High School Cheerleading Competition Rules

High school cheerleading competitions are subject to strict rules and regulations that differ per state. Because competitive cheerleading can have an intense emotional and physical impact on students, the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Administrators put together a manual with rules that assure the safety of the cheerleaders. Cheerleading coaches can obtain a certification form the AACCA, which will comfort the students and parents knowing that they are being taught under the safest conditions.

  1. Preliminary Competitions

    • High school cheerleading teams must qualify for state events through preliminary qualifying competitions. All participating cheerleaders need to be in good physical form. The school principal, athletic director and cheer coach all must sign a form confirming this. When the cheerleading team enters the state finals, it is allowed to perform with fewer members on the team. Performing with more members than they started with is not allowed. The cheerleaders' coach is responsible for registering each participating member.

    Cheerleader Requirements

    • In order to compete in high school cheerleading competitions, students must be in good standing with the school for a full season. This can be in the form of cheering for the high school football, basketball or volleyball team. The student's academic performance must be good or else she is ineligible to participate. The high school principal is responsible for signing off on whether or not a student is eligible. During competitions, cheerleaders cannot wear any stickers or glitter, although tattoos are allowed. Hair ribbons should not touch the shoulders, and those wearing braces or supports with rough edges should cover them.

    Routine Requirements

    • The routine that the cheerleading team performs should not exceed 2.5 minutes. Routines cannot start in a pyramid formation or stunt and must be performed within the marked-off performance area. At least 90 seconds of the performance should include music. Part of the performance must be a verbal cheer. The only props allowed are pompoms, megaphones and signs. Teams are required to bring two tapes of the routine's music. One original tape is used and the other serves as a backup tape.

    Safety Requirements

    • Generally, high school cheerleading has various safety rules and regulations that should be followed. The team should be directed by a qualified and knowledgeable individual. Cheerleaders must wear appropriate shoes and apparel, and before any cheerleading routine is done, a warm-up is required. Other rules relate to the various stunts, jumps and tumbles that take place. They mention the necessary use of catchers and the stunts that are forbidden. The AACCA website mentions all of the safety rules that teams should abide by.