VI .
Mobility & Support Device Rules A . The use of the term “ wheelchair ” below also applies to the use of scooters and similar mobility devices , as is applicable ) 1 . All mobility equipment , prosthesis , canes , crutches , elbow crutches and braces are considered part of the athlete unless they are removed , in which case they are considered legal props and therefore are considered legal . Please refer to USASF Coach App to send in videos of use of device if in question .
2 . Wheelchair users when basing stunts and pyramids must have all wheels in contact with the performance surface during the skill , wheels locked , with an added and appropriate anti-tip attachment ( or a spotter / bracer with both feet firmly placed on the performance surface with both hands gripped on the two back handles stabilizing the wheelchair with both wheels on the performance surface ) for safety . Clarification : For a wheelchair anti-tip attachment to be appropriate , it must be in contact with the chair , in working order and prepared to be used on the performance surface as an additional point of contact to the performance surface while both wheels of the wheelchair are also in contact with the performance surface . Wheelchairs MAY NOT be altered from the original manufacturer ’ s design .
3 . Athletes may not stand on any part of a mobility device ( i . e . wheelchairs , crutches , etc .). Exception : A mobility device may be used to aid the top person in loading into a stunt and / or pyramid , but may not be utilized as the top person ’ s primary support . Example : A top person may hitch their foot on the arm rail or handlebar of a wheelchair . Must have additional safety spotter behind mobility device . All weight-bearing usage of wheelchairs must be pre-approved through the USASF Coach App .
4 . Wheelchair users when basing stunts and pyramids in the wheelchair ( or similar apparatus ) must use a seatbelt and wheels in locked position . All weightbearing usage of wheelchairs must be preapproved through the USASF Coach App .
5 . All athletes spotting , catching and / or cradling a skill have mobility through their lower body OR the strength in the upper body enough ( with or without use of mobility equipment ) to absorb the impact of the skill , as well as with adequate lateral speed to spot and / or catch the skill .
6 . All athletes spotting and / or catching a skill must have at minimum 1 arm extended , not including a prosthetic or other device , beyond the elbow to adequately assist with the skill . Release moves and dismounts may be caught by individuals who are not the original bases ( s ) if the main base ( s ) are not capable of catching and / or cradling the skill . 7 . When non-motorized wheelchairs are in motion , if there is an individual pushing the EA in the wheelchair , that individual must remain in contact with the wheelchair while it is in motion . The wheelchair MUST NOT be released during motion .
8 . Motorized wheelchairs must have all 4 wheels on the floor at all times ( EXCEPTION : if an assistant is needed to lift back wheels onto performance floor
B . It is the responsibility of the coach to determine the capability and proficiency of the individuals when choosing the skill to be performed .
VII . Additional Rules for CheerABILITIES Elite Teams A . Tumbling skills are allowed up to and including Level 2 . B . Teams may execute building skills up to and including
Level 2 Exception : Tosses are not allowed .
C . Coach / Assistant ( s ) may not provide support to athletes while the athletes are performing building skills . Exception : Assistants may assist an athlete to the floor as a result of a fall or almost fall .
D . Spotted and assisted tumbling is not allowed . Exception : Assistants may help an athlete up after a forward roll to get to their feet .
E . Up to three coaches / assistants allowed to signal from the front of the mat and may not obstruct view of the judges . There is no limit to the number of assistants around the perimeter of the floor in a squat position or on the floor assisting wheelchairs and sight impaired athletes to their spots / positions on the floor .
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VIII . Additional Rules for DanceABILITIES Teams
A . All DanceABILITIES teams will follow the USASF general rules and routine requirements . Exception : General Rule # 7 : The use of service animals by athletes is permitted .
B . Individuals : Executed by one person not in contact with another person a . Inverted skills may not be airborne and must involve hand support with at least one hand throughout the skill ( example : headstand , handstand ). Poms / props are not allowed in supporting hands in any inverted skills . b . Skills with hip-over-head rotation may not be airborne and are limited to two consecutive rotations . Poms / Props are not allowed in supporting hands in any hip-over-head rotation skills . Exception : forward and backward rolls . c . No simultaneous tumbling over or under another dancer is allowed . d . Drops are not allowed . e . Dancers may not land in a push up position from any jump . C . Groups and Pairs : Executed by two or more individuals in contact with one another a . All partner and group lifts must be performed independently with a coach / assistant as an additional spotter with the following limitations : i . Lift may not elevate executing dancers hips above head level . ii . The executing dancer must maintain contact with a supporting dancer who is in direct contact with the performance surface . iii . At least one supporting dancer ( s ) must maintain contact with the executing dancer ( s ) throughout the entire skill . iv . Hip-over-head rotation skills and inverted skills are not permitted when the executing dancer is elevated from the performance surface . v . Unassisted dismounts to the Performance Surface are not permitted . Clarification : The executing dancer may not be released .