As we get ready for another Mid-Winter Tournament, I would like to touch base with you on the Cheerleading and Dance Competition. My name is Katie Rasmussen and I am one of the venue directors for the Cheerleading and Dance competition that DSCN2974takes place at the Mid-Winter Tournament in March. We have completely revised our Cheerleading and Dance manual that you can locate on our website here.

All Special Olympics Iowa Cheerleading and Dance competitions will be ran according to the rules and regulations in this manual.

Here are some helpful reminders to keep in mind for cheerleading:

  • No music is allowed
  • Time limit: 3 minutes
    • This includes changes in props, signs, etc.
  • A squad or individual must perform two different cheers
  • No more than 16 athletes are allowed on a squad
  • Two coaches will be allowed to coach in the coaches box
  • Divisioning will be based on ability, squad size and age (please see below for clarification)

Cheerleading Size:

  • Individual
  • Small squad: 2-8 members
  • Large squad: 9-16 members
    • No more than 16 athletes are allowed. This is for the safety of our athletes.

Cheerleading Age:

  • Junior: 8-21
  • Senior: 22 and over

Cheerleading Ability:

  • Beginner: Previously known as Team non-mount & non-tumble
    • Must perform at least 1 jump and 1 kick by at least 1 athlete
  • Advanced: Previously known as Team mount & tumble
    • Must perform at least 1 jump and 1 kick along with at least 1 tumble, stunt or pyramid by at least 1 athlete.
  • Unified Team: Please be sure to write on your registration forms whether they are Unified Team-Beginner or Unified Team-Advanced
    • Remember the number of Unified Partners cannot exceed the number of athletes.

 

Here are some helpful reminders to keep in mind for dance:

  • An individual or team must perform 2 different dance routines to 2 different songs
  • Time limit: 2 minutes and 30 seconds
  • Music must be in CD format
  • Music must be ready to start once the volunteer pushes play for the music to begin
    • e. the volunteer must be able to push play right away for the dance routine to begin and end.
  • No more than 16 athletes are allowed
  • Two coaches will be able to coach from the coaches box
  • Divisioning will be based on ability, squad size and age (please see below for clarification)

Dance Size:

  • Individual
  • Small squad: 2-8 members
  • Large squad: 9-16 members
    • No more than 16 athletes are allowed. This is for the safety of our athletes.

Dance Age:

  • Junior: 8-21
  • Senior: 22 and over

Dance Ability:

  • Beginner: Previously known as Team non-mount & non-tumble
    • Must perform at least 1 jump and 1 kick by at least 1 athlete
  • Advanced: Previously known as Team mount & tumble
    • Must perform at least 1 jump and 1 kick along with at least 1 tumble, stunt or pyramid by at least 1 athlete.
  • Unified Team: Please be sure to write on your registration forms whether they are Unified Team-Beginner or Unified Team-Advanced
    • Remember the number of Unified Partners cannot exceed the number of athletes.

Appropriate Attire for both Cheerleading and Dance:

  • Outfits must be alike in style and color
  • Non-marking soles for shoes
  • Bottoms must be at least mid-thigh and/or knee in length
    • Briefs or bloomers must be worn with all skirts
  • Tops: tank-top, collared shirts or tee shirts (no pockets, safety reasons)
    • Apparel must cover midriff at all times
  • No jewelry of any kind is allowed
    • Exceptions: medical ID tags/bracelets and temporary tattoos
  • Hair should be out of the face and secured if possible

Keep in mind that a delegation may sign up more than one team for cheer or dance; however, an athlete or Unified Partner can only participate on one team. 

If you have any questions regarding the cheerleading and dance competition, please feel free to email me at krasmussen@soiowa.org or call 515-986-5520 extension 122. Please take the time to look through the Cheerleading and Dance Competition Rules and Regulations manual.

Thank you!

Katie Rasmussen
Director of North Regional Field Services