Iowa High School Cheerleading Regulations

Cheerleading has become a highly athletic sport for its participants. According to the Iowa High School Athletic Association, participation in cheerleading has grown 18 percent from 1990. Injuries related to this sport more than doubled, as well. The Iowa Cheerleading Coaches' Association and the Iowa High School Athletic Association make rules for all Iowa cheerleaders and coaches to ensure that all the athletes stay safe during practice and meets. It is the coaches' responsibility to know the rules and to review them with their cheerleaders frequently throughout the year.

  1. Cheerleader's Appearance

    • Several regulations have been put into place regarding the cheerleader's appearance. Fingernails, whether they are real or fake, must be kept short. They cannot be seen if a cheerleader holds her hands up. Her hair must be pulled away from her face and off of her shoulders. A side ponytail that lays on the shoulder is not legal. Glitter is not permitted on the body, hair or costume if it doesn't adhere to the body. Glittery eyeshadow is not recommended. Glitter, however, may be used on signs or backdrops if they are laminated. Jewelery is not allowed during practices, sport events or meets. The only exceptions to this rule are medical alert bracelets or religious jewelery that cannot be taken off. Such articles must be taped to the cheerleader's body during cheering. These regulations have been put in place to ensure everyone's safety.

    Cheering During Sporting Events

    • To make sure that all athletes are safe, Iowa restricts the number of people who are allowed to cheer during playoff events. For football games, the number of athletes is eight. For boys' basketball, swimming and wrestling, the number of athletes for each game is six. For girls' basketball, volleyball and swimming, six cheerleaders, including the mascot, are permitted to cheer. Stunts, like building a pyramid, and tumbling are not allowed in basketball and volleyball games when the ball is in play. Only members of the school's team can cheer at games and meets--no honorary members or fans from the stands are allowed on the playing field. Cheerleaders may use signs, poms and megaphones during their routines, but they can't use artificial noisemakers, laser pens and ringing cell phones.

      An efficient number of spotters and bracers must be used for each stunt. A spotter, someone who catches a cheerleader if she falls from a stunt, must have his arms stretched toward the cheerleader's head and shoulders. The number of bracers, those who help the cheerleader mount her stunts, is different for each stunt, depending on the complexity of the stunt.

    Coaches' Responsibilities

    • The coaches are responsible for knowing all of the regulations concerning Iowa high school cheerleading. They should review the rules and regulations with all of their athletes several times during the year. Iowa regulations also recommend that coaches lead their athletes in warming up, stretching and cooling down for every practice, sport event and meet. These exercises must be done in a well-lighted room. Coaches should also have their cheerleaders practice on mats or padded flooring until their routine is perfected. Mats must be clean and dry and large enough to provide sufficient protection for each cheerleader during the entire routine. Coaches must also be certified in safety, first aid, CPR and AED. Iowa coaches and cheerleaders alike should follow the regulations and rules to ensure that they can compete safely and avoid injuries.