Joint rules process yields nine updates aimed at clarity, consistency, and athlete safety

Dallas, TX – March 17, 2026 – USA Cheer, in partnership with the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS), announces updates to the high school cheerleading rules following the conclusion of the joint annual rules meeting. The updated rules will take effect for the 2026-27 school year.

Following a thorough review process that included multiple proposals and feedback from stakeholders across the cheerleading community, the rules committee approved nine changes in total: two definition updates, three rules’ clarifications, and four rules’ changes.

Definition Updates

The committee approved updates to two existing definitions to better reflect current practices and ensure consistent interpretation across programs:

  • Tumbling: Any hip-over-head skill that is not supported by a base(s) and that begins and ends on the performing surface.
    This update distinguishes other acrobatic skills like side rolls or seat rolls from what is generally considered to be “tumbling” where the hips go above the head.
  • Loading Position/Load: The top person is supported under their foot/feet, below the bases’ shoulder level.
    This update distinguishes any dip to a stunt from the specific “sponge” or “step in” position that was intended by the original definition.

Rules Clarifications

Three clarifications were adopted to address areas where existing language had led to inconsistent application:

  • 2-4-2c and 3-4-3c: New language added to clarify that new catchers cannot be involved in another skill during non-release transitions from a vertical to horizontal position. This aligns these transitions with inversions that transition to new catchers and ensures that the new catchers are not involved in another skill when the transition begins. This allows the new catchers to focus on catching.
  • 2-5-5g (new): New language added to codify that a top person is prohibited from passing over another top person or bracer during stunts. This clarification reinforces the intent and existing rules that keep a top person from going over a bracer, for example a leapfrog or vault over a thigh stand.
  • 2-5-6e: New language added to clarify that two catchers are required for releases from a vertical to a horizontal position. While this was always the expectation in releasing from a vertical stunt, this clarifies that the requirement of two catchers is in place for all releases to horizontal stunts, including from single based stunts.

Rules Changes

Four rules’ changes were approved, reflecting the committee’s commitment to athlete safety and the evolving needs of the sport:

  • Rule 2.3.5.d: If a top goes to a horizontal position at/below prep level during a braced flip the bracer(s) can be moved to a load position as the top is descending
  • Rule 2.3.5.k (new letter): For a braced flip a bracer(s) can have hand to foot/feet connection with some restrictions:
    • The top cannot perform any twists
    • The bracer(s) must be in a double base prep with a spotter
    • The top must be caught by the original bases
  • Rule 2.5.6.c: Vertical releases from an extended position to an extended position may not perform more than a single twist. This change allows high to high tick tock ½ and full twists
  • Rule 2.7.8.d: In a dismount to new bases, the top person must not execute any skill (toe touch, straddle, full twist, etc.) following the release. EXCEPTION: A ¼ twist is allowed

Jim Lord, Director of Education for USA Cheer and Rules Committee member, said, “We are excited about the rules for the upcoming season. The committee was able to clarify some existing rules to keep athletes safe and within the original intent of the rule. Additionally, after reviewing current skill levels and data, we were able to allow some new skills that also will make certain transitions safer.”

All updates are effective for the 2026-27 school year. Coaches, athletes, and program administrators are encouraged to review the updated rulebook in full. Video examples and rules training are available online at https://usacheer.org/high-school-cheer.

For more information, visit usacheer.org or nfhs.org.