Mike Burgess, the USASF Rules Chairman, sent the following memo:

Dear USASF/IASF Membership:

Over the past several months committees and the National Advisory Board of the USASF and/or IASF have been meeting to discuss several topics related to all-star cheer and dance. As a result of these meetings, and in particular the most recent gathering of committees in Dallas, Texas in the United States, there are some new guidelines, policies, definitions and a division addition that will impact our membership effective immediately. The three specific areas are:

Small Gyms Definition

The small gyms definition has been further clarified and now reads:

A “Small Gym” is defined as having 100 or less participants. A Small Gym is defined as having one physical address for its location and has 100 or less athletes registered in its competitive cheer program at the time of competition. Exhibition teams, crossover athletes, special needs teams and dance teams do not count toward the 100 or less athletes.

4.2 Division Added

In an effort to encourage increased participation in the all-star cheerleading activity, the USASF/IASF has recognized the challenge that many participants feel who are skilled in stunting but limited in their personal tumbling ability. Therefore a new division has been added to the 2008-09 Age Grid. This is level 4.2.  Level 4.2 follows Level 4 rules for Stunts/Pyramids/Dismounts and Tosses and Level 2 rules for General Tumbling/Standing Tumbling and Running Tumbling. It is offered only in “Senior Open.”

The two items above will be added to the 2008-09 effective immediately.

Uniforms Recommendation

The following recommendation is being made by the USASF as it pertains to uniforms for all-star participants. This is not a “rule,” at this time, but only a recommendation. Therefore, it will be posted on the website and shared with membership, but it will not appear on the Age Grid.

Coaches should consider ALL squad members’ body types when choosing a uniform style. The uniform should comfortably fit the athlete, and the athlete should feel comfortable performing in the uniform. The skirt on female cheerleaders should cover briefs completely in front and back while standing; and should fit loosely enough not to “ride up” around waist during performance. Crop tops should reasonably cover the athlete, and not be so short that bra tops show during “arm over head” movements. This is not a mandatory rule for this season, but simply a recommendation. We must present our participants as athletes, and be aware that many children to not have the body type to make some uniforms fit the above criteria.

I appreciate all of the hard-work and dedication of the various committees of the USASF/IASF and the continued support of our membership.

Sincerely,

Mike Burgess
USASF/IASF Rules Chair