8/29/12 – Clarification on Asphalt Surfaces

August 29, 2012 Cheer Blog Updates

While conducting our Cheer Judge’s Training ….there was a slide within the NFHS Rules Clinic (including the online) ….that appeared to in conflict.  Since, we have received the following interpretation from the NFHS one the Points of Emphasis with regard to surfaces:

The beginning statement “Technical skills should not be performed on concrete, asphalt, wet or uneven surfaces or surfaces with obstructions” appears to be in conflict with the next sentence which talks to single twists to a cradle or twisting during quick tosses (which would both be considered technical skills) and indicates that they are not limited grass, mats or rubberized tracks. What the paragraph is attempting to say is:

Because of the characteristics of hard surfaces like concrete and asphalt, technical skills should not be performed on these surfaces. In addition, technical skills should not be performed on wet or uneven surfaces or surfaces with obstructions as these surfaces are not appropriate for these types of stunts. Collected data has shown, however that single twists to a cradle and twisting during a quick toss need not be limited to grass, mats and rubberized tracks and could be performed on a gym floor or other similar surfaces but not on concrete, asphalt, wet or uneven surfaces or surfaces with obstructions. Airborne twisting tumbling skills and higher risk tosses such as basket and elevator tosses also must not be performed on concrete, asphalt, wet or uneven surfaces or surfaces with obstructions and, in addition are limited to only grass, mats and rubberized tracks. With these specified parameters, however, coaches are reminded that they must make constant assessments regarding performing surfaces due to weather conditions,  proximity of non-squad personnel, lighting and other unusual, unforeseen circumstances. While the rules define appropriate surfaces for specified stunts, extenuating circumstances often dictate that coaches must further restrict the squad’s activities based on the current environmental conditions.

 We hope this helps.