Competition Guidelines 

1. This competition will be divided for Rec. Squads in the manner as follows: Grades K-1; Grade 2; Grade 3; Grade 4; Grade 5; & Grade 6- Recreational teams with mixed ages will compete in the grade of the average age.  No participant over grade 6 will be permitted to cheer in the recreation division.  Teams will be divided amoung mount and non mount; and have the option of Intermediate or Elite divisions.  Intermediate division will be permitted to perform skills not exceeding USASF level 2 rules.  Elite divisions will be permitted to performs skills not exceeding USASF level 5 rules.  You may combine teams to compete, however each participant must have cheered on your league roster from the beginning of the season.  Recreational teams must cheer for a recreational sport.   Jr High (9th grade & under), JV (11th grade -under) and Varsity (12th - under)Mount and Non Mount; All Star-tiny, mini, youth, jr, senior; all star to be dived large and small based on entries per usasf rules.  Dance divisions-pom, jazz and hip hop. 
2. Squad size must be at least 5 members.
   
3. Each cheer squad will have 2:30 (two minutes and 30 seconds) to perform a routine. In the Rec, Jr. High and High School division your music portion may now be all music or partial music with cheer/chant vocal portions. This change was made in keeping with guidelines set forth for The US Finals in which we will award bids in March.   All star teams will have the choice of choreographing their routines to all music or including a vocal cheer portions.  There will be no debate as to which format is better.  All participants should  walk/spirit onto the floor and immediately start your routine after your have placed any props.  
4. Division or level changes are not permitted the week of the event.  No exceptions!
   
5. Poms, signs, flags, banners  and megaphones are permitted. No other props are permitted.  Mascots are permitted but must follow all rules and regulations as that of their team members.
   
6. In the event your routine is interrupted due to failure of tournament equipment, facilities, etc., you will be permitted to restart from the beginning. In the event your routine is interrupted due to failure of your equipment, supplies, or personnel, you may either continue from the point of interruption or withdraw from the competition. The tournament director reserves the right to make appropriate decisions in special circumstances and that decision is final. In the event of withdrawal or an injury during a performance, fees will not be returned.
   
7. Timing will begin with the first movement, word or note of music, whichever comes first. Timing will end with the last note of music, motion or word.
   
8. You will have a 54x42 area to compete.  All events will be a spring floor and December will provide a foam floor for school teams needing so.   All routines, stunts, and tumbling should be performed on this competition mat.   Failure to comply is subject to penalty.
   
9. Sportsmanship will be strictly enforced.  Should you or any member of your team(s) be found engaging in any unsportsmanlike conduct; the head coach will be approached and a warning issued, should any further conduct pursue, that team will be issued penalty points.  Any further misconduct will result in the removal from the competition.
   
10. Each competitor will receive a custom medallion from Cheer Expo. Teams placing 1st, 2nd, and/or 3rd, will receive an individual trophy for each girl on the team and every team will receive a team trophy for display in their school or gym.  Open Nationals 1st place teams will be awarded Championship Jackets plus 1 additional coach jacket.  Additional jackets may be purchased at the event for $50.00
    
11. There will be a designated warm -up area for teams to practice before they compete. You will not be assigned rooms or lockers. You need to arrive ready to compete.
    
12. There will be merchandise available for purchasing. Competition T-Shirts, cheer bears, flowers, etc..
    
13. A concession stand will be provided with food, beverages, etc. No outside food is to be brought in.
    
14. There will be two coaches per team entered entitled to be admitted free.  There will be a coach's registration table with the names of those coaches submitted on the registration form.  ID may be asked for.
15. The Greater Midwest Cheer Expo, LLC will not provide spotters nor be liable for any consequences of such.  It will be the coach's discretion as to whther they wish to have person(s) from from their coaching staff serve as spotters for their team.  We believe this to be safer, as your staff should have a better knowledge as to the contents of your routine.  
    
16. Admission to all events is  $10.00 per person, children under 5 free.          
    
17. There will be a toe touch competition held. Coaches may choose 2 girls per squad to compete in each age group. A 1st place trophy will be awarded in each age group.
    
18. You must bring 2 CD's  (no cassettes)  of your music. One person is required to be designated to music area with knowledge of when music should begin and end.
    
19. No jewelry is permitted.
    
20. Judges decisions are final.  Any and all questions or indiscretions must be submitted in writing after the competition.  No participants, coaches or spectators should be in contact with the judges.
    
21. Camcorders are not permitted.
22. There are no refunds of competition fees.  Should a circumstance arise if which you cannot attend you will receive a 50% partial transfer credit of your registration if monies have already been received for the current cheer season only.  If there is a cancellation due to weather or situations out of our control, etc.. The Greater Midwest Cheer Expo, LLC is not responsible for any incidentals, travel expenses or any other charges you may incur.