Rules - South Carolina High School League

COMPETITIVE CHEER
1. The League will sponsor a championship in each classification that has at least twelve of its schools
participating. If this requirement is not met, schools may enter the tournament of the next higher
classification.
2. The head coach must attend a League sponsored rules clinic. All coaches must verify with their
principal completion of the online concussion course found at www.nfhslearn.com.
3. IMPORTANT DATES:
First Date for Practice................................... July 27
First Date for Competition ............................ August 27
Number of Contests Permitted..................... Eight (8) per school (6 Subvarsity)
Deadline for Notification of Entry ................. October 19
Required minimum number of contests ....... Two
Qualifying ..................................................... November 5 - 8
State Competition......................................... November 17 at Bi-Lo Center
Eligibility Due................................................ 7 days before first competition
Spring Practice and/or team selection ......... 15 days permitted (April 5 - May 31)
4. Competitive season ends when a team is eliminated from a qualifier or the state competition. The
High School League Executive Committee must approve any exceptions.
5. The National Federation Spirit Rule Book and the South Carolina High School League Competitive
Cheer Manual will be used for all South Carolina High School League competitions. Please visit
www.schsl.org and click on Competitive Cheer for the cheer manual.
6. The South Carolina High School League strongly recommends that all competitive cheer coaches
take the American Association of Cheerleading Coaches and Advisors safety certification course.
7. Each school may enter one team. Members of the competitive team must have been a member of
a support cheerleading squad during the school year. All participants must be submitted on an
eligibility report to the High School League. Substitutions may be made at any time. Spotters that
help within the confines of the routine must be team members. Safety spotters will be provided.
Any team having more than one male will be considered a coed team. A state championship for
coed cheer will be provided if 16 or more schools enter state competition.
8. STATE COMPETITION REGULATIONS
a. Competitive Area:
A matted surface with a 38' x 38' minimum will serve as the competitive area. The routine
must be performed within the boundaries of the competitive area. Only coaches,
competitors, and officials are permitted in the competitive area.
b. Order of Competition:
The order of competition for the state finals will be determined by the South Carolina High
School League.
Upon the judge's signal, the routine must begin within thirty seconds. There will be a fivepoint
deduction for delay of the meet.
c. Procedures:
The announcer prior to their performance will call teams to the competitive area. Three
teams will be announced each time - "Performing", "On-Deck", and "In the Hole".
9. Ticket Prices:
$6.00 Qualifiers
$10.00 State Finals
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