F. All teams at The Cheerleading Worlds may use as many songs in the musical portion of their routine as they like.
G. Routine music used at The Cheerleading Worlds must comply with applicable copyright law. At Worlds, all teams must provide proof of licensing. This will be reviewed during roster check appointments( see page 18). This may include: 1. proof of purchase from an approved music provider. 2. if using a single song, the receipt from the song’ s purchase. 3. if using an editor, proof-of-purchase from an approved provider and proof of licensing for all sound effects and voice-overs included in the mix. Editors do not have to be on the preferred provider list but must be able to provide teams these required proofs of purchase and licensing.
H. Teams may not use Disney themes nor costumes that resemble Disney characters. However, Disney music is acceptable if the music licensing guidelines are followed.
I. Each team is required to assign a responsible adult who knows the routine and music to stay at the music station during the team’ s performance. This representative is responsible for starting the music and stopping the music in case of technical malfunction or injury. Please make sure that all devices are fully charged, placed in airplane mode, and the volume is turned up.
IV.
Athlete Behavior
A. Athletes participating in The Cheerleading Worlds are expected to demonstrate the highest levels of sportsmanship, respect and support throughout the entire event. On occasion there have been concerns that not all teams consistently uphold a high standard of decorum during the periods surrounding their performances in the competition venues. Additionally, some club members and fans have also been observed not adhering to the expected standards of conduct when viewing the routines.
B. When teams are introduced, they are expected to take the floor within a 30-second window and assume the starting position for their routine. At the conclusion of the routine, competitors are expected to exit the performance floor immediately, again within a 30- second window of time.
C. From the time the team is announced the protocol for entering and leaving the competition floor is expected to reflect a team environment.
D. Actions that demonstrate excessive boasting, delay competition or reflect poor sportsmanship or unprofessional behavior may result in penalties assessed by event judges. Examples include, but are not limited to: 1. Taunting another team— verbal or physical actions that bait or engender ill will between teams. 2. Drawing unnecessary attention to oneself— such as exaggerated celebrations, high fives, or chest bumps.. 3. Excessive team rituals— pre / post-competition team bonding activities must take place offstage, not on the competition area. 4. Public displays of affection while on the competition floor. 5. Stepping outside the competition boundary to approach coaching staff, crowd members and / or other members of the audience. 6. Excessive celebrations— prolonged, premeditated or overly physical displays( e. g., athletes jumping on or wrapping legs around others, victory dances, etc.). 7. Unauthorized floor access— coaching staff, parents, fans and / or other noncompetitors entering the competition boundary before, during or after a performance( unless in the response to an obvious injury). Only competing athletes and competition personnel are allowed on the floor..
8. Collapsing on the floor without injury— athletes must remain standing at the conclusion of a routine unless medical attention is clearly required..
The Cheerleading Worlds ® Rules & Regulations 2026
The Cheerleading Worlds ® 2026 22