Georgia High School Association Cheerleading Rules

In Georgia, regional and state cheerleading competitions are held in November each year. Competitions are divided into groups, called "classifications," that are based primarily on school size. The only exception is for coed teams, which all compete against each other, regardless of their individual classifications.

  1. General Rules

    • Though a school may have both a "spirit" team and a varsity cheerleading team, only the varsity team may compete for regional and national titles. Cheerleaders have to meet academic requirements set forth by the Georgia High School Association (GHSA). Both non-competitive and competitive cheerleaders must have a physical examination that states that they are healthy enough to participate. Cheerleading coaches are required to attend a rules clinic held by the GHSA. A school can be fined if its coaches are absent. Tumbling and other stunts are not allowed during basketball games.

    General Rules of Competition

    • No more than six varsity cheerleading competitions can be held each year, not including competitions for regional and state titles. The GHSA must approve all competitions by May 5 each year. Competitions can lead to regional and state, but not national, titles. Cheerleading coaches and teachers cannot participate in non-GHSA-approved competitions if members from their own school teams are involved. A practicing coach that doesn't meet GHSA criteria is said to be practicing "illegal coaching." Cheerleading teams that participate in one or more competition can have no more than 16 performers, including a team mascot (if applicable), and the team must be non-coed (all-female).

      The team can have more than 16 members, but only 16 may be included in any competition. All routines performed during a competition must be confined to a 42 foot by 42 foot area, typically marked by a blue cheerleading mat. Cheerleaders, coaches and officials are the only ones allowed in or near the area. Team members not involved in the competitive routine can't act as spotters, or assist in any other way, during the routine. Elements of both cheering and dance must be incorporated into all competitive routines. A competitive routine can't be more than two minutes, 30 seconds long. Routines that exceed the maximum allowed time will receive five-point deductions for every 15 seconds they run over. Music used for competitive routines is provided by the team, and must be approved by the school's principal. GHSA judge decisions are final.

    Regional and State Competition

    • Only one team from each school can be entered into a regional competition. The team that finishes in first place is automatically entered in the state competition. Teams that finish second, third and fourth participate in a sectional tournament. The top eight teams from each classification advance to the state competition.

    Coed Competition

    • An open meet is held each year for coed teams. All classifications compete together. A team is considered coed if it has one or more male members. A team that has registered as coed can't switch its status, even if the male team members quit, are injured or leave the team for any reason.