NFHS Spirit Rule Changes

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2025-2026

Rule 1: Definitions

All definitions that were previously found in rule 1 have been removed and are now incorporated into their respective rules for cheer (rule 2) and dance (rule 3). Additional cheer-specific definitions including assisted walkover, kip up, and nugget have been added for clarification.

2-2-7:

New language added to allow an extended single-based stunt supported at the waist as an exception for requiring a spotter.

Rationale: This skill does not increase risk to participants and is a less difficult skill than a chair sit, which is currently allowed as an exception.

2-3-5D:

New language added to clarify a bracer may release the top person or move to a load position during a flip inversion when the top is descending and goes to a cradle or the performance surface.

Rationale: Landing on the performing surface with assistance from the catchers is similar to landing in the cradle position. The requirement that the top is not inverted is unnecessary since the top is rotating and would be descending.

 

Bracer(s) with hand–to-hand/arm contact must be in a multi-base prep with a spotter and remain stationary until the top person is descending.   

Additional verbiage added is the following:

If the flip ends in a cradle or the performing surface, the bracers may release the top person or move to a loading position once the top person begins to descend and is no longer inverted.

The change in the wording allows a bracer(s) to lower to a load position once the top person is descending toward a cradle or the performing surface.

Bracer must still start in a double base prep with a spot and cannot be pressed up at any time.

2-3-7:

Clarified exceptions for when a participant can hold props in hands.

Rationale: This would encompass partner cartwheels on the thighs or assisted walkovers. The risk is very low if the executing dancer has poms/props in her hands since the supporting dancer cannot have poms/props in their hands and can provide the support needed to safely complete the skill.

2-3-9:

New language added to prohibit a participant from landing or being caught in an inverted position in a stunt or pyramid from an unassisted airborne position.

Rationale: This rule change clarifies that a performer may not perform a skill such as a back handspring with no hands and be caught by a base or bases in the inverted position. The existing inversion rules all deal with a top person who is already in a skill.   Note: this rule prohibits a top from executing a no-handed BHS load to a skill.  The top must be in contact with a spot/base when leaving the ground to go inverted.  

2-5-3E:

New language added to clarify restrictions on use of props during tosses to a cradle.

Rationale: This addition clarifies that someone involved in a toss to a cradle should not have any involvement with props.

2-5-3F:

New language added to clarify a top person must not be inverted during tosses to cradles.

Rationale: Basket toss flips are currently illegal because they aren't made legal in the inversion section. This addition in the tosses section makes it very clear that skills like prep front flip and basket toss tucks are illegal.

2-5-6D/E:

New language added to clarify release from extended vertical position and to permit a release from a vertical position at prep level to land in a vertical or horizontal position.

Rationale: Horizontal stunts like a flatback are allowed as long as the top doesn't go significantly higher than the bases' arms/hands on the catch. The tosses that are allowed go through the prep position to release. This change allows preps to release to the same position with the same restriction.

Points of Emphasis:

• Basket toss back flips are prohibited.
• Tosses to cradles can’t hold props or have props attached to them.
• Hands-free poms are allowed (not considered jewelry) but they have the same restriction as when holding poms. If you can’t do it with a pom in hand, you can’t do it with a hands-free pom (handspring, basing a prep, etc.).
• Placement of props during stunts. Close isn’t illegal, but bases can move and step on the prop making it illegal and unsafe.
• Spotter position – must have a clear path to protect the top from falling backward (their “backward” meaning “toward their back”) – especially during single-based inversions and some single based prep skills that transition.