2015 AUSCheer Scholastic

(Cheerleading) Manual

For: Western Australian Primary and Secondary Schools and Teachers

Update: May 2015

Contents Page

Disclaimer ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Resources ........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Purpose ........................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Feedback ......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 4

Contact Details................................................................................................................................................................................................. 4

Overview of Scholastic Cheer and AUSCheer (Cheerleading) ......................................................................................................................... 5

Part 1 – Event Information ............................................................................................................................................................................... 6

Entering An Event ............................................................................................................................................................................................ 7

Competition Entry Forms ................................................................................................................................................................................. 7

Rules and Regulations ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Part 2 GWA Education and Membership .........................................................................................................................................................16

Disclaimer

This document should be read in conjunction with the Gymnastics Western Australia (GWA) 2013 Competition Handbook and any other relevant cheerleading manual. This may include but is not limited to AUSCheer 2013 Cheer & Dance Competition Handbook, AUSCheer 2013 Cheer Levels Rules, AUSCheer 2013 Cheer Glossary and AUSCheer 2013 Dance Glossary found www.auscheer.org.au.

All information in this manual is subject to change. GWA encourages all users to regularly check the GWA website www.gymnasticswa.asn.au for any updates. In the event of a conflict between this document and any other documents GWA reserves the right to have the final ruling. If such ruling is needed GWA will publish any alterations.

Resources

GWA website www.gymnasticswa.asn.au

AUSCheer website www.auscheer.org.au

GA website www.gymnastics.org.au

AUSCheer 2013 Competition Handbook (available on AUSCheer website)

GWA AUSCheer (Cheerleading) Competition Entry Form

Purpose

The purpose of this manual is to provide Western Australian primary, secondary and university school teachers and cheerleading coaches with a simple guide to participating in the AUSCheer Scholastic (Cheerleading) program and events.

Feedback

GWA encourages and values feedback from their members to assist in the ongoing improvement of the organisation. Constructive feedback specific to this manual should be addressed to GWA and submitted in writing to the email listed below.

Contact Details

Gymnastics Western Australia Ph: 08 9228 9399 99 Loftus Street Fax: 08 9228 9499 Leederville WA 6007 PO Box 1204 Website: www.gymnasticswa.asn.au West Leederville WA 6901 Email: info@gymnasticswa.asn.au

Overview of Scholastic Cheer and AUSCheer (Cheerleading)

Scholastic Cheer

(Schools)

AUSCheer (Cheerleading)

(GWA Members)

Australian Scholastic Cheer & Dance Program

Levels, National, International

Western Australian Interscholastic AUSCheer Challenge

(Open to all Primary and Secondary Schools and National Team Trial)

Western Australian AUSCheer State Championships

(Open to GWA members, schools and dance studios)

AUSCheer Grand Competition (Nationals)

(Open to all Primary and Secondary Schools)

AUSCheer Grand Competition (Nationals)

(Open to GWA members, schools and dance studios)

Part 1 – Event Information

Event Dates, Costs and Venue

Go for 2&5 GWA Interscholastic Challenge Event Date: 25th-28th August 2015 Closing Date: Monday 27th July 2015 Venue: State Gymnastics Centre (Leederville) Cost: $15.00 per athlete Contact: info@gymnasticswa.asn.au

Entering the Event

Event Entry Checklist

Visit the schools page on GWA website for up to date event information

Visit AUSCheer website for up to date rules and regulations

Download the AUSCheer (Cheerleading) Event Entry Form from schools page found on GWA website

Organise payment through your school finance department

Submit your entries and payment to GWA before the closing date

Download the event schedule and work order from GWA website

Competition Entry Forms

All schools wishing to enter a GWA event are required to supply participant details on an official entry form. Each gymsport has a unique entry form that is available on the GWA website. GWA are obligated to prepare and communicate event entry information as early as possible prior to an event and as such it is important that forms are filled out correctly and legibly with all the information required.

Rules and Regulations

Eligibility to Compete All schools involved in the AUSCheer program are encouraged to participate in the Go for 2&5 Interschool Challenge. Number of Entries Schools can enter unlimited number of teams into the WA AUSCheer competitions. Categories The following Scholastic categories are offered at AUSCheer events. Please check with GWA for the Scholastic categories offered at each competition.

Cheerleading Dance

Cheer Pom

Group Stunt Hip-Hop

Partner Stunt Jazz

For more information on categories please refer to the AUSCheer 2013 Cheer & Dance Handbook found on the AUSCheer website or contact GWA.

Divisions The following Scholastic divisions are offered at AUSCheer events. Please check with GWA for the Scholastic categories offered at each competition. Pom/Hip Hop/Jazz

Division Gender Team Size

Primary Female/Male 4+ Members

Secondary Female/Male 4+ Members

University Female/Male 4+ Members

Cheer Teams should refer to the ‘ISAF Level Rules’ to determine which level would be most appropriate for their ability in the Cheer category.

Division Gender Team Size Level

Primary Female/Male 5-36 Members 1, 2, 3, 4

Secondary Female/Male 5-36 Members 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2, 5

University Female/Male 5-36 Members 1, 2, 3, 4, 4.2, 5, 6

Group Stunt Teams should refer to the ‘ISAF Level Rules’ to determine which level would be most appropriate for their ability in the Group Stunt category. Please note Level 2-6 divisions will be offered at the Australian Grand Championships.

Division Gender Team Size Level

Primary Female/Male 5 Members 1, 2, 3

Secondary Female/Male 5 Members 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

University Female/Male 5 Members 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

Partner Stunt Teams should refer to the ‘ISAF Level Rules’ to determine which level would be most appropriate for their ability in the Partner Stunt category. Please note Level 2-6 divisions will be offered at the Australian Grand Championships.

Division Gender Team Size Level

Secondary Any gender combination 2 Members 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

University Any gender combination 2 Members 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

For more information on competition categories and guidelines please refer to the 2013 Cheer & Dance Competition Handbook found on the AUSCheer website www.auscheer.org.au.

Starting Order GWA will produce an order of work detailing the order of competition prior to the event. Schools are responsible for checking that all team information is correct to the work order. Performance Surface and Area The performance area is 12m x 12m on a sprung floor and/or wooden or just matted. Music All routines must be music only. Awards Every competition will conclude with a ceremony honouring the competitors with the highest total scores. Medals will be awarded to all team members in the top three place getters in each category of the competitions. Team trophy for 1st – 3rd place in each category.

12m

12m

Performance Duration and Starting

Category Duration Start

Cheer

2 minutes 30 sec time limit Athletes must have at least one foot, hand, body part (other than hair) on the performing surface when the routine begins. Exception: Athletes may have their feet in the hands of base(s) if the base(s) hands are resting on the performing surfaces.

Partner Stunt 1 minute time limit All competitors must have both feet on the ground when the routine starts.

Group Stunt 1 minute time limit All competitors must have both feet on the ground when the routine starts.

Pom 2 minutes 30 seconds time limit Optional

Hip Hop 2 minutes 30 seconds time limit Optional

Jazz 2 minutes 30 seconds time limit Optional

No grace period will be tolerated. If a team exceeds the time limit, a deduction will occur. Timing will begin with the first choreographed movement or note of the music. Timing will end with the last choreographed movement or note of the music, whichever comes last. Competition Uniform/Attire Cheer/Group Stunt/Partner Stunt

Make-up o A clean, vibrant and athletic appearance is desired. False eyelashes are not permitted. o Glitter eye shadow and glitter stickers are permitted and must be securely adhered to the skin surface. o Hair and body glitter is not permitted.

Apparel o Cheerleading apparel should be appropriate for family viewing and conductive to safe practices and performances. Coaches

should consider ALL squad members body types when choosing a uniform style. The uniform should be comfortably fit the athlete, and the athlete should feel comfortable performing in the uniform.

o Midriffs are not permitted in: Primary & Secondary divisions

o Midriffs ARE permitted in: University division

Please note: Midriff tops should reasonably cover the athlete, and not be so short that bra tops show during “arm over head” movements. We must present our participants as athletes, and be aware that some athletes do not have the body type to make some uniforms fit the above criteria.

o Skirts/shorts must: Sit no lower than the high hip bone Cover briefs completely in front and back while standing Fit loosely enough not to “ride up” around waist during performance. Briefs under skirts must come to the top of the skirt

o Leg coverings (e.g. long socks/pants, stockings, shoe covers) and loose fitting wristbands/sweatbands are not permitted. Exception: Long pants are acceptable for males only.

Jewellery o Jewellery of any kind including but not limited to ear, nose, tongue, belly button and facial rings, clear plastic jewellery,

bracelets, necklaces and pins on uniforms are prohibited. Jewellery must be removed and may not be taped over. Exception: If religious or medical items must be worn, they must be taped to the body under the uniform.

o Rhinestones are illegal when adhered to the skin as opposed to a uniform. Costuming (ie hats, sunglasses, gloves, jackets) are not permitted.

Hair o Hair must be tied back away from the face and off the shoulders. Hairclips must close flat to the head. Hair ribbons,

scrunchies etc. should be fastened securely. Any hair fastener or decoration on the floor, which becomes a safety hazard, will result in a deduction.

Fingernails o Fingernails, including artificial nails, must be kept at a length appropriate to minimise the risk for participants. Nails must not

be seen over the finger when looking at the palm of hand.

Footwear o Soft-soled shoes must be worn while competing. Dance shoes/boots, and/or gymnastics slippers (or similar) are not permitted.

Shoes must have a solid sole. Pom/Hip Hop/Jazz

Make-up o A clean, vibrant and athletic appearance is desired. False eyelashes are permitted. o Glitter eye shadow and glitter stickers are permitted and must be securely adhered to the skin surface. o Hair and body glitter is not permitted.

Apparel o The apparel should be appropriate for family viewing and conductive to safe practices and performances. Coaches should

consider ALL squad members body types when choosing a uniform style. The uniform should be comfortably fit the athlete, and the athlete should feel comfortable performing in the uniform.

Jewellery o Jewellery as a part of a costume is allowed.

Hair o Hairstyles are optional.

Footwear o Shoes are recommended, but not required. Wearing socks and/or footed tights (including stirrup or Capri tights) only is

prohibited. o Dance paws (or similar shoes that cover the ball of the foot) are acceptable.

For more information on competition uniform/attire and props please refer to the 2013 Cheer & Dance Competition Handbook found on the AUSCheer website www.auscheer.org.au.

Teacher and Coach Etiquette

All teachers/coaches are responsible for training their team members in cheerleading etiquette to display sportsmanship and co-

operation throughout the competition.

Teachers/coaches are expected to dress appropriately including School Shirt for competitions and have their team/athlete

appropriately dressed.

Teachers/coaches must be responsible for the efficient and equal allocation of warm up time for athletes.

Teachers/coaches must not approach the judging panel during the competition. Teachers/coaches who insist on doing so may be

asked to leave the competition floor by the Cheerleading Technical Director or their representative.

Judge Etiquette

Judges must not be approached during competition by athletes, teachers/coaches or spectators.

Judges are to smile and project a positive attitude to competitors during routines, and must never speak negatively about an athlete.

Feedback to athletes is to be given after the completion of competition, not in between routines.

Feedback to athletes must be constructive and in positively framed language. Use of cheerleading terms is expected at all times.

Judges feedback to athletes, wherever possible, must be given in private.

Any part of the judging process is to remain confidential.

Part 2 GWA Education and Membership

About Gymnastics Western Australia

Gymnastics Western Australia (GWA) is an organisation comprised of affiliated clubs and registered individuals. It is a governing body for Men’s Gymnastics (MG), Women’s Gymnastics (WG), Rhythmic Gymnastics (RG), Gymnastics for All (GFA), Sport Aerobics (AER), Trampoline Sports (TRP), Acrobatic Gymnastics (ACRO) and Cheerleading (CHL) within the state of Western Australia.

The State Association is an affiliated member of Gymnastics Australia (GA) which is the governing body for the sport of gymnastics within Australia. Teacher, Coach and Judge Education GWA conducts education courses for all gymnastics disciplines. Schools and teachers interested in professional development opportunities are encouraged to contact the GWA Education Officer education@gymnasticswa.asn.au. Teacher professional development – Ignite (LaunchPad) Workshops are scheduled to be held later in the year. Ignite is a 6 hour workshop for teachers designed to give them the framework for teaching fundamental movement/gymnastics and also to include movement as a teaching tool in other curriculum areas. The workshop has modules in Neuro Nastics (brain/body development); links across the curriculum; dominate movement patterns including statics, locomotion, spring and landings, rotation, swing, fine motor skills, object management skills and movement to music and the LaunchPad program. For expressions of interest and information about LaunchPad please contact Gymnastics WA Participation & Inclusion Coordinator at participation@gymnasticswa.asn.au and visit www.launch-pad.org.au