State Rules Pertaining to Number of Cheerleaders

The following rules for cheerleaders are in effect at playoff events. During the season, the number of high school cheerleaders at an event may be higher IF space is available, and IF the school and/or conference allow it. For practical purposes, it is usually a good idea to have the same number of cheerleaders throughout the season as the number allowed at playoffs. This way you won’t have to decide which cheerleader(s) sit out during a playoff game/meet.

Cheerleaders at both boys and girls events may use signs (to lead cheers), poms, and megaphones. Fans may not have signs in the crowd or poms with sticks for handles. No one may have artificial noisemakers and laser pens. This includes items that clap together to make noise and synchronized ringing of cell phones.

FOOTBALL

Eight cheerleaders (all in uniform) will be admitted free to football playoff games, but any number may cheer. They just need to pay their own admission.

BOYS’ BASKETBALL & SWIMMING

Six cheerleaders plus a mascot (all in uniform) may cheer at boys’ basketball and swimming sectionals, districts, regionals, and state. These cheerleaders must cheer the entire game/meet without substitutions.

WRESTLING

Six cheerleaders (all in uniform) may cheer at wrestling sectionals, districts, regionals, and state. No mascots are allowed. These cheerleaders must cheer the entire meet without substitutions. Cheerleaders must not have pins on their uniforms, on the side of the mat, or on pillows. Cheerleaders should also be conscious of space limitations when bringing pillows to the side of the mat (especially at tournaments).

GIRLS’ BASKETBALL & SWIMMING

Six cheerleaders (all in uniform), which includes the mascot, may cheer at girls’ basketball sectionals, districts, regionals, and state. These cheerleaders must cheer the entire game/meet without substitutions. Cheerleaders are not allowed at girls’ state swimming because of the lack of space

GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL

Six cheerleaders (all in uniform), which includes the mascot, may cheer at girls’ volleyball sectionals, districts, regionals, and state. These cheerleaders must cheer the entire meet without substitutions. Cheerleaders may be on the floor during the regular season, IF a gym has ample space so that cheerleaders are not in a playable area. Volleyball players are allowed to play a ball until it hits the wall or enters the bleachers, so it’s recommended that cheerleaders remain in the bleachers until a time out or between games to avoid being in a playable area. Cheerleaders at the state meet would not be allowed anywhere on the playing floor during play.

CONFERENCE RULES

Some conferences may have their own rules, so be sure to ask your athletic director if you have any questions. For example, in the CIML Conference, hoops and signs for players to run through are not allowed because of the chance of injury.