Rules

You can view the full competition rules here:

Important information about the 2011 rules for coaches.

In order that Coaches can compare Skill Levels and select the most appropriate competition for their teams, All 2011 Rules (with the exception of Street Cheer & Schools) are now in one document.

Please take some time to read through the new 2011 rules thoroughly, as significant changes have been made.

The following are some of the major changes but Coaches must ensure they read the FULL set of rules for ALL changes.

Time Changes to performances:

All Cheerleading, Pom Dance & Street Cheer: time limits per routine are now 2:30 minutes maximum for All Levels – No minimum time limit
Group Stunts & Partner Stunts: time limits per routine are now 1:15 minutes maximum for All Levels – No minimum time limit

Height Changes in Stunts & Pyramids:

Heights for each Level of competition have been revised – please read the Skill Overview pages carefully

Additional Stunt Categories:

Group Stunt is now included at Community Level

Vocal Skill Changes:

It is no longer compulsory to include both a Cheer & a Chant in routines but, Coaches can still choose to do so

Deductions:

There will no longer be separate deductions for missed compulsory elements

Uniforms in Dance:

Hair Clips are now allowed in Dance Divisions
Items including Zips, belts etc are allowed if integrated as part of dance uniforms

Click Here To View 2011 School Rules

Important information about the 2011 school rules for coaches.

Please take some time to read through the new 2011 Schools Rules thoroughly, as significant changes have been made. Coaches/Teachers should compare Skill Levels and select the most appropriate competition for their teams from the Skill Overview pages in the 2011 Schools Rules.

The following are some of the major changes but Coaches/Teachers must ensure they read and understand the rules for ALL changes.

Time Changes to performances:

All Cheerleading, Pom Dance & Street Cheer time limits per routine are now 2:30 minutes maximum for All Levels – No minimum time limit
Disability Cheerleading has an unchanged time limit per routine of 3:00 minutes maximum – No minimum time limit

Additional Level Of Competition for Cheerleading Divisions:

There are now 3 levels of competition – Beginners/Intermediate/Advanced

Height Changes in Stunts & Pyramids:

Heights for each Level of competition have been revised – please read the Skill Overview pages carefully

Vocal Skill Changes:

It is no longer compulsory to include both a Cheer & a Chant in routines but, Coaches can still choose to do so

Deductions:

There will no longer be separate deductions for missed compulsory elements

Uniforms in Dance :

Hair Clips are now allowed in Dance Divisions
Items including Zips, belts etc are allowed if integrated as part of dance uniforms

General Competiton Rules:

Eligibility: Competitions Open to UKCA MEMBERS ONLY

Membership: Coaches/Teachers wishing to enter teams into UKCA competitions are required to register FREE OF CHARGE online at www.ukca.org.uk

Insurance: A copy of the current Squad/Team Public Liability Insurance document must be provided to UKCA 14 days before the competition

Competition registration: Coaches should complete one competition registration form per team, per category.

Competiton fees: To be received by UKCA with FULL PAYMENT on or before the application deadline.

Team Helpers: Maximum – 1 helper for every 5 Cheerleaders will be allowed to assist Coaches/Teachers at the competition (4 Helpers = 20 Cheerleaders)

Withdrawal: Coaches should advise UKCA should their team be unable to participate. N.B. ENTRY FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE

Awards: All Cheerleaders will receive a commemorative medal & certificate. Teams in 1st through to 3rd place in all Categories & Divisions will be awarded trophies (Subject to entries – this may increase).

Judges: Up to 5 Independent Judges will sit on the panel. THEIR DECISIONS ARE FINAL. Under no circumstances are Judges to be approached by Coaches, Cheerleaders or supporters
Failure to adhere to this could result in squad disqualification.

Score Sheets: Copies will be available to coaches within 28 days of the competition.

First Aid: Qualified First Aid personnel will be present at the competition. Coaches must take responsibility for the well being of their own Cheerleaders at all times.

Competition Venue: The venue will be declared a NON-SMOKING, ALCOHOL-FREE area.

Sound System: Players for CD’s will be provided for the competition. Coaches are advised to finalise re-writable CD’s before removing them from their computer.

Music: Music must be suitable for the relevant age group. Profanities & referrals of a sexual, violent or racial nature may result in penalties or in extreme cases, disqualification.

Sale of merchandise: Must be agreed through UKCA.

Advertising / Sponsorship: All advertising to promote the Championship via individual squads (i.e. use of logos) MUST be cleared by UKCA.

Complaints: A designated UKCA official will be available during the event to answer questions. Complaints should be forwarded to UKCA Head Office in writing to no later than seven days following the competition.

Mobile Phones: Use of mobile phones is prohibited. Failure to comply with this ruling will result in the person/s being ejected and the equipment confiscated.

Video Cameras: Use of personal camcorders is prohibited. Failure to comply with this ruling will result in the person/s being ejected and the equipment confiscated. An official UKCA DVD will be available for purchase following the Championship.

No Photography: Photography during the competition by anyone except approved UKCA personnel is prohibited. Failure to comply with this ruling will result in the person/s being ejected and the equipment confiscated. Official UKCA photographs will be available for purchase on the day of competition and after by email request.

UKCA will take all reasonable precautions to ensure that safety Guidelines are adhered to.

UKCA CODE OF CONDUCT

Coaches are role models and need to set positive examples by:

1. Adhering to all U.K.C.A. Rules and Regulations
2. Emphasising that good athletes strive for good mental and physical health
3. Emphasising that winning is the result of teamwork
4. Motivating Cheerleaders in developing self confidence and self esteem
5. Never criticising Cheerleaders in front of spectators, but reserving constructive criticism for later, in private, or in the presence of squad members only if others might learn from hearing the criticism
6. Not criticising opposing Coaches, Cheerleaders or supporters verbally or by gesture; not inciting un-sportsman like conduct
7. Not swearing, using foul or abusive language at any time
8. Abstaining from the possession or drinking of alcoholic beverages, the possession or smoking of tobacco
in the presence of spectators, officials, judges, their own or other squads, or where not permitted by law. Abstaining from the possession or taking of any controlled drug at any time
9. Accepting decisions of officials and judges in competitions as final
10. Being responsible for the conduct and control of squad members, helpers and spectators

Cheerleaders should strive to promote good sportsmanship by:

1. Striving to be modest in victory and gracious in defeat
2. Taking responsibility for providing positive leadership at all times
3. Not criticising opposing Coaches, Cheerleaders or supporters verbally or by gesture; not inciting un-sportsman like conduct
4. Not swearing, using foul or abusive language at any time
5. Abstaining from the possession or drinking of alcoholic beverages, the possession or smoking of tobacco
in the presence of spectators, officials, judges, teammates or other squads while wearing team uniform or otherwise representing their squad, or where not permitted by law. Abstaining from the possession or taking of any controlled drug at any time
6. Always showing respect and being polite to officials, judges, opposing Coaches, Cheerleaders and spectators