Cheerleading Handbook - Oregon School Activities Association - OSAA
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2020-2021
Oregon School Activities Association
Cheerleading Handbook
Peter Weber, Publisher
Kelly Foster, Editor
Published by
OREGON SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION
25200 SW Parkway, Suite 1
Wilsonville, OR 97070
Phone: 503.682.6722 Fax: 503.682.0960
How to find information in the Cheerleading Handbook
This handbook can be found on the OSAA website. Wording that has been changed from previous years
is indicated by bold italic lettering. Linked references to other sections are shaded and Questions and
Answers are shaded.OSAA Mission Statement
The mission of the OSAA is to serve member schools by providing leadership and state coordination for the
conduct of interscholastic activities, which will enrich the educational experiences of high school students. The
OSAA will work to promote interscholastic activities that provide equitable participation opportunities, positive
recognition and learning experiences to students, while enhancing the achievement of educational goals.
Non-Discrimination Policy
(Executive Board Policies, Revised July 2019)
A. The Oregon School Activities Association does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual
orientation, national origin, marital status, age or disability in the performance of its authorized functions, and
encourages its member schools, school personnel, participants and spectators to adopt and follow the same
policy.
B. A claim of discrimination against a member school shall be brought directly to the member school of concern.
C. Any party that believes he/she has been subjected to an incident involving discrimination or discriminatory
harassment at an OSAA sanctioned event, may submit a written complaint through the online complaint
process proved on the OSAA website (Complaint Form). When the coaches, players students, staff or
spectators of any members school engage in discriminatory behaviors, or act in a manner disruptive to the
school environment, or cause disorder or infliction of damage to persons or property in connection with any
festival, meet, contest or championship sanctioned by the Association, the Executive Board may treat such
acts as a violation by the school of the Rules of the Association. See Rule 3, “Contests – Sportsmanship – Crowd
Control” for additional information.
OSAA Sportsmanship Statement
Interscholastic activities are an integral part of the educational curriculum and experience. High school activities
promote the character development of participants, enhance the educational mission and promote civility in
society. Therefore, student-athletes, coaches, spectators and all others associated with high school activities
programs and events should adhere to the fundamental values of respect, fairness, honesty and responsibility.
These values should be established as a priority among all OSAA member high schools.
It is the responsibility of each member high school to establish policies for sportsmanship and ethical conduct
consistent with the educational mission and goals of that school and to continually educate students, coaches,
teachers, parents and all involved about those policies.Oregon School Activities Association 2020-2021 Cheerleading Handbook
CHEERLEADING PLAN
1. SEASON DATES
First Practice Date ................................................................................................................................................................. August 31
First Contest Date ....................................................................................................................................... After nine days of practice
Cheer Culminating Event Week ..........................................................................................................................................March 8-14
2021-22 Sanction Application Deadline ............................................................................................................................ April 2, 2021
2. STAFF CONTACT: Kelly Foster, Associate Director, 503.682.6722 x233, kellyf@osaa.org
CHEERLEADING (NON-CONTACT) COVID-19 REQUIREMENTS AND CONSIDERATIONS
1. SCREENINGS
A. All coaches and students should be screened daily for signs/symptoms of COVID-19 prior to participating.
B. Responses to screening questions for each person should be recorded and stored.
C. Any person with positive symptoms reported should not be allowed to participate, should self-isolate, and contact their
primary care provider or other health-care professional.
D. Encourage vulnerable individuals (over 65 and/or have underlying medical conditions) to consider not supervising or
participating.
2. FACILITIES CLEANING CONSIDERATIONS
A. Adequate cleaning schedules should be created and implemented for all athletic facilities to mitigate any communicable diseases.
B. Prior to an individual or groups of individuals entering a facility, hard surfaces within that facility should be wiped down and
sanitized (chairs, furniture in meeting rooms, locker rooms, weight room equipment, bathrooms, athletic training room
tables, etc.).
C. Individuals should wash their hands for a minimum of 20 seconds with warm water and soap before touching any surfaces or
participating in workouts.
D. Hand sanitizer should be plentiful and available to individuals as they transfer from place to place.
E. Weight equipment should be wiped down thoroughly before and after an individual’s use of equipment.
F. Appropriate clothing/shoes should be worn at all times in the weight room to minimize sweat from transmitting onto
equipment/surfaces.
G. Any equipment such as weight benches, athletic pads, etc. having holes with exposed foam should be covered.
H. Students must be encouraged to shower and wash their workout clothing immediately upon returning to home.
3. PRACTICE GUIDELINES
A. Physical distancing should be maintained throughout practice.
B. Cheerleading participants may not practice/perform stunts. Tumbling, chants, jumps, and dances without contact are
permissible.
C. Neither coaches nor participants can have any contact whatsoever with another participant (no hugging shaking hands, or
fist bumps for support/encouragement.)
D. Appropriate clothing and shoes must be worn at all times.
E. Coaches, players and trainers are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times when indoors. Coaches, players and
trainers are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times outdoors when 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained.
F. There should be no shared athletic equipment (towels, clothing, shoes) between students. Each student shall have their own clearly
marked handheld item (poms must be clearly labeled with student’s name to insure they are used only by that student.)
G. There should be only one designated person to operate sound equipment unless it cleaned prior to use by the next individual.
H. Spotting while practicing tumbling is allowed provided all involved wear a mask (coaches and participants).Mask of the person
tumbling must be secured.
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4. COMPETITION GUIDELINES
A. Congregating teams in preparation and competition areas may still be prohibited. Schedules for competitions may require
teams to arrive, warm up, perform, cool down and leave the facility.
B. Scoresheet adjustments for limitations
1) Exclude stunting
2) Exclude maneuvering
3) Uniform clarifications
C. Coaches, players and trainers are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times when indoors. Coaches, players and
trainers are required to wear a mask or face covering at all times outdoors when 6 feet of distance cannot be maintained.
D. Maintain the physical distancing requirements for opposing teams, spectators, etc. while in attendance.
5. JUDGE / PERSONNEL CONSIDERATIONS
A. Judges, coaches and other event personnel must wear face coverings.
B. Judges must come dressed; a locker room will not be provided.
C. A separate meeting room should be made available and accessible for judges.
D. A separate bathroom should be provided for judges when possible.
E. Judges are recommended to bring their own food; prepackaged food provided to judges would be acceptable.
F. Judges must be spaced 3-6 feet apart.
G. Tabulation table – tabulators should be 3-6 feet apart; each should have their own computer or sanitize the computers
between users.
H. A cordless microphone could be used.
I. Judges will not be expected to monitor the physical distancing; each person is responsible.
J. Judges should bring their writing utensils to fill out score sheets. Cleaning supplies should be available on site with devices
sanitized between uses.
NFHS RULES MODIFICATIONS DUE TO COVID-19
1. RETURN TO COMPETITION
A. Spirit Rules Considerations
1) Cheerleading and Dance General Risk Management (2-1-14, 2-1-16). Sideline and playing surface placement during game.
2) Participants should be appropriately spaced on the court, field or sideline to ensure proper social distancing.
B. Cheerleading Apparel / Accessories (3-1-1). Jewelry of any kind is prohibited except for the following: A religious medal
without a chain is allowed and must be taped and worn under the uniform. A medical-alert medal must be taped and may be
visible.
1) Masks may be worn but are not required. No masks may be worn in routines that involve stunting. Any mask worn during
a routine that does not involve stunting but involves tumbling must be taped and secure.
2. Other Spirit Considerations Cheerleading and Dance General Risk Management. Judge placement during adjudicated
performance and competition.
A. Judges, officials, adjudicators, etc. should be appropriately spaced to ensure proper social distancing.
2020 NFHS SPIRIT RULES
Order a NFHS Spirit Rules Book from the OSAA Corner Store or contact the OSAA (503.682.6722) for information.
For more information about NFHS Cheerleading Rules, visit http://www.nfhs.org/activities-sports/spirit/
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2020 RULES CHANGES
Rule 1 Deleted the definition of a basket toss. Revised definition of dismount, foldover, prep and switch up.
3-2-1c Restricts bases holding objects when supporting an extended stunt.
3-3-5 Allows the top person to make a 1/4 turn around the bracer.
3-3-5a Clarifies the connection between a single bracer and a top person during flip inversions.
3-3-5g Allows the top person to perform no more than one complete twist during a braced flip.
3-3-6a Restricts the release of inverted skills to the original bases.
3-3-6a3 Allows an inversion to be released to a stunt with no more than 1/4 turn.
3-3-6c2, Allows contact to be maintained between one base or spotter and the top person during an inversion that begins
4-3-6c at or passes through prep level. Revised language for the foldover exception.
3-5-5 Re-ordered for clarity.
3-5-5c1 Allows for an exception for hand to foot contact in braced releases to a cradle.
3-5-5c2 Editorial change.
3-5-5c3 Allows top person in a horizontal or cradle position to be released to a loading position or stunt at any level with
no more than a 1/4 turn.
3-5-5d Restricts the movement of bracers.
3-7-5, List of exceptions was modified.
4-7-5
3-7-9 Redundant rule deleted.
3-8-9, Restricts contact during airborne tumbling skills with hip overhead rotation.
4-8-9
3-9-4, Deleted handspring from the rule.
4-9-4
2020 MAJOR EDITORIAL CHANGES
2.1.7 Situation B, (NEW) 2.1.7. Situation C, 3.1.1 Situation A, (NEW) 3.2.1 Situation B, 3.2.5 Situation C, 3.2.7 Situation B, 3.3.4
Situation A, 3.3.5 Situation B, 3.3.6 Situation C, 3.3.6 Situation D, 3.3.6 Situation F, (NEW) 3.3.6 Situation G, (NEW) 3.3.6 Situation
K, 3.5.4 Situation, 3.5.5 Situation B, (NEW) 3.5.5 Situation E, (NEW) 3.8.2 Situation B, 4.3.6 Situation D, 4.3.6 Situation E.
2020 POINTS OF EMPHASIS
1. Performance Surfaces and Areas
A. Consideration of practice/performance surfaces and following skill progressions are vital components of risk
minimization. The following skills are only allowed on a mat, grass or rubberized track surface:
1) Basket tosses, elevator/sponge tosses and other similar multi-base tosses.
2) Partner stunts in which the base uses only one arm to support the top person.
3) Twisting/tumbling skills (Arabians, full-twisting layouts, etc.).
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B. Stunts and tumbling must be modified to be appropriate for the surface and/ or area and in relation to other participants.
Skill practicality, difficulty and proficiency should especially be considered for performances on playing surfaces at
games, as any injury could also result in stoppage of play.
2. Concussion Awareness in Practice
A. The NFHS’s most recent injury data revealed that the majority of concussions associated with spirit programs occur at
practice. To assist in the prevention of concussions, special attention should be given to length of practice, performer
readiness, coach supervision, teaching of proper techniques and skill progression, and enforcement of concussion
protocol.
B. See Appendix B: Suggested Guidelines for Management of Concussion in Sports.
3. Professional Development
A. Professional development is one of the responsibilities of a coach. Many resources are available beyond the NFHS Spirit
Rules Book and NFHS Rules App which are useful in coaches’ professional development. Scholastic organizations such
as NFHS, USA Cheer, Varsity Spirit, state spirit coaches’ associations, etc., may all provide resources and training
opportunities which enhance the growth and knowledge of coaches.
2020 COMMENTS ON THE RULES
2-1-7c When passing props from the top person away from the stunt, a base must not hold props that are made of hard
3-2-1 material or have sharp corners or edges. A top person may hand signs to a non-stunting person on the ground or
to a non-required spotter.
Rule 3-3-5 When performing braced flips in a pyramid, the top person's hands/arms must be in continuous contact with a
bracer. In the cases of a single bracer, there must be a hand/arm connection between both hands/arms of the top
person and the bracer.
Rule 3-3-5d Bracers must be in a multi-base prep with a spotter.
Rule 3-5-4 Switch-ups are permitted as long as they are caught by the original bases.
Requests for interpretations or explanations should be directed to the OSAA. The NFHS will assist in answering rules
questions from the state associations whenever called upon.
OSAA ADOPTED CHEERLEADING RULES AND INTERPRETATIONS The NFHS Spirit Rules Book will be used.
A. General. Cheerleading squads representing OSAA member schools are required to conform to the rules set forth in the
current NFHS Spirit Rules Book.
B. Coverage. The rules set forth in the current NFHS Spirit Rules Book must be followed regardless of the capacity in which the
cheerleading squad is functioning. The rules apply equally to squads performing at competitions and squads performing in a
support function at a game or contest.
C. Violations. In addition to the penalties specified for squads competing at OSAA sanctioned cheerleading contests, schools
represented by cheerleading squads, which violate the cheerleading safety rules at any time may be subject to sanctions and
penalties as determined by the OSAA Executive Board.
D. Questions. Questions about the legality of a particular stunt should be addressed to the OSAA prior to practicing or
performing the stunt.
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OSAA CHEERLEADING POLICIES
Effective First Practice Date to End of HS Season.
1. PRACTICE MODEL (OSAA Handbook, Executive Board Policies) (Revised Summer 2020)
Schools and students are required to adhere to the following practice model.
C. All other sports (Cheerleading, Swimming, Wrestling, Basketball, Dance/Drill, Golf, Tennis, Track & Field, Baseball, Softball)
1) All practices shall allow for water breaks and general acclimatization to hot and/or humid weather. Ample amounts of
water should always be available and a student’s access to water should not be restricted. In addition, all practices shall
follow the fundamentals set forth in the NFHS’s Heat Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement.
While the risk of heat illness is greatly dependent upon weather conditions, the fundamentals in the NFHS’s Heat
Acclimatization and Heat Illness Prevention Position Statement promote safety and diminish injury risk in any setting.
2) Students may participate in multiple practice sessions per day, but not on consecutive days. Multiple practice sessions
per day are prohibited for the 2020-2021 school year.
a) Single Practice Session. No single practice session shall be longer than three hours, including warm-up and cool
down. On days with a single practice session, students are limited to a maximum of one hour of weight training
either before or after practice but not both.
3) A student may not practice or participate in a contest for more than six consecutive days without a rest day. A rest day
must be complete rest – no organized team physical activity is allowed. Travel is allowed on a rest day.
4) A student shall become eligible to participate in a jamboree or interscholastic contest/meet/competition after
completing a minimum of nine days of actual practice.
1. Q. Can the one-hour weight training session allowed on single practice days be conducted both prior to practice and after
practice if players only participate in one of the weight training sessions?
A. Yes, multiple one-hour weight training sessions may be held but individual players are limited to participation in a single session.
2. Q. Is the one-hour weight training session allowed on single practice days required to be “immediately” prior to and after
the practice?
A. No, the training session does not have to immediately precede or follow the scheduled practice.
3. Q. Is the one-hour weight training session allowed on single practice days also allowed on multiple practice days?
A. No, weight training conducted on multiple practice days counts toward the daily five-hour practice limit.
4. Q. On single practice days may coaches conduct classroom-training sessions that would involve no physical activity?
A. Yes, classroom instruction that requires no physical activity is allowed and does not count towards the daily five-hour
practice limit.
5. Q. Is classroom instruction with no physical activity allowed during the required three-hour recovery period between
multiple practices?
A. Yes, classroom instruction that requires no physical activity is allowed during the recovery period.
6. Q. A team plans to conduct multiple practices on a single day but wants to reduce the length of each practice to 90 minutes.
Can the team reduce the required recovery time of three hours between practice sessions because they have used less
than the maximum practice time allowed?
A. No, the three-hour recovery period between practices is required regardless of practice length.
7. Q. Are multiple practices on a single day required for all Fall teams?
A. No, teams are not required to have multiple practices on a single day. If multiple practices are conducted, the second
practice of the first two multiple practices days is a teaching session only.
8. Q. What is the definition of a “teaching session”?
A. During a teaching session, the intensity, duration, and pace of all practice components shall be modified from a normal
practice session. The focus of a teaching session should be directed at developing skills fundamental to the sport at a
significantly reduced pace. In Football, light contact with bags is allowed but Live Action situations are
prohibited. Practice components in all activities intended to develop skills while conditioning the athlete at the same
time are not allowed. Coaches are encouraged to use this “teaching session” to address offensive and defensive
strategies, skill development drills and other types of team building activities that do not involve conditioning.
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9. Q. How do you calculate practice time for multiple sport athletes participating in more than one Fall sport?
A. Practice hours are cumulative. On a single practice day, the three-hour practice limit may be split between the two sports
but the total practice time, including any breaks, must fit within the three-hour limit. On a multiple practice day, the
daily five-hour practice limit may be split between the two sports, but all required recovery periods must be
implemented. Any participation for a fraction of a half hour counts as a half hour towards the daily practice limit.
10. Q. If Fall multiple sport athletes practice one hour with the Football team and two hours with the Soccer team are they
required to have a recovery period between the two practices?
A. No, this is considered to be one three-hour practice and no recovery period is required. If the combined practice time,
including any breaks, exceeds three hours then a three-hour recovery is required.
11. Q. May a team practice for 2 hours, take a 30-minute break, and resume for 1 hour?
A. No, this would constitute a violation. Teams may not exceed the maximum practice time of three hours, including all
breaks within the schedule.
12. Q. In football, are 7-on-7 drills permissible during teaching sessions?
A. Yes, provided that they comply with the foregoing “teaching session” requirements.
2. PARTICIPATION LIMITATIONS (OSAA Handbook, Participation Limitations, Cheerleading) (Revised Fall 2009)
A. Individual. A JV cheerleader may participate in both the varsity and JV performances at the same cheerleading competition
no more than twice each school year. Under no circumstances may a varsity cheerleader participate on a JV team
performance at any cheerleading competition.
CHEERLEADING HANDBOOK Adjustments to the Handbook policies will be updated throughout the 2020-21 school year.
1. Cheerleading State Championships Rules and Procedures
1.1. Eligibility.
1.1.1. School. Schools that are registered with the OSAA to compete in cheerleading activities are eligible to
participate in the Cheerleading State Championships.
1.1.2. Student. Students wishing to participate in the Cheerleading State Championships must satisfy the current
OSAA eligibility rules. See OSAA Handbook, Rules, Rule 8, “Individual Eligibility” for more information.
1.1.3. Alternates. Each squad may bring two alternates to the Cheerleading State Championships in addition to
the maximum number of participants allowed by the division constraints. Alternates must be listed on the
Registration Form and shall satisfy the same eligibility requirements as other Cheerleading State
Championships participants, except that alternates may be members of the junior varsity or freshman
squads.
1.1.4. Coaches Certification. Coaches must meet all OSAA Certification requirements, including the yearly OSAA
Spirit Safety Clinic in order for their teams to be eligible. See OSAA Handbook, Executive Board Policies,
“Certification – Athletic Directors and Coaches” for more information.
1.1.5. Penalty for use of an ineligible student. Any school for which an ineligible student performs shall be
disqualified from consideration for awards and reported to the OSAA Executive Board for possible further
sanctions and penalties.
1.1.6. School Representation. Only one varsity squad from each Oregon high school shall be allowed to compete.
The squad may be a combination of two or more varsity squads (i.e., football and basketball squads may be
combined for the Cheerleading State Championships.)
1.1.7. Varsity Level Only. In order to represent a school as a participant at the Cheerleading State Championships,
a cheerleader must have participated on squads at a majority of VARSITY games for at least one season for
the year.
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(a) A cheerleader who participates on the varsity during the Winter sport season only must have
participated on squads at a majority of the entire Winter sport season’s contests prior to the
Cheerleading State Championships in order to be eligible to represent the school at the Cheerleading
State Championships.
(b) EXCEPTION. Alternates may be members of a school's junior varsity or freshman squad and may
replace a varsity squad member due to special circumstances (i.e., injury, illness, ineligibility of a varsity
team member) if the substitution is reported to and approved by the OSAA prior to participation.
1.1.8. Previous Qualifying Competition. All squads entering the Cheerleading State Championships must have
competed in at least two OSAA sanctioned competitions during the school year of that Cheerleading State
Championships unless a specific exception to this rule has been granted in writing by the OSAA. Performing
in an exhibition does not satisfy this requirement.
The routine performed at the qualifying competition must include all or most of the team’s planned two
and one-half minute Cheerleading State Championships routine, including stunts and gymnastics, so that
they may be reviewed by a safety judge prior to the Cheerleading State Championships. Neither the OCCA
All-State Individual, Game Day and Stunt Team Competition nor any other invitational competition allowing
routines of fewer than two and one-half minutes in length or routines that do not include stunts and
gymnastics may be used to satisfy the “previous qualifying competition” requirement.
1.2. State Championship Registration.
1.2.1. Registration materials to be submitted include the
(a) Registration Form.
(b) Team roster.
(c) Team picture.
(d) A list of two completed OSAA sanctioned competitions with full routine.
1.2.2. AD’s / Coaches are responsible to meet the registration deadline, including submission of registration form,
required support material and verifying accuracy of all materials prior to submission.
1.2.3. Deadline. The deadline for online receipt by the OSAA of Registration Forms and supplemental materials
for the Cheerleading State Championships shall be clearly marked on the Registration Forms available on
the OSAA website, http://www.osaa.org/activites/che/
1.3. Entry Fees. Neither team nor individual entry fees shall be charged to schools competing in the Cheerleading State
Championships. Funds for administration of the Cheerleading State Championships shall be generated from school
membership dues, activity fees, contest gate receipts and corporate sponsorship agreements.
1.4. Divisions. The divisions at the Cheerleading State Championships shall include varsity level squads based upon school
classification and squad gender as indicated below. NOTE: Squads with one or more male squad members shall
participate in a Coeducational Division. Once Divisions have been established, changes will not be permitted.
Division Title Squad Size Squad Gender Minimum Division Entry
3A/2A/1A 20 or fewer Females 5
4A 20 or fewer Females 5
5A 20 or fewer Females 8
6A 20 or fewer Females 8
Coed (Small; 1-2 males) 20 or fewer Coeducational 8
Coed (Large; 3 or more males) 20 or fewer Coeducational 8
1.5. Minimum Division Entry. If fewer than the designated number of entries registers to compete in any given division,
the division shall be combined with another division.
1.6. Performance Requirements.
1.6.1. Content of the Routine. Each squad shall perform a routine containing at least the following elements
within the specified time limit. Elements may be presented in any order.
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(a) One cheer.
(b) Music Portion.
(c) Penalty for Violation. Any squad that performs a routine that does not include both of the required
elements shall be disqualified from consideration for awards.
1.6.2. Time Limit. A two and one-half minute maximum time limit shall be allowed each squad; there shall be no
minimum time limit. The timing shall begin at the first word, motion or note of music; timing shall end
when the advisor or designee signals the timekeeper.
(a) Entrances on to the performance floor are neither timed nor judged. To help keep the Cheerleading
State Championships on schedule, it is requested that teams be prepared to take the floor immediately
when introduced, and to vacate the floor quickly at the conclusion of the performance.
(b) Penalty for Violation. Any squad whose performance exceeds the maximum time limit shall have
points deducted from the final average score prior to determining placement based on the following
graduated scale:
(1) 1-3 seconds over = 3-point deduction from the final average score.
(2) 4-6 seconds over = 5-point deduction from the final average score.
(3) More than 6 seconds over = 10-point deduction from the final average score.
1.6.3. Safety Rules. Squads are required to conform to the rules set forth in the current NFHS Spirit Rules Book.
Copies of the NFHS Rules Book are available for purchase from the OSAA and should be reviewed carefully
prior to the Cheerleading State Championships.
(a) Penalty for Violation. Any squad that performs a stunt in violation of the rules set forth in the current
NFHS Spirit Rules Book shall have 10 points, 5 points, or 3 points deducted at the discretion of the
safety judges from the final average score prior to determining placement.
(b) Tumbling and Stunt Faults. The safety judges shall deduct 1 point for each fall from a stunt, deduct 1
for each landing of tumbling on anything other than the feet and deduct 1 for each head or body part
hitting the floor during or after a tumbling trick. Tumbling and stunt fault deductions shall be
subtracted from the total score prior to determining placement.
(c) Toss Faults. The safety judges shall deduct 1 point for each toss fault. Toss fault deductions shall be
subtracted from the total score prior to determining placement.
1.6.4. Participation Requirements. Squad members performing at the Cheerleading State Championships must
start and remain on the competition mat during the performance. No member may exit the mat unless
they are removing themselves from the performance. Once a participant exits the performance area, they
cannot return to the competition.
1.6.5. Sportsmanship/Conduct Rules. Squads are required to conform to the Sportsmanship/Conduct rules set
forth in the current NFHS Spirit Rules Book.
Penalty for Violation. If the safety judges or competition staff determine that a participant, coach,
alternate, trainer or other person affiliated with a team commits an unsporting act as set forth in the current
NFHS Spirit Rules Book. The team shall have 10 points deducted from the final total score prior to
determining placement.
1.6.6. Props. Pom-poms, megaphones, hand-held signs and flags or the equivalent are the only acceptable props.
Penalty for Violation. Any school using props other than pom-poms, megaphones, hand-held signs and
flags or the equivalent shall have 10 points deducted from the final total score prior to determining
placement.
1.6.7. Spotters. Qualified and experienced spotters shall be provided on the performance floor to help reduce
the chance of injury to participants.
1.6.8. Practice Area. When feasible, a supervised practice area shall be maintained at which all squads shall be
scheduled for equal practice time. A separate supervised practice area shall be available for warming up
tosses.
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(a) Teams shall not practice stunts in the team rooms, nor shall teams practice on the actual performance
floor prior to the Cheerleading State Championships or during breaks.
(b) Penalty for Violation. Any team practicing stunts in the team rooms or practicing on the actual
performance floor prior to the Cheerleading State Championships or during breaks shall have 10 points
deducted from the final total score prior to determining placement.
1.7. Determination of Rules Violations. The OSAA representative (or designee) at the Cheerleading State Championships
has the authority and responsibility to determine if the Cheerleading State Championships rules have been violated.
If it is determined that a Cheerleading State Championships rule has been violated, the consequence listed in the
"Penalty for Violation" section following each rule shall be imposed upon the offending school.
The decision by the OSAA representative (or designee) regarding violations and deductions is final and is not open to
review, debate or appeal.
1.8. Performance Procedures.
1.8.1. Music. All teams must provide their own MP3 device or smart phone for use on the event provided sound
system. Music must be recorded at the correct tempo. Although it is not recommended due to
interference that may be caused during a routine, a smart phone may be used for playing music. No cover
may be on any MP3 player or smart phone so that an auxiliary cord may be easily inserted into the device.
Please ensure that jacks are clean and free of any debris which may impact connectivity. You must ensure
that your device has a jack into which an auxiliary cord may be inserted. Note that you may need to acquire
an adapter in advance if your player does not have a headphone jack. One or several selections of music
may be used as long as they follow the music licensing rules.
Please keep your routine music in your possession until you are called to enter the performance floor. You
will hand carry your music to the sound table.
Advisors/Coaches/Directors are asked to remain at the sound table while their squad performs and to take
their music with them at the conclusion of the performance. Representatives will be asked to press “play”
and “stop” for their routines.
There will be no sound checks permitted on the main sound system.
Competition music must be properly licensed, and a team must be able to provide proof of licensing (upon
request).
1.8.2. Performance Order. The order of performances shall be randomly drawn by the OSAA prior to the
Cheerleading State Championships and posted on the OSAA website, http://www.osaa.org/activites/che/
1.8.3. Performance Surface. There will be five panel cheer mats in the practice area, and nine panel mats on the
arena floor.
1.9. Judges
1.9.1. Qualifications
(a) Judges must be out of high school for at least three years or have been recommended by their coach.
(b) Judges must be currently unaffiliated with any participating squad in the division they are judging.
(c) Judges must have experience as cheerleading coaches, squad members and / or camp instructors and
must have completed the OCCA Judges' Workshop.
1.9.2. Selection. Judges for the Cheerleading State Championships shall be nominated by the OCCA and approved
by the OSAA.
1.10. Determination of Winners. The Official Scorer shall compute the score for each squad by computing the total of the
judges' scores.
1.10.1. Deductions due to violations, if any, shall be subtracted from the total score prior to determining
placement.
1.10.2. The highest total score in each division shall be first, the second highest score shall be second, and so on.
1.10.3. In the case of a tie, duplicate trophies shall be awarded for that position, and the following position shall
not receive an award.
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1.11. Awards. School awards shall be provided to 50% of the teams in a division up to a maximum of five awards per
division. Individual medallions shall be provided to the members of the top two squads in each division.
2. Other Cheerleading Competitions (OSAA Cheerleading Competition Sanctioning Application)
2.1. Sanctioning. Any organization wishing to host a cheerleading competition in the state of Oregon must apply for
sanction of the competition by the OSAA.
2.1.1. NO OSAA MEMBER SCHOOL MAY ATTEND A CHEERLEADING COMPETITION IN OREGON, WHICH HAS NOT
RECEIVED OFFICIAL SANCTION BY THE OSAA PRIOR TO THE CONTEST. Schools wishing to confirm sanction
of a specific event may consult the OSAA Sanctioned Cheer Competition Calendar.
2.1.2. Timeline. Any school or organization may submit a single Sanction Application for the following school year
by April 2 of the preceding school year after which the OSAA shall post a preliminary calendar on the OSAA
website with events received prior to April 2 being the only events listed. If more than one sponsor has
requested the same date, sanctions shall be granted using the criteria listed below. Following the release
of the preliminary calendar, OSAA will consider other requests for sanctioned events to be added to the
calendar.
Incomplete sanction applications (missing location, etc.) shall not be accepted.
2.1.3. Maximum number of events per date. The OSAA shall grant a maximum of TWO event sanctions for any
particular date with the option of a third competition on a particular date at the discretion of the OSAA and
the Advisory OCCA Calendar Subcommittee.
If more than two contest sponsors request sanction for events on the same date, sanctions shall be granted
to only two contests except as indicated above using the following criteria the order of priority listed:
(a) Priority shall be given to events for which the sponsor has previously hosted a contest on that date. In
order to receive priority, the event must have actually been held the previous year (with the exception
of a weather-related cancellation), and the previous host shall be required to apply for an event
sanction by April 2 prior to the school year during which the event is to be held.
(b) To the extent possible, avoid sanctioning more than one contest in the same region of the state on the
same date.
(c) Priority shall be given to sponsors from whom the fewest requests for sanction have been received this
season.
2.1.4. Advisory OCCA Calendar Subcommittee. A subcommittee of the Oregon Cheerleading Coaches Association
(OCCA) Executive Board shall advise the OSAA in resolving cheerleading date conflicts, but the OSAA shall
retain final decision-making authority.
2.2. Required Contest Conditions. Organizations applying for OSAA sanction shall agree to the following contest conditions.
2.2.1. Safety Rules. Participating squads must be required to conform to the rules set forth in the current NFHS
Spirit Rules Book.
2.2.2. Eligibility. Participating squads must represent high schools registered with the OSAA to compete in
cheerleading, and the individual squad members must satisfy the OSAA student eligibility rules for
cheerleading. The signature of the school principal on the Registration Form for the competition shall
constitute fulfillment of this requirement.
2.2.3. Rules Interpretations. An OSAA representative or designee shall be named as Safety Judge prior to the
competition. That person or a committee formed by that person shall be the only and final interpreter of
the safety rules at the competition.
A decision of the Safety Judge is final and is not open to review, debate or appeal.
2.2.4. Judges. Judges for locally sponsored contests (including the Safety Judge) shall be assigned from the "OCCA
Judges List" available from the current OCCA Judge Coordinator. Any exception must be granted in writing
by the OSAA.
Scores assigned by the Performance Judges are final and are not open to review, debate or appeal.
2.2.5. Spotters. At least two qualified and experienced spotters shall be provided on the performance floor by
the competition sponsor to help reduce the chance of injury to participants and shall be assigned from the
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“OCCA Spotter List” available from the OCCA Spotter Coordinator. In addition, a team with multiple stunt
groups may also provide a designated team member or coach to serve as a spotter to help reduce the
chance of injury to participants so long as the additional spotter does not coach the team from the floor
while serving as a spotter.
2.2.6. Performance Surface. A wrestling or cheerleading mat is required for all levels of competition.
2.2.7. Awards. Students may only accept awards of a symbolic nature without resale value such as letters, medals,
ribbons, certificates, plaques, trophies and other emblems. Awards with monetary or resale value must be
presented to the school.
2.3. Contest Recommendations. The following are suggestions which sponsoring organizations may wish to include in
their competitions.
2.3.1. Coaches appreciate a short meeting on the morning of the competition to introduce competition personnel,
answer last minute questions, etc.
2.3.2. Depending upon the quantity of squads entered, divisions may be subdivided based upon school size, squad
size and / or squad gender.
2.3.3. Coaches appreciate having score sheets and specific competition results available to them immediately
following the competition.
OSAA GENERAL POLICIES
1. ADVERSE WEATHER CONDITIONS / AREA-WIDE EMERGENCY PROCEDURES (OSAA Handbook, Executive Board Policies) (May 2020)
There may be times in the interest of minimizing risk due to adverse weather conditions and/or a clear area-wide emergency
that it becomes necessary to postpone, cancel, and/or reschedule regular season or postseason events. The intent of this policy
is to outline procedures and policies to provide guidance to OSAA member schools when such conditions impact an event.
A. Regular Season Events.
1) Administrators have the responsibility to define and communicate contingency plans in the event of adverse weather
conditions and/or a clear area-wide emergency. A stepwise progression that places emphasis on minimizing risk for
athletes, coaches, contest staff, spectators, and contest officials will be used to help guide decision makers on the
appropriate course of action.
2) The following steps shall be taken:
a) Suspend the Event: NFHS rules allow officials to “delay” or “suspend” any contest where factors may endanger
the participants. At no time may officials “terminate” a contest between schools unless administrators or
representatives from each school mutually agree to end the contest. If the participating schools involved mutually
agree to end the game the contest will be considered complete. Officials should use the following guidelines when
choosing to suspend a contest:
Starting Time of the Event 8am to 12pm 12:01pm to 3:30pm 3:31pm to 6pm After 6pm
Maximum Suspension 3 hours 2 hours 1.5 hours 1 hour
b) Modify the Event: NFHS rules in most sports and activities allow for modifications to timing and structure if
necessary, with mutual agreement of participating schools, to address factors that may endanger the participants.
c) Reschedule the Event: When situations arise involving a suspension of play and the participating schools cannot
reach mutual agreement on ending the contest, the following steps shall be taken:
(1) Convene a meeting between representatives from participating teams
(2) Review and record contest details up to the point of suspension
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OSAA General Policies
(3) Review each of the following options
Option Implication Contest Result
Schools agree to reschedule contest See Executive Board Policy,
during the current game week (i.e. Friday “Interrupted Contests” procedures Upon conclusion result is final.
game, continued on Saturday or Sunday). for specific sport/activity.
Schools agree to reschedule contest See Executive Board Policy,
during a future game week (i.e. Friday “Interrupted Contests” procedures Upon conclusion result is final.
game, continued on following Tuesday). for specific sport/activity.
Schools cannot reach agreement on when
Contest is suspended. No Result.
to reschedule contest.
d) Cancel the Event: Cancelling the contest is not an option if the cancellation has a bearing on advancing a team(s)
to the final site.
B. OSAA Final Site Events.
1) A culminating event shall be defined as the event(s) conducted at the final site only. Early round contests and district
qualifying should tournaments follow the stepwise progression listed in part A.
2) School personnel have the responsibility of making alternative travel plans to final sites based upon adverse weather
forecasts and any other pertinent information. It shall be the responsibility of the participating school(s) to notify the
OSAA Executive Director or OSAA staff designee if the school is having difficulty traveling to the final site and may not
arrive in time for the scheduled event(s) due to adverse weather conditions or a clear area-wide emergency.
C. Championship Final Site Specifics.
1) If a team/individual is unable to arrive at a final site for their scheduled competition due to adverse weather conditions
or a clear area-wide emergency, that team/individual will be allowed to participate in their scheduled event provided
they arrive at the site and are able to compete on the day of their scheduled event. In this situation the OSAA Executive
Director or OSAA staff designee, shall adjust the schedule of the event for the purpose of allowing maximum
participation for all qualified schools when these conditions are present. If the team/individual is unable to arrive to
compete on the day of their event, and NFHS playing rules allow the modification, a forfeit is recorded and that
team/individual shall move into the consolation bracket or be dropped from competition, whichever is applicable to
the event.
2) When the number of teams/individuals unable to reach the final site for their scheduled event due to adverse weather
conditions or a clear area-wide emergency exceeds 25% of those participating, the OSAA Executive Director or OSAA
staff designee, shall consider postponement or cancellation of all or part of the event. An alternative schedule shall be
determined by OSAA Executive Director or OSAA staff designee. Should the need arise for the schedule of a final site
to be altered the next available date, including Sunday, will be used.
3) For the purpose of this policy, the TOTAL number of teams/individuals scheduled to attend the final site for that
classification shall be the number used from which to obtain the percentage of those needed, regardless of the total
number of classifications scheduled to attend the event.
4) Note: For the purpose of this policy, when the percentage used results in a number that is not a whole number, the
number shall be rounded up to the next whole number. For example, if a tournament is being held for 30 teams, 25%
of the total would be 7.5 which would be rounded up to 8.
D. Procedures to Follow If Contests at The Final Site Are Rescheduled.
1) The OSAA Executive Director or OSAA staff designee has the final authority on final site contest rescheduling.
2) If contests are rescheduled on the same day as originally scheduled but at a different site, the semifinal and
championship contests will be scheduled at the same time or later than originally scheduled.
3) Time between contests may be shortened. Example: If contests were originally scheduled at two-hour intervals, they
may be rescheduled at one and one half-hour intervals.
4) Individuals/teams shall be granted a minimum of 20 minutes for rest between contests.
5) Whenever possible, contests played on the final day of the tournament shall be scheduled to allow individuals/teams
to return to their home community that day.
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6) If during the last scheduled day at the final site, contests are unable to be restarted requiring postponement overnight,
only those individuals/teams still in contention for the championship will continue play. Individuals/teams not in
contention for the championship shall be awarded a tie for the highest placing that could have been earned if
postponement had not been necessary.
E. Ticket revenue will not be refunded in the event the schedule and/or day(s) of the event are changed due to adverse
weather conditions or a clear area-wide emergency.
2. AIR QUALITY GUIDELINES (OSAA Handbook, Executive Board Policies) (May 2018)
These guidelines, created in consultation with the Oregon Health Authority (OHA), provide a default policy to those responsible
or sharing duties for making decisions concerning the cancelation, suspension and/or restarting of practices and contests based
on poor air quality.
A. Designate Personnel: Given the random behavior of wind and air currents, air quality may change quickly. Schools shall
designate someone who will monitor the air quality prior to and during outdoor activities. While typically due to wildfires,
schools need to also consider non-wildfire situations if the air quality is unhealthy.
B. Areas with Air Reporting Stations: The Air Quality Index (AQI) should be monitored throughout the day, and during an event,
to have the best data possible to make informed decisions about conducting practices and competitions. School personnel
shall review the AQI information for all regions throughout the state on either the Oregon Department of Environmental
Quality (DEQ) website at https://oraqi.deq.state.or.us/home/map, the Oregon DEQ app “OregonAir”, or on the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Air Now website at https://airnow.gov/index.cfm?action=airnow.local_state&stateid=38
to determine if action is necessary (see chart below). Schools shall regularly review the AQI throughout events to assess
deteriorating conditions.
C. Areas without Air Reporting Stations: Given the random behavior of factors related to the calculation of the AQI levels in
different areas of the state (wind speed and direction) member schools not near a reporting station should consult with local
state and/or federal authorities to help determine the AQI level in your specific area. If air monitoring equipment is not
available, member schools should utilize the 5-3-1 Visibility Index to determine air quality.
1) 5-3-1 Visibility Index: Making visual observations using the 5-3-1 Visibility Index is a simple way to estimate air quality
and know what precautions to take. While this method can be useful, you should always use caution and avoid going
outside if visibility is limited, especially if you are sensitive to smoke.
(a) Determine the limit of your visual range by looking for distant targets or familiar landmarks such as mountains,
mesas, hills, or buildings at known distances. The visual range is that point at which these targets are no longer
visible. As a rule of thumb: If you can clearly see the outlines of individual trees on the horizon it is generally less
than five miles away. It is highly recommended that schools use pre-determined landmarks that were established
on a clear day to determine their visual range.
(b) Ideally, the viewing of any distant targets should be made with the sun behind you. Looking into the sun or at an
angle increases the ability of sunlight to reflect off of the smoke, thus making the visibility estimate less reliable.
(c) Be aware that conditions may change rapidly and always use the more conservative of multiple metrics (AQI, 5-3-1
Visibility Index, etc.).
D. Act: This chart will help determine the action needed based on the air quality in your area.
Air Quality Index 5-3-1 Visibility
Required Actions for Outdoor Activities
(AQI) Index
Athletes with asthma should have rescue inhalers readily available and pretreat
51 -100 5-15 Miles before exercise or as directed by their healthcare provider. All athletes with
respiratory illness, asthma, lung or heart disease should monitor symptoms and
reduce/cease activity if symptoms arise. Increase rest periods as needed.
Because they involve strenuous activity for prolonged periods of time, all outdoor
activities (practice and competition) shall be canceled or moved to an area with a
101 -150 3-5 Miles
lower AQI. Move practices indoors, if available. Be aware that, depending on a
venue’s ventilation system, indoor air quality levels can approach outdoor levels.
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Because they involve strenuous activity for prolonged periods of time, all outdoor
activities (practice and competition) shall be canceled or moved to an area with a
151 -200 1-3 Miles
lower AQI. Move practices indoors, if available. Be aware that, depending on a
venue’s ventilation system, indoor air quality levels can approach outdoor levels.
Because they involve strenuous activity for prolonged periods of time, all outdoor
activities (practice and competition) shall be canceled or moved to an area with a
>200 1 Mile
lower AQI. Move practices indoors, if available. Be aware that, depending on a
venue’s ventilation system, indoor air quality levels can approach outdoor levels.
E. Additional Resources: Schools may also refer to OHA’s fact sheet regarding School Outdoor Activities During Wildfire Events
at https://apps.state.or.us/Forms/Served/le8815h.pdf. NOTE: While OHA’s guidelines do allow for light outdoor activities
in the orange level, the intensity and duration of high school practices/competitions are not considered light activity.
3. ATTACHED AND UNATTACHED COMPETITION / EXHIBITION (OSAA Handbook, Executive Board Policies) (Revised August 2012)
Following is the policy regarding attached and unattached competition:
A. A high school team shall not compete against an unattached team (e.g., club team).
B. Students representing a high school shall not compete against unattached individuals.
C. Students shall not represent a high school and participate in a competition or exhibition as unattached on the same day at
the same venue/facility.
4. CERTIFICATION – ATHLETIC DIRECTORS AND COACHES http://www.osaa.org/coaches/requirements (Revised Spring 2019)
Athletic directors and coaches shall achieve certification in the following areas prior to assuming duties as an athletic director or
coach. The high school principal shall be held accountable for verifying that athletic directors and coaches have been certified.
EXCEPTION: Any emergency exception to an OSAA requirement must be authorized in writing by the OSAA.
A. NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching. The OSAA requires that athletic directors and coaches must achieve a passing score on the
test included with the NFHS Fundamentals of Coaching course. This is a one-time requirement.
B. Concussion Recognition and Management Training. The OSAA and Oregon State Law (ORS 336.485) requires that athletic
directors and coaches receive training to learn how to recognize the symptoms of a concussion and how to seek proper
medical treatment for a person suspected of having a concussion. The NFHS’s Concussion in Sports free course satisfies this
requirement. This training is required annually.
C. NFHS Heat Illness Prevention. The OSAA requires that athletic directors and coaches must achieve a passing score on the
test included with the NFHS’s Heat Illness Prevention free course. This training is required once every four years.
D. Anabolic Steroids and Performance-Enhancing Substances Training. The OSAA and Oregon State Law (ORS 342.726) require
that athletic directors and coaches receive training on identifying the components of anabolic steroid abuse and use and
prevention strategies for the use of performance-enhancing substances. This training is required once every four years.
E. Spirit Safety Clinic (Cheerleading and Dance/Drill Coaches Only). The OSAA requires that any cheerleading or dance/drill
coach receive spirit safety training by achieving a passing score on the test included with the OSAA’s online Spirit Safety Clinic.
This training is required annually.
F. Heads Up Football Certification. The OSAA requires that any football coach complete the USA Football Heads Up Certification
prior to assuming coaching duties and to recertify annually prior to the beginning of each Association year. Additionally, each
member school sponsoring football is required to identify a Player Safety Coach. Each Player Safety Coach Is required to
attend an in-person clinic biennially prior to the start of the Association year that is conducted by a USA Football Master
Trainer in preparation for implementing and overseeing the primary components of Heads Up Football at their school.
1. Q. Does certification through the American Sport Education Program (ASEP) satisfy the requirement in Rule 1.4?
A. Yes, so long as the athletic director or coach was certified through ASEP prior to August 1, 2007. Thereafter, only the
NFHS Coach Education Program “Fundamentals of Coaching” will satisfy this requirement unless an exception is granted
in writing by the OSAA.
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2. Q. When must a coach be certified?
A. All coaches must be certified prior to assuming coaching duties unless an emergency exception is authorized in writing
by the OSAA. This includes cheerleading coaches, dance/drill coaches and choreographers at schools that do not
participate in competitions.
3. Q. Is certification required of volunteer coaches?
A. Yes.
4. Q. Must a “guest” coach be certified?
A. No, but if the coach has contact with students more than three times in a sport season, the coach shall no longer be
considered a “guest” and must be certified. A non-certified “guest” coach may not serve as a coach at a contest.
5. Q. May a school bring in alumni or other non-high school personnel to scrimmage with teams or individuals as “guest
coaches” if those personnel are limited to student contact on no more than three occasions during the sport season?
A. No. The “guest coach” exception is intended to allow a limited number of visits by a guest instructor; it is NOT intended
to allow coaches to bring in coaches or players to participate in drills or scrimmages against teams or individuals. Any
attempt to circumvent the Participation Limitations by calling practice participants “guest coaches” would be a violation
of OSAA rules.
6. Q. In individual sports, may a parent or non-certified coach accompany a participant to a contest as the school
representative if that person is an authorized representative of the principal?
A. Yes, but the authorized representative may not coach the participant unless specific permission has been granted in
writing by the Executive Director.
7. Q. Does the OSAA require high school coaches to have current first aid certification?
A. No. However, coaches should check with their athletic directors as most high schools have this as a requirement.
8. Q. What is required of a Player Safety Coach (PSC) during the year they attend an in-person PSC clinic in order to be Heads
Up Football certified?
A. Coaches attending an in-person PSC clinic are required to complete the following online courses in order to be Heads Up
Football certified: Concussion Recognition and Training; Heat Illness Prevention.
9. Q. What is required of every football coach, including previously certified PSC coaches, not attending an in-person PSC clinic
in order to be Heads Up Football certified?
A. Every football coach, including previously certified PSC coaches, not attending an in-person PSC clinic is required to
complete the following online courses in order to be Heads Up Football certified: Concussion Recognition and Training;
Heat Illness Prevention; Blocking and Defeating Blocks, Shoulder Tackling & Equipment Fitting; Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
5. CONCUSSION MANAGEMENT (OSAA Handbook, Executive Board Policies) (Revised Summer 2020)
(Medical Release – Return to Participation Following a Concussion) (Medical Release – Return to Learn Following a Concussion)
A. Member School’s Responsibilities (Max’s Law, ORS 336.485, OAR 581-022-0421) (Jenna’s Law, ORS 417.875) (Qualified
Health Care Professional, ORS 336.490)
1) Suspected or Diagnosed Concussion. Any athlete who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a
concussion following an observed or suspected blow to the head or body, or who has been diagnosed with a concussion,
shall not be permitted to return to that athletic contest or practice, or any other athletic contest or practice on that same
day. In schools which have the services of an athletic trainer licensed by the Oregon Board of Athletic Trainers, that
athletic trainer may determine that an athlete has not exhibited signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a
concussion, and has not suffered a concussion, and return the athlete to play. Athletic trainers may also work in
consultation with a Qualified Health Care Professional (see below) in determining when an athlete is able to return to
play following a concussion.
2) Return to Participation. Until an athlete who has suffered a concussion is no longer experiencing signs, symptoms, or
behaviors consistent with a concussion, and a medical release form signed by a Qualified Health Care Professional is
obtained, the athlete shall not be permitted to return to athletic activity. As of July 1, 2020, ORS 336.490 requires
athletes be cleared by one of these Oregon Qualified Healthcare Professionals: Medical Doctor (MD), Osteopathic
Doctor (DO), Chiropractic Doctor (DC), Naturopathic Doctor (ND), Nurse Practitioner (NP), Physician Assistant (PA),
Physical Therapist (PT), Occupational Therapist (OT) or Psychologist who is licensed or registered under the laws of
Oregon. Before signing any RTP forms, except for MD and DO signers, course completion certificates from the Oregon
Concussion Return-To-Play Education must be obtained by all DC, ND, PT and OT and, after July 1, 2021, by all NP, PA
and Psychologists.
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