INTERNATIONAL & WORLDS SCORING
International & Worlds Cheer Scoring
International cheerleading has three major governing bodies: ICU (International Cheer Union) governs the ICU World Championship and holds IOC recognition. IASF governs The Cheerleading Worlds (held in Orlando each April). FISU governs university-level competition globally.
ICU
International Cheer Union
IOC-recognized world governing body. Runs the ICU World Championship.
IASF
International All Star Federation
Governs The Cheerleading Worlds in Orlando every April.
FISU
Intl University Sports Federation
Governs university cheer globally via the FISU World University Championship.
ICU — INTERNATIONAL CHEER UNION
ICU 2026 World Championship Rules
Full rules for the ICU World Championship. Covers partner stunts, group stunts, pyramids, basket tosses, tumbling, jumps, dance, and safety requirements. ICU is the IOC-recognized governing body for cheerleading.
💬 For parents: These are the rules for the highest-level international competition — think Olympics-equivalent for cheer.
ICU Sport of Cheer Rules 2026
Rules for ICU's "Sport of Cheer" format — the style designed to align with potential future Olympic inclusion. Distinct scoring criteria from traditional cheerleading.
↓ OPEN DOCUMENTICU ICC (International Cheerleading Championship) Rules 2026
Rules for the ICC format, which operates at a different competitive level than the World Championship. Entry point for many national teams.
↓ OPEN DOCUMENTICU Championships Hub
ICU competition calendar, registration info, event archives, and national federation contacts. Includes WUCA (World University Cheerleading Association) integration.
↓ OPEN DOCUMENTICU Member Federations Directory
Find the ICU-affiliated national federation for any country. USASF represents USA at ICU events.
↓ OPEN DOCUMENTIASF — THE CHEERLEADING WORLDS
IASF — The Cheerleading Worlds Scoring
The Cheerleading Worlds is held every April at ESPN Wide World of Sports in Orlando, FL. Operated by Varsity Spirit under IASF governance. Teams must earn a bid — either a Paid or At-Large bid — to compete. Scoring uses the same USASF scoresheet system used at domestic all-star events, administered by Varsity Spirit judges.
💬 For parents: The Worlds is the Super Bowl of all-star cheer. Teams compete there only if they earn a "bid" (invitation) at a qualifying event during the season.
WORLDS DIVISIONS (SAMPLE)
Senior Elite
Senior Open
Senior Large
Senior Medium
Senior Small
Senior Restricted
Junior Elite
Junior Open
Junior Large
International Open Level 6
International Open Level 5
Non-Tumbling
Adaptive Abilities
Full division list subject to annual updates. Verify at varsity.com/iasf.
FISU — UNIVERSITY CHEER
FISU World University Championship — Cheerleading
FISU governs university sports globally. The FISU World University Cheerleading Championship runs on an even-year cycle. USA entries typically coordinated through USA Cheer.
💬 For parents: College athletes representing their university at a world-stage event — like the Olympics for college cheer.
ICU University Hub (WUCA)
ICU also coordinates with WUCA (World University Cheerleading Association) for university-level competition. See ICU competitions page for the current university event calendar.
↓ OPEN DOCUMENTHOW BIDS TO WORLDS WORK
Paid Bids vs. At-Large Bids
Paid Bid
Earned by placing in the top 2 (typically) at a qualifying event. The gym pays the Worlds entry fee directly to IASF — hence "Paid." The bid is the spot; the gym still pays to attend.
At-Large Bid
Awarded to high-placing teams that didn't earn a Paid Bid. IASF selects At-Large recipients from a pool of applications. Competitive, not guaranteed.
Bid Events
IASF-sanctioned events throughout the season offer bids. Events with more prestige or attendance typically offer more bids or higher-value bids. See Varsity Spirit event calendar for current bid events.
Also see: All-Star Scoring Docs · Scoring Glossary