Indiana Cheerleading
Frequently Asked Questions
Indiana Cheerleading Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the Indiana requirements for cheerleader safety?
A law was passed in 2005, which made the Indiana Department of Education responsible for overseeing safety issues with cheerleaders. A series of committee meetings were held to generate a proposal which must be approved by the State Board of Education. At this time, the State Board has not acted on the proposal. There have not yet been any decisions made on what type of training will be required or when those regulations will take effect. The IASP office will work to help share that information with Cheer Coaches, Athletic Directors, and Principals when it becomes available from the State Board of Education.
Who do I contact for information on the Indiana cheerleader safety requirements?
Contact the Indiana Department of Education: Becky Kennedy, bkennedy@doe.state.in.us (317) 232-9112, or Jeff Zaring, jzaring@doe.state.in.us (317)232-6622. If you’d like to comment on the regulations you can go to the State Board of Education web site at www.doe.state.in.us/stateboard/publiccomment.html
What are the current safety regulations?
At this time, the state of Indiana does not require cheerleaders to follow any specific regulations. IASP recommends that all teams should follow all rules in the current edition of the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Spirit Rules Book.
How do coaches learn about NFHS Rules?
Attendance at a rules interpretation meeting is required of coaches of all teams who participate in the Indiana Cheer Competitions. Coaches who choose not to participate in ICC competitions are still welcome to attend IASP sponsored Rules Interpretation meetings. Meetings are held at the IASP sponsored cheer conference. Other meetings may be scheduled as needed, beginning in late August. See www.iasp.org/dspcheerleading/aspx for more information on meetings and requirements.
Where else can I receive safety training?
IASP recommends coaches enroll in NFHS Spirit Coaches Education Program, which includes the AACCA Safety Certification, Spirit Program Management, Partner Stunt Progressions, and other courses. You may contact NFHS through their web site at www.nfhs.org or at 317-972-6900
When are the ICC Competitions held?
Jr High Cheer Championships: October 25, 2008 at New Castle Chrysler HS
High School Cheer Regionals: November 1, 2008 at Greenfield Central HS and other central Indiana site (TBA)
High School Cheer Championships: November 8, 2008 at New Castle Chrysler HS
What divisions are included in the ICC Competitions?
ICC is proud to offer competition opportunities to a wide variety of squads: Varsity (1A, 2A, 3A, 4A), JV, Freshmen, Large Co-Ed, Small Co-Ed, 7th Grade, 8th Grade Large, 8th Grade Small, All-Girl Partner Stunt Group, and Individual (HS Seniors only).
How do teams enter the ICC competitions?
Entry forms are mailed to every Indiana school (attn “Cheer Coach”) in August, and are also available at www.iasp.org/dspcheerleading/aspx
Who answers questions about Indiana Cheer Competitions?
Contact the Indiana Association of School Principals, Department of Student Programs at kharrop@iasp.org, dabel@iasp.org, or (317) 891-9900 ext 220 or 241.
Who can answer questions about ICC competition rules interpretation
(ie “is this stunt legal”)?
Contact Tammy Bauchert at tammy.bauchert@mvcsc.k12.in.us
Can I add my information to the IASP email distribution list?
Yes! IASP maintains a list of cheer coaches who have attended recent conferences or competed in ICC competitions which can be used to share news and information about upcoming events. Additional email addresses can be added by sending your contact information (name, school, email address) to dabel@iasp.org