NFHS
Spirit Rules
for Iowa Cheerleaders
(plus additions from ICCA and IHSAA)
You may click on the following link to view the rules powerpoint only.
This is purely informational; it does not take the place of an online
rules meeting.
http://www.iahsaa.org/secure/2011-12%20Spirit%20Rules%20Meeting2.ppt
(If you would like to hear the audio on the slides, you must click the
icon.)
|
Coaches: have your rules book, paper
to take notes, and writing instrument when you view the rules video -
the video refers to the rules book throughout.
The National
Federation Spirit Rules Meetings will again be held ONLINE. All coaches
are encouraged to complete this rules meeting as soon as possible,
preferably BEFORE your first practice.
Rules meetings will
be available online from August 1 –
September 1. Coaches with
cheerleaders planning to participate in the All-State tryouts, State
Competition, and Honor Squad MUST complete the rules meeting
during this time frame – NO EXCEPTIONS! State Competition
coaches should ask their choreographers to watch the rules meeting,
although coaches are still ultimately responsible for the safety and
legality of rules for their squads.
** Be sure to print
confirmation of your rules meeting completion at the end of your online
meeting. This confirmation must be submitted to the ICCA with
registration paperwork for the preceding events.
The online rules
meetings will again open up on November 7 – November 21 for any coaches
missing the earlier meeting (such as newly hired and/or winter cheer
coaches). This rules meeting
cannot be used to participate in the All-State tryouts, State
Competition, or Honor Squad since it occurs after the registration
deadline for these events.
We are going to try
to have computers available at the free clinics for coaches to complete
the online rules meeting. Coaches
will be able to write down questions while they’re completing the
meeting, and then have questions answered after all coaches are
finished. If
online rules meetings will be available at a specific fall clinic, that
information will be included in the paperwork sent out by each district
representative.
If a clinic does not
have computers available for the rules meeting, please complete the
rules meeting before attending the clinic since time will be made
available to ask questions.
Procedures for Completing the Online Rules Meeting
Click
here to begin online rules meeting.
In order to participate in the online
meetings, coaches need to click on the link above. Next, select your
school in the pull down tab. Watch the meeting. Finally, log out of the
meeting by typing your name and your specific coaching position at your
school (head football cheer coach, cheer coach, comp coach, etc).
Coaches MUST print off
the Rules Meeting Completion Certificate at the end of the rules
meeting. A copy of this form MUST be mailed in with All-State, State,
and Honor Squad registrations.
If you have any problems viewing the
online rules meeting, please contact Dave Anderson at IHSAA (danderson@iahsaa.org). If
you have any questions about the rules themselves, please contact
Donna McKay of ICCA at
jdmckay44@gmail.com.
A
step by step process can also be found in the Fall Mailing sent to your
school by IHSAA in early August. |
Reporting
Rules Violations
Report violations immediately to:
Donna McKay (jdmckay44@gmail.com)
so violations can
be handled in a timely manner.
Violations not reported
immediately, or those not actually seen and handled by coaches, will not
be dealt with by the Ethics Director.
Only coaches who
have attended a rules meeting may report violations.
Click any of the links below for more information:
Reorganized Rules book
Stunts by Section
2011 – 2012 National Federation Rules Changes
2011
– 2012 NF/ ICCA
/IHSAA Rules
Rules
Pertaining to Number of Cheerleaders
Points of Emphasis
Clarifying the Hair
Rule
Rules
Most Frequently Violated
Interpreting The
Legality Of Stunts
Rules Violations
Medical Appliance
REORGANIZED NATIONAL FEDERATION SPIRIT
RULES BOOK
If you need a current rule book, please contact Elisa Kahler at
ekahler@iahsaa.org
|
Rule 1
Definitions
Sec 1 – Stunts
Sec 2 –
Stunting Personnel
Sec 3 –
Non-Release Stunts
Sec 4 –
Release Stunts
Sec 5 –
Suspended Stunts
Sec 6 –
Dismounts
Sec 7 –
Tumbling
Sec 8 – Body
Positions
Sec 9 –
Tumbling
Sec 10 – Props
|
Rule 2 Risk
Management
Sec 1 –
General
Sec 2 –
Sportsmanship
Sec 3 –
Apparel/Accessories
Sec 4 –
Stunting Personnel
Sec 5 –
Non-Release Stunts
Sec 6 –
Release Stunts/Tosses
Sec 7 – Suspended Stunts
Sec 8
– Dismounts
Sec 9
– Tumbling
Sec 10
– Twists
Sect 11
– Drops
|
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Stunts By Sections
|
Non-Release Stunts
§
Cupie/Awesome
§
Prep and Extension
§
Flatback/Deadman Lift
§
Pyramid (including Hanging
Pyramid)
§
Leapfrog (non-release
transition)
§
Liberty
§
Non-Release Transition
(includes Vaults)
§
Pendulum
§
Side T-lift
§
Swedish Fall
§
Totem Pole
Suspended
Stunts
§
Suspended Roll
§
Suspended Splits
§
Swinging Stunt |
Release Stunts
§
Basket Toss
§
Elevator Toss
§
Helicopter
§
Log Roll
§
Quick/Load-in Toss
§
Release Transition
§
Tick-tock
§
Multi-base Toss
|
Click here for the NF Spirit Rules 09-10 PowerPoint
(videos are below)
Suspended Roll - legal | Split Pyramid
- legal | Transitional Stunts -
legal | Inverted Stunt - legal
Inverted Stunt #2
- illegal | Inverted Stunt #3 -
illegal
Legal exception to rule
2-5-13c:

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2011-2012 NF
SPIRIT RULES CHANGES
2-4-9-d A spotter must not hold
objects in her/his hands.
Rationale: If a
spotter’s hands are not free, the ability to spot safely is greatly
diminished.
2-5-5 In pendulum, or pendulum-type stunts, (c) was
eliminated to allow the top person to land on her/his side and the last
phrase of (g) was removed to allow the top person in a single base full
pendulum to drop on her/his side.
Rationale: These
allowances do not present a greater risk than dropping face up or face
down.
2-5-13c In non-release
transitions that involve changing base(s), all the following
Exception conditions must be met throughout the transition:
b. The new base(s) must
be to the side or front of the person moving the flyer except when the
flyer remains vertical.
Exception: A backward
leapfrog to a prone position is permitted provided there are at least
two catchers and the top person maintains continuous hands-to-hands
contact with the post throughout the transition. The original bases,
post, and catchers must remain stationary.
Rationale: This
stunt presents minimal risk to participants if adequate restrictions are
in place.
2-6-2 Basket tosses, elevator tosses, and similar
multi-base tosses are permitted only on grass (real or artificial) or a
mat.
Rationale:
Prohibiting these tosses from being performed on hard surfaces is
consistent with the NFHS focus on risk minimization.
2-6-4c Quick/load-in tosses that begin with the top
person in weight-bearing contact with the performing surface and end in
a stunt or pyramid are legal provided all the following conditions are
met:
c. The top person does
not twist during the release unless it is performed on grass (real or
artificial) or a mat.
Rationale:
Prohibiting airborne twists during quick/load-in tosses from being
performed on hard surfaces is consistent with the NFHS focus on risk
minimization.
2-7-7c A swinging stunt is
legal provided all the following conditions are met:
& Note c. The top person begins
from a cradle or the performing surface.
Note: A
slight downward swing to prepare for an upward swing is permitted.
Rationale:
Allowing more than a slight downward swing from a stunt higher than a
cradle presents increased risk to the top person.
2-8-9b A twist to a cradle is
permitted only on grass (real or artificial) or a mat.
Rationale:
Prohibiting all twisting cradle dismounts from being performed on hard
surfaces is consistent with the NFHS focus on risk minimization.
2-9-5 Airborne twisting tumbling skills are permitted
only on grass (real or artificial) or a mat, with the exception of roundoffs and aerial cartwheels.
Rationale:
Prohibiting twisting tumbling skills from being performed on hard
surfaces is consistent with the NFHS focus on risk minimization.
National
Federation/ICCA/IHSAA Spirit Rules
For the 2011-2012 school year the Iowa
Cheerleading Coaches’ Association and the Iowa High School Athletic
Association have chosen to strengthen some of the NFHS Spirit Rules for
cheerleaders in Iowa. This has been done with the approval of all three
organizations.
· NFHS Spirit Rule 2-3-2:
“Fingernails, including artificial nails, must be kept at an appropriate
length (short, near the end of the fingers) to minimize risk for the
participants.” ICCA/IHSAA addition: “All nails, including
artificial nails, must be cut to a length so that the nail is not
visible when the cheerleader holds up her/his hands from the palm side.
This is what is considered safe.”
· NFHS Spirit Rule 2-3-3:
“The hair must be worn in a manner to minimize risk for the
participant. Hair devices, if worn, must be secure and appropriate for
the activity.” ICCA/IHSAA addition: “All cheerleaders’ hair
must be pulled away from the face and off the shoulders: i.e.
ponytail. This would be for both stunting and non-stunting squads.”
· NFHS Spirit Rule 2-3-7:
“Glitter that does not readily adhere on the hair, face, uniform,
costume, or the body is illegal. Glitter may be used on signs, props,
or backdrops if laminated or sealed.” ICCA/IHSAA addition: “No
spray on/roll on glitter. Glitter in eye shadow should be minimal.”
NOTE:
These rules will be in effect for ALL Iowa school (grades 7-12)
events, including practices, performances, games, meets, tournaments,
competitions, and all other events in which school cheerleaders
participate.
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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.
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Points of Emphasis
highlight the major rules changes and emphasize other rules for which
additional clarification may be needed.
Concussions
– Concussions are a common result of sports-related head injuries and
carry the potential for serious complications if not managed correctly.
The NFHS Sports Medicine Advisory Committee, currently collaborating
with the nationwide high school RIO™ (Reporting Information Online) to
analyze and interpret sports-related injury data, has developed
suggested guidelines for management of concussions:
1. No athlete should return to play (RTP) or
practice on the same day of a concussion.
2. Any athlete suspected of having a
concussion should be evaluated by an appropriate health-care
professional that day.
3. Any athlete with a concussion should be
medically cleared by an appropriate health-care professional prior to
resuming participation in any practice or competition.
4. After medical clearance, RTP should follow
a step-wise protocol with provisions for delayed RTP based upon return
of any signs or symptoms.
Spirit coaches should
refer to the current NFHS Suggested Guidelines for Management of
Concussion available at the NFHS website (www.nfhs.org) under Sports
Medicine Resources. Please also refer to the Concussion course
available through the NFHS Coach Certification at www.nfhslearn.com.
NFHS Spirit Rules
Book – Coaches, both new
and veteran, have a professional responsibility to read the NFHS Spirit
Rules Book, including the situation rulings, and fully comprehend all
rules in order to safely and correctly teach the appropriate skills to
their athletes. This year's rules book has been reorganized and updated
to be consistent with current cheer trends and changes that have
occurred over the last five years.
Specific areas of importance are, but not limited to, changes to
definitions, non-release stunts, release stunts/tosses, and suspended
stunts. It is imperative that coaches have a thorough understanding of
these changes and revisions that will affect all aspects of their
cheerleading program. In addition, coaches should educate their student
athletes so they are made aware of the rule changes.
Twisting
Dismounts/Tumbling/Tosses – It is
the NFHS’s responsibility to revise rules to minimize risk whenever
trends indicate an execution of specific skills resulting in injuries.
To be consistent with the NFHS’s focus on risk minimization for the
nation’s student athletes, any twist to a cradle; airborne, twisting
tumbling skills; and basket tosses, elevator tosses, and other similar
multi-base tosses will only be permitted on grass (real or artificial)
or a mat.
NFHS continues to stress
that spirit coaches must be responsible for teaching and enforcing
general risk management rules, identifying teams’ ability levels, and
following proper progressions in learning new skills. It is imperative
that coaches insist upon “perfection before progression” before
advancing to the next skill level.
Note: A suggested list of additional responsibilities for coaches and
participants is located on the NFHS website (www.nfhs.org) on the
“Spirit” page.
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Official Rulings by the
Iowa Cheerleading Coaches’ Association
Find Your Cheering Hair
Style
Pulling hair away from the face situations:
1. Hair in a
ponytail and bangs (which would have been in the eyes) secured away from
the face –
legal
2. Hair in a high
ponytail that is long and goes down the back – legal
3. Hair in pigtails
or side ponytail that does NOT touch the shoulders – legal
4. Hair in a low
back ponytail at the base of the nape of the neck – legal
5. Short hair
with hair that could be in face secured away – legal
6. Hair in a side
ponytail that goes onto or touches the shoulders – illegal
7. Hair in pigtails
that touches the shoulders – illegal
8.
Short hair that brushes the shoulders – illegal
9. The PLASTIC HAIR BUMP IT - illegal
10. Artificial flowers in the hair have been ruled - illegal
Bangs
pulled across forehead, wispies, & chunks of hair beside face:
1. The above - out of
eyes and if necessary soundly secured away from the face – legal
2. Hair that falls
into the face while cheering, stunting, or tumbling – illegal
3. How do you know
if it is legal?
If you have
to:
A. Move your head to move it away from your face – illegal
B. Use your hand to move it away from your face – illegal
C. Tuck it behind your ears – illegal
Stunting:
1.
Any time the hair gets in the way of a stunt, it is illegal. The
hair should be off the shoulders for stunting.
GOAL:
Fix your hair before the
meet or game so you don't have to worry about it. Look like an
All-American cheerleader all the time; not just at tournament time.
In
Summary:
If you have to move your
head to get hair out of your eyes, use your hands to tuck hair behind
your ear, or move hair off your shoulders – your hair is probably
ILLEGAL.
Why risk a rules
violation or being removed from cheering?
FEATHERS
Many questions have been raised about the legality of cheerleaders
wearing feathers in the hair. The NFHS interpretation is as follows:
Feathers in the hair should be treated in the same manner as other hair
devices such as ribbons and bows. Rule 2-3-3 requires hair devices to be
secure and hair to be worn in a manner that is appropriate for the
activity involved. If a feather is not securely affixed or could
interfere with the participant’s vision or the safe execution of stunts
or tumbling, it would be illegal. If, however, a feather is securely
affixed to the hair and does not present a risk of interfering with the
participant’s vision or interfering with the safe execution of stunts or
tumbling it would be legal.
Situation/Ruling:
2.3.3 SITUATION:
During a release transition one bracer is wearing a long feather in her
hair that: (a) is secured away from her face by a flat barrette; (b)
hangs loose while the rest of her hair is secured in a ponytail. RULING:
(a) Legal; (b) illegal.
The
clip holding the feather in the hair (if it's not glued in) must be flat
to the head. Some are held in by beads, which wouldn't be legal. Also,
if the feather falls out, it would be illegal.
In Addition:
A few small rhinestones that
are punched into a ribbon or headband are
legal.
Headbands and Ribbons with sequins that are sewn on are
legal.
Headbands and Ribbons with
sequins that are glued on are
illegal.
Jewels on the face are
illegal.
Large rhinestones on headbands or uniforms are
illegal.
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RULES MOST FREQUENTLY VIOLATED
2-1-2
Only members of
the school’s actual spirit team may participate in games/contests.
No little cheerleaders, honorary cheerleaders, OR fans out of the
stands! Also, only the cheerleaders actually cheering at that
game/meet may be on the floor NOT cheerleaders from other
seasons/sports.
2-1-7 Participants are not permitted to have gum or candy in their mouths
while cheering.
2-1-8 Stunts are not permitted during basketball and volleyball games when the
ball is in play, including all free throw situations. Tumbling is
considered stunting. Be sure to follow rules for warming up when
an alternative gym is not available. It is not legal to stunt in the
dark (such as darkened gyms during introductions).
2-1-10 Cheerleaders can’t be on the floor during 20 or 30-second timeouts in
basketball and volleyball.
2-1-12 Cheerleaders must not stand behind the free throw lane extended (picture
on page 43).
2-3-1 Wearing any jewelry is prohibited AT ALL TIMES
(including practices) except religious or medical medals which shall be
taped to the body under the apparel. Items should not be draped
around the neck even if they are taped to the body. All silicon
bracelets, hair ties, belly button rings, spacers,
tongue studs, upper ear cartilage rings, safety pins, corsages,
friendship bracelets, spirit pins, etc. are considered jewelry and must
be removed. Jewelry cannot be taped over; and fishing line, etc.
cannot be put through the pierced holes. Wrestling cheerleaders
may not have pins on their uniforms, pillows, or on the floor near them.
Coaches also need to remove jewelry when participating.
Ø If a cheerleader must wear
jewelry for religious reasons, his/her coach should contact the Ethics
Director (Donna McKay). A letter needs to be written by the parents of
the cheerleader stating the jewelry’s religious significance plus the
reason why it can’t be removed. This letter also needs to be signed by
the school’s athletic director and cheerleading coach. The coach should
send the letter to the Ethics Director.
2-3-2 Fingernails, including acrylic nails, need to be cut. If you can see
the nails while looking at the palm of the hand, the nails should be cut
(ICCA/IHSAA rule). All participants need to have their nails cut at
all times, not just stunting squads. Participating coaches need to
cut nails, also.
2-3-3
Hair devices shall be
safe and secure. The hair shall be worn in a manner to ensure safety
while performing. All members of a squad shall wear their
hair pulled away from the face and off the shoulders (ICCA/IHSAA
rule). Metal barrettes that are small and flat are legal –
banana clips and large floppy bows with streamers are not legal. It
is not legal to tuck hair behind the ears – hair needs to be SECURED
away from the face – this includes bangs falling into the eyes.
“Bumpit” hair inserts are not legal.
2-4-3 A bracer shall not provide primary support. The stunt should be solid
without the bracer. Top people in a stunt should have their weight
directly above their bases and not leaning toward the bracer.
2-4-6 to
2-4-9 Inattentive persons are not considered spotters. A spotter must be in
the proper position (with arms extended toward the flyer’s
head/shoulders) to prevent injuries (close enough to the stunt and
in proper area). A spotter’s torso may not be under a stunt. A
person is not a spotter if he/she grabs the sole of the top person’s
foot or grabs the hands of the base(s) beneath the top person’s foot.
2-6-2 Basket tosses and other similar multi-base tosses are not
permitted on gym floors. They are only permitted on grass (real or
artificial) or a mat.
If you
attend a competition and the National Federation Spirit Rules are not
being followed (some competitions say they are following them but
don’t), you are also liable if your cheerleaders participate, don’t
follow the rules, and get hurt
(wet mats, illegal stunts, unsafe performance area, etc.). Be aware
that not all stunts shown on television at cheerleading competitions are
legal.
The only activities where cheerleaders are
covered by the IHSAA catastrophic insurance are IHSAA sponsored events
(which include the ICCA events) as long as cheerleaders are following
the National Federation Spirit Rules. Cheerleaders are not covered at
other competitions!
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Braced Dismounts
(2-8-11)
Checklist –
all answers must be
“yes” in order for a braced dismount to be legal.
-
Does at least one bracer maintain
hand/arm contact with the top person until the top person is descending?
-
Do the top persons and bracers
always remain non-inverted?
-
Are there two bases?
-
Is there a separate spotter for
each top person and each bracer (except bracers in shoulders sits and
thigh stands)?
-
Do all bracers assist/guide, but
do not take primary weight of the top person?
-
Is the loss of contact a
continuous up & down movement without a pause?
-
Does the top person remain
directly over the base(s)?
-
Does the top person return to the
original base(s)?
Inverted Stunts
(2-5-2-b)
Checklist –
all answers must be
“yes” in order for an inverted load-in stunt to be legal.
-
Is the top person clearly in a
weight-bearing inverted position on the floor before the base(s)
take her/his weight?
-
Is the top person moved
directly into a non-inverted position shoulder height or below?
-
Is there a base or spotter who is
in a position to protect the top person’s head/neck?
-
Does that base/spotter maintain
physical contact with the top person until top person is no longer
inverted?
Release
Transitions (2-6-7)
Checklist –
all answers must be
“yes” in order for a release transition to be legal.
-
Does the top person maintain
hand/arm contact with at least one bracer during loss of contact?
-
Do the top person and bracer(s)
always remain non-inverted?
-
Does the top person have at least
two bases (except if it’s a single-base tick tock)?
-
Do the bracers remain stationary
(except for necessary safety adjustments)?
-
Is there a separate spotter for
each top person and each bracer (except top persons in shoulder sits or
thigh stands)?
-
Is the bracer’s spotter focused on
the bracer and not the top person?
-
Are the spotters paying attention
to the correct top person?
-
Do all bracers assist/guide, but
do not take primary weight of the top person?
-
Is the loss of contact a
continuous up & down movement without a pause?
-
Does the top person remain
directly over the base(s)?
-
Does the top person return to the
original base(s)?
-
Are all the stunts in the
transition performed legally according to that stunt’s specific rules?
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Preventing Rules Violations
§
Be proactive to help
prevent rule violations at your school. Coaches and cheerleaders should
welcome visitors to their school and remind them of the rules
before they begin cheering.
§
Our intent isn’t to “catch”
cheerleaders not following the rules.
Integrity of Coaches
§
We need to rely on the
professional integrity of our coaches to make sure all rules are
followed.
§
Coaches must take care of
their own cheerleaders so others won’t need to address the rules with
them.
§
Coaches should accept
responsibility if their cheerleaders are at fault, rather than blaming
others, including those who address the rules violation(s).
If
You See a Rules Violation
§
Ask cheerleaders if their
coach is present and, if not present, who is responsible for them.
§
Be sure YOU see the
violation and it’s not one just reported to you by your cheerleaders.
§
Let the coach know that
following the NF rules is important for the safety of the cheerleaders
and the liability of the coach and school. All schools in Iowa must
follow these rules because they’ve been adopted by the IHSAA and ICCA
for the safety of Iowa cheerleaders.
§
Remember to be
calm, positive, and tactful when addressing rule violations
with cheerleaders and coaches.
§
Coaches should talk
to the cheerleading coach and/or appropriate administrator of the school
in violation of the rules in a courteous manner before
reporting the rule violation(s).
Reporting
Rules Violations
Report violations immediately to:
Donna McKay (jdmckay44@gmail.com)
so violations can
be handled in a timely manner.
Violations not reported
immediately, or those not actually seen and handled by coaches, will not
be dealt with by the Ethics Director.
When Rules Are Violated
§
When a school is reported
for a rules violation the first or second time, both the coach and one
of the school’s administrators will be contacted by Donna McKay.
§
If a school violates the
National Federation rules for a third time, the IHSAA will contact the
school.
§
Continued violation of the
rules could lead to a cancellation of catastrophic insurance coverage
for that school by the IHSAA.
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NFHS Statement on
Medical Appliances
National
Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS)
Sports Medicine Advisory Committee (SMAC)
Although still
relatively rare, the use of insulin pumps by athletes with diabetes has
become more commonplace over the past few years. With the wider use of
insulin pumps, as well as other medical devices such as heart monitoring
equipment, concerns have been raised regarding the safety of the athlete
wearing the device, teammates, opponents, and the device itself. The
NFHS SMAC has discussed these issues and has come to the following
conclusion:
When it is necessary
for an athlete to wear a medical appliance (such as an insulin pump)
during athletic competitions, the device shall be padded and securely
attached to the player’s body underneath the uniform. Devices attached
to the head (such as hearing aids and cochlear implants) do not need to
be padded, but shall be firmly secured to the body. No medical
appliance should pose a risk of injury to others. It is recommended
that the athlete notify the official of the presence of the medical
appliance prior to a contest.
Approved in October
2009
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