TIMEOUT DIVISION RULES
COMPETITION AREA
-
Participants will enter from the side of the competition area. (Similar to a timeout at a basketball game.)
-
All permitted skills (stunts, pyramids, tumbling) must be performed in the performance area.
-
The performance area will be 9 strips of cheer floor.
-
Objects cannot be thrown outside the competition area.
-
All props (i.e., poms, signs, flags, megaphones, etc.) need to be carried on and off the mat in a manner similar to usage during a basketball time out.
PARTICIPANTS
-
Maximum participants: there will be a maximum of 20 participants allowed (excluding mascots, see below).
-
Mascots may participate, but are not required. Mascots do not count towards the total number of participants (e.g., if the maximum number of participants is 20, a team of 20 may still include a mascot).
-
Schools with multiple official mascots are allowed to use both (e.g., Truman and Trudy the Tiger). Multiple mascots may participate subject to request and approval by the Competition Committee.
-
Mascots must use the same props as cheerleaders and are not allowed to stunt.
-
Mascots are only allowed to do forward rolls. They may not perform any other tumbling skills.
DIVISIONS
-
There will be five divisions broken down by classes: 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A & 5A.
-
Teams may utilize members from all of their squads. There will be no restriction concerning team composition.
-
No more than one squad may compete per school.
-
In the event that a school has a competition squad that is separate from their sideline squad and both wish to compete, priority shall be given to the sideline squad for entry into the competition.
TIME LIMITATIONS
-
Each team will perform cheers/chants not to exceed 1 minute similar to an actual basketball time out.
-
Time will start when the buzzer sounds after your team name is announced.
-
The buzzer will sound again when 15 seconds are left, so teams know it’s time to finish their performance and exit the floor.
-
Teams need to be off the mat at the final buzzer. Teams with the majority of its members on the mat at the final buzzer will receive a 15 point deduction.
-
Teams may not set up props in advance. (See, Rule 5 under Competition Area.)
-
Any additional organized entrances, chants, etc. are considered part of the routine and as such are timed as part of the performance.
ROUTINE AND JUDGING REQUIREMENTS
-
The National Federation Spirit Rules and MCCA Rules must be followed.
-
No music may be used during the performance.
-
Performances must include both a cheer and chant.
-
Performances should incorporate props effectively. Poms and signs must be used. Although megaphones and flags are optional, their use is encouraged. There will be a 5 point deduction assessed for each prop left in the performance area.
-
Judging will be based on the following criteria:
-
Effective entrance that immediately involves the crowd with a clean exit upon completion.
-
Potential for crowd response, practicality and effectiveness of the material, ease of participation for crowd participation.
-
Correct motion technique and synchronization (where applicable).
-
Use of props to enhance crowd response.
-
Showmanship, genuine spirit, confident, eye contact, natural smiles, creativity.
-
Good volume, spirited, encouraging, natural sounding.
-
Effective formations, spacing between squad members and crowd-coverage, seamless transitions.
-
Overall execution and effective use of time.
-
SPECIFIC SKILL RESTRICTIONS
-
Basket and sponge tosses are not permitted.
-
The maximum difficulty level for tumbling is limited to standing back handsprings.
-
Running tumbling is allowed during the entrance only.
-
Skills are limited to those allowed on gym floors by the National Federation Spirit Rules.
-
Stunts and tumbling will not be scored separately or for difficulty. They will only be assessed in terms of enhancing crowd involvement.