a preliminary and finals round at the championship event. Final format will be recommended by the Cheerleading Committee and sent to the Championship Advisory Committee.

Cheerleading SECTION IX COMPETITIONS

Local Events currently include:

Minisink Valley High School – January 9, 2016

Pine Bush high School – January 23, 2016

Warwick High School – January 30, 2016

Monroe Woodbury High School – February 6, 2016

OCIAA CHEERLEADING COMPETITION – FEBRUARY 13, 2016 @ Kingston High school

The Cheerleading By-laws are located on the OCIAA website at ociaa.ouboces.org this is a varsity competition only. Each school that desires to participate in this competition must obtain and complete a registration form and return it to: Regional Office of Interscholastic Athletics Orange -Ulster BOCES, 53 Gibson Road, Goshen, N.Y. 10924. Phone: 845-294-5799 Fax: 845-291-7306

** Competition breakdown listed below

Newly implemented competitions will include -

2016 CHEERLEADING SECTIONALS COMPETITION – FEBRUARY 20, 2016 @ Sullivan County Community College

The top teams from Sectionals will compete at STATES

**competition breakdown listed below

2016 NYSPHSAA STATES COMPETITION - MARCH 5th

SRC Center Syracuse, N. Y.

***Competition Breakdown:

Divisions I and II- 750 and above DI, - 749 and below DII

Within each division there will be a small and large Class– based upon team size:

Small 5-16 / Large 17- 32

The competition will also be conducted in one division for mixed competition coed squads for squad size of 5 - 32 cheerleaders with a minimum of two teams.

ORANGE COUNTY INTERSCHOLASTIC ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION

CHEERLEADING COMPETITION

GENERAL RULES

1. The competition will be a combination of cheer and dance.

2. The cheer will have a maximum time limit of 2 1/2 minutes.

3. Up to 1 minute and 30 seconds (90 seconds) of the routine may be performed to music. No voice-overs or words may be recorded to make the team's vocal projection sound louder during the cheer.

4. Official cheerleading clothing must be worn; additional props may be used

5. The small squad will consist of 5 to 16 cheerleaders including spotters. The large varsity squad will consist of 17 to 26 cheerleaders including spotters.

6. Open to current school year cheerleaders who have cheered on a full time basis. (Football, soccer or basketball.)

7. Timing will begin with the first word of the cheer or first beat of the music once the squad is in formation on the floor. Penalties will be given for exceeding the time limit.

8. All routines need to follow the rules in the National Federation Spirit Rule Book 2014-2015.

9. Teams must provide their own I Pod or CD and operator

Updated 9/24/2015

2015--‐16 Cheerleading

Rubric & Scoring Instructions

The KEY to this rubric and scoring system is to perform within the means of the squad’s skill level, execute all skills solidly, and score high in the execution categories. Professional training and proper spotting techniques should be mandatory for all squads. Changes to the Rubric will occur during the season only if there is an eminent safety danger. Updates to the Glossary and Scoring Instructions will occur throughout the season to promote clarity, understanding and transparency.

Definitions

o Bobble (.25 deduction): Stunts and Pyramids that almost drop, but are saved (this included excessive movement by the bases). Knee or hand of base touches ground during cradle or dismount.

o Degree of Difficulty: Should refer to the entire score sheet. In addition, the criteria listed below, performed well, should also be considered in the overall degree of difficulty score: full squad skills, repetition of skills, 3 vs. 2 stunt groups, 4 vs. 3 stunt groups, 5 vs. 4 stunt groups performing elite entries and twist dismounts, synchronized tumbling skills or tosses, jump tumbling combination, # of tops performing releases/inversions, pace of pyramid transitions, number of athletes performing skill (e.g., males doing motions), doing skills later in a routine & multiple times. Individual skills are not as difficult (e.g., rippling tosses, single running series, or one inverted top person at a time) as multiple skills. Example: It is difficult to keep words up while tumbling or stunting, if a team does so, they should be rewarded; Reward teams that are performing max stunt groups, displaying full team skills, displaying endurance, and multiple occurrences of skills. Note: Doing the bare minimum gets you into the rubric range, but it will not necessarily score the highest in that range.

o Drop (1.5 deduction): An individual stunt, pyramid, or toss that falls to the performance surface. Top person, or multiple bases land on the performance surface.

o Entry: The beginning or mounting phase of a stunt, where one foot/hand(s) starts on the performing surface or in a loading position.

o Fall (1.0 deduction): An individual stunt/pyramid that comes down to a cradle or dismounts early. It may then be put up again; however, it is clear to the judges that the stunt was not executed as intended. Also includes base dropping to floor during cradle or dismount.

o Inversion: See "Inverted"; it is the act of being inverted.

o Inverted: when the athlete’s shoulders are below her/his waist.

o Majority: (51%) based on the number of athletes successfully performing a skill; considering that the skills are equal. The minimum number of athletes necessary for a team to be awarded credit on the Difficulty Rubric for performing skills in a given range. If a team does not perform the required number of skills to reach majority --‐the judges are going to use their discretion to determine the rubric range that the team should get. To clarify, it can be beneficial to a team to put in skills that "individual" groups can do even though these are not "team" skills to reach majority. In these cases, the judge will use their discretion to determine the score that the team should get.

o One Man Assisted Stunt: The athletes must demonstrate the ability to get to hands with assistance (by a secondary base or spotter that comes in contact with the flyer or main base to assist the intended coed skill in hitting.

Updated 9/24/2015

o One Man Un-Assisted Stunt: The athletes must demonstrate the ability to get to hands without assistance -- no secondary base or spotter may come in contact with the flyer or main base until the intended coed skill has hit. Secondary base or spotter cannot be under feet or participate in stabilizing stunt.

o Out of Rubric Range: Rubric ranges are based on a majority of the team performing the skills listed. Placement within a specific rubric range is determined by the difficulty of the skills performed as listed below by a majority of the team and overall execution & technique of those skills. Below average or sub-standard technical execution may result in a team being dropped out of a rubric range. A team may drop out of a rubric range if they lack of a majority of a team executing a skill or if they possess poor execution (can't tell what the skill was supposed to be).

o Quick Toss: A release that begins with the top person in weight-bearing contact with the performance surface and ends in a partner stunt or pyramid.

o Pyramid Collapse (4.0 deduction): Connected stunt groups in a pyramid that falls to the performance surface. Top person, or multiple bases from stunt groups land on the performance surface.

o Released Pyramid Transition: A top person changes from one stunt to another (including loading positions) during a temporary loss of physical contact with his/her base(s).

o Structure: A place in a pyramid when flyers connect (hand-hand or hand-foot) and pause to show a defined position. This is also known as a picture.

o Switch Up/Giddy Up: A top person starts with one foot on the ground, is tossed and lands in a liberty on the other foot.

o Tumbling Drop (1.5 deduction): Individuals' torso/head/neck come in weight bearing contact with the performance surface. Individual does not complete the skill.

o Tumbling Fall (1.0 deduction): Individuals' elbows and/or knees come in weight bearing contact with the performance surface. Individual does not complete the skill.

o Tumbling Touchdown (.25 deduction): Individuals' hand(s) down in tumbling after completion of the skill.

RUBRIC CATEGORIES

Crowd Interaction:

o Showmanship: Confidence, Crowd Appeal, Consistency, Energy, Facial Expression/Smiles, Enthusiasm, Timing, Recovery

o Voice Projection/Leading: Volume, Energy, Stamina, Articulation, Inflection, Enunciation, Speech, Pace.

Jumps

o Jumps should be performed as a team.

o Combo: connected jumps without a pause in between. Ex: double toe touch or a toe touch, pike, hurdler, all connected.

o Variety: involves different jumps

o Basic Jumps - Tuck, Eagle, Double Hook, Herkie

Updated 9/24/2015

o Intermediate Jumps - Right Hurdler, Left Side Hurdle, Front Hurdlers o Advanced Jumps - pike, toe touch. o Elite Jumps - around the world, double nine. o Example: right herkie, toe touch, left herkie all connected would complete the 3 jump triple

combo requirement with variety.

Motions/Dance

o Dance should be performed with strong technique, perfection and synchronization, crowd appeal/entertainment value and creativity. Good to strong musicality. Musicality is defined by matching the dance to the spirit/mood of the music. The dances that tell a story and/or have a flow and purpose opposed to the dances that are a series of pointless movements.

o Motions should be performed sharply. Judges will be looking for visual effects, pace, sharp synchronization, transitions, level changes, and creative combinations of movement, footwork and placement.

Pyramids/Tosses: To maximize the score within rubric category, majority of the pyramid structures should include transitional entry into skills, which could include inversions. Creative choreography to incorporate additional skills including transitions and dismounts, number of skills being performed simultaneously will score higher within the range. (Lists below are for examples only and are not an all-inclusive listing):

o Entries/Transitions:

o Basic - Single leg transition at or below prep level, connect at prep level, ground level inversions

o Intermediate - Multiple transitions at or below prep level, multiple connections at prep level, inversions to extended prep/extension

o Advanced - Multiple transition sequences to and from extended level, or through 2 1/2 high, release moves (Ball Up, Split, Tick Tock), 1/2 up to single leg extended, Inversion to extended 1-leg stunt, Leg switches at extended, Downward inversions from below/at Prep Level.

o Elite - Multiple transition sequences through 2 1/2 high, Multiple release moves, top persons performing skills, 3609 or greater rotation (measured by the rotation of the hips of the top person, a true 3609 will score higher in range) in transitions to/from 1-leg extended variations. Inverted release from sponge or prep level to extended position.

o Dismounts:

o Basic - Straight cradles from two legged stunts, pop downs

o Intermediate - Single Twists from 2 Legs Up to 1/2 twist from Prep Level Single Leg , Downward inversion from below prep level

o Advanced - Single Twists from 1 Leg Extended, 1 1/4 Fulls (4502) from 1 Leg Extended, Downward inversion from prep level

o Elite - Double Skills to Cradle, Inverted Release from Sponge or Prep Level to Extended Position

Tosses

o Basic - Straight rides, Blow Outs, Pose

o Intermediate - Non-Twisting Double Skill Tosses, Kick Arch, Pike Arch, Tuck, X

Updated 9/24/2015

o Advanced - Double Skill with Single Twist, Toe Touch Full, Kick Full, Ball Open Full, Full Toe Touch, Full Kick Hitch

Stunts - To maximize the score within rubric category, majority of the stunt groups should perform transitional entry into skill, which could include inversions. Creative choreography to incorporate additional skills including transitions and dismounts will score higher within the range. (Lists below are for examples only and are not an all-inclusive listing):

o Entries/Transitions

o Basic - Straight up to stunt, prep level stunts, Ground Level Inversions

o Intermediate - Full Up (3602) to Prep Level, 1/2 Up/Down from Exten, Inversion to Prep/Extension

o Advanced - Full-Up (3602) Up to Extension (measured by the rotation of the hips of the top person, a true 3602 will score higher in range), 1/2 Up to 1 Leg Extended, Rewinds Down from Extended True full up to extended single leg, switch up, ball ups (For legal ball ups in partner stunts, a "quick toss" must be utilized. Please refer to NFHS 2-7-4), 11/2 up (5402), Downward inversions from Prep Level or below, invert to extended position 1-leg or un-braced tick tock (un-braced tick tock must go from the performing surface or loading position to the extended position, power press/absorb to the prep position and tick tock to the extended position in one continuous motion in order to count as an entry. If the motion is not constant, this will not be considered an entry.).

o Elite: Double-Up (7202) to Extended, Full-Up to 1 Leg Extended Inverted Release from Sponge or Prep Level to an Extended Position, Inverted Release from Sponge or Prep Level to an Extended Position

Body positions: skills demonstrating similar flexibility from flyers.

o Basic - Liberty, Torch, Arabesque

o Intermediate - Heel Stretch, Scale

o Advanced - Scorpion, Bow & Arrow, Over Stretch

o Elite - Free Stretch, Chin-Chin, Needle

Dismounts:

o Basic - Straight cradles from two legged stunts, pop downs

o Intermediate - Single Twists from 2 Legs Up to 1/2 twist from Prep Level Single Leg , Downward inversion from below prep level

o Advanced - Single Twists from 1 Leg Extended, 11/4 Fulls (4502) from 1 Leg Extended, Downward inversion from prep level

o Elite - Double Skills to Cradle, Inverted Release from Sponge or Prep Level to an Extended Position

Partner Stunt Recommendations:

o The judges need to see what the "Squad" can do as a whole. If squads "re-use/repeat" stunts elsewhere in the routine, judges will not be able to distinguish what the squad is capable of doing

Updated 9/24/2015

as a group. Therefore, it is recommended that teams stunt in sections of the routine as a squad and not randomly throughout the routine.

Transitions/Formations:

Routine should be performed with variety, levels, seamless, creative, visual transitions, use of the mat, fluid movements, spacing, not crossing center, no bumping/tripping into one another, no gaps in formations, utilization of skills with in transitions and formation changes.

Tumbling:

Standing Tumbling: A tumbling skill (series of skills) performed from a standing position without any previous forward momentum. Any number of steps backward prior to execution of tumbling skill(s) is defined as "standing tumbling."

Running Tumbling: Tumbling that is performed with a running start and/or involves a step or a hurdle (etc,) used to gain momentum as an entry to another skill. Any type of forward momentum/movement prior to execution of the tumbling skill(s) is defined as "running tumbling."

Entry into tumbling:

o Judges will watch the entry into the skill.

Cartwheel: This will be called standing because that is what initiates the skill.

Round-off: This will be called "running" because of the momentum it generates.

A step hurdle into the cartwheel will be judged as "running".

Specialty Pass (must end in a tuck or higher):

o Running tumbling with entries, including front walk-over/handspring, aerial, or punch front, ending in a tuck or higher.

o Running tumbling involving skills, including back handspring step outs, whips, or arabians ending in a tuck or higher.

Recommendations:

o The judges need to see what the "Squad" can do as a majority. If squads "re-use/repeat" the same tumbler, judges will not be able to distinguish what the squad is capable of doing as a majority. Therefore, it is recommended that teams tumble in section(s) of the routine as a squad during the routine.

o Recycled tumbling will remain at the bottom of appropriate range regardless of additional skills that are thrown.

o Individual series skills are not considered as difficult as synchronized tumbling skills.

o Note: Doing the bare minimum (majority) gets you into the rubric range, but it will not necessarily score the highest in that range.

Updated 9/24/2015

2015-16 Cheerleading

Rubric & Scoring Instructions

ATHLETE PARTICIPATION

The grid shown below will determine the point range awarded for the performance of skills in routine. This is based on the number of athletes successfully performing a skill that are needed to reach majority (51%1; considering that the skills are equal. The quantity below is the minimum number of athletes necessary for a team to be awarded credit on the Difficulty Rubric for performing skills shown below.

Athlete Count

JUMPS, MOTIONS,

DANCE, TUMBLING Participation

needed to reach

Majority

TOSSES, STUNT GROUP

(2 bases & 1 Spotter) needed

to reach Majority

SINGLE BASE STUNT

GROUP (1 Spotter) needed to

reach Majority

NOTES:

Recycled Tumblers (used to reach Majority) will receive the lowest point value in the range.

Majority (51%) gets team within a range on the rubric

Well Over Majority (75%) will receive the next highest point value

Full Team Participation in a skill category scores higher in the difficulty section of the score sheet.

1 2 3 4 5 3 1 1 6 4 1 2 7 4 1 2 8 5 2 2 9 5 2 2

10 6 2 2 11 6 2 2 12 7 2 3 13 7 2 3 14 8 2 3 15 8 2 3 16 9 3 3 17 9 3 3 18 10 3 4 19 10 3 4 20 11 3 4 21 11 3 4 22 12 3 4 23 12 3 4 24 13 4 5 25 13 4 5 26 14 4 5 27 14 4 5 28 15 4 5 29 15 4 5 30 16 4 6 31 16 4 6 32 17 5 6

Updated 9/24/2015

2016 NYSPHSAA CHAMPIONSHIP COMPOSITE SCORESHEET

STUNTS Comments

Difficulty 10

Execution 10

PYRAMIDS &/or TOSSES

Difficulty 10

Execution 10 JUMPS

Difficulty 10

Execution 10

TUMBLING

Difficulty 10

Execution 10 MOTIONS & DANCE

Motions 5

Dance 5 TRANSITIONS 5 FORMATIONS & SPACING 5 VOICE & LEADING 10 CROWD APPEAL/SHOWMANSHIP 10 120 FULL SCORE SHEET POINTS

TOTAL POINTS _______________

6/24/15

Frequently Asked Questions - Competitive Cheerleading

Now that the Board of Regents has recognized Competitive Cheerleading as a sport the State Education Department and the NYSPHSAA will be finalizing the exact rules and regulations that will govern the sport of Competitive Cheerleading. The Cheerleading Committee will be meeting on May 20th to discuss many topics associated with cheerleading. Each Section will be represented on the committee. The Cheerleading Ad Hoc committee final report can be found at www.nysphsaa.org. Below are some questions we have received regarding how cheerleading may look as we move forward.

Q - What is the difference between Traditional Cheerleading and Competitive Cheerleading? Will schools be able to just have traditional cheerleading?

A - Schools will be able to just offer traditional cheerleading squads. These squads will not follow the rules and regulations of SED or the NYSPHSAA. If a traditional squad incorporates stunting/tumbling into a sideline or halftime routine they will be considered a competitive cheerleading squad and will have to follow the rules and regulations of SED and NYSPHSAA. Schools can choose to be both.

Q - Will coaches have to be certified to coach competitive cheerleading?

A - All competitive cheer squads will have to have a properly certified coach per SED regulation. All SED coaching certifications will have to be followed. Please contact your athletic administrator for the exact requirements to coach competitive cheerleading. The NYSPHSAA may also require the AACCA Safety course as well dependent upon Central Committee approval in July.

Q - Will teams be able to be selected in the spring for the following year?

A - When fully implemented, teams will have to be selected at the beginning of the Section established season in the same manner other sports are selected. The NYSPHSAA allows out of season activities as long as it is open to all students and it is not mandated by the coaches. Some sections and leagues can be more restrictive, please check with your athletic administrator.

Q - Will teams be able to compete in both the Fall and Winter seasons?

A - The NYSPHSAA Competitive Cheerleading season will be during the winter season. The SED and the NYSPHSAA are discussing if teams will be able to compete in the fall season at the local and sectional level. The NYSPHSAA will NOT hold any state level events in the fall. This topic will be discussed and examined over the course of the next few months and more information will be provided when available.

Q - Can teams bring in experts to work with the Competitive Cheerleading squads?

A - Teams can bring in clinicians to work with their teams if this is a permissible practice of the school district. Clinicians work with the teams sporadically and not on a consistent basis. Clinicians do not have to be certified to work with the teams.

Q - Can teams travel out of state or host out of state teams for competitions?

A - Any competition thot our schools participate in would have to be properly sanctioned by the NYSPHSAA office. New York schools may only compete against member/approved schools.

Q - Will student athletes and teams have to have a minimum number of practices before competing in a competition?

A - Students and teams will have to have a minimum number of practices before competing. The Cheerleading Committee will make a recommendation to the Central Committee on what that number will be for the NYSPHSAA.

Q - Will there be a State Championship for Competitive Cheerleading? How will teams qualify? What will be the divisions?

A - We anticipate a possible State Championship during the Winter season of the 2015-2016 school year, this will be determined in the coming months following the Cheer Committee meeting and the Central Committee approval. Each section will select the teams that will qualify for the Championship. The Cheerleading Committee will recommend what the divisions will, be for the championships. NYSPHSAA sponsored invitational events could continue for the 2014-2015 school year.

Q - Will the Selection Classification process be used for Competitive Cheerleading?

A - The gymnastics standards of the Selection Classification process will be used to selectively classify 7th and 8th graders to the high school level as per SED regulations.

Q - Will Competitive Cheerleading teams be eligible for the NYSPHSAA Scholar Athlete program?

A - As a recognized sport, Competitive Cheerleading squads will be eligible for the scholar athlete program and state scholar athlete championship.

Q - When will the SED and NYSPHSAA rules and regulations be fully enforced for the schools of the NYSPHSAA?

A - The recommendation of the Cheerleading Committee will be sent to the Central Committee in July. The State Education Department will inform NYSPHSAA of the timetable for full implementation of their rules and regulations in the coming months. It is not unforeseeable to consider the 2014-2015 school year as a transition year and full implementation for the 2015-2016 school years; again this has yet to be determined.

Q - Who can I contact as a coach or athletic director to give my input on the direction of Competitive Cheerleading?

A - Coaches and athletic directors can contact their Section Executive Director, Section' Cheerleading Representative, or the NYSPHSAA office staff. The NYSPHSAA is a membership led organization and the direction of Competitive Cheerleading will be determined by the membership of the NYSPHSAA.

Thank you all for you passion and commitment to the outstanding student athletes that participate in Competitive Cheerleading. We look forward to ensuring the safety of those student athletes and highlighting and promoting these student athletes. There are a several items that need to be addressed and developed since SED declared competitive cheerleading a sport; please know the NYSPHSAA staff is working diligently to ensure a smooth transition for its member schools during this exciting time period.

Questions:

Robert Zayas, NYSPHSAA Executive Director rzayas@nysphsaa.org 518.690.0771

Todd Nelson, NYSPHSAA Assistant Director tnelson@nysphsaa.org 518.690.0771

PARENT RELEASE FORM

EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE

Your son/daughter has qualified to participate in a NYSPHSAA Championship. In order to ensure he/she receives the proper medical care as needed you must provide the health information below. By signing this form you are authorizing the school's coach or administrator, or tournament official to act on your behalf in authorizing emergency medical, dental, surgical care and hospitalization for your son/daughter in your absence.

Thank you for your cooperation.

(Athlete Name) (Birthdate)

(Address) (Phone)

(Parent/Guardian Name) (Address) (Home & Business phone)

(Athlete's School) (Principal) (School phone)

(Who to contact in case of emergency, other than parent/guardian) (Phone)

(Family Physician) (phone number)

(Allergies or special conditions)

I have read and understand the above parent release/or. I do hereby authorize the care referenced above for my child; and I do further release the NYSPHSAA and its agents /rom any claim whatsoever on account of care authorized pursuant to this emergency medical care release form.

(Parent/Guardian Signature) (Date)

Code of Conducts

For Regional & Championship Competitions

Responsibilities and Guidelines for Athletes and Coaches Participating in Regional and Championship Contests

An athlete will not be allowed to participate without this form completed!!

October 2009

Introduction

Any New York State Championship must achieve a standard of Excellence which places it beyond criticism either from an organizational or educational point of view. In essence, each championship represents all of New York scholastic sports and if, for any reason, something disrupts a championship, then the impact of such disruption will be felt by the NYSPHSAA, Inc. and its member schools. What appears at present to pose the greatest threat is the misbehavior of athletes or the lack of supervision responsibilities by coaches while attending such championships.

Code of Conduct for Athletes

1. Use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco products and other drugs (unless prescribed by a physician) will not be tolerated.

2. All curfews and bed checks will be adhered to as set up by the supervisor or coach in charge. 3. Athletes are responsible for their conduct in regard to public property such as: hotel rooms,

transporting vehicles, field and courts, locker rooms, etc. Athletes or the school that they represent will be held financially responsible for any damage that they incur.

4. Hotel rooms will be inspected by the supervisor and the occupants of each room prior to the occupying of each room and again before check-out.

5. Athletes must use transportation authorized by their section and school to and from the event. 6. There will be no gambling of any kind.

General Guidelines

1. Athletes should stay in groups when traveling or sightseeing. DO NOT TRAVEL ALONE or leave the group,

2. Athletes should make sure the supervisor/coach knows where they are, who is with them, and when they will return when leaving the general area of the contest.

3. Dress for al1 trips should be neat, clean and socially acceptable. Athletes are representing their Section as well as their own school district. All actions reflect on these institutions.

Violation - Penalties

If an athlete violates an established rule, the coach or supervisor in charge has the responsibility of disciplining the athlete using the following guidelines:

1. If the violation is prior to the contest or event, the athlete will not be allowed to compete in the contest or further contests. The Section and home school will be notified and a recommendation from the Section far disciplinary action will be given.

2. If the violation is after the contest or event, the home school will be notified and a recommendation from the Section for disciplinary action will be given.

3. If a situation becomes intolerable, the parents and school will be notified immediately and arrangements win be made to transport the athlete home, at Section/school expense, and in the custody of a Section/school representative. If proper action is not taken by the home school, sanctions may be imposed by the Section and/or State Association against the athlete or school district.

I have read and understand the Code of Conduct.

Athlete Signature _______________________________ Date _______________

Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________ Date _______________ Coaches/Supervisors Responsibilities

1. Enforce Code of Conduct for athletes. Discipline violators on the spot. Report problems to supervisors and send written reports to the Section and home school district.

2. Set curfews and bed checks and implement them. 3. Be responsible for athletes from departure point of trip until trip is completed and ensure that all

athletes have transportation to their home. 4. Conduct room checks and inspection of hotel room with occupants of each room prior to the night’s

stay, and check/inspect each hotel room after the night's stay. Report any damage, which will be the responsibility of the occupants of the room.

5. Submit Hotel Report form to hotel. 6. Make sure all parent signature slips are in and emergency information is complete. 7. Notify proper authorities in cases of serious injury to athletes. 8. Know where athletes are at all times. 9. Abstain from the use of alcohol and controlled substances (unless prescribed by a physician). If

violated the protocol/possible penalty is: 1) the school and Section will be notified; 2) documentation of the incident will occur; and 3) a recommendation from the Section for disciplinary action will be given.

10. Abstain from gambling of any kind.

I understand my responsibilities to my athlete(s) and expectations a/my behavior.

Coach/Supervisor Signature _______________________ Date _______________

CONSENT FOR USE OF PHOTOGRAPHY FOR PUBLICITY OR ADVERTISING PURPOSES

I do hereby consent to the use of my photographs in association with any production, media, or news events; for the New York State Public High School Athletic Association.

I understand that the New York State Public High School Athletic Association may use my photographs or stories in publications, press materials, web sites, and print and television advertisements promoting the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, its philosophies, and programs.

I hereby irrevocably consent to and authorize the use and reproduction by you, or anyone authorized by the New York State Public High School Athletic Association, of any and all photographs which you have taken during this sport season of me, negative or positive, for any purpose whatsoever, without compensation to me. All negatives and positives, together with prints shall constitute the property of the NYSPHSAA, solely and completely.

I hereby consent to the use of my photograph(s). (Sign only if 'yes')

Athlete Signature _______________________________ Date _______________

Parent/Guardian Signature ________________________ Date _______________

NYSPHSAA Cheerleading Committee: Section 1: Marsha Tessler

Section 2: Joe Scalise and Patty Palmer

Section 3: Nina Baker

Section 4: Josh Gannon

Section 5: Joanne Small

Section 6: Michelle Ziegler

Section 7: Vicki Nephew

Section 8: Jonathon Bloom

Section 9: Cherie Walker- Ramsey

Section 10: Lori Brewer

Section 11: Amy Agnesini

Special Liaison: Lucille Mankowich, Gail Vern, Nancy Van Houghton (LICCA)