THE CHEERLEADING WORLDS 2022 ____________________________________________________________________
RULES AND REGULATIONS
I . GENERAL GUIDELINES The Cheerleading Worlds competition will follow the most recent version of the USASF General Rules and Age Grid . Refer to TheCheerleadingWorlds . net website for details .
II . COMPETITION AREA
A . Participants must start and end within the competition boundary and may line up anywhere inside the competition area to begin their routine . The competition area will be determined by the tournament director according to the size of the facility being used . Approximate floor size will be 54 feet wide by 42 feet deep ( 9 panels ). All skills must originate and be completed within the competition boundary . No lineups , skills , or transitions are allowed outside of the competition boundary . The competition boundary is defined as the actual competition floor / spring floor , the carpet bonded foam panels that connect to the spring floor , and any additional border that supports / surrounds the floor .
B . A deduction will be assessed per occurrence for an athlete that makes contact outside the competition boundary . NOTE : The deduction amount will be included in Worlds Score Sheets that will be posted online in early 2022 .
C . If a sign or prop is thrown outside the performing area , that team will receive a deduction for each violation . Signs or props may be placed or dropped outside the competition boundary by a team member who must remain inside the competition boundary area . All center markers are prohibited .
III . MUSIC AND LIMITATIONS
A . Timing will begin with the first movement , voice , or note of music , whichever comes first . Timing will end with the last movement , last voice , or note of music , whichever comes last . ROUTINE PERFORMANCE TIMES : 1 . Senior Divisions : 2.30 maximum 2 . IASF Open L5 , L6 and L7 : 2:30 maximum 3 . IASF Non-Tumbling L6 and L7 : 2:00 maximum 4 . IASF Global Club L6 : a . 30 second minimum to 40 second maximum for the
opening cheer portion , b . 20 second maximum to move from cheer portion and
set up for the music portion , and c . 2:30 maximum for the music portion .
B . All introductions ( tumbling , entrances , chants , spell-outs , etc .) are considered part of the routine and are timed as part of the performance . There should not be any organized exits or other activities after the official ending of the routine . NOTE : Penalty points will be included with the Worlds Score Sheets that will be posted on the USASF website in early 2022 .
C . If a team exceeds the time limit , a penalty will be assessed . NOTE : The point deduction amount will be posted when the Worlds Score Sheets are posted in early 2022 .
D . Because penalties are severe , it is recommended that all teams time their performance several times prior to attending the competition and leave a several second cushion to allow for variations in sound equipment .
E . All teams at The Cheerleading Worlds may use as many songs in the musical portion of their routine as they like .
F . 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 19 ). This may include :
• proof of purchase from an approved music provider .
• if using a single song , the receipt from the song ’ s purchase .
• 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 .
NOTE : If you have additional questions about the music guidelines , please contact your USASF regional director .
G . Teams may not use Disney themes nor costumes that resemble Disney characters . However , Disney music is acceptable if the music licensing guidelines are followed .
H . 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 . If using a CD , make sure it is free of scratches to avoid skipping .
IV . ATHLETE BEHAVIOR
A . Athletes of teams at The Cheerleading Worlds are expected to exhibit the utmost of sportsmanship , respect and support throughout the entire event . Periodically there were concerns that a high standard of “ decorum ” was not being followed consistently by all teams in the performance venue at performance time , and also by some program members / fans viewing the routine .
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 exhibit excessive boasting , a delay in competition , poor sportsmanship , unprofessional behavior , etc . may be penalized for by event judges . These actions may include , but are not limited to , things such as : 1 .Taunting another team . Taunting may be defined as the use of baiting or taunting acts and / or words that engender ill will between teams .
2 . An athlete calling unnecessary attention to her / himself ( i . e . high fives , chest bumps , etc .).
3 . Excessive pre- or post-competition team rituals ( team bonding traditions must take place behind the stage area ). 4 . Public displays of affection . 5 . Stepping outside the competition boundary to approach coaching staff , crowd members and / or other members of the audience .
6 . Excessive celebration ( i . e . athletes wrapping their legs around coaches and / or each other , victory dances , etc .). Any prolonged , excessive , or premeditated celebration by individual athletes or a group of athletes while on the competition floor