National High School Cheerleading Rules

National cheerleading rules serve to provide safety regulations in the competitive and entertainment stages of high school cheerleading. The set rules and guidelines prevent injury to cheer participants by setting allowable stunts and cheer teaching methods. Learning the rules of national high school cheerleading will ensure the safety of your squad, as well as safeguard against disqualification in competition.

  1. Stunts Performed on Basketball Courts

    • Rules prohibit any stunts involving pyramids, twist tumbles and partner stunts where only one hand is used as a platform for the top person on basketball courts. Cheerleaders can only perform these stunts on courts that are padded and free of non-cheer participants.

    Jump and Tumbling Restrictions

    • Twists and flips greater than one rotation are prohibited to prevent injury to cheer participants. In addition, cheerleaders are prohibited from jumping and tumbling over objects or individuals on the stage.

    Limits on Prone Landings

    • Cheer participants cannot land in a prone position when performing aerial maneuvers. This rule prevents cheerleaders from landing on their backs if they make a mistake.

    Height Restrictions

    • Pyramids and other stacking stunts are limited to two people in height. The top person of any stunt may not perform a trick or stunt while in the top position.

    Traning and Guidance

    • Rules require cheerleaders to undergo training before attempting cheer stunts, including tumbling, pyramids and flips. Cheer squads must be under the direction of a qualified coach or cheer instructor. The coach must supervise all performances and practices at all times.