In the world of Cheerleading, there are different categories that follow a set of different rules. Some of those rules differentiate between some of the most simple parts of cheerleading, for example the uniform. The major differences depend on high school level, college or all star and also dependent on being male or female.
For high school cheerleading the rules are made by the National Foundation of High School Associations, a common foundation that post many rules for coaches and cheerleaders. These were the set of rules that I had to follow all throughout high school. They did used to be didn't, and high school cheerleaders portrayed in movies do not necessarily follow the correct uniform regulations. In High School the requirements for a female uniform are the following: 1) Tops should be waist length, covering the full portion of one torso 2) Cheer skirts are typically at the length of 12 inches and should be wore at the naval 3) Although not mandatory, long sleeve under armor thermals are worn under the vest 4) Cheerleading shoes are required, typically these shoes are not worn outside and have any grips or treads on the bottom that would get caught on the cheer mats 5) Under armor spandex shorts are mandatory to wear under the skirt and must be fully covered.
Typically during competition season teams wear the under armor thermals to make the uniform and the cheerleaders look more organized. The only time the thermals are not permitted is typically out doors in hot weather, otherwise coaches and teams prefer to wear them at all times. The typical cheerleading sneaker are very light weight (typically just a few ounces) and are designed this way for stunting and tumbling. The shoes are typically tightly fit giving lots of support to the foot. Cheerleading shoes are used in every category of cheerleading and are mandatory to wear on the mat.
After high school comes college, and just like for students who have more freedom, uniforms also have more freedom. For females at the college level the uniform regulations are the following: 1) Tops may be shell, crop or midriff. Stating that tops do not need to cover the full torso of the body 2) No bra like styles, the top must go at least one inch below the bra line 3) No low cut necklines 4) No bare backs or excessive skin showing, other then the torso. 5) Fabric must be solid 6) Skirts can be no lower then two inches below the naval but are typically worn at the naval 6) Skirts must cover the hips, and can not be extremely short or tight 7) Spandex shorts or boy cut shorts are to be worn under the skirt and must be fully covered by the skirt.
For male college cheerleading the following uniform regulations must be followed : 1) Full torso must be covered from shoulders to waist while standing 2) Sleeve length can be both short and long 3) the neck line may be either rounded or V-Neck 4) For pants, must be full length from waist to the foot 5) For shorts, must be no higher then mid thigh
Now for the last category which is All- Star cheerleading, who are know for the over the top uniforms, hair and makeup. Typically they follow most of the same guidelines as college cheerleaders and are allowed to wear shell, crop or midriff tops. The only other difference between the college regulations and all-star is that they are allowed to attach rhinestones to the uniform if secured to the fabric.
As stated before all cheerleaders are required to wear a cheerleading sneaker that is has a soft sole. Also every cheerleader is required to wear their hair up. Which surprising has it's own set of rules. At the high school level cheerleaders hair must be up and above shoulder length, but at the college and all star level hair is allowed to be both half up and half down with portions touching the shoulders, but never fully down. A cheerleading bow typically constructed of the teams colors is to be worn in each female cheerleaders hair and secured tightly. Points can be deducted from the team if a hair piece or bow falls out during the performance and is stepped on my a team member because it causes a safety hazard. Jewelry is strictly prohibited in cheerleading performances, minus the exception of medial tags and bracelets. Also nail polish is not permitted to be worn during cheerleading performances for safety precautions.
Uniform regulations are taken seriously. Coaches typically check all cheerleaders to double check all standards are met before performing. Some competitions even have their own specific rules that upon arrival cheerleaders have to accommodate too, for example they can have certain regulations against certain types of shoes and body braces (i.e. ankle brace, wrist brace). If a cheerleader completes a performance while violation a regulation and are notice by a judge or staff member, the team will receive a reduction from the score sheet.
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